As you wind your way through stacks and stacks of forms and paperwork associated with International adoption, you really do wonder if there is any end in sight. It seems just when you think you've got it handled, something else pops up that needs to be done. And even though this is our second International adoption, John did all the Dossier and home study papers before, so now it is my turn...and BOY! Am I overwhelmed at times!
As was the case last week. I thought I was home free with the home study, but while looking over our paper work there was a snag. It would appear that mine and Aidan's TB tests are older than a year, so we have to repeat them. I tell ya, if it isn't one thing it's another. My arm is now bruised, and I am steeling myself for the emotional outburst that will surely come as Aidan has to hold still to have a needle poked in his arm tomorrow...I AM NOT looking forward to that...
Anyway, we are moving forward at a good pace. Since I needed to be there anyway to have my TB test read, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and I dragged my Notary with me to notarize the Dr.'s licenses. It took longer than necessary, but they are finally done. Actually I (thought) was finished with all my dossier paper work until V called me and added a few more recently added 'necessaries' from our region. Now I have to have copies of my Dr.'s licenses (two, as John and I have physicals from each of our Dr.'s) finger print clearances, and a local police clearance that does not exist. My city simply does not do these...so I am on the war path to find SOMEONE who will type up a letter on Sheriff's letterhead stating that John and I have no arrests or criminal records. You would think that would be easy, but nooooo. Not in good old Bakersfield.
I wanted to take time to write a little bit on the home study as I noticed it is missing from my time line. A while back the social worker had came to our home to meet with us and the kids again. We all thought this was rather funny as we had had a home study completed in March of 2006 for Carrington's adoption. The agency stated that because it was a different country and over a year we would have to have a new one done. Even the social worker was scratching her head. She had to drive quite a distance to get here, and brought along her hubby and dear little girl Olivia who was 15 months old. TOO CUTE! (Apparently she was expecting the last time she came out and we did not know). Anyway, it was a nice visit. After we sat outside sipping lemonade and gave her our family updates, she said a few words to Carrington and Aidan, checked out the house and said "Congratulations" as as she left. Everything was pretty much the same as the last time she came, so I'm pretty sure that meant we were fine. This was all old 'Been there, done that" stuff for us...just glad it was over with. Whew! One more item checked off.
So, here we sit, several weeks down the road, realizing we are very close to submitting out dossier. This is all very exciting!
