Our First Week

It is hard to believe that a week has already gone by since we received our referral call. We have literally been in the clouds since we became parents. We have been so busy, and have been running ever since, that I am not sure that we have fully been able to let this all sink in that it is really happening!

We have loved hearing from all of you, and appreciate so much all of your comments, well wishes, and love from near and far. We continue to look at Michael's picture and are just amazed at how lucky we are that he is our son. And even though I am not a big fan of flying (as some of you well know), I cannot wait to get on that plane and get to China so we can bring Michael home. We wish we could leave today.

Many of you have asked what is next?? The first step for us was to get Michael's medical information translated and reviewed. We received those translations last Friday afternoon, and spoke with a doctor Friday evening. All of Michael's tests were good, his development is on track, and we found out that he loves to eat just about anything! (that could explain those chubby cheeks!!)

Monday morning, we then officially signed our "Letter of Acceptance" and sent it to our Agency. (yes, we took pictures as each one of us signed it!)

This document indicates that we have accepted Michael as our child. Our agency will be sending it to the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA). Once the CCAA receives the acceptance letter from us, they will process a travel approval from the country which will give us permission to come to China to pick-up Michael. Once "TA" is received, we can begin planning our travel. "TA" usually comes about 3-5 weeks after referral. We then will receive our appointment date with the consulate (which is where everything is finalized before we leave China to come home). Once that appointment date is set, we will know when we need to be in China. Our total stay in China will be approximately 12 days, and we believe we will be going sometime around the end of July/early August.

So for now, we have to wait again. But for just a little longer. We have so much to do to keep us busy that I think the time will go by very quickly.
I'll have much more to share with you, so check back often this week as I will post some more pictures, and fill you in on what us crazy new parents have been doing!