our new family is getting closer to reality

This past week we had out home studies.  I was extremely nervous when Matt called to tell me that he opened the letter that said to call and set up our appointment.  Peggy let us know a little of what to expect and that she would ask our kids some questions too.  If you have spent more then 5 minutes with our kids then you can imagine the pit in my stomach.  Who knows what these kids will say!!

Anyhow, we spent 2 days and around 5 hours with Peggy sitting across our kitchen  table.  We answered questions about our childhoods, our family, personalities, relationships, finances, background checks, prep we have for adopting, expectations and so much more.  Emmalynn was exhausted from VBS and therefore didn't really want to talk with Peggy.  She sat on the couch most of the time and gave her the cold shoulder.
Josiah, however never ceases to amuse us.  He was happy to answer Peggy's questions...
"Has your Mom and Dad talked to you about a brother or sister?"
"I get a brother!" 
"What do you think about getting a brother?"
Sigh then standing on the kitchen chair with his hands on his hips like he is the boss:
"If he scratch me like this (Siah dramatically scratching at his own face) I be really mean!"
YES!!!  I am so sure we won her over with this dramatic prediction of welcoming our future child!  Go Siah!!

Peggy left and we think the visit went quite well.  Now, we are left to create a photo book for our future children and write a "welcome letter" that they will receive before coming to our home.
I have so many thoughts and emotions swirling around.  How do I pick the "right" pictures?  Am I including everyone that is super special in our lives?  What will a child think as they look at these pics?  Will they think about all they have missed with us and how they could fit in with us now?  Will they look and think about their biological family and cry because they miss special memories with them?  Will they be scared, eager, or something in the middle?

Can any of these pictures or letters really show them how much we already love them?  We have talked and prayed and waited so long to find out who our children would be.  I just want to hug them and tell them now that despite anything ahead we will always love them, we will never reject them, they are home forever.