Thursday, December 31, 2009
We are in Beijing!
The flight was really long...and it didn't help that the guy in front of us could have powered the plane all by himself with his own gas...yikes!
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Pictures!
Well...we are getting ready to leave. We head out to the airport in about 8 hours! EXCITING! The Christmas lights are down, the stockings put away. We decided that having her come home to a house decorated like Christmas and then taking it down just after she arrives would be adding one more change in her already upside down world.
We are packed, and there are lists for the kids taped all over our walls. {I will try to take a picture, it's kind of funny.} We have to be to the airport extra early, which means we are waking up at 3 am.
We also celebrated my other daughter's birthday today. She will turn 17 next week. What a wonderful young woman she has turned out to be. She is going to be so helpful while we are gone. Thank you my sweet Kylee! I love you more than words can say!
And what a wonderful surprise when I received these pictures of our little girl today! Just before we leave. She has grown since we last saw her. I wish time would just stand still over there so I wouldn't miss another moment! I will have her in my arms in 6 days! Let's hope she wants to be in them as much as I want to hold her.
Thanks for all your lovely words of encouragement and support. And for all you quietly supporting me, I also feel your love and support.
Soon we will all be (Jee ah) {HOME}
We are packed, and there are lists for the kids taped all over our walls. {I will try to take a picture, it's kind of funny.} We have to be to the airport extra early, which means we are waking up at 3 am.
We also celebrated my other daughter's birthday today. She will turn 17 next week. What a wonderful young woman she has turned out to be. She is going to be so helpful while we are gone. Thank you my sweet Kylee! I love you more than words can say!
And what a wonderful surprise when I received these pictures of our little girl today! Just before we leave. She has grown since we last saw her. I wish time would just stand still over there so I wouldn't miss another moment! I will have her in my arms in 6 days! Let's hope she wants to be in them as much as I want to hold her.
Thanks for all your lovely words of encouragement and support. And for all you quietly supporting me, I also feel your love and support.
Soon we will all be (Jee ah) {HOME}
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas!
This week will be gone before it gets here. We are so busy; getting ready for Christmas is a task in itself for a mother, then add company and a trip to China, while simultaneously preparing your 3 children that are staying home to manage their own busy lives ( all 3 are playing basketball, which means daily practices and several games a week X 3 people)
This is when I say to myself...(BREATHE) and I remember why we are so busy, what the season is about and I become thankful for the busyness and the people in my life that have been supportive of our family. My children had over 20 families in church yesterday offer their support 24/7 while we travel to meet our daughter and their sister. I have no doubt they all mean it, and there will be many lovely, wonderful friends checking in on my babies. Even if my babies are all are teenagers, or almost. We have the support of Spencer's girlfriend who has been so generous with her time and is staying with the kids, and then her parents who came over last night to go over the kids daily schedules and are ready (and even excited) to attend the games and cheer on the kids in our place.
Merry Christmas! Here is our Christmas card. We truly have {JOY} in our home and in our lives!
This is when I say to myself...(BREATHE) and I remember why we are so busy, what the season is about and I become thankful for the busyness and the people in my life that have been supportive of our family. My children had over 20 families in church yesterday offer their support 24/7 while we travel to meet our daughter and their sister. I have no doubt they all mean it, and there will be many lovely, wonderful friends checking in on my babies. Even if my babies are all are teenagers, or almost. We have the support of Spencer's girlfriend who has been so generous with her time and is staying with the kids, and then her parents who came over last night to go over the kids daily schedules and are ready (and even excited) to attend the games and cheer on the kids in our place.
Merry Christmas! Here is our Christmas card. We truly have {JOY} in our home and in our lives!
Friday, December 18, 2009
This little spicy Hunan girl has made a {soft spot} in our hearts
This little girl is the reason we decided to move forward with our adoption dream. She is so charming and has everyone wrapped around her little finger. We were at Jensen's basketball game and she got a hold of my camera. You can visit her family blog at http://ourlittlechinagirl.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
{Gratitude}
Our daughter is so blessed to benefit from the non profit group International China Concern. Below are their plans to celebrate Christmas. Her orphanage family is all she knows, and I am so grateful she will be spending the holiday experiencing a small piece of Christianity with the nannies and caregivers that have taken such good care of her. She is loved, what more could a mother ask of others, than to love her children.
"As we have all noticed Christmas is fast approaching and plans are underway here in Heng Yang to give the children a fun Christmas. It is not the same as in our Western countries - it can't be, but we try to make sure that the reason for Christmas is remembered, that the kids and staff get some good food into them, and that a lot of fun is had.
This Christmas in Heng Yang we are planning several different parties with the different groups of kids. An evening party on the 23rd will involve most of the older children and their caregiving staff, they will have a special dinner with their "family groups" and then they will come together to do items and plays about Christmas. All the kids are to come in costumes related to Christmas, we are expecting angels, shepherds, kings, stars and animals to turn up. It will be chaotic, but fun.
On the 24th during the day we are going to hold a very special interactive party with our more severely disabled toddlers and children where they will have one on one adult support to participate in the fun. The therapy department are arranging this activity to involve also sorts of visual and sensory things related to Christmas for this group of special kids. Then, in the afternoon of the 24th we will hold our baby and toddler group party. The caregivers plan to make dumplings to eat together and the kindergarten and care groups are arranging all sorts of songs with actions and plays.
On the evening of the 24th our foreign volunteer team will carry candles around the welfare centre (including both ICC and those under government care) to sing carols to the babies, children, elderly and staff. The Chinese always love this tradition and always join in the caroling.
I am planning this year to set up a little photo shoot for our kids to have a special Christmas photo. I am not sure how the quality will be on my camera and with homemade props, but the idea is to get the kids in a Christmas scene looking cute, they are all so cute, so that won't be hard.
Wishing you all a really wonderful Christmas and that in the hurry of it all you have time to stop and remember the reason for it. I know two families amongst you will be busy preparing to come pick up your babies in the New Year - enjoy the process as you get ready for your little bundles and know that they are having fun this Christmas while they wait for you."
"As we have all noticed Christmas is fast approaching and plans are underway here in Heng Yang to give the children a fun Christmas. It is not the same as in our Western countries - it can't be, but we try to make sure that the reason for Christmas is remembered, that the kids and staff get some good food into them, and that a lot of fun is had.
This Christmas in Heng Yang we are planning several different parties with the different groups of kids. An evening party on the 23rd will involve most of the older children and their caregiving staff, they will have a special dinner with their "family groups" and then they will come together to do items and plays about Christmas. All the kids are to come in costumes related to Christmas, we are expecting angels, shepherds, kings, stars and animals to turn up. It will be chaotic, but fun.
On the 24th during the day we are going to hold a very special interactive party with our more severely disabled toddlers and children where they will have one on one adult support to participate in the fun. The therapy department are arranging this activity to involve also sorts of visual and sensory things related to Christmas for this group of special kids. Then, in the afternoon of the 24th we will hold our baby and toddler group party. The caregivers plan to make dumplings to eat together and the kindergarten and care groups are arranging all sorts of songs with actions and plays.
On the evening of the 24th our foreign volunteer team will carry candles around the welfare centre (including both ICC and those under government care) to sing carols to the babies, children, elderly and staff. The Chinese always love this tradition and always join in the caroling.
I am planning this year to set up a little photo shoot for our kids to have a special Christmas photo. I am not sure how the quality will be on my camera and with homemade props, but the idea is to get the kids in a Christmas scene looking cute, they are all so cute, so that won't be hard.
Wishing you all a really wonderful Christmas and that in the hurry of it all you have time to stop and remember the reason for it. I know two families amongst you will be busy preparing to come pick up your babies in the New Year - enjoy the process as you get ready for your little bundles and know that they are having fun this Christmas while they wait for you."
Friday, December 11, 2009
The funniest post I have read in a long time...
Check it out :) My friend Daniel... he is so talented when he writes; he puts me in stitches. He out did himself on this one. I can't wait to be a grandmother, who knew? http://gospelaccordingtodaniel.blogspot.com/2009/11/revenge-is-sweet.html
We get to see Hong Kong!
We just got off the phone with our travel agent. We are confirmed to leave Seattle on December 30th...travel to Beijing for a 3 day tour before we travel to meet our daughter in her province, Hunan. From there we will travel to the American consulate in Guangzhou, finish up her paperwork and her visa, then travel by train to Hong Kong where we will get to stay overnight and fly home. Loving it! Thursday, December 10, 2009
An Update on Faith SiSi...{my SpiCY HuNaN GiRL!}
Si Si has had another bout of tonsilitis. And was very sick.
She is potty trained, rarely has accidents (but she actually did just today but they say it is rare). She wears nappies overnight still though. You can buy diapers at supermarket stores here if you don't want to carry too much.
She likes to eat and is not a fussy eater (accept for like most kids she is not great at eating her greens), she likes to eat adult food including spicy food (the local cuisine is spicy) and she likes all snacks such as biscuits, fruit etc. You can get stuff that she would like locally at supermarkets as well. She drinks from a cup. She eats breakfast at 7 am, lunch at 1130, dinner at 5 pm and snacks before bed.
Si Si, like most kids, loves toys and so I would make sure you have some interesting stuff to play with and she will be happy. I think I have mentioned before she is a strong personality, she does have tantrums sometimes, but you can expect that the sudden changes may confuse and upset her.
From the sound of things I am so glad we are going during their winter, I would hate for her to have to suffer through with her tonsillitis reoccurring so often. (4 times since September)
It also sounds like she will fit right in with her strong personality...we have been well prepared by her older brother Dallin. Maybe now he will learn what it's like to live with a young, strong person :) Is it wrong to think pay back? I am also excited to know she is well on her way to being potty trained. ( we were told this would be a big challenge due to her birth defect.) If you want to look it up she has been diagnosed with Agenisis of the Corpus Callosum. Basically she is missing some conective tissue between her left and right hemisphere in the brain.
She is potty trained, rarely has accidents (but she actually did just today but they say it is rare). She wears nappies overnight still though. You can buy diapers at supermarket stores here if you don't want to carry too much.
She likes to eat and is not a fussy eater (accept for like most kids she is not great at eating her greens), she likes to eat adult food including spicy food (the local cuisine is spicy) and she likes all snacks such as biscuits, fruit etc. You can get stuff that she would like locally at supermarkets as well. She drinks from a cup. She eats breakfast at 7 am, lunch at 1130, dinner at 5 pm and snacks before bed.
Si Si, like most kids, loves toys and so I would make sure you have some interesting stuff to play with and she will be happy. I think I have mentioned before she is a strong personality, she does have tantrums sometimes, but you can expect that the sudden changes may confuse and upset her.
From the sound of things I am so glad we are going during their winter, I would hate for her to have to suffer through with her tonsillitis reoccurring so often. (4 times since September)
It also sounds like she will fit right in with her strong personality...we have been well prepared by her older brother Dallin. Maybe now he will learn what it's like to live with a young, strong person :) Is it wrong to think pay back? I am also excited to know she is well on her way to being potty trained. ( we were told this would be a big challenge due to her birth defect.) If you want to look it up she has been diagnosed with Agenisis of the Corpus Callosum. Basically she is missing some conective tissue between her left and right hemisphere in the brain.
Please pray that she will have an easy time bonding with us, and that her suffering will be short. I really just want to cry when I think of that moment, and how scary it will be for her. I will be the cause of her pain and fear, instead of the one that is suppose to comfort and protect her. We would also appreciate prayers for our children who so willingly are staying home. We will be missing New Year's with them, and my oldest daughter's 17th birthday :(
I am so blessed to have understanding children who want their sister home as much as we do. It has been such a miracle to watch their love grow as we prepare for her. I am sure she will bless our lives much more than us hers.
And finally we would be very ungrateful if we failed to mention the wonderful sisters in our church who are bringing our children dinner every other night while we are gone. That is a lot of service!!!! How blessed are we!
We leave in 20 days!!
Horray!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Got our TRAVEL Approval and our dates!!!!!
I just got a call from our agency, and we are most likely leaving for China on December 30th and will arrive home with our daughter on January 12th. With a gotcha date of January 4th !!!!! That is just 27 days from now!!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Seriously time for TA...
Ok, so my TA must be close because I am having the worst two weeks ever. I deserve that good news!
It all started two Sunday's ago, when I was driving down to church for an early morning meeting. I was pulled over by a cop. ( and not for speeding which is a first) it seems my tail light was out, but my break lights were fine. It would be just a warning once I showed him my driver's license. Well, when I left the house I grabbed my scripture bag and not my purse ; so no license. Then he asked for my registration, wouldn't you know it, we didn't sign them. Finally he asked for proof of insurance. ( I know I put that in the glove box) Couldn't find it. At this point I just laughed and said, " Well officer I am 0 for 4 this morning you hit the jackpot." He told me each infraction would be a $125.00 ticket, totaling $500.00. He went and looked up my license, and I was sure this was one of those trials everyone talks about when adopting. I knew there would be opposition, and I was ready for it. He came back to the car and told me he was only giving me a warning...I have never had a warning in my life, I always get the ticket. I almost kissed the fella. Still it rattled me that I was so unprepared, and I am sure my kids lost my insurance card while digging through the glove box for a tissue or a dvd.
Then we had Thanksgiving...I have a slight herniated disk in my back and it decided that was the day it wanted to bother me. When the back hurts, my happiness starts to fade quickly. I mustered through the long weekend, only to find myself in bed again the next Sunday morning exhausted, and with a great excuse to miss church. I knew Heavenly Father would bless me if I made the effort, so I got ready for church, and sat through 3 hours of church in great pain.
Monday I got news from my son who is serving a mission for our church, that they no longer can eat out with other families for dinners, due to a wheat allergy his commpanion has. Without nightly dinners, my son will struggle financially, as they only have a small budget monthly for food. He will have to cook every meal for himself now. While I understand, it is worrysome because he is diabetic, and needs a variety of good food and nutrients to sustain his health.
By Wednesday my back slowly started to feel better. That is when Thursday decided to stress me out.
Thursday evening I was throwing a baby shower for my employer's daughter. I was very nervous and wanted it to be perfect. I woke up early, began my daily routine of exercise and scripture reading with the kids, then went outside to start the car for my morning car pool...the car was frozen over, this would cause us to run a little late, I quickly scraped the windows, and jumped into the car. My first obstacle was the school bus, it beat me to the corner and had it's red lights blairing so I had to stop. Once all the children boarded, I zumed around the corner, and was coming to a stop for my first pick up, when I hit their parked car. I called and explained the situation, and they were very sweet about the incidend, but still we have an unexpected financial burden now during Christmas and the adoption. I came home and just felt so stupid. My husband was so sweet about it also. That night the baby shower was a success, and I was emotionally,physically and financially drained.
We were also hoping for TA this week. Others have been getting their travel approval with our same timelines, and ours didn't come. I was dreading church this Sunday because I knew everyone would ask, and I would have no answer...again.
Saturday one of my close friends, whom my husband baptised sent me an email that she no longer wanted to come to church with us... I feel so sad, and confused... I just cried. Having that sisterhood in the gospel is a real connection, and I was just heartbroken.
So...here I sit on Sunday afternoon, worried and wondering what other trials await before we finally will get to travel for our daughter.
It all started two Sunday's ago, when I was driving down to church for an early morning meeting. I was pulled over by a cop. ( and not for speeding which is a first) it seems my tail light was out, but my break lights were fine. It would be just a warning once I showed him my driver's license. Well, when I left the house I grabbed my scripture bag and not my purse ; so no license. Then he asked for my registration, wouldn't you know it, we didn't sign them. Finally he asked for proof of insurance. ( I know I put that in the glove box) Couldn't find it. At this point I just laughed and said, " Well officer I am 0 for 4 this morning you hit the jackpot." He told me each infraction would be a $125.00 ticket, totaling $500.00. He went and looked up my license, and I was sure this was one of those trials everyone talks about when adopting. I knew there would be opposition, and I was ready for it. He came back to the car and told me he was only giving me a warning...I have never had a warning in my life, I always get the ticket. I almost kissed the fella. Still it rattled me that I was so unprepared, and I am sure my kids lost my insurance card while digging through the glove box for a tissue or a dvd.
Then we had Thanksgiving...I have a slight herniated disk in my back and it decided that was the day it wanted to bother me. When the back hurts, my happiness starts to fade quickly. I mustered through the long weekend, only to find myself in bed again the next Sunday morning exhausted, and with a great excuse to miss church. I knew Heavenly Father would bless me if I made the effort, so I got ready for church, and sat through 3 hours of church in great pain.
Monday I got news from my son who is serving a mission for our church, that they no longer can eat out with other families for dinners, due to a wheat allergy his commpanion has. Without nightly dinners, my son will struggle financially, as they only have a small budget monthly for food. He will have to cook every meal for himself now. While I understand, it is worrysome because he is diabetic, and needs a variety of good food and nutrients to sustain his health.
By Wednesday my back slowly started to feel better. That is when Thursday decided to stress me out.
Thursday evening I was throwing a baby shower for my employer's daughter. I was very nervous and wanted it to be perfect. I woke up early, began my daily routine of exercise and scripture reading with the kids, then went outside to start the car for my morning car pool...the car was frozen over, this would cause us to run a little late, I quickly scraped the windows, and jumped into the car. My first obstacle was the school bus, it beat me to the corner and had it's red lights blairing so I had to stop. Once all the children boarded, I zumed around the corner, and was coming to a stop for my first pick up, when I hit their parked car. I called and explained the situation, and they were very sweet about the incidend, but still we have an unexpected financial burden now during Christmas and the adoption. I came home and just felt so stupid. My husband was so sweet about it also. That night the baby shower was a success, and I was emotionally,physically and financially drained.
We were also hoping for TA this week. Others have been getting their travel approval with our same timelines, and ours didn't come. I was dreading church this Sunday because I knew everyone would ask, and I would have no answer...again.
Saturday one of my close friends, whom my husband baptised sent me an email that she no longer wanted to come to church with us... I feel so sad, and confused... I just cried. Having that sisterhood in the gospel is a real connection, and I was just heartbroken.
So...here I sit on Sunday afternoon, worried and wondering what other trials await before we finally will get to travel for our daughter.
Chart of families waiting for travel approval...we are almost at the top :(
LOA-TA means days from your letter of acceptance to your travel approval. We are at 67 days.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
{Another Darling Outfit }
Those sparkling "Chucks" are so fun! I am thinking this is a Gotcha day outfit :)Saturday, November 28, 2009
Validation.... oh the vanity!
Early on in the adoption process I discovered a wonderful website where many adopting parents gather and share information. There is also an area where we can "introduce" our children with a note and a picture. Our introduction has had more views on it than any other... I would like to think it's because Faith is just so dang darling. Oh the vanity... I posted the picture I have at the top of our blog with the high pigtails. She has had 1924 views. I thought I would record it here for her to see when she is older. Maybe when her self esteem needs a boost in those awkward teen years. 
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Just couldn't help myself!!!
Faith already has more than enough clothing, and it is just horrible that I have no self control!!! Curse that darling dress for her baby doll...how could I not buy it?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Guess What! I got an email from Guangzhou CHINA!!!
Oh my goodness! I have been checking my email several times a day hoping for a reply!!!!! Now that our Article 5 has been forwarded to the Chinese Consulate, there is nothing left to be reviewed!!!!
This is an amazing feeling right now, it's been something we have discussed and talked about for years ; now we are weeks away from making this dream a reality. We have so much to be thankful for :)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Following others timelines... my best guess as to when we will get travel approval?
Jeff and I have become fanatic about tracking other adoptive families time lines and stories. It really becomes an obsession. Mostly driven from the lack of information coming out of China. We are desperate to just have an answer. One of the families we are close behind just got their travel approval. If our paperwork follows their course...we should hear about our travel approval around December 4th. From what I understand, airfare doubles December 15th through the 31st. I sure hope we are not left with the decision to travel at double the cost, or wait a few weeks. It has seemed such a long wait already... I just want to go as quickly as possible, but on the other hand I know she is in great care, and two weeks will not make much of a difference in the long run. The unknown is driving me cRaZY! Time for dessert!
Good source for News in China...
Can you believe people live like this? It just breaks my heart :(
They are called cage homes...these are in Hong Kong...a story I found on this website. It's very interesting and good information on current events in China:)
They are called cage homes...these are in Hong Kong...a story I found on this website. It's very interesting and good information on current events in China:)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Our Visa's are back...one step closer!
We just picked up our passports from our agency and they have a Chinese Visa now!!! It's so exciting to see that Visa in there...every step it becomes more "Real". Hopefully this week we will get news on our Article 5...and then our travel dates!! We also got some news on Faith...it seems she is struggling with tonsillitis. We are told she gets it very often. I am thinking she will need her tonsils out when she gets home... do they even do that anymore? We have been much more specific in our prayers for her with this new information :) Wow this wait is testing my patience!
Gratefully I have our other children to keep me busy...I don't know how couples handle the wait when it's their first child :)
Gratefully I have our other children to keep me busy...I don't know how couples handle the wait when it's their first child :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good Fortune!
I am so blessed, my friends are having me a shower tonight!!! I also got this fortune the other day...we are getting so close, I am trying not to get overly excited because I don't want to get disapointed if we don't travel by Christmas, but with these two fortunate events happening back to back, I can't help myself!!! We could be in China soon!!! Thanks to everyone for their wonderful support and love!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Heaven is The FACE
Steven Curtis Chapman adopted a little girl from China, then lost her in a tragic accident in 2008. This song was written from that tragedy. We have two very close friends who have also lost their young daughters.
and dear Mara (http://maraadams.com/)
This song reminded me of their families and their sweet daughters.
This song reminded me of their families and their sweet daughters.Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Check I-800 off the list!
We got news that our I-800 petition to classify Faith as an immediate family member was approved. The next step is called
article 5
Before Your Child Immigrates to the United States
If the child you adopted or intend to adopt in the United States is residing abroad, the child will need an immigrant visa to enter the United States. Visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) at the Embassy or Consulate in the foreign country where your child resides.
The type of visa your child is issued will determine what steps you will need to take for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
Visas
Visa types for Hague Adoptions
IH-3 visa: Issued for children with full and final adoptions from a Hague Convention country
article 5
Before Your Child Immigrates to the United States
If the child you adopted or intend to adopt in the United States is residing abroad, the child will need an immigrant visa to enter the United States. Visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) at the Embassy or Consulate in the foreign country where your child resides.
The type of visa your child is issued will determine what steps you will need to take for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
Visas
Visa types for Hague Adoptions
IH-3 visa: Issued for children with full and final adoptions from a Hague Convention country
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Faith participated in the Walk the Wall 2009
You can see her briefly at 1:54 minutes into the video. She is being carried by a volunteer.
Walk the Wall 2009: Hengyang, China from International China Concern on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I want this sweatshirt!!!
I found a cute website that makes custom Chinese clothing for adoptive families...
http://www.cafepress.com/redthreadmaps.98127011
Our Petition has been logged into the system today!
The National Benefits Center ( USCIS) contacted our agency today and confirmed that they have received our paperwork/petition today!!! So it looks like the forwarding of our mail did not get lost! Yippy!!
I went to the Department of Immigration and Homeland Security website and found this explanation on what we are waiting for at this stage of adopting Faith... it was very helpful for me.
Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
Purpose of Form :
To determine the child's eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The petition is filed by the U.S. Citizen prospective adoptive parent to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, in order to file the Form I-800.
Number of Pages :
Instructions: 8; Form: 9; Supplement 1: 1.
Edition Date :
04/16/09. Prior edition accepted.
Where to File :
Regular Mail:
USCIS
P.O. Box 299008
Lewisville, TX 75029
Express Mail and Courier Service deliveries:
USCIS
ATTN: Hague
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Filing Fee :
No fee is required for the first Form I-800 filed for a child on the basis of an approved Form I-800A. If more than one Form I-800 is filed during the approval period for different children, the fee is $670 for the second and each subsequent Form I-800. However, if the children are siblings before the proposed adoption, no additional filing fee is required.
I went to the Department of Immigration and Homeland Security website and found this explanation on what we are waiting for at this stage of adopting Faith... it was very helpful for me.
Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative
Purpose of Form :
To determine the child's eligibility for classification as a Convention adoptee. The petition is filed by the U.S. Citizen prospective adoptive parent to finalize the immigration process of a child who habitually resides in a Convention country. The petitioner must have an approved, valid Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, in order to file the Form I-800.
Number of Pages :
Instructions: 8; Form: 9; Supplement 1: 1.
Edition Date :
04/16/09. Prior edition accepted.
Where to File :
Regular Mail:
USCIS
P.O. Box 299008
Lewisville, TX 75029
Express Mail and Courier Service deliveries:
USCIS
ATTN: Hague
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Filing Fee :
No fee is required for the first Form I-800 filed for a child on the basis of an approved Form I-800A. If more than one Form I-800 is filed during the approval period for different children, the fee is $670 for the second and each subsequent Form I-800. However, if the children are siblings before the proposed adoption, no additional filing fee is required.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
An unofficial "official" delay in our paperwork...
**** Update 102109 ****
Our paperwork is not lost...just delayed. Our agency shows the I800 forms being received at the old USCIS address (Ohio) on October 9th...USCIS has forwarded the paperwork to the correct address (Texas) so it is in the forwarding process... we just don't know how long that will take.
My husband is paid to be a pessimist. He is always troubleshooting and finding flaws in software. Which he is fantastic at! His challenge is to not bring his work home. My challenge, is to appreciate that when he does bring it home; he is most likely right :)
That being said...for the last week he has been coming home from work stating,
" Something is wrong with our I-800 paperwork...I am sure it is lost, or delayed."
My thoughts after hearing my hubby go something like this...
"Not helpful, don't panic...everything is fine...have Faith!...Oh no what if he is right, where is our paperwork...why haven't we heard, how come the USCIS had to change their address the day we mailed our paperwork, something is wrong with our I-800, it is lost, my husband is right!"
So I contacted the department of immigration to followup on our concerns, and was told there is no record of them receiving or logging in our paperwork, and that it was probably caught up in the address forward. They are taking an additional week to receive because of this address change. So now we wait. It was recommended I contact them daily to check on the status of her paperwork. The I-800 is the permission from the US government to allow our daughter to immigrate into the US.
I have to say that for the most part our adoption has gone very smoothly, this is the first real time I have felt a little panic. Coupled with the constant questions from friends about "How much longer? and "Why don't you know yet?" I am feeling a little desperate. At least with a pregnancy you can answer an exact time and date, with adoption there is so much out of a person's control.
I know :
1. Heavenly Father planted the seeds of adoption in our hearts and led us to our daughter in China.
2. I know he loves her and is keeping her while we wait, no matter how long.
With this knowledge I will be patient and trust that everything happens in HIS time.
Our paperwork is not lost...just delayed. Our agency shows the I800 forms being received at the old USCIS address (Ohio) on October 9th...USCIS has forwarded the paperwork to the correct address (Texas) so it is in the forwarding process... we just don't know how long that will take.
My husband is paid to be a pessimist. He is always troubleshooting and finding flaws in software. Which he is fantastic at! His challenge is to not bring his work home. My challenge, is to appreciate that when he does bring it home; he is most likely right :)
That being said...for the last week he has been coming home from work stating,
" Something is wrong with our I-800 paperwork...I am sure it is lost, or delayed."
My thoughts after hearing my hubby go something like this...
"Not helpful, don't panic...everything is fine...have Faith!...Oh no what if he is right, where is our paperwork...why haven't we heard, how come the USCIS had to change their address the day we mailed our paperwork, something is wrong with our I-800, it is lost, my husband is right!"
So I contacted the department of immigration to followup on our concerns, and was told there is no record of them receiving or logging in our paperwork, and that it was probably caught up in the address forward. They are taking an additional week to receive because of this address change. So now we wait. It was recommended I contact them daily to check on the status of her paperwork. The I-800 is the permission from the US government to allow our daughter to immigrate into the US.
I have to say that for the most part our adoption has gone very smoothly, this is the first real time I have felt a little panic. Coupled with the constant questions from friends about "How much longer? and "Why don't you know yet?" I am feeling a little desperate. At least with a pregnancy you can answer an exact time and date, with adoption there is so much out of a person's control.
I know :
1. Heavenly Father planted the seeds of adoption in our hearts and led us to our daughter in China.
2. I know he loves her and is keeping her while we wait, no matter how long.
With this knowledge I will be patient and trust that everything happens in HIS time.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Not getting offended...
Ok, so I ran into an old friend the other day, and she had heard I was adopting. I was explaining to her about the costs involved, and the orphanage donation fee.
She then told me, "Well you know, you're just buying a baby...you know that right?"
I was like, huh? " Well no... excuse me but I would like to think that money goes to support all the orphans that don't get or haven't found their forever families yet... and I am sure my daughter has benefited from others donations before we found her..."
That is what I would have liked to say, but I was caught so off guard, I just said, "I hope not?"
Frustrating....
She then told me, "Well you know, you're just buying a baby...you know that right?"
I was like, huh? " Well no... excuse me but I would like to think that money goes to support all the orphans that don't get or haven't found their forever families yet... and I am sure my daughter has benefited from others donations before we found her..."
That is what I would have liked to say, but I was caught so off guard, I just said, "I hope not?"
Frustrating....
Monday, October 12, 2009
When will we travel?
I get asked this a lot? I found a great explanation on a website for adoptive parents. I have bolded where we are at in the process. Hope this helps!
BEFORE you get your LOA you will want to fill out the following forms:
? I800 application. Hopefully your agency has a model for you to follow. The directions are less than helpful, in my humble opinion.
? I864W if both parents are traveling. This needs to be sent with the I800 application. I think you do the I864 if you are traveling alone.
For the I800 application you will also need some supporting documents from your agency and it doesn't hurt to start asking for them early on. You need:
? your child's referral info in English and in Chinese.
? You will need a copy of your agency's Hague accreditation.
? You will also need a copy of your Hague training hours certificate- a photocopy was fine for us.
? Your agency will also have to write a letter stating that all the info translated in to English is accurate. This, along with your LOA, is what is considered the Article 16 info that is mentioned in the directions for the I800.
Now all you need is a copy of your signed LOA and you can ship off to USCIS
BEFORE you get LOA-You will also need to fill out the DS230 application- this is the form that will go to China and begin the visa process for the child to enter the US. It?s pretty quick and easy but each agency seems to have their preferred way to fill it out, so check with yours. You will need to send this to your agency BEFORE you get LOA so that it is ready to go to China once you return your LOA to them. Your agency will get a second LOA that the consulate will have to sign. It?s called ?Letter Seeking Confirmation from the Central Authority of the Receiving State? ? The American Consulate being the central authority. They need to get that LOA to their representative in China with your DS230.
Now, what exactly happens after LOA? USCIS processes your I800 application. This takes around 10 days but I know they are trying to make it as fast as possible. Then USCIS turns your file over to another branch of the Department of Homeland Security, called the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC scans your file into its system. Once they do this, the American Consulate in GZ can now access your immigration approval and file. This also takes about 10 days, depending on where the weekends fall.
Your DS230 and the second LOA need to be at the consulate by the time your file is uploaded so that they can begin processing your child?s visa. They cannot work on it without both parts though, so the file needs to be sent and your DS230 needs to be delivered to the consulate. Most agencies have a courier that is handling this in China. The courier drops off the documents at the Consulate.
The Consulate reviews your file and signs the second LOA. Once they do, your agency needs to pick it up and get it to the CCAA so your official wait for TA can begin. Most agencies have their courier pick it up and then overnight it to Beijing. The consulate is taking about 5 days to get these signed. They can occasionally ask for additional information if they need it. I know of one case where that happened. It doesn?t mean you won?t get approved. It will just add a few days onto the process while your agency or the CCAA gets the info to them.
Then the CCAA will work on processing your TA. It is taking anywhere from 50-80 days after LOA to get your TA.
BEFORE you get your LOA you will want to fill out the following forms:
? I800 application. Hopefully your agency has a model for you to follow. The directions are less than helpful, in my humble opinion.
? I864W if both parents are traveling. This needs to be sent with the I800 application. I think you do the I864 if you are traveling alone.
For the I800 application you will also need some supporting documents from your agency and it doesn't hurt to start asking for them early on. You need:
? your child's referral info in English and in Chinese.
? You will need a copy of your agency's Hague accreditation.
? You will also need a copy of your Hague training hours certificate- a photocopy was fine for us.
? Your agency will also have to write a letter stating that all the info translated in to English is accurate. This, along with your LOA, is what is considered the Article 16 info that is mentioned in the directions for the I800.
Now all you need is a copy of your signed LOA and you can ship off to USCIS
BEFORE you get LOA-You will also need to fill out the DS230 application- this is the form that will go to China and begin the visa process for the child to enter the US. It?s pretty quick and easy but each agency seems to have their preferred way to fill it out, so check with yours. You will need to send this to your agency BEFORE you get LOA so that it is ready to go to China once you return your LOA to them. Your agency will get a second LOA that the consulate will have to sign. It?s called ?Letter Seeking Confirmation from the Central Authority of the Receiving State? ? The American Consulate being the central authority. They need to get that LOA to their representative in China with your DS230.
Now, what exactly happens after LOA? USCIS processes your I800 application. This takes around 10 days but I know they are trying to make it as fast as possible. Then USCIS turns your file over to another branch of the Department of Homeland Security, called the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC scans your file into its system. Once they do this, the American Consulate in GZ can now access your immigration approval and file. This also takes about 10 days, depending on where the weekends fall.
Your DS230 and the second LOA need to be at the consulate by the time your file is uploaded so that they can begin processing your child?s visa. They cannot work on it without both parts though, so the file needs to be sent and your DS230 needs to be delivered to the consulate. Most agencies have a courier that is handling this in China. The courier drops off the documents at the Consulate.
The Consulate reviews your file and signs the second LOA. Once they do, your agency needs to pick it up and get it to the CCAA so your official wait for TA can begin. Most agencies have their courier pick it up and then overnight it to Beijing. The consulate is taking about 5 days to get these signed. They can occasionally ask for additional information if they need it. I know of one case where that happened. It doesn?t mean you won?t get approved. It will just add a few days onto the process while your agency or the CCAA gets the info to them.
Then the CCAA will work on processing your TA. It is taking anywhere from 50-80 days after LOA to get your TA.
Look what we are working on now... Here is our packing list...Hip Hip Horray!
My thought after looking this over is it seems made for a smaller infant...will I need these items for a 2 1/2 year old little girl? Are there other items not on this that I will need for a toddler?
Packing List for International Adoption
􀂅 Disposable diapers (5 - 8 per day)
􀂅 Unscented baby wipes (100)
ô€‚… Ziploc bags (both gallon and sandwich size to hold wipes for travel – just a few of each)
ô€‚… Small plastic garbage bags (for dirty diapers and clothes – just a few)
􀂅 Diaper bag or backpack for baby supplies
􀂅 Snugli or other baby carrier, preferably one that allows baby to face both outward and inward
􀂅 Two 8-oz. baby bottles to be used with bottle liners
􀂅 100 - 150 bottle liners to fit bottles
􀂅 4 standard bottle nipples
􀂅 Small thermos for keeping water hot for formula when traveling
􀂅 Small scissors to enlarge nipple holes (most babies in China as accustomed to faster milk delivery than a small hole allows)
􀂅 One to two 14 - 16 oz. cans powdered formula. Many parents choose a soy-based formula because of possible lactose intolerance, but a standard formula is almost always safe. Consult your pediatrician if you are uncertain. Chinese formula is readily available, and it may be advantageous to keep your child on the formula they are accustomed to until you return to the U.S.
􀂅 Rice cereal (infants over six months may be interested in foods besides formula)
􀂅 5 -10 lunchbox size containers of natural applesauce (can be mixed with rice cereal)
􀂅 Small plastic bowl and baby spoon
􀂅 Sippie cup for toddlers
􀂅 Cheerios (small ziploc bag full if baby is over 7 or S months). They dissolve in the mouth and are an interesting new experience. Bring more if your child is over one year.
􀂅 2 - 3 plastic bibs (disposable bibs are also great)
ô€‚… 2 pacifiers (most babies won’t use them but they may come in handy)
􀂅 2 burp cloths (such as a cloth diaper)
􀂅 2 - 3 baby blankets (I crib blanket, 1- 2 receiving blankets)
􀂅 2 - 4 pajamas
􀂅 5 - 6 pairs baby booties or socks
􀂅 6 - 8 outfits or Onesies (depending on weather and time of year). Bring 3 different sizes to be on the safe side.
Note: Extra winter clothing
2 - 4undershirts of thermal Onesies
Warm pajamas with feet
Snowsuit (fleece works well with infants) or warm jacket
Hat
Most people bring one very cute outfit to wear when getting off the plane arriving home
􀂅 I small bottle of baby soap and shampoo
􀂅 I small bottle of baby lotion
􀂅 I small container of cornstarch baby powder
􀂅 I tube of diaper rash cream
􀂅 2 tubes of chap stick
􀂅 Baby hairbrush
􀂅 Baby nail clippers
􀂅 Several small baby rattles or toys
􀂅 Teething ring
􀂅 For toddlers: small bottle of bubbles, set of plastic stacking cups, and 2 heavy-duty cardboard books
􀂅 Small stuffed animal (musical is nice)
􀂅 Umbrella stroller (many hotels provide strollers and a stroller can be purchased for less than $20 if you decide you need one)
􀂅 Small bottle of Dial antibacterial hand sanitizer
􀂅 Consider bringing an extra bag in your luggage for souvenirs (bags can also be purchased for under $10 if time allows)
Gifts:
􀂅 A small bag of clothing to give to the orphanage director
􀂅 6 - small gifts to give to caregivers, guides, drivers, etc. (Something unique to your area is nice; i.e. pens, pins, etc.)
Note: Small gift bags
Tissue to wrap gifts in (any color other than white)
Packing List for International Adoption
􀂅 Disposable diapers (5 - 8 per day)
􀂅 Unscented baby wipes (100)
ô€‚… Ziploc bags (both gallon and sandwich size to hold wipes for travel – just a few of each)
ô€‚… Small plastic garbage bags (for dirty diapers and clothes – just a few)
􀂅 Diaper bag or backpack for baby supplies
􀂅 Snugli or other baby carrier, preferably one that allows baby to face both outward and inward
􀂅 Two 8-oz. baby bottles to be used with bottle liners
􀂅 100 - 150 bottle liners to fit bottles
􀂅 4 standard bottle nipples
􀂅 Small thermos for keeping water hot for formula when traveling
􀂅 Small scissors to enlarge nipple holes (most babies in China as accustomed to faster milk delivery than a small hole allows)
􀂅 One to two 14 - 16 oz. cans powdered formula. Many parents choose a soy-based formula because of possible lactose intolerance, but a standard formula is almost always safe. Consult your pediatrician if you are uncertain. Chinese formula is readily available, and it may be advantageous to keep your child on the formula they are accustomed to until you return to the U.S.
􀂅 Rice cereal (infants over six months may be interested in foods besides formula)
􀂅 5 -10 lunchbox size containers of natural applesauce (can be mixed with rice cereal)
􀂅 Small plastic bowl and baby spoon
􀂅 Sippie cup for toddlers
􀂅 Cheerios (small ziploc bag full if baby is over 7 or S months). They dissolve in the mouth and are an interesting new experience. Bring more if your child is over one year.
􀂅 2 - 3 plastic bibs (disposable bibs are also great)
ô€‚… 2 pacifiers (most babies won’t use them but they may come in handy)
􀂅 2 burp cloths (such as a cloth diaper)
􀂅 2 - 3 baby blankets (I crib blanket, 1- 2 receiving blankets)
􀂅 2 - 4 pajamas
􀂅 5 - 6 pairs baby booties or socks
􀂅 6 - 8 outfits or Onesies (depending on weather and time of year). Bring 3 different sizes to be on the safe side.
Note: Extra winter clothing
2 - 4undershirts of thermal Onesies
Warm pajamas with feet
Snowsuit (fleece works well with infants) or warm jacket
Hat
Most people bring one very cute outfit to wear when getting off the plane arriving home
􀂅 I small bottle of baby soap and shampoo
􀂅 I small bottle of baby lotion
􀂅 I small container of cornstarch baby powder
􀂅 I tube of diaper rash cream
􀂅 2 tubes of chap stick
􀂅 Baby hairbrush
􀂅 Baby nail clippers
􀂅 Several small baby rattles or toys
􀂅 Teething ring
􀂅 For toddlers: small bottle of bubbles, set of plastic stacking cups, and 2 heavy-duty cardboard books
􀂅 Small stuffed animal (musical is nice)
􀂅 Umbrella stroller (many hotels provide strollers and a stroller can be purchased for less than $20 if you decide you need one)
􀂅 Small bottle of Dial antibacterial hand sanitizer
􀂅 Consider bringing an extra bag in your luggage for souvenirs (bags can also be purchased for under $10 if time allows)
Gifts:
􀂅 A small bag of clothing to give to the orphanage director
􀂅 6 - small gifts to give to caregivers, guides, drivers, etc. (Something unique to your area is nice; i.e. pens, pins, etc.)
Note: Small gift bags
Tissue to wrap gifts in (any color other than white)
Monday, October 5, 2009
We are so happy...one of Faith's bodyguards has a family!
He (Isaac) is always right by her side and we couldn't be happier for him! Here is their family blog.
www.wearegrowingagain.blogspot.com
www.wearegrowingagain.blogspot.com
He is on the right of the picture with Faith here.
And here he is on the left!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
HOLD Your horses missy!
Well...we were given the wrong travel information :( We will not be traveling as soon as November, the employee at the agency made a mistake. I was a little disappointed but really we have been so blessed just to have our LOA already, I would be very ungrateful to complain about a little mistake like this. So we are still excited and Happy!!! Let's hope before Christmas!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Miracles!!!! WE GOT OUR LOA!!!!! And only waited 48 DAYS!
So guess what? Give up? OK...... WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!!!! Most likely mid NOVEMBER!!!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
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