waiting

we finally made it to the waiting period.  i've heard this is the worst part.  and while that may eventually be true, right now we are happy to be here.  let the waiting begin.  so, here's a timeline because it seems like everyone is asking right now.

12/17/11 - home study

1/28/12 - received home study back and made corrections

2/4/12 - had all our remaining paperwork notarized

2/5/12 - received final copy of home study in the mail

2/6/12 - fedexed dossier (basically a collection of a bunch of papers) to our agency and fedexed immigration application to USCIS

that's a timeline of what's happened so far.  now for what is next.  our paperwork should arrive in ethiopia in 3-4 weeks.  we should get immigration approval in the next 3 months.  then hopefully within 6 months, we will get a referral (a picture and description of our possible child/children.)  once we accept, we will take our first trip for court about 3 months later.  we will stay in ethiopia around a week and come home.  about 3 months after the first trip, we make our second trip to bring our babies home.  i keep saying "babies" hoping we get two out of this deal.  and yes, we are nuts, but couldn't be happier about this decision!

thanks for all the prayers and support!  i know we will need it now, but even more in about a year!

much love,

s and a