1,000 Signatures and 50 notarized documents later...

Filling out paperwork!

I thought we had done a lot of paperwork so far in this process, then I opened our acceptance package of papers. Wow! Kirk and I just spent the past three days signing our full names and the date on over 1,000 documents. For any of you who have gone through this process, you know what I'm talking about! The hardest part of this acceptance packet was needing 55 docs notarized. Here in California, notaries charge $10 a signature. That would be more than $1,100 for all our paperwork! So, needless to say, we spent a lot of time calling, asking for advice, and trying to figure out how to get some serious pro bono notary services. Finally, we discovered that a local bank would notarize for free if we opened an account there. When they set up this service, I don't think they actually thought someone would come in with over 55 documents :) After some sweet talking, and explaining of our situation, a very helpful bank employee sat with us for three hours and did all the notarizing (I will be bringing him homemade cookies later this week.) So many people have gone above and beyond to help us with this process; doctors, notaries, bankers, employers. I can't wait to take our daughter to see them, so they can see what their generosity helped to bring to fruition! This morning we sent off all the paperwork to begin the process of bringing Moni home! It feels so good to get the ball rolling.

A very nice Dillon relative also just sent us a picture of Moni at age 5 weeks (thanks Susan!) She is such a sweet, tiny peanut. I just want to scoop her up and hold her close.

A big thank you to all you wonderful Dillon families, for your joyous and supportive outpouring toward us receiving a referral! I'm so very glad to have you with us on this journey. So many times, it is your words of support and guidance that bring me a sense of peace and calm. And that is how I feel now. Calm. I know my daughter is out there, I know I will be with her soon. I have been assured by many Dillon families who have already adopted, that she is receiving excellent care. I am praying that she continues to grow and become stronger every day. For now, we wait. Here is an overview of the next steps leading up to our travel to India: (this should take about 6 months)

1.) Our 800 form will be submitted to US Citizen and Immigration

2.) Our dossier will be sent to India, and the children's home prepares our case for the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in New Delhi.

3.) Upon 800 approval, US Immigration sends our approval to the National Visa Center in New Hampshire, who then sends our approval to the US Embassy in New Delhi.

4.) The Article 5 will be issued by the US Embassy in New Delhi and provided to CARA.

5.) Once CARA receives the Article 5, our case will put forth for CARA approval. Our case will go before a committee for the approval of the No Objection Certificate (NOC.)

6.) Once CARA grants the NOC, they will send the NOC to the children's home in Kolkata (where Moni is!)

7.) The children's home will then submit our case to the Kolkata courts for the guardianship process. This takes two steps: scrutinization of paperwork, and a guardianship hearing.

8.) Once guardianship is granted, we are the legal guardians of Moni. The children's home can then submit a request for Moni's Indian passport.

9.) Once we have the passport, we will call the US Embassy in New Delhi to make an appointment for the visa interview.

10.) At this point, we buy tickets to India and fly to get Moni!