Brown Envelope

Well, Friday the 13th was good for more than just DTC...I received the mysterious Brown Envelope! Although I can't remember if I am allowed to open it?

The "Brown Envelope" is from the US Consulate General Guangzhou, it is a letter and paper work stating that INS has notified the American Consulate in Guangzhou that have you have been approved to adopt an orphan from overseas. In other words they are authorized to process your child's case as soon as the adoption is finalized in Guangzhou. That is in a nut shell, they also send forms to fill out. Not everyone will receive the "Brown Envelope" and I am not sure how it is decided who gets them or who doesn't. I do know that if you do not receive one that the agency will provide all of the information at the time of your referral.

Medical Exam

Had my Medical Exam done the day after Labor day, how much fun can one person have! Well, I'm glad that is done with. Anyway, this is a new doctor and she seems great. For those of you that know me, there is always some drama with getting my blood taken. The first attempt was a failure, now I am back for another go around. And yes, "AnneMarie" is my newest favorite person in the world. She got me on the first try. So, in the wrist with a pediactric needle and "9" viles later...I am done! I am not sure there is a single test on earth that they didn't test for! But I am sure that you all know how that goes. The way I see it, if someone is actually able to get blood from me, do every test you think you might need. Plus I had the fun TB shot and a tetnus. Now the wait for the results begins! Wish me luck. Actually, I am more worried about finding a traveling notary! :)

I-600A

Well, It's submitted today!

Phase #1: The Paperchase (First 4-6 Months)

Collect all documents for Dossier

Birth certificate
Certificate of Property (Financial Statement)
Physicals (with about 10 different blood tests)
State Police Checks
Application letter to Chinese Officials
Letters from Employers
Homestudy from Social Worker
I-171H form from USCIS
Copies of Passports
6 Pictures of family
2 Passport size photo's

After all these documents are all collected and Notorized then I will take them down to Dover and they all have to be state certified by the Secretary of State. They will then be fed-ex'd to the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC and be authenticated. (First local(notorized), then state level (certified) then country level (authenticated) the documents all need a stamp saying they are legitimate.) Then the documents are sent to our adoption agency. They double check them and then translate them into Chinese. Then the documents are sent to China. That is my DTC date. Then about 1-2 weeks after that is our LID (Log in Date). Now I just have to wait! The matching wait is about 6 - 7 months. My agency will be the one that give me a call to let me know that China has a referral for me. They will give me info over the phone and then overnight the medical info and 3 photos of my child. The next step will be to wait for TA(Travel Approval). This normally takes 4-6 weeks to get with about a 2 week warning that you are leaving. I will then travel to China and spend 10-12 days in China. You will find a "In China" travel timeline on our referral page.

Fingerprinting Appointment

Fingerprinting Appointment for Police & Child Abuse Clearance!

1st Homestudy Visit

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Madison Adoption Associates

"HI Stephanie, It was great talking to you, too. Being nervous is a totally normal and natural part of this process. Your autobiography and directions both look excellent, very thorough. Thanks for sending them to me so quickly. I look forward to meeting you on Saturday 7/23 at 0900. Take care," - Sincerely, Aileen

Adoption Timeline

I have seen how others have posted their Adoption Timeline and thought it was a great idea!! So…here is mine:
04-07-2005 – Contacted My agency regarding their singles program.
04-07-2005 – Overnighted my 10 page application to be considered.
04-12-2005 – Approved for the “waiting list”
06-24-2005 – Got the call to go ahead with the paperwork.
07-11-2005 – Set up appointment for Homestudy.
07-23-2005 – First home study visit. (The Home Inpection!!)
08-09-2005 – Criminal & Child Abuse Clearance.
08-22-2005 – Received my Police Report.
09-01-2005 – Failed Bloodwork attempt for Life Insurance.
09-02-2005 – Mailed my I-600A.
09-06-2005 – Went for Physical & Blood workup.
09-08-2005 – I-600A Receipt & Fingerprinting Appointment.
09-13-2005 – Completed both Employement Letters with Notary.
09-13-2005 – Second home study visit.
09-14-2005 – Passed Medicals/Doctor did paperwork incorrectly.
09-16-2005 – Got Fingerprinted in Dover.
10-19-2005 – Third home study visit.
10-28-2005 – Fourth home study visit.
11-11-2005 – Home study completed and sent to USCIS.
11-15-2005 - I physically picked up my approved Homestudy today!
11-30-2005 – I-797C (aka I-171H) came in the mail!
01-13-2006 – Dossier to China (DTC)!!!

02-17-2006 – LOG IN DATE (LID)!!!
2006 - ????? WAIT

2007 - ????? WAIT
November 2007 - Referral (Hopefully!!!)
December 2007 - Travel to China (Hopefully!!!)