We’ve been sufficiently slacking on the home study front. I honestly thought the second time around would be easier, and in some regards it is, but when it comes to our home study update it is most definitely not. Even though we completed Ella’s adoption just a year ago, we are required by our home study agency to re-complete many of the same forms that we did not too long ago. I understand that we need to be fingerprinted again, our financial status may have changed, we need updated police reports and a few other things that don’t bother me in the least. Frankly, I’m annoyed by the fact that we must resubmit lengthy autobiographies, cultural/transracial adoption forms and reference letters again as well as have an in office visit in addition to our home visit. Most of this has nothing to do with our home study agency and is the fault of where we live.

The lovely state which we call home has some requirements that are much more demanding and time consuming than those of other states. We are required to have six reference letters (including one from a neighbor and one from each parent’s employer. Also, our I600 form won’t be processed without a completed home study attached to it. We could go ahead and send it in now, but it would only sit and risk getting lost in the shuffle as we move forward with our home study.

I’ve gotten on the ball in the last few days and have just about all of paperwork completed. My husband scheduled our in office visit for us for early November when he has a break from school (he’s a teacher,) and my mom will also be home to watch Ella (she’s a school nurse.) So, we’re moving in the right direction, but I’m still shocked that it feels as stressful at times as the first time around. Maybe it’s because I don’t have as much (any!) free time anymore and am chasing after a toddler. If that’s the case, then I shouldn’t complain since toddler chasing has become an activity that I love and I wouldn’t trade it for all the free time in the world.

More Reading:
We're Adopting Again!!!
Post Placement Visit
Our Second Adoption Journey - So Far