AWL Update

Adoptions with Love Update: So its been 2wks since I've heard from AWL & the "dog" question. Last week when I didn't hear from Nancy I decided to call the EEC myself. I called AWL as well & left a msg for Nancy to call me as I had been waiting a week to hear from her. Since the application opening is only effective for 45 days I was pressed for time. I spoke w/Miguel from EEC & he said he never heard of a "pet restriction" for agency adoptions but only for DCF (which was the first rejection).
Since he wasn't sure, he left a msg for his associate. She called me today. She thought we were going thru the home study process but I explained to her that we were not & that we were going thru just the application process right now. She also told me there was NOT a "pet restriction" for agencies but transferred me to another gentleman who happens to license AWL. I explained to him that I was not really placing a complaint as much as trying to get info on this "pet restriction." I explained to him that we were on a timeline, I've waited 2wks to hear back from AWL & I told him how our consultation went. He also indicated that there wasn't this "pet restriction" but that an agency can make there own policies. Hmmm. He also said that if I did not get a good "vibe" from the consultation that this agency might not be the right one. As much as I agree w/that, Nancy made us feel like we were losers who can't afford a baby. Who is she to judge someone she doesn't know or even take the time to get to know? Who is she to judge when we were agreeable to the application process that puts you thru the ringer..finger printing, background checks, home studies & FINANCIAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION! She would clearly see we are MORE than capable of affording children.
Anywayssss....The gentleman told me that if any agency tells us about certain policies that we have a right to see the policy. He also suggested that we consult w/a few agencies....which we already doing. Now I know why.
So I hang up w/him & call AWL b/c I still hadn't heard back from the msg I left last week. The person who called me back was NOT the person we consulted with...AMY called us back. I said, "Oh, I was under the impression that Nancy was to call me back since I consulted w/her." So Amy tells me that Nancy had explained the "story" to her & that they do in follow the guidelines of DCF. That means NO DOGS.
She said, "If you had a rottweiler I would never place a baby w/you." HOW RUDE!
That statement was judgemental & VERY insensitive, lacked tact. I was disgusted.
I explained to her that "our whole consultation revolved around money which it shouldn't have & felt I was being blown off. But since you using the guidelines of DCF I see no point in wasting my time w/AWL any longer."
Does that not sound fishy or what? I asked Nancy when we first made contact by phone how long she had worked there & she told me 23 yrs. How does a person work for 23 yrs, in a small agency & not know if they adopt kids to people w/german shepherds or not? Seriously? They totally blew us off. UNPROFESSIONAL & I will be calling the EEC back & making a complaint this time.

The first recommendation letter

Our first letter of recommendation for adoption:

To Whom It May Concern:
My name is John ---- and I have worked with LisaMarie Hill for almost ten years at Northeast Metro Tech. Through the years I have learned a great deal about Lisa and her passion for children.
Lisa works in the Dean's office as an Administrative Assistant. Since her start here at Northeast in August 2003 she has worked through many changes in her office. Lisa has adjusted to six different Dean's and various job responsibilities with each.
In the Dean's office Lisa patiently listens with compassion to each student, explains the consequences of their actions and that interaction usually has a positive ending. The students feel that Lisa is fair and they feel comfortable in talking openly with her.
I have had the opportunity to see Lisa reach out, support and volunteer with several student activities such as student class fundraisers, prom preperations, sports events, National Honor Society and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Lisa also has always been supportive of other staff members in hardship and celebration.
I have know Lisa to always desire a family of her own. Since Lisa and Doug have married they have purchased a home with plenty of room and plenty of land with children in mind. As an adoptive parent myself, I feel that Lisa will make an excellent mother to any child that is blessed to have her in their lives and love them.

Yard Sale Planning

O.k. peeps....Doug & I are going thru a lot of stuff. We don't need a lot of what we have b/c wen we got married we combined 2 homes. So, I am going to list some of the stuff I'm going to put out @ our yard sale BUT....I was thinking of doing a PRE-yard sale sale if anyone is interested in anything. So, keep your eyes peeled for a list & some pix! :)
Also, I am collecting stuff if people have anything they want to get rid of to sell @ our yard sale. All proceeds are going to go to the BABY HILL ADOPTION FUND! ♥

Also, follow us on facebook @ BRING BABY HILL HOME.

A little disappointment

I had a little disappointment today. Doug & I went to AWL for our first (& prob our last) consultation. I felt she thought we couldn't afford adoption. Well, for over $40K who can? We can afford a child but the adoption fees are a bit much as you all know...at least all @ once. We have a nice home in a nice town, good schools & we both have jobs. She questioned our financial means twice & fundraising. I felt the need to explain to her that the fundraising is just to get us to our goal faster & to include everyone in our plans to adopt a baby. We don't expect to fund our whole adoption by fundraising. We don't need to do that. We work OT & save. She just looked @ me. Thats it....just looked @ me.
Then she mentioned that 3 dogs may be another issue. REALLY?! So, the client I had who put his golden retriever down b/c he attacked his girlfriend isn't as dangerous as any dog? Or about that chihuahua that bit the baby in the face b/c it was to close to its owner? Lets be realisitic. Any dog can attack. It just felt that she was shooting us down before she even got to really know us. :(

A long time

Its been about a month since my last post.  A lot has happened.  A lot of feelings flying around.  Feelings of anxiousness, sadness, excitement, hopes & love.  Then we have the illnesses that are being passed around.  LOL.  I've been sick, the dogs have been sick...the only one who hasn't been sick is Doug. 
Doug & I went to another waiting parents workshop last week.  We met another couple which was nice.  We gave them some helpful information.  I wish there was more support groups for the adoption journey.  Though, I have found some nice pages on FB. 
We have started doing stuff around the house again.  It's almost spring time so we need to do a spring cleaning.
Getting the yard ready to plant more grass seed.  I also want to plant some yard shrubbery this year.  I'm hoping we will be able to get the house painted in the fall...not sure though.  Everything cost money & we are trying to save.
I've had a little disappointment today.  I'm getting the feeling that people see our fundraising as not being able to afford a baby.  I'd like to put an end to that right now.  We are able to grow our family but people fail to realize how much it is to adopt.  It is thousands of dollars.  It is all fees that go to an agency, a lawyer, a social worker, administrator fees.  Very little even goes to the expectant/birth mom.  In this economy, no one has over 40K laying around in a bank acct.  And before we started this journey we had no idea that is how much adoption cost.  All the money we saved went into our home.  Now we are @ square one....scrimping & saving & doing all we can to afford the adoption fees so we can grow the family we talked about having.

Its VERY late.  Time for bed.  <3

I had an amazing day today w/my husband. I just had to share. We went to our first adoption workshop. We got so many great encouraging stories & it has given us confidence again as adoption can be a grueling emotional rollercoaster. It helped us to understand our birth mom better and to stay true to ourselves on this journey. It was much needed support. ♥

Another good day

Hey All,
Hope everyone is enjoying the snow.  I know my dogs are.  I've been sick w/that horrible noro-virus.
Anyway, I just wanted to remind everyone to check out:
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=401&url=helpbringbabyhillhome

I have posted some updates & there is an online auction of a really pretty bracelet that my mom made.  So if anyone is interested, put a bid in.  Its all going to a good cause.  We are all here for eachother.  Lets help bring baby hill home 
Thanks for all your support & don't forget to check back for updates.  One of our pasta dinners has been scheduled where there will be some raffles & hopefully some entertainment.  Another dinner will be set up on the north shore.
Thanks for all your support.