We're Really Doing This!

We sent off the initial application today. Now we begin the waiting game. First, we have to wait for a formal orientation. Then, we wait while our more "official" application gets submitted and approved. Then we have to wait through the homestudy. Then we have to wait for all the certified, notarized forms. I thought I would mind all the waiting, but right now, everything still seems new and exciting. Gladney is really clear that the amount of initial waiting that you do depends on how fast you get your dossier together (a dossier is a collection of a whole lot of documents, some with fancy titles like the I-600A, some just letters of reference from friends, family, and employers. There's a pretty good rundown of information here). Gathering all of the required information is generally called "The Paperchase", and can be reasonably completed for China in 2-4 months. We've already contacted Vital Check for some of our stuff, but it looks like we have to wait a little bit longer before we can get the rest. C & J have already agreed to write us one letter, and I told C yesterday that I would like to include them in part of the homestudy, since Little G likes me! I figure it's a good idea to show off my budding parental skills!

Meanwhile, I'm spending every avaiable minute researching stuff online. There is more to think about than you can possible imagine. I have to say, though, it's much more pleasant (and much less painful!) than pursuing IVF any further. We'll post links to other sites, too, so you can check out the process from other perspectives, but for right now, we're pretty excited. We should hear back from Gladney by the end of the week, and hopefully we'll be able to set up our orientation for next week!