Memory for DTC Date

OK, I broke down and had to go shopping for a special item to remember my DTC date. I found this cute picture frame ornament from Pottery Barn Kids that says Mom and Me. I figure that I can add a picture of us each year to remember how exciting this day was.

Great News!!!!

I received notice that my dossier is on its way to China as of the end of the day Tuesday, 12/6 (St. Nicholas Day). See below for information on the key steps that occur after this. I have been hoping that this would happen before Christmas and now its true. Thanks again for everyone's support and good wishes as I go through this process. The next step is to wait for my log in date.

Key Steps

DTC = Dossier to China .....Sent 12/6/05
This is the date that my paperwork goes to China for processing.

LID = Log in Date .....Completed 12/22/05
This date is when my dossier is formally received by the CCAA (China Center for Adoptive Affairs). This typically is one month after the DTC; however, some groups never officially receive this date.

Review Room
At this point the CCAA reviews my dossier. They may request additional information at this time.

Matching Room
After all of the CCAA questions are answered, then my dossier moves to the matching room. This is a very special step in the process because this is where they match me and my daughter together.

Referral Day
Yeah!!! This is when I will get the call from the agency that my referral has been received by their office. Over the phone you typically receive some basic information (i.e. name, age, and province). the agency then needs to get the file translated and will set up time for me to go into the office to review all of the available information, including pictures and medical reports. FYI - The typical wait time between DTC and Referral is 5-7 months but can be as long as 10 months.

Travel Approval/Date
Now is crunch time to prepare for travel, book the flights and other travel arrangements, and PACK! I am worried that I will not be under the weight limit for my luggage so this might take awhile.

GOTCHA DAY!!!
Gotcha day is the most important in the process. This is the first dat that I will be united with my daughter finally. This usually occurs the first day in China, excluding if we arrive early for sight seeing and to get used to the time difference. I will be in China for 2 weeks to complete the adoption process.

Welcome!

This site has been set up to keep you updated as I progress through the adoption process and finally bring home my daughter, Malia. There have already been some ups and downs but any wonderful is worth waiting for.

According to Chinese proverb, an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break.

I will be adding more information over time so please keep checking back. Thanks for being part of this journey with me!