Adoption News!

We had our final visit for our 2008 homestudy update today. It was pretty easy. We filled out some paperwork then today Sarah, our social worker with Lutheran Family Services, our local agency, came over and went over everything.

We are through the review room. When our paperwork went to China it was placed in line to be reviewed by the China Center for Adoption Affairs. They make sure everything was done properly and if they see any situations where they might need more info. I was convinced that they would want more information from my doctor since I have had diabetes for 30 years. We went through without a hitch so now we are in the matching room. In the matching room they go through our file and match us with our Lila! It's a big step to make it into the matching room. We still have a long wait ahead but are relieved to have made it to this milestone.

Still waiting for our immigration approval. Last time I emailed Des Moines they needed more information from Lutheran Family then she would mail our approval right away. LFS faxed what she needed in November so we know it will be soon. I feel for the lady at Citizenship/Immigraton, I have been at that point at work where you can't get 1 thing done before 10 more come in the door. That overwhelmed, drowning, feeling is not fun.

Also our main agency, Children's Hope, had some delays with their approval for the Hague Treaty. They were reviewed again and have now received their accreditation. We were concerened for a few months that we would have to be transferred to a different agency. We are happy & excited for them & for us to be back on track.

So we are still waiting and praying that Lila is being cared for as best as can be, wherever she is, in China. I hope she will be home for the holidays next year.

Finally pictures of the parade!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

An answer to that really annoying question

We live in Iowa but are only a few miles from the Nebraska border. So often I have been asked, "What do you DO there for fun?"

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Butt-Bandit-of-Valentine--Nebraska

This made my husband, sister, brother-in-law, and I laugh hysterically. I had to share.

Chrissy

Parade

The parade was this morning. We had fabulous seats right on the curb by Neiman Marcus. I'll post pictures when we get home!

We are really in the Christmas spirit now.

Over the river &

through Kansas! We are leaving in 2 weeks to go to Dallas! We are so excited to go to my sister's house, see her family, and go to the Neiman-Marcus Christmas parade. I have to survive hosting Bunko here Friday, Thanksgiving with Gerry's family here next Thursday, and helping my dad get the house ready for Thanksgiving Friday. I hate dusting and have dusted more in the past couple days than in my whole life. We went to the grocery store yesterday with 3 lists, stuff for home, stuff for Thanksgiving, and stuff for Bunko.

Here's a link to the Neiman-Marcus parade. Grace & I looked at all the pictures and can't wait to see it all in person.

http://www.childrens.com/parade/index.cfm

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Pictures

It was a fun, busy, weekend as predicted and as you can see from the photo. I'm the green witch.

I applied for a few work-from-home positions this week. My hours conflicted with the one that seemed the most promising. The others seem like they might not be legit so we'll see.

We're ready!

The costumes are ready, the pumpkins are carved (Gerry always does the intricate carvings, I stick to the traditional), the cookies are decorated. We're ready for Halloween!

Grace will be in fairy-garb all day tomorrow. I'll be wearing my jack-o-lantern t-shirt. Saturday I'll be a witch and Gerry will be Jason for our friends' adult Halloween party. This will be a great weekend!

Hope you all enjoy it too.

!BOO!

Chrissy

Trick-or-Treat already?

I love trick-or-treating, I love Halloween. We used to sing pumpkin carols in elementary school, I still remember the words. I really get Linus's obsession with the Great Pumpkin. I live for that sugar-enhanced state of consciousness that can only come once a year. I seriously used to eat so much junk on Halloween that I would spend the next day getting sick. We lived on a farm so trick-or-treating usually meant we spent the day at our aunt's house because she lived in town. We would trick-or-treat to a few places then the fun was dressing up to hand out and EAT candy at her house. She lived on a main street so it was always busy. It's the same house we live in now but we don't have the constant stream of kids coming to the door. Some years we have 70, some years only about 10. I'm guessing this year will be busy on a weekend but we won't be home since Grace can't wait to go this year.

We have already started our trick-or-treating. Friday, the 24th, a local mall had their safe trick-or-treat so we went with a group of friends. It was ok, not as much candy as we got there last year but not all the stores were participating. It was good candy in the eyes of a 4-year-old (Dum Dums and Tootsie Rolls) so she was happy and best-0f-all had fun.

This Friday, the big day, will be a blast. She will have her preschool party in the morning, a toy store costume contest, an activity at the library, pictures taken with the scarecrow at Walgreen's, visiting Grandma Dorothy and also Papa Wes to show off her costume, safe trick-or-treat at another mall, then at a few safe friends' houses, ending the night at Aunt Andrea & Uncle Bill's. I think the little pink fairy will be a little tired & grumpy by the time we get home.

Here's a picture of the kids Friday at the mall.

Have a safe & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

What A Day

Today was Bob's funeral. There was so much family togetherness, remembrances, tears, and laughter. It is a day I will never forget and a way to bring warm, happy memories from such a sad time. Lynell was at the funeral and sat with us. Kirk didn't come because it was too wet to be in the field so he had a day to get caught up on other projects that had to be done around the farm. She then came up to our farm with us after the lunch and talked, talked, talked for a couple hours. Then we went over to Geise's for more quality time with Marian, Rhonda, Cheri, Roger and all their children. Their house was full of multiple generations of our families being together and remembering the good old days while the little ones played to make their own memories. I know Bob was enjoying watching us from above. I think it's safe to say on behalf of all of us there, we all love you & miss you.

Bob, goodbye, I love you

I had a big loss in my life today. Our neighbors growing up, Bob & Marian, were more than neighbors, they were a huge part of our lives. Especially to me. I lost my Bob today.

Mom was going to college when I was little and started teaching again the year I started school. Our kindergarten was every other day so on my off days I went to Bob & Marian's I was there so much that they call me their "little Chrissy". They are my extra set of parents. In so many ways they are an extension of our family, to me, to my sisters, to my parents. So many childhood memories include them. I even took Gerry over to meet them when we were dating before we got married. Bob meant so much to me that he would have walked me down the aisle if Daddy hadn't been able to. He was always there to the extent that everything I see tonight since he died (Grace's toy sheep, the cat, a silly email from my sister) brings back a memory of him. I feel like a part of the foundation of my life has been removed. Even though his health has been failing the past few years, I really didn't expect it so I'm still reeling a little from the shock. I haven't talked to my Marian yet. The kids and grandkids are there tonight so I know she is surrounded by love & support.

I love you and I miss you.

Build-a-Bear

Friday evening we went to Build-A-Bear with Lisa & Hudson. Hudson was making a bear for his new baby cousin that will be here in December!!!!!! Grace made a bear for Lila. She picked out the very bear I would have chosen. It is velvety soft and squishy. We put in a heart that makes the sound of a heart-beat when squeezed so it will be a soothing sound for Lila. We chose pink, Hello Kitty pajamas and slippers in the store and also ordered a traditional Chinese dress called a cheong-sam from their website. We didn't name the bear yet, I think it will make it an even more meaningful gift to give the bear Lila's Chinese name as soon as we know it. Grace is very sweet and motherly to the bear. I can see what a wonderful big sister she will be by how lovingly she is caring for Lila's bear.

Grace & Hudson always have a blast when they are together. Lisa & I are always stressed out. They are both really good on their own but for some reason when they are together they turn into maniacs. They do things like run as fast as they can without stopping, scream, squeal, yell, and then laugh hysterically at eachother, basically they act like a couple of 4-year-olds. But then Lisa and I have gotten into our share of trouble together too!

Apple Orchard

On Wednesday Grace's preschool went to a local apple orchard. A photographer from the newspaper was there photographing the kids. Grace was in yesterday's local news section of the Omaha World Herald. http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=3940&u_sid=10450011
To the right there's a link that says "autumn apple pickers", Grace is in several pictures (blonde hair in the red jacket).

We had a very nice day at the orchard too. The kids each got to pick 2 apples, go on a hayrack ride, play on the playground, and have a snack of popcorn & fresh apple cider. We brought some cider home too. It's one on my favorites this time of year. Along with candy corn, pumpkin bars, apple pie, apple crisp, apple bars, pumpkin pie......

Happy Fall!

cuz ya gotta have faith!

Sorry for the Wham lyrics but I'm in one of those hear a phrase, think of a song modes.

Our I171 renewal has not come yet and I can't get an answer from CIS Des Moines to check on its status. Our social worker told us to give them until October. Waiting for this is stressing me out!

Our agency is not getting any more waiting children from China at this time. Now, instead of being able to provide a home for a toddler with a special need that truly needs a family's love and care, our only option is to wait for a healthy baby. We requested information on Taiwan adoption from another agency thinking we could find a waiting toddler much easier/quicker. If we switch to Taiwan we would have to prepare another whole dossier. Is it harder to continue to wait or harder to do everything all over from the start? Are we even on the right path anymore? I was so sure that adoption is God's plan for us but now I'm doubting everything. When I woke up this morning I prayed for a sign to let me know that this is right for us. I was spacing off during the sermon and started concentrating on a banner at the front of the church that says "Faith, Hope & Love abide". To me it was a message that I need to have faith that this is His plan. Hope for the day we will finally get Lila. Love for Gerry, Grace, Lila, and God. So now I feel more sure that adoption is right and Lila is somewhere in Asia, but is it China or Taiwan? I need to do some more research. I would really hate to leave our agency because they are very experienced and respected in China. I tend to think of them as part of the family because of everything we have experienced so far and they are the agency through which Connor & Natalia (niece & nephew) came home.

Ludwig

The following is a message I sent to my sisters on Monday the 15th at midnight.....

I think I just killed a bat. I was sitting there watching Jon & Kate plus 8 when something flew through the living room. I grabbed a blanket to try to throw over it and Oscar (the cat who is now my hero) got it down in the front hall. I threw the blanket over it and called Gerry. We decided I should try to get it into my giant Tupperware bowl & get it out of the house. I took the blanket off then it started flying so the bowl idea was no good. I found it perched in the kitchen corner so got the broom to shoo it outside, didn't work. It flew up into the other kitchen corner where there is a hole in the ceiling from the bathroom pipes coming down. I had to poke at it until it got mad, came out, & started flying again. While trying to shoo it outside I smacked it hard with the broom. I swept it out to the porch & it's now lying there by the shelves either dead or stunned. I just checked again & it has flopped itself almost to the screen door but now looks even more dead. I bet after Oscar & the broom it's not in very good shape. I'm a little creeped out especially since I read on-line that they can bite you while you're sleeping and give you rabies and the ones that get into homes are more likely to be rabid than bats outside. eeehuuuhhheeeeoooooo

I sent this about 5 minutes later....

I just got off the phone with Gerry. I checked while talking to him and it is no longer on the porch. I was feeling pretty guilty thinking I had killed it. It must have woken up and headed out into the night WHERE IT FREAKING BELONGS!

And so it continued the next day....

I think I knew it was a bat but I kept hoping it was just a bird. He's still on the back porch hanging up in the corner. I'll leave the screen door open tonight & hopefully he'll fly back out. I don't really want to get the broom out again. I called the vet's office, she said they have not had any reports of rabies but it's always a possibility with a bat. Gerry is on the roof now trying to figure out if it came in through the chimney. We could hear a noise in the chimney recently but he thought it was the chimney swifts. Now that I heard the bat noise I know it was a bat. Daddy was not impressed by my thinking I could get the bowl over it, slip the cookie sheet under it, and then release it outside. I thought it made perfect sense.

I named him Ludwig. He's very cute when he's sleeping and not flapping spazmodically around my living room.

I left the porch door open while we were running errands this evening & he found his way out. Now I'm scared he'll find his way back IN!

So my sisters tell me....

Are you sure Ludwig left? He's not just perched under a table or somewhere else?

AND

Yes, Ludwig could definitely be hiding up under something.

So now a week later there are still no new signs of Ludwig returning. I'm still a little freaked out by the attic & basement since I don't know for sure how he got in.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Immigration Approval Problems AAAAUUUGGGHHH

I mentioned in my earlier post "screw-ups by CIS". Here's a synopsis of the high level of service I have received from our government employees. I have to point out that this is Dept of Homeland Security. Their efficiency does NOT make me feel safe & or secure....

The forms I'm referring to are preapproval for Lila to be allowed into the US as a US citizen.

I sent our paperwork to the CIS office is Des Moines on June 5.

Our expiration date is June 19.

We had not yet received any information from them on July 2. I know you have to wait 4 weeks until checking the status of the I600 applcation.

I found a number in the telephone book for Des Moines CIS. I called but was told I had to email any questions about adoption. I emailed that same day.

I had no response by the 7th so I called the national CIS 800 number. I was transferred to an officer who told me I had to email Des Moines but that they promise an answer within 2 business days. I emailed again.

July 10, still no answer, emailed again.

July 11, still no answer, called the national 800 number, they told me I have to email Des Moines, so I emailed again.

July 14, still no answer, called the Omaha CIS office (we live in eastern Iowa right by Omaha so it's much closer than Des Moines) they told me I have to email Des Moines. They also told me that had someone else call recently with the same problem of not getting a response from Des Moines. I called the number I have for Des Moines again. I explained my problem to the person who answered the phone. She asked if I wanted to file a complaint which I didn't. She decided to have me talk to the supervisor. The supervisor told me that the adoption agent only works Wed, Thur, Fri. It was Monday when I called so she said she would have her take care of it right away Wednesday morning. She also answered my most recent email to confirm our conversation.

Wednesday July 16 came & went with no answer. I emailed again at 5:00 pm.

Thursday July 17 by 11:38 I had no answer yet so I called Des Moines again & asked for the adoption specialist. She was not in so I left a voicemail. I finally received an email response from her at 2:36.

Her email stated this....

CIS has received your request for an I-171H extension. However, this extension cannot be issued unless you have unexpired fingerprints on file with CIS. Our records show that your fingerprint clearances expired on 03/10/08.

You were sent a reminder notice, in addition to your I-171H approval, that listed the expiration dates of your I-171H approval and your fingerprint clearances, and also included instructions as to how to renew your fingerprints with CIS.

You must renew your fingerprints with CIS before an extension can be granted. You have been scheduled to be fingerprinted at the Omaha, NE CIS ASC. You should receive your fingerprint appointment notices within several days.

While I knew that our fingerprints had expired, I thought they would schedule the fingerprint appointment upon receipt of the paperwork. Instead they just left it lying around until we frantically tried to track down our paperwork. Then it took 3 weeks and a conversation with her supervisor to finally get an answer.

ANYWAY after all this we have been fingerprinted and are now waiting for our renewed paperwork. Our agency told me that since I had the original forms submitted before our expiration date we should be good to go.

Still Waiting

It has been ridiculously long since I have posted. I guess we're just waiting. It has been 17 months. The people who received the last referrals (yesterday) waited 31 months so we are 1/2 way there pending speed-ups, further slow downs, more problems with our agency, CIS screw-ups, etc.

We have reviewed 2 very significant waiting children files. We did extensive research into the conditions both girls have. We decided not to adopt either girl because of the severity of their special needs. We had to consider how their needs would affect Grace. They were beautiful children but not the right match for our family, not our Lila. We hope & pray that they find their families very soon.

Grace started her 2nd year of preschool today. She is going 3 mornings a week this year. She said she had fun but missed getting to do everything with me today. She's my shopping buddy and I really missed her at the grocery store this morning!

My cousin, Cassi, has a very interesting blog about her baby girl who is battling CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia). Please visit them at http://www.babygirlreed2be.blogspot.com/. Elli is doing well but needs prayer & support. The symbol at the top is the symbol for family. We have a very strong family and we are all rooting for our newest member.

Jack's Story

This link is to another adoption blog. In it they share the story of a boy who was older when adopted & his experiences before adoption. It really shows how hard it is for a child to be abandoned & try to survive on his own.

http://afterstories.blogspot.com/

Qing Dynasty

I am so excited that our local art museum will have an exhibit on the art of the Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty starting March 3. http://www.joslyn.org/exhibitions/Exhibition-Detail.aspx?e=35cf4d30-897b-4203-8caf-efb9356e113b&i=1

Grace & I went with my friend Judy on Friday to see the art of Robert Bateman and discovered that the next big exhibit will be about China! The Bateman exhibit was fabulous too. We are going to join the museum so Grace & I can go to all of their children's events. The Joslyn was voted one of the 10 best art museums for children in the country.

We are also waiting on news of another waiting child. We are 3rd in line for her file but the other families are still reviewing.

WC

We applied for another baby from the waiting children that our agency received yesterday. So we have applied for 2. We will know on Monday if we can view the 2-year-old's file and Tuesday if we can view this baby's file.

Waiting Child (again)

Today Children's Hope received 3 batches of waiting children. 2 of the batches were posted on their website today and 1 more batch will be posted tomorrow. There are many beautiful little girls that would be perfect for our family. We applied for a darling 2-year-old. We will know on Monday if we get to review her file. Keep Hoping!!