Paper Chasing

A lot has happened in the last few days. Our USCIS approval arrived Saturday. So first thing Monday morning Michael was at the county building before they opened while I got the kids ready to head into the city.We had filled out all the latest forms and got them and the power of attorney certified. With finally a COMPLETED DOSSIER we headed off to the city. The kids were very excited to be on this adventure with us. We made great timing and had our birth certificates certified in no time. Then off to the state. After a long wait we found out we had a problem with Michael's employment letter because we live in NY but his job is NJ. My poor honey ran all the way across town, got new paperwork. Then back to the county, then finally back to the state building where we met back after I found somewhere to get the kids lunch. Another long wait, finally everything done... off we all ran before finally realizing there was no way we were making it to the Chinese consulate in time. So we hung out in China town for a while. The kids had a lot of fun and enjoyed showing off the little bit of Mandarin they know, "Ni Hao" and "Shui".  It really worked out because I found out there were things missing that I still needed for the consulate. So I was up until around 2am getting everything in order and at 6:30am Michael headed back to the consulate where he waited on lines for 4 hours, fixed a few things they needed and then finally our dossier was accepted. It will be ready to be picked up on Monday. When we get it back I will work on it right away finishing up all final steps and adding photos that we will be getting ready in the next 2 days, over night it to FTIA, hoping all will be O.K.  If so, our dossier will be on it's way to China a week from tomorrow!! Teresa gave me a heads up to start working on our I800 now so when we get our referral we will be ready to go. I was so glad she did because when I looked it up, it's another book. I mention Teresa a lot. Our social worker introduced us. I am so glad she did! Teresa has been a life saver! She is adopting a little boy from China and we are about a week behind her and her husband in the process.  She is so wonderful and it is so awesome to be going through this at the same time. So that is my paper work saga. Winding down, I think. Oh just to hear....DTC. Can't wait. Of course every knew step comes with a bill. We are in the process of planning a second yard sale for September. So thank you again for all the good wishes. We are getting there. I wish I knew if our little guy knew about us.