We think we are done with paperwork... maybe.

We have gotten all the required paperwork, we know of, in to the adoption agency. All of our current fees have been paid up. One thing left to verify. We aren't sure if our references have all been turned in. That could possibly be holding us up on the paperwork end, we aren't sure. We hope to get an update next week. 

Next we have to complete 2 home visits. Which seems kinda scary at first, but everything I read online is that they aren't there to inspect your home for perfect cleanliness. They are more looking to see if you can provide a safe and adequate home for the child. From Adoptions of Wisconsin:

"The social worker is not looking for perfection; she is looking to see that your home is a comfortable, safe and healthy environment for the child. If your social worker notices something of concern and feels the situation can be remedied, you will be made aware and given time to make the necessary changes or adjustments."

We think we have this part covered. Right now it's a wait and see how long it will take to schedule the in home visits. 

Some of the story so far...
Today: Aiden just turned 14, in 8th grade, wants to be a lawyer or an underwater welder AND a youtuber. He's healthy, happy, gets acceptable grades, LOVES video games, is part of a rock climbing team. He only wears joggers and is playing a video game that he doesn't believe I played when he was still in diapers (Skyrim).

All that is great, but it's nothing if it can be taken away without his consent, or ours. That's where we currently sit. We have guardianship, yes. However, in Dane County we don't get custody or placement. Also a guardianship can be fought in court by anyone with an interest (mom, dad, grandparent, uncle, etc.). The only way to guarantee that the home he wants to be permanent, our home, will be his forever home, is through adoption.

I'll talk more about our back story more later. For now, I'll say that we have all made changes along this journey and Aiden is growing into becoming a man I know he will be proud of. I know my journey is nowhere near over. In fact, Aiden wants siblings... more on that later.

Thanks,
Thank you for reading, we really appreciate everything you do to help us along this journey; whether it's donating money, sharing our posts far and wide, encouraging others to give, reading our posts, or donating to our garage sale.

Did I say garage sale... yup, I did. Stay tuned!