We, like most adoptive parents on the waitlist, are always anxious to know our new “numbers.”  Our numbers give us a rough idea of how much longer we will be waiting.  As referrals are given out, we rejoice with the families that received them, and we can’t help but be excited for ourselves, because that means we have moved up on the list.

Our agency case worker tells us our “official numbers” each month.  But as families on the waitlist, once a month isn’t quite enough.  We like to always know our official and unofficial numbers.  Our unofficial numbers are kept at all times by a designated list keeper who is also waiting for a referral.  So, lately Traci from Kansas has been tracking the numbers and posting them on the yahoo group.  I’ve noticed on her posts that a new list keeper has not been identified.  Traci is currently number 16 on the girl list.  I contacted her and let her know that I would be happy to be the list keeper after she receives her referral.  She wrote back instantly and said that I will be the next OFFICIAL list keeper.  So, these next few months, I’ll practice keeping my own list, to make sure I’m doing it right.  That way when I do take over, I’ll be able to hit the ground running.

I must confess that I look forward to being the list keeper because I like numbers and I check frequently to see if other families have received referrals.  But I also appreciate Traci for being our list keeper – and want to provide this service to other waiting families with AGCI.