Paperchasing for A

The cold feet have thawed and the paperchase for A has begun. J and I went to the doctor to get our physicals last Wednesday. I sent off our background checks (to make sure we are not criminals) so we can get started on our home study. Today I went to INS to turn in our I-600A - (the application to adopt an orphan from abroad). I set up our fingerprinting date (to check a second time that we are not criminals). We need to get so much paperwork together, it feels a little overwhelming, but exciting as well. We have asked my Mom, Sue, and another friend (a dear friend of J's) to write our reference letters for our home study. We need to get financial statements, employment letters, and so much more together...and then they all need to be notarized and authenticated. I hope to have all of our paperwork together and in China by September (preferably before!). Right now the wait for a referral after our Log-In-Date (when our paperwork is accepted in China) is around 12 months, then another 6-8 weeks after that until we travel. So I figure by late fall to early winter 2007 we will have our daughter in our arms. It seems like forever away...

We have told our families. My family is especially supportive. (To the two of you who read this...YOU ROCK!) John's family - (i.e. his Mom) don't say much. I can tell they are not thrilled at the idea - it bothers me - but not enough to affect me or change my mind. I have a daughter in China...I would walk to the ends of the earth to find her. I would do the same for my boys. In my heart there is no difference. I know that for a lot of people that is hard to comprehend. I know that I will face different perspectives on our decision, but, I can handle it. I love her.