tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:42:24 +0000money savinghomestudytravelwelcomenewsweekendstipsdossierdefinitionsextrasfundingRussiauscisgetting startednetworkingadoptionTips, tricks and advice for completing an international adoption. We cover all countries, but especially Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, China and Ethiopia.http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Tami)Blogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-7719119438530972360Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +00002009-04-14T10:19:05.857-07:00newsIn an effort to make sure Adoption DIY continues to provide you with the best in international adoption techniques...we are reorganizing our site. Please be patient. We hope to have more information soon.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/J_JH24PIxgc/please-be-patient.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)3<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/J_JH24PIxgc" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/04/please-be-patient.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-208801888826061097Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:05:12.598-07:00homestudytipsadoptionThe autobiography can range anywhere from an interview, to a form or an essay that you write.N o international adoption journey would be complete without the home study. While it sounds daunting, it really is a pretty simple, easy step in the process of bringing your child home. It just requires a little more time to complete.One part of that homestudy will more than likely include an http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/-4iodU1Gj3Q/tell-me-about-yourself.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)3<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/-4iodU1Gj3Q" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/tell-me-about-yourself.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-3604248700420515728Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:04:39.146-07:00dossiertipsadoptionWhile it may seem rather obvious, there really are several reasons why it really is best to have your apostilles done all at the same time.As you're putting together your dossier there are so many things to keep track of...so many bits of paper. So while it may seem rather obvious, there really are several reasons why it really is best to have your apostilles done all at the same time.1. Postage http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/kxWMA1k-iDw/apostilles-all-at-once.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/kxWMA1k-iDw" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/apostilles-all-at-once.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-7593568486909495215Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:04:10.772-07:00traveltipsadoptionIts as easy as filling out a form, getting your passport picture taken...and writing a check.O ne of the easiest things to get done early and get out of the way, is to apply for your passport. Its as easy as filling out a form, getting your passport picture taken...and writing a check. There are a few things you'll need to provide...like a form of ID and proof of citizenship. And if you've never http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/AtJUTfK5wtc/get-that-passport-now.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/AtJUTfK5wtc" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/get-that-passport-now.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-7929521459691975078Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:03:26.753-07:00tipsweekendsadoptionThis weekend why don't you try learning a new language?N othing passes slower during the adoption process than the weekends.There's no paperwork to be done.No emails to receive.No phone calls to make.Nothing.So what adoption related stuff CAN you do to pass the time while waiting for your life to begin again on Monday morning?This weekend why don't you try learning a new language?When we adopted http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/gWpS2_Ana4E/weekend-pass-language-lessons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/gWpS2_Ana4E" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/weekend-pass-language-lessons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-4698232138142087860Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:02:33.713-07:00tipsfundingadoptionWhat better way to promote the joy of building your family through adoption?I t can be frustrating coming up with the money for an international adoption. The charges can really add up, so many families are starting to turn to fundraising as a way to come up with the extra cash they need.The Reed Family has come up with a unique idea.Adoption Window Decals for your car.The family ordered the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/Ch4rtiGT5Pg/fundraising-ideas-window-decals.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/Ch4rtiGT5Pg" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/fundraising-ideas-window-decals.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-6560130282930524816Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:02:03.672-07:00tipsgetting startedadoptionIt doesn't take long for your mailbox to get jammed full of packets from agencies...W hen you start the adoption process it doesn't take long for your mailbox to get jammed full of packets from agencies with contracts, fee schedules and country information. It can be overwhelming. How in the world can a parent-to-be sort through the information to figure out what option is best for them?The Jointhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/oeSTFdG5pSI/cost-comparisons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/oeSTFdG5pSI" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/cost-comparisons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-3522465323254467492Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:01:33.011-07:00tipsweekendsadoptionMy favorite luxury items is a big bag of Famous Amos CookiesN othing passes slower during the adoption process than the weekends. Instead of dreading the weekends during the your international adoption process, why don't you try a few of our suggestions to help pass the time while waiting for the adoption whirlwind to begin again Monday morning?This weekend why don't you try start compiling your http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/D_oPDrSmR6E/weekend-pass-luxury-items.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/D_oPDrSmR6E" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/weekend-pass-luxury-items.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-3342146890558477838Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:01:06.787-07:00tipsgetting startedadoptionSigning up with an international adoption agency is a huge step in the adoption process. These are the people who will help you find your child, so its critical that you have a great working relationship with them.With that in mind here are some things you need to make sure your new agency provides you with BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.FEES - Your new agency should have provided you with a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/U71FSpwFAm4/it-is-critical-that-you-have-this.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/U71FSpwFAm4" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/it-is-critical-that-you-have-this.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-1043818668421930602Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:00:34.292-07:00dossiertipsadoptionThere are several subtle cost and time saving reasons for using the same notary.W e've talked about how you can complete your international adoption without paying a dime for notaries...And about how important it is to make sure your notary's commission is good for at least a year.But what we haven't talked about are the subtle cost and time saving reasons there are for using the same notary for http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/-HW_-QDU2bo/using-same-notary.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/-HW_-QDU2bo" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/using-same-notary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-1498657096842321538Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T16:00:07.959-07:00traveltipsadoptionIf you absolutely can't live without something pack it in the carry-on. You can even check it at the gate without a weight limit. So Y ou used to be able to get away with jammed everything you could possibly need into your suitcases. But with the new maximum weight limits on luggage being around 50 pounds, it means you're going to have to be a little more careful when you're packing. Here are http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/uV5ANDkuTdg/pack-it-wisely.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/uV5ANDkuTdg" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/pack-it-wisely.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-3119565912481024628Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:59:31.342-07:00tipsadoptionnetworkingBlogging is a great way to not only learn more about the adoption process for the country you're going to, but also to connect with othe.r parentsO ther adoptive parents are a great resource when it comes to picking adoption agencies, understanding your child's culture and figuring out how to navigate the rough waters of international adoption. Networking with other PAPS is crucial in the successhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/Ro6sIamCYJU/join-network.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/Ro6sIamCYJU" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/join-network.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-117103714362775029Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:59:04.389-07:00newsadoptionRussiaThe Russian Ministry of Education and Science sent a letter to all of the regions with a list of home study providers who have not submitted post placements reports as required by law.T he Russian government takes post-placement reports very seriously. As well they should. It gives them an idea of how the child is doing in their new environment which in turn paves the way for more children find http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/Y96y_cmzFEU/russians-issue-notice-about-home-study.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/Y96y_cmzFEU" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/russians-issue-notice-about-home-study.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-6014496697142121361Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:58:41.412-07:00adoptiondefinitionsH ere are some more definitions to expand your knowledge of adoption terminology... Adoption consultant - Anyone who helps with the placement of a child, but specifically someone who makes it his or her private business to facilitate adoptions. Adoption petition - The legal document through which prospective parents request the court's permission to adopt a specific child. Alcohol-related birthhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/-1l7ot9ltgs/tackling-terminology-part-three.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/-1l7ot9ltgs" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/tackling-terminology-part-three.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-209999787762254298Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:58:11.657-07:00traveltipsadoptionBe prepared to carry some serious cash with you to pay for hotels, restaurants and other travel expenses.W hen you're headed overseas the last thing you want to do is carry a wad of cash, but in this case its probably the best thing to do.Even in today's modern age credit cards and travelers checks are still not widely accepted in many countries, like China and Russia. And ever where they're http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/4z-DwR_yF5c/cash-and-carry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/4z-DwR_yF5c" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/cash-and-carry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-2324361450030636450Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:57:48.245-07:00traveltipsadoptionCall your credit card companies before you leave.If you plan to take your credit cards with you on your adoption trip there is one thing you shouldn't forget to do before you leave. Call your credit card companies.Letting them know you are traveling internationally protects you in one big way.Chances are if you haven't called them, the credit card company, in the interest of preventing identity http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/DML0bbqdPyM/credit-clearance.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/DML0bbqdPyM" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/credit-clearance.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-8347339999037194996Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:33:00 +00002009-03-26T15:57:22.535-07:00traveltipsadoptionI f your adoption process includes two trips, consider buying souvenirs on trip one. It will be alot easier to bring them home than trip two when you have a child in tow! :)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/e43Cn5GgX8k/schlepping-souvenirs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/e43Cn5GgX8k" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/03/schlepping-souvenirs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-8580506609548740060Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:56:39.440-07:00homestudytipsadoptionIt will not only save you time, but also money...I know you're in a big hurry to get started on your adoption process...and you want to get that biggie...the homestudy, behind you.But before you start tracking down all kinds of documents, it may be best just to hold off a minute.Consider waiting to start compiling your home study documents until you get a specific list from your agency.It will http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/xpUFL6Kov8Y/wait-just-minute.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/xpUFL6Kov8Y" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/wait-just-minute.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-5101001731621047837Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:56:16.028-07:00adoptiondefinitionsH ere are some more definitions to expand your knowledge of adoption terminology...Adoption benefits - Compensation workers receive from their employers through employer-sponsored programs. It can be anything from financial assistance or reimbursement for adoption expenses to provision of parental or family leave beyond what is required by law. For a list of employers who provide benefits call http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/eQSzvqDaOEs/tackling-terminology-part-two.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/eQSzvqDaOEs" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/tackling-terminology-part-two.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-8748193715020029766Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:55:51.705-07:00tipsadoptionGovernment agencies work on their own timetables and rarely get things done as quickly as we'd like.Y ou're toodling along, marking things off your 'to do' list and generally kicking adoption paperwork butt when... BAM! Something comes up to put you on hold. It is SO frustrating! But unfortunately, it happens to just about everyone. U.S. and foreign government agencies work on their own http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/TSW2a-ozB4M/alright-boy-scout-be-prepared.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/TSW2a-ozB4M" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/alright-boy-scout-be-prepared.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-3890771434519364866Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:54:33.496-07:00dossiertipsadoptionIf you were born, married, divorced...in another state or country, get started on those documents early.T here are many things you can do to help speed up your adoption process. The key is to be incredibly efficient in compiling your dossier.If you were born, married, divorced or had a spouse who died in another state or country, get those documents early. The officials in the state or country http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/DnjS87uCfSQ/out-of-state-keep-in-mind.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/DnjS87uCfSQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/out-of-state-keep-in-mind.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-1134457699939693059Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:54:05.935-07:00dossiertipsadoptionInclude a big "thank you" to everyone you write for helping you with such an important event.W arm up those typing fingers, get the spellcheck ready and pull out the thesaurus.Its time to start writing.One way to smooth out your adoption process is to include a cover letter for everything you send. It not only helps officials know what you need from them, it gives them a personal connection to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/nTuBszk71xo/covering-essentials.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/nTuBszk71xo" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/covering-essentials.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-1023902418946279092Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:41:00 +00002009-03-26T15:53:34.718-07:00traveltipsadoptionThe bathroom scale is an important part of packing for success.It takes a lot of cash to locate and bring home your child, so its important to cut costs where you can. One of the easiest places to save is in avoiding unnecessary fees.Airlines have put all kinds of restrictions on luggage on international flights and the fees they charge for bulky bags can be unreal. Now, more than ever, its http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/Yw8ie97qtj0/weighing-your-options.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/Yw8ie97qtj0" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/weighing-your-options.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-6869098017398195713Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:53:09.716-07:00newsadoptionEach year the State Department compiles a list of the top countries of immigrant adopted children coming to the states. Here is 2008's Top 20...Country TotalGuatemala - 4,123China - 3,909Russia - 1,861Ethiopia - 1,725South Korea - 1,065Vietnam - 751Ukraine - 457Kazakhstan - 380India - 307 Columbia - 306Haiti - 302Philippines - 291Taiwan - 267Liberia - 249Nigeria - 148Mexico - 103 Ghana - http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/24qRRN94yT4/state-department-stats.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/24qRRN94yT4" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/state-department-stats.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145263617881494824.post-5151439827419240171Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-03-26T15:52:47.562-07:00traveltipsadoptionYour 1-year-old may need to wear 6- to 9-month sized clothing.U nless you've met your child before, its going to be pretty hard to know what size clothes to pack for her. Many of the children coming out of the orphanage system are small - at least by American standards. So its not necessarily accurate to go by the size of your neighbors 2-year-old. And in other cases, the height and weight info http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~3/td4kz8lJGbY/size-it-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Tami)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdoptionDiy/~4/td4kz8lJGbY" height="1" width="1"/>http://diyadoption.blogspot.com/2009/02/size-it-up.html