Let's C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!  Finally!!! We have been working diligently to get all our documents together to send to the agency so they can compile it with our home study for our dossier.  It has been a very trying process.  Mostly, the medical records and form that needed to be filled out and notarized by the doctor just didn't get done.  They have had our information since the beginning of November.  Finally got them on Monday only to find out that Neal's results had expired (everything must be dated within 6 months of China receiving our documents).  So, Neal had to go back to the doctor Wednesday and have all his tests redone.  For some reason (and I know there is one), God has made us wait.  I know he is trying to teach me patience.  I have learned it!  I also believe that our China Girl is not there yet so we must wait......

This has been my life.  If there was a fire at my house, the first thing I would grab would have been my folder with all of these documents in it!  (After making sure my boys are out safe, of course).  As Graham carried the FedEx envelope out the door I felt like I was losing a piece of myself.  LOL!  Every document has to be prepared and notarized, certified, stamped, whatever that particular form needed.  They all have to be dated within the last 6 months.  Many people have asked what all I have to provide, so here is a list and a picture:

1.  Birth Certificate - Husband & Wife - not just a copy but certified and dated.  Had to order these through vital check.com (could have gone to Monroe but decided to do it online).  I also got 2 copies, just in case:-)

2.   Marriage License (also certified by the Clerk of Court)

3.   Application Letter (signed by both of us and notarized).  This told about us, why we wanted to adopt from China, stated that we would not abandon or abuse our child, that we would provide her with everything we provide our biological children, etc.

4.   Medical Letter for both of us - signed by Doctor and notarized.  This included a letter for each and also a form which detailed our health.  Also, signed and notarized.

5.   Certificate of Financial Status (Prepared by CPA and signed and notarized by me and Neal).

6.   Employment Status -one for each of us since Neal has his own business and I work on commission.  (prepared by CPA, signed and notarized).

7.   Police Letter for each of us, signed by the RPD and notarized.

8.   3 color photocopies of our passports

9.   Power of Attorney, signed and notarized by both of us

10.   Authentication of Notarization (A simple form, 1 for each of us)

This was just to be sent to the adoption agency.  The home study folks had a whole other bunch of documents they needed, pics of the family, pics of our house, doctor note stating they are in good health and are current on vaccinations, a very long autobiography by each, all kinds of financial stuff, reference letters (signed and notarized, thanks to those who helped out), fingerprints taken at the detention center (two sets) for clearances on child abuse with State Police and FBI, and a few other things.  I even made sure our dog was current on her vaccinations, just in case!

I feel like I have reached the top of the mountain but know I am only about 1/2 way there.  Still feels good!!!!

This is my red thread adoption bracelet.  If you don't know the story about the red thread you can Google it.  I got this bracelet several months ago and never take it off.  This is what it looks like now.  It's got lots of untangling to do but I hope it still has some red in there when we go to China.

We are hoping that our Dossier will be on the way to China within the next two weeks.  So excited!

Josh Kelley - Naleigh Moon

This is the song that Amy sent me.  Sweet girl!  Thanks Amy!

Happy Chinese New Year!  We spent the long weekend at the lake and I was reading the above book.  I sat the book down for just a few seconds and came back and found this ladybug on it!  I love the signs.  Still trying to get medical forms completed.  I know there is a reason for the wait but it is really hard.

Yesterday, a friend sent this picture to me of a ladybug that was crawling around in her church Sunday.  Thanks for the pic, Ashley.

Then another sweet friend, Amy, sent me the link to this song.  Watch out for sweet tears...  I think it is going to post separate from this, but I am not so talented at blogging (yet).


We have been so blessed with so many positive words and support from friends and family.  We can not find our sweet girl "a moment too soon".  Keep on praying that our dossier will be submitted smoothly in the next week or two and sent to China.

Love,

The DeForests -1