Chun Jie Kuai Le (Happy Spring Festival)

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Yesterday was the kick-off for the 15 day celebration for the Spring Festival. I celebrated with my family by attending the CAAM Chinese Dance Show. I was fun seeing the event and emotional thinking that by this time next year I will be home with my daughter.

As for other updates, I just started taking a Chinese language class. Right now it seems like a difficult language to learn. The pronunciation is important since many words can sound alike. I think I know about 5 sayings right now but at least need to know the basics like hungry, thirsty, tired, bathroom, and of course, shopping.

The latest information on the wait time for the referral is 9-10 from my agency. However, the last group was closer to the 9 months. If they stayed at this pace then I would be hoping for a referral in September. Keep in mind that over the last year the wait time has increased and decreased so we won't know for sure until we are a little closer.

Well, I want to wish everyone a happy new year and good luck in the months ahead!

One step closer....

Well as I was taking a couple days off at Christmas to spend with my family, the CCAA was busy getting my dossier logged in. My offical log in date is 12/22/05. This means we now know the date to start the count down. The hard part is that the count down timeframe keeps changing. Right now the referrals have been received about 8-9 months after the log in date (versus 5-7 months in the past). This means I would be receiving my referral around August or September and would travel to China in October or November. I think we are pretty safe saying that Malia would be home for the holidays next year, but hopefully she is home in time for a couple fall weddings. I will keep you posted as we approach the Review Room next.