JUNE: (referral picture = white dress) Her mother died, leaving her an orphan. When she arrived to the Toukoul orphanage, she was 4 months old, malnourished, and weighing only 7.7 pounds (3.5 Kg).
She was rehydrated, and basic medical care was provided. One week later, she weighed in at 8.2 pounds (3.7 Kg). Height 61 cm; head circumference 38.5 cm.
Her physical exam is unremarkable, and her blood tests/xrays/cultures are all negative. She has a good appetite, normal sleep cycle, and began laughing out loud. She holds her head steady when pulled to sitting.
JULY: (update picture = pastel/white romper) At 5 months old, she weighs in at 10.1 pounds; height 62cm, head circumference 40cm. She receives her first set of vaccinations. Developmentally, she rolls over from front to back, imitates some speech sounds/razzing sounds, and recognize familiar faces.
SEPT: (update picture = blue/gold dress) at 7 months old, she weighs in at 13.6 pounds; height 64cm, head circumference 42cm. She receives her second set of vaccinations. She's eating more, and has her formula supplemented with spoon feeds. She sits with support and has started to crawl. She transfers objects from hand to hand, babbles and reaches for familiar people.
OCT: (update picture = blue dress with hair bow) At 8 months old, she weighs in at almost 15 pounds; height 66 cm, head circumference 44cm. She's sitting unsupported and crawls.
According to Radu, everything is all set and ready for our Nov 6th court date. All documents have been acquired, and everyone is prepared.
Fingers-crossed that we become her new parents on this day.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
US Embassy in Addis Ababa.
You may recall that I mentioned that we're supposed to contact the US Embassy in Ethiopia on a prior post - but couldn't wake up early enough to ever catch them before 5pm their time...
I finally had a genius moment and thought: "why don't I call the US Embassy in Ethiopia *before* I go to bed?"
So first I had to figure out how to call them:
011 - US exit code
251 - Ethiopian country code
11 - Area code for Addis Ababa
124-2424 - the phone number to the embassy.
So the number is: 011-251-11-124-2424 (this is exactly what you press on the phone)
Was on hold for the better part of an hour (called at 9am their time). Then decided to just send an email to: pasaddis@state.gov.
Got an email response the same day (which was *my* next day) saying they'd received the I600A approval (the form I171h) for an infant girl age up to 2; the dates it (and the fingerprints) expire (which are October 2nd and June 11, 2009 respectively). I also asked about the Visa 37...what it is...how to get it...
...they didn't answer that part.
So...I'll send another email, maybe after we pass court.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Travel Plans. Tickets.
Dubai. Home to the World's only 6-star hotel.We made the decision to purchase our plane tickets!! We've decided to fly Air Emirates. Our route: LAX to Dubai then Addis. Back from Addis to Dubai, then into SFO (San Francisco). Everyone has a ticket...even baby girl!! The tickets are refundable, changeable (for small fees), and very reasonably priced. Much lower than I expected!!
After talking with multiple travel agents (including American Express Travel), we decided to use:
Scott Nordwall.
Travel International
2345 Rice St. Suite 173
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 1-800-494-7568 or 651-482-7568
Email: tfs@isd.net
Other popular agencies that we considered:
Elsa Abate
Addis Travel Services
1821 W. University Ave. Suite S135
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-646-6900 or fax: 651-646-6909
Email: elsa@addistravel.net
Susan Parr
Susan Parr Travel, Inc.
1234 East Front St.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
1-800 455-7277 or 1-360-452-6596
http://www.susanparrtravel.com/
We've also reserved our hotel rooms (and the rental car to drive down to LA). The reservations for the hotel can be canceled up until 48hours prior to our expected arrival, so we felt comfortable doing this.
***
On a side note -
Most of the "things to do" on the 'pre-trip' list is done.
We've gathered donations, and I'm hoping to ship the box(es) so they arrive while we are there. I would rather not try to lug all of those extra items on our trip around the World.
We've gathered up most of the medications/supplies we need (still have a ways to go before we have *everything* we want to take). But between me and Sister...all the medication and medical supplies have been acquired!!
Now...we just have to get the rest of the supplies, organize (so we won't forget) our important documents, such as copies of our dossier, passports, tickets, identification, contact lists, my medical license, the stuff we'll need for the embassy appointment, and so forth and so on...(I have a check list to help organize).
Also, one of these days I'm going to wake up early enough to actually call the US Embassy in Addis during their business hours!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Final Paperwork
Once in Addis Ababa, with the help of our attorney, we'll have to complete the I-600 form (Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative). We have the forms now, and we were instructed to fill out as much as possible. Both parents have to be present at the US Embassy (or a notarized signature must be obtained from the 'absent' parent prior to leaving the US) - unless you're a single woman adopting. The person who files the I600 must be the same petitioner as on the I-600A.
Additionally, the I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and I-864A (Affidavit of Support Contract between Sponsor and Household Member) must be done. This is an agreement that you have the resources to provide for the child...and the child will not come to America only to end up on public assistance. This is also filed with the I-600 form at the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. Again, the petitioner of the I-600 form must be the sponsor on the I864 form.
The Form DS-230 Parts 1 and 2 - (Application for immigrant visa and alien registration) to be done for the US Embassy appointment.
*whatever we can't complete, the lawyer will assist once we arrive to Addis. I was told that we meet with him the day prior (Sunday) to go over and complete these forms correctly.
To accompany us in support of these forms:
1) Most recent paystub.
2) Notarized employment letter with recent date.
3) Last 3 years taxes (copies of 1040 and W-2 or 1099)
4) Copy of your INS approval (the form I171h)
5) The DS-230 form (parts 1 and 2)
Additionally, we must be sure to call the Embassy and make sure that our I600A approval (the I171h form) was indeed sent to them via the National Visa Center *prior* to our departure from the US. (If not, follow these steps: write a letter to the USCIS asking them to send the form to Addis Ababa. And they will. Then you'll receive confirmation and a case number that they did.)
That's the last of the paperwork per our Agency. This final paperwork couldn't have been completed prior to the referral as they require the *name* and *identity* of an actual orphan/child.
Additionally, the I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and I-864A (Affidavit of Support Contract between Sponsor and Household Member) must be done. This is an agreement that you have the resources to provide for the child...and the child will not come to America only to end up on public assistance. This is also filed with the I-600 form at the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. Again, the petitioner of the I-600 form must be the sponsor on the I864 form.
The Form DS-230 Parts 1 and 2 - (Application for immigrant visa and alien registration) to be done for the US Embassy appointment.
*whatever we can't complete, the lawyer will assist once we arrive to Addis. I was told that we meet with him the day prior (Sunday) to go over and complete these forms correctly.
To accompany us in support of these forms:
1) Most recent paystub.
2) Notarized employment letter with recent date.
3) Last 3 years taxes (copies of 1040 and W-2 or 1099)
4) Copy of your INS approval (the form I171h)
5) The DS-230 form (parts 1 and 2)
Additionally, we must be sure to call the Embassy and make sure that our I600A approval (the I171h form) was indeed sent to them via the National Visa Center *prior* to our departure from the US. (If not, follow these steps: write a letter to the USCIS asking them to send the form to Addis Ababa. And they will. Then you'll receive confirmation and a case number that they did.)
That's the last of the paperwork per our Agency. This final paperwork couldn't have been completed prior to the referral as they require the *name* and *identity* of an actual orphan/child.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Q & A with Grace
Grace recenty went to Addis Ababa with her daughter Abigail to pick up her baby Anna. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
Grace Q&A
Grace Q&A
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Court date postponed: New court date November 6th
So, the court date was postponed. I don't know if it's okay to post lots of info on the issue, so I won't. Wouldn't want anything to jeopardize future court dates...But, apparently this is not all that uncommon...and somewhat expected after court reopens. Reading the yahoo groups, it seems that (not infrequently) the rules change ever so slightly with the new "season" and agencies are forced to make adjustments. Adjustments that may not be entirely understood *until* they reopen. Courts reopened last week...so maybe there just wasn't enough time for those required (new) adjustments to be made?
And because of the backlog (I would imagine)...our next court date isn't until November 6th.
The thing is, though, Radu gave us travel dates, and our US Embassy appointment in Addis Ababa (for which we have to be present) is Monday December 15th. This information was not shared prior to this 10/7 court date though I *specifically* asked multiple times). Radu is 'confident' that everything will be worked out, and 11/6 will yield a passing court experience for our family. Maybe he wasn't so confident about this 10/7 date and therefore didn't provide the travel dates....hmmmm...
Anyway,
as far as prep goes, we're ready to have her here - with all of the (big) basic stuff. I have yet to purchase bottles, formula, and smaller baby items. I figure that once she's here, we'll see what stage she's in (afterall, she'll be 10 months old). Maybe she won't want a bottle? Maybe she'll be ready to try out her legs with standing-type toys. Maybe she'll be barely crawling, and still only drinking a bottle? Babies change so much in their first year of life...to try and anticipate her stage (considering the circumstances) is not the easiest thing to do.
Additionally, we purchased all of the OTC (over the counter) meds for the trip. And Sister has more stuff (we have to take inventory of our supplies soon so we'll know what we've got, and what we still need).
So, a December trip. That's not such a bad thing. Haley won't miss school. Hubby is on winter vacation. It gives us a couple more paychecks to save (and spend). With travel dates this far in advance we can start making plans 2 months out instead of 4 weeks out.
The only (relatively) difficult thing was/is...my work schedule. The good thing is December requests are due today...so I requested the needed time off. BUT, that only leaves a handful of days left that are available for me to work...and because I want a certain number of shifts, I'm really trying to work closely with the scheduler (and the group) so I can get *exactly* the days I need to maximize my ability to work on the days I'm actually available.
But for November, where I have lots of blocked days off (in anticipation of November travel) I'm now trying to pick up a few days. AND, because I totally compressed my schedule (i.e. working lots of days in a row, which is highly atypical for me), I'm trying to switch dates around to allow me more time in between shifts to recover. All of these schedule changes are like asking for *personal favors* and care has to be taken to ask the right person in the right way. This, is probably the most stressful part of the 'limbo.'
Hopefully our November 6th court date will allow us to travel as planned in December. The fact that Radu is confident, and other families didn't pass, helps me refrain from totally freaking out about the possibly that there's something about *us* or *her* that is causing a problem.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Pre-trip Pedi Appointments - done.
Pre-trip physical exam for the kids - with scripts given for gastroenteritis symptoms and z-paks (antibiotics). CHECK.Today Haley and Ian had their physical exams. Turns out their pediatrician used to work at Children's Hospital and spent a year in Sudan right at the border with Ethiopia. She was so excited for us...and thought it was great that the entire family is going.
***
One more week until court!!
More update here.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Only 3.5 more weeks until court!!
Since court is closed for another few weeks...we're in "wait" mode right now. We've gotten a couple of updates...
When she arrived to Toukoul, she was 4.5 months old, weighed 7.7 pounds, was 61 cm long with a head circumference of 38.5 cm. This was back in June, during a drought. She has big bright eyes, and looked very tiny in her baby seat.
One week later...after being rehydrated and fed well in the orphanage - her weight increased to 8.2 pounds.
August 1st update (5 months old) - she measured in at 10.3 pounds!! grew one cm to a length of 62cm, and her head circumference 40cm. The updated pix showed a baby who appeared noticeably bigger...still with very bright eyes, and a little personality shining thru.
Sept 1st update (6 months old) - she's almost 12 pounds. Her length is unchanged at 62cm; her head circumference is 41cm. Still waiting for updated pix...which I've been told are delayed b/c of the Ethiopian New Year celebration (today).
This child is growing!!!
***
On this end, we're pretty much ready. We have the crib. I figured out how to fit 3 carseats across the backseat (yay!!). We have clothing in various sizes (but thinking I'm gonna have to take the newborn stuff back!!). At 12 pounds, looks like she's solidly in 3-6 months now. By mid November when we go get her...she'll likely be in 6-9 month old clothing (and she'll be almost 9 months old). Isn't that wonderful...??!!
Haley and Ian both are aware and excited. We've watched enough "Adoption Stories" on TLC to recite the script. We've networked, and now have multiple people to visit on our trip to Addis. In addition to the medical stuff I'm planning to do...we have friends...who have friends...that live in Addis Ababa!! How cool is that?
So...that's the update. Not much to do on our end...except be patient!! Oct. 7th is just 3.5 weeks away. Hope we pass court the first time...and are cleared to travel in the typical timeframe of 4-5 weeks thereafter.
But I trust that everything will continue unfolding according to the Divine Plan!!
When she arrived to Toukoul, she was 4.5 months old, weighed 7.7 pounds, was 61 cm long with a head circumference of 38.5 cm. This was back in June, during a drought. She has big bright eyes, and looked very tiny in her baby seat.
One week later...after being rehydrated and fed well in the orphanage - her weight increased to 8.2 pounds.
August 1st update (5 months old) - she measured in at 10.3 pounds!! grew one cm to a length of 62cm, and her head circumference 40cm. The updated pix showed a baby who appeared noticeably bigger...still with very bright eyes, and a little personality shining thru.
Sept 1st update (6 months old) - she's almost 12 pounds. Her length is unchanged at 62cm; her head circumference is 41cm. Still waiting for updated pix...which I've been told are delayed b/c of the Ethiopian New Year celebration (today).
This child is growing!!!
***
On this end, we're pretty much ready. We have the crib. I figured out how to fit 3 carseats across the backseat (yay!!). We have clothing in various sizes (but thinking I'm gonna have to take the newborn stuff back!!). At 12 pounds, looks like she's solidly in 3-6 months now. By mid November when we go get her...she'll likely be in 6-9 month old clothing (and she'll be almost 9 months old). Isn't that wonderful...??!!
Haley and Ian both are aware and excited. We've watched enough "Adoption Stories" on TLC to recite the script. We've networked, and now have multiple people to visit on our trip to Addis. In addition to the medical stuff I'm planning to do...we have friends...who have friends...that live in Addis Ababa!! How cool is that?
So...that's the update. Not much to do on our end...except be patient!! Oct. 7th is just 3.5 weeks away. Hope we pass court the first time...and are cleared to travel in the typical timeframe of 4-5 weeks thereafter.
But I trust that everything will continue unfolding according to the Divine Plan!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Update
Got an update about Baby Sister. She's gained 2 pounds...her eyes are super bright...and she's super cute!!!
***
UPDATE (9/30/08):
Also, I'm proud to announce that I've successfully put 3 carseats in my backseat! 2 Fisherprices and one Peg Perego. The seatbelt extenders allow the kids to buckle themselves...so all is good. I'm thinking of still going for the clek oto's, however, at some point in the future. Like all the boosters...they seem to tilt too much during acute angle turns. I think a latch *plus* a booster would alleviate this issue. But for now, that project is done.
As for the crib? We got one. Ebay for just over $100 including mattress...brand new. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for picking that up for us in your "big truck" and driving it up to us!!
So....we're all set. We have clothing, a carseat, and a crib. These items complete our pre-trip baby gear requirements.
The grass is all lush and green, now that the sprinklers are all fixed. The next door neighbor agreed to care for our doggies for the week we're gone. The backyard fence is secure and our doggies better contained. My work schedule has some time blocked off...hopefully it'll coincide with our *actual* travel!! Many of my colleagues know about our upcoming trip and adoption...and I think they'll feel bad if they make it difficult for me to do this 'project.' So I'm hoping that'll extrapolate into encouragement and support if I have to change the schedule...or alter my requested days off.
I've been "de-babyizing" Ian, such that he's not "a baby" anymore. Potty training, walking more and strolling less. Sleeping in his own bed, and taking off his own clothing. I'm also encouraging Haley to be more independent. She's doing her own bathing in the bath or shower. She's getting dressed, undressed, brushing teeth, cleaning up her areas (bedroom, playroom), making her own breakfast (toast, cereal, fruit). I'm really working with them on their interpersonal relations (such as no fighting, sharing, etc.) I can't imagine having them completely dependent, acting like babies, fighting, *with* a new baby coming!!
Plus, I'm completing some tasks that require some research and time...that, if not done now, will likely not be done for months. Such as dental appointments, finding appropriate extracurricular activities for the kids, signing them up....and getting into the routine. Haley has started playing golf with The First Tee, and she started music lessons. Ian, is still 2. He'll have to wait 6 months since almost every (non-mommy and me-type activity) requires the child to be 3 or 3.5 - such as T-ball or soccer.
Donations: we're still hoping for help collecting donations. Once we pass court Haley's school agreed to do a clothing drive of sorts, so that her classmates can play a part in this experience with her. Additionally we have friends who are helping us organize collections for us to take with us. Grandma is going to see if her company, UPS, will send some of the items to Addis Ababa for free (I can only imagine how difficult it'd be trying to hold on to our own luggage, plus two kids, while trying to transport excessive cargo. And with the airlines doing the nickle and dime thing, it'll probably be very expensive to check the boxes as extra "baggage."). But, I will say, after cleaning our home, doing the craigslist thing, and with the help of friends, we do have a few things that I'd be proud to take with us already. Even if we have no additional support in this area, I'm okay taking what we have...
***
What's next? Just passing court. Once that's done, we'll be able to plan some of the details of our trip.
***
UPDATE (9/30/08):
Also, I'm proud to announce that I've successfully put 3 carseats in my backseat! 2 Fisherprices and one Peg Perego. The seatbelt extenders allow the kids to buckle themselves...so all is good. I'm thinking of still going for the clek oto's, however, at some point in the future. Like all the boosters...they seem to tilt too much during acute angle turns. I think a latch *plus* a booster would alleviate this issue. But for now, that project is done.
As for the crib? We got one. Ebay for just over $100 including mattress...brand new. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for picking that up for us in your "big truck" and driving it up to us!!
So....we're all set. We have clothing, a carseat, and a crib. These items complete our pre-trip baby gear requirements.
The grass is all lush and green, now that the sprinklers are all fixed. The next door neighbor agreed to care for our doggies for the week we're gone. The backyard fence is secure and our doggies better contained. My work schedule has some time blocked off...hopefully it'll coincide with our *actual* travel!! Many of my colleagues know about our upcoming trip and adoption...and I think they'll feel bad if they make it difficult for me to do this 'project.' So I'm hoping that'll extrapolate into encouragement and support if I have to change the schedule...or alter my requested days off.
I've been "de-babyizing" Ian, such that he's not "a baby" anymore. Potty training, walking more and strolling less. Sleeping in his own bed, and taking off his own clothing. I'm also encouraging Haley to be more independent. She's doing her own bathing in the bath or shower. She's getting dressed, undressed, brushing teeth, cleaning up her areas (bedroom, playroom), making her own breakfast (toast, cereal, fruit). I'm really working with them on their interpersonal relations (such as no fighting, sharing, etc.) I can't imagine having them completely dependent, acting like babies, fighting, *with* a new baby coming!!
Plus, I'm completing some tasks that require some research and time...that, if not done now, will likely not be done for months. Such as dental appointments, finding appropriate extracurricular activities for the kids, signing them up....and getting into the routine. Haley has started playing golf with The First Tee, and she started music lessons. Ian, is still 2. He'll have to wait 6 months since almost every (non-mommy and me-type activity) requires the child to be 3 or 3.5 - such as T-ball or soccer.
Donations: we're still hoping for help collecting donations. Once we pass court Haley's school agreed to do a clothing drive of sorts, so that her classmates can play a part in this experience with her. Additionally we have friends who are helping us organize collections for us to take with us. Grandma is going to see if her company, UPS, will send some of the items to Addis Ababa for free (I can only imagine how difficult it'd be trying to hold on to our own luggage, plus two kids, while trying to transport excessive cargo. And with the airlines doing the nickle and dime thing, it'll probably be very expensive to check the boxes as extra "baggage."). But, I will say, after cleaning our home, doing the craigslist thing, and with the help of friends, we do have a few things that I'd be proud to take with us already. Even if we have no additional support in this area, I'm okay taking what we have...
***
What's next? Just passing court. Once that's done, we'll be able to plan some of the details of our trip.
Wha'sup?
I've been spinning 'round and 'round trying to make sure that everything I want to accomplish, is accomplished in preparing for the arrival of our newest family member.
This week's question: How are we gonna get 3 kiddos in carseats into the back seat of our car? 'causewe I refuse to buy a huge car (with these gas prices), and feel strongly that parents shouldn't be forced to. So, I'm trying to find a way to make all three carseats fit (and still allow Haley and Ian to *buckle themselves*). Additionally, I cannot contort my body and perform magic tricks in the middle of a dark parking lot trying to buckle in 3 kids. In California, it's much, much safer for the kids to ride *without* a carseat than it is to spend 5 minutes in a dark parking lot trying to buckle them into one. And I'm all about safety...
Case in point: In August 2007, a 30-year-old woman was carjacked in a mall parking garage while strapping her 2-year-old son into her black SUV. Thereafter, a mother and daughter were killed at the same mall right before Christmas using the same technique.
So, I've narrowed it down to a few different types of carseats. Narrow infant seats seem to be the Babytrend flex-loc and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio. We got the Peg Perego on sale at Babies R Us...regularly $230, for less than $50. Brand new.
The Sunshine Kids Radian has a reputation for being safe, and one of the narrowest convertible seats out there. But, do you see that price tag? And, I'm think I'm going to bypass the convertible seat and Ian can ride in a booster. When Baby Sister outgrows the Perego, then maybe I'll consider the Radian for her.
I ordered a couple of Fisher Price Safe Voyage Booster seats (made by Britax) from Albeebaby for the low price of $29.99 (reg. $80.00) These boosters are the narrowest out there.
I got a couple of seatbelt extenders (for free) from Lexus, to make it easier to reach the buckle (afterall, they're like completely buried under the seat cushions).
And I'm trying to see if I can't get a couple of Magna Clek Otos (not the Olli because the handles make it too wide). They are Canadian, but I'm hoping that I can still try them out. Drawback - kinda expensive for a low-back booster seat. Advantage - latch system, and size.
Finding a way to make the 3 carseat thing work has beenmy obsession a concern for a few weeks now.
***
So far Baby Girl has an adequate wardrobe (especially considering we won't know her clothing size until she arrives). We've created space in the bed room for her crib...AND I have the crib all picked out. There's actually one for sale on ebay...brand new for less than $100. I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and get it because they're normally over $200.
Once I get the bed/crib...a dresser for her stuff (because right now Baby girl's things are tucked away in Hubby's bottom drawers)...and this carseat situation worked out...I'll feel 'ready' for her arrival.
As far as the house: The sprinklers are done. The dogs are all taken care of. The fence is done and the yard secure. We've created more space in our living area by moving things around and replacing some pieces of furniture. We've had our neighbors over for coffee, and we spent hours connecting - which is always important, but even moreso when you're planning to be gone from your house for a couple of weeks. And now, our home will be okay in our absence.
***
Travel: I've actually contacted a couple of travel agencies (still deciding on which we'll use...but I think I'm pretty sure). Sister is busily collecting (as am I) medical supplies/medications. I've continued making contacts in Addis Ababa...and will continue to do so.
***
Finally, my good girl friend reminded me to begin the process of "baby sister acceptance" for Ian...who is *very* happy being Mommy's little guy!!
------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 12/24/08
We're home - just wanted to post the result of all of the abovecraziness. We did it!! 3 seats across the backseat!! :o)
This week's question: How are we gonna get 3 kiddos in carseats into the back seat of our car? 'cause
Case in point: In August 2007, a 30-year-old woman was carjacked in a mall parking garage while strapping her 2-year-old son into her black SUV. Thereafter, a mother and daughter were killed at the same mall right before Christmas using the same technique.
So, I've narrowed it down to a few different types of carseats. Narrow infant seats seem to be the Babytrend flex-loc and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio. We got the Peg Perego on sale at Babies R Us...regularly $230, for less than $50. Brand new.
The Sunshine Kids Radian has a reputation for being safe, and one of the narrowest convertible seats out there. But, do you see that price tag? And, I'm think I'm going to bypass the convertible seat and Ian can ride in a booster. When Baby Sister outgrows the Perego, then maybe I'll consider the Radian for her.
I ordered a couple of Fisher Price Safe Voyage Booster seats (made by Britax) from Albeebaby for the low price of $29.99 (reg. $80.00) These boosters are the narrowest out there.
I got a couple of seatbelt extenders (for free) from Lexus, to make it easier to reach the buckle (afterall, they're like completely buried under the seat cushions).
And I'm trying to see if I can't get a couple of Magna Clek Otos (not the Olli because the handles make it too wide). They are Canadian, but I'm hoping that I can still try them out. Drawback - kinda expensive for a low-back booster seat. Advantage - latch system, and size.
Finding a way to make the 3 carseat thing work has been
***
So far Baby Girl has an adequate wardrobe (especially considering we won't know her clothing size until she arrives). We've created space in the bed room for her crib...AND I have the crib all picked out. There's actually one for sale on ebay...brand new for less than $100. I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and get it because they're normally over $200.
Once I get the bed/crib...a dresser for her stuff (because right now Baby girl's things are tucked away in Hubby's bottom drawers)...and this carseat situation worked out...I'll feel 'ready' for her arrival.
As far as the house: The sprinklers are done. The dogs are all taken care of. The fence is done and the yard secure. We've created more space in our living area by moving things around and replacing some pieces of furniture. We've had our neighbors over for coffee, and we spent hours connecting - which is always important, but even moreso when you're planning to be gone from your house for a couple of weeks. And now, our home will be okay in our absence.
***
Travel: I've actually contacted a couple of travel agencies (still deciding on which we'll use...but I think I'm pretty sure). Sister is busily collecting (as am I) medical supplies/medications. I've continued making contacts in Addis Ababa...and will continue to do so.
***
Finally, my good girl friend reminded me to begin the process of "baby sister acceptance" for Ian...who is *very* happy being Mommy's little guy!!
------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 12/24/08
We're home - just wanted to post the result of all of the above
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Emirates out of LAX!!*
I've been doing a bit more research...and I think I've figured out our travel!!Emirates Air starts flying non-stop to Dubai from LAX soon (they don't yet, but I think they start October 1st). By November (when we'll travel) there are flights available on this 'luxury' airline for great prices!! All we'd have to do is drive down to LA (which is way easy) and Sister can drive up from San Diego. We can go from 'home' all the way to Dubai. We've heard Dubai is a wonderful and safe city, with a hotel *in* the airport that rents by the hour...so we can rest. Then non-stop to Addis.
(On December 1st, Emirates starts flying their brand new, super big, aircrafts out of San Francisco non-stop to Dubai!! - but we'll hopefully be gone and back by then).
One stop on the total flight! And when we get off the plane after a long (long, long, long...) trip...we're essentially home! We could stay in LA with family for a few days to 'recover' and then they can drive with us back - or maybe *drive us* :o) - home!! This is a drive we do all the time...and it'll be much easier than changing planes in NYC or Washington DC...
I'm thinking that Emirates out of LAX to Addis via Dubai (non-stop) will be our itinerary.
*the picture is first class...and clearly we're not flying first class. I mean, *business class* (i.e. below first class) would cost $60,000 for us!! But isn't it beautiful?
Friday, July 25, 2008
How to get there...the flight, the airline, comfort and safety
So did you hear about the Quantas Aircraft loaded with 346 passengers...having a very dramatic landing as their plane fell apart because it was 17 years-old?
"One hour into the flight there was a big bang, then the plane started going down,"
The 346 passengers were cruising at 29,000 feet Friday when an explosive bang shook the Qantas jumbo jet. The plane descended rapidly. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling as debris flew through the cabin from a hole that had suddenly appeared in the floor.
The eerie scene aboard Flight QF 30, captured on a passenger's cell phone video-camera, showed a tense quiet punctuated only by a baby's cries as passengers sat with oxygen masks on their faces. The jerky footage showed a woman holding tightly to the seat in front of her as rapidly approaching land appeared through a window. Loud applause and relieved laughter went up as the plane touched down.
What they found was a stunning sight. A 9-foot-wide hole gaped at the joint where the front of the right wing attaches to the plane. Luggage from the cargo hold strained against the webbing used to keep it from shifting during a flight.
The probe into the 17-year-old aircraft was likely to be lengthy, Verdier said, and the Boeing team expects to interview the crew and examine the structure of the plane, among other things.
Union engineers — who have held several strikes this year to demand pay raises — say that safety is being compromised by low wages and overtime work.
As of December 2007, Qantas was operating 216 aircraft flying to 140 destinations in 37 countries, though in recent months it has announced it will retire some aircraft and cancel some routes — as well as cutting 1,500 jobs worldwide — due to skyrocketing fuel prices.
Consider this by Bloomberg:
Trend One: The service on your airplanes, bad as it may be, is going to get much worse.
Once upon a time these straight ladies and gay men sought to please fliers; now they treat fliers like criminals.
Trend Two: Your time will be treated as ever-less valuable. You think it's an outrage that planes are now flying more slowly to save fuel? Wait until you find yourself en route from New York to Los Angeles, and stop unexpectedly in Denver until the headwind slows.
Trend Three: Your planes will be ever-more likely to have an accident.
After all, these people who run the airlines have every expense under their microscope
***
I'm thinking I'm gonna have to choose another airline from the top 10 list:
Maybe...Emirates. "Consistently cited as one of the world's best airlines, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern Airline. Based in Dubai, most of its flight attendants are recruited from overseas. Website: http://www.emirates.com/"
They fly from JFK and Houston to Addis via Dubai.
And domestically...you just can't beat Jetblue.
These airlines (Emirates, Southwest, Jetblue) have new planes (because they are young), great safety records...and provide the type of service that United and American Airlines have long since abandoned in favor of cheap. They give you water, food, a movie, and nice flight attendants.
I don't want peanuts and water (how is that even safe, anyway...with all the allergies out there?); nor do I want to pay for bag (just charge all tickets what's needed to cover the cost of the bags), a coke, or be weighed to see how much my ticket should be. I want to at least have the option to watch a movie. I don't want the paint on the wing to be peeling, or the hand-rail to be broken. I don't want the decor to be dated (because that makes me think that the plane is old...and the metal may fatigue and fall off at 30,000 feet)...and I don't want to be without my luggage.
These airlines should just raise their prices to cover these costs...oh,...and the cost of paying the employees (the flight attendants, pilots, the people who fix the plane, who paint the plane, who clean the plane...)
Tsk, tsk, tsk...
...I wish I were rich enough to afford a private jet!!
"One hour into the flight there was a big bang, then the plane started going down,"
The 346 passengers were cruising at 29,000 feet Friday when an explosive bang shook the Qantas jumbo jet. The plane descended rapidly. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling as debris flew through the cabin from a hole that had suddenly appeared in the floor.
The eerie scene aboard Flight QF 30, captured on a passenger's cell phone video-camera, showed a tense quiet punctuated only by a baby's cries as passengers sat with oxygen masks on their faces. The jerky footage showed a woman holding tightly to the seat in front of her as rapidly approaching land appeared through a window. Loud applause and relieved laughter went up as the plane touched down.
What they found was a stunning sight. A 9-foot-wide hole gaped at the joint where the front of the right wing attaches to the plane. Luggage from the cargo hold strained against the webbing used to keep it from shifting during a flight.
The probe into the 17-year-old aircraft was likely to be lengthy, Verdier said, and the Boeing team expects to interview the crew and examine the structure of the plane, among other things.
Union engineers — who have held several strikes this year to demand pay raises — say that safety is being compromised by low wages and overtime work.
As of December 2007, Qantas was operating 216 aircraft flying to 140 destinations in 37 countries, though in recent months it has announced it will retire some aircraft and cancel some routes — as well as cutting 1,500 jobs worldwide — due to skyrocketing fuel prices.
Consider this by Bloomberg:
Trend One: The service on your airplanes, bad as it may be, is going to get much worse.
Once upon a time these straight ladies and gay men sought to please fliers; now they treat fliers like criminals.
Trend Two: Your time will be treated as ever-less valuable. You think it's an outrage that planes are now flying more slowly to save fuel? Wait until you find yourself en route from New York to Los Angeles, and stop unexpectedly in Denver until the headwind slows.
Trend Three: Your planes will be ever-more likely to have an accident.
After all, these people who run the airlines have every expense under their microscope
***
I'm thinking I'm gonna have to choose another airline from the top 10 list:
Maybe...Emirates. "Consistently cited as one of the world's best airlines, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern Airline. Based in Dubai, most of its flight attendants are recruited from overseas. Website: http://www.emirates.com/"
They fly from JFK and Houston to Addis via Dubai.
And domestically...you just can't beat Jetblue.
These airlines (Emirates, Southwest, Jetblue) have new planes (because they are young), great safety records...and provide the type of service that United and American Airlines have long since abandoned in favor of cheap. They give you water, food, a movie, and nice flight attendants.
I don't want peanuts and water (how is that even safe, anyway...with all the allergies out there?); nor do I want to pay for bag (just charge all tickets what's needed to cover the cost of the bags), a coke, or be weighed to see how much my ticket should be. I want to at least have the option to watch a movie. I don't want the paint on the wing to be peeling, or the hand-rail to be broken. I don't want the decor to be dated (because that makes me think that the plane is old...and the metal may fatigue and fall off at 30,000 feet)...and I don't want to be without my luggage.
These airlines should just raise their prices to cover these costs...oh,...and the cost of paying the employees (the flight attendants, pilots, the people who fix the plane, who paint the plane, who clean the plane...)
Tsk, tsk, tsk...
...I wish I were rich enough to afford a private jet!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Our Court Date is...
October 7th.
We've been assigned a court date of October 7th!! (because the Ethiopian court closes from August 6th - September 30th). Usually baby is ready to travel about one month after passing court. So...
Hopefully we'll pass court on the first time - at which time Baby Sister is legally our daughter!!
It takes a few weeks (3-5) for her papers to be gathered (visas, passports, new birth certificates, medical clearance, etc). After that's completed, we'll have a US Embassy appointment.
That means we'll likely travel mid November (maybe home in time for Turkey Day!!)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Facts and Figures - Ethiopia
Life expectancy: 42 years old
Population subsisting below $2/day - close to 80%
Average births per woman: 6.14
Deaths from pregnancy/abortion related: 1 in 7
Women dying from TB is 96 per 100,000
Children dying from AIDS: 1 in 16
Percentage of AIDS cases in the world: 7%
Female genital mutilation: >80%
Women experiencing rape: 25%
Newborns dying before age one - 1 in 10
Children dying before age 5 - 1 in 6
Orphans - 4 million
Children under 5 stunted from malnutrition - >50%
Literacy 41%
for women 26.4%
High school attendance for females 8.5%
-source
Population subsisting below $2/day - close to 80%
Average births per woman: 6.14
Deaths from pregnancy/abortion related: 1 in 7
Women dying from TB is 96 per 100,000
Children dying from AIDS: 1 in 16
Percentage of AIDS cases in the world: 7%
Female genital mutilation: >80%
Women experiencing rape: 25%
Newborns dying before age one - 1 in 10
Children dying before age 5 - 1 in 6
Orphans - 4 million
Children under 5 stunted from malnutrition - >50%
Literacy 41%
for women 26.4%
High school attendance for females 8.5%
-source
Donations. Travael info. Medical services.
According to the Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc.
The following is a list of physical donations currently needed at the Toukoul Orphanage.
Warm Blankets
Clothing (all children's sizes, gently used or new, boys and girls)
Jackets and Sweaters
Shoes
Books for the Library (hard bound and good quality)
School Supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, note books, educational activity books, flash cards, educational games that don't require batteries)
Sports/Play Equipment (soccer balls, playground balls, frisbees, bubbles, games that don't require batteries)
Please DO NOT send the following: medicine (prescription or over the counter), medical supplies, items that require batteries, candy or stuffed animals)
Ethiopian Orphan Relief’s Blog Partner Organization: Toukoul/SOS EE
So, I think I'll do the clothing...jackets/shoes. Maybe we can get some of our places of employment to donate the supplies - paper, pencils, notebooks, etc). I think we can give a ball or two as well.
But...I'm think *clothing* will be our thing...
***
AND, I found this website that has great information about traveling to Addis Ababa via United Nations Association of the USA at Cuppertino High School here in San Francisco. They don't go to Toukoul Orphanages...but the info is great nonetheless.
***
Here are some medical services offered in Addis Ababa to Americans via the US embassy.
The following is a list of physical donations currently needed at the Toukoul Orphanage.
Warm Blankets
Clothing (all children's sizes, gently used or new, boys and girls)
Jackets and Sweaters
Shoes
Books for the Library (hard bound and good quality)
School Supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, note books, educational activity books, flash cards, educational games that don't require batteries)
Sports/Play Equipment (soccer balls, playground balls, frisbees, bubbles, games that don't require batteries)
Please DO NOT send the following: medicine (prescription or over the counter), medical supplies, items that require batteries, candy or stuffed animals)
Ethiopian Orphan Relief’s Blog Partner Organization: Toukoul/SOS EE
So, I think I'll do the clothing...jackets/shoes. Maybe we can get some of our places of employment to donate the supplies - paper, pencils, notebooks, etc). I think we can give a ball or two as well.
But...I'm think *clothing* will be our thing...
***
AND, I found this website that has great information about traveling to Addis Ababa via United Nations Association of the USA at Cuppertino High School here in San Francisco. They don't go to Toukoul Orphanages...but the info is great nonetheless.
***
Here are some medical services offered in Addis Ababa to Americans via the US embassy.
Where is Baby Girl now? Information about Toukoul
From: Ethiopian Orphan ReliefThe Toukoul Orphanages in Addis Ababa are part of the SOS/EE network of orphanages throughout Ethiopia. Toukoul works with the following American adoption agencies:
Adoption Avenues, AFAA and Dove Adoptions.
Toukoul 1 and Toukoul 2 house and care for children from age 0-14, while proposing them for adoption when fitting. 350 children are admitted per year. Currently there's approximately 200 infants in Toukoul 1 and 2 (which is 4x their comfortable capacity). Toukoul 3 houses and cares for children less than 2 years old who are HIV +. Approximately 25 children are cared for each year.
Other SOS/EE programs include a Vocational Training and Production Center for youth over 14 years old (children live in foster families, attend school and receive job training to help bring them financial independence), Aware Program (sponsors children and families, including job training for mothers and Kindergarten for children), Cereal Production Farm (admits youth after Vocational Training), Horticultural Farm (admits youth after Vocational Training) and the Garage (admits youth after Vocational Training).
SOS/EE also includes 18 satellite orphanages around Ethiopia that each house approximately 50 children who are in the process of being admitted to the main Toukoul orphanages in Addis Ababa. Children usually stay in these satellite orphanages for 3-4 weeks before being transferred to Addis Ababa. HIV + children over the age of 2 currently remain in the satellite orphanages, pending completion of the new, larger Toukoul 3.
***
From Road to Ethiopia
When Ives and Jaqueline Ferez, two french citizens arrived in Ethiopia in 1983, they witnessed the terrible death of parents and children because of drought and famine. After helping in a catholic orphanage before it was destroyed in a fire, the decided to help the children in their own home but they soon were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems affecting the country.
In 1990 they founded Toukoul orphanage, first as a small nursery to take care of 50 kids from 0 to 5 years of age, while slowly expanding to provide care to older children as well.
Today the orphanage is well organized in three different buildings: the main one or Toukoul 1 has two wards. Ward A is where the babies and little children are and it also has a kitchen and infirmary. There is another building, or ward B, where the older children up to 14 years old live, separated in three groups according to their age. Children 7 years and older attend school.
The second building or Toukoul 2 is located at about 500 meters from the main building and is a rented facility that is used to receive children from all over the country. Here the first medical check ups are done and also treatments are given if necessary. If the new child is healthy and doesn’t have any contagious disease, then the boy or girl is moved to Toukoul 1.
The third building or Toukoul 3 is located at approximately 2 km and here is where all the babies HIV positive under 2 years old are located, where they get the care they need and if after a while their condition is reverted, as sometimes happens, they are sent to Toukoul 1 to be adopted.
The orphanage takes very good care of the children, giving them not only food and education, but also lots of love and affection, and everything is precisely scheduled to keep things running smoothly. In Toukoul work nurses, baby sitters (24 hour service for the babies), pediatricians and maintenance personnel. The orphanage is funded by several french associations and other beneficiaries.
If you want to see an aerial view of Toukoul Orphanage these are the coordinates you need to copy in Google Earth:
9° 1′9.21"N
38°48′24.34"E
And the videos are in my sidebar.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Waiting and preparing...
No news yet on the court date, but based on the comment St. Clair left (i.e. that she's with Adoption Avenues, accepted her referrals on June 13th, and just got a court date for October 3rd) it seems unlikley that our court date will come before hers. So I'm betting our court date will be sometime mid October...and baby ready to travel mid November.
Baby is almost 5 months now, and 8 pounds. So, in November she'll be 9 months old...and she'll likely weigh about 11-12 pounds if she gains weight now that she's eating regularly. That means her clothes size is 3-6 months (newborn clothes go up to 8 pounds, 3 months about 12 pounds, 6 months up to 15-16 pounds). So I've purchased some adorable infant clothing in sizes ranging from 3 months - 18 months (mostly 3-6 months and 6-9 months).
We've been busily 'fixing' up our home and creating more space. Haley's like "Mommy, we're getting everything new..." Not quite 'everything', but we *are* trying to complete some long-standing projects...both in preparation for Baby Sister, but also in preparation for a 10-12 day trip away from the house. Such as sprinkler installation, and updating the doggies vaccinations and securing the yard so they don't get out (just in case they start to get restless in our absence).
I've started assembling our medical travel pack.
Ian's wonderful daycare family has graciously 'saved' a spot for Baby Sister (so both kids can be together).
We've recruited at least one other recently adoptive family to hand down their baby daughter's stuff to us rather than simply throw it away.
I've started thinking about what to bring as donations to the orphanage. I wonder if we should bring clothing. I wonder if I could simply pack a box of the kids clothes that no longer fit...and donate those? Would they be offended if I brought used shoes? Should I get something for the adults taking care of the kids?
I think I've selected a travel agency.
I've sent the agency the last check (which was due when the referral is accepted).
I've informed my work that I'll need some time off...'but I'm not sure when exactly.' They were way cool...and said they'd help in whatever way they can. I'm realizing that lots of the partners travel to 3rd world countries and volunteer, or otherwise collect medical supplies and send them to various countries in need.
Hubby informed his work too, but as an employee, he gets FMLA, paternity leave, sick days, vacation, etc...so there was no problem there.
And Sister has gotten all her vaccinations and updated passport. She has notified her job of this planned trip...and is super excited to actually be planning a trip to Africa!!
Basically...we just getting ready...
...and waiting for a court date.
Baby is almost 5 months now, and 8 pounds. So, in November she'll be 9 months old...and she'll likely weigh about 11-12 pounds if she gains weight now that she's eating regularly. That means her clothes size is 3-6 months (newborn clothes go up to 8 pounds, 3 months about 12 pounds, 6 months up to 15-16 pounds). So I've purchased some adorable infant clothing in sizes ranging from 3 months - 18 months (mostly 3-6 months and 6-9 months).
We've been busily 'fixing' up our home and creating more space. Haley's like "Mommy, we're getting everything new..." Not quite 'everything', but we *are* trying to complete some long-standing projects...both in preparation for Baby Sister, but also in preparation for a 10-12 day trip away from the house. Such as sprinkler installation, and updating the doggies vaccinations and securing the yard so they don't get out (just in case they start to get restless in our absence).
I've started assembling our medical travel pack.
Ian's wonderful daycare family has graciously 'saved' a spot for Baby Sister (so both kids can be together).
We've recruited at least one other recently adoptive family to hand down their baby daughter's stuff to us rather than simply throw it away.
I've started thinking about what to bring as donations to the orphanage. I wonder if we should bring clothing. I wonder if I could simply pack a box of the kids clothes that no longer fit...and donate those? Would they be offended if I brought used shoes? Should I get something for the adults taking care of the kids?
I think I've selected a travel agency.
I've sent the agency the last check (which was due when the referral is accepted).
I've informed my work that I'll need some time off...'but I'm not sure when exactly.' They were way cool...and said they'd help in whatever way they can. I'm realizing that lots of the partners travel to 3rd world countries and volunteer, or otherwise collect medical supplies and send them to various countries in need.
Hubby informed his work too, but as an employee, he gets FMLA, paternity leave, sick days, vacation, etc...so there was no problem there.
And Sister has gotten all her vaccinations and updated passport. She has notified her job of this planned trip...and is super excited to actually be planning a trip to Africa!!
Basically...we just getting ready...
...and waiting for a court date.
Monday, July 7, 2008
da...da...da...daaaaaa - We got a referral!!! :o)
For a beautiful 4.5 month old little girl...with big brown eyes...and soft (looking) curly hair...It's been somewhat like a project, this adoption process. Gather this, send that, double-check this...fee for that, etc. etc...
...until today.
It's so amazing, the shift in my mind. This "project" went from being a series of 'things to do' and an 'idea', to our actual CHILD. When I look at her (looking at me), needing a home...needing ME...
...I feel as though, TRULY, she is already my child.
Very, very unexpected...but very, very real. I suddenly feel like...my child (and I have children so I know the feeling a mother feels when she looks at a picture of her child) is 'out there' and I feel a connection to her...
...that's such a great thing!!
Next step - getting a court date!!
Vaccinations complete.
So our vaccinations are complete. Hubby got both the last 'accelerated' HepA/HepB and MMR today. (apparently he only needed 3 HepA/B and MMR *can* be given at the same time).
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
We convinced her....
Sister agreed to come with us!! Yay!!
Now we feel...we have everything we need!!
Thanks Sister!! ;o)
Now we feel...we have everything we need!!
Thanks Sister!! ;o)
Vaccine count...and update
Vaccine count:Haley - in addition to all of her 'normal' childhood vax; got Hep A and typhoid (6/16)
I got - Hep A and typhoid (6/16) PLUS polio booster and MMR titers drawn today (7/1)
Hubby - has gotten Hep A and Hep B (accelerated, so 2 of each so far); Tdap; polio booster; and typhoid (6/16). He went back and got the second HepA and HepB combo shot (6/23). Had MMR titers drawn that indicated he only "borderline immune", so in early/mid August he will get MMR booster (since his 3rd HepA/HepB is due late July, and MMR should not be given within a month or so of HepA/HepB so that immunity will be maximized).
Ian - will get his typhoid and Hep A after we get a referral and subsequent court date (probably right around the time hubby is getting his MMR). Vax should be given at least a month before travel, and this will give us adequate time while still allowing him to avoid too much early exposure of multiple vaccinations.
Update: So I've continued my 'research' regarding vaccinations and the developing brain, immune system, etc. I'm kinda thinking that vaccinations are overrated...and I don't think I'll risk the adverse rxn of the vaccine with the low likelihood that we'll get something our bodies can't handle. So, I'm not getting Ian Hep A or typhoid (Hep A is pretty benign in kids and typhoid vaccine isn't that effective). He's gotten the first part of our crazy American vaccination schedule...
...and for now, that's enough.
So I'm done; Haley's done; Ian's done; and perhaps dad...well, I'll let him decide.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thoughts about travel prep
The Sheraton Addis AbabaI just finished reading Christie's blog:
Wow. I'm so happy to hear her honesty. Hearing her story will hopefully help me prepare that much better.
For example...we're pretty sold on staying at theHilton/Sheraton. With her/their experience with power outages, cold water, boredom, and insects....
...Not to mention our personal feelings of safety (like in case of civil unrest, or whatever). Being at a major hotel is safer for foreigners than out in the 'community.' I can't get Hotel Rwanda out of my mind.
I'm certainly bringing just about every piece of medical equipment, treatment, medication, that I can think of...including my otoscope, stethescope, tongue depressors...gloves.
I'm bringing cortisporin otic (antibiotic ear drops), erythromycin (antibacterial eye ointment); hydrogen peroxide (and maybe even laceration repair material). Cold/flu medication, allergy medication, oral antibiotics (to cover pneumonia and other upper respiratory bacterial infections) for us and all children. Nausea medication, good ol' American (full of fat/preservatives/crap) cookies and crackers. I'm bringing lice/scabies medication for everyone. I wonder if I can bring IV hydration stuff?? Hmmm....
...and really, just preparing to be self-sufficient while there (i.e. hire our own drivers); plan our own itinerary (as we do when we plan trips to anywhere). The Amex concierge has been very helpful so far...so we'll certainly utilize this service for this trip.
I'm actually hoping to *convince* someone to go with us...like my sister-in-law :o) - just in case you're reading this!! That way we can leave Haley and Ian at the hotel when we go out to do some of the business stuff. Then me and her can leave Dad and Ian at the hotel while we go out and see a bit more of the City (cuz dad and son are the type who'd rather stay pool-side eating cotton candy watching Direct TV/football on the laptop). We'll have an extra pair of (nurse) hands with us. And any doctor will tell you how very valuable it is to have a good nurse at your side. ;o) - have I convinced you yet Sister?
Wow. I'm so happy to hear her honesty. Hearing her story will hopefully help me prepare that much better.
For example...we're pretty sold on staying at the
...Not to mention our personal feelings of safety (like in case of civil unrest, or whatever). Being at a major hotel is safer for foreigners than out in the 'community.' I can't get Hotel Rwanda out of my mind.
I'm certainly bringing just about every piece of medical equipment, treatment, medication, that I can think of...including my otoscope, stethescope, tongue depressors...gloves.
I'm bringing cortisporin otic (antibiotic ear drops), erythromycin (antibacterial eye ointment); hydrogen peroxide (and maybe even laceration repair material). Cold/flu medication, allergy medication, oral antibiotics (to cover pneumonia and other upper respiratory bacterial infections) for us and all children. Nausea medication, good ol' American (full of fat/preservatives/crap) cookies and crackers. I'm bringing lice/scabies medication for everyone. I wonder if I can bring IV hydration stuff?? Hmmm....
...and really, just preparing to be self-sufficient while there (i.e. hire our own drivers); plan our own itinerary (as we do when we plan trips to anywhere). The Amex concierge has been very helpful so far...so we'll certainly utilize this service for this trip.
I'm actually hoping to *convince* someone to go with us...like my sister-in-law :o) - just in case you're reading this!! That way we can leave Haley and Ian at the hotel when we go out to do some of the business stuff. Then me and her can leave Dad and Ian at the hotel while we go out and see a bit more of the City (cuz dad and son are the type who'd rather stay pool-side eating cotton candy watching Direct TV/football on the laptop). We'll have an extra pair of (nurse) hands with us. And any doctor will tell you how very valuable it is to have a good nurse at your side. ;o) - have I convinced you yet Sister?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Still waiting...
...sometimes I think to myself that perhaps there's a little girl there waiting at the orphanage - just waiting to become eligible for adoption...and when she does, we'll get her referred to us. :o)
Other times, I feel that perhaps we've been forgotten. That little girls have come and gone, and our file is...being overlooked. :o(
***
Hubby received his second round of vax (polio cannot be given with MMR - apparently).
Other times, I feel that perhaps we've been forgotten. That little girls have come and gone, and our file is...being overlooked. :o(
***
Hubby received his second round of vax (polio cannot be given with MMR - apparently).
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Vax
So...we went today to get our first round of vaccinations.
I got the typhoid and the first Hep A (the typhoid shot is good for 2 years); they think Hep A is good for 6 months, then a booster at 6 months offers lifetime immunity.
Hubby got: Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, and acellular pertussis); Hep A, Hep B (combo shot); typoid; and polio booster; then had MMR titers drawn (Tdap is every 10 years; Hep B is very similar to Hep A in that immunity is adequate after the first shot, but wanes with time so boosters are necessary for a certian portion of the population. In order to "cover" everyone it is recommended that Hep B is done as a series. Most adults only require one polio booster in their lifetime...so it's good for quite awhile).
Haley got typhoid and Hep A.
Since Ian is younger, we decided to hold out a bit longer...
...just in case the newest medical research to be published in tomorrow's medical journal does indeed find an association between vaccines and autism. We want our little guy to be as old as possible...just in case.
So next week, hubby has to get Hep A/B combo number 2, and I'll have to check whether or not me and Haley (and Ian) will need 2 Hep A shots. I think I may get the polio booster if I can't find records of my titer.
Let me tell you...my right shoulder muscle (deltoid) where Hep A shot was given, is very, very sore right now. And Haley (being a bit dramatic) is *really* nursing her little thigh.
And hubby's Tdap site is the most sore....
***
We purchased a few more items for "baby sister" this week. A few onesies, a dress, and some PJs.
I got the typhoid and the first Hep A (the typhoid shot is good for 2 years); they think Hep A is good for 6 months, then a booster at 6 months offers lifetime immunity.
Hubby got: Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, and acellular pertussis); Hep A, Hep B (combo shot); typoid; and polio booster; then had MMR titers drawn (Tdap is every 10 years; Hep B is very similar to Hep A in that immunity is adequate after the first shot, but wanes with time so boosters are necessary for a certian portion of the population. In order to "cover" everyone it is recommended that Hep B is done as a series. Most adults only require one polio booster in their lifetime...so it's good for quite awhile).
Haley got typhoid and Hep A.
Since Ian is younger, we decided to hold out a bit longer...
...just in case the newest medical research to be published in tomorrow's medical journal does indeed find an association between vaccines and autism. We want our little guy to be as old as possible...just in case.
So next week, hubby has to get Hep A/B combo number 2, and I'll have to check whether or not me and Haley (and Ian) will need 2 Hep A shots. I think I may get the polio booster if I can't find records of my titer.
Let me tell you...my right shoulder muscle (deltoid) where Hep A shot was given, is very, very sore right now. And Haley (being a bit dramatic) is *really* nursing her little thigh.
And hubby's Tdap site is the most sore....
***
We purchased a few more items for "baby sister" this week. A few onesies, a dress, and some PJs.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
No new news...still waiting.
No news yet...
..but congratulations to Alicia on her first referral!! Her timeline, and our timeline are very close. Hopefully our referral will arrive soon.
So far we've purchased a few blankets. We've been saving our money, exploring travel options, and (at this stage) mentally planning for a new baby.
I wonder how old she'll be. I wonder how big she'll be.
Haley is super excited. This weekend past we had the opportunity to meet another great family who recently adopted a little girl from Ethiopia, using our agency. We asked lots of questions, saw photographs and videos, and Haley had the chance to 'play big sister' to a baby girl. I think we've made some new friends....
So we wait. We're not quite ready...
...but we could get ready real quick if need be.
We would love to go to Addis this summer...
..but congratulations to Alicia on her first referral!! Her timeline, and our timeline are very close. Hopefully our referral will arrive soon.
So far we've purchased a few blankets. We've been saving our money, exploring travel options, and (at this stage) mentally planning for a new baby.
I wonder how old she'll be. I wonder how big she'll be.
Haley is super excited. This weekend past we had the opportunity to meet another great family who recently adopted a little girl from Ethiopia, using our agency. We asked lots of questions, saw photographs and videos, and Haley had the chance to 'play big sister' to a baby girl. I think we've made some new friends....
So we wait. We're not quite ready...
...but we could get ready real quick if need be.
We would love to go to Addis this summer...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Waiting for Referral - dossier translated, legalized and registered
Our dossier has made it thru the Ethiopian process, where it was translated, legalized, and registered.
We are now officially waiting for a referral!!
Expected wait time is about 3-4 months. Hopefully it'll be sooner...especially since 'baby girl' is out there in the midst of a drought. Haley's like "mommy, we have to go get her *today*" Maybe we'll have a referral (that we can/will accept) within the next *couple* of months.
Per US Dept of State Intercountry Adoption website
11 steps total - we are awaiting Step 5 (the referral)
Step One - Prospective adoptive parents must take or send all of the required documents already certified and authenticated, to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for additional authentication. Once the Embassy has completed its authentication, the completed packet is returned to the adoptive parents/agency. Then it's should be mailed to:
Ministry Of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)
Children and Youth Affairs Office, Adoption Team (CYAO)
P.O. Box 1293
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
MOWA reviews the documents for completeness and creates a dossier on the adoptive parents.
The documents have to be translated.
Step Two - The parents’ dossier is taken to the Claims and Authentication Section of the Protocol Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia to be authenticated (legalized).
Step Three - The parents’ dossier is returned to CYAO. CYAO will then affix a summary sheet, on which will be noted items such as court decisions, background data on the adopted child or children, and the names of Adoption Committee members who will complete the form at a later date.
Step Four - CYAO submits the parents’ dossier to the Adoption Committee for review and approval to adopt. Only if all the members of the committee agree, and sign the recommendation, is the request approved.
Step Five - Once the Committee has approved the parents’ dossier, a child is selected and referred to the prospective parents to adopt, according to the parents’ preferences for age and sex. The child selected must have its own dossier at MOWA. That dossier describes the child, the child's history, how the child came to be an orphan, and who has legal guardianship of the child. Once a referral is made, the prospective adoptive parent may accept or refuse the referral.
We are now officially waiting for a referral!!
Expected wait time is about 3-4 months. Hopefully it'll be sooner...especially since 'baby girl' is out there in the midst of a drought. Haley's like "mommy, we have to go get her *today*" Maybe we'll have a referral (that we can/will accept) within the next *couple* of months.
Per US Dept of State Intercountry Adoption website
11 steps total - we are awaiting Step 5 (the referral)
Step One - Prospective adoptive parents must take or send all of the required documents already certified and authenticated, to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for additional authentication. Once the Embassy has completed its authentication, the completed packet is returned to the adoptive parents/agency. Then it's should be mailed to:
Ministry Of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)
Children and Youth Affairs Office, Adoption Team (CYAO)
P.O. Box 1293
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
MOWA reviews the documents for completeness and creates a dossier on the adoptive parents.
The documents have to be translated.
Step Two - The parents’ dossier is taken to the Claims and Authentication Section of the Protocol Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia to be authenticated (legalized).
Step Three - The parents’ dossier is returned to CYAO. CYAO will then affix a summary sheet, on which will be noted items such as court decisions, background data on the adopted child or children, and the names of Adoption Committee members who will complete the form at a later date.
Step Four - CYAO submits the parents’ dossier to the Adoption Committee for review and approval to adopt. Only if all the members of the committee agree, and sign the recommendation, is the request approved.
Step Five - Once the Committee has approved the parents’ dossier, a child is selected and referred to the prospective parents to adopt, according to the parents’ preferences for age and sex. The child selected must have its own dossier at MOWA. That dossier describes the child, the child's history, how the child came to be an orphan, and who has legal guardianship of the child. Once a referral is made, the prospective adoptive parent may accept or refuse the referral.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Drought and Starvation
Ethiopian Millions 'Hunger Risk' (via BBC News) in today's news 5/20/08
Six million children in Ethiopia are at risk of acute malnutrition following the failure of rains, the UN children's agency, Unicef, has warned.
More than 60,000 children in two Ethiopian regions require immediate specialist feeding just to survive, Unicef says.
The situation is expected to worsen in the next few months as crops fail.
Aid agencies in Ethiopia say they are short of funds as donors concentrate on the emergencies in China and Burma....
Ethiopia: At Least 3 Million Ethiopians Now Need Food Aid - UN Relief Wing
Some 3.2 million people are now in urgent need of food aid in Ethiopia because of the continued drought in the African country, up from 2.2 million just one month ago, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)...
...The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that as many as 6 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition....
***
Likely multiple factors at play here: global climate changes/drought; high price of fuel/oil because of...well, we'll refrain from political discussion in this blog; and unequal distribution of wealth worldwide (but, again, we'll leave politics out of this).
Anyway, if everyone helped someone...the world would be a bit better, don'cha think? We hope to change the world for (at least) one child.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A case number...
Yesterday we received a letter from the United States Department of State National Visa Center in New Hampshire. It explained that the letter was to serve as notification that our petition (I171H) has been forwarded to US Embassy in Addis Ababa...and was given a case number (provided). So, when we get to Addis everything should be ready for our interview (and subsequent issuing of the appropriate visas).
Friday, May 9, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Our dossier is on it's way to Ethiopia
So, the DC authentication process is complete...
...and it's on it's way to Ethiopia. Yay.
Once there, it has to go thru translation, legalization, and registration. This takes about 3 weeks. After this...we'll be eligible for a referral.
...and it's on it's way to Ethiopia. Yay.
Once there, it has to go thru translation, legalization, and registration. This takes about 3 weeks. After this...we'll be eligible for a referral.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Passport renewal application for our big girl is in....
So, I was doing some reading (actually I was just skimming the literature that accompanied Ian's passport...you know, those little pieces of paper that fall out of the envelope that we typically promptly throw away?) Well, on my way to the trash can...I decided I should at least *look* at the stuff...
...and it said that some (?many) countries will require a passport that's valid for at least 6 months post trip.
Really?
I didn't think you could even renew your passport until within about 6 months of it's expiration. But...apparently...according to this piece of paper...I was mistaken.
So I pulled out everyone's passport to check out the expiration. Well, kids have to renew every 5 years...so Haley's was due to expire in April . That may be cutting it kinda close. And if it turns out we travel later than we thought...we'll be scrambling to renew the passport expeditiously. Rather than do that...
....we applied for a passport renewal for Haley today. It was the same price as Ian's...required a copy of the birth certificate and the old passport; new pictures, and an application. We all had to go together. And the expected time is 4-6 weeks.
note: had we known the above info, i would have just renewed Haley's passport when we applied for Ian's.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Our Dossier is...
...in the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC.
Out of the US Secretary of States office...federally authenticated...and in the Ethiopian Embassy. Hopefully this will go smoothly...
Out of the US Secretary of States office...federally authenticated...and in the Ethiopian Embassy. Hopefully this will go smoothly...
Recommended Vaccinations
So, I had an appointment with the travel clinic (on behalf of my entire family)...and subsequently did some research on my own.
The discussion
Hep A in children is a benign disease, so they may not get this one...but probably they will.
Flu
Pretty benign viral disease; vax are frequently ineffective due to inability to predict the appropriate strains. Young healthy people with healthy immune systems typically overcome the flu quickly. So we won't get that one.
Meningiococcal is recommended in Addis Ababa only in the dry season (from December - June). And is recommended in the instance of intimate and prolonged contact with native people. We will be traveling in the wet season; and our 5 days trip to pick up a baby doesn't qualify as "intimate/prolonged exposure to native people."
"Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa may be at risk for meningococcal disease. Travelers to the meningitis belt during the dry season should be advised to receive meningococcal vaccine, especially if they will have prolonged contact with local populations." CDC website.
So it is not recommended for us unless we travel in December or later.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever/Malaria Vaccination Requirements from CDC
Country requirements: If traveling from an endemic zone and >1 year of age
CDC recommendations: For all travelers >9 months of age (if going to endemic zone)
Risk areas: All areas at altitudes below 2,000 m (<6,561>No risk in Addis Ababa.
The discussion
Hep A in children is a benign disease, so they may not get this one...but probably they will.
Flu
Pretty benign viral disease; vax are frequently ineffective due to inability to predict the appropriate strains. Young healthy people with healthy immune systems typically overcome the flu quickly. So we won't get that one.
Meningiococcal is recommended in Addis Ababa only in the dry season (from December - June). And is recommended in the instance of intimate and prolonged contact with native people. We will be traveling in the wet season; and our 5 days trip to pick up a baby doesn't qualify as "intimate/prolonged exposure to native people."
"Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa may be at risk for meningococcal disease. Travelers to the meningitis belt during the dry season should be advised to receive meningococcal vaccine, especially if they will have prolonged contact with local populations." CDC website.
So it is not recommended for us unless we travel in December or later.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever/Malaria Vaccination Requirements from CDC
Country requirements: If traveling from an endemic zone and >1 year of age
CDC recommendations: For all travelers >9 months of age (if going to endemic zone)
Risk areas: All areas at altitudes below 2,000 m (<6,561>No risk in Addis Ababa.
TABLE 4-24. Countries that require proof of vaccination against yellow fever for all arriving travelers
Angola
Benin
Bolivia (or signed affidavit at point of entry)
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
French Guiana
Gabon
Ghana
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania (for a stay >2 weeks)
Niger
Rwanda
São
Tomé and Principe
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Togo
No vaccinations are currently required for return to the United States. (Updated April 21, 2008)
**Additionally, I spoke with the Ethiopian Embassy today at (202) 364-1200, and was informed that no Yellow Fever card/vaccination proof is required for entry into Ethiopia for US citizens coming from the USA.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Addis Ababa (per CDC website), and vaccination isn't required (or even recommended by our travel clinic); nor is it required to return home. The shot is not without 'real' risks. The risk of getting Yellow Fever is small anyway...and by confining our trip to only Addis Ababa...the risk of exposure is too close to zero to justify the risks of the vaccination. So...we won't be getting this shot
Malaria - not an issue in Addis Ababa; no prophylaxis necessary.
So, what's left?
I'll be getting a Hep A and polio booster/titer; and perhaps typhoid (shot is good for 2 years). My titers indicate I'm immune to MMR, Varicella, and Hep B. I've had a Tdap booster 1-2 years ago for work.
Hubby - will need Hep A/B, polio booster/titer, MMR titers, Tdap booster, and perhaps typhoid.
The kiddos - have received all their standard vax. They may not need any additional shots...and one physician so far actually recommended *no* additional vaccinations.
Travel clinic is willing to 'make available' pretty much whatever we request. Perhaps we'll all get the typhoid shot. Maybe the Hep A...and if we end up traveling in or after December, we'll all get meningiococcal immunization.
I'll let you know.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Recommended Books
We purchased a couple of books yesterday...
...and started researching airfare costs.
This book is AWESOME. 10 Steps to Successful International Adoption.
Note to self: wish I hadda picked up a copy about 5 months ago.
Also a very helpful book: The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decisions for Your Child.
Travel Health
We also discovered that our current health insurance *does* cover us anywhere in the world. For "smaller" issues...it's expected that you pay, and submit receipts for reimbursements. For "larger" expenditures (including medical evacuation) they have numbers/people you call for authorization, and they will pay at the time.
But I'm still gonna look into supplemental. Maybe American Express has something?
But I'm still gonna look into supplemental. Maybe American Express has something?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Amended I171H - now being sent to Addis
See what I mean? The first I171H pretty obviously should have been sent *somewhere* and the highlighted "is being held here with us"...motivated me to write the letter (also upon recommendation of my homestudy agency, who also receives a copy of USCIS documents) asking them to go ahead and send it...somewhere. The 'amended' I171H form indicates that...
...it has been sent to Addis Ababa.
Now that seems right.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ian's Passport Arrived!!
Wow, that was quick...one week and one day. Date of issue was 4/21...so that was actually 3 business days. I'm sure glad I didn't pay the extra $60 for expedited service!! :o)
Be the Change - more thoughts out loud.
When I tell people we're in the process of international adoption, I usually get raised eyebrows, curious grins, and lots of questions. After about 5-10 minutes of brief (well-rehearsed) "explanation" I almost always get a positive response. I've even had a couple of colleagues start crying a bit. Other's will go into their own story of "how they want to adopt." Overall a positive response.
I have gotten some negative comments:
"why would you want to adopt when you have 2 kids already?" "Can you afford another child?" "what if they grow up to not like you?" "I could never love a 'random kid' as much as I love my own..."
And when I mention that we're actually planning a trip to Ethiopia....likewise, there are supporters, and those who wrinkle their brow and pooh pooh on it.
See...
...as you may be aware, initially as we were choosing a placement agency we planned to stay home and have the child escorted. I wassorta very skeptical about traveling. I'm not a huge fan of flying...especially with two little kids. And with all the weird stuff they have in Africa, all of the problems, the war, the disease, the bugs, lack of sanitation, starvation (do they have leprosy there too? What about those worms that penetrate the skin and take up residence in your muscle?) Seems like everything bad you hear about...every bad virus, or animal disease, genocide, war, you name it....it's in Africa. In medical school we learned about all kinds of esoteric diseases....most of which are no longer familiar to American physicians...but go to Africa and you'll find an example of just about every bad bug known to man (and animal).
And, what if we get stuck there...like all those people in Hotel Rwanda? Or what if we get sick...do they have hospitals in Ethiopia? What if someone gets sick enough to need a *good* hospital...does that exist in Ethiopia, and would we be able to get to where we need to be? Don't they have rampid rabies there? And what about Malaria and Yellow Fever? The children must have lice/fleas/scabies...and what if we bring it home with us? And, what if we get something, and don't know it....and remain sick for awhile once back in the US for some time since (as mentioned) American doctors are unfamiliar with these weird African bugs.
Is it safe to go? Politically and healthwise. Is it okay to take our kids? How crazy to even consider potentially exposing them/us to....Africa!!
BUT, we only get this one life. AND we cannot be afraid to do God's work. This trip will likely be life altering for Haley. And we cannot abandon Ian while everyone else in the family embarks on this great adventure. PLUS, I've always wanted to travel, especially to Africa.
Then I remind myself that - much of the disease in the world is not from bugs per se, but rather from the body's inability to effectively keep the bugs in check. Malnutrition, poor sanitation, lack of education, and poor living conditions contribute to outbreaks and weakened immunity. As evidenced in the US, mortality from common childhood diseases (including mumps and measles) dropped significantly well before mass vaccinations against these viruses. The drop is attributed to, basically better hygiene, better nutrition, and better handling of sewage (I mean, c'mon, they used to toss raw poop over the balconies and into the street...and the rats/flea problem is what caused the plague outbreak). Pest control, and improved living conditions helped control these diseases, probably more than any other element in our evolution (a close second is probably antibiotics...and I'm sure vaccinations helped too).
So, it's not the bugs we should be terrified of...but rather focus how we live when we go there. What we eat, our access to clean water and adequate sewage. Plus staying indoors from dusk to dawn to avoid pests...avoiding standing bodies of water and stray (or not stray) dogs, cats, and animals in general. Not leaving the major city. Never being far from the embassy. AND staying in a nice hotel, like the Hilton or the Sheraton while we're there (that way we'll be more protected in the instance of political disruption). Also, limiting prolonged close contact with people; and before we leave on our last day we should be sure we're clean and rested, and perhaps self-treat for fleas/lice/scabies with elimite prescription for everyone. That way we bring no bugs back home with us.
Initially we were planning (tentatively) to go thru London...and maybe even stay in London a few days (to see the city). But, I'm thinking that we should just fly from San Francisco to DC...then on to Addis Ababa (and come back home the same way). That way, it's a non-stop flight once we leave the country. Then, on the way home, if someone gets ill, we're not in London (with the weak American dollar), but in DC. We can be treated in DC. We know people in DC. We can get to/from DC to home in 4-5 hours. There are multiple flights/day. We could even drive if we had to. DC is a better place to be as a lay-over for us...with 2 or 3 small children.
I'm hoping if we plan this right, it'll be a life-enhancing, positive, memorable adventure for everyone involved. We will stay healthy, and have access to the things we need. We will be confident, and unafraid to follow our hearts. Our children will appreciate another culture, and will understand that being a spoiled, entitled American is not the pathway to happiness nor does it enhance spiritual awareness. And if we "be the change we want to see in the World," our experience will be enhanced in the most Divine positive ways.
By opening our hearts and home, sharing our resources, and nurturing a little soul who needs us, we gain so much. We allow ourselves to become vested in another culture, in another country, and in another human being. We add richness to our own lives, and the lives of our family. We develop a deeper understanding of the world in general, and Africa in particular. If everyone in the world would interest themselves in achieving similar goals, our planet would be much better. We must "be the change we want to see in the World." Therefore, we are enthusiastically seeking to expand both our family, and our perspective.
By allowing us to adopt a child from your orphanage/country we will be the change, and help create the change, we want to see in the world - a world of love, understanding, peace, and mutual respect. A world where every child has the opportunity to experience a forever family, and actualize the greatness they are destined to achieve.
It is important to keep our eyes on the larger goal when people introduce negativity into this process. It's important to decipher *constructive* criticism from just plain criticism. And use these tools (and learning opportunities) to more fully prepare ourselves to successfully follow the path of our lives to our divine purpose.
I have gotten some negative comments:
"why would you want to adopt when you have 2 kids already?" "Can you afford another child?" "what if they grow up to not like you?" "I could never love a 'random kid' as much as I love my own..."
And when I mention that we're actually planning a trip to Ethiopia....likewise, there are supporters, and those who wrinkle their brow and pooh pooh on it.
See...
...as you may be aware, initially as we were choosing a placement agency we planned to stay home and have the child escorted. I was
And, what if we get stuck there...like all those people in Hotel Rwanda? Or what if we get sick...do they have hospitals in Ethiopia? What if someone gets sick enough to need a *good* hospital...does that exist in Ethiopia, and would we be able to get to where we need to be? Don't they have rampid rabies there? And what about Malaria and Yellow Fever? The children must have lice/fleas/scabies...and what if we bring it home with us? And, what if we get something, and don't know it....and remain sick for awhile once back in the US for some time since (as mentioned) American doctors are unfamiliar with these weird African bugs.
Is it safe to go? Politically and healthwise. Is it okay to take our kids? How crazy to even consider potentially exposing them/us to....Africa!!
BUT, we only get this one life. AND we cannot be afraid to do God's work. This trip will likely be life altering for Haley. And we cannot abandon Ian while everyone else in the family embarks on this great adventure. PLUS, I've always wanted to travel, especially to Africa.
Then I remind myself that - much of the disease in the world is not from bugs per se, but rather from the body's inability to effectively keep the bugs in check. Malnutrition, poor sanitation, lack of education, and poor living conditions contribute to outbreaks and weakened immunity. As evidenced in the US, mortality from common childhood diseases (including mumps and measles) dropped significantly well before mass vaccinations against these viruses. The drop is attributed to, basically better hygiene, better nutrition, and better handling of sewage (I mean, c'mon, they used to toss raw poop over the balconies and into the street...and the rats/flea problem is what caused the plague outbreak). Pest control, and improved living conditions helped control these diseases, probably more than any other element in our evolution (a close second is probably antibiotics...and I'm sure vaccinations helped too).
So, it's not the bugs we should be terrified of...but rather focus how we live when we go there. What we eat, our access to clean water and adequate sewage. Plus staying indoors from dusk to dawn to avoid pests...avoiding standing bodies of water and stray (or not stray) dogs, cats, and animals in general. Not leaving the major city. Never being far from the embassy. AND staying in a nice hotel, like the Hilton or the Sheraton while we're there (that way we'll be more protected in the instance of political disruption). Also, limiting prolonged close contact with people; and before we leave on our last day we should be sure we're clean and rested, and perhaps self-treat for fleas/lice/scabies with elimite prescription for everyone. That way we bring no bugs back home with us.
Initially we were planning (tentatively) to go thru London...and maybe even stay in London a few days (to see the city). But, I'm thinking that we should just fly from San Francisco to DC...then on to Addis Ababa (and come back home the same way). That way, it's a non-stop flight once we leave the country. Then, on the way home, if someone gets ill, we're not in London (with the weak American dollar), but in DC. We can be treated in DC. We know people in DC. We can get to/from DC to home in 4-5 hours. There are multiple flights/day. We could even drive if we had to. DC is a better place to be as a lay-over for us...with 2 or 3 small children.
I'm hoping if we plan this right, it'll be a life-enhancing, positive, memorable adventure for everyone involved. We will stay healthy, and have access to the things we need. We will be confident, and unafraid to follow our hearts. Our children will appreciate another culture, and will understand that being a spoiled, entitled American is not the pathway to happiness nor does it enhance spiritual awareness. And if we "be the change we want to see in the World," our experience will be enhanced in the most Divine positive ways.
By opening our hearts and home, sharing our resources, and nurturing a little soul who needs us, we gain so much. We allow ourselves to become vested in another culture, in another country, and in another human being. We add richness to our own lives, and the lives of our family. We develop a deeper understanding of the world in general, and Africa in particular. If everyone in the world would interest themselves in achieving similar goals, our planet would be much better. We must "be the change we want to see in the World." Therefore, we are enthusiastically seeking to expand both our family, and our perspective.
By allowing us to adopt a child from your orphanage/country we will be the change, and help create the change, we want to see in the world - a world of love, understanding, peace, and mutual respect. A world where every child has the opportunity to experience a forever family, and actualize the greatness they are destined to achieve.
It is important to keep our eyes on the larger goal when people introduce negativity into this process. It's important to decipher *constructive* criticism from just plain criticism. And use these tools (and learning opportunities) to more fully prepare ourselves to successfully follow the path of our lives to our divine purpose.
Thinking out loud
So, the U.S. Department of State authentication goes:
Fees: The authentication fee is $8.00 per document...
Mail Service: The Authentication of documents takes approximately 5 business days to process from the time of receipt...
Mailing Address
U.S. Department of State Authentications Office
518 23rd Street, N.W. SA-1
Washington, D.C. 20520
The Authentication Office will mail documents directly to the Foreign Embassy or Consulates if provided with a transmittal letter, fee, and a pre-addressed stamped envelope. Please enclose an additional pre-addressed stamped envelope for the embassy or consulate to return the document.
Walk-in (Counter Service)
Open - 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday thru Friday except Federal Holidays
Each customer (company) is limited to 15 documents per day on a while-you-wait basis.
Location:
Authentications Office
Columbia Plaza Store Front
518 23rd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520
THEN
to the Ethiopian Embassy for Authentication -
Before any of the documents are sent to the Embassy, the following process must be completed:
1. The documents/s has/have to be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state in which the organization exists or the individual lives.
2. The document has to be sent to and authenticated by the U.S. Department of State...
3. This authenticated document has to be sent to:
The Embassy of Ethiopia
3506 International Dr. NW
Washington DC 20008
You must include a payment of $94.80...
...and a self addressed envelope with pre paid postage for the return of your document
The Placement Agency navigates this process on our behalf. Radu said it takes 10 days to move thru the US part...and another 10 days to move thru the Ethiopian part. Then, I guess the document is mailed back to Radu (for final review), then forwarded to Ethiopia.
Expected time = about 3-4 weeks.
This process seemed faster for other people. I wonder if we (thru our agency) could have gotten someone to do the 'over the counter' service. That only takes half a day, and fedex is overnight. That makes the US part about 3 days. The Ethiopian Embassy website doesn't say how long their end of the process takes....but it seems that a courier could take the document by hand (like with the US Dept of State)...and our dossier's stay in Washington DC can be cut from 20 days to...about 3. With 2 days of mailing (overnight fedex), seems like our completed package could be back to the Placement Agency all authenticated in 1 week...and ready to head over to Ethiopia.
I think I'll email him and ask him if this is possible....
UPDATE:
Got a return email. He said that this process is actually done via hand courier, and isn't as 'simple' as it seems...which is why the agencies tend to do these steps. He confirmed that we aren't eligible for a referral until our documents arrive in Ethiopia. I guess he will let us know when they arrive...
...he approximates 3-4 months before getting a referral.
Fees: The authentication fee is $8.00 per document...
Mail Service: The Authentication of documents takes approximately 5 business days to process from the time of receipt...
Mailing Address
U.S. Department of State Authentications Office
518 23rd Street, N.W. SA-1
Washington, D.C. 20520
The Authentication Office will mail documents directly to the Foreign Embassy or Consulates if provided with a transmittal letter, fee, and a pre-addressed stamped envelope. Please enclose an additional pre-addressed stamped envelope for the embassy or consulate to return the document.
Walk-in (Counter Service)
Open - 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday thru Friday except Federal Holidays
Each customer (company) is limited to 15 documents per day on a while-you-wait basis.
Location:
Authentications Office
Columbia Plaza Store Front
518 23rd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520
THEN
to the Ethiopian Embassy for Authentication -
Before any of the documents are sent to the Embassy, the following process must be completed:
1. The documents/s has/have to be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state in which the organization exists or the individual lives.
2. The document has to be sent to and authenticated by the U.S. Department of State...
3. This authenticated document has to be sent to:
The Embassy of Ethiopia
3506 International Dr. NW
Washington DC 20008
You must include a payment of $94.80...
...and a self addressed envelope with pre paid postage for the return of your document
The Placement Agency navigates this process on our behalf. Radu said it takes 10 days to move thru the US part...and another 10 days to move thru the Ethiopian part. Then, I guess the document is mailed back to Radu (for final review), then forwarded to Ethiopia.
Expected time = about 3-4 weeks.
This process seemed faster for other people. I wonder if we (thru our agency) could have gotten someone to do the 'over the counter' service. That only takes half a day, and fedex is overnight. That makes the US part about 3 days. The Ethiopian Embassy website doesn't say how long their end of the process takes....but it seems that a courier could take the document by hand (like with the US Dept of State)...and our dossier's stay in Washington DC can be cut from 20 days to...about 3. With 2 days of mailing (overnight fedex), seems like our completed package could be back to the Placement Agency all authenticated in 1 week...and ready to head over to Ethiopia.
I think I'll email him and ask him if this is possible....
UPDATE:
Got a return email. He said that this process is actually done via hand courier, and isn't as 'simple' as it seems...which is why the agencies tend to do these steps. He confirmed that we aren't eligible for a referral until our documents arrive in Ethiopia. I guess he will let us know when they arrive...
...he approximates 3-4 months before getting a referral.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Letter requesting that our i171h form be sent to ethiopia
When we originally submitted our 600A application, we left a few items of page 2 as 'unknown.' How many kids - not known/more than one. Where? not known.
So now that we have our approval...its being held in the San Francisco office. Apparently it needs to *not* be held there....but rather sent to the US Embassy or Consulate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We didn't fill in this information b/c we wanted to stay flexible....
But now, we need it to be there when we go....so that they might issue us the appropriate visas and such to leave the country and enter back into the US (or something like that).
So our homestudy agency called this morning suggesting that we write the USCIS a short letter requesting that they send our i171h approval to the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. That was done today.
Note: next time I would go ahead and fill in this information on the original 600A application....just to avoid this step, since we were quite sure that Ethiopia was our country of choice from the beginning.
So now that we have our approval...its being held in the San Francisco office. Apparently it needs to *not* be held there....but rather sent to the US Embassy or Consulate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We didn't fill in this information b/c we wanted to stay flexible....
But now, we need it to be there when we go....so that they might issue us the appropriate visas and such to leave the country and enter back into the US (or something like that).
So our homestudy agency called this morning suggesting that we write the USCIS a short letter requesting that they send our i171h approval to the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. That was done today.
Note: next time I would go ahead and fill in this information on the original 600A application....just to avoid this step, since we were quite sure that Ethiopia was our country of choice from the beginning.
Monday, April 21, 2008
On it's way to Washington DC for Federal Authentication of the State Seal...
I spoke with Radu, and he received our dossier....reviewed it...okayed it....and sent it to DC today.
The process takes up to 10 days in Secretary of State at the Federal level...then it goes to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC for another sort of authentication (where they authenticate the Great Seal of the USA) - that can take up to 10 days...
...so in 20 days (or less) it heads over to Ethiopia to be translated and incorporated into their "process." After this point...we'd be eligible to receive a referral.
So....forward progress continues as we allow the process to take place.
It feels good that we're all done with 'our part' of this document collection.
But, still, there's tons to do - planning the trip. I have to figure out how to get our 171h to the ?American Embassy in Ethiopia so we can obtain the I600 form to get the visas...so we'll be able to take the child from Ethiopia...and bring her into the USA.
BTW, my mom decided that she wasn't going to go with us.
The process takes up to 10 days in Secretary of State at the Federal level...then it goes to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC for another sort of authentication (where they authenticate the Great Seal of the USA) - that can take up to 10 days...
...so in 20 days (or less) it heads over to Ethiopia to be translated and incorporated into their "process." After this point...we'd be eligible to receive a referral.
So....forward progress continues as we allow the process to take place.
It feels good that we're all done with 'our part' of this document collection.
But, still, there's tons to do - planning the trip. I have to figure out how to get our 171h to the ?American Embassy in Ethiopia so we can obtain the I600 form to get the visas...so we'll be able to take the child from Ethiopia...and bring her into the USA.
BTW, my mom decided that she wasn't going to go with us.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Shift focus
I spoke with Radu today, and he's out of the office until tomorrow...
...hopefully our Dossier is safe and sound. Hopefully it'll be sent to Washington DC on Monday.
Now thatthat's done we've done all we can do for now, we can shift our focus on the travel.
I always like to start with things that could potentially take a long time...and we have little control over. Such as passports. We all have our passports, except Ian. His application was submitted yesterday. They said it'll take 4-6 weeks...and that should be fine.
My mom and my sister are thinking about going with us. So, as I gather information about vaccinations and travel insurance...I'll share it with them.
I called Kaiser today to begin the travel medical evaluation/vaccination process. Also, I'm trying to figure out if travel health is included in our policy. And whether or not we'll need supplemental travel insurance of some sort...
We'll need to start planning for the care of our 2 doggies while we're gone...and fix our sprinkler system so our grass stays green when we're not here to water it.
I'll need to start thinking about how to schedule my shifts at work as to cause the least amount of disruption...(which hopefully won't be an issue).
And, finally, I'm starting to research (so I can begin gathering) the various medications and treatments we'll need to take with us in an attempt to self-treat many common aliments...and prevent the spread or acquisition of others. There are drugs/treatments for the adults...for the children...for the adoptive child.
Then...after we arrive home...there's still other medical things to do (vaccinations, nutritional status, testing, etc). aye, yai, aye...a bit overwhelming!!
...hopefully our Dossier is safe and sound. Hopefully it'll be sent to Washington DC on Monday.
Now that
I always like to start with things that could potentially take a long time...and we have little control over. Such as passports. We all have our passports, except Ian. His application was submitted yesterday. They said it'll take 4-6 weeks...and that should be fine.
My mom and my sister are thinking about going with us. So, as I gather information about vaccinations and travel insurance...I'll share it with them.
I called Kaiser today to begin the travel medical evaluation/vaccination process. Also, I'm trying to figure out if travel health is included in our policy. And whether or not we'll need supplemental travel insurance of some sort...
We'll need to start planning for the care of our 2 doggies while we're gone...and fix our sprinkler system so our grass stays green when we're not here to water it.
I'll need to start thinking about how to schedule my shifts at work as to cause the least amount of disruption...(which hopefully won't be an issue).
And, finally, I'm starting to research (so I can begin gathering) the various medications and treatments we'll need to take with us in an attempt to self-treat many common aliments...and prevent the spread or acquisition of others. There are drugs/treatments for the adults...for the children...for the adoptive child.
Then...after we arrive home...there's still other medical things to do (vaccinations, nutritional status, testing, etc). aye, yai, aye...a bit overwhelming!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Dossier has been delivered...
Label/Receipt Number: 0307 0020 0003 2903...
Status: Delivered
Your item was delivered at 2:17 PM on April 16, 2008 in PORTLAND, OR 97219.
I emailed Radu to ask him if he actually has our dossier in his hands yet. AND...what's next?!
Status: Delivered
Your item was delivered at 2:17 PM on April 16, 2008 in PORTLAND, OR 97219.
I emailed Radu to ask him if he actually has our dossier in his hands yet. AND...what's next?!
Passport for the baby
Ian's application for a US Passport is in....
expected wait time: 4-6 weeks.
Cost: $60 (passport fee) and $25 (postoffice fee) = $85.00 total (2 different checks required)
BOTH PARENTS HAVE TO BE PRESENT
(or else the 'missing' parent must notarize their signiture/permission for their kid to get a passport...OR the 'present' parent must notarize a statement that the 'missing' parent is indeed missing...and why. Apparently this adds time (maybe they have to verify the statement or something?).
application for a US Passport
expected wait time: 4-6 weeks.
Cost: $60 (passport fee) and $25 (postoffice fee) = $85.00 total (2 different checks required)
BOTH PARENTS HAVE TO BE PRESENT
(or else the 'missing' parent must notarize their signiture/permission for their kid to get a passport...OR the 'present' parent must notarize a statement that the 'missing' parent is indeed missing...and why. Apparently this adds time (maybe they have to verify the statement or something?).
application for a US Passport
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Dossier Has Been Sent!!!
So, we made a copy of the I171h form, attached the 'true copy' statement...notarized it as scheduled on Saturday afternoon with our friendly neighborhood notary.
Hubby took the documents (the newly stamped birth/marriage certificates along with the newly notarized *copy* of the I171h form) to the Secretary of State today...
...and they AUTHENTICATED it!!
Then...he took the Authenticated Dosssier to the post office and...and...
...he *MAILED* it!!
We are done with the Dossier!! Yay us!!
Hubby took the documents (the newly stamped birth/marriage certificates along with the newly notarized *copy* of the I171h form) to the Secretary of State today...
...and they AUTHENTICATED it!!
Then...he took the Authenticated Dosssier to the post office and...and...
...he *MAILED* it!!
We are done with the Dossier!! Yay us!!
Authentication of documents
So, we've completed the Authentication of our documents.
Points to note:
Grant deeds issued to you by the registrars/recorders office with the purple stamp don't need to be notarized.
The State Police Clearance letter - does not need to be notarized
The registrar/recorder issued birth certificates/marriage licenses don't need to be notarized (just make sure they have the appropriate signature stamps).
The federal document the i171h form needs to be copied, and a true copy statement attached...then this statement needs to be notarized.
Family pictures also need a true copy statement attached, then notarized.
Passport pictures didn't need to be notarized.
To get the Documents Authenticated
Per the Secretary of State website:
Documents can be hand delivered to any office location for over-the-counter processing between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) or mailed to the Sacramento office. Regional offices do not process mailed in documents. Office locations are as follows:
Sacramento Office (for hand delivery)
Notary Public Section1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-3595
Regional Offices (see website for addresses)
Fresno
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
When submitting documents to any of our offices for over-the-counter processing, no appointment is necessary. Customers are served on a “first come first serve” basis.
Documents submitted for over-the-counter processing are normally processed within an hour. The average processing time for documents submitted by mail is approximately two weeks.
There is a $20.00 processing fee (per signature authenticated) and a $6.00 special handling fee (per public official for documents submitted over the counter).Payments over-the-counter in Sacramento can be made by check, money order, cash, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
Points to note:
Grant deeds issued to you by the registrars/recorders office with the purple stamp don't need to be notarized.
The State Police Clearance letter - does not need to be notarized
The registrar/recorder issued birth certificates/marriage licenses don't need to be notarized (just make sure they have the appropriate signature stamps).
The federal document the i171h form needs to be copied, and a true copy statement attached...then this statement needs to be notarized.
Family pictures also need a true copy statement attached, then notarized.
Passport pictures didn't need to be notarized.
To get the Documents Authenticated
Per the Secretary of State website:
Documents can be hand delivered to any office location for over-the-counter processing between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) or mailed to the Sacramento office. Regional offices do not process mailed in documents. Office locations are as follows:
Sacramento Office (for hand delivery)
Notary Public Section1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-3595
Regional Offices (see website for addresses)
Fresno
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
When submitting documents to any of our offices for over-the-counter processing, no appointment is necessary. Customers are served on a “first come first serve” basis.
Documents submitted for over-the-counter processing are normally processed within an hour. The average processing time for documents submitted by mail is approximately two weeks.
There is a $20.00 processing fee (per signature authenticated) and a $6.00 special handling fee (per public official for documents submitted over the counter).Payments over-the-counter in Sacramento can be made by check, money order, cash, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
Friday, April 11, 2008
Think I figured it out...the authentication of the I171h form
Okay...I found this online -
Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance
Processing of Orphan Petition (Form I-171H): issued by the US Department
of Homeland Security-Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The
prospective adoptive parents must make the photocopy of the Form I-171H.
The copy must be a legible and clean copy, i.e. do not sign, write, or notarize on
this photocopy...(attach a statement that it is a true/unaltered copy). Upon receipt of a properly executed Oath form (statement) attached to the Form I-171H, our office will then prepare the Authentication... (source)
***
And, I spoke with someone in the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento. She agreed that we should make a copy, attach a 'true and original' form to the copy...sign it. Have our signature notarized....
...and they will authenticate the notarization of our signature.
Tomorrow we have an appointment at noon to get this (hopefully) last item notarized...and ready for Sacramento on Monday, along with our 'corrected' birth/marriage certificates.
Hopefully our completed package will be mailed off to our Agency Monday afternoon...
...and they receive it Tuesday morning.
The good news is: This timeline is still in concert with what I'd been hoping (after receiving the i171h form), afterall, even if everything was 'perfect'...my plan was to wait until Monday to mail the packet/dossier (to avoid weekend mail issues). Besides, even if the packet arrived today, nothing would be done with it until Monday. AND payday is on Tuesday (let's not overlook that a 'rather large check' has to accompany our dossier to the Agency).
Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance
Processing of Orphan Petition (Form I-171H): issued by the US Department
of Homeland Security-Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The
prospective adoptive parents must make the photocopy of the Form I-171H.
The copy must be a legible and clean copy, i.e. do not sign, write, or notarize on
this photocopy...(attach a statement that it is a true/unaltered copy). Upon receipt of a properly executed Oath form (statement) attached to the Form I-171H, our office will then prepare the Authentication... (source)
***
And, I spoke with someone in the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento. She agreed that we should make a copy, attach a 'true and original' form to the copy...sign it. Have our signature notarized....
...and they will authenticate the notarization of our signature.
Tomorrow we have an appointment at noon to get this (hopefully) last item notarized...and ready for Sacramento on Monday, along with our 'corrected' birth/marriage certificates.
Hopefully our completed package will be mailed off to our Agency Monday afternoon...
...and they receive it Tuesday morning.
The good news is: This timeline is still in concert with what I'd been hoping (after receiving the i171h form), afterall, even if everything was 'perfect'...my plan was to wait until Monday to mail the packet/dossier (to avoid weekend mail issues). Besides, even if the packet arrived today, nothing would be done with it until Monday. AND payday is on Tuesday (let's not overlook that a 'rather large check' has to accompany our dossier to the Agency).
Sacramento to Los Angeles
So, hubby made the trip to Sacramento yesterday to the Secretary of State's office. Discovered that our *certified* (i.e. costing over $200 in total) birth/marriage certificates we obtained from the LAX branch of the County Registrar's office lacked a signature....therefore could not be authenticated!!
So...since hubby had to fly to LA today for a meeting, he went back to the registrars office (after we spent all yesterday afternoon on the phone 'letting folks know just what we thought of this screw-up'.) They were very apologetic...and "fixed" the certificates for no additional charge (the least they could do, IMO). So, we/he goes back to the Secretary of State with the birth/marriage certificates for authentication on Monday. Hopefully they'll be 'right' this time.
Another thing: The Secretary of State *wouldn't* authenticate the I171h form as it is a FEDERAL document (which is what I've been saying to people...).
So...now, I have to figure out *exactly* what it is they expect us to do with the I171h form...
-the good news is: we got everything else authenticated with no problem!!
Note to self: If I had have known...I would have went ahead to Sacramento weeks ago when I originally planned, and wouldn't have waited for the 171H form. That way, any problems or issues encounters with the authentication of the other docs, could be dealt with while waiting for the 171H.
Note to others: Make sure your birth certificate and marriage license has the signature.
So...since hubby had to fly to LA today for a meeting, he went back to the registrars office (after we spent all yesterday afternoon on the phone 'letting folks know just what we thought of this screw-up'.) They were very apologetic...and "fixed" the certificates for no additional charge (the least they could do, IMO). So, we/he goes back to the Secretary of State with the birth/marriage certificates for authentication on Monday. Hopefully they'll be 'right' this time.
Another thing: The Secretary of State *wouldn't* authenticate the I171h form as it is a FEDERAL document (which is what I've been saying to people...).
So...now, I have to figure out *exactly* what it is they expect us to do with the I171h form...
-the good news is: we got everything else authenticated with no problem!!
Note to self: If I had have known...I would have went ahead to Sacramento weeks ago when I originally planned, and wouldn't have waited for the 171H form. That way, any problems or issues encounters with the authentication of the other docs, could be dealt with while waiting for the 171H.Note to others: Make sure your birth certificate and marriage license has the signature.
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