September 5, 2007

We received our passports in the mail on Friday, August 31, 2007. It was exactly 4 weeks since we completed the application and delivered to the Juniata County Prothonatary’s Office. We thought it would take closer to 12 weeks to get them back. We are hoping this quick turn-a-round time follows us into CIS.

We received the notarized copies of our home study in the mail yesterday. I got all of the materials together to send to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Brit is getting a money order for $860 today and sending everything to Philadelphia priority mail. According to the CIS website, it is currently taking 3 months to process I600-A forms. I would really like to have approval and a referral for a baby by Thanksgiving!

This past weekend Brit and I traveled to Pittsburgh to share our news with his family. We first told his Mom and Paul shortly after we arrived on Saturday evening. They are both excited for us. We asked Carol if she wanted to come with us to Guatemala when the time comes to pick up the baby. She was very honored to be asked. She is planning on when would be the best time to get her passport!

The next day, we arrived at the Lewis picnic. Brit told his Dad and Lois immediately. They both started crying and are very excited to hear of our news. We then told Brit’s siblings. Everyone is very supportive! I couldn’t believe how fast news travels! Within minutes we were flooded with congratulations from everyone at the picnic!