Friday, January 14, 2011

Getting through the process . . . again

See don't we look happy?  Don't we look like we are having fun?  I needed to see this to remember in the end their is fun.

Anxiety.  That is what I feel that is what is on my mind.  And maybe a little overwhelmed.  We are working on getting approved to adopt another child into our home.  To be approved to adopt, is not always fun.  One word to describe it is intrusive.  I do understand why it has to be and I am grateful that couples are screened so thoroughly.

The first time we went through the Adoption Study, ( which is the paperwork to get approved), it was fun and exciting it meant something would happen.  This time we know that at the end of the paper work waiting  finding for our next baby.

Here is a list of the things that are done in an Adoption Study:
(note this is what our agency requires, not all agencies require this)

  1. Reference letters from friends and relatives and our bishop (which we are never allowed to see)
  2. Official documentation ( birth certificates, employment verification, proof of health insurance, marriage license, temple sealing certificate)
  3. Criminal/abuse background clearance
  4. Husband, wife and children medical reports
  5. Financial statements
  6. Individual information (where you went to school what you studied, physical description)
  7. Personal questioner 41 questions about your life, which need detailed answers
  8. Letter to Birth Parents
  9. 34 more getting to know you questions for potential birth parents to see
  10. Putting online profile together, which includes 25 pictures and a letter to potential birth mothers
  11. You also get home visits, this is when the case worker comes to your home, looking throughout your home to make sure it is a safe and secure place for a child.
  12. After everything is completed all documentation gathered, it is reviewed by the adoption committee, and we are notified in writing if we are approved to adopt a child through their agency.

We are on step 11, next week our case worker is coming to our home, seeing where our smoke detecters are, the fire extinguisher, and making sure we don't have a meth lab in the basement.  When I tell people this is going to be happening they are excited because it means we are getting closer, I am dreading it.  Normally when people come to visit, that is what you do you visit, this is different this is someone walking around your house looking at how you live your life.  I love our case worker she is so nice and so easy to talk to, its just the thought of this happening that gives me anxiety.

But it will be fine, we will live and it will all be worth it in the end.

As a disclaimer, know I am not complaining, I  know that carrying a baby and delivering is no walk in the park.  I would never attempt to say I understand that part.  I am just sharing with you more about adoption.

3 comments:

Nathan said...

Congratulations! I'm happy for you all.

Tonya said...

Woo-hoo! Bring on the home study, heart break, emotional turmoil, oh yeah, and happiness!

Anonymous said...

I am excited you guys are at step 11! Almost there- finish line in sight! I would love to get some of your pass-along cards to give out, so let me know when you have some. Adoption paperwork is one of the most stressful, overwhelming things we have ever done, so hang in there!