I 800

 The next order to be taken care of was our i800 forms that were sent to the USCIS. This process usually takes a few weeks to be assigned and officer and then a week or two more to be granted approval. This step was a huge worry for me because when we received our receipt I realized I had put the wrong birth year on Ella's paperwork. I had 2013 instead of 2012. I was terrified, sick to my stomach, and so disappointed in myself because we surely would be set back at least another week or two while things got straightened out-all the red tape in the process makes me sick. BUT God is on our side!!! Remarkably, we were granted approval and the mix up was quickly cleared up!! So our i800 approval was granted Friday, July 1st!!! And get this- we were given an officer who isn't known to be the quickest or most hospitable- and we were approved before anyone else we have been communicating with on our same timeline. I was truly blown away. I received this approval notice while I was in Rome at my parents- and I was shopping for the first time for Ella's new clothes. Such a sweet memory I'll hold forever. Giddy didn't describe me at that moment- I was floored! So thankful for a God bigger than government red tape and paperwork!! I'm positive He is determining our steps and our timeline and this once again reassured me of His faithfulness. 

The most exciting part of this process is that we are nearing the end of this process!! Only a few more steps until our travel approval will be granted and we can book our flights to China. Most of the steps we have to follow now are set in stone as far as how long the process takes...so we can pretty much put a finger on when we expect to travel and have our gotcha day!!! So exciting and so soon- like mid August soon!!! ❤️❤️ We are coming Ella!!!

**constantly studying and making notes of what the next steps are**

I also sent off all of our visa applications, passports, pictures, and return mailing items to Chicago. Our visas should be back in a few weeks. It was quite the process to apply and get all our ducks in a row for these visas. But check it off the list!! It's done!

Letter of Acceptance!!!

China said yes, and we did too!! We are coming for you Ella! We hope to travel mid-late August. We are over the moon excited. 

"Soft" LOA

As if adoption lingo needed one more crazy term...but we officially got our soft letter of approval to adopt our Ella!! It is coined "soft" because we can't move on to or next step without actually receiving this in our hands to sign- but it's en route!! We got an email from our agent Tuesday. Our i800 paperwork is waiting in the office to overnight once we get then"hard" physical copy of the LOA. This is BIG news because it typically means you will be traveling 8-10 weeks from the date you receive this letter. 

In the meantime- we are keeping busy with visits with friends, trips to the beach and nesting for a new member of our family. 

Busy days with precious friends.

Flowers from a friends garden...the purple flower is Ella.💗

Beach trip for daddys work and time with my parents. 

Random Panda pillow that reminds me of Ella. 

Where is Ella?

My mind and heart are in China. This post puts it into words beautifully. 

http://www.nohandsbutours.com/2015/11/09/my-mind-is-in-china/

Im case you've wondered what part of China our sweet girl is living in now- Ella is in the Guangdong Province in China in the city of Yangjiang. They speak Cantonese. 

Dream along with me!! I cannot wait to be on a plane going to get her!! 

TulaToddler Practice

All three girls...and all 50-60lbs of sweetness made me try this carrier on with them inside!! We can't wait until Ella is all snuggled up inside this carrier. She should fit MUCH better than any babies around here! 

The girls have also started carrying Ella's picture around town with them...even in the car as we drive down the road they let her "watch tv" with them. So sweet. Hurry home sister!! 

Somebody is already verrrrry loved!!

My sister sent Ella a sweet package this weekend!! It thrills my heart to think about introducing our fourth daughter to all of our family! 

We are stockpiling all your goodies in your room Ella for when you get here! 

OOT

Last Tuesday, May 31st we had a phone call interview with our lifeline agent to update or home study. Because Ella is turning 4 next month the age bracket in our home study had to be changed from 0-3 to 0-5. A simple form, phone interview and another check or two and it was done! Thankful it didn't take to much effort. 

The best news came at the very end of our conversation, we were told that our dossier had moved "out of translation" or OOT!! This was wonderful news- and it came quickly. The great news is that the next big step is Letter of Acceptance...and those usually come a week or so after a dossier is out of translation. 

So what this truly means though- is that once we have received that Letter of Acceptance- LOA- that usually means 8-10 weeks out until travel!!!! There are many steps in between, but that's huge!!! And that's August!!! ❤️❤️❤️

I have formed some Facebook friendships with 3 other lifeline agency families that have been amazing! We are all about on the same timeline and sharing our excitement and frustrations together is priceless. So thankful God has already started forming bonds with other adoptive mamas who can identify and hand hold through this new and exciting but intimidating experience of a lifetime. We may actually be traveling with some of these families so it is really neat to get acquainted. The Facebook pages that I am a part of have been invaluable tools as well- it's a place to toss out any and all questions about China, traveling, orphanages, etc. and link you to someone who has been there and done that. Such a blessing! 

We also received the girls passports in the mail last week!! It's getting real...and actually feels like it's getting close!!  

Until next post...which hopefully will be soon and titled LOA!...keep praying for us  and sweet Ella. We feel them and are so thankful for you  ❤️