The Big To-Do List

Here's a list of everything that must be done for our adoption.  As well as the dates completed when applicable.  I thought it might be helpful for those of you thinking about adoption to see a timeline.  Keep in mind that because we are adopting a waiting child and that we chose her before beginning the process, our adoption process will be a lot faster than most.  Also keep in mind that our home study is happening WAY faster than most, and that we have a letter from Miah's doctor asking for an expedited process.  ***As of October 7, 2012 we are 3 months into the adoption process.  Based on averages, it's looking like we will have Miah home in June/July.

Hold papers faxed to our agency.  done July 9, 2012
Application to CHI - our adoption agency.  done July 14, 2012
Application to Lifeline - our home study agency.  done July 16, 2012
First home study interview done July 21, 2012
Order copies of marriage license done July 22, 2012
Order copies of birth certificates done July 25, 2012
Write autobiographies and answer discussion questions for home study  done August 8, 2012
Get fingerprints taken for background check done July 30, 2012
Mail fingerprints to FBI for background check done July 30, 2012
Mail off Amy's passport for name change done July 30, 2012
Amy's individual interview for home study done July 31, 2012
Craig's individual interview for home study  done August 13, 2012
Background check received and one copy sent to our social worker done September 6, 2012
Complete 10 hours of adoption education done August 29, 2012
Read two additional articles for adoption education done August 29, 2012
Read The Connected Child for adoption education Amy done July 30, 2012
Last interview for the home study, which includes the home tour done September 10, 2012
Photos of inside and outside of house for home study done September 8, 2012
Various copies or financial, tax, and misc stuff for home study  done August 13, 2012
Home study paperwork  done August 13, 2012
Home study completed, notarized, and apostilled done October 28, 2012
Marriage license apostilled
Birth Certificates apostilled Amy's done Aug 22, 2012, Craig's done September 20, 2012
Background checks apostilled
USCIS I800A paperwork complete done October 24, 2012
USCIS I800A approval  December 11, 2012
USCIS I800A letter apostilled  December 12, 2012
Medical Certificates complete done Aug 22, 2012
Medical Certificates notarized and apostilled  December 12, 2012
Power of Attorney notarized and apostilled  December 12, 2012
Employment letter notarized and apostilled  December 12, 2012
Copies of passports notarized and apostilled  December 12, 2012
Photos of our home and family notarized and apostilled   December 12, 2012
Misc dossier paperwork notarized and apostilled December 12, 2012
Send off dossier to Agency December 12, 2012
Agency translates and sends dossier to Miah's birth country  December 14, 2012
FBI background check update
Medical update
Verbal referral from Miah's country to adopt her  February 28, 2013
Written referral from Miah's country to adopt her
Send off I800
Travel to visit Miah!  END OF STAGE ONE  March 2, 2013
Article 5 Sent - march 18
Article 5 signature - may 29, 2013
Submission for court - hopefully may 31, 2013
Receive court date
Court approves adoption - Maia is OURS!
Receive travel date
Travel to pick up Maia!  
Post adoption visits