Homestudy - the saga

I went to Michael's (Social Worker's) office yesterday to read my homestudy. Really bizzare to read your life story compressed into a few pages! I thought he did a good job of 'capturing' my story, though.
Nothing in this process is simple, however, and there are some glitches. I have some 'questionable' material in my medical report, and according to the ever-helpful Bob at FOI (my agency) I need to have my doctor write a letter in support of my adoption. I'm going to see her on Thursday...hopefully, she won't have a problem writing the letter for me. I've even typed out a 'cheat sheet' of sorts for her, indicating what needs to be in the letter.
I'm also waiting for my letter from Dr. Kim, whose office swore to me that they mailed it last Monday. This one will state that I'm in a good, healthy state to adopt, despite my little cancer scare 6 years ago.
Another piece of paper I need is a 'guardianship letter' from friends who say they will take care of Jordyn in the event of my early demise. When is all of this supposed to happen, you ask? Well, soon it's summer, and the teachers of the world can spend time dealing with adoption papers and getting ready for the time when I'll forget all of this...when Jordyn is finally home.

The Picnic

What a cool day....
An enjoyable afternoon at the FCC picnic - my first adoption related event! I felt a little weird walking around without a child (lurking, trying to figure out how to meet these new people), but everyone was so nice. Lots of encouragement from experienced moms and dads and reassurance that I will go to China some day to pick up my daughter. The system actually works and they have their gorgeous children to prove it.
The day was filled with lots of kite flying (extra cool kites too, like a 'Nemo' kite which flew for quite awhile), little girls blowing bubbles, which were then chased by other little girls (ok, I admit, I chased one too) and general picnic frivolity.
I bought a book from young author Emma, and had a good chat with her and her mom. Later in the afternoon, Emma's little sister Katie charmed my brother and I with her sunny personality and willingness to share in our treats (a smorgasboard of grape tomatoes, strawberries and mini carrots - yummy!!) Katie's dad was happy to share his daughter with us for a few minutes and talk about his experiences with his beautiful girls. Thanks!!
I also bought a couple of T-shirts (one for myself and one for my brother, who came with me today - thanks bro!) , a book, and 2 pairs of children's chopsticks. (so cute -- attached together at the top with a plastic animal). Both pairs, however, are going to chopstick challenged adults.
Just counted how much money I spent today...this kid stuff is expensive, and she's not even home yet! Oh, well, she's worth it. Just imagining reading "China in My Heart" to Jordyn....I would have spent double.

Waiting.....

As I wait for my daughter, I want to record the experience. This blog will be my effort at writing and remembering the time I'm pursuing international adoption in China.
As of this date, I've had 4 meetings with my social worker for my homestudy, been fingerprinted by the RCMP, had a police check done by the Toronto police, had friends and family write reference letters, painted the baby's room ( a lovely yellow) and tried to remember why I'm doing all of this.
Although it doesn't seem like it at this point, everyone assures me that some day in the future, I will get a referral for my daughter. and then soon after, go to meet her and bring her home. It's a very long wait -- maybe 18 months from now. Everyone says it will go quickly, but I have my doubts.
There's one thing I know...that tiny yellow room in my small apartment, belongs to Jordyn. My daughter.