Never ending

Even post adoption, the paperwork continues. I just sent our first post-placement report to Tree of Life (the Kazakh government requires that we send in “progress reports” every year until Garrett is 18; the first four reports have to be written by a social worker; after that we’re free to do our own). It’s very important we complete these reports in a timely manner or else we could jeopardize future adoptions. In fact, Kazakhstan has been known to close down entire regions because families have neglected to send in their reports.

Other post adoption paperwork have included: applying for Garrett’s social security card (have it), re-adoption paperwork (it’s been three months since it was sent in), Minnesota birth certificate (just got it today—now it’ll be easy for Garrett to get a copy of his birth certificate, imagine how difficult it would be getting one from Uralsk), U.S. passport (still need to do), kindergarten registration, special needs assessment (tons of documents associated with that) and more. Hopefully I’m now done for a while.

Sometime this month, the special needs evaluator from the school district will be visiting Garrett at daycare to observe his interactions and skill levels. We, as well as his daycare teachers, had to fill out individual questionnaires called the ABAS form. This will help determine whether Garrett “qualifies” for special education like speech therapy and OT. One of his teachers told me that Garrett has come along way socially but felt he could really use some one-on-one therapy in order to catch up with his peers. When he’s alone with us, he’ll count up to 20. In a group, he won’t speak at all for fear of being ridiculed. Yesterday was open house at his daycare. They had a bouncy gym set up outside. Bob caught a boy (on film) being a bully and sitting on Garrett. This picture tears me apart. Right after that another boy from his group did the same thing to him. This made us really angry; we don’t want Garrett to be the target of bullies. He’s not like other American kids. Right now, he’s sweet and obedient—and other kids can take advantage of him.

September 3rd will be his last day at his daycare. Here are his teachers, Ms. Laura on the left, Ms. Cassie on the right. They both have shown a great deal of patience and interest in his growth. And here is Ms. Joan; another teacher who really “got” what Garrett was all about. I’m sure he’ll miss all three. And so ends another chapter.

Exciting news on the MN Playgroup front—there are now six families coming on Sunday. Photos to follow.