Sunday, October 19, 2008

Make Room For Another Princess?

To date, this blog has been about our little turnip, Devi Rose, and if it were not for her, the dream of another princess would have never materialized. She has just brought so much joy to our lives, who wouldn't want more? So here we are teetering on the brink of officially joining a waiting list. I would be remiss in documenting our lives for the future reading pleasure of our child or children, if I did not share the behind-the-scenes, series of events as of late.

We currently have finished our final home study interview with Barbara, our social worker, who has had to wade through our childhood upbringing and remembrances, has discussed our personal and professional relationships, prodded through our medical issues, and opened the doors to our financial structure. She has visited our home and we've chatted about our parenting abilities, answered questions regarding cultural differences and our desire to add another child to our all ready busy life. Revealing one's soul to someone is not easy, but Barbara has always made us feel so comfortable that at the end of this process, it is so easy to now call her a friend. The report that she is writing from the compilation of these interviews is what becomes known as our home study report. It suggests her opinions of our ability to successfully adopt another child from India and raise them as our own in a safe and nurturing environment.

This document is then joined by copies of our birth certificates and marriage license and the I-800A form, also known as the Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country. The whole package is then sent to US Citizenship and Immigration Services in the hopes that they, too, will approve us to move forward in what we call our "International Adoption Journey"! This then leads to more fingerprints and forms that I'll explain another time.

Simultaneously, we have been collecting the documents that will make up our dossier, which is sort of like a resume of your life's experiences to date. These documents include tax returns, and financial information, background checks from FBI and state or local police, HIV test results, forms, forms and more forms. It also contains letters. The letters encompass reference letters from friends and family, letters from our physicians regarding our health, a letter from the bank and our employers, and the one I've enclosed a copy of is the notarized letter that states that we have had a discussion with Devi regarding her desire to add a brother or sister to our family followed by a picture drawn for the mystery child. Sound ridiculous? I know, I know, how can a not-yet-two-year-old comprehend the adoption of a sibling? But the whole scene was rather cute and went down something like this:

Scene opens...Devi is coloring and mommy is videotaping...

Momma: Devi, daddy and I would like to bring home a baby sister for you from India. Would you like a baby sister?
Devi: Sister? (pause in thought) SISTER!
M: You would like a baby sister?
D: Uh-huh.
M: What should we name your baby sister?
D: Daya!
M: Would you like a baby brother?
D: Brother!
M: What would you name a baby brother?
D: Daya! (pause) Puppy.
M: Are you coloring a picture for your baby brother or sister?
D: Uh-huh. Done momma. Done coloring, momma.

And with that, the conversation ended.

I started the heart and Devi did the rest.

She is still my best kitchen helper and now asks to watch the Cooking Shows!

She is still my best eater too!

Just how many bibs can YOU wear at one time?
Devi can wear 18 before running out of neck.

22 months going on...? Makes a mother worry!

We girls and morning people....daddy is not :)


2 yearish pictures

Still best friends!

12 comments:

Peter and Nancy said...

It couldn't happen to a nicer family! We are cheering you on as you begin another adventure. Thanks for keeping your internet pals in the know! :o)

So Devi likes the name of her friend Daya, hmmm? She must've made a great impression during your visit! I love the dress-up picture, and the bibs! We have a wide variety of fashion statements happening at our house too.
-- Nancy

Traci said...

Congratulations! It's been such a blessing to us to read your blog during our adoption journey. I'm excited to read about this one too.
Best wishes - Traci G. (on Dillon's wait list around #10)

The Labontes said...

They grow up way to quickly, don't they? Glad to hear you're progressing on your next journey. LOVE Devi's pic to her new sibling :)

Kristy

Amy said...

So excited to watch your new journey! I love the story and drawing from Devi - the innocence of a child is so precious.

Devi is so photogenic - love all the outfits! Glad your homestudy went well!

Nadra said...

She's growing up so fast Julie. She's stunning!

Glad your homestudy is complete. Hopefully it won't be too long before you see the face of your next child. Can't wait to follow along.

ColleenC said...

Yay for steps closer to Princess #2! And that drawing is just adorable- not sure why they made her do it : ) but it will be great for the scrapbook anyway!! Can't wait to follow your second journey!

Shad and Maggie Alsworth said...

Can't wait to follow your next adventure!! Devi is going to be a great big sister!!

Fenwick 5 said...

Cute pictures.I am so happy that you are walking into another life changing adventure.It is great to hear that your daughter will have a playmate!!!Gidget waiting for Maiya at number 6!

The Pfeiffer Family said...

Congratulations on completing your homestudy and getting started on all the other paperwork. I love the picture Devi drew for her future sibling (I am amazed at what they require in adoptions)and your conversation was precious. It will be fun to watch your journey as you bring home Princess #2. Devi is such a cutie!!!

April (#7 waiting for Alesha)

Pam said...

Julie,
Devi is such a beautiful girl! I bet you have tons of pictures...;) Can't wait to follow your second journey to Princess #2!

Karen said...

Oh my gosh, she is just SO CUTE!!!!! Aaaaaaah! How do you stand it??!?
Love the bibs, love the princess posing, love the corn and the cooking...what a doll.
Congrats again on taking the next big step! We're rootin' fer ya!

:)
Karen & crew

Jenna Marie Howard said...

Hello
I just wanted to stop by and tell you I enjoy reading your blog. I am adopted and have three other adopted siblings and find such encouragement knowing you are an adoptive parent who obviously loves your children. i have so enjoyed looking at your photos! thank you for sharing! I am the Director of Public Relations for a non-profit organization called World Orphans. We build family style church based orphan homes all over the world and our mission is simple E3 to reach each church…each child…each community. I would love for you to take a look at our website and let me know if you have any questions. (www.worldorphans.com) I hope you will have a glorious blessed day!

Jenna M. Howard
-Director of Public Relations
www.Worldorphans.org
Jennah@worldorphans.org
www.JennaMarieHoward.com