I-800 Approval!!!!!!!

We found out today that our I-800 form has been approved.  This is the U.S. approving us to adopt Kenzi!!!!  Next, a process takes place that puts Kenzi in the system to get a Visa to travel to the US.  Once the US has approved her Visa, China will issue us a Travel Approval.

We're looking at travel probably in early December, assuming everything moves along as it should.  Looks like we might get a GREAT Christmas present this year!!!

Long Time, No Post

It's been a few weeks since we've posted.  There's been a lot going on, but not much on the adoption front.

- We sent our applications away for Chinese Visas so that we can travel.  It's a bit nervewracking sending our passports to the Chinese Consulate, but it's necessary.
- We're waiting on the approval of our I-800 form with US Immigration.  This form approves us to adopt Kenzi.  Once that form is approved, a process gets started to notify the US Consulate in China that Kenzi is approved for a US visa.
- We're still looking at travel in late November or early December.
- Luke had strep last weekend.  Hopefully, he's just getting his sicknesses over now so that we can make it through the winter with minimal germs!
- Jacinda has been LOVING having Luke in school!  At first, she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself.  But she quickly realized that with Luke in school, she doesn't have to share her stuff!  So she's all over that situation!
- Luke is transitioning well in Kindergarten.  He's had a few issues, but his teacher is wonderful and she's really helping us figure out what will work best for him.
- I've been furiously sewing and crocheting.  Once the weather cools off, I love to crochet, so I've been going a little crazy!
- Hurricane Irene did come through our area.  Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as predicted.  We lost power for about 12 hours.  We also lost a tiny piece of the wood trim on the outside of our house.  Hubby and his dad fixed it with no problem.

I think that's it.  Hopefully the next few adoption steps will move quickly.  We're ready to get our little girl home!!!

We got our LOA Today!!!!!

We got the call that our LOA arrived at our agency today.  It's headed to us for our signature and we will get it tomorrow.  Once we get it in our hands, we can send out our application to US Immigration to adopt Kenzi.  There are still quite a few steps left, but they are fairly straightforward at this point.

We will probably travel to China in late November or early December!!!!!!!!!

A New Phase .....

Our family has entered a new phase in our lives.  Luke started Kindergarten today!  I can't believe it .... I mean, he was just born last week, wasn't he?  He was so excited to get on the school bus this morning!  His teacher is fabulous .... we've been emailing each other already about some of Luke's 'quirks' and she is really committed to figuring out what will work for him and making this a good year.

Jacinda was a little sad when the bus pulled away, but she's fine now.  We're going to run a few errands and maybe include a special treat just for the girls!