Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Meeting my "sisters" in Nashville
Well, I am finally going to meet some of my "Ma Ma Sisterhood" in Nashville over July 4th weekend. There will be 5 of us ladies (and some of their kids) and after over 2.5 years of talking over the internet, we're going to finally meet in person. I am so excited. I just booked my flight and hotel today. Poor Robert has to stay home and work. Not too happy about that. Ah, well...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Positive Rumblings
Well, lately we've been hearing lots of positive news about the potential (key word, here) for a speed-up in the referral process most likely in the second half of this year. The Chinese are trying to see the ever-expanding child-match referral waits go down. They have increased the orphanage donation fee by $2000 in the hopes that more orphanage directors would be inclined to make their children "paper ready" (which means that they would be available for international adoption). They have tried to curb the defacto adoption of children in China (where people would see an abandoned child and rear him/her as their own) which is now illegal in China. They are supposed to turn the child in to a Social Welfare Institute (SWI - what the Chinese call their orphanages). Also, the CCAA has put in writing that they want to "put Adoption First." Let's just see if this happens and give these orphaned children a home.Now what does all that mean for us? We're not sure yet. We are hoping that this means that a speed-up in the process is coming. When? We're not sure... How fast a speed-up? Don't know that either. We don't have any sense of when our adoption is going to happen. It could be this year (doubtful) or as long as the beginning of 2011. All of which I've heard.
What we do know, is that our daughter will be here, just not sure when... She's already in our hearts, just not our home.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Check off another set of matches
Well, we haven't heard an official cut-off date, but I think I can almost say for certain that the cut-off is March 6, 2006. This was a 4-day referral batch. So, only 130 more referral days to go. Lets keep 'em coming... Unfortunately at this rate we may not see our daughter until the beginning of 2011. Really depressing.
UPDATE: Well, it took the CCAA a whole month to make it official, but now it is!
UPDATE: Well, it took the CCAA a whole month to make it official, but now it is!
The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2007.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 6, 2006.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You Might Be Adopting From China If...
...you know that the 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 citizenships, 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 love someone you’ve never met with all your heart.
...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 citizenships, 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 love someone you’ve never met with all your heart.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Ox
I forgot to post the other day, but we are now in the midst of the Chinese New Year - celebrating the Year of the Ox. It is celebrated from January 26 through February 6 this year. It is very likely that our future daughter will be born during the Year of the Ox.
The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.
Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.
People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.
The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.
The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.
Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience. They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.
It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.
The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.
Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.
People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.
The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.
The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.
Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience. They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.
It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.
Matches are in...
While we haven't heard the "official" cut-off date for this set of matches, we can almost say for certain that the cut-off is March 2, 2006. Only 2 days worth of referrals since the last set. This batch was small mostly for two reasons: 1) they just wanted to get a few referrals out before the Chinese New Year started; and 2) this was the second group of matches in less than 30 days. On the good side, expedited families (those who have Chinese ancestry and are on a faster track than the rest of us) got referrals this month, so yeah to them!!
With every batch, we are just that much closer to our daughter.
UPDATE: March 2nd is officially the cutoff!! Only 134 more referral days to go...
With every batch, we are just that much closer to our daughter.
UPDATE: March 2nd is officially the cutoff!! Only 134 more referral days to go...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Food Glorious Food!
We LOVE food in this house. This was a recent recipe that was made for our annual gourmet birthday dinner with our friends Judy and Steve. Judy and I get together early and cook up a storm for all of us. Many beverages were consumed and great food was eaten. Every year, we do a different ethnicity - this year was Tex-Mex. This recipe comes from that meal. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. YUM!!
Shredded Beef
2 1/2 pounds chuck roast
salt (as needed)
thyme (as needed)
red chile powder (as needed)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp salt
With a damp towel wipe the chuck roast. Sprinkle the salt, thyme, and red chile powder on both sides. Rub the seasonings in well.
In a large, heavy casserole place the seasoned chuck roast, onion, and garlic. Fill it half way up with water, and cover.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Bake the roast for 6 hours. Raise the heat to 325 degrees fro the last half hour. Add more water if needed. Remove the roast, shred it, and toss it together the salt.
Shredded Beef
2 1/2 pounds chuck roast
salt (as needed)
thyme (as needed)
red chile powder (as needed)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp salt
With a damp towel wipe the chuck roast. Sprinkle the salt, thyme, and red chile powder on both sides. Rub the seasonings in well.
In a large, heavy casserole place the seasoned chuck roast, onion, and garlic. Fill it half way up with water, and cover.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Bake the roast for 6 hours. Raise the heat to 325 degrees fro the last half hour. Add more water if needed. Remove the roast, shred it, and toss it together the salt.
Monday, January 12, 2009
It's That Time Again...
Well, it’s that time again… to refile in order to receive our I-171H form (Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition). This is going to be our THIRD time doing this. I just hope that three times is the charm!!
So, what does that mean? Well, you submit the I-600A (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition), along with a home study (prepared by our social worker, who also needs all of our police clearances and letters from our doctors stating that we’re still fit to adopt a child), 2 checks, and you get fingerprinted. After USCIS looks at (1) your application, (2) your adoption home study report, and (3) your fingerprint results, they issue your I-171H, which says (in essence): you’re okay with us. The I-171H does not approve you for the adoption of a particular child. There are other forms that are submitted on behalf of the child you’re trying to adopt.
So, what does that mean? Well, you submit the I-600A (Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition), along with a home study (prepared by our social worker, who also needs all of our police clearances and letters from our doctors stating that we’re still fit to adopt a child), 2 checks, and you get fingerprinted. After USCIS looks at (1) your application, (2) your adoption home study report, and (3) your fingerprint results, they issue your I-171H, which says (in essence): you’re okay with us. The I-171H does not approve you for the adoption of a particular child. There are other forms that are submitted on behalf of the child you’re trying to adopt.
Note: the I-171H is only valid for 18-months and our fingerprints are only valid for 15-months. So hopefully we won't be doing this again in another 18 months. YUCK!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Shayna, Rest in Peace
Tonight, Shayna let us know that she needed to play with the other kitties in heaven. She is finally at peace. This photo is one of the last photos I took of her only 2 weeks ago.
Shayna was my trusted companion for over 19 years. She was with me through the good and the bad times, always greeting me with meows and lavishing me with purrs and attention. She even grew to love Robert (not an easy task for her because she had issues trusting anyone besides her mommy). Those two just loved to have their afternoon naps and snuggles together. She is truly going to be missed by both of us.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ending The Year On A Good Note
Well, the CCAA got another batch of referrals out this month. They are now through February 28, 2006, a 5-day referral batch. There will probably be another quick turnaround for matches before the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Ox begins on January 26). We shall see. We are now 136 more referral days to go. Yipee!! So close, but yet so far!!
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