Robert's 3rd flying lesson

Yesterday, Robert went on his 3rd flying lesson. Being the brave and supportive wife, I decided to join in on the flight. His flight instructor, Pete, was very kind and didn't have Robert do any major maneuvers so I could also enjoy the ride (which I appreciated). Robert flew the airplane without any assistance and landed the plane twice. He did a great job! Here are a few photos that I took from the back seat. You will notice a few major Madison landmarks, specifically the capital building, lake Mendota and Camp Randall stadium (where the Badgers play football).

While we were away...

Well, while we were enjoying ourselves in Ireland, the adoption world didn't stop. Here is the latest update. Unfortunately, again, they only got through one weeks worth of referrals this past month. We keep waiting not so patiently for a speed-up, but I don't think it's going to happen. We are just in for a really LONG wait. Maybe another 24 to 36 months from now...

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006. The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 8, 2005.

Fingerprints redone!

Well, yesterday we spent the morning in lovely Milwaukee to have our fingerprints renewed. Now we just have to wait for our I-171H forms to come in the mail. Hopefully we won't have to go through this again, but I have a feeling 18 months from now, we'll be doing this all over again!

Thanks mom and dad for a lovely lunch! An extra bonus for coming in to Milwaukee!

Date Night

I've been a bit down lately. The wait seems to be excruciatingly long. They are now thinking that it will be closer to 30 or more months to referral. The CCAA just has not been getting through the dossiers like we would like. Looking back, they have only been getting through around 5 days worth of LIDs per month.

So, I needed a bit of a pick-me-up date night with my lovely husband. We went to see Pixar's Ratatouille (very cute movie!) and then went to an Irish Restaurant - to prepare us for our trip to Ireland. It was nice to get out of the house.

Another bad month

Well, the CCAA has had another dismal month of referrals. Only 5 days worth of LID's. But, it is progress, but not as much as we would have hoped for. At this rate it could be another 2 years before we get our daughter, but I surely hope not. They keep saying that things will speed up. Time will tell...

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006. The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 30, 2005.

Adopted with Love

I just received this beautiful die cut from Carly, a fellow adoptive mom in one of my chat groups. She was so sweet to send it to about 20 of us. I just about cried when I opened the envelope. I can't wait to use it in my Lifebook for my daughter.

World's Biggest Klutz

Yes, that's me! As I walked downstairs this morning to make myself a cup of tea, I slid down 3 steps and broke my toe! I just got back from getting it x-rayed and I have (to use a non-medical term) a chip fracture. I did this to my lovely 4th toe - which now has a multi-tonal look to it and is a bit swollen (and quite painful, I might add!). They are expecting it to take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to heal. Bummer! I just hope I'm good enough to walk on it a lot when we take our vacation. I knew I hated our carpeting! Bad, evil carpeting!

World's Greatest Secret Pal

I don't even know where to begin in thanking my Secret Pal for this month's gifts. First, she got us the Yixing Teapot and tea (pronounced EE SHING). She had no idea how perfect it was. I have been collecting teapots for years. This one makes my 30th one! Yes, I had to count mine. This will be a beautiful addition to the collection. I have them from all over the world - and this is my very first Chinese one. The info she sent along with it was so interesting too. Now I know it's history and how to make my perfect cup of Chinese Oolong tea. Yeah! Second, she got us the "Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats" book which is this amazing children's book that talks about Chinese food and culture. I can't wait to share it with our daughter.

Fingerprint Renewal Time!

Well, our I-171H form and fingerprints are expired or are in the process of expiring and it's renewal time! We just got our letters in the mail today from USCIS (Dept of Homeland Security). We are scheduled to get our fingerprints re-done done on October 16th. Thankfully, right BEFORE we leave for Ireland. I was a bit worried that these letters were going to come while we were gone. Well, now we just need to keep our hands moisturized in order to get our "perfect prints." After our fingerprints (or biometrics as they like to call them) are done, we should be getting our I-171H form (favorable determination letter from our govt. saying we can adopt a child) soon thereafter... That is, until another 18 months goes by and we have to go through all of this again (although I hope not!!)

July is out of Review!

Here's the official notice from the CCAA website. As of Sunday night at 10:30 p.m., our dossier made it through the Review Room! Our next step is to wait for our referrals! I don't think they can come fast enough...

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before July 31, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 25, 2005