Monday, December 28, 2009
Merry Christmas Part 3
We had a great Christmas with family. I really enjoyed everyone coming over to our house, cooking, visiting, exchanging gifts, playing games, watching movies, etc.
Merry Christmas 2009 Part 2
I have to share a few other photos from Christmas.
Nanna and Pop got you a picture frame.
Your dad got you your first bulldog toy.
Your Christmas tree and gifts.
Leigh Anne and girls got you and us a book.
Nanna and Pop got you a picture frame.
Your dad got you your first bulldog toy.
Your Christmas tree and gifts.
Leigh Anne and girls got you and us a book.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009
To my daughter,
Although you are not with us yet, you are already in our hearts. Your dad and I put up your Christmas tree in your room. I was so excited when your Christmas gifts came in, so I could put them under your tree.
Christmas Eve we read the books we had gotten for you and enjoyed the story they told.
Your dad read I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond. It was hard for both of us to read the story aloud. The cub, Barley, wants his momma to tell the story of how her wish came true. The momma helps Barley understand how she wished for a special child and how she thought about him all the time. Although momma did not know when or if her wish would come true she asked God to find the perfect cub for her. One day her wish came true which was Barley.
I read I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis. This book told the story of a baby girl in China needing a mother and a woman miles away who wanted a baby. It tells of the trip she took to China to adopt her baby girl and the joy experienced by the entire family when she arrived in US.
I learned the the character for "love" has the Chinese radical meaning "heart" at its center. How fitting!
Then I read The Red Thread by Grace Lin. It is a fairy tale about a king and queen that had a pain in their heart. They learned there was a red thread pulling at their heart. They went on a journey to find the end of this thread. This journey lead them to a baby who was laughing and tugging at the red threads tied around her ankles.
I look forward to the day when we can hold you in our arms and read these stories to you. We love you, pray for you, and think about you everyday.
Mother
Although you are not with us yet, you are already in our hearts. Your dad and I put up your Christmas tree in your room. I was so excited when your Christmas gifts came in, so I could put them under your tree.
Christmas Eve we read the books we had gotten for you and enjoyed the story they told.
Your dad read I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond. It was hard for both of us to read the story aloud. The cub, Barley, wants his momma to tell the story of how her wish came true. The momma helps Barley understand how she wished for a special child and how she thought about him all the time. Although momma did not know when or if her wish would come true she asked God to find the perfect cub for her. One day her wish came true which was Barley.
I read I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis. This book told the story of a baby girl in China needing a mother and a woman miles away who wanted a baby. It tells of the trip she took to China to adopt her baby girl and the joy experienced by the entire family when she arrived in US.
I learned the the character for "love" has the Chinese radical meaning "heart" at its center. How fitting!
Then I read The Red Thread by Grace Lin. It is a fairy tale about a king and queen that had a pain in their heart. They learned there was a red thread pulling at their heart. They went on a journey to find the end of this thread. This journey lead them to a baby who was laughing and tugging at the red threads tied around her ankles.
I look forward to the day when we can hold you in our arms and read these stories to you. We love you, pray for you, and think about you everyday.
Mother
Monday, December 21, 2009
Poem
I found the below poem on a website I visit (http://www.myadoptionwebsite.com/chinaadoptionstories.htm) that shares other Chinese adoption stories. It really spoke to me and really tells our story.
Once upon a love there was a boy and a girl.
They waited for the right time to bring a child into the world.
They thought their hearts were ready for a little one’s embrace.
They asked the Lord for the family… and expected grace.
It’s hard to be patient with the plans of our life.
Each day they waited was a required sacrifice.
They knew they were meant to have a family in this place,
Even in darkness, light can dawn… so they watched for grace.
Dark days came, as the news was grim.
There may be problems with her or him.
How much despair can their coupled hearts take?
They held each other… and begged for grace
It is hard to accept that our desires and dreams
May not be the plans of the Almighty.
When God changes our path, we need not be dismayed
It is simply the all-knowing…hand of grace.
Some blessings are birthed by nature’s plan-
The common joining of a woman and man.
But the Creator said, “This is not your way.”
So they surrendered their will…and prayed for grace.
Would their little one be kind and strong like her father?
Or giving and thoughtful-more like her mother?
No-when their arms, this child embrace,
They will know she resembles God’s beautiful face.
Know she is a gift brought to this place
Let all rejoice…God has given Grace. -Unknown
Once upon a love there was a boy and a girl.
They waited for the right time to bring a child into the world.
They thought their hearts were ready for a little one’s embrace.
They asked the Lord for the family… and expected grace.
It’s hard to be patient with the plans of our life.
Each day they waited was a required sacrifice.
They knew they were meant to have a family in this place,
Even in darkness, light can dawn… so they watched for grace.
Dark days came, as the news was grim.
There may be problems with her or him.
How much despair can their coupled hearts take?
They held each other… and begged for grace
It is hard to accept that our desires and dreams
May not be the plans of the Almighty.
When God changes our path, we need not be dismayed
It is simply the all-knowing…hand of grace.
Some blessings are birthed by nature’s plan-
The common joining of a woman and man.
But the Creator said, “This is not your way.”
So they surrendered their will…and prayed for grace.
Would their little one be kind and strong like her father?
Or giving and thoughtful-more like her mother?
No-when their arms, this child embrace,
They will know she resembles God’s beautiful face.
Know she is a gift brought to this place
Let all rejoice…God has given Grace. -Unknown
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Fingerprints Completed
We went to Montgomery yesterday to have the live scan fingerprints completed again. It should not take them long to process and send to DHR. Then DHR sends a suitability letter to AGAPE. I at least got some reassurance that everything we had done was correct and should have worked. Something apparently got messed up when our fingerprints were sent. Montgomery ABI never received the file. She said it happens sometimes. So hopefully we will be moving forward.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas is coming
I know there will be a few more Christmas to come while we are waiting on our daughter to arrive. However, I am still excited about looking for gifts for her. I have found some good children's books about adoption that I plan to get her for Christmas this year. In doing this search, I have found there is a small selection of books on this and even less related to China. It makes me consider writing my own. I know I will make a book for her about our specific journey to get her, but there may be others that need this as well.
Fingerprints
The guidance has yet changed again. Since ABI has cashed our check, the only way not to have to pay again is to go to Montgomery to have the live scan done again. We have an appointment to have this done December 14th at 10:30. Please pray that we can move past this step. Pray that DHR will move quickly and send our suitability letter to AGAPE.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Weekly Update
I heard back from AGAPE. She finally got in contact with DHR and their process for criminal history check changed last month. The bad news is we have to start over on that process. The good news is it is online and should be much faster.
SBCN FBI is the website. We are to complete an online form, get our fingerprints taken again, and submit to SBCN. Sounds easy enough, so I tried today to login and complete the forms and their website is not working properly. I have contacted them about it, but still waiting to hear something.
SBCN FBI is the website. We are to complete an online form, get our fingerprints taken again, and submit to SBCN. Sounds easy enough, so I tried today to login and complete the forms and their website is not working properly. I have contacted them about it, but still waiting to hear something.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
I am reminded of how much I have to be thankful for...husband, family, jobs, God's provision, God's grace, friends, health, etc. We had a good Thanksgiving with family. I appreciate those that asked about our adoption process. We appreciate your love and support.
It is hard when surrounded by family not to think about the missing person. She consumes my thoughts and dreams. I miss her greatly. I look forward to the holidays to come when we have them to share with her.
We are still trying to get more family life photos for our dossier. Here are a few we took with family over Thanksgiving.
It is hard when surrounded by family not to think about the missing person. She consumes my thoughts and dreams. I miss her greatly. I look forward to the holidays to come when we have them to share with her.
We are still trying to get more family life photos for our dossier. Here are a few we took with family over Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Call
I have been wanting to call AGAPE, but don't want to be bothersome. So I have been praying for a call from them with some information whether good or bad. They finally called with an update.
They still have not received the clearance paperwork. They called ABI (AL Bureau of Investigation) and the information has been sent from them to DHR early October. They have been trying to get in contact with DHR to see what the status is, but have not been able to speak with anyone.
Please pray for some information and that this gets resolved quickly.
They still have not received the clearance paperwork. They called ABI (AL Bureau of Investigation) and the information has been sent from them to DHR early October. They have been trying to get in contact with DHR to see what the status is, but have not been able to speak with anyone.
Please pray for some information and that this gets resolved quickly.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Weekly Update
I wish there was some news, but there is none. We are still waiting to hear from AGAPE to do the home study. We are still working on taking pictures for our dossier.
We rented a cabin at Lake Lowdes this past weekend for the MSU vs. AL game. It was so pretty there. We got some great pictures.
Below are some pictures with our friends.
I did not know my husband and friends were a bunch of monkeys. I will have to watch Kevin with our daughter. They may get stuck in a tree.
We rented a cabin at Lake Lowdes this past weekend for the MSU vs. AL game. It was so pretty there. We got some great pictures.
Below are some pictures with our friends.
I did not know my husband and friends were a bunch of monkeys. I will have to watch Kevin with our daughter. They may get stuck in a tree.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Another Book Review Part 2
Continuing on with my book review...
6. My unresolved grief may surface in anger toward you.
Triggers for adoptee anger are perceived rejection and fear.
7. I need your help in grieving my loss. Teach me how to get in touch with my feelings about my adoption and then validate them.
Some ideas to help your child are holding newborns, building a grief box, creating a life book, writing letters to birth mom, and exposing them to other adoptees.
8. Just because I don't talk about my birth family doesn't mean I don't' think about them.
The book discuss how fantasy manifests in different age children. It may be searching for a familiar face, longing to be held, dreaming of the perfect family, seeking parent replacement figures, idealizing people, critical spirit, high expectations of self, fear of authority figures, and negative images.
9. I want you to take the initiative in opening conversations about my birth family.
To best do this give permission for open dialogue, foster a non-competitive spirit with birth parents, and be confident as adoptive parents.
10. I need to know the truth about my conception, birth, and family history. No matter how painful the details may be.
The best thing is to introduce the information about the birth family at the earliest stages.
11. I am afraid I was given away by my birth mother because I was a bad baby. I need you to help me dump my toxic shame.
6. My unresolved grief may surface in anger toward you.
Triggers for adoptee anger are perceived rejection and fear.
7. I need your help in grieving my loss. Teach me how to get in touch with my feelings about my adoption and then validate them.
Some ideas to help your child are holding newborns, building a grief box, creating a life book, writing letters to birth mom, and exposing them to other adoptees.
8. Just because I don't talk about my birth family doesn't mean I don't' think about them.
The book discuss how fantasy manifests in different age children. It may be searching for a familiar face, longing to be held, dreaming of the perfect family, seeking parent replacement figures, idealizing people, critical spirit, high expectations of self, fear of authority figures, and negative images.
9. I want you to take the initiative in opening conversations about my birth family.
To best do this give permission for open dialogue, foster a non-competitive spirit with birth parents, and be confident as adoptive parents.
10. I need to know the truth about my conception, birth, and family history. No matter how painful the details may be.
The best thing is to introduce the information about the birth family at the earliest stages.
11. I am afraid I was given away by my birth mother because I was a bad baby. I need you to help me dump my toxic shame.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Another Book Review Part 1
I am halfway through my second book, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge. It is a little too psychological for me, but still interesting and insightful.
The first two chapters are laying the framework. It is natural for the child to have a void and go through the grief process. As a parent, it is important to be supportive, understanding, and to have open lines of communication.
The rest of the book is going through the twenty things adopted kids wish their adoptive parents knew. So far I have read the following:
1. I suffered a profound loss before I was adopted. You are not responsible.
The book discusses as a parent it hurts to see your child hurt and sometimes the parent carries the burden. The book teaches to embrace the pain. One example given was a mother and daughter grieved together which brought intimacy between them.
2. I need to be taught that I have special needs arising from adoption loss, of which I need not be ashamed.
Some special needs of adopted children are emotional (adoption loss, fears of rejection), educational, validation, parental, relational, and spiritual.
3. If I don't grieve my loss, my ability to receive love from you and others will be hindered.
The thing I took from this chapter and others is to try to be prepared for the questions that may arise. It gives examples of responses that facilitate communication.
4. My unresolved grief may surface in anger toward you.
It discusses how adoptee anger manifests and what can trigger it.
5. I need your help in grieving my loss. Teach me how to get in touch with my feelings about my adoption and then validate them.
The first two chapters are laying the framework. It is natural for the child to have a void and go through the grief process. As a parent, it is important to be supportive, understanding, and to have open lines of communication.
The rest of the book is going through the twenty things adopted kids wish their adoptive parents knew. So far I have read the following:
1. I suffered a profound loss before I was adopted. You are not responsible.
The book discusses as a parent it hurts to see your child hurt and sometimes the parent carries the burden. The book teaches to embrace the pain. One example given was a mother and daughter grieved together which brought intimacy between them.
2. I need to be taught that I have special needs arising from adoption loss, of which I need not be ashamed.
Some special needs of adopted children are emotional (adoption loss, fears of rejection), educational, validation, parental, relational, and spiritual.
3. If I don't grieve my loss, my ability to receive love from you and others will be hindered.
The thing I took from this chapter and others is to try to be prepared for the questions that may arise. It gives examples of responses that facilitate communication.
4. My unresolved grief may surface in anger toward you.
It discusses how adoptee anger manifests and what can trigger it.
5. I need your help in grieving my loss. Teach me how to get in touch with my feelings about my adoption and then validate them.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Weekend in Kentucky
We had a great trip to Kentucky to watch the Bulldogs beat the Wildcats. We got some more pictures for our dossier that I have provided below along with other pictures from our trip.
Friday we attended a Michael Jackson thriller parade in downtown Lexington, ate burgers at Sawyer's, walked around the Rupp Arena, and took a carriage ride around historical downtown Lexington.
Saturday we went to Keenland Horse Track and watched a few horse races and went to the football game. I enjoy getting to see the different schools, traditions, game day atmosphere, and football stadiums.
Us at Commonwealth Stadium.
Us in front of Rupp Arena.
Rupp Arena
MSU vs. KY
Bulldogs score.
Here are some terrifing pictures from the thriller parade.
Friday we attended a Michael Jackson thriller parade in downtown Lexington, ate burgers at Sawyer's, walked around the Rupp Arena, and took a carriage ride around historical downtown Lexington.
Saturday we went to Keenland Horse Track and watched a few horse races and went to the football game. I enjoy getting to see the different schools, traditions, game day atmosphere, and football stadiums.
Us at Commonwealth Stadium.
Us in front of Rupp Arena.
Rupp Arena
MSU vs. KY
Bulldogs score.
Here are some terrifing pictures from the thriller parade.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Raising Adopted Children review Part 2
I have finished the Raising Adopted Children book. Below is a summary of other topics discussed in the book. Overall I enjoyed the book. I skimmed through some topics that are not relevant to our situation.
Chapter 10 - International Adoption
* Suggests possible culture camps when the child is older to learn about there culture and heritage. I believe CCAI hosts some similar camps.
* Medical Conditions - Children of different nationalities develop differently. So when the doctors give there growth percentiles compared to American children, it may not be representative for their nationality.
* Some adopted children from China are found to have a scar (similar to a cigarette burn) usually around the abdomen or chest. These scars are believe to be "marks of love" intended to let children know that their birth families loved them.
Appendix
* Recommends that children adopted abroad be readopted in a court in their state of residence in the US. Then you can request the issuance of state birth certificates that will be recognized in all other US state.
Resources
*PACT BookSource
*Tapestry Book catelog - Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis and The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler
*websites: www.adopting.org and www.adoption.com
Chapter 10 - International Adoption
* Suggests possible culture camps when the child is older to learn about there culture and heritage. I believe CCAI hosts some similar camps.
* Medical Conditions - Children of different nationalities develop differently. So when the doctors give there growth percentiles compared to American children, it may not be representative for their nationality.
* Some adopted children from China are found to have a scar (similar to a cigarette burn) usually around the abdomen or chest. These scars are believe to be "marks of love" intended to let children know that their birth families loved them.
Appendix
* Recommends that children adopted abroad be readopted in a court in their state of residence in the US. Then you can request the issuance of state birth certificates that will be recognized in all other US state.
Resources
*PACT BookSource
*Tapestry Book catelog - Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis and The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler
*websites: www.adopting.org and www.adoption.com
Monday, October 26, 2009
AL Dossier Documents
I was so surprised Saturday that I had a package from the AL Secretary of State. I mailed the documents on Wednesday that needed to be certified from the AL SOS and received them with the proper letters on Saturday. That may be a record.
I called AGAPE and we are still waiting on clearance reports. She said it could be as long as three months to get them back. On the brighter side, one month down. Please pray that these documents will be processed and returned quickly. We are so eager to start the home study process. I have ran out of paper work. Now everything is out of my hands.
Thanks again for every one's prayers and support.
I called AGAPE and we are still waiting on clearance reports. She said it could be as long as three months to get them back. On the brighter side, one month down. Please pray that these documents will be processed and returned quickly. We are so eager to start the home study process. I have ran out of paper work. Now everything is out of my hands.
Thanks again for every one's prayers and support.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Raising Adopted Children review
I have made it through the first four chapters of Raising Adopted Children by Lois Ruskai Melina. It has a lot of good information and ideas. I have told Kevin he will need to read this book, so I am marking the good stuff so he will be able to finish it before our daughter arrives. (Ha, Ha)
Chapter One - Transition to Adoptive Parenthood
*It suggested looking into birth preparation classes at local hospital to learn the skills necessary for caring for a baby.
*Look for adoption announcements suitable for adoptive families.
*Keep a journal. (My mother-in-law has already got me a journal. Thank you)
*Suggestions for naming and renaming your child. I may want to do more research in this area.
Chapter Two - Adjustment of the Family
*Suggested making an adoptee's family book which includes pictures of extended family to show her this is her family and all these people love you. This will give me the opportunity to work on my creative abilities or show my lack of.
Chapter Four - Talking about Adoption
*Gives guidance on talking to family members, teachers, and other children.
*Gives guidance on discussions of adoption with child, tone, environment, and appropriateness/understanding of information at different ages.
*Suggests creating a book to tell the story of why the child was wanted, why the child needed a family, and the process we went through to adopt the child, and our first meeting. It should be designed so that a preschooler could understand.
I will update you as I continue to read through this book.
Chapter One - Transition to Adoptive Parenthood
*It suggested looking into birth preparation classes at local hospital to learn the skills necessary for caring for a baby.
*Look for adoption announcements suitable for adoptive families.
*Keep a journal. (My mother-in-law has already got me a journal. Thank you)
*Suggestions for naming and renaming your child. I may want to do more research in this area.
Chapter Two - Adjustment of the Family
*Suggested making an adoptee's family book which includes pictures of extended family to show her this is her family and all these people love you. This will give me the opportunity to work on my creative abilities or show my lack of.
Chapter Four - Talking about Adoption
*Gives guidance on talking to family members, teachers, and other children.
*Gives guidance on discussions of adoption with child, tone, environment, and appropriateness/understanding of information at different ages.
*Suggests creating a book to tell the story of why the child was wanted, why the child needed a family, and the process we went through to adopt the child, and our first meeting. It should be designed so that a preschooler could understand.
I will update you as I continue to read through this book.
Monday, October 19, 2009
AL Dossier Documents
We got the MS documents (marriage and birth certificates) certified by the MS Secretary of State. Basically this means, we got a pretty piece of paper from the MS SOS with a gold sticker on it. If that is what it takes to make everyone happy, it works for me.
Today I took a half day off to go to Oneonta to get our AL documents notarized. I then went by the County Clerk's office to have them certify the notary. So now I can put them in the mail to the AL Secretary of State. Hurray!
We will still have to go through this process with our home study. If I have not heard from AGAPE by the end of the week, I will give them a call to get an update.
Today I took a half day off to go to Oneonta to get our AL documents notarized. I then went by the County Clerk's office to have them certify the notary. So now I can put them in the mail to the AL Secretary of State. Hurray!
We will still have to go through this process with our home study. If I have not heard from AGAPE by the end of the week, I will give them a call to get an update.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Pumpkin Patch
Although it was a very cold day, we had a fun day at the pumpkin patch. We got some more good pictures for our dossier.
Other family pictures.
Other family pictures.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Our Adoption in Christ
Last week I started reading "Our Adoption in Christ" given to me by my brother-in-law (Thanks Jonathan). It talks about how we are adopted through Christ (Eph 1:3-5; Gal 4:4-5). God sent His Son to redeem us so that we might be adopted. God invented adoption. It was on His mind before man ever had a mind. God made us for Himself, and adoption is His gracious work to give us the very thing for which we were made.
There is a quote from Wayne Grudem in the text that states...
"God could have given us justification without the privileges of adoption into his family, for he could have forgiven our sins and given us right legal standing before him without making us his children. It is important to realize this because it helps us to recognize how great are our privileges in adoption. Regeneration has to do with our spiritual life within. Justification has to do with our standing before God's law. But adoption has to do with our relationship with God as Father, and in adoption we are given many of the greatest blessings that we will for all eternity."
What I thought was so neat was that Sunday Ryan preached on this very topic. There is now no condemnation ...because we are adopted. We are His children. I am thankful to be adopted by Him and into His family.
There is a quote from Wayne Grudem in the text that states...
"God could have given us justification without the privileges of adoption into his family, for he could have forgiven our sins and given us right legal standing before him without making us his children. It is important to realize this because it helps us to recognize how great are our privileges in adoption. Regeneration has to do with our spiritual life within. Justification has to do with our standing before God's law. But adoption has to do with our relationship with God as Father, and in adoption we are given many of the greatest blessings that we will for all eternity."
What I thought was so neat was that Sunday Ryan preached on this very topic. There is now no condemnation ...because we are adopted. We are His children. I am thankful to be adopted by Him and into His family.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Weekly Update
It has been an extremely busy week for me at work. I finally got around to contacting CCAI to make sure I was clear on the notarization process. Let me just say I have been very pleased with CCAI. They always call or email me within 24 hours and don't seem bothered by my constant confusion and questions.
For our AL dossier documents, we have to have them notarized, certified by county clerk and Secretary of State. The adoption petition and financial statements we created and will be able to sign in front of a notary. So they will be notarized as original documents. I will make a copy of other documents (police clearance report, physical exam report, and employer letter). The notary will sign off and seal a separate piece of paper which will be attached to the photocopy and original documents. Essentially the notary is vouching that the photocopy is a replica of the original since the original was not prepared by us and could not be signed in front of a notary. I have confirmed with Blount County and AL Secretary of State that this will work for them. We will see when the time comes.
I am hoping that we can get the forms notarized, certified by county clerk, and sent to the AL Secretary of State within the next week. I just have to work it out with work leaving early or coming in late.
We are planning to go to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. Hopefully we can get a few more dossier pictures taken while we are there.
For our AL dossier documents, we have to have them notarized, certified by county clerk and Secretary of State. The adoption petition and financial statements we created and will be able to sign in front of a notary. So they will be notarized as original documents. I will make a copy of other documents (police clearance report, physical exam report, and employer letter). The notary will sign off and seal a separate piece of paper which will be attached to the photocopy and original documents. Essentially the notary is vouching that the photocopy is a replica of the original since the original was not prepared by us and could not be signed in front of a notary. I have confirmed with Blount County and AL Secretary of State that this will work for them. We will see when the time comes.
I am hoping that we can get the forms notarized, certified by county clerk, and sent to the AL Secretary of State within the next week. I just have to work it out with work leaving early or coming in late.
We are planning to go to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. Hopefully we can get a few more dossier pictures taken while we are there.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Weekly Update
I got the police report and job letter issues resolved. The doctor is going to mark my thyroid as normal, so I am waiting on her to resend me the physical exam form with this change. Then, we will be good to start the sealing process for our AL documents. I have already mailed the marriage and birth certificates to MS for certification.
I heard back from AGAPE. The only document they are still waiting to receive back is the Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N). So I was glad to hear that.
I looked into the Birmingham School of Chinese. The registration for the Spring 2010 semester starts November 1st. They offer a Chinese adult conversation class which consists of 15 one hours sessions on Saturdays from 2-3 in Vestavia, AL.
I have bought two books listed below to read and will have some posts about them. If anyone has any books they recommend, please let me know. I love to read.
*Raising Adopted Children: Practical Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent by Lois Ruskai Melina
*Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
I heard back from AGAPE. The only document they are still waiting to receive back is the Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N). So I was glad to hear that.
I looked into the Birmingham School of Chinese. The registration for the Spring 2010 semester starts November 1st. They offer a Chinese adult conversation class which consists of 15 one hours sessions on Saturdays from 2-3 in Vestavia, AL.
I have bought two books listed below to read and will have some posts about them. If anyone has any books they recommend, please let me know. I love to read.
*Raising Adopted Children: Practical Reassuring Advice for Every Adoptive Parent by Lois Ruskai Melina
*Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sealing Process
The sealing process is the process of getting documents for our Dossier notarized, certified, and authenticated.
Our birth certificates and marriage certificates are certified copies, so they do not have to be notarized. Since they were issued from MS, I have to send them to the MS Secretary of State for certification. I contacted the MS Secretary of States office to verify what needs to be done. I printed a form off their website which I send with the MC and BCs. I plan to mail that this week.
Our other documents have to be notarized and certified in AL. We plan to get the documents notarized in Blount County to expedite the process. After the documents have been notarized, the county clerk's office has to certify the notary. I contacted the Blount County clerk's office to see what we need to do. We just take the notarized documents with a check for $4/document for them to certify. They will do it that day. Then we can mail those documents to the AL Secretary of State for their certification. They say to allow 5 days.
I am not sure if it is best to wait for our home study to be completed to start the sealing process in AL. This is the one document we have not started that will have to go through this process as well. I will need to contact CCAI to get their advice. I am hoping we will be able to start the home study soon.
Our birth certificates and marriage certificates are certified copies, so they do not have to be notarized. Since they were issued from MS, I have to send them to the MS Secretary of State for certification. I contacted the MS Secretary of States office to verify what needs to be done. I printed a form off their website which I send with the MC and BCs. I plan to mail that this week.
Our other documents have to be notarized and certified in AL. We plan to get the documents notarized in Blount County to expedite the process. After the documents have been notarized, the county clerk's office has to certify the notary. I contacted the Blount County clerk's office to see what we need to do. We just take the notarized documents with a check for $4/document for them to certify. They will do it that day. Then we can mail those documents to the AL Secretary of State for their certification. They say to allow 5 days.
I am not sure if it is best to wait for our home study to be completed to start the sealing process in AL. This is the one document we have not started that will have to go through this process as well. I will need to contact CCAI to get their advice. I am hoping we will be able to start the home study soon.
Dossier Documents Reviewed
I emailed the documents that are required for our dossier to CCAI. They emailed me back with a few revisions.
*Police Clearance Reports - need title of person who signed
*My Employer Letter needs signed last name of preparer
*My Physical Exam Report - see if my thyroid can be marked as normal or need to get a Doctor's Letter regarding the condition
I have gotten the police report and employer letter issues addressed today. I have contacted the doctor regarding the physical exam report. I hope to get it cleared up this week.
*Police Clearance Reports - need title of person who signed
*My Employer Letter needs signed last name of preparer
*My Physical Exam Report - see if my thyroid can be marked as normal or need to get a Doctor's Letter regarding the condition
I have gotten the police report and employer letter issues addressed today. I have contacted the doctor regarding the physical exam report. I hope to get it cleared up this week.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Dossier Pictures
We had a great weekend. My nephew, Ethan, went with us to the MSU vs. GA Tech game. We love spending time with him. He cheered hard for the Bulldogs, but it was a loss.
Two years ago, Ethan went with us to MSU vs. LSU game. It was so neat to see how he has grown up. He wasn't scared of Bully this time. Here are some other game pictures.
Ethan and his new friend, Bully.
Ethan after eating a snow cone.
Ethan and Uncle Kevin at the Dawg Walk.
I was looking through old photos to see if we could find any with our dog, Tanner, that could be used. Here is what I found.
Two years ago, Ethan went with us to MSU vs. LSU game. It was so neat to see how he has grown up. He wasn't scared of Bully this time. Here are some other game pictures.
Ethan and his new friend, Bully.
Ethan after eating a snow cone.
Ethan and Uncle Kevin at the Dawg Walk.
I was looking through old photos to see if we could find any with our dog, Tanner, that could be used. Here is what I found.
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