Always Learning

So, just when I thought I knew the in's and out's of adoption... I learned today that I have been sitting for a week at home waiting on the necessary documents to complete the requirements for my I800... and my agency is suppose to send them.  Oops!  So, yeah, they are where they need to be and I just need to get my part out in the morning.  I really have come to believe that each and every delay has been for a reason.  Who knows... if I had gotten this in sooner, I may have had to travel and miss my nephews graduation.  Or maybe I'll get a great deal on tickets because of the delay.  I can't answer "why?" Only that the reason will be apparant before the end of this journey.  

Tamara, the reason for keeping all your receipts is two fold.  First, you do get adoption credit from the IRS.  Secondly, the USCIS will ask you for every single cost related to your adoption... from copies to postage to anything else you can think of.  I think that a ledger to itemize each month would be a great idea.  Just separate things into categories and go from there.  

By the way, did you sign with AAC?  I sure hope so.  Also, on the matter of the home study... remember that if you decide to go with a country that is under Hague agreement, you will need a qualified agency for everything.  Even f you think you may not be adopting from a Hague country... you never know if you will change your mind... we did.   I trust AAC beyond any doubt.  

The home-study is not as grueling as it sounds.  I have had two.  Once as a foster parent and the one for our adoption.  They were both very easy going and brief.  The second one was the most intrusive.  She looked in my closets!!!  Other parents thought that was a bit silly.  Do not have a spic and span home.  Just have a clean, sanitary, comfortable home.  Trust me, I have seen some homes thru photos that I can't believe past.  But social workers are trained to see very bad homes.  If yours is safe and clean and you have all  the required items (fire extinguishers etc) you will be fine with whoever you choose.  If you ever want to call me and chat, you are welcome.  Just email me and I'll give you my number.

As for us, things are good.  Carson had his MRI and the neurologist hasn't called.  That's awesome.  That means there is nothing structural that we need to worry about.  Now if we can get his meds evened out before Dina comes home.  See how the delays have worked out in everyone's favor?  I would have been a basket case worrying about Dina and Carson if he was still having seizures upon her arrival.  

Well, it's bedtime now.  I have to get my form in an envelope and get it ready to mail.