Father's Day and Anniversary Wishes...

Wishing all Fathers and Fathers-to-be a Happy Father's Day!

Also, a Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary to my wonderful parents!
I LOVE YOU!!

Good things come to those who wait...

I have been waiting many years for our refrigerator to "die" so I could get my french door style refrigerator that I had been eying... Well, it finally happened. I noticed the gasket around the refrigerator section had a crack in it - and so, it has come to pass that it needed to be replaced. Well, after much research and driving myself totally crazy, we went out and bought the Samsung French Door refrigerator (26 cu. ft). I will be able to fit lots of food in here! Oh, goodie! It's going to get delivered in about a week or so. I feel as giddy as a school-girl! It's the little things in life that make us so happy!

Next in line are our stove (we've already tried to break that one twice) and our noisy, but still working dishwasher. It's only a matter of time... Hope it's sooner than later. We hate them both, but can't see spending the money if they aren't broke. You know the saying "if it aint broke, don't fix it!"

Tuberculin Test Required for Adoptees

The US Consulate in Guangzhou has sent out a notice that in order to comply with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immigration requirements (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/pdf/ti_tb_8_9_2007.pdf), all Chinese immigrants, including adopted children, 2-14 years old must have a tuberculin test completed before the visa appointment at the US Consulate in Guangzhou. (Note: this does affect those adopting from other countries as well...)

Effective July 1, 2009, the tuberculin skin test will be completed for adoptive children ages 2-14 during the regular medical examination in Guangzhou, and results will be read within 48 to 72 hours. If the skin test result is positive, a chest x-ray will be performed. Based upon the results of the chest x-ray, a physical exam and the child’s medical history, the panel physician will determine the appropriate classification of tuberculosis, if any. Further testing and treatment prior to immigration may be required. Our agency, CCAI, does not anticipate this new procedure will create significant delays to adoption travel groups.

Got Our New I-171H Form

Well, we got our newest I-171H form in the mail on Saturday!
I-171H expires on 10/22/2010
Fingerprints expire on 8/27/2010

Let's hope we don't have to go through this one more time... Keep those fingers and toes crossed!

My Hubby, the Pilot

His lifelong ambition to get his private pilot license has finally come true. He passed his oral exam and the flight check with the FAA examiner today. Now he can fly planes on his own. I am so proud of him!

UPDATE: We just received some photos from the day, so here are a couple...

Robert right after passing his check ride with Examiner "Duffy" Gaier.
Robert on his way home after getting his license!

My Fortune Cookie

Today I opened up a fortune cookie and got this for my fortune. It made me think about this wait for our daughter. I've really learned the word "patience" and maybe it's made me stronger for it. Through all the difficulties that this wait has caused, I have found an equal number of blessings - I've been able to make some wonderful friends who are also (or have already) adopted a child from China (as they truly understand what we're going through), a wonderful husband and extended family, and have gotten lots of "last trips before our child arrives" in (I am a travel addict!)

Catch-Up Post

Well, I've been a bit preoccupied with the newest members of our extended family and haven't really posted much lately. Here are a few of the many things we've been up to these last few weeks.

If you know what a Brat is – then you're likely from Wisconsin... it's home. Robert and I went to the Brat Fest this year. Madison holds the "World's Largest Bratfest" every year. We had beautiful weather and a fun time (even though I don't eat brats. Yuck!)


The beginning of Summer starts off with a walk in the Madison Arboretum to view the Lilacs. The smell is intoxicating (although I did have an allergic reaction... it was worth it!)


This past weekend, I got to meet Autumn (one of the ladies in my adoption chat group) and her lovely family in Chicago at Navy Pier. Hopefully, we'll get to travel with them in China as they're logged in a few days apart from us. Fingers and toes are crossed!


Last night, Robert had his last flight with his instructor before he tests for his pilot's license next weekend (weather permitting, of course). To say he's excited, is to put it mildly! I think his smile says it all!


So, as you can see, we've been keeping ourselves busy...

They've arrived!

We're officially an Aunt and Uncle again! My brother and sister-in-law had twin girls yesterday. We couldn't be more excited.

Fingerprint Renewal Time (Round 3)!

Well, it's that time again... we're off again to be re-fingerprinted tomorrow for our THIRD time. This is really getting old. I'm hopeful that this is going to be the last time we have to go through all of this, but time will tell. Better keep my hands all lotioned up - I want our fingerprints to work.

All this so we can get our beloved I-171H form (Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition). The I-171H comes from the USCIS (Dept of Homeland Security) and will be valid for 18 months. Our fingerprints will be valid only 15 months.

Friday Funnies!

Well, I couldn't resist posting this as my brother and sister-in-law are getting ready to have their twin girls in the next few weeks. Just thought this was too funny. I know she's ready to have them make their entrance already... as are we!