Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Apostille!!!



Yes, the package we have been waiting for has finally arrived. We received our documents back that we had sent to Sacramento to be apostilled. I thought it was official with the notary, but apparently it is not "official-official" until you get the pretty gold seal from the state. Actually, the California Secretary of State provides authentication of public official signatures on documents to be used outside the United States of America. Apostilles only certify the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document (the notary).

Next, I was off the UPS to send some of the documents off to our facilitator in Eastern Europe. Yay, another step closer to bringing Aly home!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

What Is Modal and Why Does it Hate Me?

Right after Christmas I had a horrible rash. I mean truly horrible... and itchy too! My dermatologist said it was probably new clothes I had received and not washed before wearing. Who actually does that? Especially with Christmas jammies. I mean, I've heard you are supposed to wash your clothes first before wearing, but who doesn't like it when their clothes look brand spanking new! Anyway, I didn't know who the culprit was because I had received two pairs of jammies (much needed) and a pair of exercise pants. Well, after washing several times and not wearing any of my new items for a month I thought I would try again. I have found the offender and it is my supersoft GapBody sleepwear made with, you guessed it... 89% modal. Beware of the modal!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Live Scan... Check!

Yesterday and today we had our appointments for our Live Scan. Live Scan is an electronic fingerprint imaging process that eliminates the need to "ink-roll" your fingerprints. Yeah, no messy hands! Now they will send our prints off to the Department of Justice.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Congratulations Kira!

I want to congratulate Kira on being selected as one of two Civil Air Patrol cadets nationwide to receive The Spaatz Association's Aerospace Leadership Scholarship! This scholarship is designed to help cadets earn their private pilot's license. We are proud of you Major Kira!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Our Progress Continues... Continued

I am really enjoying the Olympics this year. While we were watching the opening ceremony, we saw the team from Aly's country enter and I thought, "Hey! They are from the same country where my baby is!" Today we were watching the luge and Kelsey said that it looked like fun! Should I be concerned? Anyway, on with our update.

2/8 Brian had his physical while I had the pleasure of going to the county assessor's office with a traveling notary to pick up a letter that stated our proof of home ownership.

2/10 I had my physical. Brian and I also went to one of our classes that is required for our homestudy. It was called "Attachment and Other Issues of International Adoption" and was taught by our social worker – we found the class to be very informative. In the class we met another couple who is going through their second international adoption, bringing their total to five cute kiddos. We ended up talking for quite a while in the parking lot after class. Paul and Stacy were so nice and offered to help us if we had any questions.

2/11 Brian's birthday!!! Kira was on a night flight because it had to be rescheduled last week due to rain and Kelsey was at a Civil Air Patrol meeting, so Brian and I actually were able to make a date out of it.

2/13 Sent a huge pile of paperwork off to Sacramento to be apostilled. Yes, you have get all your paperwork that has been notarized further authenticated by the state. $20 per document if you're curious.

We were all together and celebrated Brian's birthday. We went to Lucille's Rib Shack in Orange. Mmmmmm... it was very good. Brian had the need for pie instead of birthday cake, so a Chocolate Satin pie was in order.

2/14 Valentine's Day. I made cookies for my loved ones and made one especially for Aly. We are thinking of her today (and always) and can't wait until we can bring her home!

We need to start planning fundraisers, and will definitely be having some raffles, so please stay tuned.

Our Progress Continues

I have heard that I am behind on my updating and you are right. My humble apologies. Here is a recap from the first week in February.

2/1 We had to get Kelsey's TB test redone. The doctor didn't do it the day of her physical because she had one back in June. For the homestudy it must be within the last 6 months, so she needed to get that redone.

We also received a recommendation for a doctor to do Brian and my physical since our doctor is on maternity leave. Thanks Michelle for the recommendation.

2/3 I took Kelsey to the lab. Brian got off work early so we could get our paperwork notarized. Sue, the lady who was doing our paperwork was so touched with our story that she gave us 50% off. Much needed and greatly appreciated. Thanks Sue!

2/5 Kira's turn to go to the lab. She is NOT a fan of such things, so I appreciate her willingness to go above and beyond for Aly.

2/6 We all spent the day taking an Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid class through the American Red Cross for our homestudy. This was the girls and my third class in the last three years and I'm pretty sure Kelsey could have taught the class. We had a great instructor which was nice for Brian. I remember the first class I took the girls to... pretty sure they grabbed a person off the street and said, "You get to teach the class today!".

I'm off to watch some Olympics. I promise I'll return.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Too Cute!


I love this photo! Aly has so much personality. I miss her so much and can't wait to bring her home!