One small step in the process, but one GIANT step toward bringing T home!!

We received exciting news today!!! We have taken a step forward in our adoption, with many steps to go, but this was a big one!! We have received our Authorization to Adopt (aka Exit Letter) from the Haitian adoption authority (IBESR)!! This is super exciting news because it moves us forward in the process and OUT of IBESR...you know...that black hole we seem to have been in for almost 3 years now! We are extremely thankful to see this movement three and a half months post bonding trip. I have dear friends that have been waiting far longer for their exit letter and it breaks our hearts to know some of them are still waiting. So many components of this adoption have such a bitter sweet edge to them.

The next question that everyone has, is what does this mean for our timeline?!!?! It means that we officially start the clock for a 9-11 month homecoming, which honestly feels amazing to type. There is hope again that there is an end in site...hopefully within a year if not SOONER!! The timeline from here on out has much more defined steps,  with more predictable time frames.

Our next stop on the timeline is our adoption decree, which will mean that Haiti recognizes our little girl as OURS and she'll have OUR last name. That will also allow us to share her name and photos with the world!! (I will try to control myself on Facebook...no promises...but I will try!!) The timeline that we are on for this step is 1-3 months, so we could be looking for our adoption decree by Christmas!! I would love nothing more than sending out Christmas cards that include a photo of our Sweetpea!!!

Thank you so much to everyone that has continued to support us through this process. We are so incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and support from all of our friends and family! This hasn't been an easy journey and it will continue to be difficult as we push toward completion and the final adoption costs. We could not ask for a better support network and truly consider ourselves blessed!!

One step closer, Baby Girl!!