The home study is almost done!

We received a copy of our home study for review tonight. This is a huge step in our adoption process. We started this process at the end of July by filling out a form and sending it to the government who then sent it back telling us there wasn’t enough money included. That was mainly our fault. I’m glad it was easily and quickly fixed.

Other than that small bump, it’s been smooth sailing. We are both so excited to have our little girl. Our social worker, who is wonderful, will send our home study to the home security dept (I think) and then they send us another form.

The amount of forms and signatures needed to obtain a child is amazing. Once we get the form from homeland security, we will take a stack of documents and get them notarized. After having a notary sign them, we need to take them to the county clerk. From what I can gather, the signature of the county clerk certifies that our notary was actually a notary. Then we take the same documents to the Secretary of State. I’m pretty sure he/she does the same thing. Wait now, I’m not done yet. Send the same documents to the federal government for another authentication of signatures. Then finally, it’s sent to the Chinese embassy and they, from what I can gather, put a sticker on it. I hope it’s a pretty sticker. If I can, I want to frame it.

Never underestimate our government’s ability to take something beautiful and turn it into something extensive and mind-numbing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to fill out every line and answer every question. I’m pleased to do it! I heard there was a lot of paperwork…now I know what others have meant by that statement.