Sunday, March 15, 2009

Spring has GOT to be close!

Pussy willows are a sure sign of spring. I learned this from my Nana. Nana taught us that it was very important to teacher to have pussy willows on their desk in spring. And Nana made sure that her grandkids were the first to bring them in to the teachers. I remember carrying a bunch of pussy willows to school with their bottoms wrapped in wet paper towels. I was always so proud to present such an important gift.
Now that Madeline is in school, we will carry on this tradition. We have two pussy willow trees in our yard that are pretty ragged-looking, but still produce enough buds for the teachers (I plan on trying to get a sprig of them to root and plant more this summer). So the other day we went out in the 5 degree weather and cut some pussy willows for Mrs. Poat. It didn't feel like spring, but we KNOW it is on it's way!
As far as an adoption update (for those that understand the lingo):
We have completed app 1 and 2 with Dillon. They will review and approve (we're assuming) our homestudy, and then we can finally send in our I-800a. We are also working on our Dossier, which should be completed within 2 weeks assuming other people cooperate with my timeline :). Once this is done we can sign the acceptance papers for Probol and then I can post his picture! We were given a short, very recent video of him by a friend whose husband traveled to get their daughter in February. He looks very strong and very happy! My friend's husband described him as quite the little ham, so he should fit in well!
For those unfamiliar with the lingo - we're knocking out the steps that we have control over pretty quickly, but after our paperwork is done on this end, we need a lot of things to happen in India. The central adoption agency needs to give us what's called NOC, then we need to apply for an I-800 which is new and a bit unpredictable, and then we have to be assigned guardianship by an unpredictable judge, then we need his passport. In short, it's still a long haul. We're doing well with the wait so far, but this is subject to change at any moment :)

10 comments:

Fenwick 5 said...

I feel spring is close! The first day of spring is the 20th of this month! I hope your process is super quick and I hope ours is too. Waiting for a referral of our daughter Maiya.

Amy said...

I can't wait for spring either and to see a pic of your cutie pie :) Good luck with the rest of the paperwork - you should be a pro by now ;)

Peter and Nancy said...

I am so excited for you, because you get to skip the waiting list part! :o) I'm glad you got a video and a little personality report -- from Zanna's daddy, right? Sounds like he'll be a great addition to the Labonte family.
-- Nancy

theheartofachild said...

Congratulations! I didn't realize that Dillon was taking applications again. Very exciting that you get to work with them again! Can't wait to see his picture!
Blessings,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I love hearing the stories of Nana, who is so much like her namesake great-granddaughter. She would be so very proud.

Next step to seeing Spring is another Nana tradition - Mayflowers - which we can find in April. Then the summer strawberries, boy I could go on and on. So glad we are letting the next generation know about her traditions!

Can't wait for you trip to India, when I will be able to spend the week with my Great Niece and Nephews!

Love you all,
Aunt Dawn

Julie & Patrick said...

yay! Another wonderful kiddo is soon to be in route to come home. So excited for your family.

I have always loved pussy willows too!

Julie R

Pam said...

Bring on that baby boy!!! He needs to come home! :)

The Pfeiffer Family said...

Sounds like things are moving right along so far. Can't wait to see a picture of your little man :-) Trying to wait patiently for a referral for our little Alesha.

April :-) #4

Anonymous said...

Nana (mom) would be so happy to know that her great grandchildren are getting to know her even though she's gone.

Can't wait for Probal to meet his big sister and brother. Hope all goes quickly. He is a doll and I miss him even though we haven't met him.

Nana (mom)

Nic said...

You're Nana would be so proud that you are carrying on that tradition, Kristy. :)