Coincidence or Not?

I am a numbers person.  Numbers are constantly going through my head.  Some of you may have figured out I am not a word person.  I often struggle to find the right words for what I want to say especially face to face.  I do a little better writing because I can write, read, rewrite, repeat.

I obviously realized that we received I800 approval on March 28, my grandmother's birthday.  I could tell you we received the news that our agency had our LOA on March 11.  What I had never looked at was what day CCCWA issued our LOA.  I finally looked the other day.  It was March 7, my dad's birthday.  How odd is that?

Atlanta

After leaving Columbia, South Carolina we headed to Atlanta for a couple of days.  We usually go once a year so the boys can go to a Braves game or two.  The girls and I decided to just hang out at the hotel this time.  Friday we went to Stone Mountain.  We hadn't been since May of 2005.  We had a great time!

Tonight while we are sleeping our Article 5 will be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China.  If I remember correctly it will be 3:00 a.m. our time, 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, China time.  It will take 2 weeks to process and then we will be waiting for TA.

Leigh-Anne's Graduation and Cabled

Great morning in Columbia, SC.  My niece is officially a U.S. Soldier.  The rain did not deter us from having a good time.  My brother was there too.  I have not seen him in 3 1/2 years.  After a short graduation ceremony my niece was allowed to check out of her barracks and go off base for the first time in 2 1/2 months.  Red Robin was her celebration place of choice.

Later in the afternoon once we were on the road again to our next destination the email came in from the National Visa Center.  We have been cabled.  I would go into more details but since no one knows what I am talking about I won't.  The important thing is on April 23 as long as there are no problems we will be waiting for Travel Approval.  TA could take from 7-21 days.  I am guessing it will come in around 10.  Time will tell.

GUZ#

We are the proud recipients of 2 GUZ#s.  I know this means nothing to those not in the adoption community.  To us it means we are one step closer to the boys.  The light at the end of the tunnel is almost visible.  We are waiting on a PDF and then our Article 5 can be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate in China.  Have I lost you yet?

We are still on track for May travel but it is very unlikely that it will be May 9.  I am okay with that even though it would have worked out much better with Zachary's school.  Still thinking May 16 is a good possibility.  Just need Dallas to call Zachary's school next week to beg, plead, and do whatever it takes for Zachary to be able to go with us.  My sister and I need his help!

Oops!

I mailed a package to the boys today. Sending it to Ann at Red Threads. I want confirmation that it arrived. Just remembered I forgot to take a picture of its contents. It included a blanket I made for each boy, 2 coloring books, 2 photo albums, 2 stuffed dogs with a sound chip of our voices inside, and 2 Cars cars. Hopefully we will get photos when they get it.

Update on the Boys

We got an update on the boys yesterday.  Left off question one because it included chinese names.  We are very excited to be so close to traveling.  I still can't believe they are going to be ours.

2.  Are they potty trained?

They are still wearing diapers now. But they understand go potty. After they go home, just need a little training, we believe they will no longer need diaper.

3.  What are their favorite foods?

Both of them are not picky. They have good appetite. They like crackers, bread, etc.

4  Do they have a favorite toy?

Toy car, blocks, etc.

5.  Do they play well with other children?

Yes, they both play well with other children.

6.  How many words can they say? What      are some of them?

They can say many words now. They have no problem making simple communication with people and they can sing a few simple songs.

7.  Are they scared of anything?

We have not found they are scared of anything.

8.  Can they kick, throw and catch a ball?

Yes, they have no problem kicking, throwing and catching a ball.

9.  Do they know how to draw and color?

They are not really drawing or coloring, but they like to scrawl.

10.  Can they follow directions?

Yes, they can understand and follow most of the directions.

11. Shuang Cheng’s height: 98cm; Weight: 15.88kg; Foot: 15cm;

Shuang Quan’s height: 98cm; Weight: 15.4kg; Foot: 15cm.

Happy Birthday, Kristopher!

Today our oldest son turned 21.  It is hard to believe it has been 21 years since he was born in Richmond, VA.  I still remember clearly the day we came home from the hospital...all 10 lbs 6 ounces of him.  So many wonderful memories through the years and just a few trials.  Kristopher is our son that will never grow up.  He still loves Spiderman and comic books.  He tells his brothers that he is going to be the cool uncle.  He may just be right about that!