We got LOA on April 29th, and were ecstatic! I can't believe I didn't write about it at the time, because we were so excited after the paperwork snafu that delayed us a week or two. They ended up accepting the additional medical reports we sent, and gave us the Letter of Acceptance. Yes, another one. I feel like all along the process there are so many damn approvals and acceptances, it is just ridiculous. But we not longer have any anxiety that we are going to get a "no". It's more like what speed bump will we hit next? I'm going to give a run down of the dates quick, and what's left. The red is what we already have:
As a quick reference here is the Timeline Overview from LOA to Travel:
LOA - April 29th
1-800 Provisional Approval - May 20th
NVC Notification - May 28th
NVC Notification to Article 5
Article 5 to Travel Approval (TA)
TA to Travel Departure
TA to Consulate Appointment (CA) 6 weeks (August 10th - home around the 12?)
Time in China to complete adoption process 2 weeks
As I am mapping it all out (for the 100th time), I'm realizing we are not back until maybe mid-August. Sigh. So much for having a "few months" to hang out as a family before Sophie has to go back to school. More like a few weeks.
We know we can't control the timing of any of this, but I just can't wait to get TA so we can start making some concrete plans. One of the big bummers is that we are likely going to miss my brother's wedding. Paul and Kristin get married August 3rd. We used to think we'd be back by then, but it's looking pretty likely that we will be in China. There is still a solid chance we could not leave until after the 3rd though. So we will just have to wait and see!
So overall, we are just continuing to think about little Cora, and have so so so many questions about her. There are so many things that we wish we could plan, or figure out, but without meeting this little girl, it's just hard to know? We've been thinking a lot about kindergarten - will she be ready to go in the fall, in the winter? What school should she go to? We are meeting with the neighborhood school principal tomorrow morning, and with some people at our church's school this week as well. Those are the two front runners, but then there is also the Chinese immersion school down the street, that we feel like we should consider. We've ruled out Sophie's Spanish Immersion school. I think that one is pretty obvious.
There is a whole list of other things we need to be researching and getting lined up (doctors, eye specialists, counselors, support groups for us, etc). So we need to start working through those, too. 8 weeks does seem like a long time, but I know for certain it will be gone, and if I let the procrastinator inside me win, we will be in trouble!
We wish we had some new pictures, or an update of any kind from Cora's orphanage. We have met a family online that lives in Chicago, who are traveling to BengBu a few weeks before we go. Our hope is that they can check up on Cora; meet her take some pictures, maybe give her a little package from us. I need to connect with them again soon - add it to the list!
We do have her room ready, and it's adorable. We went lavender with white trim, and white furniture. We've started getting some items, too. My awesome friends have given me some adorable clothes, and also books, booster seats, and a few other things. We are trying very hard not to fill up her room with "stuff", as that is something they warn against. I get that it would be pretty overwhelming to come home to a jam packed house. Sophie is actually quite jealous because Cora's room is so nice and tidy and simple. She keeps saying her room is "junky" - ha ha. It kind of is, (sorry Sophie!) because you know how kids want to keep everything and put it all on their walls. So I think we're going to do lots of de-cluttering in her room too. So yes, the jealousy has definitely already begun.
I do think Sophie is genuinely excited, though, about her little sister. She talks openly about being nervous about the change, and that she is going to have that "jealous feeling again" (like with Mariola, for those who remember that deal). But we just keep talking about it, and preparing ourselves for many many meltdowns and tantrums from both of them. But Sophie is going to be a great big sister, and I know she will love Cora in time.
James and I are both working hard at our jobs, which in a way helps the time go faster. James is my rock when my anxiety starts creeping up into the red zone, especially as we are doing all of our Book Reports (we each have to do 3 book reports before we travel). I really do pray that he continues to stay calm, and that he also continues to be the most skilled sleeper on this earth. I was reading tonight that being sleep deprived just 2 hours a night over the course of a few weeks can put you into zombie mode (i guess that is not news to any new parent, but it's been a LONG time since we've been up at night!) So i think James' ability to sleep anytime, anywhere will really be helpful once this adventure begins. He continues to be a great dad to Sophie, spoiling her like crazy, because the guy loves her more than you'd think is possible. So I think he'll have plenty of love to go around for another one.
Okay, I better get to sleep so I stay out of the zombie zone. Sweet dreams, Cora.
Love Michelle
