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..
Monday, July 31, 2006
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
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Application
The formal application is not that bad. They ask all the questions I expected plus a few more which I will ask Michael to help me with. They ask the "why do you want to adopt"? and "what kind of baby/child do you want?"
Not too bad..Im waiting back to see if I can use a few people as references, I have called the doctor for letters for the both of us and left a message for 2 people at the agency. We are working on a finding a Friday night to attend an informational meeting in Atlanta to ask questions about the process from families who have done this..Should be fun!!!!!
Not too bad..Im waiting back to see if I can use a few people as references, I have called the doctor for letters for the both of us and left a message for 2 people at the agency. We are working on a finding a Friday night to attend an informational meeting in Atlanta to ask questions about the process from families who have done this..Should be fun!!!!!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Adoption talk
We spent a good portion of our weekend in Florida talking about the adoption process, the long trip to China and changes to our house. I am still going over adoption agencies but we are feeliing good with our decision. We got home to 2 new packets from different agencies.
I keep hearing stories of people who have adopted internationally. if you have friends or stories who have gone through it, please let me know!
This week, we are going to try to get letters from our drs saying we are healthy to be parents, hopefully get some money from work to start the process and talk to people about being a reference for us. Be warned, you make get a phone call or email from us!
Thats it for today, the more I write the more I realize I have to do, especially to the house..Wwe have a lot of painting to do.....Wanna help? Just kidding.
Until the next update!
Amy
I keep hearing stories of people who have adopted internationally. if you have friends or stories who have gone through it, please let me know!
This week, we are going to try to get letters from our drs saying we are healthy to be parents, hopefully get some money from work to start the process and talk to people about being a reference for us. Be warned, you make get a phone call or email from us!
Thats it for today, the more I write the more I realize I have to do, especially to the house..Wwe have a lot of painting to do.....Wanna help? Just kidding.
Until the next update!
Amy
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Update
We dont have a hold up but I think we are going to check out one more agency before sending anyone any money. there is a group here called First Friday that meets monthly and just give info about all of the agencies and the process in general!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Application
I have looked at the application and the letter that was written to Steve and Nancy and realized it was meant for us. The letter just stated we needed to doctors letters saying we were healthy enough to be parents. I let them know at the meeting and on the preliminary application that Michael was diabetic and they told me it shouldnt be a problem. I am researching other couples that may have health issues just to feel more secure about all of this. I have been working the last 3 nights so I have not been awake enough to fill it out, but I noticed it was extensive which is really good. We have to get all kind of referances including, family, friends, employers and someone from our church.
Hopefully I will get started on the application on Tuesday!
www.valtool.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/amychristopher
www.xanga.com/amychristopher
Hopefully I will get started on the application on Tuesday!
www.valtool.blogspot.com
www.xanga.com/amychristopher
www.xanga.com/amychristopher
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Saturday June 17th
Our preliminary application was approved and we received our offical application in the mail today. It was long (not overwhelming) and detailed, but was understood that. There was also a letter explaining how long the wait in China is (and I have heard this from all agencies we have checked out) but there was one problem. the letter was addressed to Steve and Nancy! I hope Steve and Nancy got our letter.
I must tell you that more and more am I feeling at peace about this. I wondered for maybe one minute how our family and friends would react and if they would accept this new family member. I obviously got over that.My inlaws have been so supportive and its quite exciting that they live so close by..
We know we are looking at a 12-18 month wait and I am very okay with that. In 9-10 months, I will probably grow very impatient but thats okay. this morning as I was getting ready to leave work there was an adoption story on with a family adopting from India..It was truly sweet and wonderful and makes this journey more exciting!
AMY
I must tell you that more and more am I feeling at peace about this. I wondered for maybe one minute how our family and friends would react and if they would accept this new family member. I obviously got over that.My inlaws have been so supportive and its quite exciting that they live so close by..
We know we are looking at a 12-18 month wait and I am very okay with that. In 9-10 months, I will probably grow very impatient but thats okay. this morning as I was getting ready to leave work there was an adoption story on with a family adopting from India..It was truly sweet and wonderful and makes this journey more exciting!
AMY
Friday, June 16, 2006
update
Got an email from the agency that the letter should be in the mail..Whats in the letter? I have no idea! I am also on a few message boards with couples who are going through/gone through the same thing..So thats the update for today
AMY
AMY
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Wait for appoval of preliminary application
Thats what we are doing. Still waiting for a call from the agency..2 weeks will be Friday. After that we do the the official application and turn in the first check..Details to come
Monday, June 12, 2006
Monday morning!
Hopefully this is the second week and we will hear something from the agency. When we do, we shall keep you posted. I do believe that my friends and family may be more excited than we are..I doubt that, but the level of excitement is truly beyond belief. Many people are asking how long will it take? Realistically 12-18 months and I am totally okay that. It will take that long to get our house ready and I am not joking. I have started a list of things that must be done even before we get to the home study. There was something else I had to say, but I totally forgot! Thanks for all of the links to everyones websites and friends and families who have adopted internationally. Friday night at work, I learned a friend of mine has parents who live in China so its nice to know we have resources..
Have a great Monday
Have a great Monday
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