June Update

Yes.  We are still here guys.  Sorry we haven't blogged in awhile.  We were holding out in hopes that something wonderfully exciting might happen.  Unless you are as excited about my latest IKEA trip as I am -  we will probably not leave you brimming with smiles and jumping for joy.  We.Are.Waiting.  That is where we are in this process.  We will be waiting for a while.  Right now, our paperwork is sitting in Washington awaiting new Kinshasa approved birth certificates for the kiddos.  Once those arrive, then we will file a VERY important paper with the US Embassy - requesting that we can bring our kiddos home.  Once those papers are approved (pray pray pray pray pray that they are read and completed in a very timely manner), then we can apply for an Embassy date in Kinshasa.  After our embassy date, they do a final investigation and approval.  Then we finalize an DGM appointment - that means we can GO GET OUR KIDDOS.  So if you are a prayer warrior and I KNOW that SO many of you are - please pray for God's perfect timing in all of this.  We are so hoping that we will be traveling in August or early September.  We had hoped that we would be finished fundraising, but travel costs seem to be adding up - so be on the lookout for our final (like really the LAST one) fundraising information.


Finally, we attending a great adoption class last night on bonding and attachment. We were reminding of so much important information when it comes to bonding.  Many of this things, a non adoptive parent has never had to consider because they bonded with their biological kids from the time they were infants.  This is a GREAT blog addressing some of those bonding things.  If you have a minute, take some time.  Read it.  Especially if you are a part of our lives.  We want you to truly understand what the next few months hold.

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/02/how-to-be-the-village

Yes. I have posted it before.  Because IT.IS.FABULOUS.  So take a minute when you have time.  My fellow adoptive families - this is PERFECT to send to your family and friends who are a part of your daily lives. :) 

Ok.  That is it for today.  Have a TERRIFIC week.  Maybe there will be an OVER THE MOON EXCITING blog post soon.  Or maybe we will wait awhile.  

Blessing,

The Chalos Party of Four :) 

So when are those kids coming home.....

Weeellll.  I certainly wish I could answer that guys.  I really truly do.  But I can't.  I can tell you that we are getting closer.  I can tell you our agency is doing EVERYTHING within their control to help get our kiddos home.  Tonight we got the lovely news that our kiddos are officially ours - as in "CHALOS" babies.

That is cause for great cheers, parties, balloons being released, etc.... But alas, that does not mean we can hop on a plane and fly right over to get them.  There are several processes that we need to complete.   Chad and I will be keeping our feet firmly planted on American soil for the summer.

We are bummed. beyond bummed really.   

Needless to say, we are in NEED of some fun - Some seriously laugh until you cry kind of fun.  So I have started a summer "advent"ure calendar - some of the activities include.... zoo, movies in the park, LOTS of drive in movies, a WHOLE day in my pjs, Girls Day (homemade pedi's, facials, ridiculous romantic movies, etc...), church softball (I will NOT be playing - just watching), a trip or two with my favorite girls to IKEA, alphabetize my classroom library(only my teacher friends will appreciate this one), music in the park, Pool time (like every morning from 10-12), day trip to Chattanooga, organize all crafting materials (lets be honest, that could take ALL summer)...Can you think of anything we can add to our list? Also, keep us in your prayers - Pray for the people who will soon be receiving our paperwork, for short red tape, for our kids - health, safety, and happiness.  Thank you.  We KNOW you are there.  We feel COMPLETELY unworthy of your love and support.  But boy are we SO glad that you are!!!!!

Love ya!
The OFFICIAL Chalos Party of Four