I’m not sure how we got so lucky, but our sweet social worker Dora, was able to complete all four home studies in just a couple of weeks. Normally they like to do one home study a week which can take a month or more sometimes, but luck was on our side. Dora was going away for most of June and didn’t want us to have to wait until she got back. She knows how much we are counting on these home studies for our dossier completion.
My parents are in town for Libby and Laine’s ballet recital so Dora was able to meet them. My dad went up to Dora and said, “I know this is very biased of me to say, but I want you to know how loving my daughter and son in law are and how perfect they will be for a child who needs a home.” He said all of this with tears in his eyes. Very special. Even though he IS totally biased, I did appreciate the kind words he had to say.
Okay, so still waiting on my birth certificate from good ole Jersey. Geez, they really make it tough to acquire a legal document! It should be here within the next few weeks and then…… THEN our dossier will be ready for CCAI to start the sealing process. I have high hopes that our dossier will be off to China for its log in date by July. I’m quickly realizing just how patient you have to be with this entire journey. Every single thing we’ve done is a test of our patience.
Good news though, We finished our Training courses! 12 hours of training slideshows with a “test of your knowledge” after every hour of slides. We just received our Training certificates and it is ONE MORE THING to check off the list. I’m telling you, it’s these little things that matter the most. If one little thing is left undone, it will most definitely stand in the way of an adoption.

I didn’t really mention this, but Josh and I wavered for a day or so on whether or not to adopt a boy. We went back and forth and ultimately decided that what we really want for our family is another girl. It will be more of a wait this way, but we are okay with the wait. After all, Bronley is 17 months of a hot mess right now. No, just kidding, she’s actually the most amazingly adorable little baby with the biggest heart. She can give kisses all day long. However, when she gets mad, she really lets you know. She’ll hit you and then laugh out loud at how funny it is. Truthfully, it’s hard for me to not laugh, but I don’t. 🙂 So if this adoption takes a bit of time, it’s WAY okay. The older Bronley gets the better. With that said, I still dream every night of what our baby girl will look like. Straight shiny black hair with beautiful dark eyes. Maybe no hair at all? It’s so fun to imagine her. Baby China Beauty. We are on our way to her. It is just a matter of time.