1. One page childhood summaries

I'm done; deadline is Monday-Tuesday for M. I'm with Lauren on this one. M is totally excited about the adoption, but leaves things until the last minute sometimes.

2. Financial statement

This one I delegated to M as well. Deadline is Monday-Tuesday.

3. Reason for adoption statement

That's mine. I will work on this today.

4. List of 4 references, non-family members, who have known us at least four years.

We have identified our prime candidates; and need to contact them and let them know that we would like their support.

5. Pictures of us

Done and forwarded to T*rget for printing. I'll pick these up over the weekend.

Today Michael and I checked out our nearby, accrediated (I love everything that's accrediated!) pre-school program. We are a little bit disappointed by the size and cleanliness/upkeep of the place, but the program seems educationally sound and they have experience with children who were adopted from Russia. I have requested information from a few other schools in the area, and will continue looking.

I'm trying to figure out what we'll do once they are home. I may continue to work (if possible) part-time to help pay the bills especially since my company provides good health care insurance. M's work is all commission based so our income can flucuate quite a bit. Since M works from home we also have some flexibility with childcare. Even if I decide to stay home, we both agree that it will be important to get the girls into preschool part-time to help with their English and socialization skills.

At the school we attended today, the full day rate per month is $828 per child. Half days (8:30AM-12:00PM) is $587 per child. Does this sound reasonable to you?