Home Study

Well, Our adoption process took it's first major step on Monday with the beginning of our home study. We met with the Social Worker for about an 1 1/2 hours. She was very nice. We basically reviewed what we need to complete and have a rough date of March for completion of the home study. We also reviewed our reasons (motivation) for adopting. We also have discussed possible countries that would be a good fit for us. We are looking at a couple of Asian countries. Caitlin was not really nervous, however, I(Kyle) was. I was working on my essay earlier and I think created an "overload." I was feeling like I needed to accomplish more for that day then I really needed. Overall, we believe things went well. Caitlin and I have a good start on our essays, which must be completed by Jan 14. This way the social worker will have time to read and review for our individual meetings on Jan 17. We both have approximately 3 pages written of the 4-8 page essays. The essays cover our families, school years (elementary thru college), religious affiliations, adoption motivation, employment, our community, and general questions. The essays are supposed to focus on our feelings, which sometimes may be hard to discuss. Anyways, wish us well. We need your support. We are really excited and can't wait to be parents!



We wish all a Happy, Healthy, and Great 2008!!!



Our New Year's Eve was spent with Kyle's sister and her family. We had a very nice one. We enjoyed Lobster and Steak that Jay had prepared. We also watched a movie, an Adam Sandler movie. Chuck and Larry or something of the sort. It was pretty funny and entertaining. We left around 11:30pm. We spent New Years day on Cape Cod at Megan's in-laws (Jean & Lou.) They are sooo nice and cooked us a fabulous meal. They are such gracious hosts. We are so lucky to know them.

Now the big focus is on losing those holiday pounds. Ugh!!!!

Happy New Year

Hi All,

We hope everyone had a nice Holiday. I can't believe 2008 is almost here. Before I forget, I wanted to post the Macaroon recipe. They are seriously delicious and so easy. I made them for my friends at work and they were a big hit!

Coconut Macaroons
14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large egg whites at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until they make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
Drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper using either a 1 3/4-inch diameter ice cream scoop, or 2 teaspoons. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and serve.

Once the cookies cool off, I melt chocolate in a microwave safe dish (like Baker's semi-sweet) and dip half the cookies in the chocolate. Make sure you then put the cookies on wax paper b/c the chocolate will stick to the plate.

We had a really nice Christmas. We are now having a low key weekend. I was sick on Friday and didn't start feeling better until this afternoon. We are just planning to do chores around the condo and get organized for our big meeting on Monday. We have the Social Worker coming to our home on Monday 12/31 to start the adoption home study. We've both been working on our autobiographies which need to be 4-8 pages. I'm having a harder time with it than I thought I would. I guess it is the childhood stuff that I'm finding hard. I know it will all come together though.

We hope everyone has a happy and fun New Years and we'll keep everyone posted on our adoption Journey!