Our weekend

Mo and I spent the weekend getting more acquainted with Brooklyn. On Saturday, M2 and the boys joined us for a fun day at Prospect Park. We enjoyed the Prospect Park Zoo - a small but well-maintained zoo as well as a playground that kept the boys entertained for quite a while. From there, we took the subway back to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was a very full day and the boys were suitably wiped out.

On Sunday, Mo and I spent a couple of hours down at Coney Island and Brighton Beach - our first trip there. I had the obligatory Nathan's hot dog and spent a little while in the batting cage - for which I payed dearly later. It was a very warm day and we were sans sunscreen - ouch. Walking into Brighton Beach was quite a cultural event - all of sudden, everyone was speaking Russian. We'll have to go back and eat at one of the waterside restaraunts.

We can't wait to share these experiences with our child.

the dossier is taking a trip

Well, we were told yesterday that our dossier is going to China today! This is a very good (fantastic) thing. The paperwork is out of our hands and any control is gone. Now, for those of you who me (Mo) the loss of control will be driving me a bit crazy. I am starting to let myself plan for the baby. Looking at room decor, thinking of names, etc. We cannot commit to anything yet as there is a 3% chance that a boy could be placed with us. We'll try to do planning unisex.

Besides that, work is keeping us both crazy. This time of the year gets so hectic. So much going on. How is getting over a spring cold. I think he gave some to me - that or I have some allergies. We are looking forward to the summer and the weddings of my sister and my cousin. Plus How is spending some time at Harvard for a meeting for school. At this point, I am not working. Should be a busy summer. Would love to see some friends and family - hint, hint.

100 Good Wishes Quilt

THANK YOU! We want to thank all of you who have sent us 100 good wishes quilt fabric and notes. If you have not gotten a chance, it is not too late and Mo and Grandma H really want to get at least 100 before putting the quilt together.

Thank you so very much.

for those new to blog

If you post a comment back, please do not use our names as other will be able to read your post. Please use our "user names".

Also, the other reason we are doing this is once we do get to China, we can use this to share photos and info.

new idea

How and I decided to "create" a blog so that we have an easy way to keep family and friends posted on our adoption from China. We are being a bit selfish as to be unburdening ourselves with the responsibility of keeping everyone up to date with the adoption news. -sue me

After our very long - horrifically long - process of the paperwork, we are finally done! We started in September. Mo sent the paperwork to the agency Friday. According to Fed Ex, they got it. Now we wait for them to go over everything. If all is OK, and it better the hell should be, they will send it the beginning of the week to China.

As we undertsand things, once it gets to China, it will be looked over again and translated. This is supposed to take about two weeks. Now - I said SUPPOSED TO. We have found with this process / adventure that things do not always happen when and how they should. We keep being told that it is somewhat the norm. ANYWAY. After the translation, the paperwork (dossier) will be taken to the CCAA (Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs). They will give our dossier a docket number and then the true waiting starts.

When we first started this, we were told that at that time families were waiting about eight months after getting thie number until they get their referral. I am hearing that now the wait may be as long as ten months. Ugh. For a "patient" person as myself (NOT) this waiting will be tricky.

We will get a "referral" which is a small photo of the child with some info. We then say "OK" and then travel about six weeks later. Again, this is how we understand things to be. SO, we probably will not be going to China for another (at least) ten months. Let's hope for sooner.

We will keep everyone pposted with any info we get along the way here but you are always welcome to call.

We thank everyone for their continuing support and love....