Where did March go?

So much for my good intentions of updating my blog regularly. For real now, I think I have my act together and am ready to post regularly. So, let me fill you in on the latest developments around my adoption...

End of February My agency received my signed contract. This alone was a big step for me. First, it took me nearly two weeks to read, review, re-read, (read the same paragraph over 3 times), etc., and sign the contract.

Early March I spoke with my agency director to tell him that I'm ready to be put on the 'waiting list' and shared my gender decision. At this point I asked him where I was on the list and was told that I'm at the top of the list ;)

March 10th Garage Sale Day 1 - This day marked my first garage sale ever. I have to say, it was a lot of fun. Thank you to mom, P, J, M & B (you know who you are) for your help. I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciated you all being here.

Here they are - J, P, M, & Mom, with B looking so cute!
March 17th & 18th Garage Sale Day 2 & 3 - So, I planned to have a garage sale both days the weekend of the 10th, but fell ill. Instead, I decided to go for the very next weekend. Again, I had my fabulous support staff with me!! The weekend went well and I clearly did get rid of lots of stuff. The good news is I made $322...yayyy! Certainly nothing to complain about. I still have lots of stuff left and will try to move that at yet another garage sale at mom's scheduled for April 21st. Any volunteers?

March 27th marked an exciting day. On this day, I received my I-171H approval from the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. This very important piece of paper from immigration basically states I am approved for the adoption of one infant orphan.

April 2nd 6:30pm was another exciting day. On this day I mailed my completed dossier to my adoption agency. This checklist included 27 items comprised of forms and letters and police checks and medical records among other things. Every 'i' had to be dotted and every 't' had to be crossed and every single piece of paper had to be notarized. Now it's on the way to my agency where it will be checked once again before being sent to Washington and then onto Kyrgyzstan, where it will be translated by the in-country coordinator.

So, 'what happens next?' you might wonder. While my dossier paperwork is being processed and making it's way to Kyrgyzstan, a referral may be presented to me at any time. That event alone will mark a milestone moment which I will happily share. That's all for now until next time.