An Online Journal of Our Adoption Journey

September 11th, 2001 was a very difficult day for US citizens, and indeed, for many people throughout the world.   I watched the horror on TV, stunned with disbelief.  I stayed home for two days, for my work is at a military base and non-essential workers were told to not to come in.  My grief lasted the whole week, even though I don't directly know anyone who lost their life in this tragedy.  Even now, three weeks later, I have difficultly writing about it.  I can only imagine how terrible this time must be for those who lost loved ones on that morning when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was attacked.

The Dossier

We have chosen to use the services of a Document Processing Agent.  This person helps to get all the necessary certifications and authentications together for the Dossier.  On a recommendation from another FCC-SD member we got in contact with Jill Touloukian (papermidwife.com) and we were quickly impressed by her knowledge, attention to detail, and thorough letters.  

We have a total of 13 documents that have to be certified and authenticated:  Application Letter, Financial Statement, Police Clearances (2), Physical Exams (2), Birth Certificates (2), Marriage Certificate, Employment Letter, Unemployment Statement, Home Study, and a copy of I-171H from INS.  At this point we have Notarized copies of every item except the last two (one of our friend's mother turns out to be a Notary and so we have managed to save a bit of money having her do most of the documents).  On September 22 we sent off our Out-Of-State documents, along with a large check to Jill so she can start in on those.  

A week ago Friday (the 21st) we received the draft copy of our Home Study.  It was wonderful to read all about ourselves, and to have our lives put down so succinctly in eight pages.   I'm listed as "intelligent, friendly, and articulate," while Lise is described as "intelligent, witty, and thoughtful."  We are very happy with the results.  

There were a few typos, and a couple of mistakes relating our siblings, in the draft so we corrected those and sent an email to our Social Worker.