so... what now?

We just received a big 'ol packet of paperwork from Dillon today. Hooray... more stuff to sign! Also included is a break down of the next steps in the process, so, since inquiring minds want to know, following is the simple six step process as outlined by our agency. My cliffs note version of each step is in bold.

1. Dossier Translation. Dossier and acceptance papers are sent to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to the Dillon staff. After dossier is received it will be sent off for translation. Once translation is complete, the Dillon staff will send the dossier to the Department of International Adoption in Hanoi (DIA). Translation and processing of the dossier is expected to take 2-6 weeks at a minimum.

2. Log In Date (LID). After the dossier has completed the translation process it is sent to the DIA in Hanoi. Upon receipt, Dillon staff will follow up with the DIA to make sure the docs were translated correctly, and that all documents are satisfactory. If everything is satisfactory then a log in date is set. You can estimate possible travel within 3-6 months of the LID.

3. Baby Dossier. After the DIA sets the LID, they send a letter to the child's province requesting that the local Justice Department begin compiling the child's legal documentation, also referred to as the child's dossier. It can take about a week for the letter to be received by the local Justice Department. The process for compiling a child's dossier can take 30-45 business days, if not longer.

4. Dossier Re-Review. After the child's dossier has been compiled, the local Justice Department will forward it to the DIA in Hanoi. Once the DIA receives the child's dossier, they review both the family dossier and the child's dossier. After they complete the review process of both dossiers, the dossiers are forwarded back to the child's local Justice Department.

5. G&R Date Set. After the local Justice Department receives both dossiers, another review is completed. Once the final review is complete, the dossiers are forwarded to the People's Committee. The People's Committee will review the dossiers. Once they are completely satisfied with all dossier documents, they will then set a date for the Giving and Receiving Ceremony (G&R) .

6. Travel! Families should have approximately two weeks notice before travel.

knitting, crib building, and random babbling

So, I've been knitting ALOT lately. I really wanted to post a photo of the adorable hat that I just finished, but since it has not yet been given to its intended recipient, I should exercise restraint. Since I can't share the thing that I really wanted to share, I opted to post the pics of a recently completed pair of slippers for two very tiny feet. I'm not sure it is possible to make something any cuter. I was completely in love with these booties, and I think they are so sweet on the little feet. If any of you guys are knitters, these were super easy to make! I had to scale them down for preemie feet, and that was simple too.

The crib is complete. It was assembled in under 30 minutes and we didn't even have time to "discuss" anything. Pretty cool. I think we may do a little painting this weekend, so, if anybody wants to come over and help, you know where to find us.

I had a fantastic chat with my broker today. I think I now have a plan in place that will allow me to stay home with Beckett (attempting to do some actual work at the same time) AND achieve my income goals as well. Sweet! I am a happy girl. Since my income is 100% commission, I had a plan/goal set for 2007 that was - theoretically - going to allow me to take several months off in 2008 to stay home with the little one. Now that the time table is significantly accelerated, I have been panicking about things. My plans were out of whack, and I was uneasy. Not anymore. My broker is the coolest. It's great to work with someone who can has the ability to redirect me mid freak out. I am confident that we can make this work without daycare. My friend Jenn manages to be a work at home Mom, and she makes it look easy. I only hope that she can teach me a thing or two. Hey Jenn, did you hear that? Can I be your intern?