Here We Go (Again)

On RQ and on FB there are rumours that there is now a new cut off date of December 6th.  Once again that includes us.  Trying hard not to get too excited because of what happened last month but I can't help but have a huge smile on my face as my tummy is doing flip flops.

Our co-ordinator doesn't work on Fridays so I don't think we will hear from our agency today or even next week to be honest.  They don't like to give out information until they have referrals in hand.

All this is going on as we are renovating 3/4 of our main floor, including our kitchen.  At least things will be ready for when our little one arrives.

Fingers crossed it's true this time.

Hear that sound?

That is the sound of nothing.  Thirty two days since the last batch of referrals.  One HUGE typo. And now, crickets.  GAH!  

I heard there was a system update at the C3WA, last year it was over two months before they figured out the bugs and no referrals were made during that time.  

This just sucks.

Typo

It has been confirmed that the C3WA has updated and corrected their site to say referrals have been made to December 4th.  I guess we will continue to wait since we don't have a choice.  Next time, I will definitely be much more cautious, even if someone confirms the site has been updated.

Jumping the Gun

It looks like an agency in Spain is now stating that referrals have NOT been made up to December 6th.  It might have been a typo on part of the person updating the site from the last batch of referrals that went up to December 4th.

We are both disappointed but really, what can we do?  Just sit and wait.  We've gotten really good at that.  I can tell you this though, when there is a rumour that December 6th is in, I will be a lot more cautious about believing it, even if it looks like it's coming from the C3WA.

Is is okay to...FREAK OUT?!?!?

The past couple of days have been a bit on the stressful side, just some family stuff going on that has been taking it's toll on me.  I came home this afternoon ready to take a long nap to catch up on some long lost sleep.  That plan went completely out the window.

I opened my email and saw a notice from my F@cebook group for Nov/Dec LIDs.  An announcement was made that referrals have been made up to December 6th.  Our LID is December 6. The air went out of my lungs as I read, then re-read that. I promptly went on to RQ and even though she has all but abandoned the site, the forum is still kicking and sure enough there was an announcement there as well.  To say I am freaking out is an understatement.  I am FrEaKiNg OuT!  We weren't expecting a referral for another few weeks, especially since the last referrals were made just last week. This has caught us completely off guard.  You would think that after 7.5 years we would be ready for this but nope.

The next couple of weeks should be...interesting.

What Not to Say

I know as someone who has been in the process of adoption for many years we have gotten all kinds of weird, inappropriate comments.  Everything from "Wouldn't it be too different," in reference to adopting from China to "You will get pregnant once you adopt," as if adoption is a cure for infertility.  Someone posted this video on F@cebook and I thought it was amazing. Just click on the link below, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

If you wouldn't say it about a boob job...

For Some Fun

I added a poll to the right to add some fun to this otherwise pretty pessimistic blog.  When do you think we will get our referral?  If you participate, leave me a comment.  I'm toying with the idea of doing a draw once we have our referral for those that participate.  Don't know what I will give away yet, maybe something I've been knitting these past few weeks.

Here's some information that may help with an educated guess.  We are now two days away from a referral.  In the past 19 months there has been an average of 2.05 days of LIDs covered, not including weekends.  Including weekends the number is 2.57.  There have been six months with no referrals but the next month there were either a larger number of days covered than normal or there were two referral batches in the month.

I look forward to seeing the responses!

Ever So Close

As we inch our way closer and closer to our referral, it looks like there has been a surprise batch of referrals made that have caught many off guard, even agencies, just 17 days after the last referrals.  The latest batch covers up to December 4th.  With the way referrals have been coming out, I thought for sure it would only cover up to December 1st.  They have covered three days worth of LIDs and two days of weekend.  This now means we are two days away from a referral.

Does this mean we will get our referral in the next batch? Maybe, unless they do only one day again.  It is very surreal knowing that we will be getting our referral in the next few weeks.  I am still trying hard to not get excited.  Last year at this time no referrals were made for over two months.  I really hope that's not the case now.

I guess we should start looking at getting things organized, like baby's room, clothes, car seat and of course, choosing a name.  Let the fun begin!

One week to go

As I track the rumours that are emerging it looks like referrals have been made again. Only one day though.  That brings us to November 29th, 2006 that have been covered.  Since January, there have been eight days of referrals made.  Looks like this trend of an average of 2-3 days per month is here to stay.

For us that means we are now officially one week away from referral.  Seven days. If things don't change, I still think we will get our referral in June, potential travel in August/September.  I am still having a hard time getting excited.  After almost 8.5 years of waiting (including the year we spent paperchasing) I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that in a few months we may have our referral.  It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that there is a child on the other side of the world, waiting to be matched with us. Fingers crossed things stay on track.

The Countdown is On

It looks like referrals were sent out today.  Six days (four LID and two days of weekend) were covered.  No referrals were made last month and only one day was covered in January.  I think the new trend of 2-3 days of LID's being covered in the new norm.

What does this mean for us?  Well, we are now 8 LID days away (including two days of weekend).  If my guess is true where 2-3 days is the new norm, I believe we will get our referral in June, if nothing changes.  The countdown is really on.  I'm still hesitant to get excited though.  After waiting almost 7.5 years for a referral it's hard to believe it might actually be around the corner.  Only time will tell.

Ministry Approval

It looks like we received our Ministry Approval (again) for our adoption.  Hopefully this will be the last time we have to update it.  By my calculations, if things continue the way they have been, we should receive our referral by May or June and maybe travel in August.

Here's how I figure it will be May.

In the past 13 months (January 2013-January 2014) there have been 2.84 days covered.  With 14 days left, we should get our referral in 4.9 months.

That will make our wait, 7.5 years since we were logged in and 8.5 years since we started the entire process.

All this math is hurting my head.

Out of Curiosity **UPDATE**

Is anybody still reading this blog?  Can you leave me a comment if you are?  Just debating if I should even bother to update if/when we get our referral.  By my estimation, that will most likely happen either in May or June, should things stay the same.

Thanks.

**UPDATE**

After writing this post, I saw on the RQ website that referrals have been made.  Only one day of referrals.  This however, does bring us to being 14 LID days away from a referral.  Only time will tell I guess.

Seven Years

Our 1-2 year wait has turned to SEVEN years.  This of course doesn't include the months we spent paperchasing either, which makes it closer to eight years.

That being said, we're told we are to expect our referral in the next 5-7 months. Seeing as the new pattern since August is 2 referral days a month, I think we'll get our referral in 8 months.  That will probably be the next time that I post on this blog.

There's nothing more to say until then.

30 LID Days

I haven't posted in a while.   A long while.  We've been busy.  We've moved back home, across the country.  It's good to be close to family and friends again. Our house is in major need of renos so we've been busy with those as well.  We've had to update our homestudy so that's now done, we are just waiting for government approval, again.  We just needed to keep proving that we're worthy of being parents.

What's got me posting again? We are now officially 30 LID days away from a referral.  I've done some calculations, if the CCC@@ continues to do 3-4 days worth of referrals, we will get ours in the next 7-10 months, although I am not holding my breath.  Now there is a rumour out there that they have done 10 days worth of referrals this month but no one is confirming anything.

If we do get our referral in the next few months, that will mean we've waited over SEVEN years for a referral.  So much for the two year maximum we were told about.  I guess we will just sit and wait to see what happens.  That's something we've gotten really good at.

Stuff I Make

Since nothing is happening with the adoption and I am trying to only put out positive energy, I am going to post about some of the stuff I make.


Here I have some neck warmers, also known as neck gaitors or tube scarfs.  These are great for cold winters especially if you enjoy outdoor activities.  They are made from double layered fleece so it is sure to keep out the cold.

Below are some banners ready for Valentine's Day.  They are made with acid free cardstock and can be  hung from a mantel, doorway or wall using simple tape or tacks.  

 These frame mats make the perfect gift for new or expecting parents.  They are also made from acid free cardstock and are completely customizable.

If you are interested in any of these items just go to my Etsy shop, Las Palomas for further details.  If you're on Facebook, like my page here.

Six Years

Six years ago today our file was logged in China.  We were told our wait would be two years at most.  So much for that.

Just like last year, there's lots I have to say about this but seeing as how this blog is public and I've been burned in the past when I posted how I really felt, I will keep those thoughts to myself.

Five years

It's been five years since we've been logged in.  I was going to write a post about how I really feel about this situation but then I remembered that this blog is currently public and I just don't want to deal with some of the comments I know I would get.

So that's all I have to say about that.

Happy Halloween!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Stars in the Sky

It's been five years now that I lost my mom. There's nothing more that I can say that I haven't said before.  I just wish she was here, there's so much going on that I want and need to share with her.  I know she's always with us in spirit, I just wish I could give her a hug.

Look Who's One!

Today our Poppy turns one!  Well, we're assuming it's today.  Since she is a rescue dog we're not quite sure of her birthday.  So we picked today as her birthday.  I'm so happy we decided to keep her and she is part of our family.  She is such a gentle dog, so loving and caring.

We've seen her progress so much from the first day that she came into our home.  For example, a few weeks ago she finally rolled on her back so we can could scratch her belly, she's never done that before.

So once again, happy birthday to one of the prettiest blondes I know.  Hope you had a good day.