September 2006 Update

I can't believe it's September and Fall is on the way! I'll be stalking the mail truck this morning like I usually do on my days off--looking for the infamous I-797H from the USCIS. This is our approval letter from immigration to adopt from China. This is week 6 since our fingerprinting & the last form of the "paperchase" that we need to complete our dossier. Then all paperwork is authenticated, translated, and off to the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). We will be given a log-in date--which is a very important date because it's when we begin the "big wait". This wait is currently approximately 12-14 months. We've got lots to do...painting, furniture buying, swing-set fixing, and living our normal lives in the meantime! We haven't said much about this yet, but we've applied for approval of 2 children...that's right...2. Our adoption agency & social worker have both recommended (upon our request) that we be approved for twins or siblings or a single female baby as young as possible to 2 years old. How exciting to see what is in store for us! It is rare to be referred twins or siblings...chances are slim so we don't expect it to happen. We'll be happy happy happy no matter what!

Eric & I have been flooded with support by all of the people that we meet with once a month at the "First Friday's" meetings. Through this group we have met many families in all stages of the Chinese adoption process and have made some wonderful friends.

Friends of ours, HP & Lori are finally tying the knot this October--Eric will make the trip to Philadelphia to wish them a happy life together...I have exams--one the morning of the wedding! I wish I could go, but I'm sure Eric will have fun--especially with his old college buddies from Villanova and Chris-a very good, old friend of Eric's from Main Steel.

It's going to be an exciting rest of 2006 and 2007 folks! Hang on...enjoy the ride with us!

Heather