The Paperchase Continues

As of today, April 6, we have been chasing papers for 3 months! 3-6 months is average, but I know some speed demons who've done it in 6-8 weeks. This has to be one of the most frustrating things I've ever done - even if I had patience, which I don't. I practicied compliance law - all those insurance departments and their tedious paperwork have NOTHING on this paperchase! There's a cute t-shirt out there in adoption land that says:

Homestudy - $1500
CIS fingerprints - $685
Legible Dr signature - Priceless

So true! It is an absolute must that your documents be exactly right - matching dates, legible signature, legible notary signature, state names spelled out, names match, notary must have a year left on commission, etc etc. There is not a doctor on earth who can sign legibly. The pediatrician had to do the kids letter 4 times! Our general practicioner had to do it 6 times! The employment letter twice. I have had very few documents that have passed on the first try (thank you Eddie!) And they still have to go and past muster with our dossier coordinater!

For our homestudy we had to gather many documents, and then have a couple of visits with a social worker (Libby - who was awesome) and take some education classes. It is kind of an intrusive process but we kept in mind that this is to proctect not only the children but ourselves.

I feel like the fingerprint queen. We were fingerprinted twice for the FBI, once for NC, and then once for Homeland Security/Immigration. Sometimes I feel like everyone should have to go through this scrutiny to become a parent. And then wait months and months to get a piece of paper saying - ok, you pass.

We have 2 docs to get certified and authenticated, and 4 documents to get authenticated. Then we wait for the 171h - goodbye paperchase, I can't wait! Happy Easter everyone!