The biggest and hardest-to-predict wait is for our LOA - a very important, very official letter from China that we are totally set and approved by them for adoption. [We already received pre-approval, but this longer wait will involve a more intensive review of our dossier.] LOA wait times vary dramatically, so it's hard to know what to expect. Quick would be two months. Slow would be four.
After LOA most of our "hoop jumping" returns to the United States side of things.... another round through immigration approval (department of homeland security) and then a few more steps regarding getting a U.S. visa for John Paul (he will have a Chinese passport when we get him - the U.S. visa stamped in the passport is critical).
When all the U.S. steps are complete our file/paperwork goes back to China for one final approval (permission to travel).
So, all this to say, our best guess is that we'll travel to pick up John Paul in about five to seven months.
Prayer that all these steps would proceed smoothly and without incident and all in God's perfect timing would be much appreciated! And if you're ready to see John Paul's cute little face then pray for a quick LOA - after LOA we can start to publicly post his photo!
In the meantime these three are busy preparing for not one but TWO new siblings :)
Tonight at supper I asked "what are we going to do with our new baby?" Got lots of great responses like "hold it" "kiss it" "snuggle it" but things took a turn for the worse when Isaac suggested "tickle it".... it was just a hop skip and a jump from "tickle it" to Lydia's suggestion: "throw it up in the air".
Ummmmm, time to intervene :) Matt stepped in with a firm "we are not going to throw our new baby up in the air".
In the kids defense, tickling and throwing up in the air are forms of affection in our family! But it was prime time for a good chit-chat on how tiny and fragile and little babies are and how careful we need to be! Of course, this little one currently tucked safe inside my belly is soon to be the fifth child born in six years in our family. Something tells me that he/she will be one tough cookie :)
3 comments:
Well, the siblings are enthusiastic about a new baby in the house! The reality of how much time a new baby needs from Mommy might be a reality check, especially for little, about to become big, brother Isaac! Love you all!
And that's the joy of when Grandma gets to come, and bond with the grandchildren when mommy is busy with baby. Hopefully the bonding time will be less time than in the past. And it'll sure help that grandpa will show up on the scene with grandma. We are excited, and can't wait, and are praying for LOTZ of extra energy and good sleep. Jan
I am seriously laughing out loud right now and had to comment! Thanks for sharing your life and incredible journey of faith! Excited for you guys and we will be praying.
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