Tuesday, January 29, 2008
IT IS FINALLY HERE! the 1-600!
Attached please find the Acknowledgment of receipt of your I-600
application.
Kindly forward to us the email that (your adoption agency) enclosed the child's photo
when they referred this child to you.
Regards,
Adoption Unit
U.S.CIS-Ho Chi Minh City
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Inta-celeb-status and paperwork trauma, oh my
So, I became an instant celebrity (by accident) at the nail salon I go to in town today. My on-again-off-again BFF and I were having a mani/pedi (as my usual date is at home nursing a new BEAUTIFUL baby!!) at the place I always go, and I became an INSTANT celebrity at the salon today. I knew the owner and the other girls that worked there were Vietnamese, but I have NEVER said any thing directly about the adoption when I'm there b/c I never know how people are going to take it, and well, I just don't go telling everyone about it (honestly!!). But today I totally slipped up. Laz and I were talking about her upcoming move and I happen to mention that I would be in Vietnam (theoretically) while she is moving so I couldn't be counted on to help. As soon as I mentioned Vietnam the entire salon went silent, then the owner totally comes over and taps me on the should and starts asking me ALL KINDS of questions like "You go to Vietnam?" "Why you go to Vietnam?" "When you go to Vietnam?"... I explained I was adopting a little boy from Vietnam, etc. etc. I just happened to have a bunch of pictures with me - in my handbag (I had his 4, 5, and 6, month old pictures with me), and when I pointed to them, the owner pulled them out and started showing them off - it was like Minh was his kid! He was so pleased and kept saying how wonderful it was. EVERYONE (all the nail techs) wanted to see the pictures and they started passing them around, and cooing, and asking questions. They kept saying how cute he was (well, duh!), how chubby he was (oh, yeah! he is!!), and remember the bracelet? They were all like "if he's a boy, why does he have a bracelet on?" ? Why indeed? Anyway, they had ALL KINDS of questions that I tried to answer in a correct and honest way w/out giving too much info, you know what I mean? Anyway, it was mildly embarrassing, but also really positive. Go figure.
Now, on to post #2: I came home from shopping -after buying my FIRST REAL suit, Jenny Ann where are you when I need you? - anyway, I had a package in the mail box. Minh's dossier! I was really excited until I opened it up. It was really sad. It had stuff in it like "Abandonment Report" and his official birth report (those of you in-the-know know the story. NOT very pleasant). Anyway, the paperwork is all about how my son has no family/when he went into the orphanage/which and what wing of the hospital he was born in/on... anyway, it was hard to read. I've packed it back up and am putting it away for a LONG time... Oh, but a brief follow-up, Tod, and Phil, and I went to see Juno last night. It was so cute!! We laughed, we cried, it became a pat of us... what a great movie!
Oh, one last thing I am meeting with the entire Arnold Palmer GOLF COURSE DESIGN TEAM next week!! (Oh, yeah, THAT A. Palmer). Me!!! I'm in charge of showing them what I'm planning for the course I'm working on with them here at State. Up to this point, my boss-man has been doing all the meetings, but now we have to get into the nitty-gritty and I AM IN CHARGE of that part! So, I've been working like mad to get a portfolio together to show them, and doing a TON of research. And, I also had to buy a suit, of course. So, I am now ready! The only thing I DON'T get to do is go play golf with Arnold (the other 2 guys I I work with ARE playing golf with Arnold, but since I don't actually PLAY golf, I wasn't invited). Anyway, I'm uber excited and very pleased to be able to wear my very first REAL suit to a REAL business meeting (with very important people on a very important project!!).
Anyway, see the picture below ? That's my golf course!!! Ok, so, it's not much yet, but it's MINE!!
(click on picture for a BIGGER version)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
so what does that mean, exactly?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Can you stand some GOOD NEWS?
Good news! We received Minh's paperwork from our staff in HCMC today. I will put it together and send a copy to you by the end of the week. It will also be sent, by our staff in VN, to CIS in HCMC by early next week. I will let you know exactly when this is sent.
This means that, beginning next week or so, start checking your email (all
addresses) inbox and junk mail box for a letter from CIS acknowledging their receipt of your I600 paperwork. Once you receive this, please forward a copy to me (CIS doesn't always cc me on it). Your receipt of this letter will mean that CIS has your file and has begun their process of issuing pre-approval. They have assured us that this process will take no more than 60 days, after which you can soon board a plane for VN!
WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Headin' south
I may post some misc. stuff before then. I have been working on Minh's nursery. I have a crib, bedding, etc. I even took a picture or two. I've just been too lazy to post them.
Anyway, don't be a stranger!!
Oh, and you know what?? I'm doing GREAT. Just in case anyone out there is wondering. I'm trying to stay positive, throw myself into my work, and have some fun, and you know what? I'm doin' it, and I'm lovin' it!! Oh yeah!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
China - the dirty word
The CCAA received fewer than 300 dossiers from all over the world in December 2007, the fewest in the past ten years. The CCAA also closed over 100 files upon request of waiting families. (This means that families -waiting like us -have pulled out of China)
Ok, well, I do hope to have some good news SOON, so don't TOTALLY give up on me. But it does kinda get old saying the same damn thing over and over.
nope, no news.
No, haven't heard anything.
Yes, he's getting older. No I can't JUST GO AND PICK HIM UP.
No, we haven't heard anything yet.
Yes, I'm tired of waiting.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Have I lost you yet??
Thursday, January 10, 2008
FINALLY, some good F*cking news
families waiting to travel. The approvals are still trickling out, but the
new process seems to be taking hold. Not enough US families have completed
the new I600 process for us to estimate CIS's time frame. Those that have
been approved have been within the 60 day maximum set by CIS. This is all
good news!
We're happy to report that we have a family currently in Vietnam completing
their adoption! Based on their experience, it appears that with the new I600
process the time in country will be approximately 10 days.
Thanks Kelly!!
big big hugs, and THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!! ~N.
Sunshine and sand
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
lame
I'm working a lot, playing a little, and sleeping when I can. My goal for this January and February is to finish Minh's room, and stay active. I've got social events planned weeks in advance, and I am also going to try to remain positive...mostly.
As for me, well, I'm excited about a work trip I leave for tomorrow. The outer banks!! Almost as good as a paid vacation!! I'll be schlepping around a few golf courses for research purposes, and spending the rest of the time relaxing at the beach. Rough, huh?? I'll be back on Friday, but likely won't post anything... although I do have my camera with me and might snap some pix. We shall see.