Wait....is that light at the end of the tunnel? Or is that someone else with a flashlight looking for a way out...

Nope...that is clearly light at the end of the tunnel...

On March 18th, Holt International, our adoption agency received word that our Article 5 was picked up and forwarded to the China Center of Adoption Affairs this week. They estimate that our travel approval (TA) should arrive in Holt’s office in the next 2-3 weeks.  This is an average based on families that have gone before us most recently.  Our actual TA might arrive sooner or later.  When our TA arrives in Holt's office, Holt will let us know via email, and then start working on our travel arrangements.  Families typically travel to China 3-6 weeks after their TA arrives in Holt’s office.

At the same time we have been working with a courier to help us secure visa’s which are added to our passport which gives us permission to travel to and from China. We just got word that the visa’s were approved and should get our passports back either Thursday or Friday of this week so we continue to move forward. We just received the completed Visa's back over the weekend!

The last outstanding piece we have left with our current paperwork obligations is to get a renewed medical evaluation on Sonja and I. We are in the process of doing that and should have everything complete in about a week. So everything is moving along...and we are getting increasingly excited about meeting Zoe.

Oh....a special shout out to our son Nathaniel as today is his birthday...Happy Birthday Nathaniel, your mom and dad love you...only 10 more years when you turn 24 then we might consider allowing you to get your drivers permit! 

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So much time so little to do or is it so little time so much to do?

The first time in probably 10 years I had actually stayed up to watch fireworks on New years eve entering into 2011. I was thinking this was going to be a great year as we are getting so much closer to completing the adoption process. However, I must say it has been mostly a dud so far. With the passing of both my parents within about 5-6 six weeks of each other we are just looking for ways to cope. I know we just need time which will help in our ability to adjust. I am most worried about our son Nathaniel as he was super close to both of his grandparents and he internalizes his emotions. Jason...I appreciate the support you lent to Nathaniel...it has made a huge difference (more than you know) and he said he would be happy to give you a rematch on the Ipad pinball game.  I am also saddened because when we get Zoe she will never get the opportunity to develop a relationship with her grandparents on the Teitler side of the family. However, I am glad she will have life long opportunities to develop a strong bond with Sonja's side of the family as they are very good people, fun and a crazy bunch.


One of the comments I received from a neighbor friend of my father's brightened my day I feel compelled to share. They indicated that he had 3 or four pictures of Zoe and had shared those with a few trusted neighbors.  He also provided this blog page with Ruth, a neighbor who checks in from time to time to see how we are progressing in the adoption process which is very cool.  So I know he was very excited about adding Zoe to our family. I had no idea he would not get a chance to meet her. It was great to see my uncle Bob and Aunt Maxine and their son Jason this week. Their visit here while my father was ill made a huge difference! I know he appreciated seeing them.


I want to send a big Thank You to my wife Sonja for being there for me. I am terrible (must be a guy thing) about telling her how much I love her but I do.  She has been so supportive during these dark days and tough times.  Today is her Birthday and I want to wish her a very happy birthday today!



Anyhow...a couple of updates....


On Zoe...(some great news)

1. We received word that our Article 5 was picked up and forwarded to the China Cnter of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) this week. We estimate that our travel approval (TA) should arrive at Holt International's office (our adoption agency) in the next 3 weeks.  This is an average based on families that have gone before us most recently.  Our actual TA might arrive sooner or later.  When our TA arrives in Holt's office, they will let us know via email, and then start working with us on your travel arrangements.  Families typically travel to China 3-6 weeks after their TA arrives in Holt's office. 
2. We are working with a courier service to obtain visa's in preparation of our travel to China.  We hope to get our Visa's completed no later than the end of the the week.
3. We had to update our paperwork which we originally submitted last year based on the State of Nebraska's regulations. Which included an updated 2011 set of finger prints and background checks which go to the Nebraska State patrol. We did this last year as well. The only thing left is another quick visit to the doctor to get a health form complete and we will again be up to date on all the forms...but more to come.

On Nathaniel...

1. Nathaniel is preparing for his final State tournament with his traveling club wrestling team which is this coming weekend. He is so looking forward to it...then he can focus on baseball which is still by far his favorite sport. He may unleash his nasty curve ball this year...however very sparingly!
2. Nathaniel will celebrate his 14th birthday this coming Thursday, Happy birthday!

Finally, I want to THANK my dad for being such a great dad! He truly was my hero! Super husband and took full care of my mother while she was sick, was a great grandfather to his only grandchild Nathaniel, in which he adored and a great all around dad! I will always love and miss you...I will be thinking about my mom on her birthday ths saturday!


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So much has changed in the course of 10 days!

Well...the saga is over...Nathaniel has decided to go to Gross high school. We all agree that the education, the smaller class size anh his ability to play baseball, football and wrestling sealed the deal. All the school officials have been wonderful so we believe this will be a great experience for him. So we are pleased with our decision. Go cougars.


Now on to zoo...the next set of paperwork is in...I submitted visa's to the Chinese consulate and hope to see that paperwork finalized by Friday or Saturday next week..being a little optimistic. We are hoping to hear from the Chinese consulate in the next 3 to 4 weeks...once we hear we should have an idea when we will get to travel...so we are getting very excited...


Finally...you may or may not know I lost my mother about 5 weeks ago...which has been hard on the family...my father is now under the weather and have been spending quality time with him at the hospital. So that's it for now...