There was really very little information, but I'll take whatever I can get. They sent her new measurements which makes it easier for me to buy her clothes, since it's not just a guessing game! I've got a few 24-month outfits to bring to China, and it looks like she'll be in size 5 shoes. Shopping for another girl is so much fun. :-)
Unfortunately, the only updated photos they sent me were not of her face, but of her medical checkup. I'm happy to have many new photos of her limbs and torso, and to see that her skin condition is not any worse than it was a year ago. But I would have loved a pic or two of her smiling face! I guess we will have to wait to see her in person.
They DID, however, send some great photos from her chunky baby days! What a doll!! They sure keep the kids bundled up and warm! I'm so glad she got a healthy start. She has thinned out a lot, hopefully not too much, but I still can't wait to pinch those cheeks!
They also sent a brief update of her development. She is walking, running, and climbing stairs, and she talks in simple phrases.
Yesterday I mailed her care package. I stuffed a box full of goodies for her, her friends, her nannies, and the orphanage director. Gifts are a special sort of formality in China, and we will be bringing several with us for the officials. Many families also include a disposable camera in their care box, which will hopefully be filled with photos of her in the orphanage and returned to us when we come to pick her up. I'm grateful for any memories I can have of her past, to show her where she came from. We also sent a small photo album of our family with the hopes that the nannies will help prepare her to meet us!
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| Sending some LOVE, Sealed with a HUG! |
The Next Steps:
We have loads of new paperwork to do. I like it, it gives me something to pass the time and it feels more productive than just....waiting.... sometimes it's a little overwhelming, but our agency is pretty good at giving you just one packet at a time. There is so much, and most of it is new to me. Have you ever heard of the USCIS I-800 form? Or the PA, NVC, DS-260, or Article 5? Me neither, until now!In a nutshell, we are currently waiting for immigration approval (2 weeks or so), then we can send the next forms and wait (4 weeks or so), and then we wait for Travel Approval (2 weeks or so), and finally we can book our flight (1-2 weeks out, to line up with our Consulate Appointment)!! We are counting down the [approximate] weeks until our trip!!
