Yep - ONE more item down - we had to get 6 - yes 6 passport pictures each to send to the agency - not exactly sure that they are for - but they are for something. so we were able to get them done at the local AAA branch - and you can get 2 sets for free - well we needed 3 sets - it was our lucky day and she couldn't get the system to work right - so they were all free! Not that the $16 would be huge - but it is still a nice day when you get something free.
I liked these pics a lot better then the one actually in my passport - but that is entertaining to show people how much weight I've lost in like 5 years - pretty dang amazing!
So my goal tomorrow is to see if I can scan in all the paper work and send it over to the agency and just wait for the USCIS paperwork - with the holidays not expecting too much. Once they approve it - I have to deal with the "great seal" -and there is one in Livonia! YES - that will be HUGE to help do that - they confirm the notarized forms I guess.
the other news -started painting Nate's new bedroom yesterday - thanks to Uncle Marcus (My brother) and his girlfriend Stacie - almost done - one more coat and then paint the bottom half of one wall tan. we are doing a Sponge Bob theme that he wanted - and he can't wait to find out if he'll have a brother or sister - then we can start on their room next year! If its young - they will have the same dolphin / sea theme that Nate had - minus the gorgeous mural my cousin Kyle painted for Nate. Its exciting a LOT going on - but worth it all -
I keep reading other blogs and stories and its just amazing - soon we will have a little one home. I saw two kids at The Henry Ford today - and think they were adopted - not sure if they are ET children or not -but so beautiful their mom and grandma (I assume) probably thought I was crazy just smiling at them - and a little daydreaming that our child may look similar to them soon! Such beautiful kids - I can't wait.
alright - I should go - trying to catch up on my yahoo group emails - never easy - I did delete over 100 last night - yeah
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
a very merry and blessed Christmas to all
Merry Christmas to everyone - its such very blessed day- the day our lord gave us his son - Jesus. A nice time to enjoy.
This is a wonderful year - Nate actually was happy and enjoyed his presents and was happy with what Santa brought - even surprised by a few things. Yeah- MUCH better than last years antics of piling up all his presents by the front door proclaiming that Santa MUST come back to take them away! (later in the day the little stinker did like things).
So all I keep thinking is maybe next year we will have another little one on Christmas morning - maybe in a little shock - but it sure will be fun. I hope that's what we have next year! Or at least shortly after. I just keep envisioning our little one in our family. And thinking - where are they now,who are they, what do they look like- are they being raised as a Christian and celebrating today? Or will they even remember. Heck -they may not even be born yet?
Just a lot to think about during this holiday. God has blessed me with one beautiful little boy who will be 6.5 in just a few short weeks. And the most amazing husband and some very awesome friends and family. I'm a lucky girl! I may have doubts and frustrations some days - but I know deep down I'm alright and just following God's plan.
Merry CHRISTmas everyone - may you and yours have a wonderful day of celebration and joy.
Love
Gail
This is a wonderful year - Nate actually was happy and enjoyed his presents and was happy with what Santa brought - even surprised by a few things. Yeah- MUCH better than last years antics of piling up all his presents by the front door proclaiming that Santa MUST come back to take them away! (later in the day the little stinker did like things).
So all I keep thinking is maybe next year we will have another little one on Christmas morning - maybe in a little shock - but it sure will be fun. I hope that's what we have next year! Or at least shortly after. I just keep envisioning our little one in our family. And thinking - where are they now,who are they, what do they look like- are they being raised as a Christian and celebrating today? Or will they even remember. Heck -they may not even be born yet?
Just a lot to think about during this holiday. God has blessed me with one beautiful little boy who will be 6.5 in just a few short weeks. And the most amazing husband and some very awesome friends and family. I'm a lucky girl! I may have doubts and frustrations some days - but I know deep down I'm alright and just following God's plan.
Merry CHRISTmas everyone - may you and yours have a wonderful day of celebration and joy.
Love
Gail
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
check out a new picture
Here is a picture of Craig and I taken at my work Christmas party over the weekend - hoping to get a better photo soon. Can you imagine - I've lost over 125 pounds
Police paper work done
Busy few days with paperwork - Monday we went to the Redford PD and got our paperwork from them. YEAH - now we are just waiting on my doctors paper work - we'll get there.
Also the electrician hooked up the office - so we'll be moving everything in there, getting Nate into his new room - and then just waiting to submit our Dossier - getting closer.
The holidays are here and we feel blessed. I follow a blog about another family who's adoption was held up for some reviews. Well after over 40 days they finally were told OK by the ET government and now waiting on the US government and hope to get to ET by the 30th! Yes next week - they posted they may fly out Xmas day and bring their little man home! What a blessing - they have some of the most amazing faith - so many people do- but they were an inspiration.
I'm hoping my xmas presents to myself come soon - some kids and family books on ET and a kids dictionary - Nate's still concerned he won't know how to talk to his brother/sister. Can't wait.
Everyone enjoy this time of year and remember is true meaning - the birth of our Lord Jesus - without him we'd be lost.
Thanks for following.
Love
Gail
Also the electrician hooked up the office - so we'll be moving everything in there, getting Nate into his new room - and then just waiting to submit our Dossier - getting closer.
The holidays are here and we feel blessed. I follow a blog about another family who's adoption was held up for some reviews. Well after over 40 days they finally were told OK by the ET government and now waiting on the US government and hope to get to ET by the 30th! Yes next week - they posted they may fly out Xmas day and bring their little man home! What a blessing - they have some of the most amazing faith - so many people do- but they were an inspiration.
I'm hoping my xmas presents to myself come soon - some kids and family books on ET and a kids dictionary - Nate's still concerned he won't know how to talk to his brother/sister. Can't wait.
Everyone enjoy this time of year and remember is true meaning - the birth of our Lord Jesus - without him we'd be lost.
Thanks for following.
Love
Gail
Sunday, December 19, 2010
USCIS / Homeland Security Finger printing
Well- this past Friday was a BIG day - we had our finger prints taken at the Detroit USCIS office - it took a LOT longer to drive there then it did to actually take our prints and wait. Very efficient system. In the morning we are going to the local police station for our background check - and then just waiting on a letter from MY doctor - but other than that should have all the other paper work. So keep your fingers crossed- say some prayers that the form from the USCIS comes fast - it is approval to get a Visa to adopt a child internationally.
So in our preparations - the electrician has been out this weekend and we now have our computer in the new basement office. Still have to really set things up - using a little table at the moment, desk still in the room. My brother is hopefully coming in the next week or two to help us paint the current office - which will soon be Nate's new bedroom. Then once we accept a referral - we'll be able to plan more or wait for our new child to decorate their new bedroom. Just exciting. so slowly but surely we are getting ready.
the holidays are this week - well Christmas and just LOTS going on - exciting for us all.
Can't wait - lots happening -
continue to follow and thanks for the prayers
Happy holidays - the Backus'
So in our preparations - the electrician has been out this weekend and we now have our computer in the new basement office. Still have to really set things up - using a little table at the moment, desk still in the room. My brother is hopefully coming in the next week or two to help us paint the current office - which will soon be Nate's new bedroom. Then once we accept a referral - we'll be able to plan more or wait for our new child to decorate their new bedroom. Just exciting. so slowly but surely we are getting ready.
the holidays are this week - well Christmas and just LOTS going on - exciting for us all.
Can't wait - lots happening -
continue to follow and thanks for the prayers
Happy holidays - the Backus'
Saturday, December 11, 2010
What a great son
Wow - we have an awesome son! So Friday morning Nate work up early so I could see him before I left for work (NOT typical as I leave close to 6:30 am). Anyhow as I was packing my lunch and he was trying to get some breakfast he told me he had a dream about his "little brother" last night.
(comment inserted) - we do not know if we are adopting a boy or girl as we are leaving that up to God.
How ever, I feel we will have a boy. But we all remind each other - and Nate reminds me often -
Mommy it may be a sister too
So he said, but mommy, there were a lot more than just one brother. There were a bunch of kids. And we were playing, but it was hard. I asked - what was hard and how many kids. He said a lot of kids and NONE Of them spoke our language. But they did later and then it was a lot of fun. But mommy we aren't getting a lot of kids are we? I just want one. me - don't worry honey - just one. Good!
Just thought it was so sweet - he really does talk about his future sibling and wants to meet them. Earlier int he week he was very concerned we won't be able to talk or understand them. I told him we will get some dictionaries and learn some of the Amharic language - their language. They have a book for kids and one for big people. We'll probably get both. He said no - I want the big one so we can learn a lot and be able to talk to him (yes - we are all starting to say HIM a lot). But a girl will be just as good.
Just can't wait - we go visit Home Land Security this next week - wish us luck. Got more of Craig's paper work today and need to get a few more and then we are good to go! I need to get passport pictures and the local police background -but that will require me to take some time off work - which I'm hoping to avoid as much as possible. Mostly because I want to save EVERY second of my vacation time for our next child and our travels.
Thanks for reading all - love, Gail, Craig and Nate
(comment inserted) - we do not know if we are adopting a boy or girl as we are leaving that up to God.
How ever, I feel we will have a boy. But we all remind each other - and Nate reminds me often -
Mommy it may be a sister too
So he said, but mommy, there were a lot more than just one brother. There were a bunch of kids. And we were playing, but it was hard. I asked - what was hard and how many kids. He said a lot of kids and NONE Of them spoke our language. But they did later and then it was a lot of fun. But mommy we aren't getting a lot of kids are we? I just want one. me - don't worry honey - just one. Good!
Just thought it was so sweet - he really does talk about his future sibling and wants to meet them. Earlier int he week he was very concerned we won't be able to talk or understand them. I told him we will get some dictionaries and learn some of the Amharic language - their language. They have a book for kids and one for big people. We'll probably get both. He said no - I want the big one so we can learn a lot and be able to talk to him (yes - we are all starting to say HIM a lot). But a girl will be just as good.
Just can't wait - we go visit Home Land Security this next week - wish us luck. Got more of Craig's paper work today and need to get a few more and then we are good to go! I need to get passport pictures and the local police background -but that will require me to take some time off work - which I'm hoping to avoid as much as possible. Mostly because I want to save EVERY second of my vacation time for our next child and our travels.
Thanks for reading all - love, Gail, Craig and Nate
Thursday, December 09, 2010
BEST Christmas Cards - EVER - check out other posts for links to my Shutterfly books and cards
Hi everyone - this year I'm working to get free Christmas cards from www.shutterfly.com - http://bit.ly/sfly2010 - you can look at both links - they have awesome service. I have used Shutterfly for a many things. We used them for cards the first year Nate was born, last year and plan on using them this year. last years cards were totally awesome - I was able to upload 9 pictures into one really cool photo card - I had so many compliments on it I couldn't even believe it. 2009 Xmas card. This year they have so many different designs - I don't know which one to pick. Some of my favorites are: Faith, Love, Family; Picture Tree; Retro Snowflakes and many others - check them out at http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards?viewAll=true&sortType=1&foType=e&fa=8&DCL=true&fe=4&lfoType=a&fb=2
Here are just a few pictures we had in our photo books last year.
I recently have made their photo books this year from our Disney trip and then one from Nate's birth to early this year for my dad. These books are just awesome! My dad and whole family love them and so do I. Here are just a few of the pictures I added to my Shutterfly Album! Some made it to our books - others didn't - but you can see from our baby showers to some early times with Nate. ALSO - look up at another entry and I have finally found out how to share the projects - I have the recent Santa 2010 picture AND our big Photobook - you GOTTA check that one out.
Craig and I are the Wilcox Family Baby Shower
One of my favorite - Kisses Nate - created for his Nonnie (Craig's mom) for valentines day
A picture my friend Kathy made - too cute
Baby shower from Lisa (in middle) - it was the only one my mom could make - look how proud she was
Nate
Nate and Nate - Xmas 2004
Papa and Nate - apple orchard 2004
The programs I can use are really easy and allowed me to make things custom- using different formats and backgrounds - its just really cool. One really key thing is many people use the custom books to make a little book of pictures to leave with their child either before they get there or at their first trip - this way it helps the child get to know their family, house, our cats - you name it. I think that will ban awesome first gift for our future little one.
Hopefully this week I'm gonna load more pics from this summer and fall and make our 2010 Christmas cards. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
then when we get our little one home from Ethiopia I plan on sending out adoption announcements for our newest family member. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements
these will be awesome - I will get to make something special for our new little one.
the calendars are cool too - I"m hoping I find time to make one for our family this year as a stocking stuffer. http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars - and I was even thinking if I can take TONS Of pictures in ET - I can make special calendars for our new little one of their home country and possibly even their caretakers and family if we can get their pictures. Wouldn't that be cool - especially when they get older.
Just check out this stuff and you possibly can get deals like this too - honestly www.Shutterfly.com is the only place we have found to do our pictures, cards and other photo related items over the last few years - they ROCK.
Don't forget - check out the other posts for links to our Shutterfly cards and photo books - they are totally awesome.
The Backus gang
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Update from US Embassy in ET - not sure how this will work or affect us
So the following letter was posted on one of my Yahoo Groups from the agency - I"m not really sure what's up - but I know some families (ones I have never met, but I follow their blogs) are being investigated - one poor family has NO idea what's happening, they were trying to adopt another group of kids, one passed away and I think another is sick. Then they were referred this little boy and met him once and now the case is under investigation. Its just so tragic. Anyhow - this is what came out today - I know they are doing what's best for the kids - but it sure is scary.
Gail
Dear Families -
Please see below posting from the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. You can also view this notice onwww.adoption.state.gov.
We can assure you that AAI, both in the U.S. and our staff in Ethiopia have not been involved in any of the alleged cases of fraud, malfeasance and/or abuse in Ethiopia. It always has been and continues to be top priority to us to work with integrity and transparency. These priorities are also reflected in our connections with both the US government and Ethiopian government.
We have seen increased scrutiny in our families cases over the last few months and are confident that this is a result of an overall scrutiny of all adoption agencies. This was confirmed by U.S. Embassy staff that we met with last week in Ethiopia. They also confirmed that, to their knowledge, there is nothing specific to AAI that has been in question.
Adoption Processing at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa
December 7, 2010
The Department of State continues to be concerned about reports highlighting adoption related fraud, malfeasance, and abuse in Ethiopia, and acknowledges the concerns expressed by families over the integrity of the adoption process. The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa actively tracks all adoption visa cases, incorporating information provided by adoption agencies and the Government of Ethiopia, to ensure that the adoption process continues to operate transparently and ethically.
The Ethiopian government requires that adoptive parents must appear at the Ethiopian federal court hearing for their adoptive child in order for the adoption to be approved. If there are two adoptive parents but only one parent can attend the hearing, special permission from the federal court must be obtained in advance,* and the attending parent must have a power of attorney from the other. It generally takes three weeks or more after the court date for the adoption agency to obtain the documentation necessary for an immigrant visa application, including the adopted child's birth certificate and Ethiopian passport. Adoptive parents can expect to wait at least one month after thecourt hearing for a visa interview appointment.
Adoptive parents should be aware that in all adoption visa cases worldwide, an I-604 investigation must be completed in connection with every I-600 application. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this investigation may take several weeks or even months to complete. Additional information may be required to determine the facts surrounding a child's relinquishment or abandonment and whether a child meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law. The Embassy strongly recommends that adoptive parents who return to the U.S. after the court hearing not travel again to Ethiopia for the immigrant visa process until they have confirmed with their adoption agency that the Embassy has scheduled a visa interview. Those who plan to stay in Ethiopia between the court hearing and interview should obtain Ethiopian visas in advance of travel, and ensure the validity of their visas to avoid immigration proceedings and/or significant fines.
* If only one parent meets the adoptive child before the court date, the child will qualify for an IR-4, not an IR-3 visa (which means that the child will not become a U.S. citizen upon entry to the United States and will have to be re-adopted in the United States).
The Embassy's Adoptions Unit can be reached at consadoptionaddis@state.gov.
Gail
Dear Families -
Please see below posting from the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. You can also view this notice onwww.adoption.state.gov.
We can assure you that AAI, both in the U.S. and our staff in Ethiopia have not been involved in any of the alleged cases of fraud, malfeasance and/or abuse in Ethiopia. It always has been and continues to be top priority to us to work with integrity and transparency. These priorities are also reflected in our connections with both the US government and Ethiopian government.
We have seen increased scrutiny in our families cases over the last few months and are confident that this is a result of an overall scrutiny of all adoption agencies. This was confirmed by U.S. Embassy staff that we met with last week in Ethiopia. They also confirmed that, to their knowledge, there is nothing specific to AAI that has been in question.
Adoption Processing at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa
December 7, 2010
The Department of State continues to be concerned about reports highlighting adoption related fraud, malfeasance, and abuse in Ethiopia, and acknowledges the concerns expressed by families over the integrity of the adoption process. The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa actively tracks all adoption visa cases, incorporating information provided by adoption agencies and the Government of Ethiopia, to ensure that the adoption process continues to operate transparently and ethically.
The Ethiopian government requires that adoptive parents must appear at the Ethiopian federal court hearing for their adoptive child in order for the adoption to be approved. If there are two adoptive parents but only one parent can attend the hearing, special permission from the federal court must be obtained in advance,* and the attending parent must have a power of attorney from the other. It generally takes three weeks or more after the court date for the adoption agency to obtain the documentation necessary for an immigrant visa application, including the adopted child's birth certificate and Ethiopian passport. Adoptive parents can expect to wait at least one month after thecourt hearing for a visa interview appointment.
Adoptive parents should be aware that in all adoption visa cases worldwide, an I-604 investigation must be completed in connection with every I-600 application. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this investigation may take several weeks or even months to complete. Additional information may be required to determine the facts surrounding a child's relinquishment or abandonment and whether a child meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law. The Embassy strongly recommends that adoptive parents who return to the U.S. after the court hearing not travel again to Ethiopia for the immigrant visa process until they have confirmed with their adoption agency that the Embassy has scheduled a visa interview. Those who plan to stay in Ethiopia between the court hearing and interview should obtain Ethiopian visas in advance of travel, and ensure the validity of their visas to avoid immigration proceedings and/or significant fines.
* If only one parent meets the adoptive child before the court date, the child will qualify for an IR-4, not an IR-3 visa (which means that the child will not become a U.S. citizen upon entry to the United States and will have to be re-adopted in the United States).
The Embassy's Adoptions Unit can be reached at consadoptionaddis@state.gov.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Another letter in hand
Well we received another letter - signed and notarized today - a letter from MY doctor that clears my health tests ET requires. VERY happy about that and for my awesome doctor. Guess one tests was "borderline positive' and she didn't agree and had them run it again - two different ways - both came back negative - so it was a false positive. Pretty scary knowing the tests they had done. We should have Craig's letter finalized tomorrow! YEAH -
Then DHS next Friday - another BIG step - then we have to go get stuff done at the local police station. its one thing after another.
Stressed is a big issue - we'll see how life turns out - still keep dreaming of our child waiting out there for us - sure can't wait!
Just a side note - please pray for our friends son Gabriel - he has some unknown blood disorder, needs help to figure it out (so RARE less than 100 people have it) - and then has iron build up (deadly levels) because of all his blood transfusions. AND then on top of all that and totally unrelated needs brain surgery SOON for a brain malformation. All this and his parents are expecting child #4 any day now - just hard.
I look at life and no matter what troubles we are facing we have each other! That's what we need more than anything in the world.
Gail
Then DHS next Friday - another BIG step - then we have to go get stuff done at the local police station. its one thing after another.
Stressed is a big issue - we'll see how life turns out - still keep dreaming of our child waiting out there for us - sure can't wait!
Just a side note - please pray for our friends son Gabriel - he has some unknown blood disorder, needs help to figure it out (so RARE less than 100 people have it) - and then has iron build up (deadly levels) because of all his blood transfusions. AND then on top of all that and totally unrelated needs brain surgery SOON for a brain malformation. All this and his parents are expecting child #4 any day now - just hard.
I look at life and no matter what troubles we are facing we have each other! That's what we need more than anything in the world.
Gail
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Backus Christmas 2004
Snowman Winter
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xmas 2004
Warm Wishes Holiday
Shop hundreds of holiday photo cards at Shutterfly.
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xmas 2009 A
Classic Scarlet Christmas
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Saturday, December 04, 2010
A quick note - nothing big
Just a quick note - been traveling and working hard - but still trying to get ready for the holidays, paperwork done - and so much more.
I just keep thinking this time next year - we may have another bundle of joy in our lives! Isn't God amazing - I do believe he's looking out for us. Not only do I have paperwork for the Dossier - I may need to take more time off work to just get some appointments in. Thank God that our finger printing with Home Land Security is on an "off Friday" - but Redford PD isn't open on my days off - or they don't do adoption stuff then. I also have to start applying for loans and grants! Not sure we'll be able to get the $ in time for the dossier submission - but we just continue to pray it all works out. Its very difficult knowing how much we want to expand our family - but it always comes with a cost. All to just do the paperwork - Scary
anyhow - I"m chugging away at it all - as many other families are out there. I'm meeting more and more out there. Learning about travel things, what to bring, what airlines to fly - and Ethiopian Air has a new jet - so that's looking pretty awesome - unfortunately its business class seats are probably a little too much - but man that would be cool. I keep dreaming to figure out a way to bring Nate on our last trip - I believe that could be a bonding experience for our soon to be family of 4 - I can't wait.
So I'm babbling on and on - I should go clean and get more work done. Thanks for you for following - its always fun! I love keeping up on many more -
Love
Gail
I just keep thinking this time next year - we may have another bundle of joy in our lives! Isn't God amazing - I do believe he's looking out for us. Not only do I have paperwork for the Dossier - I may need to take more time off work to just get some appointments in. Thank God that our finger printing with Home Land Security is on an "off Friday" - but Redford PD isn't open on my days off - or they don't do adoption stuff then. I also have to start applying for loans and grants! Not sure we'll be able to get the $ in time for the dossier submission - but we just continue to pray it all works out. Its very difficult knowing how much we want to expand our family - but it always comes with a cost. All to just do the paperwork - Scary
anyhow - I"m chugging away at it all - as many other families are out there. I'm meeting more and more out there. Learning about travel things, what to bring, what airlines to fly - and Ethiopian Air has a new jet - so that's looking pretty awesome - unfortunately its business class seats are probably a little too much - but man that would be cool. I keep dreaming to figure out a way to bring Nate on our last trip - I believe that could be a bonding experience for our soon to be family of 4 - I can't wait.
So I'm babbling on and on - I should go clean and get more work done. Thanks for you for following - its always fun! I love keeping up on many more -
Love
Gail
BEST Christmas cards ever - check out my deals
Hi everyone - this year I'm working to get free Christmas cards from www.shutterfly.com - http://bit.ly/sfly2010 - you can look at both links - they have awesome service. I have used Shutterfly for a many things. We used them for cards the first year Nate was born, last year and plan on using them this year. last years cards were totally awesome - I was able to upload 9 pictures into one really cool photo card - I had so many compliments on it I couldn't even believe it. 2009 Xmas card. This year they have so many different designs - I don't know which one to pick. Some of my favorites are: Faith, Love, Family; Picture Tree; Retro Snowflakes and many others - check them out at http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards?viewAll=true&sortType=1&foType=e&fa=8&DCL=true&fe=4&lfoType=a&fb=2
Here are just a few pictures we had in our photo books last year.
I recently have made their photo books this year from our Disney trip and then one from Nate's birth to early this year for my dad. These books are just awesome! My dad and whole family love them and so do I. Here are just a few of the pictures I added to my Shutterfly Album! Some made it to our books - others didn't - but you can see from our baby showers to some early times with Nate. ALSO - look up at another entry and I have finally found out how to share the projects - I have the recent Santa 2010 picture AND our big Photobook - you GOTTA check that one out.
The programs I can use are really easy and allowed me to make things custom- using different formats and backgrounds - its just really cool. One really key thing is many people use the custom books to make a little book of pictures to leave with their child either before they get there or at their first trip - this way it helps the child get to know their family, house, our cats - you name it. I think that will ban awesome first gift for our future little one.
Hopefully this week I'm gonna load more pics from this summer and fall and make our 2010 Christmas cards. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
then when we get our little one home from Ethiopia I plan on sending out adoption announcements for our newest family member. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements
these will be awesome - I will get to make something special for our new little one.
the calendars are cool too - I"m hoping I find time to make one for our family this year as a stocking stuffer. http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars - and I was even thinking if I can take TONS Of pictures in ET - I can make special calendars for our new little one of their home country and possibly even their caretakers and family if we can get their pictures. Wouldn't that be cool - especially when they get older.
Just check out this stuff and you possibly can get deals like this too - honestly www.Shutterfly.com is the only place we have found to do our pictures, cards and other photo related items over the last few years - they ROCK.
The Backus gang
Here are just a few pictures we had in our photo books last year.
I recently have made their photo books this year from our Disney trip and then one from Nate's birth to early this year for my dad. These books are just awesome! My dad and whole family love them and so do I. Here are just a few of the pictures I added to my Shutterfly Album! Some made it to our books - others didn't - but you can see from our baby showers to some early times with Nate. ALSO - look up at another entry and I have finally found out how to share the projects - I have the recent Santa 2010 picture AND our big Photobook - you GOTTA check that one out.
Craig and I are the Wilcox Family Baby Shower
One of my favorite - Kisses Nate - created for his Nonnie (Craig's mom) for valentines day
A picture my friend Kathy made - too cute
Baby shower from Lisa (in middle) - it was the only one my mom could make - look how proud she was
Nate
Nate and Nate - Xmas 2004
Papa and Nate - apple orchard 2004
The programs I can use are really easy and allowed me to make things custom- using different formats and backgrounds - its just really cool. One really key thing is many people use the custom books to make a little book of pictures to leave with their child either before they get there or at their first trip - this way it helps the child get to know their family, house, our cats - you name it. I think that will ban awesome first gift for our future little one.
Hopefully this week I'm gonna load more pics from this summer and fall and make our 2010 Christmas cards. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
then when we get our little one home from Ethiopia I plan on sending out adoption announcements for our newest family member. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements
these will be awesome - I will get to make something special for our new little one.
the calendars are cool too - I"m hoping I find time to make one for our family this year as a stocking stuffer. http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars - and I was even thinking if I can take TONS Of pictures in ET - I can make special calendars for our new little one of their home country and possibly even their caretakers and family if we can get their pictures. Wouldn't that be cool - especially when they get older.
Just check out this stuff and you possibly can get deals like this too - honestly www.Shutterfly.com is the only place we have found to do our pictures, cards and other photo related items over the last few years - they ROCK.
The Backus gang
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Fun Facts about Ethiopia
Today is Thanksgiving 2010 - and at my aunt and uncles house I met someone who's friend adopted 2 boys this year from Ethiopia. Her blog is now linked and its myfamilymyjourney.blogspot.com - amazing. Anyhow she listed these interesting facts that I thought I would share.
- Ethiopia has been around for a very long time. The country's Rift Valley is known as the cradle of humanity - fossils of the oldest known upright hominid (4-million years old) were found here in 2005, surpassing the famous 3.5-million-year-old 'Lucy', which was discovered in the same region back in 1974.
•A thousand years before Christ, the Queen of Sheba, we are told, traveled to Jerusalem where she met King Solomon, married him, and had a son, Menelik. When Menelik reached maturity, it is said he left Jerusalem and took with him the Ark of the Covenant, containing the original 10 commandments, back to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Christian Orthodox Church says it still has the ark in its possession. No one else makes such a claim...
•Ethiopia's official religion is the 1700 year old Ethiopian Christian Orthodox Church. The Jews of Ethiopia, Beta Israel, are said to have been there for 3000 years. And its Muslim adherents have practiced Islam for 1300 years. Ethiopia is split religiously, with official statistics of 35% to 40% Ethiopian Orthodox primarily in the north, and 45% to 50% Muslim, primarily in the South.
•Ethiopia is the only country in Africa never to be under colonial rule, other than a brief occupation by Italy during WWII. You can visit many restaurants in Ethiopia today due to the influence of Italy during the occupation.
•Traditional Ethiopian food consists of various vegetable or meat dishes, usually a wat or thick stew, served atop injera, which is a large crepe-like sourdough flatbread made from fermented teff flour. One does not eat with utensils, but instead uses a piece of the injera (always with the right hand) to scoop up the sauces.
•The Ethiopian calendar is very similar to the Egyptian Coptic calendar – each have 13 months, 12 with 30 days each and the 13th month at the end of the year with 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year. The year starts on September 11th (12th in a leap year). The Ethiopian calendar is 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar, so Ethiopia recently celebrated their millennium on September 12, 2007.
•Coffee can be traced back to the 9th Century where it is believed a shepherd discovered coffee beans in the highlands of Ethiopia, namely the Kaffa region. The Ethiopian people are very proud of their coffee and they show this in their well known coffee ceremonies. The Coffee Ceremony is a very important part of socializing in Ethiopia and to be invited to a coffee ceremony is always considered a sign of respect and friendship.
•There are multiple tribes with different subcultures and over 80 languages in Ethiopia. The Amharic language is a Semitic language spoken in North Central Ethiopia and is the official working language for Ethiopia.
•Family in Ethiopia includes immediate and extended relatives, neighbors, and friends. Faith and family are the foundation of the Ethiopian culture. Ethiopians are very respectful and loving. The elderly are considered very knowledgeable and as a very important part of the family structure. Children are usually raised in a large community that includes extended family and neighbors, and siblings are expected to help take care of each other.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
AWESOME News for Thanksgiving
After a LONG day at work I get home to receive another letter from Homeland Security - pretty scary under any other circumstance. Well great news - they accepted our application (even without all the documentation the agency said we needed to send - didn't need it - followed the instructions on the application) - anyhow we have our appointment for biometrics (fancy name for fingerprinting)! December 17th! And best of all - I have that day off - so no extra vacation hours to be used to get this done!
Just a few weeks away and we'll be in the DHS system - but one more step closer to finalizing our Dossier and having it sent to ET! And just another step closer to bringing our little one home!
On a totally different note - I am on a few yahoo groups for Ethiopian Adoption. I was reading some posts last night about bringing your child to ET when you pick up your adopted child. A lot are taking kids Nate's age! So I was thinking what an experience that could be - maybe not the first trip as there is a LOT of extra travel. But the second trip is shorter and what a way for our family to really bond! And younger kids really do bond to the sibling quickly! So pending costs - its something to consider right now.
Everyone have a blessed thanksgiving holiday! I'm thrilled! Even in the cold and rain -we are venturing to the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade with friends! What a great tradition to start and carry on with a new one maybe next year! So watch for us on TV - I know its partly on a national parade shows - ha - like you will ever see us!
God Bless
Gail
Just a few weeks away and we'll be in the DHS system - but one more step closer to finalizing our Dossier and having it sent to ET! And just another step closer to bringing our little one home!
On a totally different note - I am on a few yahoo groups for Ethiopian Adoption. I was reading some posts last night about bringing your child to ET when you pick up your adopted child. A lot are taking kids Nate's age! So I was thinking what an experience that could be - maybe not the first trip as there is a LOT of extra travel. But the second trip is shorter and what a way for our family to really bond! And younger kids really do bond to the sibling quickly! So pending costs - its something to consider right now.
Everyone have a blessed thanksgiving holiday! I'm thrilled! Even in the cold and rain -we are venturing to the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade with friends! What a great tradition to start and carry on with a new one maybe next year! So watch for us on TV - I know its partly on a national parade shows - ha - like you will ever see us!
God Bless
Gail
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More waiting
I know - this will be our life for months - rush, rush and more rush - only to wait! But I did get my HR paperwork today only to have to cancel my dr appointment next week where I was NOT leaving until I received my notarized letter from her. Ha - I found out I need to travel for work next week -oh well. Lets just hope USCIS doesn't schedule our appointment next week - I doubt they work that fast. So we'll see.
I know in the long run - the long waits will be totally worth it! I keep seeing other blogs and stories of all these other families and they are just beautiful. I can't wait to see a picture of our child and then to hold them. These months will seem foolish one day! So I should just cherish my dreams and the quiet for now.
Today I"m preparing stuff for our Thanksgiving and thankful for so much. Thankful for the family we have here and those in heaven. I'm making my mom's homemade party (chex) mix. YUMMY. A tradition for the holidays. I wish I had a few other things, but I do - only lost in storage. Maybe this Christmas holiday I'll dig things out and organize. Because hopefully next year we'll have a second child to share things with. And then bring some Ethiopia into our lives - as that's now going to be part of our history, family tree - you name it. Its cool to think about all that.
Plus - I have a healthy child, my friends have a very sick child - a child with an unknown blood disease, one so rare they can't figure it out. during tests this summer they found out he has a brain malformation and recently was told he needs brain surgery like this week or next! And now yesterday they did tests to see if he has a mass in his chest. Its like what does this little 3 year old have to endure. And he's got 2 brothers and a new one coming this Christmas! So 4 kids under 6 and one very ill. Wow - so please keep little Gabriel in your prayers this holiday season - he needs them - but his family is full of faith they are an inspiration.
I'm babbling - but lots to be happy for - even during my boring waiting times. Maybe when life slows down I'll post more about Ethiopia (ET as I may call it) so we can all learn about it. I know the country has Muslims and orthodox Christians. So we may learn a lot.
Enjoy.
Gail
I know in the long run - the long waits will be totally worth it! I keep seeing other blogs and stories of all these other families and they are just beautiful. I can't wait to see a picture of our child and then to hold them. These months will seem foolish one day! So I should just cherish my dreams and the quiet for now.
Today I"m preparing stuff for our Thanksgiving and thankful for so much. Thankful for the family we have here and those in heaven. I'm making my mom's homemade party (chex) mix. YUMMY. A tradition for the holidays. I wish I had a few other things, but I do - only lost in storage. Maybe this Christmas holiday I'll dig things out and organize. Because hopefully next year we'll have a second child to share things with. And then bring some Ethiopia into our lives - as that's now going to be part of our history, family tree - you name it. Its cool to think about all that.
Plus - I have a healthy child, my friends have a very sick child - a child with an unknown blood disease, one so rare they can't figure it out. during tests this summer they found out he has a brain malformation and recently was told he needs brain surgery like this week or next! And now yesterday they did tests to see if he has a mass in his chest. Its like what does this little 3 year old have to endure. And he's got 2 brothers and a new one coming this Christmas! So 4 kids under 6 and one very ill. Wow - so please keep little Gabriel in your prayers this holiday season - he needs them - but his family is full of faith they are an inspiration.
I'm babbling - but lots to be happy for - even during my boring waiting times. Maybe when life slows down I'll post more about Ethiopia (ET as I may call it) so we can all learn about it. I know the country has Muslims and orthodox Christians. So we may learn a lot.
Enjoy.
Gail
Monday, November 22, 2010
TESTING
This post is just a test - a test to see if I can post from an email. Thanks to all that are following the blog - pass it around and hope to get more interest as we go along. Its already on a few other adoption websites - so we'll see. I continue to learn a LOT from other families and what they are going through - so its fun.
Gail
Gail
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Pictures of Ethipia
This is what dinner in ET looks like- the platter is a bread - injera and you use that as your utensils. You break the bread and eat with that. I'm not a very adventurous eater and this was actually pretty tasty - may not look like it - but it was.
Landscape
Landscape
Famous waterfalls - don't know the name
Landscape
Map of Ethiopia - we'll start our process in the capital city - Addis Ababa - and then potentially travel from there to other parts to see our child and possibly meet their family.
USCIS Application letter
YES! We received the "official" letter from USCIS aka Homeland Security today - they received our application to get a Visa for the child we want to adopt. I had the text message a few days ago - but we are officially in their system. Now we wait for the application process to start and then we get the next letter to tell us we need to show up "here are this time" to have biometrics - the fancy term for fingerprinting done. NOT bad - we'll take it!
YEAH - another step forward in the Dossier paperwork that gets sent to Ethiopian Government for their approval.
YEAH - another step forward in the Dossier paperwork that gets sent to Ethiopian Government for their approval.
Friday, November 19, 2010
USCIS has report - November 17, 2010
Well at about 1:30 pm this morning we recieved the much anticipated text message that the USCIS recieved our paperwork to start processing. YEAH.
Unfortunatley woke us both up out of a sound sleep! I had my phone in our room with the alarm set as we had lost power briefly last night and I wanted to have a backup to make sure I got up for work.
Very excited - now we just have to pray all the documentation is there and we get an appointment for biometrics (a.k.a finger printing) in the next few weeks! Then we'll wait some more.
Until then - getting more of the paperwork ready so that we're good to go when its all said and done!
Unfortunatley woke us both up out of a sound sleep! I had my phone in our room with the alarm set as we had lost power briefly last night and I wanted to have a backup to make sure I got up for work.
Very excited - now we just have to pray all the documentation is there and we get an appointment for biometrics (a.k.a finger printing) in the next few weeks! Then we'll wait some more.
Until then - getting more of the paperwork ready so that we're good to go when its all said and done!
Still Waiting - November 16, 2010
I'm sure this title will be famliar over the next number of months. Still waiting to see if our USCIS Paperwork was accepted. I filled out and submitted a form for them to email AND text me -but nothing yet. Afraid we won't have all the documentation - so that will be a pain in my rear - for being so neglectful -but we shall see.
I was able to donate 12 cans of formula for our agency contact to take this week - so I was happy. And some friends are sending more - so hopefully another family can take over to our contact person in ET one of these days! I can't wait.
New yahoo groups too - i've found some very intersting Yahoo Groups - one was a lot of complaining about agencies and I didn't like that - I love AAI and just didn't like all the negative stuff. I guess there are bad ones out there - so its good to know. But not much useful for us. So besides our agency one which I LOVE and meeting so many new people - I found a few others with people in similar stages.
Even met a new friend that's out there in Washington - we are at the same point! So that's exciting - we are hoping we can maybe travel together!
I'm so excited to get the paperwork done. We had a nice friend this weekend notarize a lot of our documents. Craig's doctor didn't follow the instructions and we're waiting on my doctors - argh - but we knew this would happen.
It will be totally worth it in the end - I dream of our child and what our family will be like. Finding new websites and groups for mixed families as well and books. I think that will all be helpful.
Not much else - preparing for the holidays and work.
Thanks for following.
Gail
I was able to donate 12 cans of formula for our agency contact to take this week - so I was happy. And some friends are sending more - so hopefully another family can take over to our contact person in ET one of these days! I can't wait.
New yahoo groups too - i've found some very intersting Yahoo Groups - one was a lot of complaining about agencies and I didn't like that - I love AAI and just didn't like all the negative stuff. I guess there are bad ones out there - so its good to know. But not much useful for us. So besides our agency one which I LOVE and meeting so many new people - I found a few others with people in similar stages.
Even met a new friend that's out there in Washington - we are at the same point! So that's exciting - we are hoping we can maybe travel together!
I'm so excited to get the paperwork done. We had a nice friend this weekend notarize a lot of our documents. Craig's doctor didn't follow the instructions and we're waiting on my doctors - argh - but we knew this would happen.
It will be totally worth it in the end - I dream of our child and what our family will be like. Finding new websites and groups for mixed families as well and books. I think that will all be helpful.
Not much else - preparing for the holidays and work.
Thanks for following.
Gail
USCIS paperwork mailed - November 9, 2010
Well good news - Craig picked up the Home Study reports yesterday and we were able to get the USCIS paperwork into the mail today! I just decided to pay to get it there by 10:30 am on Wednesday - it was less than $10 more than having it there by Thursday. so its in. Now we just have to pray that the process moves fast. We need to get the rest of our paperwork done so that we can have it all ready, notarized, etc.
Exciting - just need to get it all moving! At least that was a big step! Fee's for the USCIS (United States Custom and Immigration Services) were increasing a lot in just 2 weeks! Anyhow - they will do "biometrics" on Craig and I - fancy way to say fingerprinting and then we'll await Visa's for us and applied to get a Visa for a child from ET (Ethiopia from posts here on out)when we adopt one!
Exciting - its a big step - making it more and more real.
Next big thing - besides all the paperwork - applications for loans and grants to help finance this. Please keep us in your prayers that it all works out - it would stink to get all the way to the end and can't pay - but Craig and I have faith it will just work out. The funny thing is - what we calculate as apprxoimately what we have left is about what the tax credit is - so we'll get it all back and pay it off pretty quickly - so we'll see.
I'll keep everyone posted - once things slow down I'll start trying to post info on the kids and the country - do some research - its fun.
Oh and Nate tried the left over ET food we had over the weekend. Ha - didn't go over very well - but he's also very animated around us - so it was a big show of trying to spit it all out and not liking it - pretty entertaining. I think if it were fresh he'd have enjoyed it more - but he was just determined he was't going to like it. I told him his brother/sister isn't going to like our food immediately JUST because they live here - and we'll have to eat this more often then not just to help them adjust and becuase we will all have Ethiopia as part of our culture now.
Enjoy the day everyone.
Gail
Exciting - just need to get it all moving! At least that was a big step! Fee's for the USCIS (United States Custom and Immigration Services) were increasing a lot in just 2 weeks! Anyhow - they will do "biometrics" on Craig and I - fancy way to say fingerprinting and then we'll await Visa's for us and applied to get a Visa for a child from ET (Ethiopia from posts here on out)when we adopt one!
Exciting - its a big step - making it more and more real.
Next big thing - besides all the paperwork - applications for loans and grants to help finance this. Please keep us in your prayers that it all works out - it would stink to get all the way to the end and can't pay - but Craig and I have faith it will just work out. The funny thing is - what we calculate as apprxoimately what we have left is about what the tax credit is - so we'll get it all back and pay it off pretty quickly - so we'll see.
I'll keep everyone posted - once things slow down I'll start trying to post info on the kids and the country - do some research - its fun.
Oh and Nate tried the left over ET food we had over the weekend. Ha - didn't go over very well - but he's also very animated around us - so it was a big show of trying to spit it all out and not liking it - pretty entertaining. I think if it were fresh he'd have enjoyed it more - but he was just determined he was't going to like it. I told him his brother/sister isn't going to like our food immediately JUST because they live here - and we'll have to eat this more often then not just to help them adjust and becuase we will all have Ethiopia as part of our culture now.
Enjoy the day everyone.
Gail
Nate's first grade picture - NOv 7, 2010
Well this is our son Nate - he's six and in the first grade. This is his first grade school picture. I was told to keep it - stain on the sweater and all - because that's "just who he is - a slob sometimes" - but he smiled great and is an awesome kid.
Home study is done - November 5, 2010
Well unfortunately we didn't recognize the phone number on thursday when the agency called to tell us the home study report is done. I could just KICK myself over and over right now - because I had today off and could have gotten it (well in between setting up for the Mom2Mom sale - long day). But the good news its done- hopefully Craig can take some time on MOnday to go and pick it up! WE shall see. I'm hoping he can.
Fingers crossed- then the paper work for the USCIS can be submitted ASAP on Monday - nice to know the 24hour post offices!
Its great news though.
And we had Nate's 1st grade Parent Teacher Conference today - went very well - He's VERY good in math - go figure - he's my kid! Ha - I love math. And shy and quiet - oh he may look just like Craig - but he's so much like me its not even funny!
Time to relax - been at the school from 9:30 am - 2 pm and then again from 4 - 7 pm! And back tomorrow to help out - argh!
Fingers crossed- then the paper work for the USCIS can be submitted ASAP on Monday - nice to know the 24hour post offices!
Its great news though.
And we had Nate's 1st grade Parent Teacher Conference today - went very well - He's VERY good in math - go figure - he's my kid! Ha - I love math. And shy and quiet - oh he may look just like Craig - but he's so much like me its not even funny!
Time to relax - been at the school from 9:30 am - 2 pm and then again from 4 - 7 pm! And back tomorrow to help out - argh!
Home study - waiting for signatures - Nov 2, 2010
Ok - lots of posts in one night - things are happening for some reason.
I heard from our social worker - she put us down for 0-3 years of age - they don't do months. So that is just fine. But she's done and we are waiting on signatures. Now we have to pay more - not exactly sure how much that is - but hopefully this week I can get a check and maybe borrow some money and get it started.
I can't apply for a loan until I have the home study done - so its a little bit a double edge sword. But God's gonna get us through and we believe it will work out - we feel this is meant to be!
I'm excited - maybe we can do the local police stuff this week.
I just want the custom and immigration stuff in before the prices jump soon!
Yeah! Something positive.
I heard from our social worker - she put us down for 0-3 years of age - they don't do months. So that is just fine. But she's done and we are waiting on signatures. Now we have to pay more - not exactly sure how much that is - but hopefully this week I can get a check and maybe borrow some money and get it started.
I can't apply for a loan until I have the home study done - so its a little bit a double edge sword. But God's gonna get us through and we believe it will work out - we feel this is meant to be!
I'm excited - maybe we can do the local police stuff this week.
I just want the custom and immigration stuff in before the prices jump soon!
Yeah! Something positive.
New updates by courts - November 2, 2010
Our agency sent some information this week on changes with the Ethiopian court systems. I'm going to hang onto the fact we can probably meet our childs family! There is a 50% chance they are alive - so that will be awesome.
1) Court Procedure- When the court process changed in May of this year, two court hearings were being scheduled. The purpose of the first one was to have the birth parent's testimony approved and to obtain approval from MOWA. The purpose of the second one was for the adoptive parents to verify that they have met their child and wish to proceed with the adoption. The adoption was then finalized.
As of last week, there is only one hearing automatically being scheduled. This hearing will include all aspects that that the two hearings originally covered. We are not sure exactly what this will look like but assume that the birth parent will complete their portion and then the adoptive parents will complete theirs after the birth parent has left the court room.
There are at least two benefits to this change. First of all, this will move the process along and ultimately allow your children to come home sooner because you will not need to wait for that second hearing. Secondly, the meeting between you and the birth parent would take place in Addis, at our AAI office, after the court hearing. This means less uncertainty with whether or not the birth parent meeting can take place than if you met them in the South.
The negative or risk with traveling to Ethiopia and attending this hearing is the slight possibility of the case not being approved and the permanently closed. This would be extremely rare, however, the risk is there.
If, for example, MOWA did not submit their letter of consent on time for the court hearing, this will be accepted later and neither the birth parent or the adoptive parents will need to re-appear in court. This result of this would be a possible delay in the case, although, this delay would typically be not more than a couple weeks.
If the adoptive family is not comfortable with the risk involved with having just the one hearing, the court is allowing, as of now anyway, a second hearing to be scheduled.
It will be at the time that you accept your referral that we will ask if you would like to attend the one hearing or if you would prefer that two hearings be scheduled.
2) Meeting Birth Parents - A couple months ago we were informed that, due to government restrictions and safety concerns, a birth parent meeting was not possible if your child was from the South and residing at EnatAlem or Africa Orphanage. We are pleased to tell you that in most cases, this meeting will be possible, afterall. As stated above, if you attend the court hearing the same day as the birth parent, this meeting will take place at our AAI office in Addis, after court. If you do not attend that hearing, we will do everything possible to make this meeting possible when you travel South on your trip.
3) The courts are requiring that both parents, if applicable,attend the court hearing. We were told initially that there would be exceptions to this requirement, but they would need to be extreme situations, such a inability to travel due to medical condition. The courts are now allowing "less extreme" exceptions. An example would be if you currently have 5 young children at home and it is very difficult for both parents to be away from home. There is not a set list of exceptions that will be accepted; it will need to be determined on a case by case basis.
1) Court Procedure- When the court process changed in May of this year, two court hearings were being scheduled. The purpose of the first one was to have the birth parent's testimony approved and to obtain approval from MOWA. The purpose of the second one was for the adoptive parents to verify that they have met their child and wish to proceed with the adoption. The adoption was then finalized.
As of last week, there is only one hearing automatically being scheduled. This hearing will include all aspects that that the two hearings originally covered. We are not sure exactly what this will look like but assume that the birth parent will complete their portion and then the adoptive parents will complete theirs after the birth parent has left the court room.
There are at least two benefits to this change. First of all, this will move the process along and ultimately allow your children to come home sooner because you will not need to wait for that second hearing. Secondly, the meeting between you and the birth parent would take place in Addis, at our AAI office, after the court hearing. This means less uncertainty with whether or not the birth parent meeting can take place than if you met them in the South.
The negative or risk with traveling to Ethiopia and attending this hearing is the slight possibility of the case not being approved and the permanently closed. This would be extremely rare, however, the risk is there.
If, for example, MOWA did not submit their letter of consent on time for the court hearing, this will be accepted later and neither the birth parent or the adoptive parents will need to re-appear in court. This result of this would be a possible delay in the case, although, this delay would typically be not more than a couple weeks.
If the adoptive family is not comfortable with the risk involved with having just the one hearing, the court is allowing, as of now anyway, a second hearing to be scheduled.
It will be at the time that you accept your referral that we will ask if you would like to attend the one hearing or if you would prefer that two hearings be scheduled.
2) Meeting Birth Parents - A couple months ago we were informed that, due to government restrictions and safety concerns, a birth parent meeting was not possible if your child was from the South and residing at EnatAlem or Africa Orphanage. We are pleased to tell you that in most cases, this meeting will be possible, afterall. As stated above, if you attend the court hearing the same day as the birth parent, this meeting will take place at our AAI office in Addis, after court. If you do not attend that hearing, we will do everything possible to make this meeting possible when you travel South on your trip.
3) The courts are requiring that both parents, if applicable,attend the court hearing. We were told initially that there would be exceptions to this requirement, but they would need to be extreme situations, such a inability to travel due to medical condition. The courts are now allowing "less extreme" exceptions. An example would be if you currently have 5 young children at home and it is very difficult for both parents to be away from home. There is not a set list of exceptions that will be accepted; it will need to be determined on a case by case basis.
Home Study report - November 1, 2010
The home study report should be done soon. We reviewed the draft last week and it will be done hopefully this week. Found out tonight one slight glitch that we can't put a desired and an approved age in there without them matching. We had hoped to put desired younger and then be allowed older. But this is not a big deal - it just helps us focus on the child that is just right for our family.
Craig and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary on Saturday and ventured to Taste of Ethiopia Restaurant in Southfield. We had the meat and veggie combos. To my big surprise it was pretty tasty! I was honestly a little nervous - my tummy doesn't do spicy and I am not one for adventure. But I really did like a lot. They also didn't give us too much spicy samples. The bread - injera is very different - totally the sponge everyone described. It didn't have much taste - the problem is that being sponge like - it really filled my new stomach up - so I couldn't eat too much. But that's fine.
Nate was so cute - he was going to stay at Papa's so we could go ut. WE talk about Ethiopia a lot and I told him mommy and daddy were going to eat the food and we can bring him some home. Well Saturday he asked how long he was staying at papa and grandma's and when we will come home. I questioned a little and found out he thought we were going TO AFRICA - TO Ethiopia to eat! He was worried it would take along time to get there. It was so cute. He now wants to go with us next time to try the food. I told him we eat with our hands. He found that exciting.
A lot of families are preparing to travel back to Ethiopia soon to bring their children home. I"m looking forward to seeing more information about the others travels to share with all of you.
And I'm excited to get our home study soon as then we can immediately submit paper work to the US CIS - Customs and immigration services. That may take a while to complete.
Love
Gail, Craig and Nate
Craig and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary on Saturday and ventured to Taste of Ethiopia Restaurant in Southfield. We had the meat and veggie combos. To my big surprise it was pretty tasty! I was honestly a little nervous - my tummy doesn't do spicy and I am not one for adventure. But I really did like a lot. They also didn't give us too much spicy samples. The bread - injera is very different - totally the sponge everyone described. It didn't have much taste - the problem is that being sponge like - it really filled my new stomach up - so I couldn't eat too much. But that's fine.
Nate was so cute - he was going to stay at Papa's so we could go ut. WE talk about Ethiopia a lot and I told him mommy and daddy were going to eat the food and we can bring him some home. Well Saturday he asked how long he was staying at papa and grandma's and when we will come home. I questioned a little and found out he thought we were going TO AFRICA - TO Ethiopia to eat! He was worried it would take along time to get there. It was so cute. He now wants to go with us next time to try the food. I told him we eat with our hands. He found that exciting.
A lot of families are preparing to travel back to Ethiopia soon to bring their children home. I"m looking forward to seeing more information about the others travels to share with all of you.
And I'm excited to get our home study soon as then we can immediately submit paper work to the US CIS - Customs and immigration services. That may take a while to complete.
Love
Gail, Craig and Nate
Multiracial / Multicultural Class - October 18, 2010
Wow - we attended our multiracial class last night - very good I thought. Maybe some information we'll not use but it was good. We have a lot of changes to make but we already know about most of it.
It was good to learn though - and it was nice to meet other people adopting. Only one other couple adopting from Ann Arbor area and they already have another adopted child. They seemed very nice, it would be nice to travel with them next year.
We are hoping to have our home study in the next week or two and then we can submit paper work to the USCIS - customs and immigration services - that can take a while. We have other stuff we are working on as well. Its coming along pretty well.
Financing is another issue but we'll get there. I found lots of places that are able to give loans - so fingers crossed, we'll get approved. We just know God wants us to do this and our child is probably out there already just waiting to find out. He/She is probably with loving care givers and in a situation where their birth families are struggling. I can't wait to learn their life story. I"d like to put together a life story book for our whole family and child.
In a few weeks Craig and I celebrate our 11th anniversary and are going to check out a local Ethiopian restaurant and try the food. I'm nervous, but know this is the food my child will be used to and I'd like to learn how to cook it so they can feel at home. This will now become part of our background, ET and we need to cherish this heritage as much as we do anything else in our family tree.
Keep posted here as we try and keep updated.
Gail
It was good to learn though - and it was nice to meet other people adopting. Only one other couple adopting from Ann Arbor area and they already have another adopted child. They seemed very nice, it would be nice to travel with them next year.
We are hoping to have our home study in the next week or two and then we can submit paper work to the USCIS - customs and immigration services - that can take a while. We have other stuff we are working on as well. Its coming along pretty well.
Financing is another issue but we'll get there. I found lots of places that are able to give loans - so fingers crossed, we'll get approved. We just know God wants us to do this and our child is probably out there already just waiting to find out. He/She is probably with loving care givers and in a situation where their birth families are struggling. I can't wait to learn their life story. I"d like to put together a life story book for our whole family and child.
In a few weeks Craig and I celebrate our 11th anniversary and are going to check out a local Ethiopian restaurant and try the food. I'm nervous, but know this is the food my child will be used to and I'd like to learn how to cook it so they can feel at home. This will now become part of our background, ET and we need to cherish this heritage as much as we do anything else in our family tree.
Keep posted here as we try and keep updated.
Gail
Final Home Study - We finally passed - October 6, 2010
HI all
I haven't posted in a few weeks - we have had a few home study visits or social worker visits with the last one being with the social worker last night here at home. It went really well. We had a lot of good discussions and all agreed we will continue with our focus on Ethiopia and a gender up to God's choice. We did decide to lower our age range to zero months up to 2 year old. We feel that is in the best interest of our family - and especially for Nate. But they will approve us for up to 3 years old but we're hoping for a younger child.
So now we have ONE more book to read and signed up for a multicultural seminar at the local agency. That's above and beyond what we need, but we feel everything will help us out at the moment.
I've been meeting more and more families online and know a lot had their court dates just this week! I'm so excited to hear about their travels. Another group brought their children home just last month so its very exciting and they have some wonderful advice for all of us "newbie" parents out there.
We have found some ET (yes that is short for Ethiopia or Ethiopian)restaurants in the area and want to check them out soon. Then we'll continue to just do our studies and read other books on the country and culture. Its a very exciting time.
The other big steps is moving our office into the basement and moving Nate's bedroom to the current office room - the bigger of the two bedrooms for the kids. That will be good for him.
Its all exciting - I know LOTS of paper work to finalize the Dossier - but we'll get there - again learning great advice from all the other families. One of these days I"ll start posting more country specific information so you can all learn a little bit of what our new family heritage will be like.
Love
Gail
I haven't posted in a few weeks - we have had a few home study visits or social worker visits with the last one being with the social worker last night here at home. It went really well. We had a lot of good discussions and all agreed we will continue with our focus on Ethiopia and a gender up to God's choice. We did decide to lower our age range to zero months up to 2 year old. We feel that is in the best interest of our family - and especially for Nate. But they will approve us for up to 3 years old but we're hoping for a younger child.
So now we have ONE more book to read and signed up for a multicultural seminar at the local agency. That's above and beyond what we need, but we feel everything will help us out at the moment.
I've been meeting more and more families online and know a lot had their court dates just this week! I'm so excited to hear about their travels. Another group brought their children home just last month so its very exciting and they have some wonderful advice for all of us "newbie" parents out there.
We have found some ET (yes that is short for Ethiopia or Ethiopian)restaurants in the area and want to check them out soon. Then we'll continue to just do our studies and read other books on the country and culture. Its a very exciting time.
The other big steps is moving our office into the basement and moving Nate's bedroom to the current office room - the bigger of the two bedrooms for the kids. That will be good for him.
Its all exciting - I know LOTS of paper work to finalize the Dossier - but we'll get there - again learning great advice from all the other families. One of these days I"ll start posting more country specific information so you can all learn a little bit of what our new family heritage will be like.
Love
Gail
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