We had our final combined interview for our Homestudy with our SW today. We started out the meeting with some questions we had.
Most specifically, we asked her what she thought about the number of EPs (travel documents) that are issued each year and how this will effect future waiting families. EPs or Emigration Permits are issued by the Korean Gov't and gives a child permission to leave the country. Once a family receives a referral they must complete a few other documents and wait for EP before bringing their child home. There are some LL families who received referrals in the first part of 2009 but, will not be able to bring their children home until after the new year. This is because the allotted number of EPs for this year have been given out. I asked her how she thought this "catch up" next year will effect other waiting families. She told me, although, this is unusual, she does think (of course, she can't be certain) that this will work itself out and not significantly increase wait times. I asked her if she thought this would push our time frame out; if it would be more realistic to expect to travel in 2011, rather than late 2010? She told us they are expecting more referrals this year and we shouldn't jump the gun and change our waiting expectations. She asked that we try and be patient and see how the "catch up" works out at the beginning of the year. I did like that answer, it made me feel a little more at ease ;-)....let the process just progress and work itself out.
After we got our questions answered, the meeting seemed to go really well. I think we are more comfortable with our SW and the whole process. The questions and answers seemed to flow easily. She asked about our marriage, our parenting style, our thoughts on birth parent searches, our feelings toward the birth mother, how we do/will discuss adoption in our home.
We also did a quick paperwork review and she thinks we have ALL of our paperwork complete and turned in. Yeah! Next, our SW will come to our home for the final step in the Homestudy process. At this time, she will talk with G and take a look at our home. We are looking forward to completing this final step.
G seems to be doing a great job of understanding adoption (as much as a 4 year old can). The hardest thing for her to understand is the WHEN. WHEN is my little brother coming home? Will it be when I'm in Kindergarten? How come you don't know? It's so interesting to watch a 4 year old try to conceptualize how he is going to get here and where he is coming from. She doesn't seem the least bit concerned with this. She just wants to have her baby brother here to play with, now! I do think she understands more than most people would expect.....and her excitement is just PRICELESS.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Some Answers
Why did we decide to Adopt?
It's where we were lead and it just feels right. Long before we were certain we had IF issues, we researched International programs and countries, and the option of going this route to expand our family. I was always fascinated with the process and loved to hear from families we knew or were acquainted with to see how the process went, how they were adjusting, etc.
Why did we choose Korea?
Like I said, before we made the decision that International adoption was the route we would go; we did a great deal of research on countries and their programs. The Korean program was appealing to us for a number of reasons. In comparison to many other country's programs, the waiting time is quite short. Babies are expected to come home before their first birthday. Babies are cared for in foster homes until they are placed with their forever families. Korea's Health care is excellent and similar to that of the US. Babies are usually referred with good background information and well documented medical records. Korea does not require a lengthy stay in country. Many families make the trip in about 1 week. Families may choose to travel to pick up their child or choose an escort.
More on the questions later. This post might get too long and wordy if I answer them all at once.
Since my last post, we've been quite busy. My first nephew was born on November 4th. Congrats to my brother and his wife! He is so beautiful and precious!
We took our annual, week long, trip to Siesta Key, FL with K's family. We had a wonderful time, as always. Tropical Storm, Ida, got in the way of our sun on a few of the days but, we were still in warm FL and enjoyed spending time with the family.
On Saturday, November 14th, we attended a Parent Education Training at LL. As part of our Homestudy and to be licensed by DCFS to bring an adopted child into our home, we must complete a certain number of training hours. Saturday's training, along with 5 online courses, will complete our hours. During the first part of the training on Saturday, a Pediatric Psychologist gave a presentation. It addressed a wide variety of topics including, child development and behavior management. It was very informative. Our SW gave a brief presentation on how to discuss adoption, the word adoption, and the meaning of adoption with your child as he grows up. My favorite part of the day was hearing from two families who have already brought their children home. K and I loved to watch the two little guys run around and hear about the families' journeys and experiences.
It's where we were lead and it just feels right. Long before we were certain we had IF issues, we researched International programs and countries, and the option of going this route to expand our family. I was always fascinated with the process and loved to hear from families we knew or were acquainted with to see how the process went, how they were adjusting, etc.
Why did we choose Korea?
Like I said, before we made the decision that International adoption was the route we would go; we did a great deal of research on countries and their programs. The Korean program was appealing to us for a number of reasons. In comparison to many other country's programs, the waiting time is quite short. Babies are expected to come home before their first birthday. Babies are cared for in foster homes until they are placed with their forever families. Korea's Health care is excellent and similar to that of the US. Babies are usually referred with good background information and well documented medical records. Korea does not require a lengthy stay in country. Many families make the trip in about 1 week. Families may choose to travel to pick up their child or choose an escort.
More on the questions later. This post might get too long and wordy if I answer them all at once.
Since my last post, we've been quite busy. My first nephew was born on November 4th. Congrats to my brother and his wife! He is so beautiful and precious!
We took our annual, week long, trip to Siesta Key, FL with K's family. We had a wonderful time, as always. Tropical Storm, Ida, got in the way of our sun on a few of the days but, we were still in warm FL and enjoyed spending time with the family.
On Saturday, November 14th, we attended a Parent Education Training at LL. As part of our Homestudy and to be licensed by DCFS to bring an adopted child into our home, we must complete a certain number of training hours. Saturday's training, along with 5 online courses, will complete our hours. During the first part of the training on Saturday, a Pediatric Psychologist gave a presentation. It addressed a wide variety of topics including, child development and behavior management. It was very informative. Our SW gave a brief presentation on how to discuss adoption, the word adoption, and the meaning of adoption with your child as he grows up. My favorite part of the day was hearing from two families who have already brought their children home. K and I loved to watch the two little guys run around and hear about the families' journeys and experiences.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy Halloween
What a wonderful Weekend! The constant rain we have been having finally let up a bit on Saturday so the kiddies could get out and trick and treat. You may recall from my post last year that G was anti-"trick or treating". She's a little cautious of masks. Last year she would have nothing do with them. This year she is not so much scared but, likes to keep her distance. She dressed up for school on Friday and had a good time at the classroom party. I was lucky to be a room mom again this year. I just love seeing all the kids dressed up with those big happy smiles on their faces. This year G told us she doesn't like masks but was going to just go with it and "be brave". As you can tell from the pictures, she thoroughly enjoyed filling up that little bucket with candy.
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