We’ve gone over the loose timeline of the adoption a lot. Many of the details were to be processed during their respective steps. All I could remember from the practical matching period was that we were to get acquainted, then proceed through mutual attachment as we would spend time together, first at the foster parent’s home, then in our home, and then ta-da! – the child would be entrusted to us full time in view of adoption for 90 days.
This practical matching time said it must include 4 official meetings with the social workers and the psychologist. Then whatever medical evaluations. We are almost there. We need one last form (a declaration) to fill out, and then our case is submitted to the court so they could issue an official document (in a about a week) stating that our daughter is entrusted to us. Then, after 90 days we will get her birth certificate reissued as Jaclyn Altmann.
I underestimated this particular step. Jaclyn attached to us fast and easy. We fit together like a glove. And we rise to the challenge. We keep hearing “take your time” and “you know it will be hard once she moves in full time” …and these words of wisdom have merit, yet here we are, as ready as we’ll ever be. We are anxious to move forward as Jaclyn cries after us every night we have to leave her back with the foster parents. And the drive to Cluj and back is a challenge still, as car sickness doesn’t get cured with just strong will. She is so brave to push through 1+ hour drive each way. And she says: “this time I won’t get sick!”.
In conclusion, even with the best intentions and the fastest processing, the practical matching will last over a month. This information is relevant to Romanians only. Other countries, other rules. We shall see if this time of transitioning, longer than it felt necessary, was indeed useful. I see Jaclyn adapt, and today for the first time, resigned she said, “when it’s night we have to go back to Dia”. For now yes…
I was sorting through papers and she asks: “what is this?” to which I answered casually “it’s for your adoption”. She took the paper and showed it to daddy and said with cheer: “this is for my adoption!”.
This week she started saying about ten words in english, all of a sudden. All of Rufus’ commands, and the daily exchange of words with her daddy.
An article I read a while ago said that children are wired to absorb new information, and while they feel loved and secure, they learn everything by default. We count, we sing, we draw, we play, and she just flourishes. It is quite amazing to witness.