I have completed the first significant segment of my journey toward adopting a baby. Here are some of the sign posts I've passed so far.

I wrote a big check! Yup, I shelled out some serious cash to pay my adoption agency for a home study. Believe it or not, adoption costs a lot of money - A LOT! However, considering the emotional benefits and the value of fulfilling a longtime goal - it's worth it. Kids are priceless. (Note to self: make that your mantra when you are tired of dirty smelly diapers. "Kids are priceless, kids are priceless.")

Also, I wrote a thirteen page autobiography. It was an outline of my family background, history, career, relationships, religion, goals, personal challenges, values, role models, and reasons I want to adopt. My home study interview will use the autobiography as a springboard.

I completed some basic forms, including an application form, and a pledge not to use corporal punishment. Also, I signed a records release form in front of a notory and I paid the Seattle Police to fingerprint me. My fingerprints have been sent to the FBI.

Still to come: I have to convince six friends, coworkers, and/or family members to write positive letters of recommendation for me. The letters are sent directly to the adoption agency. I will never see them.

I need to have a medical check up and the doctor needs to complete some forms. Basically, they want to know if I'm going to die or I have a history of problems due to alcohol, drugs, mental illness, domestic violence, homelessness, etc. Again, I will never see the completed form.

I have to copy my tax returns for the last three years and complete a financial statement of debts and assets. Thankfully, this is something I get to do. At least I have control over something!

Of course, there is the home study too - which, as I understand it, is a couple interviews and at least one inspection of my house by a social worker. The homestudy interview is put together with all the information in the recommendations, my financials, my health report, as well as state and federal law enforcement reports. Ultimately, the day will come when I am told whether or not I am "approved" to adopt in the USA.

Question: Why don't straight people making their own baby have to go through a screening process? (That's a rhetorical question. No one needs to post an answer. Right now, no answer would satisfy me).

Finally, if approved, I need to write and publish a "profile." From what I have seen of samples at the adoption agency, the profile is a book of photos and written personal thoughts about parenthood and adoption. It's a tool for introducing me as a prospective parent to mothers considering putting their baby up for adoption. In other words, it's a way of selling myself as a father. Many folks publish actual soft bound books through Internet publishing companies - very glossy and professional. As a techno geek and wanting to put forward my best self-presentation, I'll probably follow that route, but I must admit I have a certain level of discomfort with the idea of marketing myself to mom's (and rarely dads) because I want them to give me their child so I can raise him/her.

Once all that is done, my name is sent out to other agencies in many states (that allow single gay men to adopt). That's when I "enter the pool" and that also marks the time when I write an even bigger check - twice as big as the one written this week. I can tell you this: I won't be in the pool for at least another three months.

The journey has barely begun.

This weekend, Derek is finishing his scuba diving certification program. He will complete his final written test as well as four test dives where he is required to demonstrate basic skills.

The certification process isn't easy - especially not in the cold water of the Northwest. When I got certified back in 2003, I started in a class of eight people. By the time we got to the final dives, only four of us were left. The rest had dropped out.

In 2005, when I earned my advanced certification - the class had a similar drop out rate.

Scuba diving isn't easy, but Derek has the talent. He's a natural, in my humble opinion - and the dive master that worked with him 10 months ago in Bonaire agreed.

Good luck Derek! Breath regularly, do your best, and you will succeed.

UPDATE: September 7 - Derek is now a certified Open Water Scuba Diver!! Yeah!!!