Ethan's Story: Checking out the family!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Checking out the family!

We finally got pictures of Ethan with the monkey and album! Although I was hoping for some smiles, it is still so good to see him looking at the things we bought and made for him. It's cute to see him looking at Evan in several of these pictures. The little guy has know idea how much his life will change soon. Since we've yet to see any kind of smile I've wondered what Ethan is like and if he's a serious type. I can't wait to meet him! The update from our agency said they were hoping for more travel dates soon so maybe we'll get a call next week...I'm sorry, I'm really rambling. I'm still sick and the fever does this to me!

3 comments:

K said...: How great to get all of these pictures!!!! He is really getting more hair :)

It's so nice to see him looking at his album too.; October 21, 2007 at 8:18 PM
Baby N's Mom said...: Ethan looks like he is really enjoying the pictures. One of them look as though someone off camera wanted to take his album and Ethan said "NO WAY!"; October 22, 2007 at 8:18 AM
The Ben Show said...: So sweet! I'm sure your travel date is just around the corner!; October 22, 2007 at 12:09 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!