Chinese New Year and other news

Last week Chinese New Year was celebrated and in China that means a week long holiday—yes, all week!  That also meant it was a long, quiet week for those of us waiting for news about our adoptions.  I’m so close to the end of this long process and my waits have been relatively short compared to some others so I shouldn’t complain, but there are still two big steps left for me.  The first of those two steps happened yesterday because Monday was President’s Day and the US Consulate in China was closed.  Now I just wait for China to issue my Travel Approval which means pretty much what it sounds like—China will say yes, I can come get my boy!  That can take anywhere from 7-10 days, although just before the holiday some people were getting Travel Approval in 3 days while others waited over 20 days.  Pray for a shorter wait for me so I can start making travel arrangements.  I already have a pretty good idea when I’ll be travelling, but can’t book flights until I know for sure and rates are pretty good right now.

Although I mentioned in an earlier post that I can't share a picture...I'm going to leave this here. :)

Happy New Year! (and exciting news)

About a month ago, my caseworker mentioned a child that was on their webpage, but when I looked at his picture and read about his needs, I just didn’t feel he was my son.  A few weeks ago, I saw some updated pictures and learned there was updated information in his file.  He kept popping up in different places and I finally decided that I should look at his file.  Watching the videos, seeing the new pictures and reading the medical information convinced me that I really needed to consider this child.  I had a doctor review the file and give me an idea of what he would need if I were to bring him home.  I couldn’t stop thinking about this little boy and finally realized that it was time to say “yes”.  I am working on the paperwork to bring him home and I should be travelling to China sometime in March!

Unfortunately, I can’t share his picture, but I can tell you he turned 2 in November and he’s absolutely adorable!  I’ll spend the next few months working on more paperwork and making plans for doctor visits once he’s home.  I will also be preparing his big brother for some really big changes that he won’t completely understand until there’s actually another little boy in the house all the time.

I think 2016 is going to be a great year for us!