Fire Station Tour

Monday we had a tour of the Green fire station- which Rachel did not enjoy very much. Then we went swimming even though I had a sore throat. By Tuesday I was miserable and we missed our Tuesday play group. We are still having a fun summer vacation!

Kittens!

A stray cat had kittens in our (weeds) backyard. They are very cute- there are four kittens and a mama cat. They won't let us get close at all. We felt bad for mama cat and put some food and water out.

Strawberry picking and a covered bridge

Today was the first official day of summer vacation. We went strawberry picking at Greenfield Berry Farm (it was a nice cloudy day). And later we went through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to see the Everett Covered Bridge.

Then it looked like rain so we stopped at home to have a picnic in the front yard.

Last Day of School!

School is out for summer! The year just seemed to fly by. Rachel cried on the first day because she didn't want to go to school. And she cried on the last day because she didn't want to leave!

first day (wth teacher):

last day (with teacher):

Trip to the Zoo

We went to the zoo over the weekend and the weather was great and it was not crowded at all. Rachel loves to play in the zoo keeper's "kitchen". Here's a photo from the butterfly garden.
Hopefully we will have time to do lots of fun stuff this summer as school is almost out!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you have a Happy Mother's Day! (artwork by Rachel)

bye, bye kitty...

We had to have our family cat put to sleep today. She was 18+ years old and lived a great life. She just took a turn for the worse about 2 weeks ago and went downhill fast. It was very sad for me.

Not Strep Throat

Rachel wasn't feeling too good this week, but she does not have strep throat. She is, however, facinated with all things "doctor". She got to have her throat swabbed- which she didn't like very much. Here she is with her doctor kit.

Post-Easter, Easter Egg Hunt

We had a day-after-Easter, Easter egg hunt in the park today with our playgroup. Boy was it cold! I am not hiding all the candy as we are all "candied" out!

Rachel got an apron for Easter since she like to help me bake muffins. Here she is hamming it up- I think it looks like she is playing "air guitar".

Happy Easter week!

It's almost Easter- we got Easter pictures taken- doesn't she look grown up? (such attitude already!) Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter.

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Charles Wesley

The bean plant is growing

Our bean plant in a cup is growing on my kitchen window sill.

WFMW

Check out my other blog today!

Trip to the Zoo

Our first trip to the Zoo of the season. Rachel really liked the rock wall in the Jelly Fish area and the animal feeding play area by the lions. It turned out to be such a nice day with our play group.

Our bean plant

We planted some bean seeds in a cup to see what would grow- they have sprouted on the window ledge.

Trip to Splash Lagoon

We went on a mini-vacation to Splash Lagoon so Rachel could go swimming. She liked the little pool and the "deep" pool (to her). She also enjoyed the lazy river tubes.

Playdate at the Y

Rachel & I got to go to a playdate at the YMCA today. There was an open gym with lots of fun stuff to do. Rachel liked the trampoline and the round "donut".

Create Music Photo Videos on Animoto

Check on my other blog for info on Animoto.

Napping

The afternoon nap has been kind of hit or miss now. I think she still really needs a nap or she can be very grumpy in the evening. She hates waking up though once she is all warm in cozy in bed! (OK- mom still really needs the nap!)

Happy Valentine's Day

Rachel had a Valentine's party at school- she had a lot of fun eating candy and playing games. She was surprised to see me at school!

Winter 2009

Nothing says winter like playing in the snow and having a indoors tea party! We went outside after that huge snowstorm and later tea was served to Daddy and the stuffed animals.

Snow Day

Ugh- we a got about a foot of snow on Wednesday and needless to say school was cancelled and just about everything else was closed. Rachel and I stayed home and "played school". She enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. Mommy was glad school was in session today. Here is Rachel "sewing" with yarn on a mesh produce bag.

Chinese New Year

We celebrated Chinese New Year by going out to eat at the Chinese Buffet and we had cake on Sunday to celebrate Rachel's Gotcha Day anniversary.

Gotcha Day!

Today January 25 is the 2 year anniversary of bringing our daughter home for the first time. It was cold, just like today. Here are some before (age 17 months) and after pictures (age 3 1/2).

Artwork

In the fall, I was getting overwhelmed with preschool artwork- because I hate to throw anything away! So I made this great Snapfish photobook with all of Rachel's fall artwork from school. I just took a digital picture of each of her little masterpieces.

Cute things my kiddo says...

Cute things Rachel says- like she uses the wrong word for something but it's cute.

Raindrop- instead of gumdrop.

Ribbons- instead of ribs.

"Stick bone" for skeleton.

"Dee-doe" for video.

Happy New Year!

As much as the presents and the toys were fun, I think Rachel enjoyed visiting everyone most of all. Here she is on a play date with her friend Alex at Pump It Up.

Merry Christmas!

Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come!

Last day of school until January

Rachel had her last day of school until January. She has really liked school so far. She had a student teacher for a semester- and all the kids really liked her. She came to visit them for their little party- they wore pajamas to school and decorated cookies.

Thanksgiving

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway

Thanksgiving comes again!

Halloween

Rachel loved Trick or Treat this year. After we went to a few houses and she realized she was getting candy, she kept saying "A couple more" (houses). Thursday she had a party at school and we also went to Boo at the Zoo. She dressed up like a princess. Friday for Trick or Treat she was a ladybug.

Fall Leaves

Fall, leaves, fall
Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me. Fluttering from the autumn tree. I shall smile when wreaths of snow. Blossom where the rose should grow; I shall sing when night's decay. Ushers in a drearier day.
Emily Jane Brontë

Fingerpainting!

Rachel's pre-school treacher emailed me a photo of Rachel fingerpainting with red paint. It was her first time fingerpainting and I'm not sure what she thought- she usually does like to get her hands dirty!

First Day of Preschool

Today was Rachel's 3rd birthday and it was also the first day of school! She goes to 3 year old Preschool. Her teacher this year is Mrs. Pauley. She cried quite a bit when I dropped her off- it made me feel bad to leave her. But she did ok. I hope she likes it after she gets used to going.

Rachel's 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated Rachel's 3rd birthday with a party today at Oak Park. She wanted to have a princess theme. She got a lot of nice presents. The we went to another birthday party later- she had a good time!

Picking Blueberries

This morning we went to Hillside Orchard in Hinckley to pick blueberries. We picked 2 pounds of blueberries- after Rachel ate a few! Then we stopped for a picnic lunch.

Cleveland Children's Museum

We took Rachel to the Cleveland Children's Museum. She had a really great time as all of the exhibits are geared towards little kids. She really liked "being on TV" giving the weather report!

Swimming

Rachel loves to go swimming. She takes swimming lessons at the Y. We took her to Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky for a couple days "mini vacation".

school, maybe?

We registered Rachel for preschool in the fall. We actually have 2 options- a private church-based preschool or the public school system developmental preschool. She has to get tested in May. I'm not sure how the timing of it is all going to work out.

So Sweet

Rachel has been so excited when daddy comes home in the evening- she shouts "Daddy's home". Every night we tell her "I love you" when it's time for bed. Yesterday morning when daddy was heading out the door for work she shouted "I love you Daddy"- so sweet!

Freebies

Who doesn't love freebies! Great Harvest Bread Company offers a free slice of fresh, warm, homemade bread when you visit their store- yummy! They also have really good pepperoni rolls!

Get a free baby cone for kids 2 and under at Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt- my favorite ice cream place. There are also some coupons on their website.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is hubby's birthday. Happy birthday sweetie from me and Rachel!



Rachel eating a cupcake- she loved the frosting!

YMCA

The YMCA is a wonderful place to take a class with your child. There are many classes for toddlers ranging from swimming to gymnastics in the $30-$35 range. We have taken shrimp swimming, little tumblers gymnastics and signed up for Kinder-rhythm. Classes are parent with child together.



We are lucky to have a couple different Y branches and some are nicer than others. You can check online for your local YMCA location.

Berean Christian Store

Children's story time on Fridays at Berean Christian store in Copley. Check their website for a location near you. Story time and a free book.

Library Storytime

Another great weekly outing is library story time. Our library has several sessions by age group. The two-year-old class is only 20 minutes. They sing some songs and hear a few stories. My daughter really looks forward to it every week.

At another nearby library they have something called "Born To Play" . They set up a room from 1pm-4pm with different developmental toys- it is open to kids from 6 months to 4 yrs.

The library is also a great place to "rent" free DVDs!

McDonald's

A McDonald's with a play area is another toodler fun idea- but beware! I have found these often to be very dirty. You best bet is a newer store. Speaking of McDonald's they are having a promotion Thursday 2/28 and Friday 2/29. Get a free McSkillet Burrito with the purchase of a medium or large drink.



I want to give a shout out to Moneysavingmom.com for the heads up!

Things to do with a Toddler

Since I have an active 2 1/2 year old, I am always on the lookout for fun things to do- especially if they are FREE! I will try to highlight some of the kid-friendly places I have found in our area. Hope you enjoy!



We just had a Chick-fil-a restaurant open in our area. It is a very nice fast-food restaurant with good quality food. Maybe a little pricey. The new store in our area has a wonderful kids play area that is very clean. My 2 1/2 year old daughter enjoyed it very much- we couldn't get her to leave!

Gotch Day one year later

Happy Gotcha Day!

Today is the one year anniversary of the day we got our daughter Rachel. It's hard to believe the time has gone by so quickly! She is now 2 1/2 years old and quite a handful! We had cake and balloons to celebrate. Rachel got to blow out the candle.

Bedtime is hard!

I finally got her to bed- bed time is such a big struggle. She screams whenever I try to put her down or lay her down anywhere. I was sobbing myself last night. This is so hard! She did let us put her in the bath tonight along with Daddy. She is eating great and will drink watered-down juice from a sippy cup. The bottle is not that popular. She has quite a temper and is stubborn when she wants her way. She is walking- but not that steady- and she falls down a lot. Doesn't seem to phase her at all. She tries to follow the cats around- pretty funny. We have a Dr's appt tomorrow- our first trip out of the house.

Ga-ga and more

Whenever Rachel sees Cheerios- it's "ga-ga" or "ka-ga"- I guess that's Korean for a snack or sweet. She's pretty funny- she loves Cheerios and loves to feed them to Daddy!


On other news, we are so exhausted! Rachel would not sleep at all last night- she just kept screaming unless I was rocking her or holding her and walking with her. She finally had a BM- hard as rocks- poor thing! This morning she drank her whole bottle finally. She will not take our formula straight, so I've been mixing half and half with the Korean formula- but it's the diarrhea formula- so I'm sure that's making her constipated. She eats regular food pretty good especially bread.


So far the biggest lifesaver- besides Cheerios- is the Korean Lullaby CD I ordered. She is very soothed by that. She is much bigger and heavier than I was expecting- already wearing some 24 mo clothes.

Day 2

Here is more on our Gotcha Day. We drove up the night before and stayed in a hotel near the airport. The weather was very cold. My parents as sister also came with us. We went to Fridays for dinner and had really bad service then we went to the mall just to walk around and got lost on the way back. We checked on her flight a few times from the room- we had internet. We went to the airport the next morning with my mom & dad & sister. Lee's sister and mom met us there. The wait was SO LONG! I didn't want to talk to anyone. We did talk to the other families a little- there were 5 babies on the flight. The plane finally landed ( a little early) and Anita called her husband from the plane so we knew they landed. She said Rachel was wearing orange. We were standing by the metal railing for a long time. Finally someone from Northwest told us it would be a little while longer. As soon as I turned around they were coming out of the frosted glass doors! It was like I got tunnel vision all of the sudden. Rachel was in an umbrella stroller with Dr. Kempf wheeling her out. She was wearing an orange plaid fleece outfit. She was holding the little doll we sent her. Everyone was taking pictures like crazy. We went over and said hi- she didn't seem afraid at all. We showed her the doll we brought her and she let me pick her up. She was SO HEAVY! She did great- didn't cry at all. I held her for awhile and then Lee held her. I didn't want to talk to anyone- just look at her. She had cute pink shoes on. She walked a little and then we tried to put her coat on- it was too small! We carried her out to the van- it was so cold! She didn't like the car seat but it was ok for awhile and then she fell asleep. About half way home she started really crying so we stopped to change her and got Burger King- she had her first french fries. She liked them alot. We finally got home. She didn't want to drink her bottle. We put her in pajamas and she played for a little while and then she did go to sleep in her crib around 10pm. She slept until around 3AM and woke up screaming. I tried to rock her for a long time and finally took her into bed with me. She slept from 5AM until 10AM this morning with me. Today she is very clingy- she just wants to be held and carried around all the time. She will not let us sit down with her- we have to be up and walking. She does not want to drink her bottle hardly at all. She did take a few sips of water from a cup. She has not had a BM yet. She screams and thrashes around when we change her diaper. I can barely wipe her face off- let alone give her a bath or even a sponge bath.

She's Home!

Today is Gotcha Day!

Rachel So Young is home! She arrived at the Detroit airport today. What an amazing day! Rachel did so great! And it was so nice to be with Raina and the other families at the airport. Rachel did so great at the airport- she went right to me. I don't remember a word Dr. Kempf told me. She is such a daddy's girl right from the start. She just loves him. She hated the car seat- but she settled in and slept a little in the car. Then she woke up and screamed and I had to hold her. We stopped and got Burger King french fries- that was a big hit! When we got home she was full of energy. She played for a long time. Ate a little bit, wouldn't take her bottle and fell asleep. She is in her crib right now! Cheerios are a big hit too! She keeps asking for "ga-ga" I think that means snack. We got her little doll back we sent her and she's had it with her all night. She is such a big girl- her size 18 month clothes are almost too small. Going to catch some sleep while I can.

Last Day

Today is my last day at work for awhile. My old boss is driving me crazy because she is panicking. Just now she asked me if she could call me at home if she needed something. I said I guess if it's an emergency. Good thing I have caller ID! Just talked to Renee at FAC. She got an email from Karen in Korea and the trip is going well and everything is fine. I found out the greeter for the 1/25 flight to Detroit is Michelle Para from the Utica office.

Video

Please check out this cool video Lee made of Rachel's photos (you may have to copy and paste into your browser).

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=22177013e186e762712e7d833c4d3988.1699163

Travel Call!!!

Finally today after 10 months of waiting we got our travel call! Rachel is coming home Thursday January 25 to Detroit and her escorts are Karen Ristow and Dr. Ellen Kempf!

Any Day Now...

Our Social Worker called last night and said we should get the travel call any day now. The passports are issued and they are waiting on Visa stamps. She said Rachel should be home within 2 weeks! She also said we would be happy with the travel arrangements- but she couldn't say what. She said not to have too many expectations about how Rachel will be when she comes home- she will probably be very tired and may regress some. Not long now...

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Grant

We were very surprised today to find out we got an adoption grant from Operation Starfish. We originally applied in the summer, but at that time they didn't have any money to give out. Then some people made donations on our behalf. Today we got a check in the mail and it is such good timing since we had that plumbing problem. Such a blessing!

Happy New Year 2007!

Well, here it is- Janaury! Rachel should be home this month. After all the waiting I am nervous and I don't feel ready- but I suppose you never are ready. We got an email from her foster mom Mrs Lee. She writes "I hear maybe So-Young adoption in January." We think this means they told her she is coming home in January to start her new life is the USA. How sad for the foster family- she's lived with them for 10 months. Hopefully we can keep in touch. Waiting for the phone to ring...

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Merry Christmas

We got an update in December with pictures. Rachel was 14 months old. This should be our last update. Next we get to meet her in person. She is 16 months old now and I'm sure she is full of energy. Not sure we are prepared for that! Our SW said we should hear something by mid-January. After all the waiting now I don't feel like we are ready!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Blessings

We got a call and a letter from our agency. They now know the Korean gov't is not giving out any more passports for 2006. Now we expect Rachel home in January. It's what I thought in the back of my mind but it is still hard. She's getting so much older and we don't even know her. The time is going by rather quickly though. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas. Time to start working on really getting ready for her.

We got two unexpected checks in the mail this week. We feel that God is blessing us through this adoption.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19

November

I can't believe a year has gone by. Last November we were working on paperwork and getting our fingerprints done. We never thought we would still be waiting at this point. Our dear little girl is still not home. Our agency said we could send a letter to her foster mom in Korea, so I delivered a Thanksgiving card and some photos today. I realize that Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. They actually celebrate a type of "thanksgiving" holiday in Korea called Chuseok, also known as the Harvest Moon Festival.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

What's in a Name?

Way back when we got our referral- we decided on the name "Rachel". We also decided on the middle name "Lee". Rachel's Korean name is "Lee, So Young". "Lee" is her birthmother's last name. So we decided to keep it as her middle name. No we have decided to keep all of her Korean name as her middle name. So her official name is going to be "Rachel Lee So-Young ___". Kind of a mouthful but I think it's important since she is going to be so much older than we thought. The name "So-Young" is all she knows.

...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land... 2 Chron 7:14

Latest Update

We were able to get the MRI films from Korea and have a doctor here look at them. The doctor here agrees there are some abnormalities. But what that means for her future we do not know. It is likely she will have developmental delays. Her pictures look good and we got a video that looks good. So it's hard to believe that she might have "special needs". We had to have a meeting with our agency and it seems like they're trying to talk us out of this. We feel more committed to her than ever actually. We've been waiting 7 months for her to come home. There is a slight chance she could get consideration to come home in December. If not we are now probably looking at January. There were nuclear tests done in North Korea yesterday. That worries me and make it seem even more urgent that she comes home now. She's 13 months old. I feel like I've missed so much.

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Prov 21:1

Tol

Our social worker called Aug 22 to say that Rachel had a few tests done in Korea but their not sure why. After having two doctors look at the results we have decided to ask for more tests to be run. I have gone from thinking something is terribly wrong to thinking nothing is wrong. Last Sunday Rachel also celebrated her 1st bithday which is called "Tol" in Korea. They have a special ceremony called a "toljabe" which her foster family had for her and they dressed her in the traditional "hanbok". At least she will always have that.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. IS 40:31

Not home yet

Last Friday, Renee called and said most likely Rachel won't be home until the end of December. That's what they've said all along, but we had gotten our hopes up because things were moving right along and even a March referral came home in July. It just seems so unfair. Our baby girl needs to come home now. KSS has decided to give remaining passports to special needs kids first. We have been waiting for her so long.

When I wander through the desert
And I'm longing for my home
All my dreams have gone astray
When I'm stranded in the valley
And I'm tired and all alone
It seems like I've lost my way

I go running to Your mountain
Where your mercy sets me free

(Chorus)
You are my strong tower
Shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty
Everlasting King
You are my strong tower
Fortress when I'm weak
Your name is true and holy
And Your face is all I seek

In the middle of my darkness
In the midst of all my fear
You're my refuge and my hope
When the storm of life is raging
And the thunder's all I hear
You speak softly to my soul

Strong Tower- Kutless

a shower

My friends Lisa, Valerie and Terri gave me a baby shower Sunday 8/13. It was really nice and Rachel got a lot of cute outfits. It's weird though because we haven't even met her! I just want her home! more later...

Email

Got a suprise email today from Rachel's foster mom in Korea. She writes:

I send some So-young's photos
she has 6 teeth and she can speak "umma" ("umma" means mom)
She is crawl about all fours
She likes cookie, banana and cheese
She is very cute baby
so, my famiy and I love her
I'll send you too some photos next time
God bless you~~!!

Such a nice surprise! She also sent some pictures attached- she looks so cute!

11 months

Rachel's 11 month birthday was 7/27/06. We want her home now. But I think I can hold on a little longer. She turns one year old this month. It will be sad without her. We bought a new (to us) minivan. Now I'm feeling a little nervous about spending money. I found a bible verse on another site that is very fitting for a Korean adoption...

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5

Update!

We got a new update and pictures in the mail on Wednesday. It is from 6/30/06. Rachel is now 10 months old and 20 1/2 lbs. She has 6 teeth and likes bananas!
We heard about some babies coming home this month so we think we're getting close. My friend Valerie helped me paint her room this week yellow and green.

Happy Independence Day!

Rachel turned 10 months old on June 27. I wonder what she looks like now, what she can do, and how big she is. She also missed her first 4th of July in the U.S. I hope we get another update soon. I really need to see some more pictures! Her first birthday will be sad if she is not home, but she will get a Korean Tol ceremony with her Foster Family.

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day this weekend. I got DH a one-time use digital video recorded that we can use when Rachel comes home to capture the moment. I am starting to think she may be home sooner than we think. We found out there are only about 18 babies ahead of us. So maybe September if everything keeps moving along.

The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. Proverbs 23:24

Visa Approval

We got a letter in the mail today that our I-600 was approved. The approval form is called an I-171. The petition now goes to the U.S. Consulate in Seoul Korea. Now we wait for a passport. My guess is since we got our referral in March- the whole thing should take about 6 months- so we hope Rachel will be home by October.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Eccl. 3:1

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day and got some nice gifts (surprise!). We have sent off a care package to our agency that should arrive in Korea next week. Hard to decide what to put in one ziplock bag- but we sent a little doll, toy keys, 2 disposable cameras, a pink "hoodie" and some lotion for the foster mom. We have now decided on a name- and we kind of had this name picked out all along- we are naming her "Rachel".

Update!

We got a surprise update today! Our little girl is doing great. She is now 8 months old and living with a foster family. We got a lot of pictures and she looks so different- still not a lot of hair though! Her update says she is very alert and responsive and looks very healthy. She can sit up (kind of wobbly) and roll over from side to side. She is getting up on her knees like she wants to crawl. She likes to bang toys on the floor and makes faces. She was described as easy-going. She weighs 20 lbs.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Psalm 84:10

Happy Easter

Easter this year was kind of bittersweet because our little girl was not here with us. So Young celebrated her 7 month birthday in Korea on March 27. We were pleased to discover that she was sent to live with a foster family on March 16- the day after we received her referral. We just found out this news- so we are learning news travels slowly. We don't know which foster mother she is with at this time. Hopefully we will be getting an update this month or next month. As soon as we find out where she is, we are going to send a little care package.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6

It's a Girl!!!

Well to our great surprise we found out we have a little girl!

Her name is So Young Lee and she was born 8/27/05. We got some pictures and info about her at 6 weeks and 5 months old. Right now she is 6 1/2 months old. She is still living at the KSS orphanage as far as we know. She looks very chubby!

We have been calling family this weekend to make the announcement.

Surprise!

Wednesday March 15, 2005

Our SW called at 7:20 am and said she had some news and wanted to meet with us after work. We set up a 6:30pm appointment for Renee & Pat to meet at our house. Pat got here first but she didn't know anything. Renee arrived a few minutes later with a large envelope. She said do you want the information first or to see the picture first? We said information first. She said she had the information on our referral in the envelope and the big surprise was...

(to be continued) :-)

Approved

We finally got our homestudy approval letter. We are officially approved as of 2/24/06 and we are now officially waiting for a referral. And we got a bill for $3000. I think the referral should come any day now. There have been a few given out already.

A Decision To Make

Our SW called us last Friday and said that passports are still coming through slowly and it's taking a long time to get caught up from last year. We were given the choice to take a referral now, or wait until summer when things may be more caught up. If we take a referral now, the child will probably not be able to travel until the end of the year. She said it would be the last group to come home in 2006. If we wait for a summer referral, they will probably travel in the first quarter of 2007. The only other hitch is the babies now are a little older than we were expecting- so we are probably going to be bringing home a 16 month old instead of a 12 month old. I think we are going to go ahead and get the referral now. We can send a care package to Korea now and we will get pictures and a couple updates probably.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Cor 9:24

Happy Valentine's Day

(Well, a day late)

There were finally some travel calls for February. 10 more babies got passports to come home this month. It looks like FAC is caught up to the October referrals. So hopefully there will be some more news in March.

A special Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetie.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:14

Slow Down

First the good news. We finished our homestudy last night. We don't have the official approval letter but we are basically approved by the state to be adoptive parents.

But we just learned last night that there has been a hold placed on Korean referrals. In January we were told that a referral would come very soon and we could have a baby placed in by summer. There are still many babies waiting to come home from 2005 because the Korean government stopped issuing passports early in the year. Now they are trying to get the waiting 2005 babies caught up and home. That means they are using up 2006 passports. Until this situation can be resolved, they don't want to put any more babies in the waiting line. So we are put on hold. There is really no way to know when things will open up again. I hope it doesn't last too long and we can get a referral soon.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:14

Travel Calls Start

What a great day! Three FAC families got the first travel calls of the New Year. Their babies are coming home January 18. We have our next two homestudy (individual) interviews next week also.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Mt. 6:33

Happy New Year

We had our first homestudy visit on January 4. We actually met with two social workers because one is in training. They are both very nice! We have three videos to watch and a big stack of articles to read. We also have to start working on making our home baby safe. We will have about three more meetings I think. So far, so good.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2

Homestudy

We have a Social Worker- her name is Renee. Our first visit is January 4, 2006 at our house. A little nervous about what questions she will ask. But apparently all our paperwork was acceptable.

Merry Christmas

A little glitch with our formal application as they changed the fee the day before I dropped it off at the agency, but we sent in a new check and we have been assigned to a social worker. Kind of exciting!

We sent out letters with our Christmas cards this year telling everyone about the adoption, so now everyone should know about our plans. We are trying to have a low-key Christmas this year and since we are trying to save money.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV)

We're In

I just got back from delivering our formal application packet to the FAC Ohio office. Plus our check for the adoption study fee. Now we wait to be assigned to a Social Worker who will complete our home study. We sent in our preliminary application on 9/2/05 and our formal application 12/2/05- it took me 3 months to finish it!

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Formal Application

We are ready to turn in our Formal Application to FAC tomorrow December 2. We had our appointment to be fingerprinted at the Cleveland USCIS on 11/17/05.

Here is a list of what's included in our formal application
(a.k.a. the paperchase)

FAC Formal Application (yellow)
ODJFS 1691 Application for Adoptive Placement
Check for adoption study fee
Schedule of fees
Checklist of topics for discussion
Ohio BCI fingerprint clearance
Employer reference letters
Five personal reference letters
ODJFS 1653 Physician Medical Reports
Release of information form
Autobiographies
ODJFS 1681 Financial Statement & copy of 2004 US1040
Affidavit of Health Insurance Coverage
Verification of Child Abuse Clearance
Photocopy of I-600A & G-28 forms sent to USCIS
Photocopy of marriage certificate
Photocopy of birth certificates
Photos of couple and home
Adoption Training Requirements
ODHS 1200 Fire Inspection Report
Animal Vaccination records

whew! the end!

Day by day

Two more adoption classes done:
Medical Issues in International Adoption and a
Panel Discussion with Adoptees, Adoptive Mother & Birth Mother

Child Abuse Clearance form mailed to Ohio Dept of Job & Family Services
(notarized)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Cor 15:58

More paperwork done

Here's another update on what we have finished for our formal application.
I think we are almost ready to turn it in, other than we have not written our autobiographies yet.

Fingerprint appointment received for 11/17/05
All 5 reference letters received
4 more hours adoption classes (Creating a meaningful lifebook for your child & Encouraging attachment for your child)

We went to the Chapel Adoptive Parent support group this month and saw a video called "First Person Plural." It is a documentary made by an adult woman that was adopted from Korea as a child.

We have also talked about some names- Rachel if it's a girl and Daniel if it's a boy!

Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yoursevles for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5

So far...

Wow, I guess I'm not too good at keeping this up to date. Here's what we have done so far for our formal application:

Sent fee for preliminary application
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Passports
Employment letters
Health insurance affidavit
Medical forms
Fire Marshal inspection
Cat vaccinations
BCI Webcheck fingerprints
Child/infant CPR class
4 hrs adoption classes
(Core issues affecting the family of adoption & Helping your family become multicultural)
Sent in I-600A form to CIS
Sent out requests for 5 reference letters

The Lord does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. I Samuel 16:7

Timeline

9/2/05 we applied to new agency FAC.
9/12/05 we received the formal application packet.
Now I have to get all our paperwork together. We could have a baby from Korea by next spring or summer!

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

The switch

We decided to switch agencies due to some problems we were having with AGCI. I have nothing really negative to say about them, but we switched. We are now with Family Adoption Consultants (FAC). They have programs in Korea, China, Guatemala and the Philippines. We will probably apply for Korea or China.

Paperchase

We went to church this past week and Jody Bowser (former youth pastor) and his family were there. They just adopted a little girl- Jamae- from China in December. Here is a link to their website http://homepage.mac.com/bowserfam7/Events2.html (some of the picture links don't seem to work).

The paperchase has begun in earnest. We obtained our passport a couple months ago. I sent for copies of our certified birth certificates from the state- mine have come back already. I also sent for certified copies of our marriage certificate but I didn't know I had to ask for the judge to sign them (not the clerk). So I had to request them a 2nd time- they are back already as well.

Today we finished our Fire Marshal inspection and another form signed. We also had to prepare a home evacuation plan (map).

We had our 1st medical exam and blood work is completed. We have to go back for a 2nd appointment to have the form signed and notarized.

I was able to get my letter of employment from HR and we have a notary at work.

I am carrying around a bag full of our paperwork which is probably a bad idea in case it gets lost. But I feel like I need to have it with me all the time in case I need it. Our SW should be back in the country on Monday- she is in Kazakhstan.

We still have to sign the contract and send in the money to AGCI. Tiffany called me again last night. I feel like we are still dragging our feet. I want to have someone look at our contract before we sign it and it has to be notarized. I am worried about the application too.

As soon as we decide we also have to apply to the US CIS (formerly know as the INS) and we have to get fingerprinted for the FBI.

I think I am feeling very good about China right now. The situation with Russian adoptions seems to be getting worse. If we start the process right now I could probably have our dossier completed by October or November. Then on to AGCI to be checked out and translated. Then on to China. If we are logged in by Decemeber- we should have a referral by next July and travel by September.

This Is It

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Ps 68:5-6

January 15, 2005
We went to an informational seminar on international adoption at EAC. We were intrigued by the couple that just brought home twins from Russia- a boy and a girl! But we didn't like EAC much. I took the information home and started doing some research on the internet. But nothing happened.

April 16, 2005
Went to the Steven Curtis Chapman "All Things New" concert. The whole thing was about adoption. They have adopted 3 little girls from China. His websites http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/
http://www.shaohannahshope.org/


June 2, 2005
We found out some friends that adopted before were going to adopt again from China. I checked out another agency AGCI. We went to another informational seminar. We liked this agency a lot better. We talked to a couple that just brought home a little girl from Guatemala. Our friends are using a different agency.

July 4, 2005
I am sick with the flu but we decide to tell our families we are thinking about adopting an orphan from another country and that it will be very expensive. They are surprised and happy. I went back to bed for 2 days.

July 12, 2005
We can't decide on a country. I've just finished the book "Lost Daughters of China". I want a little girl from China. We even have a name picked out- Rachel. DH is not so sure. I convince him to apply anyway. I called the agency today and paid the $195 application fee. I say "China" when they ask me what country but I'm not sure. We can always change it. We're still not totally committed until we sign the contact and pay the agency fee.