Whoa... wait a minute!

I knew going into the adoption process that there would be mounds of paperwork and red tape. I'd read about it so many times, I'd envisioned it in my mind, and I'd heard countless stories. But last night when I began going through our adoption manual full of documents to be filled out, signed, initialed, and given to other people to fill out on our behalf (i.e. doctors), I suddenly felt incredibly overwhelmed. And frustrated. I wanted to know right then and there exactly what the next step was- I was so confused! Was this everything we needed throughout the entire process? What did I need to get back to the agency now and what could wait? Did I have to print everything at once? It was almost midnight while reviewing all of this and I couldn't just pick up the phone to find out my answers...

I found out today that, no, the 135 pages of documents are indeed NOT everything required from beginning to end. I also found out that several things need to be sent back to the agency very soon (the sooner the better), and that I'll have to print them, sign them, scan them, and email them. On top of that, I was mistaken as to when our next invoice of $1875 was due; originally I thought it was due upon completion of the home study, but it's actually due NOW. And, of course, the home study itself has to be paid for too. But that's AFTER I find a home study agency (I called one today, but had to leave a voicemail). Sooooo, all of this to say that I thought I was going to be tough and prepared, but it turns out I was incredibly mistaken.

Bring on the printer ink and let the fund-raising ensue!