Our Adoption Journey to Vietnam

1 year 6 months 2 weeks and 5 days

2008-10-18T21:03:00.002-06:00

As the title states 1 year, 6 months, 2 weeks and 5 days after we started this adoption journey, we met our daughter. We did not adopt from Vietnam but domestically. When the VN program closed I was devastated. But I will say, it just took one look into my daughter's eyes to know she was meant to be a part of our family.

Sept 1st is here!

2008-09-01T08:03:00.003-06:00

I have not visited this blog for a while. As I pull it up to write the last post on our VN adoption blog, I notice that we started this 1 year 5 months ago. WOW, never in a million years did I think 1.5 years after we started would we back to square 1. Enough about me.

I am not known for my writing skills so it is hard for me to put to words what my thought and feelings are right now. Others do it far better than I. Chandra just posted pretty much what I have been thinking. Go check out what she had to say.

It does seem that VN officials are cracking down on the trafficking by making arrests. Hopefully they are moving in the right direction to making their programs ethical.

So, I expect our dossier to be returned to us sometime in the near future. I does not look like they will allow our dossier to remain in VN waiting for the program to reopen in the future.

New Blog

2008-05-09T09:08:00.003-06:00

I am again proving that I am not the brightest bulb in the pack. My mom said that she could not pull up my new blog. So when I got to work and was scratching my head as to why I could not pull it up. I realized I was typing in the wrong address. There is apparently no @ in the address. :) So, here it is Welcome to Our Little World.

I do have some good news for PAPs from our agency. It looks life a handful who are accepting Special Needs children may get their referrals. I will be so happy for them if that is the case. So keep fingers crossed everyone.

Not Pretty Much Over - It Is Over

2008-04-27T08:38:00.005-06:00

Shortly after my last post, we received word from our agency saying the adoption is over. Don't know how things will play out w/ LNI b/c they do not have really any program that seems viable to us. I say this b/c I hate losing the investment we have with them. Oh well, we knew the risk going in. Please pray for all the children who now will never be adopted and the PAPs who have had their VN adoption not even being an option any longer.

We will still be moving forward with the domestic adoption. So please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for this next and new phase.

That being said, it seems silly to keep this blog going. I have enjoyed journaling about the adoption and the goings on in our life. I have started a blog on wordpress ( thethomas.wordpress.com ). I will still document our adoption it will just be more of the goings on in the Thomas family. Feel free to stop by if you can.

All those in the VN adoption world - GOOD LUCK.

Goodbye

Our VN adoption is pretty much over

2008-04-25T13:23:00.005-06:00

It does not look like we will be adopting from VN. I had held out hope that the gov'ts would allow us to remain logged in and resume the adoption when VN became a Hague country.

Well the word has come down in the last day or so about the fate of our dossier and the dossiers logged in w/o referrals before Sept 1. Basically, the dossier will be returned to us. They are not allowing dossiers to remain logged in. I am actually a bit surprised. I thought we had a really long wait but would be able to see it through in a few years. I have not had the time to ready the entire post but have read snippets of it on VVAI.

What has been reported from the US government as to what is going on over there is very bad. Again, bad seeds ruin it for the whole. The corruption seems to be at all levels. I will grieve the loss of this adoption, but my heart again breaks for the orphans that will remain in VN and in other countries not getting adopted. Money may not be the root of ALL evil, but it is definitely the root of this evil.

I have emailed our agency as to what to do now. We just have to trust that God leads us to our little girl or little boy.

When did I become "Mom"

2008-04-22T20:38:00.002-06:00

Those of you who know Joshua will get a kick out of this one. Joshua's verbal skills leave a lot to be desired. Anyway, I am now Mom. When did 4 y/o start saying Mom and not Mommy. If I ask him what my name is, he says Mommy. But when he is calling for me in the house it is "mom." The kid kills me.

Now for some venting. We were planning on sending Joshua to a summer program at a school for kids with speech delays. I have mentioned it before on this blog. This school is a special needs school for kids w/ speech delays of average to above average intelligence. We found it and thought the program sounded perfect for Josh. He is quite smart (doing work of kinder kiddos)but is delayed in speech about 1 1/2 years. That being said, I think he has gained about six months in the past six weeks. He is making great strides. So, yesterday I get a call from the placement person at this school for the summer program. She tells me that she needs to observe Josh to see if he is a good fit for their school. I asked her what her concerns with him were. She said that his speech is too delayed for them. She did not feel he was high enough functioning. They only generally take kids with 1 year speech delay. I could not believe my ears. Kids with only 1 year speech delay do not need a special ed school IMO. I was sooooo angry and I have only gotten angrier today. Needless to say, I do not plan on sending him to that school this summer. I had considered sending him there next year if the summer went well. Whew, just saved myself $20k. We have many fun filled activities planned for him this summer. So no worries.

Not much going on in our neck of the woods

2008-04-21T20:23:00.002-06:00

Absolutely nothing new in our Vietnam adoption. There was great news for a family with our agency. Amanda received a referral from Korea of a baby girl. I am very happy for her. Go check out her cute pictures. We are still on the waiting list. I am thinking that we are looking at another 2 years at least before a referral. I hope I am wrong.

As for the adoption on the domestic side, we turned in our application to Catholic Charities. I am waiting to get approval/contract. We have begun putting together our photo album together that will be presented to Birth Mothers. I wrote my "Dear Birth Mother" letter last week. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to write. I feels weird marketing yourself. Never has been a strong point of mine.

I guess I will keep updating what is going on on both fronts. Once I sign a domestic contract, I will probably change the title of the blog to reflect both adoptions.

Plan B

2008-04-11T21:38:00.002-06:00

We are starting Plan B but not before I almost said enough is enough.

Let me explain--

We met with Catholic Charities about the foster to adopt and did not walk away super happy. So, I went to a bigger agency to talk about their program and left there disgusted. One of the recruiter started yelling at a potential foster parent. It was totally inappropriate and unprofessional. Catholic Charities did not look so bad. I set up expectations for people (which they usually have no idea about) and if they fall short I am done. I had been calling and emailing the recruiter for the infant adoption program at CC for a couple of weeks to no avail. In my head, I thought I would call one more time and if they did not answer or get back with me that day I was done w/ CC. I call the recruiter and she answers. It was even lunch time - was I trying to sabatoge? We set up a meeting for this past Wednesday. Even with this meeting scheduled, I was really starting to believe that we should do the foster to adopt program. I email the recruiter from that program a list on questions/concerns I wanted answered. She emailed that she would call me the next day. SHE DID. I was a bit shocked. But to my shock and horror, she said the dreaded words. "Christy, you probably want to go just the foster route and not the foster-to-adopt, b/c a judge probably will not pick you because you have a child." The recruiter said we should just foster and hope the child becomes available for adoption. The odds are not as good in this program but not unheard of. If one more person in the adoption world tells me that we won't be chosen b/c we have a child, I will punch them in the face. (Jenn, that was for your benefit.) That is part of the reason we originally chose IA. That was Tuesday night and I was DONE!!!!! I was so aggrivated I told Mitch that I guess we were only meant to have one child and adoption was off of the table. He looked at me like I was a crazy woman and told me I should at least keep the meeting on Wednesday for the infant adoption program.

Wednesday morning I head downtown to Catholic Charities, again. I really had no expectations. I met with the recruiter for the infant program. She was much more agreeable to use the paperwork we put together for VN adoption. We can use or home study :), our background checks :), reference letters :), and physicals :). So I must say this was a very productive meeting. She did not freak out when I told her we were keeping our dossier in VN. I addressed my concern about communication and impressed to her how important it is to me. Since Wed, we have communicated several times w/ questions about our paperwork. I will be bringing Catholic Charities our paperwork next week. So, this weekend we will be writing our "Dear Birthmother" letters and putting together our portfolio. I really do not want to get our hopes up but it is hard not to.

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS DID I EVER DREAM THAT WE WOULD BE IN THE PROCESS OF TWO ADOPTIONS AT ONE TIME!

VN adoption story from years ago

2008-04-06T11:07:00.002-06:00

I was at a client's house yesterday. This is a Vietnamese family that has been in the US about 15 years. As the meeting was pretty much over, they asked how the adoption was progressing. When we began the process, this individual warned me about corruption over there. I at the time assured them that the adoption would be fine. HA HA at my naivety. We I basically gave a thumbnail sketch of what is going on right now and that the adoption most likely will not happen at least for a few years.

Anyway, he told me a story from when they still lived in VN. He grew up in a small providence in Southern VN (not sure which one). One day his uncle and cousins were working in the field. A French Couple pulled their car over and looked over the family. They said they wanted to adopt one of the cousins. And they did! Can you believe that? I know I must have had a shocked look on my face b/c he explained his uncle's rational. He said he did it out of love. He knew the child would have the world at their feet whereas they would have nothing in VN. I can't even fathom making a decision like that. We also talked about the cultural issues with the US going in for the investigations. He said he has seen the US investigate things in VN. They go in with the attitude that the VN are guilty and need to prove innocence. Not the other way around. This family is pro-US, loves living here and will never move back. He was just relating what he observed in the past. Pretty heavy stuff!

Well, the first family from our agency has withdraw their dossier from VN. It is sad but totally understandable. We are going to hold out a bit longer but we shall have to see.

Bluebonents - the Texas state flower

2008-03-30T18:05:00.002-06:00

Taking pictures in a bluebonnet field is a must do in my part of Texas. So we made an afternoon of it and here are some good pictures. Josh really did not want his picture taken, but I was able to get a few good ones of him.

Past the one year mark

2008-03-29T07:49:00.004-06:00

As I was proofing my post, I noticed our ticker. We have been in the adoption world for 1 year and 3 days. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would see the ticker start over again. What a ride and still don't know where our journey will take us.

Referrals finally made it to the agency

2008-03-29T07:12:00.002-06:00

The LNI long awaited referrals made their way to the families about mid March. I am extremely happy for Kristin and the other family that received their referral. That being said I am also a bit sad. I almost hurts more that we are moving up on the list to just to not have the adoption happen. I also have been getting a bit teary whenever I see a little girl that is Vietnamese. Houston has a large Vietnamese population here so it happens quite a bit. I am a very practical person and never imagined that I would be this emotional invested in a little girl halfway around the world of whom we do not know. I am working through the reality that this adoption may never happen. We do plan on keeping our dossier logged in. When adoption resume in a year or two or three, we will have to see. I hope when that happens it will work out for us.

As I stated in a previous post, we went to Catholic Charities this week for their info meeting. Guess what? A light from heaven did not beam down on the building when we drove up.:) It is actually funny how things can change in 2 years. When we talked to them 2 yrs ago about infant adoption, I knew when we started the process this was our agency. Not so much anymore. I have left several messages for the infant adoption coordinator as well as email. I have received one email from her stating she would love to meet with us anytime and to call her anytime to set it up. That would be ok if she would ever return our phone call. So I am seeing communication will most likely be an issue. We also are looking in their foster to adopt program. That is really what the meeting this week was for. Well, the coordinator for that program does not listen. Every thing they need is what we put together for the dossier. So, in a break I asked her about the paperwork I already had put together and that we already had a homestudy. She pretty much cut me off and told me I would have to start over. I tried to tell her that our homestudy was done by a TX MSW and that it has in it everything that she had been talking about. Would not listen and then freaked out when I said we were going to keep our dossier in VN. I meet with another agency on Monday. We'll see how that goes. So who knows at this point what Plan B will be! Wish I did not need one.

Did I receive my sign? You be the judge

2008-03-21T17:28:00.002-06:00

I don't know if I mentioned this in the last post or not? If I did so sorry. Let me start by saying that our agency does not usually allow concurrent adoptions, but with the situation with VN they are allowing them by putting the VN adoption "on hold" for 12 months. I don't know what is magical about 12 months but whatever. As ya'll know, I have those two foster to adopt meetings lined up for next week. I want all ducks in a row when VN gov't says what they are doing.

I have also been asking God to let me know his will for our family. I have asked him for a neon flashing sign as to what to do with the adoption. (I need the neon sign b/c I can be think-headed) Well I may have received it in an email! As the title stated, you be the judge. I know I have some regular readers who do not comment. I would love your opinion.

Let me digress for a bit-------

I emailed Catholic Charities to inquire about their foster program. Catholic Charities was the first agency we talked to right about two years ago. We were in the gathering info stage and talked to them about domestic infant adoption. I absolutely love how they run their program. They only allow approximately 50 families waiting at a time. They have the birth mothers and adoptive families fill out extensive questionaires. When a birth mother is ready to select an adoptive family, the social worker takes her survey and selects 3-4 families who matches hers closely. So when we were ready to begin, I called the social worker and guess what they were full/no longer accepting new Caucasian families. :(:( I have received mailings over the past couple of years getting my hopes up (before we started VN) and when I would call they were recruiting minority families. Like I said, I emailed the social worker to inquire about foster adoption info sessions. I receive an email back letting me know that they are opening up infant adoption to Caucasian families April 1, 2008. They have been closed for almost 2 years.

Isn't that something else? I actually don't want to get too excited b/c I have to meet and get all of the particulars. It would also mean paying for two adoptions at the same time. I need to find that money tree I keep hearing about. The foster to adopt adoptions in TX are free. But I am still excited that Catholic Charities is an option to us again.

So, question of the hour ------- Did I get my neon sign as to what to do?

The email that did not tell me much

2008-03-19T18:30:00.003-06:00

We got an update from our agency today about the state of affairs in VN. The problem is that anyone who is following the goings on pretty much knew everything that was said in the email. I guess what I am rambling on about is that our caseworker did not tell us anything specific about what is going on w/ our agency (orphanages they work with, where the referrals are, etc). It is still a waiting game as to what the VN government will do with dossiers logged in when the program closes on Sept 1. We won't make any decisions until we know the definition of "pending adoptions." So more waiting. I am going to 2 info sessions on foster to adopt programs. Wouldn't it be funny if we become a family of 5 in the next year or two. Mitch is already freaking out at the possibility of this.:)

What is going on in our world

2008-03-14T20:41:00.003-06:00

I have been patting myself on the back. I have been on Weight Watchers since the first week of Jan. As of yesterday I have lost a total of 20lbs.:):) I am now back to pre-pregnancy weight. Now, I am on the final stretch. I expect these last few pounds will not be as easy to lose.

Still no news from the agency about the expected referrals. It is bordering on ridiculous. I just do not see how, as things are currently going, we will every complete this adoption. It is very frustrating. I just don't know at what point do you cut your losses and move on? I will wait it out at least until we know what will happen after Sept 1.

With this being said, Mitch and I (really just me) have been looking into other options. I have requested info from two Texas agencies that do both infant and foster care adoptions. When we started this journey I would not even talk about foster care adoptions. I already have one special needs child. We started out talking to a few agencies about domestic infant adoptions and these agencies told me that since we had a child and that we were "older" (I am 35 for goodness sake) we would probably have to have a long wait. Which is what had us looking into IA b/c "it was a sure thing." How funny that statement is to me now. Well, I plan on talking to a few more agencies about the state of domestic infant adoption right now and possibly foster care to adoption. When things started getting really uncertain with VN, I prayed that God let us know where our next child was and that I was open to his will.

Josh has been a challenge lately. As frustrated I am with the state of the adoption, I am also a bit relieved that we have not gone to VN yet. All in God's timing right. Josh as he gets older and bigger, we need to get his behaviors in check. I have left several messages w/ the director of the developmental disability clinic (behavior) w/ no calls back. I will call everyday if I have to. Josh's latest behavior is head butting us (mostly me). I thought he knocked out my tooth this week. The thing is I do not believe that he is intending to hurt anyone, b/c he really is a sweet natured child. That is why we need to get into TCH. He used to just be aggressive to me but now he has started to be that way with my mom. I told her she should be honored to be a member of such an elite club.

My baby is not a baby anymore

2008-03-09T13:09:00.002-06:00

I had a very sad moment in Kohl's today. Josh is no longer in the toddler section. We are now in the BOYS section.:( :( Not a baby any longer.

20 weeks DTV and still no news

2008-03-06T16:58:00.002-06:00

Well our dossier has been in Vietnam for 20 weeks. Still waiting to even see referrals from our agency. I am starting to feel like we are spinning our wheels. I just don't know what we would do.

LNI does not really haven any other programs that jump out at us as a great option. I spoke with my caseworker about options w/i their agency. We spoke about a new program they are just getting rolling in Mexico. Makes sense right, we live in TX and Mexico is our neighbor. Well the kiddos coming form there will be 4y/o+. Right now not an option. LNI is trying to work with other states in MX where the kiddos may be younger but who knows. We also talked about Colombia. That was actually our first choice when we started until we realized it was a three year wait. Well, Mitch and I talked about options and wanted to ask more questions. I today asked my caseworker about our ages (b/c we may be too old to adopt an infant there). He emailed me that he would have to check to see if we could even adopt in Colombia b/c we already have a child. They apparently give preference to families who do not have children. There is always Kazakhstan. I was trying to stay away from the Eastern Block countries. Also, Mitch (with his always rational thought:)) does not want to go there b/c it is too close to the war. This may end up being our only option with LNI.

I have been doing a lot of praying that God show us where our little one is if not in VN. I don't believe it is God's plan that we just have one child. Jennifer believes our little one is in TX. She as of late has told me she just "knows" things.:) We will see where he/she is? In trying to wrap my brain around everything that is going on. I think that maybe Joshua needs our undivided attention for a bit longer. Keep us and our adoption in your prayers. I hope not to go crazy before the end of this journey.

Do you hear the crickets churping?

2008-02-26T19:33:00.003-06:00

That is what I feel the adoption world has been like lately. NO NEWS - not from our agency - not in the broader VN adoption world. I find that very stressful. I wish I could take solace in the "no news is good news" adage. Especially when our agency was supposed to have referral no later than Jan 07. Well...... it is the last week of Feb and no referrals.

Look at our time-line. We have been at this adoption thing almost 1 year. I really thought we would be close to traveling now. We are still 23rd waiting for a referral. This ticker may cycle twice.

On a much different note, we had Josh's 4th birthday party last Saturday. We had it at Kindermusik, and I can only describe the look on Joshua's face was one of total joy. I will post pictures of it soon.

Child Traffickers Arrested in VN

2008-02-20T21:16:00.003-06:00

I was reading VVAI (I want to publicly thank the women who run that blog for the hard work they put into it.) and this article was mentioned. It is referencing the arrest of four child traffickers. I am glad to see that these individuals were arrested, and the authorities did not just overlook it. It also makes it VERY real that it is going on . I never doubted that it was going on but this is in your face proof of it. I don't know how or if it will affect the agreement between the countries. Yet again, we just wait and see what happens.

It's official --- I am not the brightest bulb in the pack!

2008-02-16T20:42:00.003-06:00

I am not brand new to the blog world but have not ventured out past the adoption world (until today).

I really have not gone into much detail about what we have been dealing with in regards to Joshua. I have given glimpses but after all this is our adoption blog not our "the challenges we have with our son" blog. But the adoption is going slowly and our lives go on regardless. I know I have posted before about how premature Josh was. Yes, he is our miracle baby. Well life with a preemie four years later is challenging. No matter what the issues your preemie is facing - there almost always seem to be issues, it is always challenging. I am not talking about kiddos a few weeks early; I am talking about LBW (low birth weight) babies. Reminder, Josh was 1lb 8.8ozs at birth. A few issues we dealt with was on oxygen for 13 months, a grade 2 bi-lateral brain bleed (which resulted in a diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy at 8 months old), eye surgery, hole in his heart and list can go on and on. I must say that he is medically really pretty healthy besides the asthma. One thing we have been dealing with very early on (on top of the developmental delays) are sensory issues. The problem is a lot of preemie issues mirror Autism but usually preemies out grow the issues. Well, my question is at what point should the issues be outgrown by? The doctors seem to think he should be caught up by now. HaHa. I promise I am going somewhere by this ramble. By talking to a blog lurker (yes Christie I am talking about you) at a birthday party today, I think to search blogs of older preemie kiddos. Genius I know. I have found several good blogs that can give me insight as to what we have to look forward to and deal with over the next several years. I probably will start posting more about the issues with the little one b/c it feels good to vent (Jen and Jen are probably tired of hearing my rants/venting). Also, if anyone has insight on issues please comment and maybe what we go through can help others.

So as too the title of the post. Why had I never thought to search other types of blogs? B/c I am not the brightest bulb in the pack. :)

Standards of Practices for Agencies (for Vietnam)/Josh turns 4 on Monday

2008-02-15T18:10:00.004-06:00

JCICS (an advocacy/policy group) finally released their Standards of Practice. It has/will be talked about by far more knowledgeable people in the adoption world (VVAI) than I, so I wont get into any specifics. But for those of our friends and family who read this blog, I will give the very thumb nail sketch version. The MOU (agreement between the two countries) need to be in the works by March. JCICS is wanting to get its members (agencies) to sign the Standards they have written which will be making the process among agencies pretty black and white. I guess by getting the agencies to sign this agreement, they can in turn go to the DOS and show the commitment on our side of continuing VN adoptions.

Joshua turns 4 years old on Monday (18th). Wow how the time passes. Little boo is bouncing off of every wall tonight b/c he got a steroid shot this afternoon. He has the croup. :( He was up coughing all last night. It is that horrible hoarse cough where you are wondering if he can breath. We went to get his inhaler and guess what the meds were expired. Thank goodness we made it through the night without it. He does not have to use it often, obviously. Even when we try to use the spacer, he fights it with all of his being. So, needless to say even when we have the unexpired med it does not do much good. Anyway, New Rx from doc today. I try not to go with Josh to the doctor alone. I can do it but it is VERY hard. I am actually able to talk to the doctor when Joshua has decided he has been there long enough and HAS to leave. When he starts asking for the elevator, my mom can take him. I know the doctor (who is VERY patient with Josh) sees Josh's name on his list and must think -- Oh NO. While waiting for the doc, Josh is all over the office. Will not stay in his room. Doc would see him and ask him oh so nicely to go back in his room. With no luck. But I must say that once the doc came in today, he let him examine him. Usually the stethoscope scares him. But since he got a medical kit for Christmas, he plays doctor. That did the trick.
***reading over the post I sound like such a wuss. People (as I prob would not knowing me) will think, omg she can't control her kid. I promise I am not a push over. Actually, quite the opposite. I have met my match with Joshua. I have learned to pick my battles with this little one.

**After reading Nikki's post on VVAI, I may be naive about these SOP making the rules black and white in the VN adoption world. Oh well, I am still new to this game.

Check this blog out

2008-02-10T13:44:00.000-06:00

I read about this on another blog. Check it out ----- specialneedsbaby.blogspot.com. They found out about this medically fragile child in Liberia that would not make it long if not taken out of Africa. They are in the process of adopting him and are asking for donations. Like I said, you need to check it out and read their story.

I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER!!!!

2008-02-09T13:27:00.000-06:00

Today 3 of the greatest friends went above and beyond for us. Meg, Jennifer and Mandy had a garage sale for Claire. Also, thanks to Tommy and Gene for collecting the big items from the different houses. I know there are many more people I need to say thank you to. For everyone who helped out in any way, The Thomas Family Says THANK YOU!

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel toward them right now. When they called me with the total of the day---- I was blown away. (I was not able to travel back to LA for it) Never in my wildest dreams did I expect it.

It is very hard for me to accept this generosity. Pride gets in the way for me a lot. But when Meg gets something in her head, I knew it would be a lost cause to fight it.

I hope they remembered to take pictures. I had asked them to take them for Claire's memory book. Meg had the brilliant idea of fanny packs. Do they even sell those anymore? I would love pictures of that. I doubt Meg could get Jen to wear one, but again when Meg gets something in her head. :)

Too cute not to share

2008-02-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

During the SuperBowl half-time show, Josh picked up his guitar to play with Tom Petty. The kid has the greatest taste in music. It is really poor quality but still want to share.

My Arm Is Killing Me!!!

2008-02-03T16:37:00.001-06:00

I found out yesterday that being a pitcher is not in my cards. Besides being ridiculed by Jennifer about my lousy aim, my arm is so incredibly sore. I must admit it is a bit embarrassing. We had the best time. Here are some pics.

I took a lot more pics but they were after a few drinks had been consumed, and they did not come out too well. I refrained in posting pics of the floats b/c the parade is a bit raunchy and not politically correct. I will say Brit Brit was referenced the most. It was a bit disconcerting b/c I saw gals in my high school uniform hiked way up to look like Britney for their float costume. (Yes, I went to an all girls Catholic High School. Please, no name calling.) When we saw the costume, Jennifer and I looked at each other in shock and then laughed saying we wish we would have thought to do that. :)

We had a kiddo to come back to Houston for or we would have traveled to NOLA for fat tuesday. There is always next year.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Fun/Safe Mardi Gras. Everyone needs to live the next couple of days with our motto in college. When things don't go exactly as planned just say "It's the Gras Bro (pronounced like bra in New Orleans)." Saying this will get you off the hook. :)

Making progress

2008-01-30T21:26:00.000-06:00

I have now been on Weight Watchers since the first week of Jan. I am proud to announce that I have lost a total of 13lbs. Yeah me.:) I have found it really easy. I now am just really aware of what I eat. I have cut out fast food. I would grab it for lunch at least once a week, and I now just eat a lean cuisine. I really have not stopped eating anything - I just am more aware of portion size. The hardest part is that I never really feel full. I guess my stomach will shrink or I will get used to the feeling. Don't get me wrong, I am not having hunger pangs; I'm just not full. I am prepared to gain some back this weekend. Mitch is going to try and cram in all of our favorite restaurants in 2 days.

Parade Ticker ... 3 days and counting. Can't wait.

4 days and counting

2008-01-29T20:47:00.000-06:00

I could not stay doom and gloom for too long.

That's right ----- 4 days and counting until Spanish Town Parade. Mardi Gras is absouletly my favorite holiday. I have taken a two year sabbatical from riding but am now back and ready to go!

We are driving to LA on friday and catching a parade that night with some friends. Then bright and early Saturday morning we will head over to the float. The parade rolls at noon and the weather is supposed to be perfect. Clear with high of 65 degrees. I wish I could convey to blogland how much fun it is to ride in a mardi gras parade. I plan on taking pictures and will post them when we get back into town.

Adoption news

2008-01-29T19:13:00.000-06:00

There was a statement issued by the government advising families against starting the process for VN. The MOU (adoption agreement bet VN and US) may not be renewed in September. We are not sure when it will be renewed if not in Sept. We are logged in w/ the VN government and are hoping to be able to continue even if the agreement is not renewed. Really nobody knows.

A good number of agencies (including ours) has stopped accepting new applicants for VN. So I do not think the statement will have a huge impact over newbies.

We have been hearing rumblings about this statement for a bit. It was not really new news to us but it is news none the less.

Now for the disgruntled PAP statement----- Where are our referrals? Referrals for our agency stalled out in the fall. We were promised the list would start moving again last month. Did it? NO. We were told Jan was the month. Well it is the last week of the month and no movement. I plan on hanging in there b/c I do like the agency, but as the months drag on I ask myself at what point do you cut your losses and move on? Not planning on moving on anytime soon. I am too tenacious for that.

Congrats to my friend Jodie

2008-01-21T19:06:00.000-06:00

I want to give a shout out to a friend who is adopting from Guatemala. She just completed one of the last stages in her adoption of Corynn. She should be home in just a few short weeks. Check out her blog and see just how cute Corynn is.

Wallpaper the Devil's spawn

2008-01-20T09:43:00.000-06:00

Do I have everyone's attention now???

I spent 8 hours yesterday taking down wallpaper in Josh's bathroom.

We moved in 2 years ago and after taking down the wallpaper in the Kitchen. I am just getting the motivation to take it down in the two bathrooms. Since yesterday, I have decided to just paint over the paper in the master bath. Could not do it in the small bath b/c it was starting to peel. Josh's bath is two rooms. Tub and toilet close off from the vanity area. I actually spent 8 hours taking down the wallpaper in the little area by the tub that I can barely turn around b/c it is so small.

Ok let me start by saying that my house was built in 1994, and the previous owners had put 2 different wallpapers up. This paper is so awful that I have to share a link to this hideous wallpaper. Now keep in mind, they chose this wallpaper was after 1994 not in the height of the Miami Vice era. I can't believe I lived with it for 2 years. I now get to texture the walls b/c it is straight sheet rock. Hope I don't make it worse or I may just use flat paint and not texture it. Who knows?

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Tagging - blog equivent to "How well do you know me?" emails

2008-01-14T18:48:00.000-06:00

Chandra at Table Pho Three tagged me. I had to learn how to post links to do this. I am sooooo not technically savoy. I tag Jodie, Heather (because she needs one more thing to do) :), Lauren (probably been tagged before but not since I have been reading), Jamie (no posts as of yet this year here's a jump start).

Here we go.....

1. What is your occupation? Social Services Case Manager for a Medicaid program
2. What color are your socks right now? White
3. What are you listening to right now? silence - Josh just fell asleep.
4. What was the last thing you ate? Chicken and broccoli (weight watchers remember)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, I love to drive them.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jennifer Jean
8. How old are you today? 35
9. Favorite drink? I pretty much just drink water.
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Gymnastics (longing for yesteryear) and starting to like football.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Red high lites if that counts
12. Favorite reality TV show? Amazing Race no question - hope to try out one day, Aaron and I would so win! :)
13. What was the last movie you watched? I am so embarrassed to admit this - Georgia Rule
14. Favorite day of the year? Mardi Gras
15. What do you do to vent anger? Call Jennifer
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Sadly, don't really have one.
17. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall
18. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
19. Cherries or blueberries? To just eat-Cherries, in baked goods - blueberries
21. Favorite dessert? Mocha Cheesecake
22. Who is least likely to respond? ???
23. Living arrangement? I live with Mitch, Josh and Lucy (the cat)
24. When was the last time you cried? Don't cry much, don't remember
25. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes
26. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Jodie (I did not know what a blog was before she told me.)
27. What did you do last night? Dealt with a tired/manic child.
29. What inspires you? People who keep there faith in really tough times.
30. What are you afraid of? the unknown
31. Plain, cheese, or spicy burgers? Cheese.
32. Favorite breed of dog? Pepper - lab/german shep mix
33. How many years at your current job? 2
34. Favorite day of the week? no one in particular
35. How many states have you lived in? 4
36. Celebrity crush? Sorry, I don't really have one
37. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? No but would love to drive either
38. Who is your favorite NFL team? Saints
39. Do you have a house phone that is not cordless? Yes, in the office
40. 10 inches of snow or 100 degree weather? neither

9 1/2 months since we began

2008-01-11T22:35:00.000-06:00

We started this process 9 1/2 months ago. I can't believe it has been that long. It seems to have flown by, but I have felt every single day. I am so thankful that I have Josh which I can focus on our daily lives and not totally obsess over getting Claire.

I remember when we tried to get pregnant with Josh (fert. tx) I was so hyper focused on having a child not much else mattered. I read some of the adoption blogs and my heart breaks b/c many of the people have gone through the whole fertility txs and then get to the place where they begin the adoption process. Then there is the long wait.

The wait is tough, and it really has just begun for me. I like to have things to do. I wish we had things to do throughout the process so I could at least control even a small part of what is going on. One thing that bums me out is that I have two good friends that have 2 month old little girls. When we started the process all three of us were excited to be have all girls the same age. In my head, I had the idea that we would be getting to the end of the road by now.

Sorry for the downer post. Our agency still has not given any referrals and it is almost mid-Jan. Part of my mood may have to do with weight watchers. I used all of my points by dinner and could not have a sweet tonight. :( I saved all of my extra points for the week b/c we are celebrating my cousins bday tomorrow night, and I will be eating Italian. Nuff said

Prayers Seem to Be Working

2008-01-09T21:41:00.000-06:00

The little boy, Jake, whom we have been praying for was extubated (taken off of the vent to breathe on his own) yesterday. The parent talk about the anxiety and watching the monitors. Remember that all too well. It sounds like they may have him on CPAP by what they describe. I hope they get good news when he wakes up. They have called in the big guns for prayers: Fr. Seelos and Sr. Dulce.

Fr. Seelos was beatified (put on the road to becoming a saint) by Pope John Paul II years ago. He is known for his intercession for the sick. When Josh was in the hospital, we were in Baton Rouge and my parents were in New Orleans. My mother went weekly to the shrine of Fr. Seelos to pray for intercession. We ended up having Joshua's baptismal ceremony at his church in New Orleans, St. Mary's.

We also have met and spoken with Sister. Mitch had her phone number on speed dial when we were on the NICU. She is a healer. I know there will be nay sayers who read this. I have always believed in such gifts but have now seen it first hand. She gets a lot of criticism with some in the community but not from us. When we were calling her in the early days we were mainly praying for minimum damage to Josh's lungs and not to have large brain bleeds. She told Mitch that she would pray for Josh's heart. Mitch being confused b/c we had thought his heart was ok asked for clarification. She said again that she would pray for his heart. The next day we were told after a heart ultrasound that the hole in his heart had reopened - which "never happens."

Wow what a ramble. Ya'll just got a glimpse as to our decision as to why we are adopting this go round. Do not want another 23 week delivery. Yes, you read it right----- Josh was born 4 months early at a whopping 1lb 8.8ozs! He has come SO far.

Now for the trivial

2008-01-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

I want to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I can't believe it is 2008!

Hope everyone had fun and had a safe night. We as predicted stayed around the house and neighbors popped fireworks, ate gumbo and had a few drinks. It was pretty laid back and exactly right.

My big New Year's resolution is to lose weight. I have never made this one before and am determined not to break it. I will start using the Y membership that to this point has just been used during the summer for the pool. I am also going to try weight watchers. A gal at work has lost about 50 lbs within the last six months with weight watchers. So, they will get my money. Wish me luck.

Prayers Needed

2008-01-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

Prayers are needed.

I am calling out to blogland to join in on this prayer line. I have weighed as to whether to post about this b/c I don't actually know the family. I have decided that the more prayers out there for them would be appreciated. A friend of a friend's toddler, Jake (don't want to give last name b/c wanting to keep some privacy????), fell into a lake on Christmas Day and had to be resuscitated. They don't know how long he was in the water. He has been on a PICU since and has seen some progress each day. Reading their care page has brought back a lot of memories of our stay on the NICU.

Lynn, I know you read this sometimes. Amanda is going to need your support the most when he comes home, and she is having to deal with the day in and day out routine of doctor appointments and therapies, etc. Make sure she is hooked up with Early Steps (Louisiana's early intervention program). I posted a message in their guest book sending prayers from Houston.

I hate that this post is so serious/somber but talking about trivial things such as resolutions and what we did last night seems wrong.

Movin on up (hopefully)

2007-12-30T20:40:00.000-06:00

We hope to be moving up a few spots on the list next week. :) Our caseworker told me a week or so ago they are expecting 5 referrals after the 1st of the year. I hope they actually happen.

Josh is having the time of his life this weekend. My in-laws are visiting, and he is having a great time.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year's Eve. We do not plan on leaving the neighborhood. Neighbors usually shoot fireworks. Josh will enjoy that.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Hope everyone has had a great day, I know we did.

Santa brought Josh a kid size guitar, b/c he absolutely loves any kind of music/instrument. He has already shown an aptitude to music (so our choir director friend has said). Anyway back to the guitar, he is totally nuts over it. It has even trumped Mickey Mouse clubhouse (huge). Mitch has been calling him a little Bob Dylan all day, b/c it has not touched the ground. He is as we speak taking a nap with it in the bed.

Big new happened with Josh on Saturday!!!!!!!!! (Time for a little background for those who do not know us ------- Josh was a micro preemie (1.5 lbs @ birth) ... developmental delays...r/o autism...blah blah blah) We went to a friends house for dinner and they have a 3 y/o also. She absolutely loves Josh. OK here is the big news. He actively played with her. Was initiating play. He had a look to total happiness on his face. It was like a light bulb went off and he realized wow there are other people in the room who want to play with me. We were so happy to see this. One of his problems much of the time, I think, is that he is painfully shy. It takes him a long time to warm up. As I said he has known this little girl for almost two years and it still took an hour for him to warm up and them to start playing. Enough about that. Just want to brag on our little man.

Tugging at the heart strings

2007-12-21T21:16:00.000-06:00

Let me start by saying Mitch and I have always planned on (a bit later in life) to be foster parents. It is something I have always known I would do and married someone who feels the same way. I know without a doubt that adopting from Vietnam is what we are supposed to do right now. But watching the show put on by the Dave Thomas Foundation made me want to go sign up to be a foster parent right now and bring home 100 kiddos. I know that is not in the cards for right now but WOW.

We made the float!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-17T14:24:00.000-06:00

Wow, 2 posts in one day. That may never happen again.

Mitch and I really want to ride in the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade this year. We have not ridden in several years (since we moved to TX) and wanted to get back on float this Mardi Gras. It is probably some of the best times I have ever had. It is also a huge ego boast. People really compliment you when they want the stuffed animal you are throwing from the float.

Well the planning meeting was about a week ago, and we were put on the waiting list. :( Did not tell hubbie that we were not for sure in, it would have stressed him out. He is stressed out enough with all the grading he has to do (grades were due today at the college).

I just received a call from my friend about the parade. We are officially on the float. I will post pics from the float. The parade is Feb 2. It is going to be so feakin' cold. I pray it does not rain.

Another USM graduate

2007-12-17T12:16:00.000-06:00

I have stumbled across another Golden Eagle in adoption blog world. Small world. She is actually with our agency making our world even smaller.

I know it probably seems I went to LSU by being totally obnoxious with the postings. I grew up in the big BR but went to USM in Hattiesburg, MS. Mitch and I met at USM, but he finished BA at LSU and got an MA from LSU. Needless to say we are big LSU fans. Not much to cheer about USM these days. Brett Farve has been our superstar, and he graduated 17 years ago. I feel old.

Not much to report on the adoption front.

Mitch and I had another night out without Josh. I really did not know what to do. We went out with three other couples to Brennan's (a 4 or 5 star restaurant for those who do not know) and no we did not have to travel to New Orleans. There is one in Houston. We spent WAY TOO MUCH money and ate some amazing seafood and of course desert. Bananas Foster nuff said. One thing that has made me very sad since moving to Houston is that NO ONE here makes a good Bloody Mary. Guess what, Brennan's does. I'm glad I was not disappointed. Since Brennan's is a every couple of years restaurant, Mitch has promised me that he will do whatever it takes to get the top secret Bowden family recipe from Sid Jr at Mardi Gras. Jen you may want to warn him. No don't b/c I really want the recipe. Just reading over the post and I want it on the record that I am not a lush. :)

Surgery went well

2007-12-12T20:49:00.000-06:00

Just an update --- my grandfather surgery went well today. :)

No referrals yet

2007-12-11T22:05:00.000-06:00

I have been itching to call our caseworker about the supposed up coming referrals for December. No we would not be getting one of these but it would move us up on the list. Well no need, I just read on a blog of someone who uses our agency that they talked with him today and NO NEW NEWS! All I can do is wait.

Ok, I have to poke fun of my bff. (Sorry Jen) I have gotten a chuckle out of this conversation many times over the past few days. I was having a "hoopy hoo" moment (will explain in a bit)over the adoption -- wait time, if it will happen, etc. She begins telling me how she just knows things (sense things, intuition), and Claire will be with us b/c she know it will happen. Just as she knew as I was sitting next to her, that we (LSU) would beat Auburn. Those few of you out there reading that know Jennifer would know that she was dead serious. It made me laugh. Again, sorry Jen.

I am taking Josh to take pics with Santa Thursday. Hopefully, he will behave. We are going with a friend and her little one. Wish us luck.

I know it is almost too late to post this but my Paw Paw needs your prayer for in the morning. He is having stints put in his carotid arteries in the morning. Send prayers and good thoughts.

Hoopy Hoo--- We had a dog for many years, Pepper. She was a great dog but a whiner. When she would whine it sounded like "hoopy hoopy hoo." We now have hoopy hoo parties, tell hubbie to stop hoopy hooing. You get the picture. It is really a great way to describe the situation at hand.

GEAUX Tigers!

2007-12-04T10:54:00.000-06:00

We are very excited in our house this week. As most people know LSU made it into the national championship game.:) A friend emailed me this poem this morning and I wanted to share it. The Author is unknown and here it is:

Twenty- four days before Christmas, in a state in the south,
Les Miles was pissed as he opened his mouth.
Miles to Michigan was reported as fact.
To which Miles responded, Herbie you don’t know jack!

The Tigers had suffered a gut wrenching loss,
At the hands of McFadden and the rest of the hogs.
And Bo in his sweatshirt, and Miles in his Hat
Were determined to prove they were better than that!

When the Tennessee Vols ran out on the field,
There was ruckus applause from the mentally ill
Still in the locker room, Les told his team,
This season ain’t over. We still have a dream.

The hurt throwing arm of QB Matt Flynn
Meant Ryan was the man they'd put their faith in.
Then the fans all heard, what Les said in the Dome.
I ain’t goin anywhere. I’m happy. I’m Home!

The fans were still thinking This might be a trick.
til someone pointed out Hey, this guy ain’t Nick!
The Hat took the field for this championship game,
And he brought all his Tigers, and called them by name;

Now, Hester! Now, Early! Now, Highsmith and Putt!
Let’s let er rip and shut these guys up!
Take to the field! And give it your all!
Then later we’ll watch numbers 1 & 2 fall.

The fans still weren’t sure as to what team would show,
The Virginia Tech game seemed like so long ago.
But there in the stands, the fans they did cheer,
As Perrilloux played his game of the year.

While out in Ar-Kansas, the hogs claimed the boot,
The tigers were focused on far better loot.
With the game knotted up, Ainge threw a quick out
But Zenon was ready and took six to the house.

He wore a LSU jacket, and a white turtle neck,
The same as he wore when his team beat La Tech.
With the hat on his head, and a childish grin,
Miles put his team in the title picture again.

His smile-how it widened! as Pitt won its game!
He cheered Oklahoma, when it did the same.
The stars were aligning, it couldn’t be true.
Turns out Miles WAS destined, to play O-S-U.

With a month to prepare and a month to heal up,
We’re all pretty sure which team will show up.
He ain’t going to Michigan, and we’re sure of that.
But Tressel and the Buckeyes should still Fear the Hat.

On December first, he called L-S-U home.
Then set up the Tigers, to play again in the Dome.
It soon will be legend, how Les started that day,
“Can’t talk now. . . . I’m busy. . . . [Y’all] have a GREAT
day!”

GEAUX TIGERS!

No New Info!

2007-11-30T17:36:00.000-06:00

Wednesday was the VN adoption summit in DC. I emailed my case worker Wednesday and he hoped to have info by today. I did not hear anything today from him. Hopefully on Monday!

On a different note--------- Mitch and I have a date night tonight! :):):) Josh is staying the night at my mom's. We are going to see a movie. I have not been to the movies in about a year. Honestly, the best part of it will be the FULL nights sleep I will get. Josh has been coming into our room bet midnight and 3am every night since August. :(

WE ARE LOGGED IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

The dossier was submitted in time.:) No new physicals need to be done. I think my case worker wanted to wring my neck as well as the facilitator in VN. He keep telling me that she assured him that it would be submitted in time. But as the 14th kept approaching, I bugged my case worker on a daily basis. I received an email yesterday that we were logged in in time.

Things may not be as bad as orginally thought

2007-11-13T15:47:00.000-06:00

I received an update from our case worker today. He seems very positive that things will continue and move forward in VN. Granted that the MOU (an agreement between the two countries to proceed with adoption) is renewed. The countries have until 12/21/07 to submit their intent to continue adoptions. As of last week, the US has not taken any steps towards this. I really don't see why they would not extend it b/c both countries are working to address the issues of unethical adoptions over there. I don't see why new policy would be implemented if they were not planning on continuing. Just my take on things.

The roller coaster ride begins

2007-11-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

Everyone who reads this needs to pray that Vietnam does not stop US adoptions. I emailed my agency this morning asking if I should be worried about these NOIDS being issued and if it is jeopardizing the program. My upbeat and generally laid back (no worries) case worker did not give me a breezy reply. He said how this new process could upset the VN officials b/c of the addition scrutiny it will probably bring. He feels we will know more in the next couple of months. He said that VN does a lot of adoption with other countries that will not put the pressure on them like the US, and it is up the whim of the VN gov't to continue or not. I do want to say I agree with what the US gov't is doing, but it will really devastate me if VN ends US adoptions. I just have to remember that God has the master plan for us and where we end up getting our next child. I still believe it will be in VN b/c from the beginning it has felt so right.

More buzzing in the adoption world

2007-11-07T20:23:00.000-06:00

Let me start this post by saying that I get so annoyed with message boards. It is a great concept---- support and advise for those with things in common. About a year ago, I unsubscribed from the preemie group b/c it became so negative and judgemental. I am beginning to wonder if they all eventually end up like that. I belong to a Vietnam adoption group and surprise, surprise the banter has gotten pretty negative. I really don't read it as often as I used to.

The hot topic is something called a NOID (notice of intent to deny). Several families have been issued NOIDS for the babies Visas. The US consulate feels that theses babies paperwork has discrepancies. I really feel for these families stuck over there now with no hopes of coming home any time soon. I don't feel they set out to find an unethical agency. It is so hard to decide which agency to go with. We are happy with our agency but basically went with what strangers told us. We did not know anyone who has adopted from VN.

Now about unethical agencies out there. VN adoptions had been stopped b/c of corruption. Now that they are doing them again, it is really upsetting that agencies are up to their old dirty tricks. The NOIDS being issued lead one to believe this. I don't know what we would do if the process was suspended again. I would be heart broken. I whole heartedly believe Claire is in VN waiting for us. (Yes, I did just let the name slip. It will let me know who actually reads the blog.)

Spending time with our cousins

2007-11-04T09:52:00.000-06:00

Nothing new with the adoption. Still waiting to hear when the dossier will be logged in with the IAD.

As to non-adoption news, Josh (as well as Mitch and I) had fun with the Smiths yesterday. The seven of us went to Dewberry Farms and the kiddos had a great time. I had to post this picture of Gabe pulling Josh w/ his feet propped up in the wagon. It so sums up Josh.

Those of you who know my husband will get a laugh out of this one. Mitch set the DVR to record the LSU/Alabama game. My thoughts were it was being recorded in case it began before we got home. NO, that was not the reason. Mitch would not watch the game until he knew LSU had won. In the event that they would have lost he would have deleted it w/o watching. He said the game stressed him out so much he could not enjoy watching it live. LSU won 41-34. So, my husband was up until 11:30pm watching a game that began at 4pm. Ok, Jennifer when you read this------- I think you have successfully taken my husband over to the dark side.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T21:42:00.000-06:00

Josh (our 3 y/o) had a blast tonight at Halloween. Last year he could have cared less about Halloween. Tonight was a different story. Here's to the cutest pirate ever!

A change in the process in VN

2007-10-25T17:57:00.000-06:00

The VN adoption message boards are a buzzing. The USCIS in VN has decided to change the process for our paperwork. The way it is currently done is that we really don't do anymore paperwork until we go over to VN. Well, there are some unscrupulous agencies out there and families were going over and not coming home with their kiddos. The children were not paper ready or at least that is how I understand it. Anyway, they are having us process the paperwork here before we set a travel date. What this means for me (again as I understand it)is that one interview we have in country will be eliminated. I am hoping that this will in turn shorten our stay in VN. I just feel bad for the families traveling next month. The new process will take about 60 days to process. Looks like they will have to delay their travel.

Dossier in Hanoi, VN

2007-10-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

According to FedEx tracking, the dossier is currently being delivered in Hanoi, VN.:):) Let's just keep praying that the translation is done before Nov 14th.

Non adoption related topic----- Mitch and I went to BR this weekend for the LSU vs Auburn game. We had a great time but we are very tired! It was great to visit home. LSU squeaked out a win in literally the last second. All 92k (minus Auburn fans) went crazy. I bit off all of my nails with anxiety. I know it is ridiculous but call it the heat of the moment.

Dossier making it around the world

2007-10-18T20:25:00.000-06:00

I have been following our dossier around the world. As of the this afternoon, Fed Ex says our dossier has left the Philippines. Guessing it will get to Vietnam tonight.

Dossier now with Fed Ex

2007-10-16T18:29:00.000-06:00

I brought the final paperwork to LNI this afternoon. I saw Jason, my case worker, put it all in the FedEx envelope, seal it up and now have the tracking number. He said that it takes about 4 days to get to Vietnam and will be in translation for a couple of weeks. So everyone continue to pray that it is logged in with the VN gov't before Nov 14th. I have a document that turns 6 months old on that day. I asked Jason about how long are we looking at for a referral???? LNI has just received licensing in another providence. We have to see how fast referrals are coming from that orphanage. The Nam Dinh orphanage has not given any new referrals in a bit b/c the director was angry at some US official. The director said that he would no longer give referrals to US agencies. Jason said the LNI rep over there said the director is no longer angry and will resume giving referrals. Only time will tell. HAVE TO LOVE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dossier complete almost

2007-10-15T19:57:00.000-06:00

Well, my agency has 99.9% of my dossier. Apparently, the in country representative wants us to sign an application that is written in Vietnamese. I think I am the first person to do this. My social worker was not exactly sure why they want us to do this. Anyway, I bring that form signed to them tomorrow. Thank goodness I have an appointment in The Woodlands (the area where our agency is). If not it is about an hour drive from my house. After I bring the last page, our dossier is off to Vietnam tomorrow afternoon.:):)

Nursery/Dossier

2007-10-12T16:34:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from the nursery. We had to include them as part of the dossier. This is just the bones of the room. I will continue to decorate over the next couple of months. I will post updated pics when it is complete.

Paperwork arrived from the VN Consulate and copies have been made. I will hand deliver it to LNI on Monday morning.

Paperwork is on the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-11T21:01:00.000-06:00

I just checked my fedex account and the tracking shows ALL of our paperwork from SF is in transit. I should have it by tomorrow afternoon and bring the dossier to LNI Monday. We will soon be done with our part and the real waiting begins.

Last bit of paperwork is in San Fransico

2007-10-10T17:50:00.000-06:00

FINALLY! After much drama with the notarized passports and getting to the point of wanting to drive to Austin to pick up the documents. Using Fedex tracking, the last package was delivered to the Vietnam Consulate this morning. I am hoping to have it back by early next week and bring our dossier to the agency. Everything is done and just waiting for the paperwork to come back.

BIG NEWS TODAY

2007-09-26T18:34:00.000-06:00

We received our approval from immigration today (I171H)!!!!!!!!!!!! This is huge. I will get it notarized tomorrow and off to Austin tomorrow afternoon. So in theory we could have our dossier turned in for translation by mid-October. That is what I am shooting for.

Wow that was fast!

2007-09-20T16:35:00.001-06:00

I did not post this but a week ago Monday I sent about 3/4 of our paperwork to the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco for authentication. We received it back today.:) So I am now waiting on our form from USCIS (immigration)to send the few remaining documents to Austin and then to SF. We are hoping to submit our dossier in early November. Wish us luck with that b/c our six months for the paperwork is up mid-November.

Fingerprints - check

2007-09-08T17:54:00.000-06:00

Today Mitch and I went to INS for our FBI fingerprints. :)

FBI Fingerprints

2007-08-17T16:11:00.000-06:00

We received the FBI Fingerprint appointment today in the mail :). Also received paperwork back from Austin yesterday. Can't complain much b/c things are moving forward.

Things are slow but moving

2007-08-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

I am sending all of the paperwork I have ready to Austin on Monday. There the paperwork will be verified/authenticated by the Sec of State. I still have to send our passport information and them immigration information when it comes back. Still no appointment for the FBI fingerprinting. Hoping it is done this month b/c don't want to take off of work my first month there. I do plan on painting the baby's room this week. Part of the dossier is to include pictures of the nursery. I won't have it all together but at least it can be painted.

Home study sent to USCIS

2007-07-24T14:19:00.000-06:00

I mailed the approved home study USCIS this morning. Another thing to check off of my list. So next, waiting to get our program packet and fingerprint appointment. YEAH.

The article in the Chronicle

2007-07-13T15:08:00.000-06:00

Well the link to the article in the Houston Chronicle does not work any longer. But the agency sent me a link to the article on Mrs. Erichsen's website. So here it is http://erichsenbooks.com/News/News.htm. The picture was better than I was expecting. Just scroll down a bit to see the article.

A friend of mine is in Guatemala right now visiting her daughter, Coryn. Her blog, Fly Home Ladybug, is linked to the right if anyone wants a peek at her. I am not sure when they are coming home permanently with Coryn.

Approved Homestudy

2007-07-12T18:03:00.000-06:00

I received a copy of the approved home study from the social worker yesterday. I now wait to receive the notarized copies from the agency. I will then send it to USCIS and then we get fingerprinted by the FBI. We are one step closer.

Surfing the Web

2007-06-28T16:41:00.000-06:00

No new adoption news. I have been surfing the web. I have really become addicted to the other Vietnam adoption blogs. It seems that a lot of the parents from another agency blog their experience. It really allows me to catch a glimpse of what it will be like in Vietnam. So while reading these blogs, I have come across some cool web sites. I have copied some of them if anyone cares to visit.

Not much to report

2007-06-20T08:30:00.000-06:00

We have not received the draft of the home study yet to review. So just waiting. Unrelated to adoption, Mitch's parents have been in town visiting from Mississippi. Josh has been eating it up. They leave today, and I am must say it has been a nice visit.

Photo Session

2007-06-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Today was my modeling debut for the Chronicle. It was pretty funny. I had trouble not laughing during the entire thing. The photographer had the social worker and myself "act natural looking over paperwork." So yes, it was candid shots of us acting busy. Can't wait to see it. So, we are waiting for the approved homestudy to come back to send it to USCIS. I asked about the waiting list for Vietnam right now. I love the fact that our agency is not huge and just getting back into Vietnam, b/c there are only 10 people with dossiers ready. I have read other blogs with a waiting list of 150+. I feel we have found an agency that will allow us to travel early next year.

Photo Op

2007-06-06T18:45:00.000-06:00

I received an unusual phone call today from the owner of LNI adoption agency. For those who know me, you will get a kick out of this. For those who do not know me, I DO NOT like any unnecessary attention on me. The Houston Chronicle is doing an article on them, and they wanted to interview and photo some families new to the adoption process. So, I said I would do it. It should be a nice thing to put in the baby's scrapbook.

Home Study

2007-06-02T12:55:00.000-06:00

Our home study was this morning. Our social worker said we should have it back in a couple of weeks. Guess it went well. She told us we could start decorating the nursery. So now we finish getting together the information for our dossier. The great thing about our situation is the agency we are with does not have a long waiting list for referrals for Vietnam. So hopefully we can travel early next year.

Josh can't catch a break

2007-05-31T17:00:00.000-06:00

Josh is finally gotten over the Hand Foot and Mouth and feeling back to normal. Feeling better last night before bed, he was running around the den like a mad man. He tripped over a toy and hit his mouth on the coffee table. Needless to say, Mitch and I took him to the ER. Joshua received his first stitch last night. So today he has a swollen lip, and we go back to the doctor in a week to get it removed.

As far adoption news, we received our state clearance a few days ago. We also have our home study on Saturday. Very excited about that. How great is the timing of Joshua's swollen lip. As the social worker meets Joshua, we can say "We promise we are good parents!"

One sick kiddo

2007-05-26T13:19:00.000-06:00

Not much to report on the adoption front this week. Just sent all of our paperwork for the home study to the social worker today. We still have the home study set up for this coming up Saturday (June 2). This weekend we are getting the house ready. We have had quite a week with Joshua. He is so sick. The doctor thinks it is Hand, Foot and Mouth. Needless to say, he has had a very high fever all week. I think he finally shook the fever last night but still feels pretty bad. So say prayers for my sanity. Will post next week after the home study.

The timeline to this point

2007-05-20T14:57:00.000-06:00

Just to give an idea of when we started and what we have done so far.....
1. Submitted our application to the agency on March 26, 2007
2. Mailed our I-600A to CIS on April 30, 2007
3. Passport application (Christy) May 1, 2007
4. Mailed in State of Texas background check May 7, 2007
5. Home study scheduled for June 2, 2007

The beginning of our journey to bringing home our daughter

2007-05-19T10:43:00.000-06:00

I am writing this blog for our friends and family to read now and for our daughter to read in the future. Let me introduce myself for anyone new who may read this blog. My name is Christy and I live in Houston, TX. My husband, Mitchell, and I have always had adoption in the big picture of our family. We went into this with no specific direction to go in. We have decided to adopt from Vietnam after giving it a lot of thought and prayers. We are very excited and working on getting big brother, Joshua, on board. He is three and still does not like Mommy paying much attention to another child. Wish us luck on our journey.