[ippichic]

I'm really excited, so just have to post. We submitted all of our paperwork yesterday to our agency and the foundation who is doing our home study. That's it! Financial commitments are made and there's no turning back now!

The home study paperwork doesn't seem to be all that complicated, despite what I've heard. I'm wondering if there is more to it than what is in the initial packet - questionnaire, fingerprint cards for FBI check, form for CPS check, a couple sworn affidavits about laws, medical forms for our docs and a financial statement, and the adoption class requirements. Aside from the meetings at the home, I don't know what else there would be. We'll have our SW assigned on Monday and schedule our first meeting, so I suppose she'll be able to answer most of these questions.

I really hope that it's smooth sailing from here, but we are going in with eyes wide open and know that there are a lot of obstacles to come. Probably too early to start thinking about names, right??

ippichic

[k8c]

Congratulations!

I'm laughing because I had the same reaction to the paperwork that you did. "That's it?!?" After hearing how difficult it was, I was pleasantly surprised at how little there actually was and how easily it was obtained.

Congratulations again! How exciting!

(And I think it's never too early to shop, decorate, or think about names. I thought I had my daughter's name all picked out...and then ended up feeling like her name was all she had and I couldn't bear to change it. So, I put my first-choice of name in as her middle name. Everyone's got a naming story! And, really, I think as long as a name is lovingly given it's a perfect choice.)

[Oldmama]

CONGRATS!

We are in the process up to our eyeballs at this point. And I did not ever think "this is it" with the paperwork! Could be that we have several children (3 of which are adults)..so lots of the paperwork (IE: background checks, etc..).have to include them. And then you have to do it all over again for Russia. But, I also very much DISLIKE paperwork.....so an office job is not a good place for me!

Just wanted to say welcome to the team and looking forward to hearing about your process.

[ippichic]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I was thinking about the child's name too... I wouldn't want to get my heart set on a new name until I know what his birth name is... Maybe he'll have a cool name that we like. You never know...

[votemom]

welcome - and i wish you much joy in the journey. it can be a roller-coaster, but it seems that you are used to that with all that you have already been through.

our adoption journey was a long and difficult one, and yet, looking back, i wouldn't change anything. i would not have chosen the path, but it made us the family we are today. and it's good!

[soXcytd]

hi ippichic... I saw your post a while back, but was still stalking the site then. looks like we'll be close in our journey. we're going for a girl so i think that takes longer, but it'll be nice to know someone else who's going through the process at the same time. best of luck!

[ippichic]

Yep, soXcytd - We'll have to compare notes. We're submitting our HS next week. I'm already working on some of the paperwork for the dossier, since I was married and divorced in other states. I have to obtain certified copies of all those documents via mail, and they can be really slow!

[carol7906]

Congratulations! I hope it continues to go smoothly for you all...keep us updated!

[soXcytd]

Ippichic...we have more in common than I thought...I've been married before too. I didn't have to have that license or divorce decree for my dossier though, do you? Only my HS agency needed it. Maybe I should double check.

[ippichic]

soXcytd - I haven't officially started my dossier paperwork yet, since we are still working on the HS, but I asked my agency if I would need any certified copies of any official docs because my husband was born in S. America and both of my previous marriages/divorces were in states where I don't live anymore, so I knew that it would be time consuming to get my hands on any original certified copies if I needed them. They told me that I would need certified divorce decrees for both divorces and certified copies of my current marriage license. So I am already sending off for them, to buy myself some time. I really want to get the paperwork done as quickly as possible to push the possibility of finalizing the adoption within the year 2012 so we can benefit from the tax exemption, in case it really doesn't get renewed in 2013.

[soXcytd]

Hi Ippi... totally get wanting to stay ahead of the game. This process is a whole lot of "hurry up & wait" it seems. Looks like we're on the same page agency wise then...I needed a certified copy of the divorce decree too, but only for the home study. If you really want to stay ahead of the game, I highly recommend submitting the FBI background check request now. They are averaging a 10 week turn around & that is holding me up at the moment. Luckily my agency will accept a copy of that report (for now) to go along w/my dossier because in GA, they will not appostille a cover letter for that doc anymore. I have to send it off to DC for the appostille & will use a courrier service since it would otherwise take another 8 weeks at best. I don't know if you have a checklist from your agency on what all you'll need for the dossier, but if not, you may want to ask because some of the info will overlap (like medicals) & you can kill 2 birds w/one stone to save time on that front. Hope you have a great day & talk to you soon. I'm Laura btw & if you ever want to email me, its LaRector@bellsouth.net. Talk to you soon.