Adoption - To Do List Update

I never intended for this blog to have so much Adoption stuff, but every time I write about everyone seems to like it so I'll keep it up. You may have noticed that I added an "Adoption" tab to the top of the blog to start keeping all the adoption posts in one place. So, if you're ever interested in a previous post, that's where to go.

A while back I shared our Adoption To Do List with you. Well, I thought in an attempt to be open about the process I'd show you the progress we've made so far. You'll notice that there are quite a lot of things left to do. It's a little surprising how long some of this stuff can take. Things seem simple, and some of them are, but the sheer number of tasks combined with less free time from taking classes means that we don't get quite as much done each weekend and I'd hoped. But we are making progress, and I keep reminding myself that's what's important. Besides, there are so 'getting ready for baby' projects that we're working on that aren't on the adoption agency's list.. like decorating the nursery. I'm working hard on my accent wall and hopefully will be able to share it with you very soon.

To Do:

• Classes
• AFI 1 (1/8/13)
• AFI 2 (1/10/13)
• AFI 3 & 4 (1/12/13)
• AFI 5 (1/15/13)
• AFI 6 (1/17/13)
• AFI 7 & 8 (1/19/13)
• Meds Class
• MCMT I & II
• CPR/First Aid
• Application – 90% finished
• Reference Letters (4) - they will send form to names we provide
• Criminal Background Check
• NCIC Digital Fingerprints
• TB Test
• Fire Inspection (may require gas inspection)
• Smoke detector installed in all bedrooms and in hallway near bedrooms
• Need a screen in front of the fireplace
• Need new lock for bathroom - must be able to be unlocked from outside in an emergency – bought locks, need to install
• In Houston you have to get a permit first: 713-859-4322
• Inspector: 832-394-6919, 832-394-9083
• Environmental Inspection
• All medication needs to be locked - see if we can replace lock on cabinet
• All expired meds thrown out
• All cleaning fluids out of reach  - clean out area over washer/dryer and put there
• No food on ground, even in pantry - double check, I think we’re ok
• No expired food
• 5 lbs. Fire Extinguisher in kitchen with tag
• Evacuation Plan posted on wall
• Foster License displayed on wall (after we get it)
• Each mattress needs a protective covering (need kids bed first)
• First Aid kit - need one
• 3 Days worth of food - Make a tub and store in closet
• All outlets need covers – we’ve bought them, need to use them
• Marriage License
• Proof of Education (Diploma)
• CPR card (copy of front and back)
• Medical Consent Online Class
• Psychotropic Medications Course
• Driver Licenses
• Auto Insurance

• Floor Plan (with measurements of every room) - I have this in floorplanner.com, we can just print it out
• Property Sketch/Pictures of property
• Short-Term Child Care Provider  - get parents to fill out application / take CPR classes