Thursday, February 23, 2006

Two Jews and a Wedding

The true measure of a good Jewish wedding is by the amount of pigs-n-blankets they serve and I must say there were pigs-a-plenty. As usual, Marnie was my "date" for our friend Leslie's wedding. Would China frown upon this? I figured I'd throw a few photos on this post to show off my Asian inspired ensamble since my beautiful corset gown was too tight. Who knew paper pregnancy caused weight gain. Since it was a black tie affair and I wanted something a little different and thought this was a cool outfit. The wedding was beautiful, as was the bride and a good time was had by all.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy Valentines Day or How Awesome is NYC CIS?

Tomorrow is the final piece of the paperchase. Exactly one week after I submitted my I-600A I received the notice of fingerprinting appointment. So tomorrow at 8:00am I have to report to CIS (homeland security) for my federal prints. Once cleared I take a copy of that document and my home study and have them both certified by the Secretary of State and authenticated by the Chinese Consulate and OFF TO CHINA WE GO! The wait from LID (log in date) to referral is currently 8-9 months. Of course this can change in either direction so all I can do it wait. I opted to renew my lease for one more year and hope I will be able to buy something in the next year or so. Once I am DTC (dossier to China) I will start to interview pediatricians and look at daycare centers.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Closer and Closer

My home study was finally completed and I mailed in my I-600A and am awaiting my fingerprinting appointment. Once I get the clearance I am DONE! While I am waiting for that I can take the photos that need to accompany my dossier to China. I am hoping to be DTC by the end of the month but that depends on how long it takes to get the fingerprinting appointment and then how long clearance takes. Luckily I had a good experience with the courier I used to walk all my documents through and I will use them again for the study and 171-H. It costs a few hundred dollars but I can't take the time off work and it takes away all the anxiety. The wait from log in date to referral has increased to 8-9 months but I am hopeful it will decrease at some point. I have been pretty patient considering my part was done in November but it's a process and takes time. I can't imagine how I will deal with the big wait from DTC to referral but I have projects to keep me busy. In case anyone cares, Meg Ryan adopted a baby from China two weeks ago. Her name is Charlotte and she was adopted the same way anyone of us would. China does not make exceptions and is apparently not impressed by money and presence. On another note, I connected with a guy who worked at my nail salon. It's a long story but he moved back to Beijing and we are planning to get together if I pass through that way. It would be nice to see him and meet his family. I guess that's about it here. Til next time