My Little Girl is Five Months Old
On Saturday, my little one turned five months old. When I first got my referral, my good friend Brett suggested I subscribe to updates from this website for milestones. At first I thought it was very cool to see what developmentally was going on with her at the different stages. But, when I got the latest update I just felt sad that I wasn't seeing these milestones with my own two eyes. I am really excited for her growth and development--please don't get me wrong, but it really got to me when I read this:
your baby
How your baby's growing: You've probably noticed that your baby is becoming much more social lately. Not only will she tolerate attention from others, but she may even initiate it. She thrives with your attention and is learning how to engage you. As she masters more physical skills, from lifting her head and shoulders off the ground to extending her arms and legs and arching his back, expect your baby to seek your attention by wriggling or making noises before crying. Over the next three months, your baby will develop her own way of letting you know what she thinks, wants, and needs.
No, I haven't noticed any of that but I sure hope I will get to soon. I know everything happens as it should and I've been pretty patient, but these updates may send me into a tailspin. Sorry for the negativity. I'll find the positive side again before my next post.
Happy five month birthday, my little one. I am thinking about you every minute of every day and can't wait until you are letting me know what you think, want and need in person.
So...what's next?
Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.
Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.
3 comments:
I'm sorry Melissa. I have been feeling sad lately too. I am just hoping that time goes by quickly and try not to think too much about what we are missing. Hang in there.
I am sorry you are feeling sad. This process is such an emotional journey. Thinking about you and praying for you!
missy, it IS so sad that she is out there and you are missing these moments... but can i say from expreience; -- my very limited experience--as you well- know! that please hang in there.. she'll be with you (and us) sooner than you know it and all the milestones you hit together will that much more cooler!!! That being said- there is no doubt that the roller coaster ride is maddening- i know chikka!xxx j
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