Am I really blogging??

Hi! I never really thought much about blogging, being a blogger, or ever having a need to blog about anything. It has been mentioned to me several times recently from friends/family that would like to keep up with our adoption process. So here I am, blogging for the first time. I think with every good story, you need a little background information.

Jeff and I met in January 2006 and married in November 2007. Given my past medical history we knew that the odds would be stacked against us in having biological children together, but we were ever hopeful. Well, after several specialist visits, fertility treatments, and the absolute emotional roller coaster that is INFERTILITY we took a step back. During this time as we were praying for God's will to be done something quite amazing happened. Every time we turned on the TV, opened a magazine, or tuned into the radio someone was speaking on adoption. Literally, everyday it was presented to us. It had been something that we had thought about in the past but we (I) was just not quite ready for. I suppose some people grow up and just know that they wanted to adopt one day. I was not one of those people. I grew up wanting the whole experience, I didn't want to miss a thing. Every little move, ultrasound, etc, I wanted it all. But that is not God's plan for me. After much praying we decided to further look into the adoption process. Once we decided that this was the route we WANTED to go and not the route we HAVE to go the relief was immediate!

We felt a huge weight had been lifted because we no longer have to pursue fertility treatment to grow our family. No more monthly roller coaster of emotions. Am I pregnant? Could it be? Anyone reading this ever longed for a child will know exactly what I am saying. Your mind plays tricks on you and before you know it you have your hopes up even though you promised yourself you wouldn't this month. We are not naive to believe that adoption is not full of emotions as well, but it is also such a beautiful thing. It could be a long, complicated, stressful, and emotional time but we have a strong belief that since God placed this desire in our hearts to adopt then He will give us the tools and resources to achieve. Someone told me the other day that adoption  is so expensive (which it is), and that it might be unrealistic. Hmm, my only response was that my God is a HUGE God and He can move all mountains!

So, that's a little back story for you. So where are we now? We are right in the middle of application number 1! ha ha. We sometimes feel like we need a Masters degree to complete all the paperwork. Essays, statements, etc. We were introduced to an amazing woman who was able to answer so many of our questions and to offer guidance. We have chosen to work with Christian Adoption Services located in Matthews, NC. They are a non-profit Christian adoption agency. They counsel birth mothers before birth as well as after delivery. The birth Mom can actually choose us! This is very exciting. After our first application is accepted, we are required to attend training, and then our formal application/home study will be accepted. I will go more into those steps as they come up.

We have been asked about what we are looking for in a child? I take that to mean: boy/girl, race, nationality, etc. After much thought we would like to raise a domestic infant of either gender! We trust that God already has Baby Clayton planned for us, and he/she may not even be formed yet. How amazing is that? What a great feeling to know that while He is preparing us for this journey He is also preparing a Birthmom to make the biggest decision of her life. WOW!

Next time I will cover how we told our parents, and especially Amber of our decision to pursue adoption.

Ok, I am going to close for now. Are any of you still awake? haha I agreed to do this but I did not say it would be entertaining!

I will post one question before I close... if you could only say one sentence to the Birthmom, what would it be? Ours would be: "Thank you for choosing life"

Thanks for the encouragement, prayers, and kind words! Love ya- The Claytons