Agency Meeting Update and BIG NEWS!!!

It seems like it has been forever for me since I last updated everyone about the meeting with my agency. Here are the details. My agency is having finacial difficulty but then again who is not having finanical diffiuclts. I have been asked to pay an additional fee by the first of February. I will tell you that the amount that they are asking for is not a fortune but I was having difficulty thinking that paying this fee was a good idea because of my lack of connection with anyone at the agency. They made us aware that they will be asking for additional fees in the next 4upcoming quarters of a lesser amount.

I am trying my best to understand their position and the level of stress and anxiety that they must be feeling as a result of the economy. Going to Michigan was a good thing for me on so many levels. First and formost I feel that I have been blessed with so many material things and a certain degree of job security. I thank God every day for these blessing.

I went to the agency with the intension of making my decision about whether or not I was willing to continue with the agency. So that everyone is clear I would have walked away with no refund because that is the level of economic stress that they are experiencing. I did make the decision that I was not however going to walk away from adoption. This whole process is about becoming a Mother. One thing that has rung in my head for the past couple of days is a saying by Suze Orman "People first, then money, then things"

I figured that the money that I would have lost would come back to me in so many different ways because out there is a little baby that needs me.

I know this is way too long!!

So while I was at the office talking with the agency director about where I stood in the process and quite honestly getting a little upset. A miricle happened!! She told me that she had just received an email about my status.

I got my referral!! Yup that is what I said I GOT MY REFERRAL!!!

It took me a minute to digest the words but actually I think it took much longer then that. I think I am still digesting the information. I think the most interesting thing is that I like all new parents asked is the baby healthy. For those of you who may not know the process this is a very tricky question. Children are not available for adoption in Russia unless they are considered by Russia as having some medical conditions. I can tell you that I am VERY pleased with the limited information that I have been provided. I did receive a number of pictures.

The baby has dark red hair and big blue eyes. There is a cute little baby style double chin. All of the pieces and parts look beautiful.

Oh yes and by the way I think I am already in love with HER!!!!

P.S. Jaime I am pretty sure that you are the only one that reads this blog so please call me before you tell anyone. I want to surprise Cookie in person and I am trying to think up a way. You know I am good at keeping secrets and I know you are too!

If anyone else in the family is reading along Please call me first! I want to be the one to tell Mommy.