Over the past month or so, Frank and I have really confirmed our decision to adopt. We’ve had many, long conversations about "the plan." We have to finish our time here and then move. Once we are settled - I’m giving us one month, because I can’t wait any longer than that - we are going to send in the I600A with attached documentation and apply to the agency. We’re hoping that things will move quickly and we will be able to have our homestudy and paper collection completed within two - three months. From there it’s more hopes and tentative plans and a schedule that I’ve become obsessive about writing out for myself. I don’t know why. Maybe to make myself feel better - like this is actually going to happen someday.
I just don’t know what my deal is. I feel like I don’t want to wait to start this - can’t wait. Did anyone else feel like this? It’s strange because I’ve always been so focused on school - undergrad, getting into med school, etc. Frank has always been very focused on his work and schooling, too. I guess we’re just in a place where we are feeling ready to start a family. It’s such a strange thing to put that out there because it’s enormous! We were those people who talked about how much we love to travel and when we found out Frank couldn’t have children, we thought no big deal - we won’t have kids. I never really had an innate desire to give birth anyway. But now, we can not wait to go through this adoption. What has happened to change us? I have no idea.
So to make myself feel like something is happening, (even though it won’t until we move back to the States and actually start the adoption next year), I have printed out a few agency applications, the I600A application and some other adoption related things. I’ve even started an adoption binder with these documents in plastic covers. Inside I have also included a checklist, a list of books that have been recommended on several different blogs I have read, and a few other things that I plan to do …. ugh, enough with the planning….
Really, the time goes by fast. Last year, I couldn’t imagine having to wait a year before starting and everyone kept saying “enjoy the time you have before the craziness starts”. And now I’d like to offer you the same advice. You’ll be getting started before you know it.
Comment by Tricia — March 2, 2007 @ 6:45 am
I know how you feel. Once we made the decision that we were going to go forward with the adoption I COULD NOT WAIT to get started. I needed to take things slowly though because I didn’t want to freak out my husband. It took him a long time to get to the point where he was okay with us adopting, so if it happened too quickly it might have scared him away. You wouldn’t know he felt that way now! We are both so glad this was the decision we made. Once we started it actually went pretty quickly. 8 months, start to finish. Hope the next year flies by for you!!
Comment by Denise :o) — March 3, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Hey,
I know the feeling. Now that we are in the process, everyday that paperwork is delayed,it feels like for ever—I know that isn’t reality. SO with you too, it will feel like time can’t move fast enough. But as wise adoptive parents have told me, when the time is right it will all fall into place. My job now is just to sit back and accept things as they unfold and happen. So I turn to the blogs to help pass my need to see progress. That truely keeps me going.
Comment by brandie — March 4, 2007 @ 3:32 am
I couldn’t wait to get started either. I think we started too quickly. We didn’t do enough research on agencies first. You have a little bit of time to be sure you go with the right agency. Enjoy that time to research.
There are so many great agencies, go with the one that you feel comforatble with. We decided to use one that is in state so they would do everything including the Home Study. I like knowing that I can get in the car and drive 30 minutes and be at their office if I need to. For me that was a huge deciding factor.
Comment by Debbie — March 4, 2007 @ 1:52 pm