Adoption Home Study #4 and 5

Kevin and I drove up to Birmingham this afternoon.

We’ve got our last two home study interviews at the Lifeline office here tomorrow morning, and then we’ll be attending a 2-day Lifeline-sponsored seminar called Crossings.

Crossings was created “to prepare and equip families for the joys and challenges that come with the journey of international adoption“. Some of the topics they’re going to cover with us are: understanding development, behavioral effects of trauma, neurochemistry changes, sensory processing disorder, parent attachment styles, behavioral changes, and healthy attachment.

We’re looking forward to soaking it all up, and we’re feeling very grateful about the chance to spend time with folks that are also in the process of adopting through a special needs program, as well as some people who have already gone through the adoption process.

I’ll be back soon with an update about how it all went, and in the meantime, I thought I’d share a fun adoption video we found online. (Email subscribers and Google Readers, you’ll need to pop over to our blog to watch!)

What an inspiring bunch!

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68 Responses to Adoption Home Study #4 and 5

1. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:05 pm

   Lots of thoughts and prayers to you guys during this time. Can’t wait to hear all about the next steps!

   

   Reply
   • Layla says:

     Mar 21, 2013 at 8:07 pm

     Thank you, Erin! We sure do appreciate your well wishes and prayers! XO

     

     Reply
2. Contessa says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:06 pm

   Yay! So happy for you! Are you keeping the country a secret?

   

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3. Mary says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:12 pm

   bawled like a baby the first seven or eight times i’ve watched this!
   love love love!!!
   and i’m SO excited for you guys!
   xoxo

   

   Reply
4. Sandy says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:14 pm

   Best of luck to both of you! Awesome video. Very touching. Many blessings!

   

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5. Sherri says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:16 pm

   That video was amazing. Thank you! Tears are pouring down my face. I’m praying for you both and this process you’re going through. May God bless you and the wonderful child that He has picked especially for you.

   

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6. Donna says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:25 pm

   Layla ..do you have an ipad or iphone? I have found the app “supernote” to be invaluable . . . you can tape the meetings and put your notes on the same page! it’s great . . . .
   I will be praying for you both . . . .sending lots of good vibes and love your way . . . .

   

   Reply
7. Kathleen Kelly says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:29 pm

   Thanks for sharing that beautiful video. A child will be so blessed to have you as parents. Sending you both so much love–

   

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8. Sarah says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:32 pm

   That was awesome. Thank you for sharing.

   

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9. Sue G. says:

   Mar 21, 2013 at 8:34 pm

   You might want to check out one of the ads on your sidebar – not what I would expect to see on your blog page.

   

   Reply
   • Layla says:

     Mar 21, 2013 at 8:52 pm

     Hey Sue! Ads show up differently for all users, and we’re seeing Nissan, Home Depot, Pier One and Toys R Us right now. We have our ad filter set to block all offensive/controversial ads, so you shouldn’t be seeing anything inappropriate, but rumor has that sometimes one will slip through the cracks. We’ll re-check our settings and we thank you for the heads up about that!

     

     Reply
10. Natasha says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Awesome! We just got matched with our SN son in January!

    

    Reply
11. Donna K. says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Have fun, but DON’T get overwhelmed. There will be a lot of information, and the potentially sad stories to go with each one. That’s what I remember from our process, and my daughter from China (older child and special need) has been nothing but an absolute delight. We have never had any issues with her, behavioral, health-wise, or attachment. Keep the faith. It’s a wonderful journey.

    

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12. Shanny says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    We adopted our little princess through China’s special needs program. She is my heart and soul! I thank God every day that I get to be her forever mommy!! Blessings to you on your adoption journey.

    

    Reply
13. Brynne says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    Wow. That was such a moving video – I started crying at the boy playing the worship song and then the precious little girl from Bangkok who looks so much like my own sweet adopted sister. I cannot wait to adopt one day. Blessings to you guys in your adoption process!

    

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14. Jennifer Russell says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    What an amazing family! Thank you so much for sharing. My heart is full! I am also so excited to read more about your sweet family’s amazing journey to parenthood. Love your blog!

    

    Reply
15. Sunni says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    I adopted my daughter from China. I guess our challenges almost seemed like a blessing – she simply did not want me out of her sight for a moment! It was tiring – I’m a single mom – but it just made our bond that much stronger. We also went through a period of night terrors, but with a lot of prayer and love, we got through that, too. She is now a healthy, very well-adjusted, not adjusted, happy, moody, loving, ignoring girl….in other words, a normal 15 year old..lol!!! Gotta love those teenaged hormones!!

    

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16. Jackie says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    Layla, you may have already seen this family’s blog, but here it is just in case. http://theresnoplacelikehome-family.blogspot.com/ I just love them and their hearts for China special needs children!

    

    Reply
17. Jen says:

    Mar 21, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    Thank you for finding and sharing that video. We’re in the process of adoption as well right now – in a series of training sessions right now and home studies coming up – and watching this makes me get all excited all over again. It’s such a great opportunity to pour out the love the Christ shows us every moment of every day. Can’t wait. Hoping and praying that your process goes smoothly…

    

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18. Anna says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Wow. “I looked all over the world and I found you.” “Family is adoption.” Truer, more beautiful words have never been spoken. What an amazing video and family. We adoptive families rock.

    I am filled with joy about your journey. Whether your child is born yet or not, Gods plan for her or him is filled with such promise and love. What a lucky child (and even more so, what lucky parents you will be).

    

    Reply
19. Kathy K. says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 3:30 am

    God is really preparing you both for a beautiful child. I can not wait for your blessing. I admire the way you and Kevin are truly putting your hearts and souls into this process and trusting God. The key to success is “love” and you have more than enough to give.

    

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20. Ter'e Crow Lindsay says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 6:45 am

    As I sit and wipe tears……………….this was so precious and wonderful.
    Thanks for sharing.
    I am just so excited for you kids!!!!!

    

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21. Linda says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 7:26 am

    Good luck to you both with your adoption process. I am new to your site and spent the last couple of days going through your archives and catching up. Feel like I know you now!

    

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22. Stacy Grogan says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 7:34 am

    Thanks for sharing, always so inspiring.

    

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23. Lauren says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 8:11 am

    I cried through most of that video! Thank you so much for sharing it. We just found out this week that we will be traveling in three weeks to pick up our two year old son from Taiwan and I need all the encouragement I can get right now
    I hope the weekend is great for you and can’t wait to hear more about your journey!

    

    Reply
24. Sara says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 8:47 am

    What a great video! So inspiring and uplifting…awesome way to start my day! Thanks for sharing.

    

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25. Grace says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 8:49 am

    So excited for y’all and this journey you’re on. That video was beautiful. What a precious family, and what an inspiration to anyone thinking about adoption. I loved it!

    Blessings, Grace

    

    Reply
26. the farmer's wife says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 9:05 am

    Wow! I hate that it takes a wonderful video on adoption to make me appreciate my own biological children. Life feels so mundane sometimes until we are reminded. Thank you for the reminder of how precious every life is! Praying with you, Layla and Kevin…

    Looking forward to hearing about what this next step holds.

    

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27. Cindy says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 9:15 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel this journey! Thank you for sharing that wonderful video as well – my heart is just bursting right now!

    Blessings to you both.

    

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28. Shaina says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 9:19 am

    Oh my WORD. I had the ugliest ugly cry EVER going on when I watched that video. My tear ducts are going to be sore tomorrow so excited for you both!!! What a beautiful story God is writing for you!!

    

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29. HerLateNightCravings says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 9:24 am

    Sending prayers and good wishes your way! I’m sure your last two interviews will go fabulously. That video was so touching and inspiring. Brought lots of happy tears!!

    Can’t wait to read more on your adoption journey!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

    

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30. Louise says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:09 am

    What a beautiful video! I’ll definitely be sharing that one! Thank you again for sharing this wonderful journey with us!

    

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31. Missi at havoc-to-heaven.com says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:13 am

    The absolute best 6:32 minutes of my week!! I was overwhelmed by the love this family has for each other. It was inspiring. I have a son adopted from Guatemala that was very ill when he arrived. He has brought joy into our lives every day since he arrived.

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

    

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32. Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:19 am

    Lots of positive thoughts coming your way.

    The video was so heartwarming. It breaks my heart that so many children need loving homes.

    

    Reply
33. Izabela says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Absolutely amazing!

    

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34. Siobhan says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:43 am

    What a beautiful video! Thank you for sharing. Know of my prayers for you and Kevin as you continue along the path chosen for you. It is a beautiful life!

    

    Reply
35. Teresa says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Layla, you and Kevin are going to make the most awesome parents. Can’t wait to hear all about it. God richly bless you both.

    

    Reply
36. andrea @ my kinda perfect says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:49 am

    what a beautiful family! that is soooo inspiring!

    

    Reply
37. Beth says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 10:52 am

    The joys of getting 2 steps closer to your child! I remember the parenting classes we took. They were a lifesaver.

    So happy for you both. However you become parents, it’s a miracle.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Thank you for the kind comment, Beth! We just got back from the first Crossings seminar and WOW, what a great bunch of education. We look forward to heading back over there tomorrow for more!

      

      Reply
38. Leah says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 11:45 am

    This. Is. Awesome.
    So happy and excited for you guys…; )
    Lots of love,
    Leah

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      Thank you sweet Leah! XO

      

      Reply
39. the misfit says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 11:49 am

    I am blown away. Blessings to you both as you take these next steps.

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      We were too! And thank you for the well wishes- we appreciate them so much!

      

      Reply
40. Jody says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Kevin and Layla,

    The video was full of “goose bump” moments. Thank you so much for sharing the story of this extraordinary family! I worked with students who have special needs for many years and wish you so much happiness as you embark upon of the most wonderful journey of your lives!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Thank you, Jody! We’re very grateful for your encouragement!

      

      Reply
41. Debbie says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    What a beautiful story and family! Thanks for sharing it!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:04 pm

      You’re welcome, Debbie! We really enjoyed it, too!

      

      Reply
42. Mary | lemongroveblog says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    Betcha these type of things make everything feel pretty real! The little guy/gal will be here before you know it!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:02 pm

      It’s been such a neat process to experience, Mary! We’re soakin’ it up, and look forward to meeting Sweet P!

      

      Reply
43. trish says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    Wow, what an inspiring video. Thanks for sharing. You and Kevin deserve only the best. Best wishes to you both!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Trish!

      

      Reply
44. Marian (Sweetopia) says:

    Mar 22, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    What a beautiful family… so inspiring… brought me to tears (happy tears). Thank you for sharing the video, and wishing you two all the best on your adoption journey. How exciting!

    

    Reply
45. Gail says:

    Mar 23, 2013 at 12:28 am

    What a beautiful journey you are on. That video was absolutely inspiring too! WOW. I’m currently reading “Kisses from Katie” by Katie Davis….if you haven’t heard of it or read it, it’s an amazing book about a young woman who goes to Uganda and adopts 13! orphaned children. Her story is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

    Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!!

    Gail

    

    Reply
46. Axelle the french cook says:

    Mar 23, 2013 at 6:01 am

    I’ll always cross fingers for you, Layla, in this long road which is adoption.
    Friendly.

    

    Reply
47. Axelle the french cook says:

    Mar 23, 2013 at 6:08 am

    This video is overwhelming … Human are so incredible and full of love and generosity. Thank you.

    

    Reply
48. abby says:

    Mar 23, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Wow. Thank you for sharing that video. What an amazing family. I’m a lurker and have probably never commented but ive been following your adoption journey and wish you the best!

    

    Reply
49. Amy Y. says:

    Mar 23, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Whoa. I really believe that those that adopt are a Dorian group of people in themselves.
    When they are brought together with a child chosen for them, it is so touching.
    I understood you were trying to adopt internationally but not special needs as well.
    That tells me you are extra special as well.
    Big hearts!
    Bless you as you prepare to meet Sweet P.
    So excited for you!

    

    Reply
    • Amy Y. says:

      Mar 23, 2013 at 10:14 am

      Yikes! Dorian ??? I have no idea why spellcheck chose that word.
      It is meant to say “special.” A special group of people in themselves.

      

      Reply
50. Teresa says:

    Mar 24, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    Layla,
    This video moved me to tears. I love hearing about your adoption adventure! Blessings to you both and the future addition.

    

    Reply
51. Melissa says:

    Mar 24, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Have they told you about the International Adoption Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham? It’s top notch. Good luck!

    

    Reply
52. Angie says:

    Mar 24, 2013 at 11:38 pm

    They just showed that video in church a few weeks ago! Made me tear up
    Love reading your blog and praying that the next couple days are an incredible blessing for you as you prepare your hearts for your Addition !!

    

    Reply
53. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says:

    Mar 25, 2013 at 11:52 am

    I am so excited for y’all and how fast your home study is moving for you guys. Hope you enjoyed your weekend in the ‘Ham.

    

    Reply
54. mom says:

    Mar 25, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    good thing i watched that video at the BEGINNING of my lunch break, so i can recover before all the ladies come back – so TOUCHING!!
    love you, and what you are doing!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Mar 25, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      Good thing there’s no one sitting around me right now. #HappyTears #LoveYouToo XO

      

      Reply

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56. Melody says:

    Apr 4, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    As an adoptee and a nurse working with neonates in an ICU (who occasionally have life long challenges), it warned my heart to watch this video. Bless you for entering the world of adoption with open minds and hearts. I wish you the best on your amazing journey!

    

    Reply
57. Courtney Heidemann says:

    Apr 6, 2013 at 9:40 am

    Do you have any advice a couple starting this process? My husband and I are looking to start the Foster adoption process and the Home study is freaking me out and the doctor visit. We are pretty healthy except for me being overweight (which Im working on). Thank you for blogging this journey its very inspirational.

    

    Reply