Some good news……

Well, if all goes well, I've been told that the updated home study may be approved as early as next week, and that is very good. I was also told that the Vietnam process is still in process and not on hold…the update approval is needed but both systems are still working!  Praying it all comes together!!

Uncertainties….and the ever challenge of paperwork!!.

….well yesterday I found out that the home study extension was denied by the ministry and they want to wait for the home study update which hopefully will be sent this coming week. I am trying to find out what this will mean in terms of timelines and other problems. I'm not sure how long it will take the ministry to review and then hopefully approve the home study update; however, my bigger concern is will the DA wait for my paperwork to be in order?  or will this delay cause other delays there??

The original information was that once the extension is approved (it seemed that that was not going to be a problem) then the Vietnam process could continue….however, this has not happened….so the lesson here for all adoptive and waiting families,  it is important to never let your home study expire without an extension or plenty of time for a home study update to be done before the expiry date.  Not sure if anyone else has encountered this?   It is a question I had in June and regret not asking it when I thought of it?

….anyhow I am sad and yet trying to stay positive….so many mixed emotions, a down on the roller coaster of paper work once again.

Tet Trung Thu - mid-Autumn Moon festival….neighbourhood children's parade

…Thanks for organizing this once again Samantha. Matteo had a great time, especially his time being the dragon….Happy mid-Autumn moon festival to everyone!

Heading out to the parade.

The dragons are ready for the parade too.

Helping to carry one of the dragons.

Getting to carry the dragon all on his own.

Making it to the archway.

The traditional climb of the lion.

First day of kindergarten!

Wednesday, September 3rd was the first full day of kindergarten and it started with a very excited and singing and dancing little boy who  was reduced to tears once Mommy said goodbye!  The morning tears lasted all week and sometimes were unbearable to hear; however, when I went to pick him up, he was all smiles and joy!  Transitions are hard for all of us!  Here are some great first day photos where you can see his excitement!

Happy Independence day Vietnam

NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY

September 2nd, 1945 is an important landmark marking a major turning point of Vietnam. It was an establishment day of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and is also considered the National Independence Day of the current Socialist Republic of Vietnam. President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, officially claiming the independence and sovereignty of Vietnam from France and Japan.
As a typical National Day, Vietnamese has a day-break from work to commemorate the event’s historical significance. A notable sign for the cheerful spirit of the day is the appearance of Vietnam flags everywhere, coloring the whole country with lively red backgrounds and jovial yellow stars. The streets are exploded with a boom of red and yellow banners of celebrations and oversized posters of Uncle Ho speaking into a microphone in 1945.
There is also an annual marching on the Ba Dinh Square and fireworks in the major cities of Vietnam. September 2 is truly an utmost special day for the whole Vietnam nation.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vietnam-independence-proclaimed

TDH Ontario August Newsletter

http://tdhontario.tdh.ca/downloads/newsletter_august_2014.pdf

Paperwork completed….

….well, as of Thursday, August 28m the paperwork medicals for Malio's adoption on my part are all done for the home study update and the documents Vietnam needs!

We now await the update report being drawn up by the sw and the special documents for Vietnam will need to be notarized and translated.  Then hopefully the two processes will come together and we'll hear some good news from Vietnam letting us know that the Article 16 has been signed!!  As I was told it was now awaiting my documentation, here's hoping it will be quick and we can plan for a fall travel date.

  I don't anticipate going before November, as  it is usually about 6 weeks after the Article 16 that we are open to travel. My sister plans on joining us; however, she will only be able to after Nov. 5, so hopefully it will all work out.  Again, it looks like travel could be in November making Malio, my second greatest birthday present after Matteo, my first.

…For now we are trying to enjoy a quiet labour day weekend!

If you are able to continue to pray for us, please do.  We continue to pray that the paperwork process will be smooth and quick and that there are no missing or incomplete documents from our file so that Malio can be home to celebrate his first Christmas with us.