Over the past month or so, Frank and I have really confirmed our decision to adopt.  We’ve had many, long conversations about "the plan."  We have to finish our time here and then move.  Once we are settled - I’m giving us one month, because I can’t wait any longer than that - we are going to send in the I600A with attached documentation and apply to the agency.  We’re hoping that things will move quickly and we will be able to have our homestudy and paper collection completed within two - three months.  From there it’s more hopes and tentative plans and a schedule that I’ve become obsessive about writing out for myself.  I don’t know why.  Maybe to make myself feel better - like this is actually going to happen someday.

I just don’t know what my deal is.  I feel like I don’t want to wait to start this - can’t wait.  Did anyone else feel like this?  It’s strange because I’ve always been so focused on school - undergrad, getting into med school, etc.  Frank has always been very focused on his work and schooling, too.  I guess we’re just in a place where we are feeling ready to start a family.  It’s such a strange thing to put that out there because it’s enormous!  We were those people who talked about how much we love to travel and when we found out Frank couldn’t have children, we thought no big deal - we won’t have kids.  I never really had an innate desire to give birth anyway.  But now, we can not wait to go through this adoption.  What has happened to change us?  I have no idea.

So to make myself feel like something is happening, (even though it won’t until we move back to the States and actually start the adoption next year), I have printed out a few agency applications, the I600A application and some other adoption related things.  I’ve even started an adoption binder with these documents in plastic covers.  Inside I have also included a checklist, a list of books that have been recommended on several different blogs I have read, and a few other things that I plan to do …. ugh, enough with the planning….

…keeps GEORGIA on my mind.

Yes, that’s right, Georgia.  We found out that we are going to have to move to Atlanta, instead of Chicago next year.  At first I was really disappointed.  The windy city has great shops, Navy Pier, restaurants, culture and is located right on Lake Michigan.  Not to mention, it is a short flight home, since we are originally from Michigan.  Add to that, the fact that I thought I knew exactly which building we were going to live in.  Needless to say, with this change of plans, I was not a happy camper. 

However, Frank already "monster-ed" jobs in the Atlanta area.  To my surprise, he thought Atlanta was better than Chicago.  He also spent several hours last night going through homes for sale that we can "afford" in the suburbs outside Atlanta.  I really l.i.k.e. that idea!  It didn’t take long before I became convinced that the Peachtree state is the place for us!  Warm weather, friendly people, good hospital systems, great jobs for Frank and finally owning our own home!  Look out Atlanta Hawks, there is a Detroit Piston coming to town, (okay so I’m not a huge sports fan … let’s try that again…), look out Ray Charles, a little bit of Motown is headed your way!  Whatever, you get the idea!

**Anyone know of good agencies in the south?  We’re still strongly considering EAC, but I’m just curious what else is out there.  I know most agencies work in all the states, but this really adds a new dimension to my agency research … just the first of many times I’ll need to flexible, I’m sure.**