Tuesday, February 24, 2009

You might be adopting from China if ...

... you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.

... you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years.

... you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world.

... you've "paid for" 3 immigration approvals, but never brought anyone into the U.S.

... you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes.

... your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4).

... you never know how many days next month will have.

... you know that babies come in batches.

... you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime.

... you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl.

... you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big).

... you look twice when you see a ladybug.

... you're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than in March 2009.

... you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months.

... your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years.

... you know who the Rumor Queen is.....AND you don't know who she is.

... you know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather.

... you've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed.

... trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.

... when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals.

You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart.

Author Unknown

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Doin' the happy dance ...

Happy Dance Pictures, Images and Photos

We're doin' the happy dance here! We have our travel dates and are ready to roll! Stay tuned ...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Still waiting ...












Still no word from our agency on definite travel dates. It makes no sense - unless it's the "Less You Have To Do, The Less You Do" theory. Referrals are way down - so what the heck is everybody doing??

It's now more than 7 weeks since our referral. I'm following blogs of folks who received their referral the same day we did and are in China with their babies right now! When we traveled the first time, we were there and back 7 weeks after our referral. Is it China? Is it our agency? Is it the US Consulate?

I don't even know where to target my frustration, and it doesn't really matter. Right now, we're powerless to do anything about it. But watch out - I can't imagine it's good Karma keeping a baby from her mama!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Our Local Chinese New Year Celebration!

The pictures say it all ...



Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Happy Birthday, Yun Yi!


Today was Yun Yi's 1st birthday and this was the cake that we arranged to be sent to her through Ann at Red Thread China. The orphanage was kind enough to send a couple of pictures, including 1 of Yun Yi and her friends waiting for their share of cake. What a happy girl! She grows more beautiful with each passing day, don't you think?

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Not much happening ...

There's not much going on right now. We have our Visas. Our I-600A extension was approved last week and an updated I-171H is on the way (ours expired 1/31/09). We're just waiting for our TA (Travel Approval). I'm not sure why it's taking so long. I know that a few of the families that received their referrals on the same day we received ours are leaving for China in 2 days. I'm happy for them, but feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Yun Yi's 1st birthday is tomorrow. I'm hoping her nannies will take lots of pictures of her with the birthday cake we've sent. Elizabeth came up with the idea of making "Fairy Cakes" tomorrow to celebrate her baby sister's birthday. Fairy cakes are pink cupcakes sprinkled with fairy-dust (or candy sprinkles, whichever you happen to have in your cupboard). She got the idea from Charlie & Lola and tells me Fairy Cakes are a must for a successful birthday party. So, she and Dada will be busy baking while Mama works. She's going to be a great big sister ...