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The next batch of referrals are on their way. This group covered June 16 - 28, 13 days. More importantly, it looks like it includes nearly twice as many referrals as last month. Since up until this past week it looked like referrals would only go through June 23rd, this is a much better show than originally predicted.So, where does this leave me? My best guess right now (I'm feeling pretty optimistic today) is that I will receive my referral in September or October with travel in November or December. As long as I'm back by December 24 (homestudy expires), I won't have to redo any paperwork.
This bubble wrap site was posted on RQ today, thanks Liz. Make sure you have your volume turned on when you hit the "fresh sheet" button. Very fun and a good stress reliever. I'm thinking I need a new link heading named "Need to laugh" for when this process becomes too much to take. If you know of any fun, silly sites that would make a good addition, please add link to the comments below.
There are now four agencies that have told their clients that this next cutoff will go through LID June 28, 2005. Hopefully, the referrals will be sent by tomorrow and we'll see the CCAA site change. If it turns out to be correct, I view this 13 days of referrals as a huge improvement over the past 4-5 months and hopefully a sign of an increase in referral numbers. This would also keep the current wait at right around 12 months. I'm hoping that the CCAA's plan includes keeping the wait no longer than 12 months. And, yes, I do believe there is and always has been a plan.
The theme for this month's secret pal exchange is summer fun and as you can see, my secret pal has this down. Wow, Ava is going to love all her sandbox toys. The cat bookmark is adorable- I need to print off a photo of Sammy to add to it. And, I love the notecards as well. Thanks Secret Pal for all the fun summer gifts. We're all set for Ava's first summer home- 2007.
I've been following a blog of a family that is currently in China. They have 2 bio daughters, one 3-year old daughter from China and they are there to get their 4th daughter, she's 19-months.They've been to China before so it looks like they took more time to really plan a vacation prior to receiving their daughter. As part of their trip, they went to the Great Wall but in an area that is not touristy. It's very steep and has a chain that you can hold onto while you're making the 3-mile uphill walk. The father carried the 3-year old up. The next day they went to another province that required an uphill, 4-mile hike (one way) to get to this beautiful postcard setting. As someone who would have died trying to make either of these hikes, I was really impressed.Then, about two days later, they get their daughter. After about a day or two the mom writes how sore her back and arms are from carrying the baby. Say it isn't so. If this way-too-fit-mother is feeling pain carrying her daughter, what chance do I have?How many of you waiting families are carrying around your potato sack baby to prepare? I'm trying to decide whether this will help.
As those of you who follow the Rumor Queen know, the rumors were all over the place this past week. One or two agencies told their families that they were told the CCAA would change their site on Saturday so many families have been stalking the site for the past 24 hours. Nothing.One women posted on RQ that she went on the CCAA site at 4:30 am eastern time and the site design was different but when she went back to it, the site was back to what it normally looks like. Of course all the waiting families assumed that a "change" to the site would be an update of dossiers reviewed, possibly dossiers referred or maybe the elusive "new rules" for adopting from China. Maybe what they intended all along was a redesign of the site.
Sent by my aunt, to my dad, to me...Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway-but the Hershey Man will know!
YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH
This is pretty neat. DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST! It takes less than a minute.Work this out as you read ...Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10)2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)3. Add 54. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator 5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1756 ....If you haven't, add 1755.6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.You should have a three digit number
The first digit of this was your original number(I.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week.)The next two numbers are . . .
YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2006) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS
In my August DTC group, a member of the group, Marie, has been posting the Friday Five questions for families to get to know one another. I thought I'd start posting my responses to my blog as well.1. Who is travelling to China to get the baby?I will be traveling with both my parents and I have to add that they are VERY excited about going.2. Do you have a packing list ready?No, I figure that will be a fun thing to do once I'm about a month from referral. My mother, on the other hand, has had an ongoing list for months and revises it often. :D3. Have you purchased anything for your trip yet?Yes. I have a lot of baby stuff including disposable bibs, washcloths, changing pads, etc. I also bought a new set of luggage.4. Are you planning to bring a baby carrier? if yes, which type?Yes. I purchased the Hip Hammock.5. Do you have any travel tips/warnings to share? (It can be something you learned on a previous adoption trip in another group or in your other travels.)Nothing that we probably all haven't heard before.
The next batch of referrals are on their way. This group covered June 16 - 28, 13 days. More importantly, it looks like it includes nearly twice as many referrals as last month. Since up until this past week it looked like referrals would only go through June 23rd, this is a much better show than originally predicted.
