Finally we have movement...

I am so excited to work on adoption paperwork. I never thought I'd actually say that, but the truth is, it's been nice to have something to do. We've been so stagnant in this process over the past 6 months that it is nice to be able to do something, even if is more paperwork. We currently are working on FBI clearances. The State of Texas doesn't require them for our home study process, as many states do. The Korean courts don't understand that each state does things differently in the US. Some families are required by their state to pass an FBI clearance as part of their home study. In TX they are simply happy with a state level criminal check. In order to prevent delays for our case in the future, our agency has requested we go ahead and complete a check in case the Korean Courts ask for it.

I have to say I've been really impressed with our adoption coordinator. Many of you have heard me complain about my various coordinators along the way, but our newest coordinator has been so sweet. She always answers my questions right away and she even called our social worker in TX to find out how we go about completing this new criminal check. She emailed us detailed instructions and did all of the research for us. I cannot tell you how much of blessing it is to have someone research some of the paperwork for you. She has made updating paperwork a breeze compared to the medical update I had to complete last week!

On that note, I am happy to report that I safely lost 8 lbs in four days to pass my medical check-up. In September, our agency hopes to submit our case to the Ministry for Emigration Permission in September. Currently it's taking as long as 10 weeks for EP to be received. Let's hope things move a little quicker in the Ministry. Once EP is issued it will take about a week for our case to go to Court. Currently, it is taking the Courts about a month to review files and issue a court date. That's right folks, you heard me correctly, A COURT DATE! The date is usually 3-4 weeks out in order for us to have time to arrange travel.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will get to make our first trip by the end of the year!! In a perfect world I'd like to have Bennett home for Christmas, but I will settle for a first trip by the end of the year ;)

I cannot believe that we have been matched with Bennett for over a year now. It's amazing how quickly time has gone by in terms of watching our little one grow up in photos. However, things have moved so slowly in terms of the wait time. I haven't been motivated to do a lot of decorating in his room. However, we have painted part of his room (we are going with a blue and gray theme) and David put together his crib last weekend. We've had it a for a few months now, but I haven't wanted to put it together. It's convertible so we can use it as a toddler bed, if needed. I am really nervous about sleeping arrangements when Bennett comes home. He is currently co-sleeping with his foster mother and I imagine the transition to a bed by himself will not be easy. I've been thinking of ways to ease this transition such as putting him in bed with us for awhile, put his crib in our bedroom, putting a bed in his room, I am not quite sure. I'm open for any advice or insight. Please feel free to share any tips!

We still have a few necklaces from Compelled Designs for sale. Here's a link to our last blog entry with photos of each necklace. Click on: Compelled Design Fundraiser Post

Hasta luego,
Amanda