Ethan's Story: Spoon!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Spoon!

Yesterday we recieved updates on Ethan's height and weight. He is now 22.55 lb and 33.7 inches tall. Since the end of May he's gained 3 pounds but has only grown half a cm! I wish I could get a head measurement but I'm afraid that will have to wait till he's home.

We also got pictures today! I had a feeling that he was losing his hair and now I think I'm right! He seems to be growing up before our eyes. It's amazing how his face has changed in the pictures during the last 3 months! I think these are about the happiest pictures we've seen of him, I love his look in the third one. We can't wait to bring him home! :)

"Spoon!"

"...see?"

"Look at me wave the spoon!"

"What do you think...am I cute?"

6 comments:

Melissa Cz said...: He is so adorable! I love his expressions!; August 25, 2007 at 5:06 PM
The Ben Show said...: He looks great, Misty! You'll be holding him soon!; August 26, 2007 at 8:51 AM
K said...: He is very handsome. I hope you get him home soon!

I tagged you, take a look!; August 26, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Gail said...: Hi!
Just found your blog. Your little Ethan is a doll and I hope you have him home soon.
Gail
adopting Johanna Faith; August 26, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Lennah and Delylah's mom said...: Too cute. I cannot wait to see him in your arms.
Cathy; August 27, 2007 at 5:02 PM
Unknown said...: What a precious little guy! I can't image how difficult it must be watching him grow up on the other side of the world, although I know that is ahead for us as well! Hope you have him in your arms as soon as possible!; August 31, 2007 at 2:20 PM

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Adoption Timeline

1. Acceptance by the adoption agency (done)

2. Home Study—This is where a social worker comes to our home and interviews us then writes a report on our family and approves us to adopt. (done)

3. Apply to the CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) for the 171-H—This is basically where we ask our government to allow us to bring an orphan into the US as an immigrant. The 171 is the approval. (done)

4. Waiting List—After receiving the 171 we will be put on the waiting list for a referral. At this point the estimated time for the wait is 12-15 months. This is the regular process. However, we have been placed on a list of families willing to take "waiting children" (children with special needs). This means we will likely receive a referral sooner, but we have no idea on the timing of this. (done)

5. Dossier—This is a ton of paper work that must be sent to Vietnam. First we gather all the documents (employment letters, marriage certificates, police clearance, etc.) and get them notarized. Then we send each document to the state of origin for state certification. Once everything comes back we send it all to the Vietnam Embassy for authentication. After that we will send it to our agency who will send it to Vietnam. Yes...very complicated! (done)

6. Referral—This is when our agency assigns a specific child to us, or we accept one of the waiting children. We will be given a name, picture and some limited medical information if available. (done)

7. Travel—This takes place 4-5 months after we get our referral. At this point Tyler and I will travel to Vietnam and pick our child up from the orphanage and finish the adoption process. We will be in Vietnam 2-3 weeks! (In our case we have to wait 5-6 months because our dossier was not in Vietnam at the time of referral) (done)

8. Rest—This is what will never happen with three kids!

Adoption Check List

November 1, 2006--Applied to Children's Hope International Adoption Agency
Novermber 11, 2006--Accepted by Agency
December 14, 2006--Home Study
January 22, 2007--Appointment with CIS to apply for the 171-H
March 9, 2007--Received the 171! Put onto the waiting list for a referral
March 22, 2007--Started Dossier
April 21, 2007--Received our Dossier back from Vietnam Embassy in Washingto DC (we sent it to them on the 11th)
May 7, 2007--Doan Phu Loc placed on waiting child list
May 21, 2007--Received Referral for Loc! Also, sent Dossier to CHI
June 15, 2007--Dossier sent to Hanoi, Vietnam
October 29, 2007--Recieved our G&R (Giving and Receiving Ceremony) date so we can go to Vietnam in 2 weeks!