Visas

Still waiting for TA and really, REALLY hoping it's this week.

We finally decided that I will go with just Mei.  Financially, I just can't bring 2 more people.  I so wanted both girls to come, but it is just not to be at this time.

So I sent off the visa applications for Mei and me.  They went in the mail 2/28 at 9:08 am, arrived at their destination on the west coast 2/29 at 11:32 am, and I see that they are now at the consulate being processed.  It takes 4 days to process so I will get them back Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

It's starting to feel real!  But I have so much to do!  At home and at work.

TA Wait...and Willem Got a Present

Today is day # 8 of my wait for TA .  But I'm feeling good about it.  I'm doing ok. One of the others in the group of 5 families from CHI waiting for TA actually works there.  She is quite certain that it will come this week or next. We'll see I guess.

I had to post some pictures.  Today a lady that I work with came to my desk and had a gift bag.  

She had brought a present for Willem!  

I was so excited and pleased.  What a sweet lady she is.  She gave him an outfit consisting of the most adorable little pants and a cute shirt to go with them.  

But even more fun, she bought him a Teddy Bear! 

Not just any old Teddy Bear, but a soft and squishy Teddy Bear.  

Just look at him!  Can't you see just how soft he is!  

And talk about squishy!

Doesn't he just look like he's waiting for a little boy to come cuddle with him?

Thank you Linda!  You don't know what it means!

Yay, Yay, Yay - Happy Valentine's Day!

Ok - Well I know it's not Valentine's Day today.  But I got the following email in the middle of the night after Valentine's Day and it had a date of 2/14 in the subject line!

Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 1:58 AM

Subject: Article 5/LSC Email to parents -- 2/14/2012

Dear Adoptive Parent,

The Adopted Children's Immigrant Visa Unit (ACI VU) at U.S. Consulate General  G*zhou  has finished processing your child's Article 5, and your file is ready to be returned to your adoption agency's facilitator.

Next, your agency will deliver the Article 5 and Letter of Seeking Confirmation to the Ch*na Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption (CC*WA), which will issue the Travel Approval (TA). The TA allows you to come to Ch*na to finalize the adoption, so once the CC*WA issues the TA, your agency can email us to request an immigrant visa appointment at the Consulate. When your agency requests an appointment, they are required to submit your five choices in rank order. The ACI VU strives to schedule every family for their top appointment choice on which we still have available visa appointments. We do not reserve certain days for children of certain ages. All appointments are open to adopted children of any age and medical condition, and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We then notify your agency of the scheduled date and time.

We understand that plans change and occasionally an agency must request to change an appointment, but we ask them to minimize such requests and only make them in the case of true emergencies because frequent appointment changes impede our ability to give other families their top choices. In order to avoid the need to reschedule, please coordinate closely with your agency in formulating your list of five preferred appointment dates.

Please visit our website at *** and the Department of State's official resource for adoptions *** to learn more.

We look forward to meeting you and your new family member when you come to the Consulate for your visa appointment!

Best regards,

Adopted Children's Immigrant Visa Unit (ACI VU)
U.S. Consulate General G*zhou

I also got my travel packet book, and this awesome and official looking, well truly official letter signing and sealing their approval of my child having been matched with me.  It has a letter attached from CC*WA stating:

The US Central Authority is pleased to confirm that, in accordance with Article 5 of the Hag ue Convention ... and based on information currently available, US competent authorities have determined that K H is eligible and suited to adopt; have ensured that she has been counseled as may be necessary; and have determined that QH will be authorized to enter and reside in the US following the adoption by K H and her presentation of required documentation. 

Persuant to article xx of the Convention, the US Central Authority hereby agrees that the adoption of QH by KH may proceed. 

I am officially waiting for TA!!

Happy Birthday Willem!

Today you are 3 years old!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Dear Willem!

Happy Birthday to you!

Oh, Willem ~

I so wanted to be there to pick you up long before now, so I could have you in my arms on your 3rd birthday. But it wasn't to be.  I will be there soon, precious boy!  I am coming!

This is the last birthday you will celebrate, my precious boy, without your family.