Social Security - Check

Today's 'TO-DO' list contained going to visit our local social security office to get the girls their social security cards.

You see there is just a little bit more paperwork to do. I know, I know. . . You are thinking, "Didn't you have to do a TON of paperwork before they came home and to get them home?" The answer is "YES" but there is more.

This is the following list of stuff we had to do after returning home with our children:

~ Three visits with the social worker - to complete post placement agreements as well as post placement reports.

~ The readoption - This took place March 2, 2009 and the girls are now assured that they get to stay in America!

~ Social security cards
~ Passports
~ Certificate of Citizenship

The first two on the list were pretty easy and are done. The remaining governmental paperwork is . . . well, to say the least a pain in the butt. More paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Our taxes are easier, probably because there is that program called TurboTax.

So today we went to the Social Security office. I have everything prepared and ready to go. I bring with me the following: girls Ethiopian birth certificates, U.S. certificate of birth facts, final adoption decree from Ethiopia, final decree from U.S., each of the girls permanent resident cards (let me also add that these little cards have expiration dates, go figure, I guess I assumed permanent = citizenship, get to stay forever, etc.), the girls Ethiopian passports, and finally some identification for myself. WHEW!! What a list of stuff to gather.

So we get there and of course there is a computer to sign in depending on what business you are wanting to complete at this office. I pick "NEW SS CARD" and the machine spits out a number. Great! We are now registered in line. We take a seat and Bayat is at the bubbler filling up on water when our number is called. (There were only two people ahead of us in line, WOOHOO). Then the fun begins.

Clerk: What can I do for you today?
ME: I'd like to apply for social security cards for my daughters. (And I hand over the two applications).
Clerk: Ok, let's see, I'll need their birth certificates.
ME: Check
Clerk: I'll need there final decree of adoption from the U.S.
ME: Check

Clerk: I'll need some proof of citizenship.
ME: Check (Side note: I gave her their permanent resident cards, you know the ones with the expiration dates? and she had to mark that they are not citizens, but legal aliens able to work!!! I just don't get it, call me crazy)

Clerk: I'll need some identification for you ma'am.
ME: Check

A bunch of typing later and two little antzy girls, the clerk asks for their passports because she needs to enter an "A" number.
ME: Check

Everything looks ok and the clerk is submitting everything electronically and there's a glitch. It won't go through. The clerk rechecks all the information she has entered and attempts to resubmit. It still won't go through. HUM. . . After a few minutes, her investigative abilities show that my maiden name is NOT linked with my married name! Go figure! So, mystery solved and finally it goes through. WOOHOO!!

Next is Bayat's paperwork and that was a breeze, since we figured everything else out on the first go! So I have received receipts showing that I should receive the girls social security cards in just a few weeks! HOORAY!! Then we can move on down the list.