The light at the end of the tunnel to China....

Today, we sent our I800 application and supplement 3 (to switch from healthy to SN) to USCIS (aka the Department of Homeland Security). What a big step in the process to bring Tatum home!

Now...we wait for I800 approval and then our approval will go the National Visa Center. We will then get a letter from the NVC that our information is cabeled to the US Embassy in Guangzhou. Our adoption agency will send our signed referral and LSC, DS-230 and NVC letter to Bejjing. The agency staff there will then forward it to the American consulate for pre approval and issuance of the Article 5.


In 2-3 weeks, then Article 5 and signed LSC will be sent to the the CCCWA. Then, we wait for them to give us TRAVEL APPROVAL. Once we obtain Travel Approval, our agency requests a Consulate Appointment. When that appointment is confirmed, our travel is arranged around that.

I think we are still on target to travel in early October (I hope)! Someone pinch me, because this just doesn't feel real!!

LSC!!!!!!!!!!

It gives me great joy to announce to the WORLD....our daughter!

Ni Ju Lin

Born in our hearts 10/07/2009

Zhejiang Province, China

18 months 

 10 months

10 months

We will call her Tatum McKenlin Elliott and are on track to bring her home by this November!! It feels so good to share this news with everyone....

We are celebrating tonight!! :)

Update....

Nothing really new to report....we are still waiting on on LSC. Today marks the 4 week mark for waiting, and currently we are being told our wait will be 5-12 weeks.

These are a few things we have purchased over the past few weeks, been given and painted....enjoy!

 Eddie Bauer wooden high purchased from Little Rascals Consignment store for $30

 Kitchen set from a friend. He daughter has outgrown it, and we painted it pink! We are so thankful for the generosity of our friends

 Clothes that I have bought so far....not many and most have been on SALE!! The Carters outlet is wonderful for bargains, and I have learned that I really love http://www.zulily.com/. Check it out!!

 The Schwinn jogging stroller Todd found on Craigslist for $40.

 Jeep Umbrella stroller that was $15 on craigslist

Toys from my Aunt Christine (Mom's sister). She also lives in England. The one on the left is to send with the carepackage once we get our LSC and the one on the right is to keep for when Tatum comes home!

So, that's our update....I am organizing all the adoption papers (finally) and keeping all my receipts together for our accountant. This weekend will be low key. The weather is beautiful after a very HOT Memorial Day weekend. I would like to go to the beach (Ocean City) one day for some sun, fries and lemonade....doesn't get any better!!

Happy Friday!