The advantages of adoption from China

-Consistency - In 1999, China surpassed Russia as the international destination from which most U.S. parents adopt their children. China has established a structured system that leaves little room for surprises. Paperwork is predictable and manageable. Although the journey may seem long, the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) in Beijing processes qualified applicants and matches them with children they desire in a fair, “first-in first-out” manner, for example, whether a family’s income is $50,000 or $500,000, whether they have four children or no children, or whether parents are 30 years old or 50 years old, or whether you are using a small agency or a big one.

- Child’s Health - Though they are abandoned after birth, these children are wanted while in their mother’s womb. Their parents are most likely hoping that circumstances will allow them to keep and raise their child to adulthood. Therefore, birth mothers take good care of themselves and their unborn child in the hopes that they will have a life-long relationship. Women in China tend to live healthy lifestyles whether they are pregnant or not. Very few Chinese women smoke or drink. Because these children start out with a relatively clean bill of health at birth and have their basic needs met in the orphanage, adopted Chinese children in general tend to be free of long-term physical and emotional issues.

Abandonment - Children placed through China adoption are abandoned children. Because child abandonment is illegal in China, birth parents leave no trace of their identity. During their trip to China, adoptive families receive a certificate of abandonment that proves the biological parents have relinquished their parental rights through abandonment. There is no legal avenue for the birth parents to reclaim custody.

Travel - Families travel one time to China, for an average of 14 - 16 days. There is no need for multiple trips and there are seldom circumstances that cause families to stay longer than expected. At least one parent must travel to China to finalize the adoption, but our agency recommends that both parents make the trip so the child will be a US citizen upon arrival in the US. Accommodations, transportation, and adoption appointments are all finalized before families arrive in China. Families will always be with an agency rep who speaks English, Mandarin, and the local dialect of their child’s region.

Cost – China adoption is widely considered the most affordable adoption program available, and fees and expenses are known well in advance.

Friday and the living is gooooood

Rumors are calling for a big batch this coming month. Which means we have a really good chance of seeing a referral by August. We would have to see 12 day batches for the next 3 to make August. If that is the case we have a good chance of traveling in September.

I am going to Vegas baby on Monday-Wednesday for the ICSC (International Counsel of shopping Centers) convention with about 50 thousand other people. I am traveling with my boss Mike the bank Pres. and Mary (she has the same job I have). We are staying at the MGM signature suites next to the MGM. It will be an eat/drink fest for three days with lunches, dinners and cocktail parties planned. Whoa hoo!

I come back on Wednesday night and then leave again on Friday with John and Sienna to Oakland and Lake Tahoe. Yee Haw! I have property tours on Friday in Oakland and then we will hit the road and Stay at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village for 2 nights. I have one property to tour in Lake Tahoe. Hey, they have a Kids Camp there, yee haw!!! We may have my friend Marilyn and her husband join us for one night. Then we hit the road back to Oakland for a night and meet my cousin Michele for dinner. We fly back home on Memorial Day. I hope its a memorable trip.

On another note, Aunt Tina had a sucessful hip replacement surgery. she is in the same room ARNOLD stayed in when he broke his leg. Very hospital Chic!

Happy Mothers Day!

Yesterday I finished all more weekend chores so I could just relax today.

I woke up leisurely and had a nice long bath before meeting mom, Aunt Tina and Cousin Cara for brunch along with John and Sienna. Sienna looked adorable in a beautiful floral party dress she had gotten for her birthday. We had a nice long sit and then went home for a nice long nap before getting up to read the paper. John warmed up all the dinner leftovers from last night night and then cleaned up. I continued to lounge and look forward to the survivor finale.

What mothers day means to me...looking into the eyes of my beautiful child and realizing that it is not about me anymore but the future and dreams of this wonderful little person and how lucky I am to witness her growth. She brings tears to my eyes just being the loving and kind person that she is. We are so blessed!

Love, Karen

Tuesday and the mood is good!

It finally feels like we are going to have an adoption. We are 35 Lid days away from our # being called we isn't too bad when you have been waiting for almost 17 months. It is looking like September, there is even a slight chance of hearing in August if the get back to 13 days of LIDS each month. Happy Happy Happy.