Sign Sealed and Delivered

Time is flying!! Our Gotcha Day has been one month ago, we traveled in June to reunite with our twin girls – Amazing! 

Here we are Baby

Signed, Sealed , Delivered, I’m yours

You got my future in your hands. 

 

Four more Hands, Four more Feet, Our Family is now Complete. 

 

 

 

Keath and Teresa made an Awesome Welcome Home Banner!!!!!

 

The girls were marvelous on our journey home – way better than I ever imaged.  As they say Zoom Zoom America.   We made it home safely and tired.  We are settling in for a Wonderful Life.  More to come. 

Shout!!!

Well, you know what makes me wanna SHOUT! 

Kick my heels up and SHOUT

Throw my hands up and SHOUT

Come on Now - I'm SHOUTING OUT!!!

We made it through court and those sweet girls are now officially our daughters. WooHoo!!!!! "Vesta" contacted us Thursday giving us the good news and to say they are now waiting on our adoption decree so they can give us the go ahead on travel plans - booking flights. So, we are now looking to make last minute flight reservations during prime time summer travel - YIKES!!!! Are they worth every penny - YES - I do think our agency along with Vesta should schedule pick up travel dates as soon as they know your court date - instead of waiting till court was successful and giving you dates that leaves us scrambling to book airfares. Everyone seems to act like this is okay. I guess no one really cares AP are paying premium rates for airfare - it's not their money - it's ours. 

We are so excited and looking forward to our pick up trip. We can't wait to get them in our arms - holding them tight - giving these girls many hugs and kisses. It is hard to even image. We have been very fortunate to be able to Skype with them and they have caught many of our kisses already. Their foster mother is awesome and gives us many opportunities to Skype. This has helped in so many ways for us and them - bonding - familiarity - excitement. 

Please keep us in your prayers as we will travel and unite as a family. 

We are following that dream. 

It's a Small World

I've spent the last 4 days watching World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando Florida. My niece, Ashlyn, is so so good and performed just like a champion - everything was awesomely wonderful - with lots of screaming. LOL This World Championship competition brought so many people here from all around the world - all every talented!!!!! Disney World was magical day and night. It's a small world after all. There is just one moon and one golden sun and a smile means friendship to everyone!!

 

An update on how we are movin' along.

Our embassy issued the article 5 letter back on March 1st. From there, our paperwork went back to the MOJ and then slowly moved to Court. They told us Thursday ---- We FINALLY have a court date - May 21st. Our FBI fingerprints/background checks are complete - we still need to update our medicals with that official letter of health - notarized and apostilled - then all of these papers will be ready for Bulgaria. Hopefully this will be our last hoop to jump through before our pick up trip - woohoo!!!!

 We are excited and I'm disappointed too. I was trying so hard and wanted so much to be able to travel on our pick up trip in 4 months from our first trip. I thought everything was moving long pretty fast and we got all of our US approvals in excellent time - everything just STALLED in Bulgaria.

 Once we are represented in court by our attorneys - our precious little twins are officially ours. Hopefully we will be able to travel for our pick up trip by mid or late June - I know it's only 4 weeks from what I hoped!! ! So ready.

Moving Right Along

Movin’ right along in search of good times and good news.  We are trying to keep this show on track.  In January, our I-800s along with supporting documents were sent to the USCIS ---- they never arrived – YIKES……. I must say --- We have the nicest Officer at the USCIS ever---- she has been great and helped us so much!!! After much frustrations, I picked myself up to re-gathered everything and resend our documents.  On February 14^th, we received news that our 2 I-800s were Provisionally Approval and our files have been moved to the National Visa Center for upload into the Dept. of State system.  This part was so quick! Thanks Office Cindy!  I think the NVC is where the Article 5 letters are issued.   Once the MOJ receives these letters they will pass everything along and a court date will be issued.  We also did fingerprints again for the FBI - sent - hopefully these are our last ones to do.  Movin’ right along – they say getting there is half the fun. Movin’ right along (doog-a-doon doog-a-doon)

We Skyped with the girls today!! What at wonderful experience – just to see them and hear their little voices.  “Mama - Daddy” I do not have the words to describe how that made us feel.  They would even repeat Love You… we can’t wait to bring them home. 

We are still working on their room.  My sister will be coming to visit and help put the finishing touches on the girls' room in just a few weeks.  We are having a shower for the girls and I'm so excited that all of our friends and family will be together celebrating. I love showing them off.  

Movin’ right along

My Loves

 

My Wish

Our first trip, we arrived in Sofia on Sunday then travel to Novi Pazar on Monday to meet the girls.  When we arrived, we first met with the Social Service staff.  They were all very nice and were able to answer all of our questions about the girls.  We were taken to a “play room” - as the staff opens the door – there were the girls playing.  I think my heart stopped – the precious little ones we only saw in a picture and fell in love were right here.  The moments passed slowly as we entered and were introduced to our girls.  They are beautiful, active with great personalities – I couldn’t help but stare. We played with them as they quickly warmed up to us.  That kiss, that hug, that touch will forever be imprinted into our memories - what a magical thing.  Oh, oh oh!!  The hours passed so quickly and we looked forward to the next day. 

Each day brought new memories and many “first” for our girls.  We brought play dough and they didn’t even want to touch it – it took getting use to it and by the end of the day it was a hit.  We were able to take some walks to the park where swings and slides were calling our names.  The girls were not sure what to think at first- once they figured out how much fun it was – I think they had a blast.  They were so cute and I was amazed that the teeter-totter was a hit too.   We also brought a picture book for each of them – pictures of us – of course – and our family plus our dogs.  They had so much fun looking at it – momma and daddy – Pretty Cool. 

The last day was the hardest knowing this was it until we return. I don’t think 4-5 months will pass quickly enough for us.  There were many kisses and hugs this week as well as laughter and smiles that we will hold in our memories.  Our week was absolutely amazing – we had an amazing translator – she was very good to us – loved her.  I was worried how we would be able to leave – just walk away from these two precious ones.  There must have been a plan between our translator and others to have our exit done without rush and only a tear.  We said goodbye and gave our kisses and hugs – we hope they last until our return – we made our exit before we knew it – then to the car headed back to Sofia. 

Once back in Sofia – Friday – we signed papers and then we had a free day to sightsee in downtown Sofia.  There are some amazing buildings and lots of walking to do which balances the good food we ate.  We had an early flight on Saturday – long flights are not my thing – I was miserable sitting in one place for so long.  We’ve made it back for a week– set our pictures to music and now counting down the day.  Our family and friends are helping us plan for them and get the house ready as well as lots of celebrations – I think we are going to stay busy – now and forever.  We are truly blessed with great family and friends. 

My Wish – I hope they know somebody LOVES them – Yeah, this is our wish!!!!

Referral – Girls Girls Girls!!!!

Our time has come – we survived the great wait !!!  We have received our referral!!! The call came in December 4^th, Kay, our coordinator, gave us the wonderful news – the only information at first was - we had a referral.  In the following weeks, details of our referral trickled in – TWIN GIRLS!!!!! Once we laid eyes on them December 14^th -  Yes, they are our girls and we are blessed – they are who we prayed for all these years.  We have our travel dates – can’t wait to meet them– so excited!!!               

We can’t stop thinkin’ about Girls! Girls!

Summertime!

We had a wonderful summer vacation.  Our family vacation just gets better each year! 

The Beach Club

It’s a smile, it’s a kiss - It’s a sip of wine, It’s summertime -Sweet summertime!

 

Double Red Flag Cautions were flying high most of the week!!!

 

Vince and Zach just hangin’ out

Loving their Aunt Pam!!!!!   

I’ll work on catching up on what’s been going on. Hope you enjoy a few pictures. This is a start!

Whole Lotta Celebrating Goin' On

We have been busy this month with so many celebrations.  Vince celebrated his birthday with a day of relaxation and dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Vince ordered spaghetti with Italian sausage and my favorite was the signature dish of Pasta Weesie.

Nurse’s Week

We celebrated all the magnificent Nurses at Baptist!

We also had lots of fun in the HotShots Photo Booth!!!

Lauren and Chris Winchell’s Wedding

My Best Friend Melinda

My Sweetheart

Hub City Fitness Quest

Dustin took 1^st place in his division as well as Overall Winner for Men’s Physique !  We're so proud of him!!

As you can see, we’ve been super busy and having blast.  I would like to say there was lots going on with our adoption but I can’t.  As the old adage says: no news is good news – NOT – hopefully soon!!

On a Jet Plane

YEAH!!!! We have received our USCIS extension last Thursday.  We immediately got busy getting our documents notarized, certified and apostilled.  USCIS was notarized Friday – then all notaries were certified – off to our capital in Nashville for the official seal of approval.  Tuesday we received all apostilled documents – Thanks FedEx for a speedy delivery!!!!  Made my copies of all the documents then – off they went – back to FedEx – On a Jet Plane – to Bulgaria!!!!  I wish I could say we were on that jet plane ---- VESTA should have them in their hands Friday!!! YEAH!!!

Praying for our Referrals!!!  As we continue to wait…

Putting on a Happy Face

This week we received our USCIS letter for our fingerprinting appointments– scheduled for April 24^th – YIKES!!!  Our USCIS approval will expire April 7^th – we hoped we could have gotten our extension completed prior to the expiration.  Our agency continues to tell us our referral in coming soon.  They have also informed us that we can’t receive a referral without a valid USCIS approval!!! OMG!!!  No happy faces here!!!

The only way to help speed this up is for us to get our fingerprints ASAP!!! So, Thursday we went to our immigration office to see if this was possible to actually get our fingerprinting taken early. This seemed like a small endeavor although presenting with many adversities, we had a spring storm producing hail – we still headed out to test our luck.  We pleaded our case for early fingerprints which they were so nice and accommodating of our request – I quickly completed my fingerprints -then it was Vince’s turn- he started and right in the middle of his fingerprints there was a power outage…….................. Thank goodness for battery backup!!! Even with the power outage we were in and out of there in a flash – needless to say – We’re smiling. 

Today we received the dread pink letter from the USCIS requesting additional information as well as clarity of the children we are approved to adopt.  I'm happy that their request seems like it should be handled with a quick amendment to our home study- I’m hoping Carla is available Monday to pull this request together.  I really want to have it back to the USCIS office no later than Wednesday.   All goes well we will have our extension approval in approximately a week.  Finger crossed. 

Putting on a Happy Face!

Looking forward to our Easter Celebration!

Rockin' to Simulation

Last week was tough and very busy at the hospital although very exciting to show off all of our work and dedication to patient safety.  Baptist Memphis and Laerdal Medical hosted a Simulation User Network (SUN) conference showcasing how simulation integrates quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.  We opened the conference with a video that lead into a simulation on the main floor.  I am so proud of our team and especially proud of my ER Nurses and the Memphis Fire Department Paramedics as they played key roles in the simulation. 

It was perfect!!!



Our boss, Judy, may call us her Rock Stars as she pushes us to be our best however we think she is the BOOM – our Bon Jovi - the best boss ever – as we are ROCKIN the house with outcomes!!!!   

Improving Patient Care



Zoom Zoom Zoom!!



Go FedEx!!!! Our home study is updated, sealed and delivered.  Everything has sent to the USCIS for another extension of our approval to adopt from Bulgaria.  Hopefully there will be no request for additional information and we can push forward with dates for fingerprints!!!  Fingers crossed for a speedy extension. 

Whistle While You Work

We had a good meeting with our new home study worker, Carla.  To complete an updated home study with a new person and company we will be starting from square one.  I was surprised with lots  of paperwork to complete – I don’t remember so much to do the first time or were we much more excited since we were just getting started therefore not feeling so daunting.  We have our one on one meeting next week – Vince is so not looking forward to this – especially since I tend to be the big talker.  We will have our 3 meetings down in no time.  Next week is filled with MD appointments, fingerprinting, criminal record checks and obtaining employment verifications and reference letters as well as physician statements of health.   I’m tired just thinking about it. This too will end – it’s a test of endurance – not for the weak – otherwise we would have just thrown our hands up…..No Way …. We continue to follow that dream.   Still waiting – no news. 

Home Study Update

We have contracted with the Jewish Family Services for our home study update, our first appointment is Monday – so I guess I’ll be getting the house in order this weekend while trying to get through the stack of forms that must be completed also.  I’m excited about meeting our new social worker since she seemed very nice over the phone.  Fingers crossed that she will also be prompt, efficient, and timely when constructing our home study.  It is truly amazing the time that goes into the home study updates, renewals of USCIS approvals and fingerprints and more fingerprints!!  REALLY!!!! We just keep doing the same things over and over again just waiting on our referrals.  The carrot is just dangling there while we are being diligent in our quest.  In December our agency said that we should be getting our referrals REAL SOON!!!! What’s soon???? Hopefully next week or even this month would be fabulous!!!

Puppet On a String

Have you ever felt like a puppet on a string?  We are feeling like that as we start to work on our I-800A extension – yes 2^nd extension!!!!  We have to say….where are our children……in the meantime….  More hoops to jump through – fingerprints, medical updates, inspections and paperwork as another call goes out to our Social worker, Ann, to update our home study once again.  Boy, did I get a surprise when I called  -- what do you mean – not doing home studies any more – a heads up would have been nice.!  I contact 2 Social Workers today and hopefully will hear back from them Monday– just wondering if this means that we have to start all over with multiple visits and long conversations about our childhood as well as with many many other things…omg.  Our home study process has had its ups and downs with many frustration and delays in completing our documents – so this may be a blessing in disguise.  I’m just feeling nervous about embarking on the whole home study process again with a new person.  This update will keep me busy making appointments and gathering documents as we rush to meet our deadline focusing on the end result.   All Smiles.   

IAC Session 204

The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 204 which was held on 12/09/11:

1) Spanish dossier from February 2009 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months

2) Italian dossier from February 2009 referred a female child aged 4 years and 10 months

3) German dossier from February 2009 referred a female child aged 2 years and 10 months with features in health status and a family history

4) French dossier from April 2009 referred sisters aged 4 years and 8 months and 3 years and 1 month

5) French dossier from June 2009 referred a male child aged 5 years and 2 months with a family history

6) Swedish dossier from August 2009 referred a female child aged 1 year and 8 months with features in health status and a family history

7) Canadian dossier from September 2009 referred a female child aged 2 years 11 months with a family history

8) German dossier from December 2009 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status and a family history

9) U.S. dossier from May 2010 referred a brother and sister aged 2 years and 3 years and 4 months with features in health status

10) U.S. dossier from October 2010 referred a female child aged 8 years and 4 months

11) Italian dossier from April 2011 referred a male child aged 2 years and 8 months with features in health status

12) Italian dossier from July 2011 referred a male child aged 7 years and 8 months with features in health status and a family history

Posted by Viviane

Somewhere Out There… wishing on the same bright star

As we know, adoption wait times are unpredictable as well as preparatory.  At the time we began our journey, I believe the wait times were estimated to be 12 – 18 months.  We applied requesting 2 children (girl and boy) unrelated or sibling group up to the age of 4.  November 2010 we renewed our I-800A and the wait continued.  May 26, 2011 (18 months) came and went.  It’s hard not to feel defeat as well as become restless and weary.  Kay does a good job lifting spirits and showing me my strength while putting things into perspective.   No matter where we are in the gamete of emotions - we continue to smile and enjoy life. J.  We know our children are out there waiting for us, so we continue to pray for them as well as their care givers.  We would like to think that we are all wishing on that same bright star and we will be together soon to make our dreams come true.  2011 is closed out as we have had wonderful holidays with friends and families – some of the best memories yet – we look forward to 2012. 

Once Upon a Dream

Our dream of adoption began in 2008, for months we talked about adoption and explored the options of domestic and international ventures. That was the easy decision. We explored agency and agency and country after country laying out the pros and cons of each. Guatemala, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria were the regions that were mulled over. Bulgaria drew us in, hook line and sinker. Once the country was decided on, then the search for an agency- which seemed to come easy.  November 2008 we received our contract information from Tree of Life Adoption Center.  Our dossier process started in full force, January 2009.  We passed the home study process with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee which included conversations, education, inspections, medical clearances as well as background checks.  I-800A, finger prints, notaries, certifications, and everything apostilled formulated our dossier sent to Bulgaria.  Our dossier was received in Bulgaria in September 2009, translated then registered November 26, 2009 and at that moment the wait began.