Another Day in Beijing

Another great day in Beijing. We decided to sleep in this morning and try and get over some of our jet lag. Although there is so much we want to see in Beijing, we really want to get on China time before we meet Alisha.

After a leisurely morning, we went down the street to the Forbidden City and Tannimen Square. Forbidden City was beautiful and so full of history. We walked through some beautiful gardens and walked around the square. After our long afternoon checking out the sights, we had some relaxing time at the hotel pool. It is in the basement of the hotel and its like you are on a tropical island. So relaxing, that Jerry and I both took a quick nap before dinner.

We wish we could have seen more of this wonderful city but we are off tomorrow to Wuhan and finally meet Alisha on Monday.

Beijing

After a very long flight we made it to Beijing. On the flight over we met some other families that were also on their way to China to adopt their children. Lots of joy and excitement the flight.

Upon arriving in China, the Minks hooked us up with their facilitator Richard Li. He was kind enough to pick us up from the airport, take us to our hotel and out to a great Duck Dinner. (Who knew I liked Duck!)

We are staying at the Grand Hyatt Bejing. It is a beautiful hotel and a great place to relax before we meet Alisha. Today, we met up with Richard again and drove us out to the Great Wall. What an amazing sight to see! We definitely could have used a few more days on the stepmaster at the gym.

We are really enjoying our time in Beijing but can't wait until Monday.

P.S. Happy Birthday Mitchell.

The Long Road

Only 13 days until we meet Alisha, but it was a long road to this point. Our adoption began in the Summer 2005 but took us until January 2006 to begin the process. Here is our timeline:

September 26, 2005 - Decided to complete our family through Adoption
January 6, 2006 - Met with Madison Adoption Agency (Diana Bramble)
January 12, 2006 - Jerry's Delaware Fingerprint Appointment
January 31, 2006 - Renee's Delaware Fingerprint Appointment
March 13, 2006 - Renee's 2nd Delaware FIngerprint Appointment (bad prints the 1st time)
April 5, 2006 - Went to USCIS (Dover, DE) office - Submitted I-600A form and Jerry & Renee Federal Fingerprints
April 19, 2006 - Met with Social Worker for Home Study
April 24, 2006 - Met with Diana to review Dossier Paperwork
May 16, 2006 - Met with Social Worker for 2nd Home Study Visit
May 25, 2006 - Home Study and Paperwork to USCIS
June 20, 2006 - Submitted Dossier Paperwork to Madison
July 1, 2006 - Received I-787C Form - Approved by USCIS
July 5, 2006 - Documents to Delaware Secretary of State for authentication
July 7, 2006 - Documents to China Consulate for legalization
July 15, 2006 - Documents returned from China Consulate
July 17, 2006 - Dossier to CCAA (DTC)
July 28, 2006 - Log in Date with CCAA (LID)
Sept. 24, 2007 - First Look at Alisha's File
Oct. 2, 2007 - Letter of Intent (LOI) to CCAA
Oct. 18, 2007 - Received Letter of Seekiing Confirmation from Adopter (LOA)
Received message of approval in San Fran Airport
Oct. 25, 2007 - Signed and Returned LOA
Nov. 7, 2007 - Received Travel Approval
Nov. 28, 2007 - Leave for China
Dec. 3, 2007- ALISHA DAY
Dec. 4, 2007 - Adoption Day
Dec. 12, 2007 - ALISHA's Birthday and Alisha becomes a US citizen

Baby Shower Part 2

My fantastic girlfriends, Cathy, Lauren, Martha and Melanie hosted a baby shower for me. Not only were they able to put it all together in 3 weeks but they included some very special touches, that I will not soon forget. Some of the special items including fortune cookies, cubcakes welcoming Alisha, chinese lanterns hanging from the lights, beautiful flowers that matched her room and the list can keep going. I know alot of my other girlfriends also contributed to the party and I truly appreciate everyones thoughtfulness. Also, we can't forget all the amazing gifts. She is going to be one spoiled little girl (and the best dressed). Alisha and I are truly lucky to have such special women in our lives.

Itinerary

We got confirmation from our agency and our itinerary is set:

Nov. 28 - Leave Philly
Nov. 29 - Arrive in Beijing (spend 2 days seeing the sights & getting over jet lag)
Dec. 2 - Arrive in Wuhan
Dec. 3 - ALISHA DAY
Dec. 4 - Adoption Day
Dec. 7 - Receive Passport - leave for Guangzhou
Dec. 9 - Medical Apptointment
Dec. 10 - Consulate Appointment
Dec. 11 - Attend Swearing in Ceremony at US Consulate (obtain Alisha's Visa)
Dec. 12 - ALISHA's BIRTHDAY & COMING HOME

Baby Shower- Part 1

My co-workers surprised me today with a baby shower. I was truly surprised and couldn't believe that they were able to keep it from me. My boss kept telling me that I had a meeting to attend but wouldn't give me any information on what we would be discussing. I have to admit I was a bit upset that he was putting me on a new assignment when I was leaving in 2 weeks. When I walked into the conference room.... I was blown away. The group went all out with a cake, decorations and even party favors. I am truly touched by every one's generosity and kindness. Alisha was one very lucky girl to receive such wonderful gifts. Both of us will enjoy it all!!

TA Arrived

We got our Travel Approval today. Our agency has sent in a request for our Consulate Appointment and hopefully we will hear back tomorrow. Our tentative plan is to leave on Nov. 27 or 28 and will meet Alisha on December 3rd. What an incredible day! We are so exicted that we will meet our little girl in just a few short weeks.