GUZ # and secret codes!

Our next step in this crazy process was to email DAILY for about a week to find out our GUZ number and invoice ID in order to be able to fill out the next forms online. I had faithfully been emailing- but randomly decided late Thursday night to call and see what I could find out. Thankfully after 28 minutes of being on hold and conversing with a Uscis officer in New Hamphire...I got our numbers!!!! We have been assigned a GUZ (from the city in China where consulate is- Guangzhou) and our invoice ID!! Woohoo!!! Tiny milestones that make an adoptive mamas heart skip a beat!!! 

I quickly attempted to log onto the next form/application only to have my bubble burst when I couldn't access it at that time. Apparently this is very common- I learned this from watching others attempt and discuss on Facebook threads- so I knew it wasn't just me. I went to bed anxious to wake up early the next morning to try to log in.  And it worked!! Another high and exciting step on our journey. A great way to start off Ella's birthday weekend!!

So now things move fast- but slow. We are daily waiting for a response email with an attachment letter we have to obtain...in order to do what is called an article 5 drop off!😉 Which means nothing to most- but basically we literally have our documents dropped off in China and then picked up/approved 10 business days later. And of course it can only be on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday to make the process trickier. But THEN travel approval can be issued- in a few days or up to a few weeks. But but that is when we will begin booking our tickets and trip details!! 

You probably don't care to follow as detailed as this- so I'll leave it short and simple that by the end of July we SHOULD have travel approval and be able to travel 2 weeks after that!! 💗

Ella's 4th Birthday!!

Our precious friends that have been supporting us along this adoption journey from the beginning have offered to throw a birthday party for our sweet girl on her actual birthday!!! My heart was and continues to be overwhelmed with their love and support!! We can't wait to celebrate with her one day- but with family and friends in spirit is the next best way! 

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!!