New site

I have moved my entries, links and blogroll from this blog over to WordPress. I really like the design and options, and the system is super easy.

If you have me linked on your site, please change the address to:


www.3continentfamily.wordpress.com

Thanks!

We had a nice weekend! Saturday 4 friends came over for dinner, which was fun. I made vegetarian sushi roll, vegetable and tofu tempura, spicy eggplant noodles and bought sesame buns from the Asian market for dessert. The wine flowed and we had a great time. Sunday morning though, I was really, really sick. A virus of some sort invaded and took me over and it was, by far, one of the most unpleasant experiences. Ever. 'Nuff said.

So today I'm chilling out, checking out various websites and blogs. I came across a few via-via some blogs I read regularly and suggest you take a look. Vietnamese God
Beautiful pics! And linked from Baby Ella is Provide-N-Ce, a wonderful non-profit worthy of attention.

The topic of ethics in adoption is always a hot button, and the past few days have been no exception. The last 2 posts on Voices for Vietnam Adoption Integrity have stirred up alot of emotions. It's something that all adoptive parents need to be realistic about and not pretend everything is rosey across the board. Saying that, I feel it's equally important to recognize that there are outstanding agencies who are dedicated to Viet Nam- not just in the area of adoption. One of the reasons we chose ours is because they support centers in the provinces where they operate that encourage and assist single, poor mothers and expectant mothers not to relinquish their children and to help them find the resources to be independant and self sustaining. Biggest lesson learned: Feel confident in your agency with your whole heart and mind. Choosing an agency is, by far, one of the most gut-wrenching decisions in this whole experience, but certainly the most important.

And on that note....here's a shot of Utrecht:

mail

We received 2 beautiful drawings from Hans' niece and nephew to congratulate us on finishing our paperwork. His sister has been explaining to them what adoption is, but I think they are just excited about a new baby :) That's me in the doorway holding a baby bottle, Hans outside and a stork carrying a baby above us! How cute is that?? They (and their little sister) are the sweetest children on the planet.

Yipee!

I got an email from the program coordinator at our agency to confirm our docs are okay. She said that as of the 12th of October, we are officially waiting for a referral! It's early but I'm going to wake Hans up and tell him :)

Life after paperwork

This is the first weekend in ages that I was totally focused on my work and not obsessing on what paper needed to be organized, stamped, authenticated or shipped out. I think we are both feeling a weight off of our shoulders! The agency got our documents and everything looks good. Happy, happy! This was my third Monday free since starting my new 4 day work week that I actually spent it in my studio. The past two have been at the Vietnamese Embassy.

I managed to bind 2 books this weekend and make some other cute things. I've sold quite a bit the past few weeks as well as some custom work, so that's been great. The latest things can be seen here :)


Yesterday we took a drive to Bloemendaal aan zee and walked along the beach for a few hours. It was a gorgeous day!

: )

Thank you for the nice comments and emails about our paperwork. Every scrap is officially on it's way to our agency. And as far as CIS goes: It's hard to believe that waiting for a letter could cause so much stress! I am thankful that my amazing husband is a bit more rational than me. Here's a hint as to where my head is:

I'm obsessively tracking our dossier documents traveling across the ocean; which as of last night were at JFK in NY.


uw referentie

ophaaldatum
10 okt 2007
bestemming
Hillsboro
afgeleverd

getekend door

datum
tijd
TNT-lokatie
status
11 okt 2007
09:03
New York Jfk Airport
Onforwarded For Delivery
11 okt 2007
09:03
New York Jfk Airport
Consignment Received At Transit Point
11 okt 2007
02:19
Liege Euro Hub
Consignment Received At Transit Point
10 okt 2007
21:51
Arnhem
Shipped From Originating Depot
10 okt 2007
21:32
Arnhem
Consignment Received At Transit Point

Finally!

We have our CIS letter!!!!
Hans sent everything else to our agency this morning, it should be there by Friday. The last step is getting this letter authenticated. By this time next week, every scrap of paper should be out of our hands and our dossier completed. Yay!

Usual suspects

We. Are. Done.

We are fedexing everything to our agency tomorrow! Yay!!! Everything with the exception of our CIS letter. I am calling them tomorrow to see what the deal is. The weight of this paper will be gone by week's end for sure :) Don't these passport photos just scream 'Happy'?

After we checked and rechecked that everything was signed and in order, we looked at the neat little pile of documents (and 6-10 photos of the Happy Couple). It's hard to believe it's all come down to this. A pile of paper proving we work, are married, not criminals, are healthy and would be 'good parents'. It will be, without exception, the most wonderful thing we ever do together, but at the same time it's a bit strange. Here we are - stamped, approved and authenticated....