According to FedEx, our dossier made it to Colarado this morning at 5:38! Woo...Here is to a quick DTC and finally a LID!!! Yippee!
Michael and I talked and I think we are going to come up with a name soon. Mostly, I want to be able to pray for her by name and pray for what impact she will make on people in China.
That's it for now!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
First Friday
Last night was the April First Friday group meeting. I have been looking forward to this all week. It began with dinner at TGIFridays with Karen, who is farther into the process than we are. She is a stinkin funny chick and we always enjoy our time with her. We never have to worry about where our conversation is going.
Then, we headed to the Chapmans where we saw uhm The Chapmans. Then our friends Tim and Laura arrived and I just love them. They are our age and Laura and I get along famously.Our log in dates will just be a few weeks apart and its just neat to have another friend who understands. We met more friends last night. Actually, some of them have blogs I have been reading for a while and didn't even recongnize them. I am afraid that people do not think I am that friendly there, but thats probably my paranoia kicking in.
Topics included log in dates, referrals and baby names.. So then there was the question, HAVE YOU PICKED A NAME? Someone suggested we go ahead and pick one before someone claims it. Well, let me just say that the names Michael and I like are a bit popular and we will have fun choosing the right one..More on that later
The gathering was informative and met a new baby who has been with her new family for a month and we met another family who is leaving later this month to and get their new baby.
It was such a time of encouragement and fellowship and I have enjoyed meeting new people and talking to people who have been there. Michael was able to talk to a lot of people as well and I think he enjoyed himself too!
Then, we headed to the Chapmans where we saw uhm The Chapmans. Then our friends Tim and Laura arrived and I just love them. They are our age and Laura and I get along famously.Our log in dates will just be a few weeks apart and its just neat to have another friend who understands. We met more friends last night. Actually, some of them have blogs I have been reading for a while and didn't even recongnize them. I am afraid that people do not think I am that friendly there, but thats probably my paranoia kicking in.
Topics included log in dates, referrals and baby names.. So then there was the question, HAVE YOU PICKED A NAME? Someone suggested we go ahead and pick one before someone claims it. Well, let me just say that the names Michael and I like are a bit popular and we will have fun choosing the right one..More on that later
The gathering was informative and met a new baby who has been with her new family for a month and we met another family who is leaving later this month to and get their new baby.
It was such a time of encouragement and fellowship and I have enjoyed meeting new people and talking to people who have been there. Michael was able to talk to a lot of people as well and I think he enjoyed himself too!
Friday, April 06, 2007
don't you.....
Don't you love it when you are in the middle of cleaning your kitchen, concentrating, wishing the phone would quit ringing and then, lo and behold, you get a great phone call??
OUR DOSSIER IS OUT OF CRITICAL REVIEW AND OFF TO TRANSLATION IN COLORADO!!!
OUR DOSSIER IS OUT OF CRITICAL REVIEW AND OFF TO TRANSLATION IN COLORADO!!!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Major Announcement!
As of 3pm today, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, we are DTC (kinda).
Most people know of DTC to mean "Dossier To China" but in our case it is first "Dossier to Colorado" for the critical review (which is simply the final double/triple/quadrupal check) and translation, and THEN it will be off to China!
We only had one last hurdle today and that was the production of copies of our certified, testified, corrugated, litigated, notarized, martinized, legalized, and any other -ized or -ed they could be documents. We needed a photocopy of every page of each document and that meant a trip from the agency office to Kinko's.
Have I mentioned my distaste for Kinko's? About 3 years ago they eliminated the policy of picking up a counter, plugging it into the copier and going from there. You know have to pre-purchase a copy-card with money loaded on it to use the copiers (nothing like being treated like a college Freshman again). After you make your copies you then have to engage in a battle to get your money back off the card.
I first encountered this while making copies for work, which I needed to do a paid-out for and had no desire to keep store funds locked in a Kinko's copy card. Today we had to buy $20 worth of credit (the only cash I had on me) to make $5.00 worth of copies. The trained response from the associate when we were done and asked for our refund was "The card is reusable."
Obviously the plan is for you to take the card (while they keep the money) and let them hope you lose the card or forget about it because honestly you visit Kinko's about once every 4 years.
I digress....
So back to the CCAI office and by the time I am done visting the restroom Amy and Jamie have got everything set. The documents are ready, the checks are written, the pictures are collected (including one of us with my favorite cousin, who has no idea we are adopting because she does not use the internet!). Now for the wait, and the prep. We have a lot to do around the house including cleaning out and preparing the baby room and organizing the garage, but we'll have fun.
It's a week of new life and growth as today is Maundy Wednesday. Monday I planted some new azaleas and other flowers, and in 5 days we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, so if this week isn't about life and love, I don't know what is!
-Michael
Most people know of DTC to mean "Dossier To China" but in our case it is first "Dossier to Colorado" for the critical review (which is simply the final double/triple/quadrupal check) and translation, and THEN it will be off to China!
We only had one last hurdle today and that was the production of copies of our certified, testified, corrugated, litigated, notarized, martinized, legalized, and any other -ized or -ed they could be documents. We needed a photocopy of every page of each document and that meant a trip from the agency office to Kinko's.
Have I mentioned my distaste for Kinko's? About 3 years ago they eliminated the policy of picking up a counter, plugging it into the copier and going from there. You know have to pre-purchase a copy-card with money loaded on it to use the copiers (nothing like being treated like a college Freshman again). After you make your copies you then have to engage in a battle to get your money back off the card.
I first encountered this while making copies for work, which I needed to do a paid-out for and had no desire to keep store funds locked in a Kinko's copy card. Today we had to buy $20 worth of credit (the only cash I had on me) to make $5.00 worth of copies. The trained response from the associate when we were done and asked for our refund was "The card is reusable."
Obviously the plan is for you to take the card (while they keep the money) and let them hope you lose the card or forget about it because honestly you visit Kinko's about once every 4 years.
I digress....
So back to the CCAI office and by the time I am done visting the restroom Amy and Jamie have got everything set. The documents are ready, the checks are written, the pictures are collected (including one of us with my favorite cousin, who has no idea we are adopting because she does not use the internet!). Now for the wait, and the prep. We have a lot to do around the house including cleaning out and preparing the baby room and organizing the garage, but we'll have fun.
It's a week of new life and growth as today is Maundy Wednesday. Monday I planted some new azaleas and other flowers, and in 5 days we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, so if this week isn't about life and love, I don't know what is!
-Michael
Monday, April 02, 2007
May we introduce you to
may we introduce you to: OUR DOSSIER! That's right! Everything is here. Passports (copies of passports), group photos, couple photos, birth certificates, 1 marriage license, employment verification, home study, financial statement, adoption petition, health forms, letters from doctors, etc. WOOHOO! This is what we have been working on since October of 2006!!!! We will certainly make the May 1st deadline and then the waiting really begins. I have never been more excited to wait in my entire life. Once we are logger in, we will begin some special projects, one which will include you, our friends and family. We are very very excited and can not wait to learn more of the Chinese culture, prepare our home and hearts for this most magnificent journey!!
God's hand has been on us this entire journey and we are so thankful. Please pray that He will continue to guide us on this journey. More prayer requests are listed on an entry below!! No need to read below, let me post them again
Please pray
1)our agency encounters no problems with reviewing or translating and our dossier gets to China before May 1
2)Pray that as we begin the wait that God will prepare us and that we will be open for changes
3)for our friends and family who will be a HUGE support to us when we get home
4)pray that we find a home church and become actively involved
5)pray for the people in China who are caring for these babies and for the birth moms.
6)pray that we will use this time wisely
7)pray that we fund raise and save money
Praises
1) my passport is in Atlanta
2)agency payment has been taken care of
3) The Hoffmans have a LID
4)i have met some sweet ladies because of this process
5)this process has brought out a new side of Michael and I
We shall be turning this in on Wednesday because Jamie has jury duty today and I am working tomorrow! How excited are we? Totally excited!!!!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
We are blessed
Well, our dossier will be turned in next week which means we will make the May 1st deadline. My passport will be here Monday, we have gotten our group photos and the finances will be settled before then.I am thrilled and I cant wait until we we are DTC (dossier to China for those who are not familiar). After that we will be LID (we will get a log in date) and then the waiting begins.
I am hopeful. I am hearing people say the wait is now 2 years from LID but I am at peace that it will be quicker than that and if not, I am okay. God is giving us this time to prepare our home and hearts for the life changing event. This is so awesome..Sorry, another Jerry Maguire moment there. I can not wait to get that LID. I can not wait to join groups that have others with LID similar to us.
Please pray
1)our agency encounters no problems with reviewing or translating and our dossier gets to China before May 1
2)Pray that as we begin the wait that God will prepare us and that we will be open for changes
3)for our friends and family who will be a HUGE support to us when we get home
4)pray that we find a home church and become actively involved
5)pray for the people in China who are caring for these babies and for the birth moms.
6)pray that we will use this time wisely
7)pray that we fund raise and save money
Praises
1) my passport is in Atlanta
2)agency payment has been taken care of
3) The Hoffmans have a LID
4)i have met some sweet ladies because of this process
5)this process has brought out a new side of Michael and I
I am hopeful. I am hearing people say the wait is now 2 years from LID but I am at peace that it will be quicker than that and if not, I am okay. God is giving us this time to prepare our home and hearts for the life changing event. This is so awesome..Sorry, another Jerry Maguire moment there. I can not wait to get that LID. I can not wait to join groups that have others with LID similar to us.
Please pray
1)our agency encounters no problems with reviewing or translating and our dossier gets to China before May 1
2)Pray that as we begin the wait that God will prepare us and that we will be open for changes
3)for our friends and family who will be a HUGE support to us when we get home
4)pray that we find a home church and become actively involved
5)pray for the people in China who are caring for these babies and for the birth moms.
6)pray that we will use this time wisely
7)pray that we fund raise and save money
Praises
1) my passport is in Atlanta
2)agency payment has been taken care of
3) The Hoffmans have a LID
4)i have met some sweet ladies because of this process
5)this process has brought out a new side of Michael and I
Friday, March 30, 2007
passport
FedEx tried to deliver my passport today but I was not home..they will try again Monday. WooHoo! All we need now is to figure out our next payment and our dossier will be turned in..We are too excited!!! Looking forward to DTC and a LID!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
yesterday
Yesterday was awesome. After I got home, I slept from 830-10am. Then I got ready and headed up 575 to invite meet some new friends. I was invited to lunch with some ladies involved in Chinese adoption. Some already had their babies and some were sooo close to a referral. I had no idea who would be there, but most of them had blogs I have been reading for months now! These ladies answered a lot of questions for me and it was really nice. I finally got to meet Maisie which was a huge surprise. I have been reading her blog since before her mommy and daddy got their referral! There were 2 Lisa's there. One Lisa is a frequent commenter on this blog and I did not realize it until I got home. She has been such a positive influence. She will be getting her referral very soon and I can not wait. The hostess is also close to getting her referral and I am thrilled for her. I was able to see the toy room and the nursery. This was the first time I have talked to ladies so far in the process. It was nice to the nursery and the other Chinese items she has in her room.. I was so motivated when I left. I really hope I see these ladies again and I hope they don't judge me based on my sleep deprived state yesterday!!!
After lunch, I came home and rested for another few hours. I got up and picked up Lucy the basset hound from doggie day care and dropped her off. Then I proceeded to head to Carrabas to have lunch with Laura, another future mommy who is very close to us in the adoption process. It was wonderful to have some girl time and to get to know each other. She is such an encouragement!!!
After lunch, I came home and rested for another few hours. I got up and picked up Lucy the basset hound from doggie day care and dropped her off. Then I proceeded to head to Carrabas to have lunch with Laura, another future mommy who is very close to us in the adoption process. It was wonderful to have some girl time and to get to know each other. She is such an encouragement!!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Well, we have all documents from the Consulates in our hands on the dining room table. I ordered our pictures from Winkflash and if we do not have enough group photos, we will get them at trivia on Wednesday and find some people to take pics with. I just called the Passport place, paid to expedite it, and I should have the passport on March 30th!
Once we establish how we will make the payment, our dossier will be ready to turn in as early as next Monday, which will be awesome.
I am having lunch tomorrow with some other future adopting mommies nearby and then I have having dinner with Laura tomorrow night. Laura and I will have log in dates about a month apart and we are the same age and she is as sweet as can be!
Thats it...things are moving..Let the waiting begin!!!!!
Once we establish how we will make the payment, our dossier will be ready to turn in as early as next Monday, which will be awesome.
I am having lunch tomorrow with some other future adopting mommies nearby and then I have having dinner with Laura tomorrow night. Laura and I will have log in dates about a month apart and we are the same age and she is as sweet as can be!
Thats it...things are moving..Let the waiting begin!!!!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Adoption thoughts
So to clarify,
In order to turn in our dossier we need to
1) go to post office and pick up envelope from DC Chinese embassy
2)get group pics (still missing 2, hoping family can help)
3) get payment ready
4)get passport (should be here anyday)
Once we turn that in, it gets translated, reviewed and sent to China. We are still hoping for a log in date before May 1st!
With that being said, the question is, "when do you get your baby"? I had originally said possible December 2008 would be a possibility but its looking like 2009..This is okay. the wait is our preparation time and I am looking forward to it.
Things to be praying for
1) my passport arrives THIS WEEK!
2)financial needs are met
3)pray for the children and their care givers in China
4)pray for those families who have received their children this week
5)pray that we may encourage others who are also in the process
This has been awesome!!!!!
Another question that's asked, "have you thought about the baby's room or have you bought anything?" Oh how I would love to. I look, I really look. I have been looking at baby stuff since our first anniversary. Its hard to answer every ones questions. I am so glad people are asking, they support us and are excited for us.
To other adopting parents, when did you start buying things? We are also going to do the 100wishes quilt project once we are logged in but I was wondering if there was a time frame that most people use.
In order to turn in our dossier we need to
1) go to post office and pick up envelope from DC Chinese embassy
2)get group pics (still missing 2, hoping family can help)
3) get payment ready
4)get passport (should be here anyday)
Once we turn that in, it gets translated, reviewed and sent to China. We are still hoping for a log in date before May 1st!
With that being said, the question is, "when do you get your baby"? I had originally said possible December 2008 would be a possibility but its looking like 2009..This is okay. the wait is our preparation time and I am looking forward to it.
Things to be praying for
1) my passport arrives THIS WEEK!
2)financial needs are met
3)pray for the children and their care givers in China
4)pray for those families who have received their children this week
5)pray that we may encourage others who are also in the process
This has been awesome!!!!!
Another question that's asked, "have you thought about the baby's room or have you bought anything?" Oh how I would love to. I look, I really look. I have been looking at baby stuff since our first anniversary. Its hard to answer every ones questions. I am so glad people are asking, they support us and are excited for us.
To other adopting parents, when did you start buying things? We are also going to do the 100wishes quilt project once we are logged in but I was wondering if there was a time frame that most people use.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Another one of those moments
This weekend, I have been told I have to go meet this family and finally at 9pm I did. What an amazing experience. I met a mom who has 7 children, 2 are daughters from China! One daughter arrived 11 years ago at the age of 9 months and a second daughter who is special needs is almost 12. This means her daughters are 6 months apart! It was the special needs daughter who was admitted . She is doing great. I spend time time talking to her, and she showed me what English she has been learning by repeating things from TV. What a sweet spirit she has! We watched Animal Planet and saw some tiger cubs. She spent a great deal of her life in an orphanage but before she came to the US she was able to hold a tiger cub.
This mom has used the same agency we are using and spoke so highly of them. She gave me some tips on flying and airfare and what to expect..It was awesome!!!
Tuesday afternoon, I think I am going to get to meet some other adopting moms for lunch and then possibly dinner with a friend!!!
its been a great night!!!
This mom has used the same agency we are using and spoke so highly of them. She gave me some tips on flying and airfare and what to expect..It was awesome!!!
Tuesday afternoon, I think I am going to get to meet some other adopting moms for lunch and then possibly dinner with a friend!!!
its been a great night!!!
my passport
We applied for my passport Feb 14th. It would be a replacement for my original plus a name change. It needs to hurry up!!!!!!!! I am hearing from some people it may be another month..This would stink! They did cash our check this week, so we will see.....
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Houston, we have a problem
You will NOT be hearing us say that as our paperwork from Houston arrived today. Actually, I just got back from the post office and now its displayed on our dining room table. I hope this means the DC embassy will be just as quick. We are now waiting on the DC embassy and my passport. As soon as we collect a few pics and get those, we will be ready to turn in our dossier to our agency. WooHoo!
email and prayers
Well, today I sent out an email to family and friends explaining what was left of the paperchase. Then I went upstairs to do laundry. I saw the maillady and hoped she would have to stop and bring me something inside. I never saw her pass our house..BooHoo!
Well, I just went to check the mail and there was a card from the post office..Its from the Chinese embassy..Its either from DC or Houston. I called the post office and they said it would be back at the post office by 2pm. So, I am headed out to thy gym to waste some time and then I am headed to see the postal people! I hope its the documents and not a note saying messed something up!
WooHoo!
Amy
Well, I just went to check the mail and there was a card from the post office..Its from the Chinese embassy..Its either from DC or Houston. I called the post office and they said it would be back at the post office by 2pm. So, I am headed out to thy gym to waste some time and then I am headed to see the postal people! I hope its the documents and not a note saying messed something up!
WooHoo!
Amy
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Update
Well, the paperchase is just about done! We get to turn in our dossier (that paperwork stuff I am always talking about) as soon as the following arrive
1) the documents we sent to the Chinese embassy in Houston
2)Michael's BC from the Embassy in DC
3)My passport
We are actually expecting all the 3 to show up in the next 2 weeks. At that time, we will make a payment (working on that now)and turn in our dossier to our agency. Then they will review it, translate it and sent it to China. At that point, we are DTC which is DOSSIER TO CHINA, then we wait for our LID (LOG IN DATE) and then we CELEBRATE and WAIT!
Question,
Michael and I attended a spaghetti dinner and silent auction last weekend for friends adopting from Taiwan. During our wait , Michael and I will need to look at fundraising ideas to raise money for the flight to China..Do you guys have any ideas?
1) the documents we sent to the Chinese embassy in Houston
2)Michael's BC from the Embassy in DC
3)My passport
We are actually expecting all the 3 to show up in the next 2 weeks. At that time, we will make a payment (working on that now)and turn in our dossier to our agency. Then they will review it, translate it and sent it to China. At that point, we are DTC which is DOSSIER TO CHINA, then we wait for our LID (LOG IN DATE) and then we CELEBRATE and WAIT!
Question,
Michael and I attended a spaghetti dinner and silent auction last weekend for friends adopting from Taiwan. During our wait , Michael and I will need to look at fundraising ideas to raise money for the flight to China..Do you guys have any ideas?
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Need an idea
Hey guys, I'm looking for ways to decorate containers to put around the house for spare change. Anyone have a creative way to decorate? Right now, we are using laundry detergent containers
Friday, March 16, 2007
Spaghetti Dinner anyone?
Hey guys, short notice. Friends of our are having a fundraiser tomorrow night in Ackworth to help pay for their Taiwan adoption!!!
They are serving dinner from 5- 7 Saturday night along with a silent auction that sounds awesome..
Email me at www.amyschristopher@comcast.net if you want to go! We would love to have others support them.
Also, Michael posted that we are almost done. All we have left is to collect pictures of Michael and I in group photos..This has been hard. I am almost ready to have a picture party and just visit all of our friends! HAHAHA!!! Just kidding
Amy
They are serving dinner from 5- 7 Saturday night along with a silent auction that sounds awesome..
Email me at www.amyschristopher@comcast.net if you want to go! We would love to have others support them.
Also, Michael posted that we are almost done. All we have left is to collect pictures of Michael and I in group photos..This has been hard. I am almost ready to have a picture party and just visit all of our friends! HAHAHA!!! Just kidding
Amy
Thursday, March 15, 2007
All documents off to consulates
Yesterday Amy took our 12 documents for Houston to the post office and sent them off for the final authentication. We've been worrying about the return of my birth certificate which we sent to the U.S. Department of State for authentication. Well, yesterday we had a attempted delivery note in the mailbox. Today I was home when the postman came and she had the letter, my birth certificate authenticated by a lady who signed Condi Rice's name and then her own name to the document. Amy went back to the post office today and sent this document off to the Chinese consulate in Washington, DC.
BTW - Why was I home for the mailman? I left work after an hour today and got an appointment with the doctor to find out I very positively have strep throat. Amy was off at lunch with a coworker/friend and her 3 kids for a play date. I get to have to take tomorrow off to rest and enjoy my antibiotics.
So anyway, we're another big step closer!
-Michael
BTW - Why was I home for the mailman? I left work after an hour today and got an appointment with the doctor to find out I very positively have strep throat. Amy was off at lunch with a coworker/friend and her 3 kids for a play date. I get to have to take tomorrow off to rest and enjoy my antibiotics.
So anyway, we're another big step closer!
-Michael
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