Homestudy Complete & T Shirt Fundraiser!

We just celebrated Thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for!

- We got an update on our baby and she is doing very well!
-  Our Homestudy is complete! (YAY!!!)
- My lovely Sister in Law Sarah and very great friends and extended family, Seth and Tammy, designed a T shirt for a fundraiser.

The fundraiser details:

 Website: https://www.bonfire.com/bring-baby-girl-schutt-home/

The Design in hand brushed stroked Korean lettering for family.  $5 flat shipping fee and it comes in youth sizes as well as women's slim fit.

We ask again that you just pray for our adoption. We have found that every day that goes by we are hopeful but also since being matched with our baby that our hearts are hurting to be with her more and more.

WE ARE ADOPTING!

Hi!

So if you missed our announcement, we are adopting from South Korea!
There is so much that went into this decision.
As probably all of you know I am adopted myself. It is one of the first things I inform people about me.  It is part of my identity.
All of my life I have known I was adopted (hard to hide since I did not look like the rest of my family).  This has been an open discussion all of my life.

I love being adopted.

I was adopted into a family that had 3 boys, the oldest being disabled.  Our family was definitely unique, it was a family made for compassion.  I always felt wanted and a Johnson.
I was recently asked in a seminar that I attended on adoption "what did your parents do to make you feel so special?".  My reply was that my parents always shown me from a young age examples in the Bible of characters that were adopted and became great ambassadors for God.  Moses, Joseph and my favorite, Jesus.  I felt a bond to these characters and at the same time found myself honored to be in this club of great responsibility.

God knew I could be great.

I am here to tell you, I am living proof God takes care of even the "least of these". He has been with me being born into uncertain circumstances to a mother that had to make a very hard choice.
He watched me as I went to an orphanage and had to cry until there was no more noise.
He gave me a woman to be my foster caregiver for 2 months until I was adopted.
He placed me in a home with 3 older brothers that love me fiercely and gave me a sense of family identity.
He held me when I turned 7 when I realized the woman who held me in her womb decided she no longer could care for me and I cried about being abandoned.  He watched as my mom and dad held me and cried with me over my feelings of loss.
He carried me through awkward years of being different and gave me a husband that loves me and holds me when I have those same feelings of loss at times.
He celebrated as I gave birth to 3 of my own children and the joy I have in raising them (I could not have imagined the love).
And now, I know he will carry me as I journey to send my DNA in and adds me to a registry for birth family and to know as much about my genetics as possible. To pull my original adoption file and as I plan to go back to Korea to the place I was abandoned.
He blessed me with a husband who knows that the adoption wasn't a matter of how but when. Who quietly smiled at me when I told him he was getting old and I submitted our application to adopt. God held my hand as I nervously watched a social worker walk through our house and ask us very personal questions.
He holds me as I am moved by the compassionate people who want to adopt children too.
He shows favor upon me when the program manager saw our file, and was moved by our home study, took it upon herself to call the adoption agency on approval for a baby girl that had medical needs that she knew we would love her through.
And now, as we face a great deal of money due faster than we expected, I know He will provide. It is crystal clear to me that God has been the Father to me that has never left.

We have already been humbled.
 This process strips you down and makes you feel naked and lets strangers inspect every aspect of your life.  From every penny you owe and how you spend the pennies you do have, making your dearest friends write what they think are your weaknesses, the social worker asking you intense questions about your childhood and question your philosophy on rearing children, a 600 question psych eval to asking people to give of their own pennies to help you.
It has made me a tender person.
It has made me realize I am not as bullet proof as I thought I was.
It has been a form of therapy for Dave and I. We discuss things we never had imagined needing to discuss. We are closer for it.

So since I am already stripped down, let me humble myself a little more and ask all of you some favors.

 First and foremost PRAY.  Pray for our daughter waiting for us, that her medical, emotional and physical needs are met. Lift us up in your prayers through this paperwork laden process.

If you can do more than pray (which I am so so grateful if you are able). We have some great opportunities to assist in the cost of the adoption.
I want to be as transparent as possible through this.  Adoption is expensive but so worth it (I mean my parent's put in a pretty penny for me and look! I am a healthy adult, just ask the psychologist) Through watching Aaron and Sarah's adoption with Luke, I saw community, church, friends and family get closer and glorify God in the process of raising money.
So let's glorify God y'all!

Things we have paid for: Application to adopt: 350, Homestudy: 3500, Psych eval (yeah we passed! phew!): 440, legal documents: 350, Adoption education: 80

Things we need to pay for in an extremely short amount of time since we got matched with the most adorable 8 month old girl(we legally can't share pictures on any public forum, but believe me the cuteness is strong)
USCIS: 945; WACAP fees: 13,200: Foreign Agency Fee: 14,500(going all to Holt and South Korea).  Dossier fee: 640; Travel facilitation fee: 800 and post placement fees (not sure why this is due so soon but it is) 1,040;  Yes, so that is a total 31,125.
I know.  
Let's all take a moment of silence about this amount.

Costs needed after the courts in both countries have processed the adoption approval:
Traveling twice to Korea: 7-8000, Hotel: 2-3000
This also does not include medical needs we may encounter after we bring her home.

I might have convulsed a little and shed a tear when I was presented with the fees (but she had already shown me our little girl's file so I was defenseless)

What we have started to do:
I have filled out grants, (my sister in law, Sarah has facilitated most of it. BTW, she really is amazing)
We have cut costs. (my husband has cut back on his lunches out, my boys don't get the prepackaged chips, its pretzels all day,,, probably should have been doing that all along; and boy since we have cut back, have I realized how much waste we have in our lives. That's a whole blog post in itself. I have tried to cut our grocery bill, etc...)
We are looking into selling t shirts (awesome ones related to this awesome adoption) and other product fundraiser items to buy.
We have a set up a site where you can donate, http://adopttogether.org/schuttbaby (it is a 501(c)(3) so you can write off your donation!)

Any other ideas you have, we would love to hear!

We will add a ticker to show how much we have raised to final goal.  And I will keep you updated on any grants we are offered and from whom, if allowed.

What we hope from this adoption:
We give an orphan a home and forever family.
My children learn that we are blessed beyond measure and this offers them a tangible example of God's adoption example that he displays for us in His word.
Our church and local congregation is brought together through prayer and support.
Our community, it will open up ways of discussion about God.
That we may educate, encourage and uplift people about the adoption process.  If it mean we stir other hearts towards adoption or in the least be supportive of the idea.

My mom and dad saw this encouragement from my Aunt Evelyn

We are already seeing great love and are encouraged.

My Brother Aaron and family came as soon as they heard we were submitting our application to install the hardwood floor in our house that we had saved and bought a year and a half ago. Dave and I did not have the time to install it.  It was being stored in Oliver's room and figured that the social worker may frown on 600 sq feet of lumber in the babie's room.  My mom and dad and Dave's mom came over and we all knocked it out in one weekend. That not only was so helpful for safety and overall house renovation but it helped calm my nerves about the homestudy visits.
My sister in law(Sarah Johnson) through this whole process has helped me with paperwork, abbreviations, getting in contact with other adoption groups, heard me bawl my eyes out, laughed with me, listened to me vent, and is now helping me fill out paperwork. She texts me at 10 at night with fundraising ideas I have to tell her to shut it down and go to sleep. (sometimes I think she may steal my baby when she comes home) Thank you for trailblazing the way so that my adoption can seem seamless.
My Mom (who cries every time the adoption is brought up) and Dad who as always, a steady stream of cheering us on through all of this.
All the people I have asked for a referral from.  I understand it is not easy to write a letter under a time period and on top of it, get it notarized. Especially when I needed some within days of my request, you are truly awesome friends.
To the people who we have used for their connections to help us with paperwork (Scott, btw we think your job is so cool).  Those who have given me medical advice and the courage to face the unknown obstacles that they may include, you are invaluable to me.
My close girlfriend group who are "on call" for anything we need and are even helping me with suggestions of what English name to give our child. You are my circle, my village, without our group texts, I would be lost.
Those who have given me the kindest words already and cheering us on, our hearts have been filled.

We truly feel blessed in the process. General wait for a match or referral is 6-12 months and even longer when you request a girl.
This is such an uplifting time in our lives and I pray that you will feel just as encouraged and a part of her life as I have felt the privilege of meeting people who have told me they were at the airport when I came home. Or prayed for me and my parents when they were going through the process.

It gives me great honor to have this responsibility as an ambassador of God's love.  We will keep you posted on our steps as we traverse this exciting adoption.

Let's bring our girl home!

2 Year Crazy

         Last spring, I learned in a work meeting that the account that I worked with was canceling their contract and my position was being outsourced.
        When Noah was 6 months old, I was hired by this great work from home company that allowed me to be available to my children and still help support our family.  Last spring Dave had been hired in a new position and we were in a position that we were considering me quitting or going part time. It was a moment that I remember thinking that God was giving me a clear answer.  I was almost giddy because I had been mentally preparing myself for working while my boys were running wild while school was out. 

    The lay off could not have come at a better time.
 
    It gave me the opportunity to do so many things.  I was able to enjoy my children in a way that I have never been able to.  I was not stressed about a deadline or if a report/data had been wrong.  I was able to breath and SLEEP IN.  I enjoyed making dinner for my family and started thinking about how I wanted my house to look.  (I am still not a stellar decorator, but at least I was thinking about it)
   The most important and I feel pivotal life change was being able to see/feel/be a part of benevolence. My brother and sister in law last fall found out that they had been matched with a little boy from China to adopt.  This touched me on so many levels.  I have always in my heart made a commitment to helping any efforts of adoption.  Aaron and Sarah's adoption of Luke painted the most beautiful picture of how Christians can show the love of Jesus and accomplish a daunting project with grace and joy.  I saw people give money, love and prayers all for one child. 

     Meeting Luke brought it to a whole different level. 

     In a moment all the efforts became so tangible. 
     I was able to help Aaron and Sarah with this because I worked, and earned extra money.  I am not saying, that working is not stressful.  But it allowed Dave and I to have extra to give to others.  I worked so closely with Sarah and I would see how even the smallest encouragement on a hard day would make the biggest difference. Every donation, big or small was a building block of encouragement. 
     I wanted to be able to give a million building blocks, monetarily or just with my words and prayers. 
     Did I mention that this adoption was heart changing for me?!

    Shortly after I was laid off, I found out that I qualified for the Trade Act Program.  This is a government program that helps you find a new position or pays for training to assist those whose job has been outsourced.  Dave and I came to a point that we needed to make a decision on whether I would stay home and depend on Dave's salary or I would go back to school.
   This was not an easy decision and I still have my pros and cons list from it.


   We decided that I would finish my bachelors in software development.
    I am so thankful that this opportunity has opened up.  But believe me, I know what type of fire I am walking into.  I have been this busy for most of my life but my hiatus has been so nice. 

     Dave and I are very planned people.  We like to write lists, make spreadsheets and plan, plan and plan.  So in our marriage having a "fallback" is actually very assuring to us. I want to be able to work part time and volunteer my skills after I graduate.  The giving of time and money has been such a worth while effort this summer that I want to be able to do as much of it as we can.

     So please pray for us.  For the next two years, I will be going to school more than full time to finish my degree.  For the next 8 months Dave will be working full time and finishing his degree.  And for the next 2 years Oliver will be screaming in my ear that he wants more Cheetos because that is what I plan on feeding him while I go to school.   And that we all survive.  Mama could snap. 
  

1 Year Comparison

When I am out and about with all three boys, people like to tell me 2 things.
1. "Three boys?! Bless your heart"
2. " Wow, all of your boys look the same"

Now, I understand that because they are all different variations of Dave and I that they will look very similar.  But I feel each one of my gentlemen have very different characteristics.
I decided to have a look back at our 1 year mark.

Noah

Henry

Oliver

Third Child

There are many differences from the first child to the third.  Veteran mothers will tell you that you have less and less time to fill out baby books and such but you don't understand the full breadth of that until it smacks you in the face like a spoonful of baby food.
Oliver turns one today.
My third child has received one post on my blog.  And a very short one at that.  I didn't even post his birth story on the blog.
Dear Oliver, I am sorry for the delay. I promise you are ever as important and loved as Noah and Henry.  Life is just so much more fun with you that we savor more moments off the computer.

The story of Oliver.
1 year ago, I was 39 weeks pregnant.  I like to get induced at 39 weeks ever since Noah was born at 39 weeks due to high  blood pressure (aka me eating waaaaay too many Taco Bell burritos)

So I looked like this:

Yeah... I might have had a few bean burritos in this pregnancy too.  Don't gag unless you've tried it.  And if you have eaten a burrito while pregnant, you will just nod your head and remember how delicious odd foods tasted.
















On May 5, 2014 I felt like this:

You won't see me prettier...

Anyways.  I was there getting all induced.  I had started contracting on my own.  My body pretty much said... Lady, this is like groundhog's day.  We are good to go.
Auntie Sarah was there.. to basically press the nurse's button because my hands are allergic to that button and bothering the nurse.

At about 10 or 11ish I decided epidural time.   I will be the first to advocate drugs in labor.  With Noah and Henry I truly enjoyed my lovely bliss of drugs.  But 3rd time around, that epidural was probably the most burned-in-my-mind-painful-odd experience ever.  I won't go into detail (partially because I will start to shudder.)

At lunchtime Dave and Sarah were getting hungry and probably bored.  I was still a couple centimeters away from pushing. So Dave went to get lunch. Inevitably, that was the time I started feeling really sick (which is the way I know I am ready to push)  Yep! Dave was out getting lunch and I am ready to have Oliver.  Sarah called Dave and he was still checking out when he finally answered.  By the time he got back everyone was ready to deliver.

1 push later:



Yep! Doctor Higgins! Yay! Don't worry, we edited the embarrassing bits.


Oliver Aaron Schutt
Born @1:42pm
6lbs 7oz
19.75" long

Auntie Sarah cut the umbilical cord. Or more like sawed at it.  That was one fat umbilical cord, I would like to thank Taco bell for your healthy cord.

Dave wanted to name him Abraham... ahem. Nice try (for the third time)

Allison! He is already winking at her.  What a wonderful doctor and friend. I wouldn't have a baby without her.

Auntie Sarah. Sigh.  She is the baby and pregnant lady whisperer.  I love that she went out of her way to come support me.

Worth every single pound.

My gentlemen.

The year has flown by.  I can't even blink in fear that my boys will be graduating.
I am going to try and keep this blog updated more. (Maybe)
Happy Birthday Oliver!

(

It's been long enough to have another baby!

Hoo boy! I have not been here in awhile!!!! I am back and ready to update the blog.  For now, the most recent addition to our family :)

Thanks

It is hard not to be thankful when you look at this face.