Archive for September, 2012

1st Day of School

Everyone is now back in school.  Ariel started her Senior year of High School on August 22nd.  It’s so hard to believe that she is now a Senior.  It’s been fun this summer going on college visits with her and wondering where she might go next year.  She is one busy girl right now with marching band and the fall drama.  It’s been a great start to the school year for her.

Ready to go on the 1st day of school!

Last time to get these pictures together 🙁 Last 1st day of school for High School.

Our beautiful Senior!

Xander’s 1st day of preschool was on August, 28th.  He is again in Mrs. Henderson’s room and is loving going to preschool again.  He picked up this year just where he left off last year.  It’s been really nice having the same teacher because he know’s exactly what to do.  He loves going to “work” everyday with his backpack.

Xander's turn! 1st day of preschool

Our awesome kids ready for school!

Xander outside of his classroom after his 1st day of preschool.

Forever Family Day!

August 15, 2012 marked 1 year as a Family of 4!  What a year it has been!  To celebrate the day we got Xander a gift that he opened 1st thing in the morning.  It was an airport and boy does he LOVE it!  He spent the entire day playing with it.  That night Patrick, Xander, and I went out of Chinese food to celebrate.  We love you Xander and are so happy you are in our family now!

Bringing the big box in to open!

What could this be?

So happy to see it's an airport.

2 hours later Mama finally had it all put together. It had a LOT of pieces.

Loving his "China fried rice"

Adoption Timeline
  • Summer 2010 - started talking about adoption
  • Aug 19, 2010 - participated in webinar
  • Sep 22, 2010 - mailed in adoption application
  • Sep 28, 2010 - adoption application accepted
  • Oct 8, 2010 - fingerprints for home study
  • Oct 14, 2010 - fire inspection done
  • Oct 25, 2010 - Patrick & Kimberly complete physicals for the adoption
  • Nov 4, 2010 - finished Heart of the Matters Parent Education
  • Nov 9, 2010 - Ariel's physical is completed
  • Nov 15, 2010 - 1st Home Study Visit
  • Dec 10, 2010 - Kimberly's Individual Interview with Social Worker
  • Dec 16, 2010 - Patrick & Ariel's Individual Interview with Social Worker
  • Dec 19, 2010 - Received rough draft of Home Study to review
  • Jan 7, 2011 - Received Final Home Study
  • Jan 7, 2011 - Sent I800A form into USCIS
  • Jan 18, 2011 - We see our son's face for the 1st time!
  • Jan 21, 2011 - Submit Letter of Intent to China
  • Jan 27, 2011 - Receive Pre-Approval from China
  • March 7, 2011 - I800a approval
  • March 24, 2011 - Dossier to China
  • April 2, 2011 - Log In Date
  • May 16, 2011 - LOA
  • June 2, 2011 - I800 Approval
  • June 10, 2011 - Cable sent by National Visa Center
  • June 13, 2011 - NVC Letter & final paper work sent to Agency!!!!
  • June 23, 2011 - Article 5 papers dropped off
  • July 8, 2011 - Article 5 pick up
  • July 19, 2011 - Travel Approval!!!!!!
  • August 15, 2011 - Forever Family Day!!!!!!
  • August 25, 2011 - Arrive home; Xander becomes a US citizen :)