Tugging at the Bit

 Well, I seem to have difficulty slowing myself down.  The crib came. I had fun putting it together and fitting it in the nook under the loft bed.  I bought a few baby books and some other odds and ends.

 Today I made myself sew something non-baby.  I finished the dining room chair cushions that I started 7 years ago.  Most satisfying project I've completed in a while.

Now, I'm ready for the referral.  Holding my breath every time I open an email.

rc

Begin Baby Shopping

With paperwork done for now, I've read a few parenting books and started to prepare. I ordered a crib with mattress and bedding online. I was only researching, but the sale price seemed too good to miss. I can't wait for it to come now, so I can put it together.

I went yard sale shopping today on the bike. I covered 18 miles and stopped at a lot of sales. I spent $10 and wound up with a pannier half full of baby clothes, mostly onesies. They're all laundered and put away now.

Next big purchase is a rocking chair, but plenty of time left for everything.

rc

Recharging

I received a notice today that USCIS forwarded our child's immigration pre-approval to the US Embassy in Addis Ababa.  That news makes me very happy.  In fact, I hugged jc so much that he said, "that hurts" and made me stop!  :)

It's nice to relax a little after submitting the dossier and start reading some more serious adoption books.  We're told to anticipate a child under a year old, so I'm refining my focus a bit.  I read a pretty serious book on toddler adoption, focusing on attachment, and it's nice to know that I might not have some of those issues to worry about!

We've got plenty more hills to climb, but for now; let's enjoy that wonderful coast at the top of the first really big one.  Drink some Gatorade, eat a power bar, and soak in the sun and cooling breeze.

rc

Submitted!

On this very exciting day I personally delivered the dossier to the agency and very gladly wrote the biggest check in my life.

I'm told to expect a referral in about a month, and court some time this year, possibly even October.

R@du's advice was, "Start saving diaper coupons."

I feel we've finally made concrete progress; now I can't wait for the fun stuff to start!

rc

Immigration

Finally received the good, white letter from USCIS!  Notarized a copy and sent the whole dossier to Salem for state certification immediately!  I can hardly contain my excitement.  Here's to dossier submission next week!

rc