Power Of Attorney

Because I will be traveling alone and becoming the legal guardian of Sadie without Luke it is necessary for him to complete a POA (power of attorney).  You see the male is the listed head of household and first petitioner on a home study and USCIS paperwork filed by a married couple.  This document gives me permission to sign on Luke's behalf and is absolutely necessary in China.  It must also be notarized then county and state certified and finally authenticated by the Chinese Consulate in the US.  It must be less than 6 months old at the time of travel and carried by hand to China.  Kinda crazy, huh?

$3 County certification fee
$5 State certification fee
$60 Courier fee to Cindy Marut
$25 Chinese Consulate authentication via My China Docs

I800

Yesterday I caved and called USCIS to check on the status of our I800 application (permission for us to bring her (specifically) into the country).  I was pleasantly surprised we had been approved earlier that day-in my "timeline" I predicted we'd receive approval later this week.  The paper copy hasn't arrived yet but just knowing we have this step completed allows us to make a more accurate guesstimate as to when I could leave for China...and I promise when I know you will too :)

6/25 I800 overnighted
6/26 Delivered to lockbox
6/29 Official receipt date
7/1 Receipt letter printed & mailed
7/13 I800 approved

New Pictures!

Overjoyed to receive new pictures of Sadie last week-she looks taller and thinner to me and has just the slightest amount of hair (so glad her caregivers are honoring our request to let it grow). :)  This wait is so long and becoming difficult for the whole family but these little glimpses of her personality are a true blessing.