One step forward, ten steps back

Steve and I painted the baby's room last weekend. It looks great. It is a celery green color. We have to buy the furniture to complete it but we are making progress. However, that is the only progress we seem to be making. There has been a tremendous slow down in the referrals from China. This month they are referring babies to those who had logged in dates (LID) in March. Evidently there were more than 1500 referrals for March LIDs. A typical month is about 800 referrals. With this many dossiers, the referrals are taking longer to be issued. Also the Consulate is going to get very backed up. We were excepting to get our referral in January and travel in March. Now it looks like we will get our referral in March and travel in May. This is really hard to swallow. I am praying that the slow down is temporary and that things will be picking up soon.

Another yard sale

Steve was gone this weekend. I got up early to take the dog for a walk on Sunday. As we were walking by the school I noticed people setting up for a yard sale. We browsed through the tables and found some really great stuff. I rushed home, got money and went back to pick up all the things I asked people to hold for me. I got tons of great stuff. I picked up a playschool doll house, a ride on scooter, a Lil Peoples farm and school bus, another farm set, a cause and effect toy, a shape sorter, a train set and some books. All for $25.

With yard sales and friends and family with older kids we are well on our way to having everything we need. Now if only I can find one more car seat and a crib at a yard sale we will be ready to go.

It has been a while

It has been a while since we last posted. Two months have gone by without much to say. There aren't any updates seeing we are just in the waiting stage now. Each month I hear of another batch of referrals leaving China and think that is one month closer to when we get ours.

Steve and I are preparing the room for the baby. We are going to be painting it soon. We will also be getting a new bed for Nick (a twin rather than the full he has now to save space) and a crib for the baby. It is amazing how many friends have given us such great things.

Phyllis and her family of girls gave us a playhouse and picnic table for the back yard. Carolyn has given us a high chair and car set. Beth will be giving us a running stroller. Not to mention all the clothes we are getting from Linda. My mother has been having fun shopping for the baby. Sophie will be the best dressed and equipped baby!!!

Keep watching this site for updates. I think we review our paperwork in November, take a class in November, and have a travel meeting in December.

Anne