Thursday, December 18, 2008

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.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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

Saturday, December 6, 2008

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.