Murphy's Law

This entire process has been a prime example of Murphy's Law.

The lawyer finally got signed copies of the adoption decree today. She went to get the new birth certificates. (This is supposed to be an easy step.) Well, the notary wouldn't make the new certificates because the adoption decree lists my middle name and my passport only has my middle initial. (Yep. I'm serious.)

Thankfully, one of the papers in the dossier is a letter that states all the possible ways your name can be written. When I wrote the letter and got it notarized and apostilled, I thought it was dumb. Now I'm very grateful for that letter.

My facilitator also owns a vet shop. She was able to send one of her employees all over the city to get the letter and deliver it to the notary. The notary has agreed to produce the new certificates. The lawyer will pick them up tomorrow morning.

Monday we will apply for Sara's passport. I wonder what unheard of snag we will run into there.

Finally!

We finally have a signed adoption decree. The birth certificates are being made right now. We will hopefully apply for Sara's passport this afternoon.

The last week has been crazy. I can't even begin to describe the emotions and I don't even understand all that went on. I know that this is not the way things usually go but that doesn't surprise me. The important thing is that we will be home next week! (Really, we are just hanging out here waiting for the snow to stop at home.)

I have a list of things I miss about home but this time has been precious. I have gotten to spend the last seven weeks hanging out with the cutest, funniest kid ever. We will never have time like this again. Time with no responsibilities or plans. Time just to hang out.

I can't wait for you all to meet her. My sister asked me if she was everything I expected. I don't think I really had expectations but I love her more than words can express. I just can't get enough of her. She's so cute and funny and smart and sassy and wonderful. I can't wait to see where life takes her.

The Process

For those of you who are wondering--here's the process I'm working through. I'll try to keep this list updated as I move through the steps.

1. Fill out applications for Reece's Rainbow, Adoption Agency and Home Study agency. - Done in February

2. Be matched on Reece's Rainbow with Sarita. - Done February 17th.


3. Complete homestudy. Sent downstate on May 7.


4. Homestudy goes to the state capital for approval. Received the official home study on May 19.

5. Homestudy and I800A Application go to Immigration and Homeland Security. USCIS paperwork mailed on May 21. Officially received on May 25th.

6. Begin to compile Dossier documents--including FBI clearance. - All ready on July 1st.

7. Homeland Security will send me an appointment for more fingerprints. Fingerprints done on June 7th.

8. Receive approval from Homeland Security and Immigration. Received July 27th!

9. Submit Dossier documents to her country. Sent on Aug 9th.

10. Receive approval from the country. Officially be matched with Sarita. Approved on Sept 22nd.

11. Be given a travel date and court date.  Traveled on January 12th.  Met Sara on January 14, 2013.  

12. Adopt Sarita in Colombia.  Finally official March 1, 2013.

13. Apply for a new birth certificate with her new last name.  Received March 2nd.  

14. Apply for her passport.  Applied March 4.  Received March 5.  

15. Apply for her US Visa.  Received March 6.

16. FLY HOME!  Arrived home March 7, 2013.  

A little bit crazy, very long, almost ridiculous. All will be worth it in the end.