No news this week. Just lots of thoughts and prayers that this is the month we meet you! We love you Kai! We're coming for you soon!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Bring on May!
I believe this is going to be a big month for all of us. As I watch Kainan play, and see your cousins play with K, I think of you. I am thinking of the little crew becoming 5. I think of how busy our play room will soon become. I think of double the hugs, double the kisses, double the little boy love!
Soon to be a crew of five.
Needing a partner in crime.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Counting the Weeks
We've made it to the home stretch...and in the process have squeezed a lot into the month of April. We are now down to three more "waits" til we come for you Kai. On April 6, signed and returned the hard copy LOA that came in the mail. Then on April 16, we received the I-800 Provisional Approval, and on April 21, we received the National Visa Center pdf were told our Article 5 was dropped of on Thursday, April 24 and filed your DS 260. And now...we wait. We are waiting for the Article 5 pick up from the China Consulate. We were told this document is the one date you can count on, an exact 2 weeks; however, there's a China Holiday in the middle of this wait; so we are told to expect May 12. Then from there we begin the wait for our TA (travel approval). This is the last document, China's invitation to come get you, and then we begin to plan our travel and wait for our departure date to come get you. I am still praying Big for a May departure date - Memorial Weekend, May 23 - to be exact, though the more practical and logical side of me does tell me to expect early to mid-June for departure. In this case, I am putting logic aside, and will continue to pray BIG.
So what's been going on the last month that has kept us so busy?
April 2 we celebrated Grandma Kathy's birthday
April 3 I had PRK eye surgery - a much more difficult procedure than expected, but nevertheless, it's done, and it was a success. I am now glasses and contact free! And your grandma worked on your dresser for your bedroom.
April 4 we celebrated Grandma Terri's (nana) birthday
April 6 we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Hefferon's 35th Wedding Anniversary
April 12 our family bought the family boat for our time at the Lake
April 20 we celebrated Easter in Eolia
April 27 we finished your room
April 28 sending in our Visa applications
Wow! So many dates...so many experiences, so many emotions, so many prayers, so many tears, so much LOVE.
On April 18, the Friday before Easter, was another special day for us too! Bittersweet really. We received our last update from CCAI about how you are doing... and learned a little more about you. We know you wear 24 month clothes, size 6 toddler shoes, weigh 27 pounds and are 33.5 inches tall. We also learned you have had your palate repaired. You still use a bottle. And this update said you don't say much and are an introvert.
And now, this weekend, April 26 and April 27...
Yesterday we spent the day with Kainan. We went for a long walk, spent time at the neighborhood park, and enjoyed spending time together as a family of three. We talk about you often Kai. And Kainan is excited to be your big brother. He asks us when we are going to get you all the time now. I want you to know how special you are to all of us. And how proud and special Kainan is too. We want him and you to know that our love is great and genuine and unconditional. You both mean the world to us. We love you both and always will.
Today was truly an amazing day today too. We started the day off at Westside Family Church, and Pastor Troy's message today was spot on for what Jason and I both needed. The message I took from today was:
Leaders lead in Spirit, and the verse that accompanied this teaching...one of my favorites.
Pastor Troy then went on to share another verse...one that has a very special meaning.
Finally, we ended today working on your room. Putting on the finishing touches! I finished your dresser. Your dad assembled your crib, hung the shelves and pictures. I have posted pictures below.
Kai...we are getting so close. The proximity actually makes each day harder than I could have imagined. We are coming for you...soon!
So what's been going on the last month that has kept us so busy?
April 2 we celebrated Grandma Kathy's birthday
April 3 I had PRK eye surgery - a much more difficult procedure than expected, but nevertheless, it's done, and it was a success. I am now glasses and contact free! And your grandma worked on your dresser for your bedroom.
April 4 we celebrated Grandma Terri's (nana) birthday
April 6 we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Hefferon's 35th Wedding Anniversary
April 12 our family bought the family boat for our time at the Lake
April 20 we celebrated Easter in Eolia
April 27 we finished your room
April 28 sending in our Visa applications
Wow! So many dates...so many experiences, so many emotions, so many prayers, so many tears, so much LOVE.
On April 18, the Friday before Easter, was another special day for us too! Bittersweet really. We received our last update from CCAI about how you are doing... and learned a little more about you. We know you wear 24 month clothes, size 6 toddler shoes, weigh 27 pounds and are 33.5 inches tall. We also learned you have had your palate repaired. You still use a bottle. And this update said you don't say much and are an introvert.
And now, this weekend, April 26 and April 27...
Yesterday we spent the day with Kainan. We went for a long walk, spent time at the neighborhood park, and enjoyed spending time together as a family of three. We talk about you often Kai. And Kainan is excited to be your big brother. He asks us when we are going to get you all the time now. I want you to know how special you are to all of us. And how proud and special Kainan is too. We want him and you to know that our love is great and genuine and unconditional. You both mean the world to us. We love you both and always will.
Today was truly an amazing day today too. We started the day off at Westside Family Church, and Pastor Troy's message today was spot on for what Jason and I both needed. The message I took from today was:
Leaders lead in Spirit, and the verse that accompanied this teaching...one of my favorites.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. - John 14:26We are not alone. He will give you what you need, when you need it, wherever you are. Lead with love.
Pastor Troy then went on to share another verse...one that has a very special meaning.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7Such peace comes over me with these words.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Finally, we ended today working on your room. Putting on the finishing touches! I finished your dresser. Your dad assembled your crib, hung the shelves and pictures. I have posted pictures below.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Birthday wishes from Dad
Luke 6: 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Everyday is a flood of emotions; happy or sad some old and some new. You are ours and we are yours; standing still while running to you. Longing to hold you, yearning to comfort you and craving how much you'll enrich our lives. When I close my eyes I imagine all that life has in store as I am blessed to now father two handsome boys. I project my love to you and pray that you feel our love; may this grant comfort today until we can cling to you. We hunger for you embrace and thirst for the laugh that all your nannies endear.
Every morning we greet you hello and every night we sing you a lullaby (though be it Rudolph or Santa Claus-Kainan's choice) and pray that the moon casts our love back to you. Today we wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday; may you know that you are not alone be assured that we will soon be there for you.
Everyday is a flood of emotions; happy or sad some old and some new. You are ours and we are yours; standing still while running to you. Longing to hold you, yearning to comfort you and craving how much you'll enrich our lives. When I close my eyes I imagine all that life has in store as I am blessed to now father two handsome boys. I project my love to you and pray that you feel our love; may this grant comfort today until we can cling to you. We hunger for you embrace and thirst for the laugh that all your nannies endear.
Every morning we greet you hello and every night we sing you a lullaby (though be it Rudolph or Santa Claus-Kainan's choice) and pray that the moon casts our love back to you. Today we wish you a very Happy 2nd Birthday; may you know that you are not alone be assured that we will soon be there for you.
Happy Birthday Kai
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kai, we wish you were here!
Boy do I wish you were here so we could hold and cuddle you on your special day...but I can assure you, we have plenty of hugs and cuddles for you when you do come home.
Yesterday it was my birthday, and this year seemed extra special. This year I celebrate with two beautiful boys. I was able to spend a birthday weekend filled with family. And your dad surprised me with a reminder of how lucky I am to get to be a mom to you and Kainan. Your dad had me a superhero cape made, similar to a Batman or Superman cape, but mine is purple and teal, and is marked with a M for SuperMom. Such a super special gift from my awesome husband and TWO boys. Thank you Jason for making me feel super special on my special day, and for being by my side through it all. You make me a better person, better mom, better wife...I do believe we were meant to be, stronger together, forever and always.
We also got our hard copy LOA. Absolutely amazing! If you recall, we receieved our soft-copy last Thursday, and were told to expect our hard-copy in 1 - 3 weeks. Talk about an under-promise, over deliever SUCCESS! We decided to hold off signing it for today - for your birthday! Although we sent your birthday gift to you, and pray it did make it to you, we also have some gifts from us and your grandparents. We all love you very much!
Happy Birthday Kai! You are all ours and we are coming for you!
Next step, waiting for our I-800 approval. (Expected timeframe is about 2 weeks.)
Boy do I wish you were here so we could hold and cuddle you on your special day...but I can assure you, we have plenty of hugs and cuddles for you when you do come home.
Yesterday it was my birthday, and this year seemed extra special. This year I celebrate with two beautiful boys. I was able to spend a birthday weekend filled with family. And your dad surprised me with a reminder of how lucky I am to get to be a mom to you and Kainan. Your dad had me a superhero cape made, similar to a Batman or Superman cape, but mine is purple and teal, and is marked with a M for SuperMom. Such a super special gift from my awesome husband and TWO boys. Thank you Jason for making me feel super special on my special day, and for being by my side through it all. You make me a better person, better mom, better wife...I do believe we were meant to be, stronger together, forever and always.
The birthday surprises didn't end with one of the coolest mom gifts ever....
We also got our hard copy LOA. Absolutely amazing! If you recall, we receieved our soft-copy last Thursday, and were told to expect our hard-copy in 1 - 3 weeks. Talk about an under-promise, over deliever SUCCESS! We decided to hold off signing it for today - for your birthday! Although we sent your birthday gift to you, and pray it did make it to you, we also have some gifts from us and your grandparents. We all love you very much!
Happy Birthday Kai! You are all ours and we are coming for you!
Next step, waiting for our I-800 approval. (Expected timeframe is about 2 weeks.)
Monday, March 31, 2014
adoption lingo
"barrowed the list below from a fellow adoptive mom"
Ever wonder what all those Chinese adoption abbreviations and lingo mean? So do I! Here's a handy little guide for the most popular ones:
At this point in our journey, we received our soft-LOA (the email from China saying they are getting ready to send the hard copy). This can take about 1 - 3 weeks to receive. We've heard it's been taking about 7 days right now. Once we have the hard copy, we sign and overnight it back to our agency. The rest of the process is best depicted from the chart below.
Once we submit our signed LOA back to our agency, they submit paperwork for the I-800 Provisional Approval - this can take 2- 4 weeks.
After the I-800 is issued it typically takes 5 - 7 days for the National Visa Center Letter to come (can come via FedEx or email). And we start our Visa applications upon receipt. Then we submit our Visa application and supporting documents to the US Consulate.
The Article 5 is issued by the US Central Authority's Approval for Hague Adoption and then expressed mailed to Beijing and delivered to the CCCWA on certain days. This typically takes an additional 2 weeks.
Then we wait for the TA (travel approval), this is our invitation to come to China. This typically arrives 2- 4 weeks after we receive our Article 5. And then travel to China 10 - 21 days after we get the TA.
Ever wonder what all those Chinese adoption abbreviations and lingo mean? So do I! Here's a handy little guide for the most popular ones:
CCAA: Chinese Centre of Adoption Affairs. These are the folks that oversee adoption in the People’s Republic of China. All adoptive parents must have their approval in order to adopt a Chinese orphan.
Dossier: This is your application to adopt an orphan. It includes a letter requesting permission to adopt a Chinese orphan, home study, police reports, immigration approval, reference letters, medical reports, marriage certificate, birth certificates, letters of employment, and photos of your family and house.
LID: Log In Date. This is the date that your dossier is “logged in” or received by the CCAA.
LOI: Letter of Intent. This is a letter to the CCAA that you intend to adopt a Chinese orphan.
PA: Pre-Approval. After submitting your LOI, you receive pre-approval from the CCAA to adopt a specific child. Typically, you will receive your PA anywhere from 1 – 10 days after your LOI is submitted.
DTC: Dossier to China. This is a celebration day! You have finally collected all of the required paperwork. This is the date that your dossier is mailed to China.
LOA: Letter of Acceptance. This is the official approval from China to adopt your child. This comes after LID.
NVC: National Visa Center. After USCIS approves your immigrant visa petition (I-800/I-600), your petition is forwarded to the NVC in New Hampshire for immigrant visa pre-processing. This is only for U.S. adoptive parents.
TA: Travel Approval. This is the go-ahead from the CCAA to travel to China to get your child. Your TA has 90 days before it expires, so you better get packing!
CA: Consulate Appointment. This is the date that you go to your Consulate in China. You fill out paperwork to get your child’s visa to enter your country.
At this point in our journey, we received our soft-LOA (the email from China saying they are getting ready to send the hard copy). This can take about 1 - 3 weeks to receive. We've heard it's been taking about 7 days right now. Once we have the hard copy, we sign and overnight it back to our agency. The rest of the process is best depicted from the chart below.
Once we submit our signed LOA back to our agency, they submit paperwork for the I-800 Provisional Approval - this can take 2- 4 weeks.
After the I-800 is issued it typically takes 5 - 7 days for the National Visa Center Letter to come (can come via FedEx or email). And we start our Visa applications upon receipt. Then we submit our Visa application and supporting documents to the US Consulate.
The Article 5 is issued by the US Central Authority's Approval for Hague Adoption and then expressed mailed to Beijing and delivered to the CCCWA on certain days. This typically takes an additional 2 weeks.
Then we wait for the TA (travel approval), this is our invitation to come to China. This typically arrives 2- 4 weeks after we receive our Article 5. And then travel to China 10 - 21 days after we get the TA.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Dear Kai
Dear Kai,
We received our soft LOA (letter of acceptance) to come for you yesterday 03/27/2014. We waited 49 days, and now wait for the hard copy to come in the mail so can sign get the next round of paperwork rolling.
Today it's only appropriate to write to you directly. Your dad and I are coming! And we can actually see a date in sight. I can't tell you what that means to us and your entire family. We have been praying for the day to come, and now, with the LOA finally here, we are one step closer. We now prepare more paperwork, prepare our visas, and wait for the TA (travel approval - which is the official invite to come to China). We'll see you in about 9 - 14 weeks. I know it still seems like an eternity, but we can see the end. I have so many joyous emotions to share, that I am actually at a loss of words.
Know we love you Kai! We are coming for you, soon!
Love Mom & Dad
We received our soft LOA (letter of acceptance) to come for you yesterday 03/27/2014. We waited 49 days, and now wait for the hard copy to come in the mail so can sign get the next round of paperwork rolling.
Today it's only appropriate to write to you directly. Your dad and I are coming! And we can actually see a date in sight. I can't tell you what that means to us and your entire family. We have been praying for the day to come, and now, with the LOA finally here, we are one step closer. We now prepare more paperwork, prepare our visas, and wait for the TA (travel approval - which is the official invite to come to China). We'll see you in about 9 - 14 weeks. I know it still seems like an eternity, but we can see the end. I have so many joyous emotions to share, that I am actually at a loss of words.
Know we love you Kai! We are coming for you, soon!
Love Mom & Dad
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
"Brings you comfort and gives you hope"
I'm really not sure where to start. I have had so many emotions - sad, anxious, excited, angry, mindful, faithful, loving, longing, grateful, helpless - oh the list goes on. I have never felt so full of emotion, with such conflicting emotions, all at once like this. I have even taken several days to write this weeks post with the hope that I would have some good news to share, or an LOA to celebrate, or the frustration to simmer...
So with that, we did get some wonderful news yesterday. A very large group of family went to China this past weekend, and two of the moms I had been networking with were on this trip. They had offered to do their best to visit the LueHe LOCC that Kai is at and check on him. One of the moms made it there yesterday. Her words were reassuring and truly a blessing. I only hope I can and am in the right frame of mind to pass on this same gift to other waiting families when it's our turn to go. Here is what Caroline said:
For all the material things a person can have and give, this journey to Kai has taught me how precious the genuine words of friends (and loved ones), pictures that say a thousands words and acts of love, are by far the greatest gifts I have and could recieve.
She went on to say:
There are no words to express my appreciation for the this information, the photos she shared, or the embrace of these moms on our sweet boy.
As for the LOA, we are still waiting... day 48.
Some news about our adoption agency CCAI. Joshua and Lily, the founders of CCAI, are currently in Henan China as I type this, and we just recieved confirmation that the relationship with the Henan Providence and CCAI has just been renewed for another 5 years. We know we will adopt our little girl from China, we don't know when, but we do know it will be with CCAI, so the news of the renewal is great news to us! They are also there shooting videos and photos to bring greater awareness to the children left behind. Maybe Kai will be part of that story...
Finally, since Kai is now at the LOCC (we do get to sponsor him there), we have decided to sponsor one of Kai's friends at New Hope too - her name is WH Lan (her website name). We get to give her an American name, so Kainan named her Rae...I do have a special place in my heart for this little girl. And from the photos, I'd say that Kai does too. If you know me, you probably already are thinking that 'Kelly has her wheels turning again"... And I do...I have inquired on if she is eligiable for adoption. I did find out that her file will go to CCAI, but at this time they do not have it. Once they do get it, they will have to go through the normal matching process. With this information I do find comfort knowing that this beautiful little girl will find a family. I pray soon! And if it should be Gods plan, who knows...
So with that, we did get some wonderful news yesterday. A very large group of family went to China this past weekend, and two of the moms I had been networking with were on this trip. They had offered to do their best to visit the LueHe LOCC that Kai is at and check on him. One of the moms made it there yesterday. Her words were reassuring and truly a blessing. I only hope I can and am in the right frame of mind to pass on this same gift to other waiting families when it's our turn to go. Here is what Caroline said:
My visit to Luohe today. Apologies as they only gave us 10 minutes to visit her room and Nannies. But I must say they love them and care for them very much. They showed us the room and the babies came over happy to see everything. Got to hold each baby and whisper to each of them that their parents would see them soon and wished for them to know how much they are loved and thought of each day. They know now you are waiting for them and will come from afar to love them and wipe away the tears. Please know I also got video but will have to wait until we get home to upload. .... My friends I hope this bring some comfort and gives you hope. Let me end with a thought for you to know that the nannies fill their days with love until you arrive.
For all the material things a person can have and give, this journey to Kai has taught me how precious the genuine words of friends (and loved ones), pictures that say a thousands words and acts of love, are by far the greatest gifts I have and could recieve.
She went on to say:
He is a love. Didn't want to get off my lap. He's a little cuddle. And so happy. Your gonna love his sweet nature and warm hugs. I seriously had like 10 minutes then was rushed from the room. I only wish I could have more time with them.
There are no words to express my appreciation for the this information, the photos she shared, or the embrace of these moms on our sweet boy.
As for the LOA, we are still waiting... day 48.
Some news about our adoption agency CCAI. Joshua and Lily, the founders of CCAI, are currently in Henan China as I type this, and we just recieved confirmation that the relationship with the Henan Providence and CCAI has just been renewed for another 5 years. We know we will adopt our little girl from China, we don't know when, but we do know it will be with CCAI, so the news of the renewal is great news to us! They are also there shooting videos and photos to bring greater awareness to the children left behind. Maybe Kai will be part of that story...
Finally, since Kai is now at the LOCC (we do get to sponsor him there), we have decided to sponsor one of Kai's friends at New Hope too - her name is WH Lan (her website name). We get to give her an American name, so Kainan named her Rae...I do have a special place in my heart for this little girl. And from the photos, I'd say that Kai does too. If you know me, you probably already are thinking that 'Kelly has her wheels turning again"... And I do...I have inquired on if she is eligiable for adoption. I did find out that her file will go to CCAI, but at this time they do not have it. Once they do get it, they will have to go through the normal matching process. With this information I do find comfort knowing that this beautiful little girl will find a family. I pray soon! And if it should be Gods plan, who knows...
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