[ShellyandRon]

Hello everyone,

Thank you for all of your help through out these last 9 months. Our DHR office finally finished up with everything. We were recommended, approved, and now it's in the states hands. We are waiting to be matched. Included in our profile/homestudy we are wanting to adopt a sibling group from the states website.
I've got a few (a lot) questions about what happens now, the process from which the state does things. This is our counties first adoption. I'm not sure how fast the state is once they get homestudy. But to jump a head some I've got some questions for you adopt/foster parents. The first visit(s) (older children) -- What kind of gifts did you bring? I have been trying very hard to come up with gift idea for a boy(early teens), any ideas? On that visit or before they came to your home, did you give them luggage for their clothes? When is a good time to give them that? I don't want to seem rude by giving them that to help them move. I want everything to go smoothly for the children, foster parents, and us. I know I'll end up tearing up with happiness when I see them but I don't want to scare them. What was your mood like or your childrens? Did you meet at the foster parents home or DHR office? For older children how many visits on average do they usually have? I know it depends on the child. I'd love to hear your stories. (Every detail)
I can't believe we are very soon about to meet our children. I hope it won't be too long. Thankfully I've met another parent-to-be that is adopting through foster care also. I met her here on this wonderful website. She's just ahead of me in this adoption process but she's not in the same state as we are. Anyway, it's very comforting to talk to someone about these same issues and know what you are feeling and going through this long, wonderful, journey.
Again thank you all for being there to help and I'll be looking forward to hearing about your stories and what kind of process you went through.

Thanks,

Shelly