Adoption update 1st: We've decided to proceed in the Novosibirsk region- we have found 1 Dr there, have the option of flying the Dr we used previously in from Moscow, and are now more comfortable with the option of using a Dr in the states. We prayed about all of these option and feel good about proceeding. So, we are gathering dossier paperwork, filling out forms, and waiting (still) for the homestudy update to be finished. Which reminds me- let me stop to call her right now. . . . . .
. . . .okay, left a message. *sigh*
In the mean time, I've filled out paperwork, made photo sheets of our family and house, sent several forms with Mark to work to be filled out by the appropriate people, etc. And of course, things have to be dated in a certain order, so I can't take care of background checks until the homestudy is signed off on.
So, today I'm working on our upcoming vacation to Disney. I've successfully called and requested a certain section of the resort, booked our dining options, added the dining plan to our reservation, started a checklist of things to bring, and downloaded a mickey-head template to make new shirts for the boys to wear while we're there. We are such Disney people- been pass holders since J was an infant. Most recently, with the monthly car payments behind us (whoo-hoo- and I'll be driving that sucker till it can't be driven any more!!!! Feels great to have zero car payments on either vehicle!) we've purchased a Disney Vacation Club membership. I won't go into all of the reasons why anyone who vacations (not only to Disney- your points can be used at over 400 locations around the world!) should do it (because, trust me, I have my shpeel down pat- that last line was just a taste of it!!), but as we evaluated our own vacation patterns and the 4 family weekends we'd taken to Disney in the previous year (in Mark's line of work, it's much easier to take a Friday off than a full week planned months ahead of time- being a business owner has it's downside), financially it made perfect sense for us. I'm now an owner of a little piece of heaven on earth.
It's still a little early to start packing - our countdown is still in double digits. Okay, off to craft. I'll update with pictures later when I'm finished (regardless of how it turns out- I'll at least humor you!)
Can't wait to see those cute shirts! You're so lucky to be going on a nice, family vacation like that. Sounds fun! :)
Glad you decided on a region. I know that's got to be a big weight off of your shoulders. I was thinking that I will be so happy to have your guidance when our adoption picks up. I think you're the closest blog friend that is going through a current adoption. Sounds like things are moving along well for you guys.
Posted by: christen | August 12, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I lost your link when my computer crashed. Just found you again!!
Ah the paperchase is on. Hoping it all goes well.
Disney sounds like a lot of fun. A friend of mine is going later this year with her girls she told me about the preplanned dinners with characters that she's doing. (She's a big scrapbooker!)
She premade some invitations for the girls with the characters (princess of course for them) and on the day of the dinner she'll leave them on the girls bed or somewhere for them to find it. Thought it was a great idea. Of course if your boys have been to Disney often it might not be that big a deal to them, this is their first time.
Posted by: Debbie | August 13, 2009 at 03:47 PM
So happy you have a region. That must bring a sense of peace to you; I can't imagine how stressful that must have been with having that up in the air.
Can't wait to hear about Disney. We are taking the kids for the first time over fall break (end of September). I'm so overwhelmed and excited all at the same time!
Posted by: Ally | August 14, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I'm so excited for you guys! It sounds like things are moving along well for you.
I'm jealous about your upcoming Disney trip. I LOVE Disney!! Have fun!
Posted by: penny | August 23, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I met a little girl with red curls this weekend... not only she super cute, but her name was Sunny. It reminded me of "Sunshine." So, I'm just checking in here to see how your trip went and how the adoption is coming along. :)
Posted by: christen | August 24, 2009 at 08:29 PM