A Russian Adoption Begins
Where to begin....many months ago I decided that another child would make a wonderful addition to our family. I began with a 40+ hour week internet search for an international country that would first allow single woman to adopt, and second would be right for Charlee and I. After many many long hours on the internet, a million e-mails, a few restless nights. After my long nights of searchin, I did came up with two conclusions: I wanted a girl of Asian decent.
On July 8, 2008 I received a phone call from Partners For Adoption. I spoke with Lisa, who has recently adopted her daughter from Russia, for an hour about this region in Russia called Vladivostok. After telling Lisa my desires, she informed me that Asian children are available in Russia, particularly in Vladivostok. I asked Lisa tons of questions and asked her to send me the information packet on their Russian program.
As soon as I hung up the phone, I knew that Vladivostok, Russia is were my daughter was born or going to be born. Everything just felt right. I knew it was the right thing for Charlee and I.
Over the next few weeks, I did 40+ hours of internet research on Russian adoptions, Vladivostok, Partners for Adoption, and a second adoption. I contacted other adoptive families that have used Partners for Adoption, contacted Lisa on several occasions with questions, and scheduled a phone appointment with Diana, the director of the Russian Program.
On July 22, 2008 I spoke with Diana about my future daughter from Russia. We spoke for about 3o minutes. She reviewed the process of gathering documents, waiting, travel, and post adoption requirements. Russia is similar to China's program but extremely different in many areas. The wait time for a girl from Russia is from 12 to 18 months but Diana said, "Don't be shocked if you receive a referral in 8 months because of requesting an Asian/Eurasian girl". After I hung up the phone, I was ready to start.
On July 30, my application fee, application, retainer fee, and retainer fee were signed and sent to Partners For Adoption. The beginning had officially began.
My homestudy was conducted on September 8, 2008 with Suzanne. She is wonderful. I felt very comfortable with her. Charlee had a great time coloring with Suzanne during our visit.
As of today, I'm waiting for my homestudy to be reviewed by Partners for Adoption. My other documents are ready to be notarized. Once I have my homestudy and my other documents notarized, I'll make a quick trip up to the State Capital to the Authentication Office for apostille, which will take about one week. Then everything is off to Partners For Adoption where it will be sent to Russia for translation, and registration with the Russian government.
Then the long wait.....
Charlee on July 4, 2008 (one month before surgery).jpg)
August 5, 2008 The day of surgery.jpg)
Charlee today (with two mosquito bites on her cheek) 
Charlee, Little Liza, and Beau ready for the trip up the canyon
The Kitchen 
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