Welcome to the portion of our adoption that is fondly called "The Wait". This is the longest part of the adoption process and is the hardest part for most people. We have basically done everything we can do and our Dossier has been sent to China. Now we wait for the Chinese Government to match us to our daughter. We do have a few thing to get done over this time we need to get our immunizations and decorate the nursery so I hope to keep busy.
Sept. 1, 1999 - We hired a contractor to build in our garage to add additional space to our house. We have to move Jeff's office to some place and we needed a classroom for school. Plus I get a craft room and we are putting an activity room also. So we are pretty excited to get moving on our plans.
Sept. 3, 1999 - Mom and Dad had their Birthday party at their house tonight. We all had a really nice time. Jim and April's little ones are really growing and changing fast. I can't believe how much fun they are. Cassie is really enjoying playing with them. They are almost sitting up now and Brianna is starting to try and talk.
Sept. 10, 1999 - We had our second orientation with CCAI today what a fun day. It was a much more relaxed meeting than last time. Jeff and I really enjoyed the day. Cassie stayed with Grammy and Grandpa and had a great day also.
Sept. 11, 1999 - Cassie made a big decision today and had her ears pierced. I can't believe that my baby is all grown up. She was so brave and tried very hard not to cry. She really looks cute and quite grown up. She is so excited. We had a wonderful orientation at CCAI this morning. What a difference everyone was relaxed and really enjoyed themselves. Josh told us that to expect to be back from China in 7 1/2 months from the day that our Dossier went to China we should have our referral and have our baby by April.
Sept. 14, 1999 - Steve from Keystone Design and Build (our contractor) wants to get started Thursday. We had to hurry and find a storage unit and are moving out things like crazy. I can't wait until they are done so we can get Vickie's room done. They are replacing our sliding glass door in the kitchen with a window then building a breezeway between the new addition and the existing house. We should have about 2400 square feet when they are done.
Sept. 18, 1999 - Mom helped me pick out colors to paint with we are going to paint Vickie's room a light yellow, Cassie's room a light pink, Our room will be light green and the kitchen a light blue. We are going to paint the addition and breezeway the same light tan as the living room.
Oct. 5, 1999 - We received a letter from CCAI that we have a DIC date of September 21, 1999. That is when our Dossier was logged into China and we are officially in the waiting line. Our agency is one of the only agencies that tells you when your dossier is logged in the CCAA. We are so excited.
Oct. 15, 1999 - Keystone is almost done with our breezeway they have all of the windows done and the doors are in (a double French door in front and the slider that was in the kitchen in the back). We will finally have a formal entry! We are also going to put the TV in the family room and turn our current living room into more a place where we can entertain. Jeff is busy getting his speakers laid out for the surround sound theater in the family room. I can't wait to get sewing on Vickie's things for her room it will also be nice to have the classroom again.
Oct. 16, 1999 - Tonight is the "Some Where In The World Foundation's" silent auction. Jeff has been working so hard on the database for it. I hope it all works right. It feels so good to be involved with an organization that is helping the little girls that don't get adopted. I wish we could do more. I am sure that it will be a success because they have over 500 donations for the auctions. eBusinessesWork donated some consulting time and a platinum web package.
Oct. 20, 1999 - Keystone has the siding up now and our house looks really nice. Soon we will be ready to start on Vickie's room.
Oct. 26, 1999 - Mom called this afternoon her cancer is back and they are going to be putting her on the pump again. She said that she is going to beat the cancer again and be around to see all of her grandkids grow up.