[preciousbaby]

Hello forum friends,

Those of you who have picked up alone, what do I need to expect? My husband will not be able to be there. What type of questions do they ask? I just want to be prepared. What type of paperwork did they ask for?

Thanks for your help.
We are hoping to be going home in 3 weeks, Our 2nd DNA was sent to the lab today.

[Grandto2Guats]

Preciousbaby,

I am a single mom to two bio sisters. I went in July 2007 by myself to pickup both of the girls. My mom had went with me on my pick up trips. I was surprised at how easy it was. I took copies of everything that I had, but they did not ask me for any of it. The lady behind window #1 said "wow, two at once?" I even travelled to Antigua with them.

The hardest part for me was the trip home. Double stroller, luggage and two children.

I don't know if things have change, but I thought it was super easy.

Dawn Knapper (mother of two)

[DPline]

I picked up our DD alone and my DH picked up our son alone. (Well, my Mom was there for both trips, but both were one-parent pickups.) As far as paperwork, you will need a POA from your husband specifice to the adoption. PM me if you want the wording we used. You will also need a notarized copy of your husband's passport to show he visited. (Some people take the actual passport but weren't comfortable with that in case there was an emergency and the non-traveling spouse had to fly down.) And lastly, you will need a signed and notarized, but not dated, I600.

Quite honestly, it has been a while and the whole Embassy appointment was a blur to begin with, but it was truely not big deal. At least from a question standpoint. Nothing hard!

Good luck!

[lou0728]

I'm going to be going solo, too. Our money tree is dead! We also don't want to leave AP alone and then show up with Essie! Don't think she'd like that too much!

[mevertin]

I did our pick-up solo in February. I had to take a form from my husband giving permission for me to complete the adoption solo. Our agency gave me the format for the letter. It had to be notarized. I also had copies of our returns, the affidavit of support, and a copy of his passport. I think the only thing they asked me at the embassy is "where is Mark" and I said "home with our other kids." Everyone I met on our trip was very nice and helpful. The only problem I had coming home on the plane was getting someone to hold him when I went to the bathroom, but the flight attendants were very willing to help. Also, we had to really rush to make our connecting flight in Dallas and it was very stressful trying to rush through security with a baby, stroller, and a 500 pound diaper bag. Have a great trip.
Mary
mom to Bobby 11, Bridget 9, Angela 8, Eddie 3 (home from Guatemala in 2005) and Naldo 12 months, home since Feb.