I realize now that almost all my posts have lots of exclamation points. It's because everything that happens in the adoption process seems like a big deal!!
Anyway, we were hanging out in the living room this afternoon & the UPS truck drove by - we all ran to the front door and sure enough, the dossier was back from the Chinese Consulate!! At this point, it feels like handling something very very fragile, and irreplaceable - which I guess it is - so we carefully opened it up, made copies of the cool Chinese stamps that authenticate each document, and packed it back up to ship to the home office of Holt International in Eugene, Oregon.
The home office takes up to 3 weeks for final processing (crossing all the "t"s and such), then ships it to Beijing! It's really cool to have the dossier out of our hands and en route to China!
Much of this doesn't feel real yet, but this is a medium-sized step towards reality, and that feels great!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The check went through Chicago's post office!!!
I spent probably 1 1/2 hours on the phone yesterday trying to track down my check that I sent to the Chinese Consulate. I mailed it December 16, and it's been 12 days when it should have taken 2. It seems it dissappeared into a postal black hole. I asked one guy what I could do, and he said, "just wait and see".
Wait-and-see is the name of this adoption game, but not for something simple like mailing a check!! It's another test of kindness and patience, however, as it would have been easy to get angry and snap at people who were trying to help. But God, through my girls, zoomed me out to see the big picture again. It brought me peace.
I checked again just now to see if the check has appeared anywhere in the system, and guess what . . . of course, it's being delivered today!! It's too weird. It's too funny. I'm thankful. And at peace.
Wait-and-see is the name of this adoption game, but not for something simple like mailing a check!! It's another test of kindness and patience, however, as it would have been easy to get angry and snap at people who were trying to help. But God, through my girls, zoomed me out to see the big picture again. It brought me peace.
I checked again just now to see if the check has appeared anywhere in the system, and guess what . . . of course, it's being delivered today!! It's too weird. It's too funny. I'm thankful. And at peace.
Friday, December 24, 2010
How we get matched
Several of you have asked about the matching process. There are 3 ways to adopt from China:
1. Standard match / healthy infant - this takes 5 years and is not what we're doing.
2. Child Of Promise / 2-7 years old, usually special needs - Every Friday, there are children added to and matched from this group. There will be an offer of a child to us soon after China receives our dossier which we think will be February. We'll receive a photo, short profile, medical and social info. We have 2 weeks to make a decision to accept the match or ask for a different match.
3. Waiting Child Program / 2-14 years old, all special needs, most severe - These children are actually listed online with photos and short profiles. We can request any of these children at any time. We have considered a few of the girls, but are waiting a bit longer to protect our hearts - warning: your heart will break just looking at this listing. You can see the list by accessing the Holt website on the right side of our blog, or just google "waiting child photolisting".
It's called Parallel Process to be considering both the Child of Promise Program and the Waiting Child Program at the same time, and that's what we're doing. We're considering a girl aged 5 to 10 years old.
1. Standard match / healthy infant - this takes 5 years and is not what we're doing.
2. Child Of Promise / 2-7 years old, usually special needs - Every Friday, there are children added to and matched from this group. There will be an offer of a child to us soon after China receives our dossier which we think will be February. We'll receive a photo, short profile, medical and social info. We have 2 weeks to make a decision to accept the match or ask for a different match.
3. Waiting Child Program / 2-14 years old, all special needs, most severe - These children are actually listed online with photos and short profiles. We can request any of these children at any time. We have considered a few of the girls, but are waiting a bit longer to protect our hearts - warning: your heart will break just looking at this listing. You can see the list by accessing the Holt website on the right side of our blog, or just google "waiting child photolisting".
It's called Parallel Process to be considering both the Child of Promise Program and the Waiting Child Program at the same time, and that's what we're doing. We're considering a girl aged 5 to 10 years old.
Merry Christmas!
What a precious Christmas season! In order to "save for China" (a common catch-phrase around our house), we drew names for presents and have kept the names secret. It's been the sweetest, most thoughtful season of family gift-giving I've ever experienced. While we wait for Christmas day, we've been "secret-Santa-ing" each other with little treats that demonstrate I-know-what-you-like kind of love.
We also cherish the hope that next year at this time, we'll have another member of our family to love.
The flip side of that coin is that this is the last year we'll spend as the 5 of us. Sometimes we forget to treasure what we have while waiting for the next great thing. Jayme, my sweet girl, you know what I'm talking about! Treasure 2!! :-)
On a logistical note, I paid for priority shipping plus delivery confirmation to send my extra money order to the Chinese Consulate, since we had underpaid our authentication fees. Well past the expected delivery date, I phoned our local post office and was told that the consulate probably had so much mail, they missed "scanning" my letter, so it didn't register as delivered. The P.O. guy recommended I phone the consulate (kidding, right?!) or phone the post office in Chicago (kidding, right?!). Needless to say, no way was I going to be able to talk to a person.
Bottom line - here we sit again. Mailbox watching. Waiting for our dossier. And possibly have our "match" not occur until February. I know, I know, in the grand scheme, what's a month? Jesus has her in the palm of His hand and will watch over her. BUT we're human and we are so excited to meet her!
One more note: we're talking about the girls and I leaving for China 2 weeks early to see more of the country! The girls would love to backpack up to the older sections of the Great Wall, since the tourist-y sections have been rebuilt, and aren't as authentic. Hm. Mom will have to research this carefully. Anyway, the thought of spending a whole month in China is pretty thrilling. The only downside is Doug's job has got him firmly grounded to GEHA, and he couldn't possibly get away for that long. So those of you who are prone to prayer (like that phrase? ha), please pray that "whatever is the best thing" will happen.
We also cherish the hope that next year at this time, we'll have another member of our family to love.
The flip side of that coin is that this is the last year we'll spend as the 5 of us. Sometimes we forget to treasure what we have while waiting for the next great thing. Jayme, my sweet girl, you know what I'm talking about! Treasure 2!! :-)
On a logistical note, I paid for priority shipping plus delivery confirmation to send my extra money order to the Chinese Consulate, since we had underpaid our authentication fees. Well past the expected delivery date, I phoned our local post office and was told that the consulate probably had so much mail, they missed "scanning" my letter, so it didn't register as delivered. The P.O. guy recommended I phone the consulate (kidding, right?!) or phone the post office in Chicago (kidding, right?!). Needless to say, no way was I going to be able to talk to a person.
Bottom line - here we sit again. Mailbox watching. Waiting for our dossier. And possibly have our "match" not occur until February. I know, I know, in the grand scheme, what's a month? Jesus has her in the palm of His hand and will watch over her. BUT we're human and we are so excited to meet her!
One more note: we're talking about the girls and I leaving for China 2 weeks early to see more of the country! The girls would love to backpack up to the older sections of the Great Wall, since the tourist-y sections have been rebuilt, and aren't as authentic. Hm. Mom will have to research this carefully. Anyway, the thought of spending a whole month in China is pretty thrilling. The only downside is Doug's job has got him firmly grounded to GEHA, and he couldn't possibly get away for that long. So those of you who are prone to prayer (like that phrase? ha), please pray that "whatever is the best thing" will happen.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Just a little hiccup!
Just caught up with 49 phone messages, having been out of town this weekend - meeting friends from Texas in Branson. Last Friday, the Chinese Consulate in Chicago had called and left a message, telling us we didn't pay enough for our dossier processing! Today, we're already 5 days beyond the day they called, so we will be sending another money order overnight to Chicago tomorrow. The lady from the Consulate said they had completed the authentication, and were getting ready to ship it when they noticed the mistake! We were sooooo close! In the grand scheme, no biggie I guess.
We continue to pursue an understanding of Chinese history, modern Chinese culture, language, and foreign adoption. I just finished another book about China, and started my next. The books I'm finding range from clinical facts in history to novels set in China by Chinese authors. So fascinating. We are also watching a Great Courses video series about the modern history of China. It has covered opening Chinese markets, the cultural revolution, and the Beijing Olympics (did you know it started at 8:08 on August 8, 2008? Eight being a very lucky number!) We only have one more lesson to go. Allie has her Chinese final tomorrow evening, with high hopes of getting a 4.0! Jenna and Nate have enrolled at Longview for next term in Chinese I, which Allie will continue to study with them, while she takes Chinese 2.
We visited a REALLY cool Asian market called 888 International Market (notice the 8s?) on 119th and 69 highway. Besides having a blast looking at whole roasted ducks (heads on), baby octopi, squid, live tilapia, buckets and buckets of jelly fish, pig livers, omasum (cow stomach), etc., there was a Chinese gentleman in the back corner of the market selling all things Chinese - beautiful paintings, pots of all sizes, tea sets, statues, etc. He spoke VERY little English, and it was great fun to watch Allie practice communicating with him. I was so proud of her. All I could manage was "Ni hao" (hello) and "Xei xei" (thank you), and lots of smiling and bowing. We managed to strike a few deals with him, and brought home some beautiful pieces of artwork for our living room.
We are having SO much fun on our adventure! Thanks for reading!
We continue to pursue an understanding of Chinese history, modern Chinese culture, language, and foreign adoption. I just finished another book about China, and started my next. The books I'm finding range from clinical facts in history to novels set in China by Chinese authors. So fascinating. We are also watching a Great Courses video series about the modern history of China. It has covered opening Chinese markets, the cultural revolution, and the Beijing Olympics (did you know it started at 8:08 on August 8, 2008? Eight being a very lucky number!) We only have one more lesson to go. Allie has her Chinese final tomorrow evening, with high hopes of getting a 4.0! Jenna and Nate have enrolled at Longview for next term in Chinese I, which Allie will continue to study with them, while she takes Chinese 2.
We visited a REALLY cool Asian market called 888 International Market (notice the 8s?) on 119th and 69 highway. Besides having a blast looking at whole roasted ducks (heads on), baby octopi, squid, live tilapia, buckets and buckets of jelly fish, pig livers, omasum (cow stomach), etc., there was a Chinese gentleman in the back corner of the market selling all things Chinese - beautiful paintings, pots of all sizes, tea sets, statues, etc. He spoke VERY little English, and it was great fun to watch Allie practice communicating with him. I was so proud of her. All I could manage was "Ni hao" (hello) and "Xei xei" (thank you), and lots of smiling and bowing. We managed to strike a few deals with him, and brought home some beautiful pieces of artwork for our living room.
We are having SO much fun on our adventure! Thanks for reading!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Funny how you never know until you know!
Oh my. There are so many subgroups in America - so defined by MANY and various interests. Who knew there was a Chinese Adoptees Cultural Center in Lee's Summit?? We had been advised to be involved in a Chinese cultural group for Mei Mei when she comes. But personally, I cringed a little at the thought of some group possibly (probably) being 30 miles away at 8am Saturday mornings. Really. I pictured Olathe or Gladstone.
Allie's Chinese language professor, Valda Hsu, (who happens to be a long-time friend from church) invited the head of the Lee's Summit group to speak to their class at Longview. That's how we found out about it. (Well, there was one other co-incident that also led to this group, but I'll let Doug tell you about that!) Sigh. This is all. SO. GOOD.
So. Valda Hsu invited our family to a Chinese Culture Celebration that was yesterday. There were ~15-20 families with adopted Chinese children there. The children performed Christmas songs in Chinese, performed yoyo tricks (not American yoyos, but the hourglass-shaped object they flip around on a string held by 2 sticks.), and since they also offer language classes, the American parents and siblings demonstrated their abilities with speaking and reading Chinese. Then, Valda held a caligraphy and paper-folding session for all the kiddos. The theme was the upcoming Chinese New Year (the year of the Rabbit!) in February.
Then we went down to Pleasant Hill to Pumpkins and Pines Farm (which was a blast and we recommend it!) to tromp all over looking for our Christmas tree, keeping Nick from peeing on every other one. (jk) We imagined how next year, we'd have Mei Mei with us looking for a tree!
Gotta go help - we're setting up the train under the tree and watching Goose freak out! She makes a sound like she's growling at it. Very funny.
Thanks for visiting!
Allie's Chinese language professor, Valda Hsu, (who happens to be a long-time friend from church) invited the head of the Lee's Summit group to speak to their class at Longview. That's how we found out about it. (Well, there was one other co-incident that also led to this group, but I'll let Doug tell you about that!) Sigh. This is all. SO. GOOD.
So. Valda Hsu invited our family to a Chinese Culture Celebration that was yesterday. There were ~15-20 families with adopted Chinese children there. The children performed Christmas songs in Chinese, performed yoyo tricks (not American yoyos, but the hourglass-shaped object they flip around on a string held by 2 sticks.), and since they also offer language classes, the American parents and siblings demonstrated their abilities with speaking and reading Chinese. Then, Valda held a caligraphy and paper-folding session for all the kiddos. The theme was the upcoming Chinese New Year (the year of the Rabbit!) in February.
Then we went down to Pleasant Hill to Pumpkins and Pines Farm (which was a blast and we recommend it!) to tromp all over looking for our Christmas tree, keeping Nick from peeing on every other one. (jk) We imagined how next year, we'd have Mei Mei with us looking for a tree!
Gotta go help - we're setting up the train under the tree and watching Goose freak out! She makes a sound like she's growling at it. Very funny.
Thanks for visiting!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Nov 2010
I know Carolyn has written most of this - but here is my point of view - D
Nov 1 – Carolyn took the medical records to the MO sec of state office in downtown KC for certification (to say the notary is a notary and their commission has not expired)
Nov 10 – our fingerprint appointment is scheduled for the USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration) – we mix up 11/10/10 and 11/11/10 and miss it.
Nov 11 – we drive to the Homeland Security office for fingerprints – office closed – Veteran’s Day
Nov 12 – back to Homeland Security (this is a 45 mi drive one way – by KCI) – get fingerprinted – hopefully this is not blown – app fee was huge
Nov – we watch a webcast from Holt on travel to China. They make a case for using the Lotus travel agency.
Nov – we decide to simplify Christmas this year for our immediate family because of the upcoming expense of going to China – we each draw 2 names – limit $25 per. This seriously cramps my style as gifts is one of my languages – but I agree to play by the rules. But this includes secret Santa between now and Christmas day.
Nov – my secret Santa delivers some mints – I'm liking this.
Nov 28 – we return from Indy to find USCIS approval in the mail – yeah!!!
Nov 29 – Carolyn takes the USCIS approval for notarization at the bank and certification at MO sec of state. Makes copies – the entire dossier is complete…
Nov 30 – Carolyn ships the dossier to the Chinese consulate in Chicago for authentication (that the secretaries of state are the secretaries of state). Should be back mid Dec.
Nov 1 – Carolyn took the medical records to the MO sec of state office in downtown KC for certification (to say the notary is a notary and their commission has not expired)
Nov 10 – our fingerprint appointment is scheduled for the USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration) – we mix up 11/10/10 and 11/11/10 and miss it.
Nov 11 – we drive to the Homeland Security office for fingerprints – office closed – Veteran’s Day
Nov 12 – back to Homeland Security (this is a 45 mi drive one way – by KCI) – get fingerprinted – hopefully this is not blown – app fee was huge
Nov – we watch a webcast from Holt on travel to China. They make a case for using the Lotus travel agency.
Nov – we decide to simplify Christmas this year for our immediate family because of the upcoming expense of going to China – we each draw 2 names – limit $25 per. This seriously cramps my style as gifts is one of my languages – but I agree to play by the rules. But this includes secret Santa between now and Christmas day.
Nov – my secret Santa delivers some mints – I'm liking this.
Nov 28 – we return from Indy to find USCIS approval in the mail – yeah!!!
Nov 29 – Carolyn takes the USCIS approval for notarization at the bank and certification at MO sec of state. Makes copies – the entire dossier is complete…
Nov 30 – Carolyn ships the dossier to the Chinese consulate in Chicago for authentication (that the secretaries of state are the secretaries of state). Should be back mid Dec.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
"Just do the next thing"
One of my heroes, Elizabeth Elliott, was quoted as saying "Just do the next thing." Sounds trite, but really, give it a try next time you're paralyzed by the overwhelming nature of something you need to do. It works!
So, the "next thing" is to mail our COMPLETED (:-)) dossier to the Chinese Consulate in Chicago. Most of us didn't even know there was a consulate in Chicago. It's a branch of the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. It seems that there is enough business to take care of here in the U.S. that the Chinese have 4 Consulates in addition to the Embassy. Each consulate deals with business within a group of states. So, Missouri's consulate is in Chicago - and they have to Authenticate our completed dossier.
I've heard this takes about 2 weeks until we get it returned to us, authenticated.
Each of these steps cost a surprising amount of money. Meaning, you look forward to doing the next thing, then discover in the dossier instructions that you gotta take another good look at the budget and figure out where this next chunk-o-change is going to come from.
Nevertheless, this little human life is priceless. We can't wait to meet her!
Please keep praying about the weird situation with the Koreas. China is allied with North Korea.
Oh, and P.S. We got the package mailed today in case I wasn't explicit!
Oh, and P.S.S. . . . Even though we spent the morning laughing at Jenna's hilarious comments while being on Valium, and later on the "Michael Jackson" anesthetic to get her wisdom teeth removed. She slept all afternoon, and is puffier than a chipmunk in acorn heaven! Please wish her "get well soon" on her facebook!
So, the "next thing" is to mail our COMPLETED (:-)) dossier to the Chinese Consulate in Chicago. Most of us didn't even know there was a consulate in Chicago. It's a branch of the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. It seems that there is enough business to take care of here in the U.S. that the Chinese have 4 Consulates in addition to the Embassy. Each consulate deals with business within a group of states. So, Missouri's consulate is in Chicago - and they have to Authenticate our completed dossier.
I've heard this takes about 2 weeks until we get it returned to us, authenticated.
Each of these steps cost a surprising amount of money. Meaning, you look forward to doing the next thing, then discover in the dossier instructions that you gotta take another good look at the budget and figure out where this next chunk-o-change is going to come from.
Nevertheless, this little human life is priceless. We can't wait to meet her!
Please keep praying about the weird situation with the Koreas. China is allied with North Korea.
Oh, and P.S. We got the package mailed today in case I wasn't explicit!
Oh, and P.S.S. . . . Even though we spent the morning laughing at Jenna's hilarious comments while being on Valium, and later on the "Michael Jackson" anesthetic to get her wisdom teeth removed. She slept all afternoon, and is puffier than a chipmunk in acorn heaven! Please wish her "get well soon" on her facebook!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wahoooooooooo!
Our final document, the approval! from! Homeland! Security!, came while we were in Indianapolis, once again proving, a watched mailbox never delivers!
We had been hoping the document would come before we went to Indianapolis, because then we could take a little side trip up to Chicago, where the Chinese consulate is, to drop off the dossier in person. Chicago is only about 3 or 4 hours from Indy. Anyway, it didn't come in time. Doug's been so hard-at-work these past coupla years anyway, he was hesistant to take any more time off. So all for the best. But taking our mind off of mailbox watching was good for us.
We had a wonderful, relaxing, well-fed, game-playing time with Amy, David, Michael and Claire. Side note: we think our pup Nick is pretty awesome, but he definitely has competition with their dogs Margo and Neigh-Neigh (haha - horsey spelling). They are german shepherd and border collie. Majorly cool dogs.
But wait, I digress . . . SO our new plan for tomorrow is to get the immigration document notarized, then make our 3rd trek downtown to the Secretary of State's office to get it Certified, then back home to pack up the completed dossier to ship off to Chicago, the Chinese Consulate!! Wow wow wow! We're so close!!
Oh, and the original plan for tomorrow was to start building a room off the attics of both upstairs rooms. Seriously.
We had been hoping the document would come before we went to Indianapolis, because then we could take a little side trip up to Chicago, where the Chinese consulate is, to drop off the dossier in person. Chicago is only about 3 or 4 hours from Indy. Anyway, it didn't come in time. Doug's been so hard-at-work these past coupla years anyway, he was hesistant to take any more time off. So all for the best. But taking our mind off of mailbox watching was good for us.
We had a wonderful, relaxing, well-fed, game-playing time with Amy, David, Michael and Claire. Side note: we think our pup Nick is pretty awesome, but he definitely has competition with their dogs Margo and Neigh-Neigh (haha - horsey spelling). They are german shepherd and border collie. Majorly cool dogs.
But wait, I digress . . . SO our new plan for tomorrow is to get the immigration document notarized, then make our 3rd trek downtown to the Secretary of State's office to get it Certified, then back home to pack up the completed dossier to ship off to Chicago, the Chinese Consulate!! Wow wow wow! We're so close!!
Oh, and the original plan for tomorrow was to start building a room off the attics of both upstairs rooms. Seriously.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Fingerprints and dates . . . duh
We've had the immigration fingerprinting appointment for a month. We knew the government would make the appointment and we had to show up whenever they said. So Doug took half a day off, we rearranged our schedules, rendevous-ed 3 cars into Grandview, and up we drove, almost to the airport, on VETERAN'S DAY! That's where the "duh" comes in. What government facility would be open on Veteran's Day? My first thought was, "Why did they schedule us on Veteran's Day? Didn't they know they would be closed?" My second thought was, "Maybe I got the date wrong." Well, the government gets things wrong, but I'll bet they never get a holiday wrong, so sure enough, it was my mess-up. It's hard to anticipate how you're going to feel when something falls through, but the head-smack that I felt for the rest of the day surprised me. I was horrified. The USCIS Appointment Letter clearly states, (and I quote): IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AS SCHEDULED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED ABANDONED. (And it's really in ALL CAPS!) Well, to save you from more whining, the bottom line is that we went at the crack-o-dawn the next morning and got it done. That was hopefully my first and last freak-out. Now we wait for another couple weeks to get our USCIS approval form.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Signing up to "Follow" without registering for Google account . . .
Notice on the upper left of the page header is a button that says "Follow". Just click on that, and that's all you have to do. You don't need to start a new account with Google or Yahoo or whatever.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sweeeeeeeet video
Hi - Emmi was cruising HoltInternational.com and found this video. We recognize some of these kids from the photolisting page on Holt's website. It's tooooo cute! Wish I knew the lyrics to the song they're singing - looks like they're praying . . . for "forever families". It's even possible we could be matched with one of the girls in this video. Takes my breath away!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrkO9ooYiaA&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrkO9ooYiaA&feature=player_embedded
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Remembering Mom
Yesterday, November 1 marked one year from the day my Mom passed away. I had been moving slow and sad for the past couple weeks, but hadn't known why. I think that's why. Still thinking a lot about her, and wondering what she would have thought of our China adoption. We hadn't thought of doing this until after she passed away. I believe she's part of that cloud of witnesses, though, so she knows it now and I believe she's happy with us.
Time Management
When a trip downtown Kansas City is needed, make sure to plan it on a day when there's lots going on! Like, homeschool co-op in the morning of election day, with ladies' group in the evening. Check, check and check! More to the point, today I took another trip to the Secretary of State's office (13th and Holmes) to have 2 more notarized documents certified. Yay! Now all we need so that everything is in one place is the immigration form. I love checking off the boxes in my master dossier checklist.
The Secretary of State Kansas City office is a block or so from the Sprint Center, and next door to the Kansas City Detention Center. Jenna, Emmi & I linked arms and walked a block or so to the little Power & Light Bar for a soda while we waited for our paperwork. Kinda outta-the-box for these semi-ruralites, but fun!
The Secretary of State Kansas City office is a block or so from the Sprint Center, and next door to the Kansas City Detention Center. Jenna, Emmi & I linked arms and walked a block or so to the little Power & Light Bar for a soda while we waited for our paperwork. Kinda outta-the-box for these semi-ruralites, but fun!
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 2010
Oct 6,2010 – rented the Karate Kid – the new one done in China – Allie really impressed me with how much Chinese she’s learned.
Oct 8, 2010 – Jenna’s birthday. We go bowling and out to dinner. We see a couple in Houlihan’s that has an Asian daughter. I stop by their table and give him a card with my cell phone – ask him to call. We go on to Silver Dollar City for the weekend- Breanna and Sabrina along for the ride.
Oct 11, 2010 – speculating with Carolyn that we really don’t need the entire dossier together to go to the MO secretary of state to get things updated. She decides to collect up what we have and go in this week.
Oct 13, 2010 – Carolyn goes to sec of state of MO to get certifications on all notaries. All docs pass except for both our medic al forms. Notary language is not in place.
Oct 16 2010 – We have 3 other couples from Holt (that we took the July class with) over for dessert. Jenny can’t make it, but all others are there. Very wonderful, high quality and fun people all around. Good to get their updates. Carolyn shares that we took our stuff down even though we don’t have the dossier back.
Oct 18, 2010, we get notified by USCIS for our fingerprint appointments – all on Nov 11.
Oct 8, 2010 – Jenna’s birthday. We go bowling and out to dinner. We see a couple in Houlihan’s that has an Asian daughter. I stop by their table and give him a card with my cell phone – ask him to call. We go on to Silver Dollar City for the weekend- Breanna and Sabrina along for the ride.
Oct 11, 2010 – speculating with Carolyn that we really don’t need the entire dossier together to go to the MO secretary of state to get things updated. She decides to collect up what we have and go in this week.
Oct 13, 2010 – Carolyn goes to sec of state of MO to get certifications on all notaries. All docs pass except for both our medic al forms. Notary language is not in place.
Oct 16 2010 – We have 3 other couples from Holt (that we took the July class with) over for dessert. Jenny can’t make it, but all others are there. Very wonderful, high quality and fun people all around. Good to get their updates. Carolyn shares that we took our stuff down even though we don’t have the dossier back.
Oct 18, 2010, we get notified by USCIS for our fingerprint appointments – all on Nov 11.
Oct 22, 2010, Carolyn starts this blog.
Oct 23, 2010, I upload my log entries to the blog.
Oct 23, 2010 – Greg calls – the guy I dropped a card on in Houlihan’s. Their daughter is from China – they got her when she was about 2 – I think she’s 4 now – but could be 6 – I’m not sure I got this right. Have had a tremendously positive experience - loves his daughter – has a great family. Did not use Holt, but has heard good things about them. Gives me info about a class in Lees Summit on Saturdays for Chinese adoptees. Nice guy – lots of good info.
Oct 25, 2010, I go to my doc office to check on my notarized records – they notary only comes in on Friday’s and did not come in last Friday. Will check on 29th.
Oct 29, 2010, I go back to doc and get my notarized forms – Carolyn can now go back to Mo sec of state. If this flies, the only thing left will be to complete certify the USCIS app.
Oct 23, 2010 – Greg calls – the guy I dropped a card on in Houlihan’s. Their daughter is from China – they got her when she was about 2 – I think she’s 4 now – but could be 6 – I’m not sure I got this right. Have had a tremendously positive experience - loves his daughter – has a great family. Did not use Holt, but has heard good things about them. Gives me info about a class in Lees Summit on Saturdays for Chinese adoptees. Nice guy – lots of good info.
Oct 25, 2010, I go to my doc office to check on my notarized records – they notary only comes in on Friday’s and did not come in last Friday. Will check on 29th.
Oct 29, 2010, I go back to doc and get my notarized forms – Carolyn can now go back to Mo sec of state. If this flies, the only thing left will be to complete certify the USCIS app.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Commenting made easier :-)
I set the comments "parameters" so it's easier to comment. You don't have to have or create a Google account. Click on "comment", type it out, then select the "Name/URL" option below your comment and just leave your name. Thanks!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Great Reading
Baby, We Were Meant For Each Other, by Scott Simon, notable journalist and author, about his personal experience adopting two little girls from China. Awesome book "In Praise of Adoption".
I'm also on my third book by Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, The Bonesetter's Daughter and The Kitchen God's Wife. All so very very good, with such poignant insight into Chinese thinking, especially from a female point of view.
Holt International has provided book lists for adoptive "parents in process", many of which I've read and are incredibly good. (If anyone's interested, let me know - I'll get you the list).
In fact, if you've been looking for any children's books on China from the Lee's Summit library, sorry, I've had as many as I can get my hands on checked out.
When it comes to the topic of adoption per se, I'm always learning and gaining insight into my own heart and mind, since I'm adopted too. Wow. Big topic, but really, when you think about it, it's so very simple . . . and powerful.
Oy vay! I could write on this subject forever!
I'm also on my third book by Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, The Bonesetter's Daughter and The Kitchen God's Wife. All so very very good, with such poignant insight into Chinese thinking, especially from a female point of view.
Holt International has provided book lists for adoptive "parents in process", many of which I've read and are incredibly good. (If anyone's interested, let me know - I'll get you the list).
In fact, if you've been looking for any children's books on China from the Lee's Summit library, sorry, I've had as many as I can get my hands on checked out.
When it comes to the topic of adoption per se, I'm always learning and gaining insight into my own heart and mind, since I'm adopted too. Wow. Big topic, but really, when you think about it, it's so very simple . . . and powerful.
Oy vay! I could write on this subject forever!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Brave enough to shout it to the world!
Hi. Thanks for visiting. Just provided the link on Facebook.
As of today, we're waiting for U.S. immigration (a.k.a. Homeland Security) to approve us to adopt from a foreign country. We still need to go to some government building to be fingerprinted to add to our application. Once we receive permission - (and wonder of wonders, we do expect to be approved) - we take a quick trip downtown to MO secretary of state, then send the whole bunch of documents to the China consulate in Chicago.
The process has us excited about getting the mail every day, since so much has depended on snail mail.
Just so you know, we haven't been matched yet, but we call our future little girl "Ming ming", or "Our China Doll".
As of today, we're waiting for U.S. immigration (a.k.a. Homeland Security) to approve us to adopt from a foreign country. We still need to go to some government building to be fingerprinted to add to our application. Once we receive permission - (and wonder of wonders, we do expect to be approved) - we take a quick trip downtown to MO secretary of state, then send the whole bunch of documents to the China consulate in Chicago.
The process has us excited about getting the mail every day, since so much has depended on snail mail.
Just so you know, we haven't been matched yet, but we call our future little girl "Ming ming", or "Our China Doll".
Friday, October 15, 2010
Post-posting
Well, finally decided to blog, but it feels kinda weird. Doug's been keeping notes on our process, so I guess we'll "back-post" them. The hesitation we've had about sharing the process publicly is that it feels a little risky. The first time I was pregnant, we told EVERYONE, but I miscarried & it was difficult to go around and update everyone. People who didn't know would ask, "how's the pregnancy going?" So in the same vein, it would be very difficult to have to go back and let everyone know if something about this adoption doesn't go well. We're pretty far along now though, and at least with a blog, you can let everyone know by posting if something goes wrong. So. . . please pray for us & our new daughter! More details to come.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sept 2010
Sept 2010 – cleaning for the home study
Sept 2, 2010 – sent email to “aldridge weekly status” – notifying extended family of possibility Sept 2, 2010 – Barbara (a Holt social worker) coming over at 2PM to start home study
Sept 3, 2010 – Couples interview with Barbara at lunch for home study.
Sept 3, 2010 – Carolyn picked up my notarized medical forms. Go to Dale and Kim's for labor day weekend - they get a blue and gold Mccaw (parrot no 7), I come home with a quaker parrot.
Sept 8, 2010 – my interview at lunch for the home study – home study interviews complete.
Sept 11, 2010 – my birth certificate with great seal comes in the mail – it actually looks certified.
Sept 12, 2010 - happy 12th birthday Emmi - had a great date with you.
Sept 17, 2010 – Carolyn registers Allie and Jenna with some sort of safety registry.
Sept 18, 2010 – Vince and Jerusha invited us over for dinner. Very nice couple - had a blast. Note – starting to figure out what this certified means. Each secretary of state needs to certify that the notary is an actual notary – and that they witnessed the respective signature. By the end of this process we’ll be experts.
Sept 19, 2010 – Carolyn ordered a certified copy of her birth certificate to keep things moving. Sept 20, 2010 – Judy called, some questions to finish our home study.
Sept 21, 2010 – Holt notifies us that the home study is approved.
Sept 24, 2010 – received written adoption study in the mail.
Sept 25, 2010 – happy 29th anniversary
Sept 26, 2010 – Carolyn working on the USCIS application – we both sign
Sept 27, 2010 – C mailed USCIS application
Sept 27, 2010 – passports arrive in the mail
Sept 2, 2010 – sent email to “aldridge weekly status” – notifying extended family of possibility Sept 2, 2010 – Barbara (a Holt social worker) coming over at 2PM to start home study
Sept 3, 2010 – Couples interview with Barbara at lunch for home study.
Sept 3, 2010 – Carolyn picked up my notarized medical forms. Go to Dale and Kim's for labor day weekend - they get a blue and gold Mccaw (parrot no 7), I come home with a quaker parrot.
Sept 8, 2010 – my interview at lunch for the home study – home study interviews complete.
Sept 11, 2010 – my birth certificate with great seal comes in the mail – it actually looks certified.
Sept 12, 2010 - happy 12th birthday Emmi - had a great date with you.
Sept 17, 2010 – Carolyn registers Allie and Jenna with some sort of safety registry.
Sept 18, 2010 – Vince and Jerusha invited us over for dinner. Very nice couple - had a blast. Note – starting to figure out what this certified means. Each secretary of state needs to certify that the notary is an actual notary – and that they witnessed the respective signature. By the end of this process we’ll be experts.
Sept 19, 2010 – Carolyn ordered a certified copy of her birth certificate to keep things moving. Sept 20, 2010 – Judy called, some questions to finish our home study.
Sept 21, 2010 – Holt notifies us that the home study is approved.
Sept 24, 2010 – received written adoption study in the mail.
Sept 25, 2010 – happy 29th anniversary
Sept 26, 2010 – Carolyn working on the USCIS application – we both sign
Sept 27, 2010 – C mailed USCIS application
Sept 27, 2010 – passports arrive in the mail
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August 2010
Aug 2010 – started to fill out adoption forms. Went to the doc.
Aug 2010 – got for forms for the physician.
Aug 2010 – met Carolyn at the fingerprint guy, lunch afterward
Aug 2010 – adoption on hold – we go to Branson for a week.
Aug 2010 – met C & the girls at the fingerprint guy for lunch – A & J get fingerprinted.
Aug 2010 – long evenings of filling out forms. Working hard to get them done before Judy goes on break. Don’t think we’ll make it.
Aug 2010 – went to get my tb test, hiv test, my urinalysis and my hep b test. All clear.
Aug 2010 – Tue, 24 - Carolyn took all the forms over to Judy at Holt. We are just short a few medical forms. We are now ready for the home study. C and the girls have started to clean up around the house.
Aug 2010 – started to discuss the Dossier. More forms to fill out – now into a process. Notarized, certified, then authenticated. Notarized is by a notary when a form is signed; certified is by the Secretary of State of the appropriate state; authenticated is by the Chinese consulate in Chicago.
Aug 2010 – went to Lees Summit US Post Office - applied for Passports – over $700 for all of us.
Aug 2010 – went to bank – had several documents notarized – financial statement, letter of intent, C’s non-employment status.
Aug 2010 – got for forms for the physician.
Aug 2010 – met Carolyn at the fingerprint guy, lunch afterward
Aug 2010 – adoption on hold – we go to Branson for a week.
Aug 2010 – met C & the girls at the fingerprint guy for lunch – A & J get fingerprinted.
Aug 2010 – long evenings of filling out forms. Working hard to get them done before Judy goes on break. Don’t think we’ll make it.
Aug 2010 – went to get my tb test, hiv test, my urinalysis and my hep b test. All clear.
Aug 2010 – Tue, 24 - Carolyn took all the forms over to Judy at Holt. We are just short a few medical forms. We are now ready for the home study. C and the girls have started to clean up around the house.
Aug 2010 – started to discuss the Dossier. More forms to fill out – now into a process. Notarized, certified, then authenticated. Notarized is by a notary when a form is signed; certified is by the Secretary of State of the appropriate state; authenticated is by the Chinese consulate in Chicago.
Aug 2010 – went to Lees Summit US Post Office - applied for Passports – over $700 for all of us.
Aug 2010 – went to bank – had several documents notarized – financial statement, letter of intent, C’s non-employment status.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 2010
July 2010 - we apply with Holt.
July 2010 - went to an adoption class at Holt. All weekend – a long weekend. Classes are intense. Holt staff are very professional, informed, helpful. They really know what they are talking about. Interesting point to me is the movie – young adoptee kids sharing their perspective, young adults, adoptive parents. All talk about post adoption support services. The young adults talk about race like they are not American, they are not (e.g. Korean), they are international adoptees – like they are their own race. They discuss it – want to talk to others like themselves. That is other international adoptees. Fascinating.
July 2010 – started through the adoption class materials with A J & E. Went through the art exercise and the exercise where you make a list of your top 10 – then begin to make cuts. I think they got it.
July 2010 – talked to Kyle and Cindy W at Rock Brook. They’ve adopted 4 – a daughter from Russia and 3 half siblings from Bolivia. We work out them coming over for a visit for an evening. We spend the evening listening to stories. Wonderful people.
July 2010 – emailed Dale and Amy about this topic – both responded positively. C also emailed Bobby.
July 2010 – I got fingerprinted
July 2010 - went to an adoption class at Holt. All weekend – a long weekend. Classes are intense. Holt staff are very professional, informed, helpful. They really know what they are talking about. Interesting point to me is the movie – young adoptee kids sharing their perspective, young adults, adoptive parents. All talk about post adoption support services. The young adults talk about race like they are not American, they are not (e.g. Korean), they are international adoptees – like they are their own race. They discuss it – want to talk to others like themselves. That is other international adoptees. Fascinating.
July 2010 – started through the adoption class materials with A J & E. Went through the art exercise and the exercise where you make a list of your top 10 – then begin to make cuts. I think they got it.
July 2010 – talked to Kyle and Cindy W at Rock Brook. They’ve adopted 4 – a daughter from Russia and 3 half siblings from Bolivia. We work out them coming over for a visit for an evening. We spend the evening listening to stories. Wonderful people.
July 2010 – emailed Dale and Amy about this topic – both responded positively. C also emailed Bobby.
July 2010 – I got fingerprinted
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 2010
June 2010 – have discussed a foreign adoption several times – she or I bringing it up. Praying about it.
June 2010 – I've contacted several adoption agencies. Holt has offices in KC on both the MO and KS side. Bob K at GEHA used Children’s Hope International – an agency in St Louis. He and his wife brought home 2 girls form Ethiopia. Talked to him about it. His girls have no attachment issues – have fit into the family well. They are at a new normal.
June 2010 – look at the kids on the Holt website – it breaks your heart.
June 2010 – Carolyn discussed the possibility of a foreign adoption with A, J & E. They are all excited.
June 2010 – I've contacted several adoption agencies. Holt has offices in KC on both the MO and KS side. Bob K at GEHA used Children’s Hope International – an agency in St Louis. He and his wife brought home 2 girls form Ethiopia. Talked to him about it. His girls have no attachment issues – have fit into the family well. They are at a new normal.
June 2010 – look at the kids on the Holt website – it breaks your heart.
June 2010 – Carolyn discussed the possibility of a foreign adoption with A, J & E. They are all excited.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 2010
May 2010 Carolyn and I begin considering a foreign adoption, again. This is the 4th time. The first was before Allie was born, the second before Emmi was born, the 3rd was after Emmi was born. One or the other of us brings it up - then we let it go for a few days.
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