This morning I emailed the adoption agency to get an update thinking we must be closer. I was disappointed to find out there hasn't been any referral activity in the last couple of weeks. Which the more I thought about it, is OK. That probably means they will get a batch with a lot of referrals. So it could still happen fairly soon.
School starts next week, so we're getting in some last minute activities. Yesterday we went for a 10.5 mile bike ride. Even Luke biked the distance. We did stop to play at the park. I think Luke was getting tired on the way back and he wiped out. Scrapes and bruises on the legs. Today we went for another bike ride, but only about half the distance. We stopped at the school playground to play for a while. Tomorrow we're going to Wisconsin Dells. We have some tickets to use at Riverview Park and we have a favorite place to go horse riding. Wednesday is Luke's yearly checkup at the UW Childrens Hospital clinic. We're expecting a good checkup. Since we'll be in Madison, we're going to make a stop at the zoo. Thursday night is open house at Harmony school for Luke and at Northside for Nate. We'll meet teachers, drop off school supplies, check out the classroom, etc. We're staying around home for the Labor Day weekend. We'll probably go to Elkhorn to the Walworth County Fair, it's a favorite of ours, and go to the Labor Day parade here in Janesville on Monday. Then it's to bed early Monday night for school Tuesday.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
What to expect
It's been 1 week since we found we are #7 on the list. We've probably moved up some since then, but I don't want to bother the adoption agency on a weekly basis. We'll be hearing from them soon. We think we'll be going in September. Which will be good timing. The boys will be back in school and into a routine which should make it easier for Mark's parents while we're gone. And when we get back it will allow us time during the day with the baby to transition.
I went shopping and bought more of the things we will need for our trip. My friend has been so helpful providing me with a packing list, etc. I actually got out the suitcases and started packing. We are packing 4 suitcases on wheels and each carrying a backpack as a carryon. We will have a third carryon on the return trip for the baby. We'll be packing enough diapers and formula for 3 weeks, so we won't be bringing that home, which will allow room to bring home souveniers.
After we receive and accept our referral, an appointment will be made for our Giving & Receiving ceremony. We need to be in Hanoi by this date. They schedule 4-8 families in a travel group to have the same G&R appointment. So we will be there with other families. This is a great time to form new friendships.
It was recommended that we arrive in Hanoi a couple of days before the Giving & Receiving ceremony to allow time for site seeing. Our baby will more than likely be sick when we get her, so she probably won't be very comfortable. And some of the tourist places don't allow babies. It was also recommended to take her to the SOS clinic the day after we get her so she can get started on any medication she needs. Many times the babies have colds, ear infections, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration; any of these or a combination. Conditions there are not as sanitary as they are here.
The day after the G&R will be the first appointment at the embassy, to apply for baby's passport. A few days later there will be an appointment at the immigration office to apply for the baby's visa. The passport will be ready about a week after application and the visa should be ready about a week after application. So about a total of 2 1/2 weeks. I think that's what they have been averaging.
We've been told to not drink the water there. Don't even open your mouth in the shower. Use bottled water to brush your teeth. Use bottled water for formula. Don't eat any fresh fruits or vegetables because they have been washed or rinsed in their water. I'm looking forward to going, but after 2 1/2 weeks I'll probably be ready to come home. I'll also update the blog while we're there. The hotel we will be staying at has a business center where we can access the internet.
I went shopping and bought more of the things we will need for our trip. My friend has been so helpful providing me with a packing list, etc. I actually got out the suitcases and started packing. We are packing 4 suitcases on wheels and each carrying a backpack as a carryon. We will have a third carryon on the return trip for the baby. We'll be packing enough diapers and formula for 3 weeks, so we won't be bringing that home, which will allow room to bring home souveniers.
After we receive and accept our referral, an appointment will be made for our Giving & Receiving ceremony. We need to be in Hanoi by this date. They schedule 4-8 families in a travel group to have the same G&R appointment. So we will be there with other families. This is a great time to form new friendships.
It was recommended that we arrive in Hanoi a couple of days before the Giving & Receiving ceremony to allow time for site seeing. Our baby will more than likely be sick when we get her, so she probably won't be very comfortable. And some of the tourist places don't allow babies. It was also recommended to take her to the SOS clinic the day after we get her so she can get started on any medication she needs. Many times the babies have colds, ear infections, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration; any of these or a combination. Conditions there are not as sanitary as they are here.
The day after the G&R will be the first appointment at the embassy, to apply for baby's passport. A few days later there will be an appointment at the immigration office to apply for the baby's visa. The passport will be ready about a week after application and the visa should be ready about a week after application. So about a total of 2 1/2 weeks. I think that's what they have been averaging.
We've been told to not drink the water there. Don't even open your mouth in the shower. Use bottled water to brush your teeth. Use bottled water for formula. Don't eat any fresh fruits or vegetables because they have been washed or rinsed in their water. I'm looking forward to going, but after 2 1/2 weeks I'll probably be ready to come home. I'll also update the blog while we're there. The hotel we will be staying at has a business center where we can access the internet.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Another quick update
This morning I emailed the adoption agency to touch base with them and find out how things are progressing. We are now #7 in line for a healthy baby girl. I'm so excited!!!! They received 13 referrals in the last month. They average about 10 referrals/month, which would mean we should have a referral around the end of the month. Oh my gosh, it's going to be soon! And did I say I'm excited!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
No adoption news
We're back from our week vacation up north where we rented a cottage on the lake. It was so relaxing. We went swimming, fishing and boating on my dad's pontoon. The boys had a blast. It was hot, in the 90's and we didn't have air conditioning, but it was OK. We reserved the cottage for next year the same time. We'll have Ava with us then.
The week before we left for vacation was our county 4H fair, which is right across the street from our church. Nate and I volunteered to work in the church food booth Tuesday night. He had so much fun that he and Mark went back the next day to work a 4 hour shift over the lunch hour.
This week the boys are in bible school day camp at our church. They are having a fun time there. Next week Nate has cub scout day camp, so it will be another busy week.
August is the hottest month in Vietnam. When my friend went the end of May/early June she said it was really hot then. I can't imagine it now. Whenever it's real hot and humid here I always say it's Vietnam weather. Since I doubt we'll be going in August I would think it would be a little cooler.
I don't have any new adoption news. But we're getting closer every day. We've been so busy this summer and time is going fast.
The week before we left for vacation was our county 4H fair, which is right across the street from our church. Nate and I volunteered to work in the church food booth Tuesday night. He had so much fun that he and Mark went back the next day to work a 4 hour shift over the lunch hour.
This week the boys are in bible school day camp at our church. They are having a fun time there. Next week Nate has cub scout day camp, so it will be another busy week.
August is the hottest month in Vietnam. When my friend went the end of May/early June she said it was really hot then. I can't imagine it now. Whenever it's real hot and humid here I always say it's Vietnam weather. Since I doubt we'll be going in August I would think it would be a little cooler.
I don't have any new adoption news. But we're getting closer every day. We've been so busy this summer and time is going fast.
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