Good news! We received notification of our FBI biometrics appointment in the mail this week, which means we are much closer to receiving our I-800a approval! The I-800a approval, from Homeland Security, will allow us to finish authenticating documents and prepare our dossier for China. Our appointment is next Friday at the FBI office in Louisville. It is a bit frustrating to have to attend this appointment - as we have already been fingerprinted and "cleared" by the FBI (in January). Just more hoops to jump through, so we will do what we have to do...
We have been working hard to prepare Alexis for being a big sister - which is a bit more complicated in this situation than if we were adding a child to our family through the "traditional route." It's hard to explain the concept of adoption to a three-year old, but we've been reading books to help her understand as much as possible. I was very excited the other day when Alexis said, without being provoked, "Mommy....Annabelle in China doesn't have a family. She doesn't have a mommy, a daddy, a sister or a Copper (our dog). So, I'm going to be the sister and you can be the mommy and Daddy can be the daddy. She will be sooooo happy!" It was a sincere, sweet moment and I'm very proud that she is beginning to grasp the big picture in this journey.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Weight Lifted!
Tonight I attended my "packing the box" party for National Board certification. For those of you who aren't familiar with this process, it is a year-long professional growth/development process that includes the compilation of a massive, very specific and detailed portfolio, as well as a lengthy, in-depth written assessment. I have been working on the portfolio since last August, and it is a "beast" to finish! It had to include a lot of analysis, reflection, and descriptions of many aspects of my teaching, instruction and communication with others. The written commentaries alone were over 50 pages of written text, and there were multiple other pages of descriptions, artifacts and student work. Between adoption paperwork and this process, I feel that I have always had a weight on my shoulders or a nagging voice in the back of my mind. While I am nervous about mailing the "box," (I am a perfectionist and so worried that I have made a mistake), I feel a huge amount of relief at this moment! It's almost hard to believe. I will still have to study and prepare for my written exam that I will take in June, and then I will be officially "finished!" Unfortunately, I have to wait until December to find out if I passed (the pass rate is very low - which only adds to my anxiety). I've done the best that I could do, so I will have to accept that and just wait!
In terms of the adoption, we received official notification of our I-800a acceptance, which means the Department of Homeland Security received our documents and nothing required was missing. We are waiting for our FBI fingerprinting appointment (which should arrive in the next two weeks). Then we can go to the Louisville FBI office for a biometrics appointment/interview. It was exciting to receive correspondence from Homeland Security in reference to immigration and approval to adopt internationally.
I also wanted to share a piece of jewelry Jason bought me for Valentine's Day (with a little inspiration and guidance). He bought me a Brighton bracelet and a few charms. The bracelet is going to be a visual keepsake of our adoption process. The original charms he purchased were a heart with pink feet, and two ladybug beads/charms (unofficial "good luck" symbol of Chinese adoptions). Each time we reach a milestone, I will be adding a charm. When our homestudy was finished, we went to the Brighton store in Louisville and I bought the fortune cookie charm to symbolize our "good fortune" thus far. We plan to select themed charms that represent different phases that we complete. In the end, we plan to have a bracelet full of memories that we can share with Annabelle when we tell her "story." When I had Alexis, Jason bought me a special ring with her birthstone that I wear daily. This bracelet will serve as my special jewelry representing Annabelle!
In terms of the adoption, we received official notification of our I-800a acceptance, which means the Department of Homeland Security received our documents and nothing required was missing. We are waiting for our FBI fingerprinting appointment (which should arrive in the next two weeks). Then we can go to the Louisville FBI office for a biometrics appointment/interview. It was exciting to receive correspondence from Homeland Security in reference to immigration and approval to adopt internationally.
I also wanted to share a piece of jewelry Jason bought me for Valentine's Day (with a little inspiration and guidance). He bought me a Brighton bracelet and a few charms. The bracelet is going to be a visual keepsake of our adoption process. The original charms he purchased were a heart with pink feet, and two ladybug beads/charms (unofficial "good luck" symbol of Chinese adoptions). Each time we reach a milestone, I will be adding a charm. When our homestudy was finished, we went to the Brighton store in Louisville and I bought the fortune cookie charm to symbolize our "good fortune" thus far. We plan to select themed charms that represent different phases that we complete. In the end, we plan to have a bracelet full of memories that we can share with Annabelle when we tell her "story." When I had Alexis, Jason bought me a special ring with her birthstone that I wear daily. This bracelet will serve as my special jewelry representing Annabelle!
Friday, March 4, 2011
I-800a mailed!
Today was an exciting day for us in terms of our adoption process. I was able to go to Lexington to pick up our completed, signed and notarized home study (which was started the first week of January). I also asked our family advocate to review our I-800a form (which could not be mailed until a completed home study was attached) and she approved it and the agency mailed it for us! The I-800a is a form from the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration Services. It is a petition to the U.S. government, requesting permission/authorization to adopt a child from abroad, and bring that child to the U.S. as a citizen. We will be contacted by the FBI for another fingerprinting appointment prior to approval. Once we receive approval, we will then be able to go to Frankfort to authenticate all of our documents, and then have them sent to Washington, D.C. for further certification. After authentication, the dossier can be sent to the Chinese consolate and then mailed to China! We were told today that we should still be fairly close to our timeline and able to submit the dossier around the end of April or first of May.
We should receive word of "acceptance" of the I-800a within a few days, and should be given an FBI appointment within a few weeks. We were told that it will likely take 30-45 days to receive official "approval" regarding our petition. It is exciting to see our "to-do list" (regarding paperwork) nearly complete!!!
We should receive word of "acceptance" of the I-800a within a few days, and should be given an FBI appointment within a few weeks. We were told that it will likely take 30-45 days to receive official "approval" regarding our petition. It is exciting to see our "to-do list" (regarding paperwork) nearly complete!!!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Adoption Video with 'One Less'
This video sums up everything I am feeling or would like to post tonight! My sister heard this song and shared it with me today and I have watched the video multiple times throughout the day. While we are still many months from meeting Annabelle, it becomes increasingly more "real" every day that passes, every piece of paperwork that we turn in and every time little Alexis talks, with anticipation, about being a baby sister. We will be so excited when Annabelle is "one less." I know I will frequently watch this video and it will encourage us as we go through ups and downs in this process. No matter what delays, what fears we may have, or the waiting that is stressful, this is our focus and our purpose for what we are doing...
Monday, February 21, 2011
Alexis is THREE!
Even though this is our "adoption" blog, I still had to post a special memory that we made this weekend....Alexis turned THREE! Despite the fact that Jason and I came down with miserable stomach viruses on Friday and Saturday, we managed to have an otherwise wonderful weekend with our little girl! It has really hit me lately that she is no longer a "baby," even though I still like to call her that - and probably will for a long time! We had a Tinkerbell/Peter Pan-themed party for her at our church. We enjoyed the day with several of her church friends, family friends and family members. Everyone had a great time and the birthday girl was so very excited!
Jason and I gave Alexis an American Girl doll named "Ivy." Our social worker had suggested that we read Alexis books and give her opportunities to be immersed into different cultures, so that she will be more accepting of a sister that is of a different race. Ivy is a Chinese girl, and Alexis already said "she looks like she is from China - she is like Annabelle!" She loves her and has quickly added her to the ever-growing baby doll collection. As young as she is, she will be accepting and love Annabelle without hesitation (although I know there will be certain amounts of sibling rivalry); however, we want to encourage her to accept her sister - and others that she meets - openly and lovingly no matter what their physical appearance may be. It will also be beneficial for Annabelle to see that Alexis has dolls, books, movies, etc. about little girls and boys of different ethnicities.
After Alexis' party, we were cuddling with her in bed and showing her pictures of the day she was born. She looked over at me and said, "Mommy...there are 1-2-3 people here...and when Annabelle comes there will be 1-2-3-4! I will make sure she eats her food and doesn't make a mess!" We hadn't mentioned her sister that day at all to her, so it was neat that she thought of her in reference to our family.
We have loved every minute of our family life during the last three years. It is hard to believe that on her next birthday, she will likely (hopefully) be sharing it with a little sister! I am excited about the changes and experiences in store for Alexis, and our whole family throughout the next year.
We are now working on completing our petition to the U.S. government to adopt a child internationally, the I-800a form. Once we receive our written and notarized home study (which is ready - we just haven't received it yet), we will be able to file the form. This week we are authenticating our dossier documents at the Hardin County Clerk's office and plan to make a trip to Frankfort to authenticate them (again) at the Secretary of State's office sometime in March. We are looking forward to taking Alexis with us to our state capitol building for a memorable and special family trip!
Jason and I gave Alexis an American Girl doll named "Ivy." Our social worker had suggested that we read Alexis books and give her opportunities to be immersed into different cultures, so that she will be more accepting of a sister that is of a different race. Ivy is a Chinese girl, and Alexis already said "she looks like she is from China - she is like Annabelle!" She loves her and has quickly added her to the ever-growing baby doll collection. As young as she is, she will be accepting and love Annabelle without hesitation (although I know there will be certain amounts of sibling rivalry); however, we want to encourage her to accept her sister - and others that she meets - openly and lovingly no matter what their physical appearance may be. It will also be beneficial for Annabelle to see that Alexis has dolls, books, movies, etc. about little girls and boys of different ethnicities.
After Alexis' party, we were cuddling with her in bed and showing her pictures of the day she was born. She looked over at me and said, "Mommy...there are 1-2-3 people here...and when Annabelle comes there will be 1-2-3-4! I will make sure she eats her food and doesn't make a mess!" We hadn't mentioned her sister that day at all to her, so it was neat that she thought of her in reference to our family.
We have loved every minute of our family life during the last three years. It is hard to believe that on her next birthday, she will likely (hopefully) be sharing it with a little sister! I am excited about the changes and experiences in store for Alexis, and our whole family throughout the next year.
We are now working on completing our petition to the U.S. government to adopt a child internationally, the I-800a form. Once we receive our written and notarized home study (which is ready - we just haven't received it yet), we will be able to file the form. This week we are authenticating our dossier documents at the Hardin County Clerk's office and plan to make a trip to Frankfort to authenticate them (again) at the Secretary of State's office sometime in March. We are looking forward to taking Alexis with us to our state capitol building for a memorable and special family trip!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Surprises in the Mail!
We were very excited to come home today and find not one, but TWO important documents in the mail! We finally received our FBI background check results AND our U.S. Passports! We were most excited about the FBI check, as these are the last documents we needed to complete our home study. Now we can move on to preparing the dossier that will be sent to China (collection of documents that will accompany our official request to adopt a child), completing U.S. forms to request permission to adopt abroad (I-800 form), applying for grants, etc. We're just SO excited that this first big hurdle is almost over! We had been told recently that wait times for the FBI forms could be as long as 12 weeks, and ours came back in about 5 weeks! It was a pleasanat surprise and gives us some excitement/momentum to move forward.
I was also excited about a book that I ordered that came in the mail this week. I have ordered several adoption-themed books for myself as well as picture books for Alexis. This one is titled, Just Add One Chinese Sister. The title answers the question a little boy has, "How do you become a big brother?" It is a really sweet book that provides a memoir for a little girl who has been adopted from China, with side notes on each page from the "big brother" about how he felt through the whole process. It will be a great asset for Alexis, and for Annabelle some day!
I was also excited about a book that I ordered that came in the mail this week. I have ordered several adoption-themed books for myself as well as picture books for Alexis. This one is titled, Just Add One Chinese Sister. The title answers the question a little boy has, "How do you become a big brother?" It is a really sweet book that provides a memoir for a little girl who has been adopted from China, with side notes on each page from the "big brother" about how he felt through the whole process. It will be a great asset for Alexis, and for Annabelle some day!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year!
Today is the official start to the Chinese New Year! I enjoyed teaching my students about the Chinese New Year through literature and related activities. We were kindly invited to join an international adoption group that is forming in Elizabethtown for a special celebratory dinner at the Green Bamboo Chinese restaurant in town. We aren't big fans of Chinese food, but what we selected was very good. It was so encouraging, exciting and fun to meet so many new people, families, and beautiful little girls from China! Everyone was so friendly and supportive - I look forward to continued experiences and support from these families. Seeing so many girls - ranging from 20 months to eight years of age - thriving, laughing, growing and being loved was a blessing an inspiration for us.
We also had our third and final visit with our social worker, which amounted to a 20-minute meeting at a local McDonald's so that we could pass off our final round of paperwork. She has been very nice and helpful, and we enjoyed being a little more casual and laid-back with her this evening. We have now completed ALL of the homestudy documents (a HUGE accomplishment...there were so many things to do, sign, collect, etc.). We are just waiting for the FBI background checks (I feel like we have been waiting forever and it's only been about five weeks - ha!) and our homestudy will be written, signed and complete! Then we can finish preparing our dossier and be much closer to waiting for something more important...a match!
I've included a couple of pictures from our dinner, including a coloring sheet Alexis completed. She was cute...she thought the Chinese symbols were "snowflakes!" Alexis warmed up to the families eventually, running around telling several of them, "Hey! I'm going to be a big sister! We're going to go to China on an airplane and pick out a baby!" I also included a picture of her fortune cookie message....I thought the message was timely and appropriate for us as well!
Hopefully we will have news on our FBI checks by the time I post next week. :)
We also had our third and final visit with our social worker, which amounted to a 20-minute meeting at a local McDonald's so that we could pass off our final round of paperwork. She has been very nice and helpful, and we enjoyed being a little more casual and laid-back with her this evening. We have now completed ALL of the homestudy documents (a HUGE accomplishment...there were so many things to do, sign, collect, etc.). We are just waiting for the FBI background checks (I feel like we have been waiting forever and it's only been about five weeks - ha!) and our homestudy will be written, signed and complete! Then we can finish preparing our dossier and be much closer to waiting for something more important...a match!
I've included a couple of pictures from our dinner, including a coloring sheet Alexis completed. She was cute...she thought the Chinese symbols were "snowflakes!" Alexis warmed up to the families eventually, running around telling several of them, "Hey! I'm going to be a big sister! We're going to go to China on an airplane and pick out a baby!" I also included a picture of her fortune cookie message....I thought the message was timely and appropriate for us as well!
Hopefully we will have news on our FBI checks by the time I post next week. :)
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