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Although we made the official decision to adopt from Viet Nam again a few months ago, we’ve only recently begun diving into the paperwork required to adopt. We’re finding that it’s not much different (or easier) than the first time around. I honestly assumed that it would be less stressful, but as soon as our home study update packet arrived I realized that my assumptions couldn’t have been more wrong. Of course, I have a better handle on the process and paperwork, but it’s still overwhelming and stressful at times. Especially because now I’m running after a toddler and living in a different home, so things are a bit more harried.
We have completed our agency’s contract and application and are currently working on our home study update. I’m shocked (and annoyed, frankly) that it’s just as labor intensive and costly as our first adoption, even though we’re using the same home study agency. I realize that I could shop around, but we really liked our social worker and there’s a definite comfort factor in working with familiar people, so we’re just going to stay put. They did a really good job on our first home study and Ella’s post placement report, and I have no doubt that this one will be any different.
What complicates things a bit is the fact that our living situation now includes other adults that must be involved in the process. That means extra forms, required documents, fingerprints and lots of fees for all the extra members of the household. Of course they are all super supportive and happy to help, but it just makes me feel a little more overwhelmed that normal.
So we’re working on collecting our reference letters (in our state adoptive families need 6!!!,) completing our updated autobiographies and getting all of our paperwork in order. So for those of you who are currently in the process of adopting from Viet Nam, I am now happy to join your ranks. It honestly still seems a bit surreal, but I have moments of clarity when I realize that we will actually be back in Viet Nam, visiting some of our favorite restaurants and (gasp!) getting to meet our new daughter; Ella’s new sister! It’s simply amazing. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as we go 
More Reading:
Are You Ready for Another Child?
Adopting Again – Which Country?
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