Monday, April 27, 2009

We're Still Here

Yikes, it's been awhile since my last post.....


We still haven't gotten Nigel's VA birth certificate, but we were told that it would take about 8-12 weeks from the date the adoption was finalized, so we've got some time. I really think it's possible that we'll wrap this all up by our first family anniversary, which is so awesome!


Tomorrow I'm meeting with a PhD student (social work) who's interviewing parents of internationally adopted children about their experiences. Tim met with him last week. We're on a roll.... not too long ago I answered some questions for a paper that Bethany's working on. I think I could talk about adoption to a rock!


I also like to listen to people talk about adoption. Which brings me to a little plug: If you found my blog on this site (and are, therefore, local) and are interested in adoption or know someone who is, you won't want to miss May's Resolve Adoption Support Group meeting (May 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Glen Allen Library). Dr. Suzanne Lavoie, a parent by adoption and director of the VCU International Adoption Medicine Clinic, will be speaking about the clinic and what it offers; common health issues among children of international adoption and how easy or difficult they are to treat; testing for vaccinations that have already been administered; consequences of drug and alcohol exposure during pregnancy, which drugs should people really be concerned about and how much exposure is too much (something that folks who are considering domestic adoption might really be interested in). On a personal note, I HEART Dr. Lavoie. When we got the referral for Nigel she went over his available medical records with us, and once he was home she thoroughly checked him out.


And if you came here just for a sugary sweet picture, here ya go:


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

More Good News!

Yesterday we shared some good Nigel news. Today, you HAVE to go to the Gurskes' blog for their good news!!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Nigel's Re-adoption is Complete!

We got word earlier this week that Nigel's re-adoption in Virginia is complete (the paperwork was actually signed on April Fool's Day... hopefully that's no omen). So, once we get his VA birth certificate in the mail we can apply for a social security number and a certificate of citizenship!

It's a relief! Not so much because I was afraid someone could come and take him - actually, I've never had that feeling, which kind of surprises me now that I think about it - but because it just means we're one more step to just BEING!

Part of me is sad to see his Green Card and Ethio Passport become invalid, though. I feel very comforted by the legality of those documents. It's something little that carries a lot of weight if his status or relationship to us was ever questioned by someone in authority (doctor, police, etc.). So, for that reason I think we'll go ahead and get a US Passport, too. - Sarah