Good Morning Everyone!
We have a lot of families uniting with their children for the first time this week and it's been amazing to follow their journeys.
Also, if you haven't heard, there has been a big shake-up with Guatemala adoptions. A baby girl who was stolen from her mother was located in the Guatemala adoption system. She was about to be adopted by an American couple. There is an article on 'No Place Like Home' if you would like to know more.
We have a lot of families uniting with their children for the first time this week and it's been amazing to follow their journeys.
Also, if you haven't heard, there has been a big shake-up with Guatemala adoptions. A baby girl who was stolen from her mother was located in the Guatemala adoption system. She was about to be adopted by an American couple. There is an article on 'No Place Like Home' if you would like to know more.
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Also, there are several of our friends who are opening up their own on-line boutiques. Let's do what we can to support them. I have added all of them that I know of on my side-bar. If you would like to copy any of them and post them on your blogs, that would be great! Many of these ladies are raising money to bring their children home, or to help others.
This weekend should be mellow for us. Tim is working on an outside project, so Eli and I will be hanging out together with friends.
This weekend should be mellow for us. Tim is working on an outside project, so Eli and I will be hanging out together with friends.
Ann is currently in Taiwan to bring home her darling Claire. Her blog is 'Taiwan Treasure' if you would like to drop by and leave a kind work or follow their journey.
Dawn is in China to bring home little Lucy! Their travel blog is 'We Love Lucy'. You can follow their journey, they have some gorgeous photos on the blog.
Paulette is also in China to bring home her sweet little Annalise. Their travel blog is 'Together Forever'. These two are bonding together wonderfully.
*THE CHAT ROOM IS NOW CLOSED, I AM GOING FISHING :)
229 comments:
1 – 200 of 229 Newer› Newest»Good morning friends
Good Morning Amy!
I was hoping someone would comment. There are quite a few people on the blog this morning.
How was work?
It was okay. Had to work on another floor. I love the live traffic feed.
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
So far we're the only ones talking. We'll see if some others jump in. I love the live feed too. It's kind of cool to see who's on. I don't know everyone, but I know some of them.
Awesome, how has your week been>
My week has been pretty good. Mellow for the most part. I am really looking forward to this weekend. We are supposed to have a little rain today, but otherwise really nice weather.
Good Morning Ladies.
Good Morning Moah and Maddy's Mom!
What is your name?
I love good weather..Good morning noah and maddys mom!
Took me a while to post...forgot my pw (changed it this week/not enough coffee yet)
Look at that...I mean Noah.
It's Patti.
That was my problem last Saturday(typos)...they need to add spell check to the comment form!!
I agree! How are you this morning?
Good Morning Patti,
I'm about to grab a cup of coffie myself!
Look at that...we're just going to have to allow typos this morning : )
I soooo wish I drank coffee..Smells so good!
I am good...this is my 3rd week here and I am really enjoying it. I read alot of adoption blogs and try to comment on many but this is a great idea. Kudos to whomever came up with the idea.
RMJ- I can't function in the morning w/o coffee. I hear you can get decent coffee in China.
Amy I was not a coffee drinker until my late 20's (never touched the stuff in college- even though my friends did). Then I had a roommate who worked at a coffee show and she brewed it at home all the time. The smell is what initially hooked me (that and having to get up at 5am for work)
Yeah for RMJ
I may have to try that in CHina!
oops..that hould have been coffee shop not show
I have to have coffee too. I didn't drink it until college. I put a lot of flavored creamer in it, so it tastes like a mocha : )
Thanks for the kudos. The Sat Chat has turned into a pretty good way to share info with everyone and touch base.
Amy is my faithful attendee. She always comes by to say hi and that's pretty big seeing as most of the time she has stayed up all night as she is a nurse who works the night shift.
It has been cool this week to read the blogs of families in China getting their babies.
oh you are sweet, the adoption community rocks!
We are collecting for the Starfish orphanage at first friday this week!
There are quite a few people getting their babes this week. It does my heart good to see them.
Amy's blog is how I heard about it. I can;t remember how I found Amy's blog initially, but I have been a faithful lurker (sometimes poster) there for a while. FOund links to tons of other blog that I now read faithfully there. My Bloglines is out of control!!!
Oh Amy, that is fantastic!
One of the very little ones is waiting for a serious heart surgery. He is so tiny. They are waiting for him to get stronger.
I really wish you could go and meet Amanda.
Amy I wish I was closer to Atlanta (in Greenville, SC) because first Friday sounds amazing. Would love to start somethign similar here in Greenville. Chinese adoption community is growing here.
Amy is a good friend to have. Really, she's there in the good and the bad and I love the Monday Prayer Group.
I think my first week here I posted about the insanity of updating our paperwork. I read on another blog this morning that many folks agency's did not get Hague approval. My heart goes out for those folks..wondering what will happen to their dossiers, etc.
I love you all! I have a feeling I will be meeting Amanda sooner than expected. First Friday is going there in October to redo the bathrooms there. Isnt that awesome!
If you are even in Atlanta, you have to come to FF. Its beyond a blessing.
Thanks for the compliments. I am not all that. Read my personal blog for details..
But I love encouragement, being encouraged and community
Popping in from the lake (on dial-up). Hoping I can get through!
If I am ever going to Atlanta, girl you will be the first to know!
Hi there my friend! Are you going to be at church tomorrow? I have some stuff for you.
Patti,
Please tell me about the agencies not being Hague Compliant.
If they are not, then their families cannot adopt. That is my understanding anyway though.
May actually be flying in/out of Atlanta (or Charlotte) when we go to China since our airport is fairly small. But I think after that long journey, it would be better to be 30 minutes form home rather than a 3 hour car ride. Not sure yet.
Okay, my last comment worked, but I can't refresh the comments without refreshing the entire page, which took about 15 minutes to load. Not sure this is going to work. Bummer.
I have missed participating in the Sat. Morning Chats and feel like it has been forever since I've been here.
Amy,
I heard that Amanda is friends with the founder of your group, or there is some type of tie there.
We have missed you Kelly! How are the girls doing?
Hello everyone... How is everyone doing??? I haven't been to the chat in a while and I miss everyone and feel so out of touch!
I don't have names but I read about it on Pug Mama's blog. She was pretty down this week. She didn't say it was her but I know they have been having trouble with their 1800a (not sure if that is the right doc #) and posted that some of her friends agencies had not gotten approval. I will try and find he post and see if I can put a link on here...
Kimberley, no we won't be at ABC tomorrow (you can't know how much I MISS our church!!!). Although we love being at the lake all summer, that is the part that is hardest -- being away from church.
I'll be in town on Monday night and leaving again on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning. Ella has a medical procedure and K has his admissions meeting at GVSU for Chinese 201.
Hello KIm, whats going ON?
I love Pug Mama, I'll get over there and see what's going on.
Here is the link to her blog-- read her lat 2 posts....
http://lifesscatters.blogspot.com/
(warning- there is some colorful language on there)
Hey there Kim!
How are you guys?
Good morning all!
If anyone is in Atlanta., people in our group have started a Chinese school called the China tree!
We are doing well... Just have so much going on during the summer. Jeff still plays baseball and has games on the weekends, which means I'm out at the field doing the concession stand :)
This is frustrating, as I can't read your comments until after I post something (listen to me complain - what a whiner I am!).
The girls are doing wonderfully.
Ella is fitting in so nicely, and has established her place in the family. Though she's as tiny a 12 month old, she's definitely a toddler in her mind! She lets all of us know if she's unhappy with something! She and Katie can really get at it, but then they can be sweet and hug and kiss all over each other.
Katie's always very concerned with where Ella is and what she's doing.
Ella's trying to walk, but still not on her own. She would walk for hours holding onto my fingers, but my back won't take it. She refuses to use a push toy to walk behind.
http://chinatree.org/
Amy - that is so cool there is a church in our area that has done something like that as well. http://www.cricketacademy.org/
Hey there Karen!
How are you guys?
hi my friend Karen
What size does Ella wear? I'm shopping for Sophia now and trying to know what sizes to get.
I'm having the same problem as well with comments not showing until I post :(
Is there any way to change that?
I don't know much about the Hague stuff (ignorance is bliss)..our agency is in the clear but it seems to me if this is a USCIS issue, the IA adoption community needs to use that HUGE VOICE we have and start making some noise about this...
How is Micah doing?
I will tell you that I will be heartbroken if all of these families who have waited so long end up having to start over with another agency.
I'm going to ask my SW about this on Monday.
I'm making oatmeal for the boys - brb.
Well, I've used up my alloted hour on the internet, so I must run.
We're having a great time at the lake, but miss home.
I miss all of my bloggy friends, and don't get a chance to read many blogs this summer (until we got this dial up connection last night, I had to go to the public library to get on, which was doable, but couldn't spend much time surfing blogs as the girls are with me always). I guess I'll catch up when school starts again.
Bye all, it's been fun!
Micah's got the stent out and he's doing awesome!
Palate is closed with no fistulas!!!!!
I open my comments sheet until it fills my entire screen by hitting the large square in my upper right corner, then I just refresh as I go along.
Sorry, Kimberley, just saw your question: Ella wears size 12 months (can wear an 18 month on top, but only 12 on the bottom). I can't wait for you to meet her!
Good bye Kelly. I miss you.
I can't wait to meet her either. Give both girls a hug from us.
I am so out of the loop when it comes to things that are going on with IA right now...
We just got done with our I600A free renewal... Our agency had originally told us to let it expire and right before it did changed their mind - saying that the other forms were more cumbersome to fill out and get approval.
Good Morning ladies...
Sounds like everyone is having a Great Day....I just wanted to say "HELLO"... I am off to work.... sorry.. couldn't get my butt out of bed early enough to chat for a while... first week back to work.. kicking my butt...
Have a Great Weekend..
I HAVE HEARD TO NOT LET YOUR 1600A EXPIRE, THERE WAS A LADY ON HERE WHO WAS TOLD TO LET IT EXPIRE AND NOW HAS TO TAKE A CLASS TO GET IT RENEWED.
Sorry about the caps, just wanted everyone to catch that.
so glad to hear it Karen! We got the email from our agency that our homestudy was sent and that a certified copy is being mailed to us and this is the copy we will be taking to China..woohoo
Have a great day Kim!
It's always good to hear from you.
Kim- I wish mine had done that. They told us to let it expire and then when we went to renew we had all these extra requirements and had to do 10 hours of online training (both hubs and I) which costs and additional $175. The tab for our renewal just keep sgrowing
That "lady" was me a few weeks ago.
Congrats Amy that is so AWESOME!!
Good Morning all !
I have to go back an read but we are having a terrible time with the Hague that has been mentioned this morning. It is all USCIS...I was told yesterday that our case has been judicated so I hope that means something good. We are off for 5 days of camping and we really need some fun... Anyone out there actually get their I797c through this new process?
Shelly
Oh, sorry Patti!
I knew that someone had told us not to let it expire.
oh, bless your heart. Its all very confusing
Welcome Shelly,
Please share with us what problems you are having.
I would like to know what's going on.
Just a little FYI.. our agency said as long as we don't let anything expire we are okay..
We will see...
We are getting our homestudy renewed in a few weeks..
Then our I-600 or 171-H.. whichever you call it...lol..
Sorry.. tryingto hurry..
Have a Great Day..
But then I have a friend that they are still making them do all the requirements for the new Hague stuff... just in case..
Not sure..
BYE
Even though we have the extra work to do I am glad our agency is in the clear. Would hate to ahve waited almost 29 months to be told we had to start over with another agency.
I wanted to get more details from Pug Mama but her posts were so heart-wrenching I couldnlt bear to ask.
Good morning peeps.....just stopping by to say hi....busy day ahead.... ;).....Kimberely....are we on for Tuesday with hot waiter? *wink*
Have a great day Kim!
OK, SO IT SOUNDS LIKE IF YOUR AGENCY ISN'T HAGUE COMPLIANT BUT YOU DO ALL OF THE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK, YOU ARE OK?
GOood morning Steffie, hope you are having a good weekend
Because we are in WI (Adoption Services) our agency is only doing our homestudy requeirements and then sending to their IA partner in MI (Adoption Associates).
Shelley-
Thank for sharing--my agency didnt even know what the new document is called because since April, they have been sending in updated paperwork to USCIS and have not gotten a completed one back...
Makes me a bit nervous. That also said the process is different now, before you filed your application, ent in your fee (plus fingerpreint fee) and homestudy and then you got an appontment. Supposedly it is all different now.
Yes, we are....it's a bit cloudy here right now but it suppose to be a nice afternoon and evening....hope you are having a good weekend too! ;)
Oh yes Steffie,
I never miss an opportunity to dine with hot waiter...he's told me his name several times...still can't remember it. He comes to hot waiter, so that's what I'm sticking to : )
I hope I get my checklist today!
Hi Steff!
His name is Josh.....lol....I'll see you Tuesday at 12:45.
Let me know if you get the check list.....I'm hoping to get mine to my SW on Monday...we've had several emails back and forth...she's so helpful!
Have a great day on the lake girl! ;)
What time on Tuesday?
oh you guys make me giggle
Alright, 12:45 sounds good. If I get mine today, I'll let you know.
Our MI agencey is great and very knowledgable but I am having problems with our WI agency making us jump thru extra hoops and costing extra money... (We had to do all the extra on-line classes last year for WI foster home requirements)
Good Morning ladies! I don't know how long I can chat because Lily keeps me running! I wanted to check out the chat--Amy has talked about it before. (Hey Amy!!)
I must say that we are a hoot together.
Welcome Lily Makes 3! Amy is on here. We love to have new families join in. I went over to your blog and it is darling!
yes...I must agree....but Kimberley causes ALL the trouble! lol
Kim,
That is interesting, so do you have to take fostering classes as part of their IA program? Or are you guys considering fostering as well?
and her family is gorgeous as well. Hello back my friend!
The home study has to have VERY specific wording to be Hague Complaint. Adoption Services our HS agency is not Hague compliant so our Adoption Agency had to read and sign off on the home study. We have had to send 3 revised homestudies to USCIS (Minor wording but it all takes time). Then because I am traveling alone I had to write an action plan on Wisconsin pre-post adoption statues.
I really think that the USCIS officers ( and we have had two-one went on LOA) can interperate some things slightly different.
Thanks! Unfortunately, lately I haven't had much time to blog. Oh--I'm Heather! I know Amy from our First Friday group--she's awesome!
Oh yeah, that's me....the trouble girl. Sometimes I can get a little wild, but I would say that it's the combo pack of the two of us that shakes it up.
We're either really happy together and having a great time, or we're blue together and helping each other get through.
Our home study was fast to complete, but spent a lot of time with CCAI's Hague specialist. Took nearly 3 months!
I love it when more FF make it here!
love you girl.....have a TERRIFIC day everyone.....the Things are restless.....I need to unlock them from the closet and let them roam! lol
Ciao! ;)
Welcome Heather.
Amy is awesome. So, are you a waiting family?
See you later Steff!
morning, just dropping by late to say hello
No to adopt in WI you need to have to be considered a foster for some reason... WI rules - just seem like a reason to get more money..
Sounds like your "date" is going to be a good time!
lots of people getting their children how exciting!!
Does anyone know about how long it is taking for I-797's to come once you fill out the new I-800A? CCAI told me that they don't have a family yet that has filled it out and gotten approval yet. I asked how long they've waited and CCAI said it had been 2 months--and that was 3 weeks ago.
Amy - guess what I just booked for October :)
Shelly,
So that sounds like a pain, but at least you can proceed with the adoption. So, agencies who are not hague compliant need to rely on their sister agencies that are to get things done.
Hi Heather! I'm doing an in and out chat today.
Hi Dannye!
Heathers Lily will make you giggle
Kim....Disney Cruise?
We are almost done with our dossier--just need the USCIS approval and then authentication to be DTC. We filled out a waiting child checklist in Feb.
amy what day are we trying to get together??
How are you Dannye??
Yes, there are quite a few families traveling this week. It's been a busy month really, and I thought things would slow down with the Olympics..but it doesn't really look like it.
That sounds good Heather. Hopefully things will move along quickly.
AH! Karen!! How's Micah? Gosh, we miss everyone!
my mom and I got to go to the airport and welcome our friends D&B with JM home....what a great experience that was...she did great meeting everyone...my mom and I made posters and attached balloons to them, and JM LOVED the balloons...they entertained her the entire time we visited...we even got giggles from her with them
Yeah, where did Karen go? Our families are going to be having dinner together soon! She's coming to my neck of the woods.
You are so cool Dannye! And it sounds like your Mom is too. Are you two going out today?
a)Disney Cruise? Flippin sweet
B) We are trying to do our 797 so we get the free one and our agency sent us an email that our homestudy update was on its way to USCIS
C) last weekend I was able to talk t FLiss on the phone, some of you may know here. We found something out about each other thats sooo funny!
D)I cant wait to get that referral!
yes, I gotta get going here in a few to go get her....I really am lucky how great we get along, she really is my best friend...and the funny thing, we didn't get along at all while I was growing up...guess I just had to grow up (hehe)...
Fliss is a hoot! She has called me a couple of times. I could listen to her talk all day long..she has the coolest accent and she gives off great vibes.
AMY???? did you miss my question???
I got to meet Fliss for a short bit at our agency's conference in Tampa earlier this year...she is great!!
I am so hopefull that it will all come together soon. Well I have to run and pack the camper. Have a wonderful week everyone !!!
oops sorry. I did not miss it. We are waiting or michaels final approval and then I will ask you what days are best for you. Don and Be are meeting Canadian Catherine one day at Disney
whats JM like?
well i better get going to pick up mom, it's not getting any earlier....I'll try to chat again next weekend!! and hopefully I'll get off my lazy bones butt this week and post more on my blog....have a good one all!!
I'm off to church to pack up the band stuff for our Sunday Service. Our pastor is retiring so we're having a special service at the high school.
Sorry I couldn't chat longer today.
Have a great weekend Dannye and Karen!
You guys are all FABULOUS
Amy--I know you are LID nearly 16 months...RMJ--How long have you been LID?...Dannye--hello..what's your LID?
JM is sooooo easy going....she looks at you quite serious most of the time, but goes with the flow...and sooooo beautiful!! and D&B are such proud parents (as they should be)....she walks pretty good, a little unsteady but quite amazing...you'll love her
just let me know as you know....
I am about to celebrate my 18th month.
Have a great weekend!
our LID is 7/14/06, just "celebrated" 24 months....and many more to go...
Love you all. I need to go wake up MIchael soon!
Sorry had some technical difficulties
We're going to Disney the end of October!!! Anyone going to be there???
okay, now i'm really gone!! have a great week all!!
Kim, we live in Orlando, so we are always at (actually close enough to) Disney!!
We are trying to make arrangements to get Eli to Disney soon, but I don't know if we'll be able to or not.
18 months behind you! yahoo! closer & closer!
Amy--I think Amanda from Starfish is coming to FF--I talked to Susan and she said something about it. How cool is that??
if you want, email me (dannyem1973@yahoo.com) if you'd like to try to get together
Oh I wish we could go to Disney!
Ill meet anyone anytime in DW...I love it!
good morning!
We just hit our 15 mon LID
Good Morning Shelly!
So....are you going to Africa? You know I have to ask...
We will be there The last week in October to trick or treat with Mickey...
We should all try to meet up there :) Call it the Blogger Disney Bash
Wow, that sounds like a great time to go. Is it packed?
Oh I am soooo there
Heather, Im thinking the same thing plus we may have an extra special guest in the next couple of months if not this one that she hinted at. Would love to meet Amanda
well I was thinking of going to the grocery store but now that you mention it maybe I'll go to africa...
KIDDING
I am waiting on my husband Dave who is in great fear of another child. Chaos. Please pray that God will speak to his heart.
I put a deadline on it of August 8th, we'll see! We have raised $225 from some very nice people, some of whom are on this list!
hello that girl! You rock
That is very cool!
I will pray.
Did you go to that blog I sent you? Are those not the two most beautiful kids?
Thanks for praying -- he is rolling his eyes at me because he knows he's in for it.
I loved the blog thanks!
Next week, I will have more FF friends here! hahah! It is a great community and I am glad it was started but I also love this blogging community. YOu have blessed me in so many ways
Actually it's a good time to go the weather is great not too crowded cuz kids are in school... Plus they also have the food and wine festival at Epcot...
We are staying at the All Star Movies... Not in the room that long to pay the extra price :)
Hey all--get this...Lily is counting to 6 in SPANISH....it's hilarious!! Last night we went out for mexican and she told the waiter "gracious"....he laughed!!! We're working on the Chinese language too--China Tree will help with that next month.
Sorry to have to go ladies...we're taking Lily to the store to get a birthday present for a party she's invited to this afternoon.
Have a great weekend!!
Zia Jian!
Well,
My husband was slower to catch on too. But he did. Little Bennett has only been home for 6 months (what a doll!). But you can tell him that it takes a while to get through the system. So....you might as well start now and you can always change your mind later if you need to. Will he fall for that? :)
Have a great weekend Heather! Hopefully we will see you next week.
We stayed in All Star Sports one year and had a great time. All we need is a place to sleep, air conditioning and a great pool.
By Heather have a great week!
Hope Heather comes back. Her family makes me smile and her lili is funny!
October is perfect for DW
Kim,
I haven't talked with you in so long...I'm really glad you are here today.
Sorry to have to run... It's been great talking this morning...
I have a baby shower to get ready for... Hope you all have a great week.
I haven't seen Kelley from Sunshine and Rubber Duckies for a long time either. Has anyone talked with her?
YOu meet s many cool people here
We will be there 10/24 thru 11/3 if you are around...
I've posted on Kelly's page but haven't talked to her in a while
I do like it when new people come in and you get to see their blogs. I always learn some new stuff that's going on from them too. I think it's great Amy that you invite your friends to come.
I missed talking with everyone... It's hard to leave today :)
LOL I don't think he's gonna fall for that because the last two times I said that he ended up with two kids :) He's onto me...
He is taking all four kids to Bear Valley for two weeks and I don't join them until next week, so I get to experience life as a single lady for a few days. I am painting our bedroom, cause I'm WILD like that!
Off to help him finish packing.
Enjoyed the music today, talk to you soon!
I just want to meet you all in person, with out kids of course but I would love to meet yall before hand as well
Sorry, I got distracted and now I have to go. It was good chatting with everyone today. I will be praying for you all and the families having USCIS issues. Have a great week everyone.
Have fun going solo Shelly!
Bye Patti! Have a great week!
I would love to meet everyone too. Amy, you have met a lot of people.
MIchael and I have enjoyed it. Sometimes they are just around and some planned. You never know. The Central Fl group is awesome but would love to meet more
Okay now I really have to take off :) Have a great weekend everyone!!!
I wish that we had a first fridays group. I have Steffie and Kelly, and we make a pretty good local group, but I wish that we had more ladies.
have a good one
Have fun Kim!
You know if you were ever interested in starting one, dan and susan would love to help and would love to see it all over the nation
I would love to hear about how they got started. You know me, I always love a new challenge.
Well, for a while there it was only you and me left on here, but it looks like some other people are coming on.
Hello people. Come say hello before I go to bed!
I tell ya. Maybe it's just us girl!
I close the chat down when no one shows for 20 minutes.
Good Morning (and good night amy)!
You all got room for one more?
fm
There are 7 people on the blog, so maybe someone will want to say hi to us : )
We definitely have room Ford, it was getting a little lonely in here.
So, how are you guys holding out? I cannot wait to see your baby? Can you guys post photos? I know that some agencies are advising families not to post photos.
YOu guys have the countdown right? I love it and I love her name
We're doing better than we deserve! I know we plan to post photos - I don't believe our agency has a problem with that. Best not - because we sure plan to share :)
How are you all doing?
Hey Amy!
Yes we're doing the race car count down... You're too good to remember that.
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