I can’t believe anyone still checks my blog. I haven’t posted in months and still I get daily visitors and comments from readers. It is truly amazing. Thank you all!
A lot has been happening in my world and a lot has NOT been happening in my world. Let’s start with what is NOT happening (at least not yet). The adoption. You may or may not know that my referral is from Phu Tho. I am probably one of the last people in the U.S. (along with a few others from my agency) that received a referral from Phu Tho. I received my referral on November 1st and the DIA stopped referring children from Phu Tho (and Thai Nguyen) on November 5th except for the ones that were already in process. I have to say that receiving my referral right in the middle of the turmoil that was raging was very stressful and quashed a lot of the joy. Since that time it has only gotten worse. Around this same time I received my referral the USCIS changed the way the I600 was filed. Since we are now required to file for the baby’s visa before we have actually adopted said baby, the province now needs to provide a Consent to Adopt (CTA) which, along with the baby’s dossier and other paperwork has to be filed with the I600 application. Since November, Phu Tho has refused to release this document to me or any of the other families with PT referrals. In January, Phu Tho decided to release CTAs to 2 of the waiting families. Why they picked these 2 referrals to “release” is a mystery, especially considering these families received their referrals after I did. These families have filed their I600 and are now awaiting the USCIS/DoS determination. Phu Tho informed our agency that the releasing of the remaining CTAs would be dependent on the determination of these 2 other family’s applications.
So, here we are. Three months later and not one step closer to adopting this child. Do I feel like I will actually bring home this baby? Not really but anything is possible. I wonder if this baby is still in the orphanage. I have been told she is. I have asked for updated photos and to date have not received them. I have asked again and will see what comes of it. Do I feel like we will bring any baby home from Vietnam? Maybe. Will I ask any more questions in this annoying manner? Probably.
So there it is. The story as I know it. Make of it what you will. I have lots of feelings and opinions on this situation (most of which shouldn’t be and won’t be shared at this time) and after reading this, I am sure you will too. I have put off posting this information because I know there is a very strong possibility that my situation, such as it is, will be used as fodder for a few self proclaimed Vietnam authorities out there so that they can further their own personal agenda. Stay tuned! You may soon be reading about me on a Vietnam Adoption message board! Anyway, I am taking the risk of “backlash” because I started a story here back in March of 2007 and intend to keep telling it. Who knows where it will go at this point? I know there is a baby out there somewhere for me and my husband. She may not be the baby we think she is or even where we think she is but I know she’s out there. I hope you keep checking in to see how this story turns out.
Now on to the other stuff that IS happening. My husband, aka Schmoopie, got a great new job in “another Texas city” so that means we have to move. Our house is currently on the market and we will move once it sells. This is a great thing (my family lives in this “other” city) but it is a pain to have a house on the market, I miss my husband during the week and it is sad that future baby will never spend a night in the nursery I had such a good time creating. Of course this just means I get to create it all over again and that is okay. I love decorating and all the shopping that goes with it doesn’t suck so it isn’t too much of a hardship. In other words, don’t cry for me, Argentina!
Thank you again for continuing to check in on me here in my little piece of the blogosphere. I plan to start posting again on a regular basis. Thanks for sticking with me. I will leave you with a picture of my cute but lonely little nursery.
I’ve been wondering where you were. It is a very cute nursery, and I bet it will help you sell the house. What a horrible mess all this adoption stuff is. I hope you find your baby, whether she is the one in Vietnam or another, soon. I really hope *this* adoption works out for you, but . . . well . . . gah! What a mess.
welcome back–I have missed you! the nursery is SO adorable!! I am so sorry to hear about the tangled mess the adoption situation has become. you and your little girl will be united…keep believing.
hmm..and speaking of texas – i wonder how close you’ll be to us??
Don’t worry about the self-absorbed, uh…I mean the self-appointed VN ‘experts’. They can keep on wasting their time and everyone else’s by shouting at the wind–I’m not listening. We are rooting for YOU and your baby in VN, and are happy that you are choosing to share your story. It will have a happy ending, I just know it!
E!!! You’re back- man have I missed you! Love the nursery-and the next one will be as lovely. You are brave for putting your story out there to be picked apart, but what are they going to do? You have too many people looking out for you. Now, please try to post more often, would ya? It was like I was so thirsty and you finally gave me a drink!
Welcome Back!!! Despite possible ridicule, I’m so proud of you for putting your thoughts on your current situation out there. I shoud be brave enough to follow your lead–I have yet to share what’s going on with VN on my blog. I start and it clouds my head and I just can’t find the words to explain the chaos. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through and my heart and prayers are with you. We will be waiting with bated breathe for news about your sweet baby…and hopefully good news for the rest of us in line.
Your nursery in gorgeous! I’m sure your new one will be just as beautiful. Good Luck selling your home.
OO “sister”,
Kate
E-
It is so good to read your post again. I look forward to many more. Etsy Friday was always the highlight of my working weekend!
I love the nursery and can’t wait to see the new one. I know things are unsure, but I too feel there is a child out there for us.
Maybe you should make a deal with the new owners that not only does the nursery stay, but the baby stays every Friday night. While at her babysitter’s house, we would like her to feel like she was right at home in her own beddy bye. Thanks for coming back. We thought something bad happened after they ate the cake.
Karen H.
Elizabeth,
Your nursery is beautiful. I’m sure the next one will be even more so. Good luck selling your house. As for the adoption, nobody knows for sure what will happen; but keep the faith……you will have your little girl. I will let you know when we get our confirmation. I have missed you.
Ann
I’m so sorry to read about this. I will be th inking of you and praying that things get worked out and you can bring your dd home. Your nursery is adorable.
Leslie
Your MY hero! Power to the 4!!
I’m so glad your back!
HEY AGAIN E!
CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED!
Something fun to take you mind off the craziness!
Have a good week!
Yay! You are back! Yours is the first blog I ever started following when I was researching VN, way before I picked an agency. It took me awhile to put 2 and 2 together that you were the same E on our message board:)
I commend you for having the cajones to not worry about what “THEY” will have to say, because truly “THEY” don’t matter. We all love you, and have your back! It’s great to “hear” your voice again;)
Michelle
Hey, E!
So glad to see a post on your blog:) Your nursery is beautiful – I love the tree! I’m sure it will be fun to recreate, though in your new nursery! Good luck on selling the house quickly and the move to your new city. I’m hoping you guys hear some great news really soon.
Looking forward to those Etsy Fridays:)
– Julie H.
I was so glad to see you post again! I was wondering how you were. I’ll continue rooting for you and your baby! I hope you get good news soon.
I love your nursery! I’ve been thinking about painting a tree in mine, and I’ve been looking at yours for inspiration!
I am one who checks almost daily to see if you have updated! I was pleasantly surprised today that you did!! I love your nursery!
ps….you owe me an email!!
🙂 Tamara
Welcome back!!!!
First of all, LOVE the nursery….before you leave town, could you head over and help me finish mine? 🙂
Second, I was so upset to hear that you’ve been caught up in this mess. I’m just so angry for you… Seriously, if you want to meet up for a glass of wine or ten, just shoot me an email… I’ll be thinking of you guys!
E! Thanks for the update. I’m really sorry about your delays. I really hope for some good news for you soon! Are you moving closer or further away?!? : )
Hey sister good to hear from you.
I am so sorry to hear you are caught up in that situation.
I still LOVE that room.
Oh, and can you do your Friday Etsy posts????
Wow, E, I’ve been wondering where you’d disappeared to and have missed your entries while you’ve been gone. I’m so sorry to hear you’re caught in this mess. I had heard there were several families still holding PT referrals, awaiting the provinces cooperation and the US’s determinations. I can’t imagine how frustrated you must feel. I hope you know something soon and can get some updates if she is, indeed, “the one.” And if she’s not, I hope you can learn that soon too so that you can move on and find your baby wherever she may be. I wish your family the best and hope there is a resolution soon.
BTW, that nursery is so precious. What a selling piece for your house! Who in the world with kids wouldn’t want that room in their home?!
We are not going anywhere and I am so sad to hear about your referral. I hope that things work out. Glad to hear about the new job! Hope the house sells soon!
Oh Liz! I cannot believe that all of this is happening to you two–that is not fair at all. I don’t think that any of us imagined this mess when we started. i just knew for sure that our babies would be home around Christmas 2007…and now no one knows from one day to the next what is going on.
Congrats on your hubby’s new job! It’s a shame to leave such a beautiful nursery behind…but you are right, it will be fun to decorate all over again!
email me if you want to vent 🙂
Of course we still check your blog! I really hope that the paperwork comes soon so you can go get your beautiful baby.
I tagged you on my blog, BTW 🙂
Hey E-
Consider yourself tagged. This could become a cycle I think! lol
You need to send a little of that talent my way. Your nursery is beautiful. I still havent painted mine because I’m not sure what color to go with, and then I see yours and I am humbled. Glad to see that you’re back posting again. Keep it up 🙂
Hey e,
I tagged you to!
I’m SO glad you’re back. I’ve been checking in almost daily hoping to see you post again. I’m anxiously awaiting your news! It’s just not fair that the babies get caught in this political mess! I hope you get good news soon! Glad to have you back in the blogger world!
YAY! She’s back! I think everyone has said it well, you have been missed! Sorry you are stuck in this ugly mess. xoxo
Crazy blogosphere – I don’t know you, you don’t know me (PAP in CA waiting for I600 approval), but I’ve been checking and wondering what’s going on, and hoping for all the best for you. Maybe all these changes will be a welcome distraction? I’ll look forward to what loveliness you create in your new nursery.
Glad that you are back. I’ve been wondering what happened to you! The nursery looks beautiful; you’ll just have to recreate a new one in your new house!
I am so glad you are back – I have been following your blog for a little while but I think this is my first comment. I hope and pray you get good news soon! I love your etsy finds – I am so addicted to that site!!
I have followed your blog for a long time and check in every few weeks, even though I have never commented. I knew you had a PT referral and was hoping for the best for you. I’m glad you’re back and wish you all the best with your situation. I can only imagine the past few months have been very stressful for you and my thoughts are with you. Your nursery is beautiful! I’m looking forward to seeing the next nursery!!!
I have missed your blogging- and photos, and Etsy fridays! Share whatever you want, you have support. Not everyone agrees with certain…agendas or opinions. Hang in there.
SO glad you are back! I am very sorry that you are stuck in this mess. I really hope you get some answers soon! Fingers crossed for you…
I adopted my son from Vietnam about 18 months ago. Reading your blog made me remember all my feelings of doubt. Hang in there! My son sleeps safely across the hall from me every night. Soon, your daughter will, too.