Almost There!

So much has happened!  So much paperwork that is.  I know it is cliche, but I truly can't believe how much paperwork is involved in this adoption!!  The past two weeks were very busy with family reunions, and I kept putting off the mountain of paperwork that was in my in-box. I finally got to it, and 4 hours later!!! I was ready to have everything notarized and sent off.  Oh my!  We received a couple of days ago our last (I think) document in the mail. I think I've said that a dozen times already, but I really think this is it.  I have everything on my list now as far as paperwork that we'll need to take to China, and I have everything we'll need to apply for Visas, which I will do today. It's not even August yet, could we travel sooner than October? I can't find any time lines.  I know my agency sent me one, but I can't find it!!!  I know we have to wait for our Article 5 to arrive in China, then wait for travel approval.  I think that's it.  Will those things really take longer than 8 weeks?

I have been feeling my little so much lately.  Oh how I want her home!!!! I'm going to paint her room this week, her bed is up and adorable.  It's finally feeling close, and not forever away.  2 more months is long, but totally doable.  Oh, my girl, we're coming!!

New Book

I am reading the most amazing book! It has come highly recommended on a few adoption websites, and was rated amazingly well on Amazon.  I've only just started it, but I'm aching inside for my poor little baby and the loss that she has suffered in such a short period of time.  I had no idea all that happened in a developing infant's brain.  The book is incredible.  I'm very encouraged, and I am loving all that I'm learning.  There is this little bit about what your child may feel like when they are handed over to us and ultimately adopted. I cried and cried when I read it.  Here it is:

You look around you. You are in a remote place in the middle of what seems like nowhere in particular. You have no maps or signs to tell you where you are. Suddenly you are surrounded by strangers, all of whom are overjoyed to see you. these people smile, laugh, and talk loud and fast, and they act as if you can understand them. The touch your hair, your face, and your shoulders, and they hug you repeatedly. You notice they have a peculiar odor. They dress differently from anyone you have ever met. Their language is unintelligible and sounds like gibberish. You have no clue how or why you are here. You have no idea if you will find your way back to your former life. 


You feel hands beginning to remove your clothing, and there, in public, these strangers dress you in new garments. Some people appear to be assessing you, sizing you up, looking at your hair and teeth closely and noting any moles or scars on your body. You are given strange food and invited to play unfamiliar games. You are handed a container of strange liquid and encouraged to drink. Everyone continues to laugh and smile and act as though this were a perfectly ordinary and normal situation.


It's going to be such an incredible journey.  Our little institutionalized, orphaned baby, needs her family!!! It's getting closer every day! There is much to do to prepare, and we are anxiously doing all we can.  I can't wait to get my girl home!

LOA

Our LOA arrived at our agency today and is being overnighted to us as we speak!  We now will travel to pick up our cute little baby in 10 to 14 weeks. Emphasis on the 10!  We also received an update on our cute chicken, but she forgot to attach it to the email letting me know!!  Shoot!  I asked for her to resend it, but it was after closing hours. Tomorrow then! So, tomorrow, I will get our LOA, sign it, and send it back overnight with our filled out I-800 immigration paper. There are then 2 more things we wait for, we need to get our Visas, and then we will be there!!

I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm super nervous!  Starting over with a baby is scary! It's been so far in the future, it's been romantic.  It's reality now, and no longer romantic. I'm so excited, I have a hard time sleeping at night, but I'm also way super duper nervous!! I hope she likes us.