Wow!
In the mail today, Wednesday, February 28th we recieved our I-797, also known as the I-171. This is TWO WEEKS, yes, just FOURTEEN DAYS after we were fingerprinted!
We are on our way, just needing two last documents to be ready to submit, my birth certificate which was mailed to Washington, DC on Monday. It gets one more trip home and one more trip to DC, and we need Amy's passport which we sent off for two weeks ago.
I have not heard of ANYONE getting their documents so quickly after fingerprinting. We are grateful, amazed, and blessed.
-Michael
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
When Love Takes You In - Steven Curtis Chapman
This is the 3rd time I have posted this video since starting this blog..Mostly out of selfish reasons. I was never a huge fan of this song until one night at a concert, it hit me and I think it solidified our decision to pursue our daughter from China. I hope any new readers will enjoy this!
Monday, February 26, 2007
I woke up from my nap to find Michael home, who had brought the mail in. In the mail were 2 letters from the Senators offices that we visited last week. At least we know someone wrote back.
I am at work and I have just made sure that all forms we are sending to Houstin have been copied. I have written the cover letter and gotten the application ready. I just need Michael to double check and add the money order!
Michaels BC made its way back to DC today and I thought I made a mistake by sending it FedEx but apparently they only accept FedEx. Whoo!
My old college neighbor posted below and shes been logged in for a few months. I cant wait to hear more stories from her!
I am at work and I have just made sure that all forms we are sending to Houstin have been copied. I have written the cover letter and gotten the application ready. I just need Michael to double check and add the money order!
Michaels BC made its way back to DC today and I thought I made a mistake by sending it FedEx but apparently they only accept FedEx. Whoo!
My old college neighbor posted below and shes been logged in for a few months. I cant wait to hear more stories from her!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Its Amy
I'm glad Michael has been posting because he is very good with words. TO continue with the paperchase, I hope to send Michaels BC to DC tomorrow. Its been almost 2 weeks since we were fingerprinted..Lets hope we get a miracle and get it soon! Im trying to stay positive. I talked to one of the plastic surgeons at work today..There are 2 pediatric ones who work at my hospital. I asked him if he does a lot of cleft lip/palates on Chinese children and he said his surgeries have doubled this year already. He said for some reasons, Chinese children usually stay an extra day and that may be because of low birth weights or nutrition deficiencies or such. It was nice to talk to him about that.. I think it would nice to adopt a special needs child if this one goes smoothly. I guess we will see..
ATLANTA FRIENDS, IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE FIRST FRIDAY GATHERING THIS WEEK AND WOULD LIKE TO DO DINNER BEFORE HAND, LET ME KNOW!
ATLANTA FRIENDS, IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE FIRST FRIDAY GATHERING THIS WEEK AND WOULD LIKE TO DO DINNER BEFORE HAND, LET ME KNOW!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Another small step
Today in the mail we received my state certified birth certificate from Maryland, so it will be mailed off on Monday to some office in Washington, D.C. after which it will come back to us and be mailed to the Chinese consulate in Washington, D.C.
Funny thing is I just finished watching season 4 of "24" and they do some things at the Los Angeles Chinese Consulate in that one. :)
Funny thing is I just finished watching season 4 of "24" and they do some things at the Los Angeles Chinese Consulate in that one. :)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Recap of a 2nd Productive Day
So friends, yesterday was our second consecutive productive Wednesday regarding our paper chase. Not everything went the way we anticipated, but here is what we have to report.
I went to work from 6:30 to 11:30 while Amy got some sleep as she had worked the night before. I got home a little after noon and we got everything together and started out on our mission around 2pm.
Our first stop was the office of the Secretary of State of Georgia. Mapquest was a little vague and the result was we circled a block twice before discovering the place we needed to be is a two tower building atop the Georgia State University MARTA station (MARTA being our bus and train system in Atlanta). We paid $5 to park and climb a steep hill to the entrance which is behind a nice park with fountains and war memorials to Georgia's fallen soldiers. The walkways have benches and bench swings.
We entered the capital office building and immediately came to an information/security desk where we were asked our business and for our identification. Amy seldom carries her ID on her so this was a problem. I showed my driver's license and we were told Amy would have to wait downstairs. I proceeded to the 11th floor and found the office. I told the receptionist I needed document authentication and she said she would call the person I needed. I asked about the security measures and another employee was heading out. That employee heard me and asked for Amy's description and she actually went down and got Amy for me.
The process at the Secretary of State's office was quicker than the County clerk of Courts as the county guy had to hand type a lot of things including our notary's last name (Chwemelewski). We had all 9 documents certified and paid our $90 in about 10 minutes and the documents were very nicely set up in official folders.
We left downtown and headed towards home to make stops at our two Senator's offices. I did not use mapquest, but had looked to see where we needed to be. We circled Cumberland Mall a bit and found Johnny Isakson's office first. There we met a case worker who told us things have increased tremendously since January 1, as the immigration people have added more staff to process I-171 applications. Everyone in this office looked very Republican, all clean-cut white men wearing ties, it was like a room full of Alex P Keatons.
We went next to Saxby Chambliss' office which is less than a mile away. There was seemingly no one there except an attractive young woman who greeted us and set us up in a room to fill out a request form for intervention to go with our letter requesting help. As we left we helped ourselves to some of the GEORGIA PEANUTS which filled a bowl in both Senator's offices. Perhaps this could be a nickname for our baby, the Georgia Peanut.
Since we had finished our mission, we called Amy's sister and found she was not feeling well throughout the day. We told her to go rest and we went to grab a snack at McDonald's and then drove to her hotel. Kelly was not feeling great and we debated what to do for the evening. The end result was we took her to Jason's Deli where she made a salad and got some soup and cheesecake. We took Kelly back to her hotel and we headed home until it was time to head out for trivia. We were in 3rd place going into the final bonus which we answered correctly, but did not wager much on, so we won nothing but had a good time.
FYI - the final bonus was "Who was the highest paid child actor in the 1980's?" Answer - Gary Coleman. The other question that hurt us also was a bonus with wager - "In 1998, who was the oldest woman to have a number one single in the US pop charts at age 52?" We guess Streisand for her duet with Bryan Adams - it was Cher.
I went to work from 6:30 to 11:30 while Amy got some sleep as she had worked the night before. I got home a little after noon and we got everything together and started out on our mission around 2pm.
Our first stop was the office of the Secretary of State of Georgia. Mapquest was a little vague and the result was we circled a block twice before discovering the place we needed to be is a two tower building atop the Georgia State University MARTA station (MARTA being our bus and train system in Atlanta). We paid $5 to park and climb a steep hill to the entrance which is behind a nice park with fountains and war memorials to Georgia's fallen soldiers. The walkways have benches and bench swings.
We entered the capital office building and immediately came to an information/security desk where we were asked our business and for our identification. Amy seldom carries her ID on her so this was a problem. I showed my driver's license and we were told Amy would have to wait downstairs. I proceeded to the 11th floor and found the office. I told the receptionist I needed document authentication and she said she would call the person I needed. I asked about the security measures and another employee was heading out. That employee heard me and asked for Amy's description and she actually went down and got Amy for me.
The process at the Secretary of State's office was quicker than the County clerk of Courts as the county guy had to hand type a lot of things including our notary's last name (Chwemelewski). We had all 9 documents certified and paid our $90 in about 10 minutes and the documents were very nicely set up in official folders.
We left downtown and headed towards home to make stops at our two Senator's offices. I did not use mapquest, but had looked to see where we needed to be. We circled Cumberland Mall a bit and found Johnny Isakson's office first. There we met a case worker who told us things have increased tremendously since January 1, as the immigration people have added more staff to process I-171 applications. Everyone in this office looked very Republican, all clean-cut white men wearing ties, it was like a room full of Alex P Keatons.
We went next to Saxby Chambliss' office which is less than a mile away. There was seemingly no one there except an attractive young woman who greeted us and set us up in a room to fill out a request form for intervention to go with our letter requesting help. As we left we helped ourselves to some of the GEORGIA PEANUTS which filled a bowl in both Senator's offices. Perhaps this could be a nickname for our baby, the Georgia Peanut.
Since we had finished our mission, we called Amy's sister and found she was not feeling well throughout the day. We told her to go rest and we went to grab a snack at McDonald's and then drove to her hotel. Kelly was not feeling great and we debated what to do for the evening. The end result was we took her to Jason's Deli where she made a salad and got some soup and cheesecake. We took Kelly back to her hotel and we headed home until it was time to head out for trivia. We were in 3rd place going into the final bonus which we answered correctly, but did not wager much on, so we won nothing but had a good time.
FYI - the final bonus was "Who was the highest paid child actor in the 1980's?" Answer - Gary Coleman. The other question that hurt us also was a bonus with wager - "In 1998, who was the oldest woman to have a number one single in the US pop charts at age 52?" We guess Streisand for her duet with Bryan Adams - it was Cher.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Another Work Day
Today will be another good day for the adoption journey as I will be at work until 11am or so after which I will come home to get Amy and we will drive the half hour or so downtown to visit the Georgia Secretary of State's office to get our documents certified at the state level. After that we'll be visiting the offices of our two senators to petition them for help in expeditiing the I-171.
I'm thinking if we have time afterwards we'll go see a movie together before we go pick up Amy's sister Kelly (she's in town for her job) and take her to trivia tonight.
I'm thinking if we have time afterwards we'll go see a movie together before we go pick up Amy's sister Kelly (she's in town for her job) and take her to trivia tonight.
Whats going on.
I received so many wonderful ideas on the post below and I thank all of you. Today, Michael and I will head downtown to get things state certified and then we will figure out what to do next. I am royally confused but just emailed my agency so I hope they can help!
Presently, we are waiting on:
1)my passport
2)the famous I-171
3) Michael birth certificate (which went fro Maryland to our house back to Maryland and when it comes back, it will go to DC and then back to us and then back to DC and then back to us and then our agency and then China! Was I clean enough??
Thanks for all the prayers and support!
Amy
Presently, we are waiting on:
1)my passport
2)the famous I-171
3) Michael birth certificate (which went fro Maryland to our house back to Maryland and when it comes back, it will go to DC and then back to us and then back to DC and then back to us and then our agency and then China! Was I clean enough??
Thanks for all the prayers and support!
Amy
Sunday, February 18, 2007
HELP!
There are a few of you who are also going through this experience of have already completed the process! I want some ideas on how to bring the culture into our family while we wait. We have every book to read and plan on reading a lot once we are logged in!
Im looking for anything that will keep us occupied!Whats keeping you busy?
Im looking for anything that will keep us occupied!Whats keeping you busy?
Happy New Year!
Today marks the day to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Hope you have a good day! Found this article on CNN today..Click here!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
I-171 wait Day number 3
We expect a wait of a few months but we are trying to be patient! Hope everyone is doing well. I am suprised at how many people have asked if we have a name picked out yet. The answer is no. MIchael and I have quite a list of traditional names that we like, but thats about it.
FYI, Using delivery confirmation, Michael's BC made it to Maryland and now we are waiting for it to come back so that we can send it to DC!!!!
This weeks adoption plan:
Take documents to Sec of State to sign! Glad its in Atlanta!
Prayer Requests
1. That all documents get where they need to go
2. Pray for our patience
3.That nothing gets lost in the mail
4.That we can stay organized
5.That our marriage stays strong as we prepare for this huge change
6.Pray for those that are caring for the babies in China
7.Pray for our friends who are also adopting
FYI, Using delivery confirmation, Michael's BC made it to Maryland and now we are waiting for it to come back so that we can send it to DC!!!!
This weeks adoption plan:
Take documents to Sec of State to sign! Glad its in Atlanta!
Prayer Requests
1. That all documents get where they need to go
2. Pray for our patience
3.That nothing gets lost in the mail
4.That we can stay organized
5.That our marriage stays strong as we prepare for this huge change
6.Pray for those that are caring for the babies in China
7.Pray for our friends who are also adopting
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A VERY Productive Day
Good Afternoon Friends!
Amy and I are relaxing at home for a few hours while Lucy is at doggie day-care and befoe we head out to trivia tonight. More importantly, here's our day so far...
6:15 am wake up
7:15 out the door heading to the Immigration offices in Atlanta to be fingerprinted for our I-171. It was an efficient and painless task, using no ink they now use digital scanners and a lot of Windex. While we were there we chatted with another couple who are adopting their second child from Kazihkstan. They had their 4 year old daughter Alma with them and it turns out the husband is a teacher at a school very close to my restaurant. The only weird thing is they have a rule that you cannot have a cell phone on your body in the building. They don't frisk you or anything, they just ask, and if you say yes you have to go back out to your car and come back in.
8:45 We were at immigration for about 45 minutes total and on the way out we hit a Chick-fil-a for some breakfast and headed up to the CCAI offices to talk with the dossier advisor. We cleared up a few questions and found a change we need to have made to my medical form. Jamie notarized all of our current documents and we found out we need to send my birth certificate back to Washington D.C. after it comes back from Maryland, and it will be done. I figured it was a null element considering I was born on Federal Government property, but since my birth certificate is from Anne Arundel County, MD, we have to play this game where we sent to MD to get it, they sent it to us, we had to send it back to MD to do something extra to it and now it will return to us so we can send it to the Chinese consulate up there.
The good news is there is a county court office and car tag office about a mile south of our old apartment and we were able to take everything Jamie notarized to that office to be certified. We'll take some time next Wednesday to go to the Georgia Secretary of State's office to have the county certification done and we'll be set for all documents except for the I-171!
10:45 Being done at the county clerk's office, we drove home to get Lucy and take her to doggie day-care. We continued back to Sandy Springs for our Valentine's lunch at Carro de Bois, our favorite Brazillian restaurant. It is one of the type where you serve yourself at a hot and cold food bar and return to your seat where servers come around with many, many wonderful meats including lamb, roast pork with parmesean, garlic pork tenderloin, chicken, sausage, and about 4 or 5 types of steak. It's the kind of place where you eat very little before and after your trip. We chose to do lunch there to avoid the dinner rush for Valentine's evening and we are going to trivia tonight.
12:45 We finished lunch and headed back to the house for a pit stop before heading out again for Amy's 2:00 appointment at the post ofice for her passport. That took til about 2:45 but Amy shold have her new passport with her correctedname in time to make a copy for the dossier and she'll be set to travel next year as well. We stopped at Walgreen's on the way home and got our extra passport photos for the dossier as we needed 3 sets each.
So now it's about 4:30 and we're back at the house watching "Little Miss Sunshine" before we have to pick up Lucy, our own little miss sunshine and we'll go play trivia tonight with Peter at Winston's. So we accomplished a lot today and we are happy.
This report brought to you by Michael
Amy and I are relaxing at home for a few hours while Lucy is at doggie day-care and befoe we head out to trivia tonight. More importantly, here's our day so far...
6:15 am wake up
7:15 out the door heading to the Immigration offices in Atlanta to be fingerprinted for our I-171. It was an efficient and painless task, using no ink they now use digital scanners and a lot of Windex. While we were there we chatted with another couple who are adopting their second child from Kazihkstan. They had their 4 year old daughter Alma with them and it turns out the husband is a teacher at a school very close to my restaurant. The only weird thing is they have a rule that you cannot have a cell phone on your body in the building. They don't frisk you or anything, they just ask, and if you say yes you have to go back out to your car and come back in.
8:45 We were at immigration for about 45 minutes total and on the way out we hit a Chick-fil-a for some breakfast and headed up to the CCAI offices to talk with the dossier advisor. We cleared up a few questions and found a change we need to have made to my medical form. Jamie notarized all of our current documents and we found out we need to send my birth certificate back to Washington D.C. after it comes back from Maryland, and it will be done. I figured it was a null element considering I was born on Federal Government property, but since my birth certificate is from Anne Arundel County, MD, we have to play this game where we sent to MD to get it, they sent it to us, we had to send it back to MD to do something extra to it and now it will return to us so we can send it to the Chinese consulate up there.
The good news is there is a county court office and car tag office about a mile south of our old apartment and we were able to take everything Jamie notarized to that office to be certified. We'll take some time next Wednesday to go to the Georgia Secretary of State's office to have the county certification done and we'll be set for all documents except for the I-171!
10:45 Being done at the county clerk's office, we drove home to get Lucy and take her to doggie day-care. We continued back to Sandy Springs for our Valentine's lunch at Carro de Bois, our favorite Brazillian restaurant. It is one of the type where you serve yourself at a hot and cold food bar and return to your seat where servers come around with many, many wonderful meats including lamb, roast pork with parmesean, garlic pork tenderloin, chicken, sausage, and about 4 or 5 types of steak. It's the kind of place where you eat very little before and after your trip. We chose to do lunch there to avoid the dinner rush for Valentine's evening and we are going to trivia tonight.
12:45 We finished lunch and headed back to the house for a pit stop before heading out again for Amy's 2:00 appointment at the post ofice for her passport. That took til about 2:45 but Amy shold have her new passport with her correctedname in time to make a copy for the dossier and she'll be set to travel next year as well. We stopped at Walgreen's on the way home and got our extra passport photos for the dossier as we needed 3 sets each.
So now it's about 4:30 and we're back at the house watching "Little Miss Sunshine" before we have to pick up Lucy, our own little miss sunshine and we'll go play trivia tonight with Peter at Winston's. So we accomplished a lot today and we are happy.
This report brought to you by Michael
Monday, February 12, 2007
Birth Certificate
Today, I sent Michael's birth certificate back to Maryland to get it authenticated. I'm glad its done and we can get on to our fingerprinting on Wednesday. I also have an appt on Wednesday to renew my passport and/pr get a new one as I can not find it and I also need it in my married name.
So, I get in line, make sure its priority mail and leave. Then I realize I forgot to add the 5 dollar check! Whoops! Back in line I go, ready to mail another envelope. Bless the postal worker, she found my package, opened it, stuck the check in and sealed it back! That was nice of her!
So, I get in line, make sure its priority mail and leave. Then I realize I forgot to add the 5 dollar check! Whoops! Back in line I go, ready to mail another envelope. Bless the postal worker, she found my package, opened it, stuck the check in and sealed it back! That was nice of her!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Happy, ecstatic for friends!
Our first Friday friends received their 171 form today! How exciting! There is hope that ours wont take 12-13 week! I am thrilled for them..They will soon be logged in!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Fingerprinting!
Its time to paperchase. Michael and I are getting fingerprinted Wednesday at 8am and the we wait on the I 171. You will hear about this form a lot, as its the last big thing you need before sending your dossier to China. Michael and I will have to go over all paperwork on Sunday and begin getting things notarized and then going to the county, and then the state secretary and then Washington DC and the the Houston Consulate. Dont worry, we dont have to go to these places but please pray that Fed Ex doesnt lose the important papers!!!!
We will let you know how things go on Wednesday!
We will let you know how things go on Wednesday!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
Home Study received today
We received our homestudy from our agency today! Oh how I love getting mail. It was notarized so now we must collect all of our paperwork and start the great paperchase.
On another note, I met Miss Abby whom I have heard about for months. there is a patient whose family adopted Abby from China about a year ago. She is not even 2 and she is the most talkative baby from China I have met! Shes awesome! the mom and I shared stories and it was quite nice!
A home study is a pretty neat thing. It was neat to read how a social worker views us just by our autobiographies, interviews and recommendations!
I am ready to be logged in and have all this over with although I will tell you, it hasn't been that bad! A few people at work have been asking questions and that's been cool. So far, everything has been positive!
On another note, I met Miss Abby whom I have heard about for months. there is a patient whose family adopted Abby from China about a year ago. She is not even 2 and she is the most talkative baby from China I have met! Shes awesome! the mom and I shared stories and it was quite nice!
A home study is a pretty neat thing. It was neat to read how a social worker views us just by our autobiographies, interviews and recommendations!
I am ready to be logged in and have all this over with although I will tell you, it hasn't been that bad! A few people at work have been asking questions and that's been cool. So far, everything has been positive!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
First Friday
Last night Michael and I had a sort of date night. After watching this weeks ER, we headed to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. After our dinner, we proceeded to go to our First Friday gathering, which has been a great support for the adoption process. We met a new China baby, celebrated with a couple who recently got a referral of their little boy (they were expecting a girl) and got to know people who were also in the waiting stages. I have enjoyed this greatly and I wish everyone lived closer so that we could spend more time with them.
The family who opens their home for First Friday usually talks a little bit and answers some questions. I am happy to say that after a few months, we actually participated and received some hope. Even though it was a smaller crowd, I am really glad that we went!
So this week, we we will be sending Michaels birth certificate back to Maryland to get it notarized and authenticated, we get finger printed on Valentines day and the wait for the most wanted piece of paper, the I-171!
The family who opens their home for First Friday usually talks a little bit and answers some questions. I am happy to say that after a few months, we actually participated and received some hope. Even though it was a smaller crowd, I am really glad that we went!
So this week, we we will be sending Michaels birth certificate back to Maryland to get it notarized and authenticated, we get finger printed on Valentines day and the wait for the most wanted piece of paper, the I-171!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Its us again. I feel bad that there has not been any substanance to this blog lately. My posts have just been updates and not the good stuff. For that I am sorry. We are thrilled beyond belief and I am ready to absorb myself in the Chinese Culture and traditions and hope to post a lot here. I think I am afraid. I really want to wait until our dossier is actually in China and then focus on the other stuff. I shouldnt be afraid. If we are turned down, we will seek elsewhere.
On another note, my friend took care of a patient who was adopted from China. I spent some time with them and learned not only did they use CCAI, but they are about to use them for the third time..It was nice to talk to him and to hear the dads version of this.
On another note, my friend took care of a patient who was adopted from China. I spent some time with them and learned not only did they use CCAI, but they are about to use them for the third time..It was nice to talk to him and to hear the dads version of this.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Its been a week since an update!
You will notice a new blogroll to the side. These are adoption stories I am using to pray for and be encouraged by.
On another note, at the beginning of our journey, we were given many ideas on how to pass the time on this long wait.
One of the ideas was to read parenting books but I have no idea where to even begin? Do you have any suggestions?
Not much more to update. We have our First Friday this week and as always, we are excited to be going.
On another note, at the beginning of our journey, we were given many ideas on how to pass the time on this long wait.
One of the ideas was to read parenting books but I have no idea where to even begin? Do you have any suggestions?
Not much more to update. We have our First Friday this week and as always, we are excited to be going.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I have not posted in a bit but I am glad Michael did. We are getting fingerprinted on the 14th of Valentines day and then we wait for the 171 form. This is a long wait, nearly 3 months and sometimes longer. We need to be logged in by May 1st, but realistically we do not see that happenning. We have to work on diabetes and weight and that may keep us held up but you never know. I did get the cutest little ladybug toy at the hospitals gift shop the other day!
I will update more this weekend..Thanks for checking in!
I will update more this weekend..Thanks for checking in!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Fingerprinting Appointments!
We received our invitation today to get our fingerprints taken. Unfortunately it is almost four weeks away, but Amy and I have our appointments on February 14th, that's right, our Valentine's gift will be completing a major step in our adoption process!
Michael
Michael
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Our first gift
Michaels brother and his wife (Tim and Mery) gave us our first baby gift..That just sounds so strange to type that. I am going to share pictures of my first gift. Its a memory box that was filled with 2 books, a teddy bear, an ornament and diaper cream. It was also the first time I have gotten anything from a Pottery Barn Store! Our family rocks!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
the waiting continues
Still hoping our date for fingerprinting will arive shortly. A lot of family and friends and noticing families with children from China. Its been neat to hear everyone getting interesting in the process. I really enjoyed spending time with my patient and his family last week at work and just really hearing how the process has been for them.
I am very comfortable of one day adopting a special needs child. Looking forward to the rest of this journey!
I am very comfortable of one day adopting a special needs child. Looking forward to the rest of this journey!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
GOod news
We received a letter today from the immigration place that they received our money and application for fingerprinting and that they will send us a date very soon! Yippee!
On another note, I took care of yet another family with a special needs child from China. This family works with another agency but knew a lot of people I have met at First Friday plus the family we met on the cruise last May. They were such a blessing to me tonight and she took the time to share some family pictures and give me the ups and downs of her journey!
On another note, I took care of yet another family with a special needs child from China. This family works with another agency but knew a lot of people I have met at First Friday plus the family we met on the cruise last May. They were such a blessing to me tonight and she took the time to share some family pictures and give me the ups and downs of her journey!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thoughts
There are numerous rumor sites and I mean numerous. I have not really paid any attention to them nor do I plan to. I am tempted, but I am afraid what I will read. I am unusually calm about things right now and just want to get logged in. This process has helped me meet new friends and read many stories..
Thats all I have to say about that right now.
Amy
Thats all I have to say about that right now.
Amy
Monday, January 08, 2007
Good news
Apparently the I600A got where it needed to get at 8am this morning. Thanks to delivery confirmation. Hopefully it wont take too long to get our fingerprint appt..You know what would be nice? IF the letter was waiting for us when we get back from Florida next Tuesday..hmmm..
We will see!
Amy
We will see!
Amy
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Another piece in the mail. The I6ooa went out today..For those not in the adoption world, you mail it in to get an invitation to get your fingerprints done..Im so glad its in Atlanta..Apparently it does not take that long to get so let keep hoping!
Amy
Amy
Friday, January 05, 2007
First Friday
We got home from the First Friday group and Michael went straight to sleep as he has to be up at 430am. I wish we had had more time to talk about what went on because once again, it was truly amazing.
God is doing some cool things through this process. I will be honest. There is a chance that China will deny us. They are getting strict. I may not lose the weight I need. But you know what? Its okay.
Someone posted on this blog at such the perfect time to "Go until God says stop". God has opened many doors and if he closes them, we will be so disappointed. But He knows the future, not I, and I must trust that he will provide.
Am I expecting to be denied? Of course not. I spoke to the Ga Director tonight and he is going to do his best to get us logged in by May 1st. We will see. I'm always motivated when I leave these meetings.
I hope Michael will post his thoughts because we had an amazing interaction with a little princess tonight!
Pray for us!
God is doing some cool things through this process. I will be honest. There is a chance that China will deny us. They are getting strict. I may not lose the weight I need. But you know what? Its okay.
Someone posted on this blog at such the perfect time to "Go until God says stop". God has opened many doors and if he closes them, we will be so disappointed. But He knows the future, not I, and I must trust that he will provide.
Am I expecting to be denied? Of course not. I spoke to the Ga Director tonight and he is going to do his best to get us logged in by May 1st. We will see. I'm always motivated when I leave these meetings.
I hope Michael will post his thoughts because we had an amazing interaction with a little princess tonight!
Pray for us!
When Love Takes You In - Steven Curtis Chapman
Just thought I would repost the video that captured our hearts. I have to admit, this song grew on me as God placed the idea of adoption in our hearts.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
and.....
Well, not much more to report except our Socia Worker emailed us our homestudy but I think I told you that. Michael was able to help a customer who was meeting with a social worker for a post placement visit and they had used our agency. I am very comfortable and trust they will do everything to the best of their ability.
I have met a few really neat people through this blog and am keeping up with dozens of other stories.
I am still getting some odd questions but its usually from well meaning people.
Tomorrow evening Michael and I will get to attend the function we went to back in September where there will be dozens of families who are also waiting and we will also meet some new babies who are now with their forever families. We are both quite excited about this.
I just want to be logged in by this summer! Ugh!
Amy
I have met a few really neat people through this blog and am keeping up with dozens of other stories.
I am still getting some odd questions but its usually from well meaning people.
Tomorrow evening Michael and I will get to attend the function we went to back in September where there will be dozens of families who are also waiting and we will also meet some new babies who are now with their forever families. We are both quite excited about this.
I just want to be logged in by this summer! Ugh!
Amy
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Home Study done
Well, our social worker emailed our completed home study to us today and it was long..I didnt know there was that much to know about us. There were actually things about Michael I learned through it. You see, Michael and I had individual interviews with the social worker. I will probably read it again later but will take my tim.
This week, I was given another patient from CHina. He was not even 2 and had only been in the country 2 weeks..This lady had used CCAI, our agency and raved about them. That was awesome. She made us realize something. When he came to the floor, she realized that the crib looked a lot like the crib he had in the orphanage so we quickly moved him to a bed..It was a great learning experience!
This week, I was given another patient from CHina. He was not even 2 and had only been in the country 2 weeks..This lady had used CCAI, our agency and raved about them. That was awesome. She made us realize something. When he came to the floor, she realized that the crib looked a lot like the crib he had in the orphanage so we quickly moved him to a bed..It was a great learning experience!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Last night, Michael and I sat down to watch National Geographic's Lost Daughters of China! HOly cow! If you didnt have tears pouring down your face, I am concerned. This video involved the journey of a few families going to China to get their daughters. Remember when we told you the story of meeting a wonderful family on our Disney Cruise who had 2 daughters? Well, their story was on this video. It was awesome. It made the whole thing feel more and more real..Please borrow our video or check it our at your library..It was awesome.
Also, please pray for me. The Dr just called and said I had a high white blood count..Not too hight, just a little bit and she was going to send me to a hematologist to see what was going on. She said she really wasnt worried to much, just wanted to rule things out..PLease pray its nothing..The idea of going to another dr just freaks me out..
Thats all..Michael isnt feeling well either so keep him in your prayers as well..
You guys rock!
Amy
Also, please pray for me. The Dr just called and said I had a high white blood count..Not too hight, just a little bit and she was going to send me to a hematologist to see what was going on. She said she really wasnt worried to much, just wanted to rule things out..PLease pray its nothing..The idea of going to another dr just freaks me out..
Thats all..Michael isnt feeling well either so keep him in your prayers as well..
You guys rock!
Amy
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
update
I read the new rules about the Chinese adoption and its okay. Our wait will be longer. I think I may be the only person looking forward to the wait. We will be celebrating when we get our I171 back (the last piece of paper we need) and when we are officially logged in.
I had my physical yesterday and my dr is going to work with me. Not sure how that works as I will be doing the work but whatever.
Thats it for now..Merry Christmas
I had my physical yesterday and my dr is going to work with me. Not sure how that works as I will be doing the work but whatever.
Thats it for now..Merry Christmas
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Snoozing
So, I worked last night and slept on and off this morning as I am working tonight. I was awoken at 3:15 by our agency staff who I just love. Anyway, it turns out that if I can not lose the weight, we will be denied by China. I figured this out anyway. Dude, I lost 50 pounds one semester in college by going to the YMCA every morning. I know I can do this again!
Will update later..
Amy
Will update later..
Amy
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Apologies to those I work with
Okay, so today was the day of my physical which meant nothing by mouth after midnight. I worked an extra shift last night from 11p-7a which meant nothing to eat or drink. If you know me, I drink a few Coke Zeros on my shift and usually a snack. Apparently I was not a nice person to work with last night. In fact, 2 staff members made me promise to never let my blood sugar drop at work again..
So, I left work, ready to go to my 920 appt at the dr. I got there, they pulled me aside and said the dr called in sick and they forgot to call me. Excuse me??? I and the people I work with suffered for nothing?
The worst part she can fit me in until after Christmas and that means my home study will not be complete and i wanted to have all of that done before hand. So I am a bit down but I know things could be worse so I am ok..I have been having some good talks with God lately, which is awesome!
THanks for the awesome emails and comments peoples!
If you would like to be a part of the prayer email list, shoot me an email over at amyschristopher@comcast.net
So, I left work, ready to go to my 920 appt at the dr. I got there, they pulled me aside and said the dr called in sick and they forgot to call me. Excuse me??? I and the people I work with suffered for nothing?
The worst part she can fit me in until after Christmas and that means my home study will not be complete and i wanted to have all of that done before hand. So I am a bit down but I know things could be worse so I am ok..I have been having some good talks with God lately, which is awesome!
THanks for the awesome emails and comments peoples!
If you would like to be a part of the prayer email list, shoot me an email over at amyschristopher@comcast.net
Monday, December 11, 2006
Prayers needed
Ok, so there is bad news and good news. I spoke to our agency this weekend via email and today by phone. I feel like we have one of the most reputable agencies around. They are just awesome and do not tell you anything unless confirmed by China!
That being said, things in China are changing May 2007. I am only going to post what affects Michael and I so if you are thinking about adoption, please email me and I will send you to other sites.
1)China fees are actually increasing January 1, 2006. Not too much, but enough for Michael and I to look at the budget again
2)Weight is a big issue now. Michael does not have to worry. It all has to do with the BMI or body mass index. It has to be a certain number. In order for me to reach that number, I need to lose 50 pounds. I have done this before, its not impossible.
If we can get logged in by May 1st or have our dossier (the whole paperwork thing) in China by May 1st, we will be okay. After that, the above applies. I do have a doctors appt this Wednesday to go over this. Its a blessing that our Dr is also adopting, because she knows what its like.
This is a bit of a stress but its not impossible and we are in no way giving up. Either
A) we get our paperwork really going which means finding extra money sooner to get our stuff done or
B)prepare to love weight quickly and find lots of support.
The good news is I have needed to lose weight for a while and regardless of when our dossier gets to China, I will use this as an extra incentive to lose the weight.
So that's what's going on, plus the wait time is increasing. They cant say how long but the sooner we get our stuff into China, the better. The last piece of our home study will be the drs notes and me finding Michaels employment letters. Then we apply for finger printing and then we get the governments permission to adopt from China and that takes about 3 months so we have lots to do.
More to come after I have had more sleep. Thanks for checking in!
That being said, things in China are changing May 2007. I am only going to post what affects Michael and I so if you are thinking about adoption, please email me and I will send you to other sites.
1)China fees are actually increasing January 1, 2006. Not too much, but enough for Michael and I to look at the budget again
2)Weight is a big issue now. Michael does not have to worry. It all has to do with the BMI or body mass index. It has to be a certain number. In order for me to reach that number, I need to lose 50 pounds. I have done this before, its not impossible.
If we can get logged in by May 1st or have our dossier (the whole paperwork thing) in China by May 1st, we will be okay. After that, the above applies. I do have a doctors appt this Wednesday to go over this. Its a blessing that our Dr is also adopting, because she knows what its like.
This is a bit of a stress but its not impossible and we are in no way giving up. Either
A) we get our paperwork really going which means finding extra money sooner to get our stuff done or
B)prepare to love weight quickly and find lots of support.
The good news is I have needed to lose weight for a while and regardless of when our dossier gets to China, I will use this as an extra incentive to lose the weight.
So that's what's going on, plus the wait time is increasing. They cant say how long but the sooner we get our stuff into China, the better. The last piece of our home study will be the drs notes and me finding Michaels employment letters. Then we apply for finger printing and then we get the governments permission to adopt from China and that takes about 3 months so we have lots to do.
More to come after I have had more sleep. Thanks for checking in!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Ok, well our agency sent an emal regarding dossier changes. I am ok with changes and I hope we are still approved. Apparently China is changing some of the rules and I worried for a minute. There will be a weight restraint so I need to get busy losing or whats the point..If they are going by your BMI, Michael has nothing to worry about!!!!
I have my drs appt on Wednesday and we will talk about weight stuff and immunizations for going overseas. Our biggest hurdle is money. Once we get what we need in, we can mail off for fingerprints and then our long wait form. The only thing the SW needs now is our medical forms and our financial statement. I will let you know when we hear what the actualy changes are. I hate to think we have spent this money to get started to have us turned away. We could use your prayers during this priocess.
Thanks
Amy
I have my drs appt on Wednesday and we will talk about weight stuff and immunizations for going overseas. Our biggest hurdle is money. Once we get what we need in, we can mail off for fingerprints and then our long wait form. The only thing the SW needs now is our medical forms and our financial statement. I will let you know when we hear what the actualy changes are. I hate to think we have spent this money to get started to have us turned away. We could use your prayers during this priocess.
Thanks
Amy
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Our wonderful social worker just called to clarify what we still needed. She is almost done with her home study. Michael is going to the dr tomorrow and should get his form filled out and I have mine next week. Those are the last 2 hard forms to get. Once we get the home study down, then we start really paperchasing and finally getting our dossier together. WooHOo! I shall say this now. I would love to be logged into China by June 1st! We will see how close we get to that!!!
Amy
Amy
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
New Prayer Requests
1) That we will stay focused and motivated
2)That we will learn the heritage of our daughter during our waiting time
3)that all paperwork will be done in a timely manner by us and others
4)that all paperwork mailed will arrive at its destination and will not be lost
5)for our social worker and agency as they work on the paperwork
6)finances that we will have the money needed at the right times
7)the orphanages where the babies are-that they will be loved and cared for
8)China in general
2)That we will learn the heritage of our daughter during our waiting time
3)that all paperwork will be done in a timely manner by us and others
4)that all paperwork mailed will arrive at its destination and will not be lost
5)for our social worker and agency as they work on the paperwork
6)finances that we will have the money needed at the right times
7)the orphanages where the babies are-that they will be loved and cared for
8)China in general
Saturday, December 02, 2006
next step
Well, more paperwork arrived today. My birth certificate and marriage license was mailed from the secretary of the state of Florida. Time to mail out the I-600A and get our fingerprints. Then we have just our doctor forms to fill out and we can apply for the last form and thats taking over 3 months to get back!
Wow, at least things are coming together!
Wow, at least things are coming together!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
song
Eeyore Jeff told me tonight he could hear the song on this site. If you have time to wait to hear it upload, listen to the lyrics. Its Rascal Flatts and the song is called "My Wish" and I assume it is a letter from a parent to child
and so it goes
Not much to report today. I have been faxing copies of things to our SW so that she can finish our homestudy. Next up, filling out forms that will get us fingerprinted and get us an important form needed to send to China.
We are looking forward to Friday. We will be going to a couples home to have fellowship with other families who are either back from China or in the same boat we are. We have not been since September but we are vey excited to go. We may even see the couple we met on the cruise who introduced us to all of this!!!!!!
We are looking forward to Friday. We will be going to a couples home to have fellowship with other families who are either back from China or in the same boat we are. We have not been since September but we are vey excited to go. We may even see the couple we met on the cruise who introduced us to all of this!!!!!!
Monday, November 27, 2006
hmmmmm
Well, the social worker visits are done and she is just waiting for us to fax over copies of papers so that she can finish our homestudy. We are waiting for Maryland to have the Sec of State sign Michaels birth certificate and a few others..Once the home study is done, we will start waiting on more paperwork.
Our social worker recommended a lot of books for us to read and to my surprise, my MIchael has been ordering them from Amazon and they arrived this week. I am not sure how much we will be reading before Christmas, but we have a lot that we can do during our week.
God has been so good to us and has openend so many doors. I am meeting many families with Chinese children at work and I have loved learning about their experiences.
me
Our social worker recommended a lot of books for us to read and to my surprise, my MIchael has been ordering them from Amazon and they arrived this week. I am not sure how much we will be reading before Christmas, but we have a lot that we can do during our week.
God has been so good to us and has openend so many doors. I am meeting many families with Chinese children at work and I have loved learning about their experiences.
me
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
etc
Well, the good news is that state of Florida has cashed my checks which means we are in the process of getting our marriage license and birth certificates. We mailed a letter to Maryland for that one.
The actualy homestudy is done. Now we have to give our social worker papers for her to be able to complete it. That includes our police reports, license, birth certificate, and all kinds of stuff. Not too bad.
I hope all of you are well. Apparently there were no referrals in October but quite a bit in early November. Congrats to all of the new families. The holiday season is quickly approaching and I wonder how many more we will have before we go to China. I am hoping 2007 will be our last Christmas with just Michael, Lucy and I.
I am trying to find a person/site to help with this blog and make it a bit more creative. If you know of someone who does this and has had success, please let me know!!!!!!!!
The actualy homestudy is done. Now we have to give our social worker papers for her to be able to complete it. That includes our police reports, license, birth certificate, and all kinds of stuff. Not too bad.
I hope all of you are well. Apparently there were no referrals in October but quite a bit in early November. Congrats to all of the new families. The holiday season is quickly approaching and I wonder how many more we will have before we go to China. I am hoping 2007 will be our last Christmas with just Michael, Lucy and I.
I am trying to find a person/site to help with this blog and make it a bit more creative. If you know of someone who does this and has had success, please let me know!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Last nights visit
So, would you like to know how it went? WE PASSED! She said she had no problems with us becoming parents and it would take her a few weeks to get her study together. That's ok, it will take a few weeks to get our paperwork together.
I got home at 9am yesterday and then I slept until noon. I got up and was quite motivated. Michael had already done a lot of work, but I spent 5 hours scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning our room, Making sure the downstairs looked clean and homey. Is that a word? Also, I just found the Swiffer? MY goodness, my I express my gratitude to the inventor. Its awesome! Lucy was over at doggie day care so I had freedom to do the whole house.
6pm Mary Poppins arrives. That's not her name, I just prefer to call her that. We say hello and take a tour of the house..I offer her a Coke Zero and we learn she likes this..Yippee! She likes the backyard and even the big green wall. This is good. The garage had been improved and she changed our water heater in hopes to save us some money. We will see. Saw the white room, which will be the baby room. The only safety issue she pointed out were the corners of the fireplace on the bottom..She recommended that we just soften the corners but we have time to do that!
After the walk around, we did our interviews. We had typed up our autobiographies and she went through those. I was up first and I really enjoyed it. She had given us a sheet with potential issues and we had to choose some to talk about. Most of it was parenting and adoption issues and how the public and friends and family will react. I loved this. Then it was MIchaels turn and I headed upstairs. I have no idea what they talked about, but he passed.
We ended the evening by saying she doesn't think we need another visit but that was up to me. We are meeting with a marriage counselor to talk and make sure we are ready. I am looking forward to this. Please don't think we are having issues. We are trying to prevent any issues from coming up.
Thanks for all of your prayers. This paperchase is crazy but I am loving it and I am looking forward to the long wait.
Amy and Michael
I got home at 9am yesterday and then I slept until noon. I got up and was quite motivated. Michael had already done a lot of work, but I spent 5 hours scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning our room, Making sure the downstairs looked clean and homey. Is that a word? Also, I just found the Swiffer? MY goodness, my I express my gratitude to the inventor. Its awesome! Lucy was over at doggie day care so I had freedom to do the whole house.
6pm Mary Poppins arrives. That's not her name, I just prefer to call her that. We say hello and take a tour of the house..I offer her a Coke Zero and we learn she likes this..Yippee! She likes the backyard and even the big green wall. This is good. The garage had been improved and she changed our water heater in hopes to save us some money. We will see. Saw the white room, which will be the baby room. The only safety issue she pointed out were the corners of the fireplace on the bottom..She recommended that we just soften the corners but we have time to do that!
After the walk around, we did our interviews. We had typed up our autobiographies and she went through those. I was up first and I really enjoyed it. She had given us a sheet with potential issues and we had to choose some to talk about. Most of it was parenting and adoption issues and how the public and friends and family will react. I loved this. Then it was MIchaels turn and I headed upstairs. I have no idea what they talked about, but he passed.
We ended the evening by saying she doesn't think we need another visit but that was up to me. We are meeting with a marriage counselor to talk and make sure we are ready. I am looking forward to this. Please don't think we are having issues. We are trying to prevent any issues from coming up.
Thanks for all of your prayers. This paperchase is crazy but I am loving it and I am looking forward to the long wait.
Amy and Michael
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Awesome New Christmas CD with a powerful track at the end
Amy and I were driving home tyoday and listening to our new Third Day Christmas CD. Get a copy and listen to track 13. You'll find out why I was crying.
Third Day
Third Day
Friday, November 10, 2006
Home Study/Paperchase
1.Paperwork has gone to Florida and Maryland to get certified copies of our birth certificates and marriage licenses..WooHOo
2.Our Home study that will include the walk around of the house is on Tuesday evening. Pray that we can get everything done..Thank God for doggy day care..I am serious..
Scroll down to vote!!!!
2.Our Home study that will include the walk around of the house is on Tuesday evening. Pray that we can get everything done..Thank God for doggy day care..I am serious..
Scroll down to vote!!!!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Chinese Holidays
Official Chinese Holidays
New Year's Day (January 1)
Not as much celebrated as it is in other parts of the world because it is overshadowed by the upcoming Chinese New Year somewhere a month away. However, employees will enjoy a paid day-off. And there will be parties everywhere, in parks, dancing halls and universities where students will leave for the winter vacation and won't be able to celebrete the Chinese New Year on campus.
International Women's Day (March 8)
Interestingly, women employees will get a whole or an half paid day-off on the day while the men are at the mercy of their employers.
Tree-Planting Day (Arbor Day) (April 1)
Highly promoted since the late 70's by the reformist government and yet to become established. It marks the begriming of a greening campaign all over the country during the month each year. There is no paid leave on this day.
International Labor Day (May 1)
No less celebrated than the New Year's Day. Prompted by economic development and commercialization, employees are granted five days paid leave so that they can tour the country and do their shopping. Parades and organized parties on this day have become history.
Youth Day (May 4)
A day in memory of the first mass student movement in 1919—a movement touched off by the then Chinese government that gave in to the Japanese government's attempt to colonize Shandong Province. It is also an anti-Confucius movement as well as one that promoted the western scientific and democratic ideas. Today, youth rallies are rare, but parties and picnic outings are gaining popularity.
Children's Day (June 1)
It is the most memorable day of Chinese children. Access to almost all entertainment and educational facilities such as cinemas, parks and children's museums is free to them. Elementary schools throw celebration parties while parents shower them with presents.
The CCP's Birthday (July 1)
It marked the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921 in Shanghai. It is usually characterized by front page editorials from major government news pagers. Employees do not have a paid leave day.
Army's Day (August 1)
A communist-led nationalist army staged the first armed uprising in Chinese communist history against the Nationalists on August 1, 1927. It was regarded as the beginning of the Red Army (later the People's Liberation Army). Now the anniversary is often used to promote better relationships between the army and civilians, a tradition believed to have helped it beat the Nationalists during the civil war in 1949. It is not a paid-leave day.
Teacher's Day (September 1)
It was started in the early eighties as an effort to reverse the anti-intellectual sentiment nurtured by the "Cultural Revolution". It has become an established holiday. However, it is yet to become a paid-leave day for the teachers.
National Day (October 1)
It is the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 in the wake of routing the Nationalists who have since taken refuge in Taiwan. Celebrations of the day went through different phases in history. Before 1960s, there were regular parades during the day and firework shows during the night in major cities. Later, the celebration was reduced to mere organized parties in parks. Beginning from the 1980's two grand parade happened in Beijing, each in the Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin eras. Beginning from the late 1990s, Chinese employees have been given a week-long paid leave so that they can travel and spend to pump more money into the country's economic development. Both May 1 and October 1 weeks were called huangjinzhou, or "a week of gold." Fireworks and parties are integral part of the first day of the week of gold.
New Year's Day (January 1)
Not as much celebrated as it is in other parts of the world because it is overshadowed by the upcoming Chinese New Year somewhere a month away. However, employees will enjoy a paid day-off. And there will be parties everywhere, in parks, dancing halls and universities where students will leave for the winter vacation and won't be able to celebrete the Chinese New Year on campus.
International Women's Day (March 8)
Interestingly, women employees will get a whole or an half paid day-off on the day while the men are at the mercy of their employers.
Tree-Planting Day (Arbor Day) (April 1)
Highly promoted since the late 70's by the reformist government and yet to become established. It marks the begriming of a greening campaign all over the country during the month each year. There is no paid leave on this day.
International Labor Day (May 1)
No less celebrated than the New Year's Day. Prompted by economic development and commercialization, employees are granted five days paid leave so that they can tour the country and do their shopping. Parades and organized parties on this day have become history.
Youth Day (May 4)
A day in memory of the first mass student movement in 1919—a movement touched off by the then Chinese government that gave in to the Japanese government's attempt to colonize Shandong Province. It is also an anti-Confucius movement as well as one that promoted the western scientific and democratic ideas. Today, youth rallies are rare, but parties and picnic outings are gaining popularity.
Children's Day (June 1)
It is the most memorable day of Chinese children. Access to almost all entertainment and educational facilities such as cinemas, parks and children's museums is free to them. Elementary schools throw celebration parties while parents shower them with presents.
The CCP's Birthday (July 1)
It marked the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921 in Shanghai. It is usually characterized by front page editorials from major government news pagers. Employees do not have a paid leave day.
Army's Day (August 1)
A communist-led nationalist army staged the first armed uprising in Chinese communist history against the Nationalists on August 1, 1927. It was regarded as the beginning of the Red Army (later the People's Liberation Army). Now the anniversary is often used to promote better relationships between the army and civilians, a tradition believed to have helped it beat the Nationalists during the civil war in 1949. It is not a paid-leave day.
Teacher's Day (September 1)
It was started in the early eighties as an effort to reverse the anti-intellectual sentiment nurtured by the "Cultural Revolution". It has become an established holiday. However, it is yet to become a paid-leave day for the teachers.
National Day (October 1)
It is the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 in the wake of routing the Nationalists who have since taken refuge in Taiwan. Celebrations of the day went through different phases in history. Before 1960s, there were regular parades during the day and firework shows during the night in major cities. Later, the celebration was reduced to mere organized parties in parks. Beginning from the 1980's two grand parade happened in Beijing, each in the Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin eras. Beginning from the late 1990s, Chinese employees have been given a week-long paid leave so that they can travel and spend to pump more money into the country's economic development. Both May 1 and October 1 weeks were called huangjinzhou, or "a week of gold." Fireworks and parties are integral part of the first day of the week of gold.
its Monday!
HI again. We missed the First Friday gathering this weekend again because I was working . I am a bit bummer out as I am not sure when we will be able to go. I hope all of you are doing well.
The good news is that there have been many referrals given to families this past week. How excited do you think they are? That means that many children from China have been matched with their forever families. The families received pictures and info about their little ones..I will try to link some websites when I can. I just want to make sure I am allowed to.
WE are finalizing another home visit with the Social worker. This will be the visit where we will be doing seperate interviews and she will be walking around the home and giving suggestions. I am pretty excited as this means we are working on completing a new step...Stay tuned for more information regarding China, which I will be posting later today!!!!
The good news is that there have been many referrals given to families this past week. How excited do you think they are? That means that many children from China have been matched with their forever families. The families received pictures and info about their little ones..I will try to link some websites when I can. I just want to make sure I am allowed to.
WE are finalizing another home visit with the Social worker. This will be the visit where we will be doing seperate interviews and she will be walking around the home and giving suggestions. I am pretty excited as this means we are working on completing a new step...Stay tuned for more information regarding China, which I will be posting later today!!!!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Last night
Its official. I am overwhelmed. Don't hate me. I told you guys this would be an honest look at this process.
Yesterday, Michael and I got our police reports. Mine took 5 minutes to print out, Michaels almost 15. Not to worry, both of ours said NO RECORD FOUND.
Then we came home and worked on the white room which will be the baby's room. This room has been full of boxes the past 2 years. I would say we are almost halfway done..Yeah that Lucy went to doggy day care..That helped.
Then we traveled to Starbucks for our first visit with the social worker. I must admit, Starbucks is a nice place to sit and chat..I had a pumpkin spice latte and Michael had coffee. No details here, but we had a nice visit with the assigned social worked and got way more detailed than I expected. Michael loved this visit. It was healthy but it opened our eyes to a lot of things. She gave us suggestions on resources we can be reading while we wait, and suggestions on how to communicate better. I left stressed, but then again, personal issues stress me out..I feel much better today.
I have a nasty cold which is making me tired and yet I have so much that I want to do! Nothing to stressful, I just want to stay busy.
Lets see what is stressing me out?????
1.Organizing the house- I am aware it doesn't have to be perfect. The fact that we don't have children, is actually a plus here. We aren't required to have the safety things in place just yet..But this is the biggest one.
2. My work schedule and Michaels. I am worried about this because with me working night shift, we don't have the time to talk and go over things, like other couples. This has been on my mind for a while
3.paperwork. As careful as I may be, I am afraid I will send the wrong thing somewhere or forget to sign something
4.Not getting things done on time. I am extremely laid back, but when I want to focus on something, I want to focus.
Thats that..Nothing negative, just worries which are natural..
More updates coming. Check out the name votes..Its getting close...
Yesterday, Michael and I got our police reports. Mine took 5 minutes to print out, Michaels almost 15. Not to worry, both of ours said NO RECORD FOUND.
Then we came home and worked on the white room which will be the baby's room. This room has been full of boxes the past 2 years. I would say we are almost halfway done..Yeah that Lucy went to doggy day care..That helped.
Then we traveled to Starbucks for our first visit with the social worker. I must admit, Starbucks is a nice place to sit and chat..I had a pumpkin spice latte and Michael had coffee. No details here, but we had a nice visit with the assigned social worked and got way more detailed than I expected. Michael loved this visit. It was healthy but it opened our eyes to a lot of things. She gave us suggestions on resources we can be reading while we wait, and suggestions on how to communicate better. I left stressed, but then again, personal issues stress me out..I feel much better today.
I have a nasty cold which is making me tired and yet I have so much that I want to do! Nothing to stressful, I just want to stay busy.
Lets see what is stressing me out?????
1.Organizing the house- I am aware it doesn't have to be perfect. The fact that we don't have children, is actually a plus here. We aren't required to have the safety things in place just yet..But this is the biggest one.
2. My work schedule and Michaels. I am worried about this because with me working night shift, we don't have the time to talk and go over things, like other couples. This has been on my mind for a while
3.paperwork. As careful as I may be, I am afraid I will send the wrong thing somewhere or forget to sign something
4.Not getting things done on time. I am extremely laid back, but when I want to focus on something, I want to focus.
Thats that..Nothing negative, just worries which are natural..
More updates coming. Check out the name votes..Its getting close...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
paperwork, paperwork
I am back from a wonderful weekend full of love and memories..I attended a wedding and visited friends and their chidren.
Michael and I went over a lot of paperwork. Our first social work visit in Thursday. We are meeting at a Starbucks just to talk. I am looking forward to it. This past week, we both got our employment verification letters and I will work on our adoption petition this week. We are also working on birth certificates and marriage licenses. The good thing about getting married in Florida is that is saves us a step. Yeah..We are still confused by a lot but taking it one step at a time.
We saw hubbys dad at lunch and we talked about names for a bit. MIchael and I have a long list and we are curious as to what people think of them. None of them are strange or anything, but we are curious. We may put a pole up of what girl names people like..
on that note, I am going to bed
Michael and I went over a lot of paperwork. Our first social work visit in Thursday. We are meeting at a Starbucks just to talk. I am looking forward to it. This past week, we both got our employment verification letters and I will work on our adoption petition this week. We are also working on birth certificates and marriage licenses. The good thing about getting married in Florida is that is saves us a step. Yeah..We are still confused by a lot but taking it one step at a time.
We saw hubbys dad at lunch and we talked about names for a bit. MIchael and I have a long list and we are curious as to what people think of them. None of them are strange or anything, but we are curious. We may put a pole up of what girl names people like..
on that note, I am going to bed
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
paperchase
Hello people and new readers! Life is good and paperchasing is kind of fun, because you are actually doing something regarding the process. I hope my attitude stays this good after we get a log in date, because then the long wait begins. The first social worker visit is next week and we are meeting at a starbucks. We set the next date and that is when she will come visit the house and talk to us individually! Michael and I will be headed over to the local police station to get proof we have to records and then we will be sending in more paperwork. I am waiting for my employee verification and then that will be behind us.
I appreciate all the emails and encouragment and love to hear from others who have gone this journey. If you know anyone, send them over..My email is amyschristopher@comcast.net
I appreciate all the emails and encouragment and love to hear from others who have gone this journey. If you know anyone, send them over..My email is amyschristopher@comcast.net
Monday, October 23, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
whats going on
Today I got our reciepts in the mail..That was nice, as we get some reimbursement from my job. I have been typing various letters from work as I am working with another nurse tonight which has been helpful. SO, as soon as finances are available (next week), I am mailing out for our birth certificates and marriage certificate..Its not just normal copies but I will explain all of that later. I have found several interesting blogs from people who are waiting on a referral from China. I also heard last night that a night shift nurse just returned from China with her little girl. I can not wait to meet her..I will be posting more information regarding China and traditions on this site later..
Thanks for reading and praying..
Amy and Michael
Thanks for reading and praying..
Amy and Michael
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Yeah, 2 out of 3 references have made it to our agency..I am sure the 3rd is on its way..Woohoo! Thanks guys!!!
Prayer requests
1) that we stay motivated and organized I dont think the motivation will be a problem
2)that the paperwork from different will not be lost and will arrive in a timely manner
3) that the waiting time will not increase anymore. Its now around 14 months from the time China logs us in until we get a referral
4)Pray for peace for the areas around China
Thanks!
Prayer requests
1) that we stay motivated and organized I dont think the motivation will be a problem
2)that the paperwork from different will not be lost and will arrive in a timely manner
3) that the waiting time will not increase anymore. Its now around 14 months from the time China logs us in until we get a referral
4)Pray for peace for the areas around China
Thanks!
Yes, I'm involved
I imagine a lot of you reading this blog have been wondering "where is this Michael that Amy keeps refering to?" Well, I'm here. I do the blog thing, but not with the intensity and dedication that Amy has.
As it is, I just wanted to say hello and mention that I will have limited computer access over the next two weeks as I will be traveling for work. I am a manager for the best restuarant chain in the South, Chick-fil-a, and we have a new store opening on Thursday in Madison, GA. I am part of the GO (Grand Opening) Team, and will be there from tonight through Thursday of next week. On these trips I am there to represent and model the standards and help train the new staff as well as be a face for corporate in an area new to the brand.
Regarding the adoption journey, I wish to announce that I was productive today as I secured 5 copies (may be extra) of my employment verification, which I basically typed up myself and than had my boss sign for me. :)
As it is, I just wanted to say hello and mention that I will have limited computer access over the next two weeks as I will be traveling for work. I am a manager for the best restuarant chain in the South, Chick-fil-a, and we have a new store opening on Thursday in Madison, GA. I am part of the GO (Grand Opening) Team, and will be there from tonight through Thursday of next week. On these trips I am there to represent and model the standards and help train the new staff as well as be a face for corporate in an area new to the brand.
Regarding the adoption journey, I wish to announce that I was productive today as I secured 5 copies (may be extra) of my employment verification, which I basically typed up myself and than had my boss sign for me. :)
Sunday, October 15, 2006
holy cow
Ok, the posts will be much more frequent now. I am officially overwhelmed. I have no idea where to start and the homestudy person comes in just 2 weeks. Michael is leaving for 2 weeks so I may take advantage of that and start working on the house. When I say work on the house, I dont' mean our house is trashed. I am actually proud of what we have accomplished lately. In our 4 bedroom house, we have the white room which eventually will become our nursery. Right now, it still has boxes from move in day. SO I need to find an organizational system to get rid of those boxes and that will empty that room and I will fill completely successful and then we have the office which needs a good cleaning but I can handle that as well.
It feels good to actually start this..I am more mentally there more than anything. I think that after we get back from the wedding at the end of October, things will be much more official.
I am also researching books and items for ourselves to read about adoption and more about the Chinese culture.
It feels good to actually start this..I am more mentally there more than anything. I think that after we get back from the wedding at the end of October, things will be much more official.
I am also researching books and items for ourselves to read about adoption and more about the Chinese culture.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Adoption Orientation
Lets be honest. I was feeling good about the paperchase. Thats what they call it when you prepare to apply to adopt a child in China. Forget that. I am overwhelmed. I am happy that I am overwhelmed..Its awesome.
Lets beging at the beginning. Today was the orientation for the beginning of our process. We have to put together what is called the dossier. This dossier is what goes to the China. Once we have that put together, we beging the wait and apparently it keeps getting longer. I am okay with this.
Orientation rocked..They were honest, funny and and optimistic. We met the director and other staff members. Last night our social worked called and I think we are going to set up a time On Nov 2 to begin our home study. We will meet with her at least 2 times and one of those times will be in our home. Yes, we will have it cleaned by now.
The last few days we had to get paperwork together for this meeting and make copies of it. Michael and I took Samson and Delilah (our cats) to the vet yesterday to get updated shots and check ups. They were not happy. Other paperwork was needed but that wasnt difficult.
We both learned a lot in this meeting and were able to meet a family who came from China earlier this year with their daughter Sabrina. We also saw baby Amelia. Sabrina was dressed in her China gear and was so pretty.
It was totallly a positive experience and I am excited to get started. Working nights can either help or hinder the process. We will see how this goes.
First we need to start getting copies of everything and get police records done..
Pray I stay motivated for all of this.
I am sure I will post later now that we have officially started..
Amy
Lets beging at the beginning. Today was the orientation for the beginning of our process. We have to put together what is called the dossier. This dossier is what goes to the China. Once we have that put together, we beging the wait and apparently it keeps getting longer. I am okay with this.
Orientation rocked..They were honest, funny and and optimistic. We met the director and other staff members. Last night our social worked called and I think we are going to set up a time On Nov 2 to begin our home study. We will meet with her at least 2 times and one of those times will be in our home. Yes, we will have it cleaned by now.
The last few days we had to get paperwork together for this meeting and make copies of it. Michael and I took Samson and Delilah (our cats) to the vet yesterday to get updated shots and check ups. They were not happy. Other paperwork was needed but that wasnt difficult.
We both learned a lot in this meeting and were able to meet a family who came from China earlier this year with their daughter Sabrina. We also saw baby Amelia. Sabrina was dressed in her China gear and was so pretty.
It was totallly a positive experience and I am excited to get started. Working nights can either help or hinder the process. We will see how this goes.
First we need to start getting copies of everything and get police records done..
Pray I stay motivated for all of this.
I am sure I will post later now that we have officially started..
Amy
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
the process continues
We have made it home from Williamsburg and are going to the orientation on Saturday morning..
By Sat morning, we must a lot of things together including
2 copies of everything
pet shot (rabies records)
our autobiographies (apparently a lot of paperwork which I think will be fun)
a map to our home
a floor plan
I am off Thursday and Friday so those days are full now..
By Sat morning, we must a lot of things together including
2 copies of everything
pet shot (rabies records)
our autobiographies (apparently a lot of paperwork which I think will be fun)
a map to our home
a floor plan
I am off Thursday and Friday so those days are full now..
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
another step
Hello again. After reading my yahoo groups, many referrals have been received today. that means that many families are going to be growing in the next 2-3 months. We completed another step today. I ran to the doctors office tot get a letter stating that Michael's health will not threaten his ability to parent. Now, we are waiting for our friends get their recommendations and send them in. After that, hopefully we will be approved and will be able to go to the next orientation!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Things are progressing
How about I mailed the application yesterday and the agency got it today? They just called.Yippee! For those on our reference list, you will be getting a letter from them shortly. PLease mail it in by OCtober 7th if possible. We also need a note saying Michaels diabetes wont affect his parenting and we will be approved. Once approved, we will get on the orientation date of October 14th... SWEET
Hows that for good news?
amy
Hows that for good news?
amy
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Application sent
YIPPEEE! The application along with a money order was sent to our agency today..This means the process has started..I had it confirmed so that I will know when they get it..Its very exciting...I will write more later!
amy
amy
Monday, September 11, 2006
Updates or not
Still not much going on. Sending the application out before we leave on the trip and will hopefully be accepted and then get an orientation date. Michael was motivated to start with the major house cleaning tonight and I am so proud of him. If you guys know of anyone who is adopting or planning on it, please send me their emails or website links.
I wish I had more to tell you.
Amy
I wish I had more to tell you.
Amy
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Thursday 13
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1….It will become so overwhelming we will quit! 2. Finances.That we wont have the money at the right time 3.Paperwork will not arrive in time 4.That the house will not be ready in time 5.Friends will not be accepting of this 6.That my passion will for this will decrease 7.That I will do what I want and not listen to God. This one scares me most of all 8.That we aren't ready 9. That I will not keep in contact with the families I have met 10.That the wait time for referrals will continue to increase I really cant come up with 13 this week. These are fears. I have given them to God, but they still stay with me..I know that it will work out according to His will. Thanks for the encouragment and prayers! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Chinese adoption
WE are so excited to begin the process. What happens now is we turn in the full application, wait for approval and an invitation to the October orientation. We are then assigned a socal work and the fun starts. The paperwork is often called "paperchasing" and you will hear that a lot.
I am going to post some info on words, symbols and traditions you may hear in the chinese adoption world. Its very exciting and I am so glad we have all of the support
New to Chinese Adoption?...The Answers To Your Questions:
These answers are based on my personal research and opinions...* Why does it take so long? The paperwork required by China is extensive and it takes a long time to prepare because they want to ensure that their children are being adopted into loving homes. After the paperwork is submitted to the Chinese government, it waits its turn to be thoroughly reviewed. They also have to confirm that the children being placed for adoption are truly orphans. * Why are all the orphans girls? Most of the orphans are girls because in the Chinese culture, boys support their parents in their old age as there is no social security. Girls support their husband's parents. With the one child per family law, most families choose for their one child to be a boy out of necessity.* How old will she be? It seems that the youngest age at the time of adoption is about 8 months. Most of the babies are between that and about 20 months old, with the majority being around 12-14 months when they first meet their forever family.
Important Jargon and Traditions Found In The Chinese Adoption Community:
The Red Thread - "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - An ancient Chinese belief
.Ladybugs - Believed to be good luck by most people, this is particularly true here. One spring while everyone waited for their referrals, there was a huge infiltration of ladybugs across the nation and immediately following these sightings a flood of referrals came. Or so the story goes.
100 Good Wishes Quilt - To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square patch of cloth. The 100 patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. (Wording borrowed from Original Quilts owner.) Waiting families often collect the wishes along with a sample of each fabric square into a scrapbook for their new child.DTC - Dossier to China. This is the milestone day when the Chinese government logs in the receipt of a dossier to adopt a child. This represents the end of the "paperchase" for the adoptive parents, and the beginning of "the wait" for a referral of a child by the Chinese government. Sometimes also referred to as your LID, or Log In Date.
I am going to post some info on words, symbols and traditions you may hear in the chinese adoption world. Its very exciting and I am so glad we have all of the support
New to Chinese Adoption?...The Answers To Your Questions:
These answers are based on my personal research and opinions...* Why does it take so long? The paperwork required by China is extensive and it takes a long time to prepare because they want to ensure that their children are being adopted into loving homes. After the paperwork is submitted to the Chinese government, it waits its turn to be thoroughly reviewed. They also have to confirm that the children being placed for adoption are truly orphans. * Why are all the orphans girls? Most of the orphans are girls because in the Chinese culture, boys support their parents in their old age as there is no social security. Girls support their husband's parents. With the one child per family law, most families choose for their one child to be a boy out of necessity.* How old will she be? It seems that the youngest age at the time of adoption is about 8 months. Most of the babies are between that and about 20 months old, with the majority being around 12-14 months when they first meet their forever family.
Important Jargon and Traditions Found In The Chinese Adoption Community:
The Red Thread - "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - An ancient Chinese belief
.Ladybugs - Believed to be good luck by most people, this is particularly true here. One spring while everyone waited for their referrals, there was a huge infiltration of ladybugs across the nation and immediately following these sightings a flood of referrals came. Or so the story goes.
100 Good Wishes Quilt - To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square patch of cloth. The 100 patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. (Wording borrowed from Original Quilts owner.) Waiting families often collect the wishes along with a sample of each fabric square into a scrapbook for their new child.DTC - Dossier to China. This is the milestone day when the Chinese government logs in the receipt of a dossier to adopt a child. This represents the end of the "paperchase" for the adoptive parents, and the beginning of "the wait" for a referral of a child by the Chinese government. Sometimes also referred to as your LID, or Log In Date.
Questions
Another great question received at work, was "Is it first come at the orphanage and how do you pick the one you want" followed by "If they get ugly, can you return them?"
uhm.....do I even bother???
uhm.....do I even bother???
Saturday, September 02, 2006
First Friday
Where do I even start? I am hoping Michael will also post his feelings towards last night..SO we went to a doctors appt and then had Carrabas for dinner (early, and there was no line). Then we headed to the Chapmans for our first First Friday..First of all, we felt out of place when we got there..Why? The homes started at 700,000 up to 3 million..It was wacked..I will never be in this kind of neighborhood again.. So, we were the first to arrive..We met Susan and Dan and Mimi, their 4 year old petite daughter adopted from China..Loved it...
Then the people started arriving. They said it was a small crowd, I'm guessing 50-60 people..I thought it was huge. Many people brought their adopted daughters..Yes, there were people all in the process. One family leaves Sept 12 for Makayla Grace. The entire group prayed over them before the night was through. The family showed pictures and was totally excited about the trip..It was contagious. We met several couples. One couple has offered to sit with us if we want to visit First Baptist Woodstock. They have been on mission trips to the Chinese orphanages and thats how they decided to adopt..Its the coolest thing! We met a couple who is waiting on a specific piece of paper and its been a long wait and they were frustrated.Very nice people and the husband gave me lots of information...
We were able to meet Mr Diets, he's the president of the Atlanta chapter of the group we will be using. All in all, it was an awesome experience..The agency we chose is being used by most of the people there and we have no doubts about them at all. We will probably go to our orientation October 14th if we can get our application this week.
We mingled, ate cookies and checked out family pics for about an hour until question and answer time..
We can not go back until November, but I hope to be there! It was far better than I ever expected.. We left so motivated to get this started. Im still fearful about the financial situation but God has laid this on our hearts for a long time and I know He will provide. We met so many people. I felt like we immediately joined a family or a club that was opened to everyone. I think all of the future moms had tears in their eyes at least once sometime last nignt.
Stay tuned to whats going on in our hearts!!!!
Then the people started arriving. They said it was a small crowd, I'm guessing 50-60 people..I thought it was huge. Many people brought their adopted daughters..Yes, there were people all in the process. One family leaves Sept 12 for Makayla Grace. The entire group prayed over them before the night was through. The family showed pictures and was totally excited about the trip..It was contagious. We met several couples. One couple has offered to sit with us if we want to visit First Baptist Woodstock. They have been on mission trips to the Chinese orphanages and thats how they decided to adopt..Its the coolest thing! We met a couple who is waiting on a specific piece of paper and its been a long wait and they were frustrated.Very nice people and the husband gave me lots of information...
We were able to meet Mr Diets, he's the president of the Atlanta chapter of the group we will be using. All in all, it was an awesome experience..The agency we chose is being used by most of the people there and we have no doubts about them at all. We will probably go to our orientation October 14th if we can get our application this week.
We mingled, ate cookies and checked out family pics for about an hour until question and answer time..
We can not go back until November, but I hope to be there! It was far better than I ever expected.. We left so motivated to get this started. Im still fearful about the financial situation but God has laid this on our hearts for a long time and I know He will provide. We met so many people. I felt like we immediately joined a family or a club that was opened to everyone. I think all of the future moms had tears in their eyes at least once sometime last nignt.
Stay tuned to whats going on in our hearts!!!!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Tonight
Well, tonight is our first Chinese adoption support group thingy. I am pretty excited as we are going to meet a lot of people and meet some children born in China. Its called First Friday and its held the first Friday of the month. This is the first time we have been able to go. It should be fun. A nurse that works with me tore out a piece of paper that had an adoption seminar this Thursday using the group we will be using. Im not sure I will be able to go, but its nice that people are looking out for me. I am getting more focused on getting the house organized. We may board Lucy for 2 weeks in October and if we do, that will be when we get most of the organization done. Ive learned that we need to show proof of shots for the cats, so we will need to get that done as well. I am also hoping we will see the couple we met on the cruise again..
There really is a lot of things to do, but it will get done, I am sure..Its nice to have something to motivate me..
There really is a lot of things to do, but it will get done, I am sure..Its nice to have something to motivate me..
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday 13
 |
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
uhm
Not sure whats going on with blogger or where the rest of my posts are, but I will figure it out!!!!!!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
First Thursday 13
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1…. We have been married almost 5 years 2.This is the first time I have done a Thursday thirteen but I think the idea is very cool 3.We have been thinking about adoption on and off for a few years. 4. We have lots to do to get our house ready for the home study 5. The whole idea scares the heck out of me but at the same time is exciting as anything 6.I can not wait to have a blog that says we are in China 7. When I am at work, I read peoples blogs and love to read stories of adoption 8.Although we have not talked about it, there are names I really like 9. I am scared half to death of the flight to China 10. I actually like to answer peoples questions regarding adoption, although I dont have all the answers 11. I think Michael will be rockin dad 12. I want to take my kids to Disney World for vacation 13. I cant wait to have the sound of children in my home |
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
First Friday
Did I tell you guys about the couple we met on the cruise that adopted 2 girls from China? they introduced to a couple who hold a support group in their home once a month, "First Friday"! I have been trying to work every Friday for extra money but I am off next Friday! Guess what day it is, Sept!. I think we can go. I am very excited as there will be people who are in various stages of the adoption process, those who havent started, those whose paperwork is almost through, those waiting for a referral and those waiting to leave for China!. I am very excited that we can go and meet these people! Yippee!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Whats going on?
Whats going on with the Christopher family? Well, I learned how to add links to this site. It was not as easy as I expected but I figured it out.
My coworkers love me. When they assigned patients Wednesday night,they gave me a lovely 17yo post op patient. The reason they gave me this patient was that his parents recently got back from China after adopting baby Gracie. How sweet was she! Unfortunately, by the time I got back from my meeting, the patient had fallen asleep and I was unable to talk with them. I was quite disapointed..I am sure another one of those moments will come again.
We are heading to Florida for a few days. We have started cleaning and organizing the house, a little bit. Michael finished painting the bathroom upstairs and it just needs some touch ups. Some friends have given me ideas to help with that, but it is a bit overwhelming. We have gotten a fire extinguisher. We should have one anyway, but we are sure the homestudy people will want to see it. Thats about it.
I have totally enjoyed answering questions..I told someone we were adopting from China and there answer was 'Is that legal'? That was kind of funny. I am sure we will have more questions like that but that was great. More details to come as we set our orientation date and wait to get approved.. Thanks for all the kind emails.
Amy and Michael
My coworkers love me. When they assigned patients Wednesday night,they gave me a lovely 17yo post op patient. The reason they gave me this patient was that his parents recently got back from China after adopting baby Gracie. How sweet was she! Unfortunately, by the time I got back from my meeting, the patient had fallen asleep and I was unable to talk with them. I was quite disapointed..I am sure another one of those moments will come again.
We are heading to Florida for a few days. We have started cleaning and organizing the house, a little bit. Michael finished painting the bathroom upstairs and it just needs some touch ups. Some friends have given me ideas to help with that, but it is a bit overwhelming. We have gotten a fire extinguisher. We should have one anyway, but we are sure the homestudy people will want to see it. Thats about it.
I have totally enjoyed answering questions..I told someone we were adopting from China and there answer was 'Is that legal'? That was kind of funny. I am sure we will have more questions like that but that was great. More details to come as we set our orientation date and wait to get approved.. Thanks for all the kind emails.
Amy and Michael
Friday, August 11, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
its a God thing
Okay, another sign God is totally in this process. We went to a new doctor yesterday..Wonderful Christian lady who, get this, is in the process of adopting. She has 3 kids but is adopting 2 older ones this year and soon as she is matched..Anway, because of her history, she knew what labs we would need, what info the agency would need.
How cool is that?
How cool is that?
Monday, July 31, 2006
anticipation
A lot of people were given a log in date today for China. How exciting for those families!!! Now they begin the wait for a referral for their child!
As I have had time to explore and research blogs, websites and talking to people who have adopted something has occurred tot me..i mean really occurred to me what a life changing proceses adoption will be. Just the idea of adding a person to your family is simply HUGE!! Those of you who have adopted and those who have biological children can share with me.
I remember getting married almost 5 years ago. That was a HUGE change. You cant be selfish anymore..I had my ways of doing things as did Michael. We still have our own ways of doing things but you have to be able to adjust to your spouses ideas..that was hard..I think it was 6 months into the wonderful marriage that it hit me. It was hard but you know what? It was also fun. I loved learning new things about my husband and i still do.
I seriously think about the day we get our daughter from China, and how not only will our lives be forever changed, but also hers. i pray for a smooth adjustment as we take her from a place she has never left to a new and exciting life..
I am sentimental person, although most people wouldnt know that. I am also very excitable. I cant wait for the day that they place our daughter in our homes and we take her home with us..
As I have had time to explore and research blogs, websites and talking to people who have adopted something has occurred tot me..i mean really occurred to me what a life changing proceses adoption will be. Just the idea of adding a person to your family is simply HUGE!! Those of you who have adopted and those who have biological children can share with me.
I remember getting married almost 5 years ago. That was a HUGE change. You cant be selfish anymore..I had my ways of doing things as did Michael. We still have our own ways of doing things but you have to be able to adjust to your spouses ideas..that was hard..I think it was 6 months into the wonderful marriage that it hit me. It was hard but you know what? It was also fun. I loved learning new things about my husband and i still do.
I seriously think about the day we get our daughter from China, and how not only will our lives be forever changed, but also hers. i pray for a smooth adjustment as we take her from a place she has never left to a new and exciting life..
I am sentimental person, although most people wouldnt know that. I am also very excitable. I cant wait for the day that they place our daughter in our homes and we take her home with us..
Saturday, July 29, 2006
People
Sitting here at work, wondering when we will be mailing the application. Its pretty complete, we both answered our questions, thats pretty much it.
Apparently Michael met someone today who has used the agency we have chosen?
Someone asked me today "Why China, dont you like American kids"? Now, tell me, how in the heck is the proper response to that?
Ladybugs are cool!
Apparently Michael met someone today who has used the agency we have chosen?
Someone asked me today "Why China, dont you like American kids"? Now, tell me, how in the heck is the proper response to that?
Ladybugs are cool!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
questions
The strange questions have started. "why are you adopting"? Why China and not another country? Why would you spend that much money on a family?
Mind you, most of these people are just curious but it sometimes I think people are being ugly. I am not worried though.I do believe that our child will be loved and cherished by all of our family and friends..its actually exciting to think about it.
The formal application should be going out sometime next week and then we wait for the next step. We are working on getting the house ready for our homestudy, but with both of us working a lot of overtime, the process is slow. I can report the bookshelf is no longer in the kitchen which is pretty exciting.
No, we havent talked about names. i dont know why.Perhaps its the fact that we have a long wait ahead of us.
Michael has told me that Lucy will have to go to training school before we bring any child into the home. We got Lucy the bassett hound due to the laid back, lazy personalities they are know to have. Lucy seems to have a defect. Im just kidding. It is funny to watch her do laps in the back yard..
Until next time...
Mind you, most of these people are just curious but it sometimes I think people are being ugly. I am not worried though.I do believe that our child will be loved and cherished by all of our family and friends..its actually exciting to think about it.
The formal application should be going out sometime next week and then we wait for the next step. We are working on getting the house ready for our homestudy, but with both of us working a lot of overtime, the process is slow. I can report the bookshelf is no longer in the kitchen which is pretty exciting.
No, we havent talked about names. i dont know why.Perhaps its the fact that we have a long wait ahead of us.
Michael has told me that Lucy will have to go to training school before we bring any child into the home. We got Lucy the bassett hound due to the laid back, lazy personalities they are know to have. Lucy seems to have a defect. Im just kidding. It is funny to watch her do laps in the back yard..
Until next time...
Friday, July 21, 2006
me and Michael
Nope. There really is nothing to report. I am getting so much info from people on the internet about China and our agency and everything, I am ready to meet some of these people. We are expecting the best...paperwork will not be that difficult, we will be approved, travel will be great, baby girl will bond and not grieve over her new environment.
I am very excited about the whole process,but the difficulty of the process is starting to hit me. Perhaps Michael and I can over the adoption packet in the car or while on the trip. I hope so. There is so much to talk about..
I am not worried.
I know we can do it.
Its just how to start.
amy
I am very excited about the whole process,but the difficulty of the process is starting to hit me. Perhaps Michael and I can over the adoption packet in the car or while on the trip. I hope so. There is so much to talk about..
I am not worried.
I know we can do it.
Its just how to start.
amy
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Its still July
I still can not believe how many online journals there are online. Thanks to those of you who sent us more. IN one day, I think I had 25 positive responses to the agency we have chosen. I think we have the chosen the right one. I have no interest in looking into other ones, I am just ready to get started.
I have spent hours reading posts from various yahoogroups on what we call "the paperchase". its actually a little intimidating with all the paperwork, where you have to get it signed, where you have to get it notarizedm should you mail it or drive it over? should you use a courier or use Fed Ex? How do you know when it gets there?
Once it gets there, how long until its approved and then the waiting..RIght now, its just over 12 months (thats 1 year folks) and then about 6 weeks before you fly to China. I need to get started but I also need 2 days off in a row. maybe on our trip this weekend, we can get the application mailed..That would be sooo cool..
Off to finish work for the night
I have spent hours reading posts from various yahoogroups on what we call "the paperchase". its actually a little intimidating with all the paperwork, where you have to get it signed, where you have to get it notarizedm should you mail it or drive it over? should you use a courier or use Fed Ex? How do you know when it gets there?
Once it gets there, how long until its approved and then the waiting..RIght now, its just over 12 months (thats 1 year folks) and then about 6 weeks before you fly to China. I need to get started but I also need 2 days off in a row. maybe on our trip this weekend, we can get the application mailed..That would be sooo cool..
Off to finish work for the night
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The application has arrived!
SO today, I sat down and emailed a few of the references the agency sent from our area..Holy cow! I love this agency. People were honest and sent me some personal stories that I already love all of these people. We have been invited to a few homes to meet their children and just get some encouragement. Unfortunately, my work schedule is going to make that difficult.
There have been some sweet blogs and websites about people and their journeys. I have enjoyed reading about them and starting to get a bit excited. I have also forwarded the email to Michael.
Oh yeah, the application came today and its pretty much filled out except for some of the financial things that Michael will fill in. They sent a short DVD (will watch with Lucy tomorrow) and a few other papers. Since I work with kids, there is an additional form that has to be sent it..All in all a good day but didnt get much done around the house.
There is a video I want to post on here, but I am going to have to have someone help me because I have no idea. You will guys will love it..
Have a great morning, afternoon, evening and night!
amy
There have been some sweet blogs and websites about people and their journeys. I have enjoyed reading about them and starting to get a bit excited. I have also forwarded the email to Michael.
Oh yeah, the application came today and its pretty much filled out except for some of the financial things that Michael will fill in. They sent a short DVD (will watch with Lucy tomorrow) and a few other papers. Since I work with kids, there is an additional form that has to be sent it..All in all a good day but didnt get much done around the house.
There is a video I want to post on here, but I am going to have to have someone help me because I have no idea. You will guys will love it..
Have a great morning, afternoon, evening and night!
amy
Monday, July 10, 2006
We've only just begun
What's up with your adoption stuff? that is a popular question. We are waiting for the application from the agency..After that, we pay money send it in and go to a 3-5 hour orientation which should be fun. I have researched a lot, ALOT and the internet and found some good things.
1.I have learned that the ladybug is a symbol used in a lot of Chinese adoptions. I think that is pretty cute
2. I have learned I need to really clean and organize my house room by room..The downstairs wont be so bad, its really the upstairs, garage and attic that need work.
3. I learned that spaying the dog didnt calm her down. Oh wait, that has nothing to do with adoption. Sorry
4. I have learned we have a long process ahead.
5. I learned not all of the money is due up front.
6. I have learned that in the hotels we stay at, they provide a lot but the beds arent that soft.
7. I have learned the home study may not be as bad. We have to explain a lot, schooling, childcare, dog, stuff like that.
8.I learned I need more pictures of my Michael and I.
9. I have learned that 2000 pieces of paperwork go to China each month.
10. I have learned there are not guarantees
and I have learned that we have a number of people supporting us and praying for us.
Thank you all!
1.I have learned that the ladybug is a symbol used in a lot of Chinese adoptions. I think that is pretty cute
2. I have learned I need to really clean and organize my house room by room..The downstairs wont be so bad, its really the upstairs, garage and attic that need work.
3. I learned that spaying the dog didnt calm her down. Oh wait, that has nothing to do with adoption. Sorry
4. I have learned we have a long process ahead.
5. I learned not all of the money is due up front.
6. I have learned that in the hotels we stay at, they provide a lot but the beds arent that soft.
7. I have learned the home study may not be as bad. We have to explain a lot, schooling, childcare, dog, stuff like that.
8.I learned I need more pictures of my Michael and I.
9. I have learned that 2000 pieces of paperwork go to China each month.
10. I have learned there are not guarantees
and I have learned that we have a number of people supporting us and praying for us.
Thank you all!
Friday, July 07, 2006
more details
We are still waiting on the application from the new agency. Hopefuly it will come today or tomorrow. I am sorry this blog isnt more creative. I have tried but have been unsuccessful. Several friends have asked if we are done with all of the paperwork and I am like uhm, no... Hopefully we will go to the agencies informational meetings and attend one of the support groups called "First Friday" soon. Then we will be getting more things together and then the homestudy will begin. I dont want to write down a time frame, as I am sure I will not follow it. Its amazing the pictures that they will want.. A picture of the family room, the backyard, the kitchen, the babys room (doesnt have to be ready). If you dont have a swingset in your backyard, then a picture of the neighborhood one will count. I dont even like that one, so we will have to find something else.
They will probably ask for 8 pictures of us with other people. I guess its to make sure we are social. We may be calling on friends to get together just for pictures. They want us to have pictures of us with hobbies. This could be difficult but not impossible..I guess a cruise picture wont work even though I consider it an expensive hobby.
I am still getting emails from people who know people who have adopted from China and different agencies in stuff. I appreciate all of that, thank you.
Will let you know if the application comes in!
Amy and Michael
They will probably ask for 8 pictures of us with other people. I guess its to make sure we are social. We may be calling on friends to get together just for pictures. They want us to have pictures of us with hobbies. This could be difficult but not impossible..I guess a cruise picture wont work even though I consider it an expensive hobby.
I am still getting emails from people who know people who have adopted from China and different agencies in stuff. I appreciate all of that, thank you.
Will let you know if the application comes in!
Amy and Michael
Monday, July 03, 2006
CHANGES
Well. Over the past few weeks I have felt uneasy about the agency we picked..Not that there is anything wrong with it. Since we decided to follow through with international adoption, this agency has been the only one in my mind. With that said, my father in law asked me to do some more research and I have..A LOT. I mean, over 10 or 11 agencies, unwilling references and all that jazz..
My mind has been uneasy and I wasn't sure why. Today I get a call from ana unknown number which I usually do not answer. I'm glad I did. Remember I told you guys about meeting a family on our Disney Cruise in May. That lady referred me to another lady (Mrs. chapman) who is experienced in international adoption, has used a few, and is incredible knowledgeable. She is the sweetest thing. she asked me if we wanted a Christian agency or not, which we did. Now, in the state of Ga, most international agencies call themselves "Christian" regardless if they are or not. She threw out a name of an agency that I had not heard of. She told me the administration were Christians but they did not use the name in the title because they didn't want to exclude anyone.
I checked out their website, and loved it. they are the cheapest of all, they seem to have the best communication system and at this moment, I fell totally at peace with them..
I think we are going to dinner..will post later
AMY and MICHAEL
My mind has been uneasy and I wasn't sure why. Today I get a call from ana unknown number which I usually do not answer. I'm glad I did. Remember I told you guys about meeting a family on our Disney Cruise in May. That lady referred me to another lady (Mrs. chapman) who is experienced in international adoption, has used a few, and is incredible knowledgeable. She is the sweetest thing. she asked me if we wanted a Christian agency or not, which we did. Now, in the state of Ga, most international agencies call themselves "Christian" regardless if they are or not. She threw out a name of an agency that I had not heard of. She told me the administration were Christians but they did not use the name in the title because they didn't want to exclude anyone.
I checked out their website, and loved it. they are the cheapest of all, they seem to have the best communication system and at this moment, I fell totally at peace with them..
I think we are going to dinner..will post later
AMY and MICHAEL
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Facts you may not have known
Do you know how many international adoption agencies are out there? I am not sure I do either, but I know its a lot. I have pretty much completed our application, but I am just checking out a few more. I have researched dozens of blogs with peoples journeys and I am not sure we have chosen the best one. I could be wrong but I have heard better stories with other agencies.
What are we looking for? Well, the price for all of them is about the same? we do look at the time frame. We look at the home study reports and how accurately those turn out. The agency we have chosen so far has the best score with home studies and such. We look at how much communication the agency has with the adoptive parent. What else is important? We want an agency that looks after you while you are in China, and the agency we have chosen so far doesnt let you out of your sight which is something that reassures me. travel arrangements, paperwork, timing also play a big part in the decision.
Michael was at work and met a couple of moms who had adopted from China so I am glad he was able to talk to them. Apparently a few of our pediatricians have also adopted from there so I am hoping to get some information regarding that.
Apparently there is word that Steven Curtis Chapman had returned to China to visit with his adopted girls and has been promoting it with his family. Almost everyone I tell about our plans knows someone who has adopted or is in the process of adopting.
God is good and I am sure I will either be at ease with our decision or decide to change agencies this week. After that, we have a lot of things to do like background checks and stuff like that but I will keep you posted..
Amy
What are we looking for? Well, the price for all of them is about the same? we do look at the time frame. We look at the home study reports and how accurately those turn out. The agency we have chosen so far has the best score with home studies and such. We look at how much communication the agency has with the adoptive parent. What else is important? We want an agency that looks after you while you are in China, and the agency we have chosen so far doesnt let you out of your sight which is something that reassures me. travel arrangements, paperwork, timing also play a big part in the decision.
Michael was at work and met a couple of moms who had adopted from China so I am glad he was able to talk to them. Apparently a few of our pediatricians have also adopted from there so I am hoping to get some information regarding that.
Apparently there is word that Steven Curtis Chapman had returned to China to visit with his adopted girls and has been promoting it with his family. Almost everyone I tell about our plans knows someone who has adopted or is in the process of adopting.
God is good and I am sure I will either be at ease with our decision or decide to change agencies this week. After that, we have a lot of things to do like background checks and stuff like that but I will keep you posted..
Amy
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