Update on Emily 1/28/09

Chinese New Year was Monday, January 26. The Chinese typically will use this holiday to go to their homes to visit their familes. The government offices have shut down until February 2. Because of this, there will be a hold on all approvals at this time. My estimate is that it will take approximately 1 week for any travel approvals to be received in the United States. There seem to be a few people in front of us waiting for their approvals, however, China typically will send a packet of several travel approvals at a time. At this time I am thinking we will receive out travel approval in 2 weeks. And our fingerprinting paperwork should be coming in around that time also. When both approvals are in, we can make our appointment with the chinese consulate in Guangzou, China and start to plan our journey for Emily. Most of you who know me know that I really believe in karma and that dates and events are truly significant. I am having a strong feeling that we will be in China for Kevin's (Snuffy's) birthday on March 29. Perhaps that will be the "gotcha date" or our adoption date in China. Only time will tell. The latest update on Emily states she is a "firecracker"!!! Runs and walks everywhere, loves the outside, talks ALL the time (catonese), is still in diapers-uses a bottle-and is still sleeping in a crib, even though she crawls out and loves to sleep on the floor. (Uh-Oh) But she does sound like a healthy 2 year old!!!