More Paper Work!

(For those who read both my blogs, this is the same post that I just posted on Beautiful Moments so you don't need to bother reading it unless you have way to much time on your hands!)

Well...we are getting very close to travel! I got a call today from the Vietnam Coordinator. The CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) has recently changed their policy in how they process they I-600 form (this is a petition to classify an orphan, in this case Ethan, as our immediate relative). For those who are already lost...it's ok. All that really means is that there is one form that must be filled out and approved BEFORE we go to Vietnam instead of WHILE we are there. The only concern is that we are very close to travel and we can't go until we get approved. The CIS has the right to investigate Ethan's case, if they wish, to determine that everything is legal and he is truly an orphan and this can take up to 60 days. But I'm hoping for a quick approval.

SO, with all that said, we will be working as fast as we can to get this in order. Nicky, the VN coordinator, thinks we'll be in the next group to get travel dates. If all goes well, and we get CIS approval quickly, we could be in Vietnam around the middle of November! Nothing is official but we are moving along!

Sick and Tired but Ready!!

I talk about it more on my other blog, Beautiful Moments, but I'm down with pneumonia. Our agency's update last week said they hoped to have more families traveling soon. Last time they said that several families got the "call" the next week. Well, our time is VERY close so I'm hoping for a call this week. Ha, wouldn't that be my luck, sick with pneumonia and trying to get ready! But on the other hand, I'm ready!!

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!

New Pictures

We got new pictures of Ethan a few days ago but I'm so sick I haven't had a chance to post them. He received the monkey and photo album we sent him but they aren't in the pictures. CHI said they'd try to get pictures of him with the gifts as soon as they can. I think it's amazing to think that he now has seen pictures of his family for the first time!

Here are a couple more pictures I thought were cute. Once again Ethan was hiding in the background of Caroline's pictures. They are a little on the dark side.

Kozy Moments...Baby Slings

Update: I just added one more sling to my site today.

When we first decided to adopt we thought we could do it without going into debt. However, because we accepted a child with special needs our time frame for raising the funds was cut in half. We are now, not only in debt for the first time, but also we are anticipating surgery for Ethan once he is home.


With that in mind, I have decided to start selling baby slings. These are great for those of you who are adopting (we were actually discussing them on the yahoo group a while back). They would also make great shower gifts. :) At this point I have only made one and I'm working on a second. As I finish them I'll post pictures on a new blog I have. I'm only going to start off with a few to see how well they sell. So if you are interested please click here on Kozy Moments or on the picture. Also, I would love it if you could spread the word. If they sell well I'll make more!

Still no smiles...but pictures none the less!

We have pictures...thank you Jessica! :)

He looks so deep in thought here

Ethan with his friend and the spoon again!!
Wow, he really looks different in this picture.

I can almost see what he'll look like when he's

a little older and his hair grows in!Big Bite!

A visit to Ethan

The wait to get our little man has been especially hard lately. We have now entered the time frame in which we could expect the "call". Although this would still be early it is not unrealistic.

One of my friends picked up her daughter yesterday and had the privilege of meeting Ethan. She took video and pictures which I'll post as soon as I get them. However, for now, this is what she said about him:

"...He is a sweetie, very strong, walks and runs great! When I went to his room he was having his lunch...When he was done, the nanny let me hold him, but he wanted nothing to do with me. I think he just wanted his mom. I told him you would be there very soon. He has a lot of friends there especially one little guy who I have a picture with. I want you to know in person his head does not look as big as in the pictures you have and his hair is growing in. he is very alert and active. I think it may have to do with the camera. in pictures the rooms seem big to me when in reality they are quite small. There are lots of playmates for him and lots of staff in his room who really dote on them..."

Thank you Jessica! Congratulations on your beautiful little Lily Jane!