Received I-171 H

We finally received our I-171 H from the Houston Counsolate. Beteween the new Secretary of State being appointed in the State of Florida and not recognize in Houston that put a large delay for weeks. The the USPS sent out express package back pony express. They misrouted our package and sent it to Roanoke VA. Yes, I can see where the confusion came in Tallahasse and Virgina sound alike and we are so close (Ha HA). Just a plug for FED-EX they have always delivered our docs on time.

Well off to Fed Ex to send the rest of my DOssier documents to CCAI for critical review. Baby steps we are hoping to be in China before the end of the month.

Paperchasing for #2

It all started one fall afternoon when Steve and I decided we wanted to add to our family. We looked each other in the eye and said well..... and from then on the phone calls started. First we began by calling CCAI (the best) and asking what we needed to do. We had previously ordered the package for a second adoption but I was more hopeful when I ordered it than probably realistic and just stuck it away in a drawer.

Now it is out of the drawer and I started the paper chase all over again. We submitted our application to CCAI and were approved within approx 1-2weeks due to reference hold ups. Once we got the Dossier guide I was off and running. After the approval (10/30/2006) we told our friends and family I was so excited I was about to bust. Reality finally sunk in Maddie was going to be a big sister and I was going to be a mom again YIPEEEEEE.

Well the next stop was the social worker. This stage of the process takes the longest and patience is not a virtue for me. So I immediately said how quick can we get it. In the mean time while I was waiting I had other things to do such as financial documents, adoption petitions, physical exams, photos etc.

Then the news came CCAA (China govt) said they were changing the requirements (weight, medical, age, marriage, divorces, meds, etc). You can imagine what this did for us. All these changes are to take effect May 1, 2007. Now I have a reason to want my home study done faster than you can imagine we must make that deadline to be logged into China by 5/1/2007 or there will be no baby Kinsey. After meeting with our social worker Helen she understood the urgency and stepped up the process and gave us the completed home study for INS on 12/20/2006 and I overnighted it with a big fat check. Since then we have received confirmation that they have receive all of our documents and within the next 60 days we should be invited to be fingerprinted and 90 days should receive our I171H.

Once that is completed we will be off to the Secretary of State in Florida (here in Tally), then to the Houston China Consulate, next to CCAI (adoption agency), then FINALLY TO CHINA :)