We did attend one adoption seminar and read and researched every web site we could find on the Internet about adoption.  Since we were 100% sure we wanted to adopt from Ukraine we did join FRUA (Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoptions), a great not-for-profit organization that everyone considering adopting from one of these countries should join. We also began the great paperchase that is adopting!  Unfortunately we had been given some erroneous information online, and ended up spending money on unnecessary notarization and certification of papers that are not required by Ukraine!  Lesson learned to do our homework first! State Department Information Finally, in November of 2000 we took the plunge and filed our application to adopt with the INS.  We began the search for a homestudy agency at that time as well and finally selected Across The World Adoptions (ATWA). We completed our homestudy, and all the associated paperwork required by Ukraine and the INS by the end of January.  Now we were just waiting for INS approval and were hoping to travel in April or May.  Well unfortunately, the group that was originally going to assist us, fell through, so we turned to Cathy, (who very graciously I might add!), extended us an open hand and warm welcome to the close-knit group of families that she had helped adopt independently from Ukraine! We immediately were contact by some wonderful ladies, Victoria and Cara, that held our hand and guided us through the completion of our paperwork chase.  They also and answered the million and one questions that nervous parents-to-be have!  So we were on track and counting the months until we were scheduled to leave when Frank and I found a property we had been looking for.  65 acres in Winters California. Sitting on a beautiful creek, rolling hills, small town lifestyle and an easy commute to all the grandparents, well we couldn't resist, so we ended up moving!  It was a major upheavel during an already emotional time, especially leaving all the friends and support system we had set up to help with the children after we came home, but we knew the move would be the best for our family in the long run.  Cathy graciously rescheduled us to leave later in the Summer to give us time to move and get organized (Ha! Ha!).  This took longer than we had anticpated, as the INS had to be notified of our location change, our homestudy was amended and one thing led to another, but we ended up moving our July date to October!  Now we were concerned about notary's expiring, house sitters, and a myriad of other details! We did end up getting everything together and all of our documents were stamped at the State level and forwarded on to Jeff and Carrie.  Two associates of Cathy Harris'  (fabulously helpful, and very professional people) that know all the ropes on Federal and Ukrainian Consulate approval! Here we are September 1st, 45 days to leaving with the wonderful feeling of relief because our Dossier on its way to Ukraine!  We already knew that we would be working with Ed and his team of Gene (regional facilitator) and Ruslan (translator), so we began the packing in earnest, getting airline tickets and collecting all the money to take with us.  This time really passed in a blur, as I was sure we were forgetting some super important detail but after a few final bumps, including the scare about travelling associated with the horrific tragedy of September 11th.  We were finally at the airport and ready to go!  Because of September 11th, we were bumped from three different flights, but finally were on a United flight to London.  We said our good-byes to Frank's family and went forward to find our children! (CONTINUED)