Update time

Aronya, Your little boy is really cute!! Seems we'll be waiting longer than I anticipated. We submitted all of our hs paperwork on 4/6. In late March, the SW indicated that she could probably finish in about 3 weeks, so I figured we'd be approved by Mother's Day. As things have unfolded, it seems I have to keep stretching the time out. The agency rule is 90 days from the time you submit your paperwork and it looks like we may wait the full time. No problems, sw just seems to be "overloaded". I actually think that we're on the back burner because we're only using the agency for the HS and not for placement. I'm trying to be really patient (she reschedules appts or is late, etc.) but she hasn't even called our references yet!! In the meantime, DH and I have planned a cruise for the end of the month and are looking at doing some work (flooring, painting) at home. I'm just trying to go with the thought that God has the plan and it will all work out the way it's supposed to, but it is frustrating. Sorry for the long vent. I hope everyone else's process is moving smoothly. Jeannem

aronya, I can't believe the baby's so big!!!!!! It really makes you realize that they don't stay babies for long! Thanks for the new picture, I love seeing them. Our update: Our documents have been officially logged into the Chinese system so we are anticipating traveling in late January/ early Feb., several months later than we anticipated but at least we are making progress. We will be spending the summer finishing the nurs. and doing our last few major home improvements- building a deck, recarpeting, painting, painting, painting, enormous new flower beds, etc. Since we are major do-it-yourselfers we are trying to capitalize on our current freedom before we have a toddler to keep an eye on. My husband and I have been spending the last few nights talking about a domestic transracial adoption (perhaps for baby #2). I am so excited since this is something I have wanted and been open to all along. I think we have had such positive feedback about our Chinese adoption that some of his fears about a transracial/ transcultural adoption have been calmed. My dh teaches in Montgomery county in a school that has the highest minority population in the county, in fact, in 4 years he has never taught a white child. However, he was initially very worried that the very vocal women that he works with would criticize us or feel like they have the "right" to tell us how to raise our child if he/she was African American. We live in Howard county and I also teach at a school with a very high minority population, almost 60%. I understand his "fears" as I also have several vocal women I eat lunch with that have no qualms about telling me how they are better teachers to minority students because they are minorities, and I find it quite offensive, but it hasn't ever deterred me from my desire. Anyway, my point is I would love to hear from caucasian parents that have adopted AA babies and hear your positive and negative experiences. That's all the news for now! Again Aronya, your little guy is quite the stunner! Shan

Jeannem, I know how you feel. I was not rude, but I was very direct about the timeing of our social worker. And if you feel you are on the back burner --- you can either take it as a sign that God is slowing down the process for you so that the timeing will be perfect when your angel is ready for you --- or it could be a sign that you need to be a little agressive and stay on top of them. I would pray about it alot...but remember too you are paying for a service, whether they are just doing the homestudy or not. I will continue to pray for you.

That's funny cause we are thinking for baby number 2 --- we will probably go domestic again with no gender preference --- and if we get another boy, then we will do our 3rd one through china which will be our girl (prayerfully --- North korea will open up adoption --- but that would take a miracle, but more powerful things have happened with God, so there is hope) We were thinking we would start the process again in January --- but we really need to wait for our house value to go up a little more, so we can pull out some equity...or perhaps (cross fingers) find a single family home we can afford in Montgomery County.

Hi all.. aronya your little boy is SOOOO cute.. they do grow so quick.. I cannot believe Daniel will be 1 July 15th... :o) thats like 6 weeks away.. :o) We also started to look at a 2nd domestic adoption. We started to post our site again and then were contacted by our foster care worker about a 1 year old boy from baltimore city that needed a foster/adopt home. so.. it looks like things are moving forward with him and if all goes well he will move in in the next week or so and then they will start the process to TPR his family (who has never seen him) and then we can begin the adoption process.. Oh.., you asked about how to finalize.. once all the visits are done all you have to do is have you attorney file for finalization and you will get a date!!! its EASY!!! :o) So.. when are we all finally going to get together??? Maybe at a park??

Single family home that's affordable in Montgomery County, HaHaHaHa!!!! (LOL) HaHaHaHa! :D