She's been sick. She had red bumps all over her and was taken to the SWI for treatment. She was given shots and the red bumps went away. I'm not sure if it was a rash, allergic reaction, or some kind of skin infection. Her roommate was adopted on Monday, so Meili is now alone in her room. I think this is actually good b/c she'll get used to sleeping on her own. I wish that I knew where her roommate was going, probably here. It'd be nice to know her parents' names so the girls could keep in contact. Her caregiver said that Meili is a favorite among the ayis and is spoiled! She's always trying to get their attention and can be quite stubborn. She sounds like my daughter already.
 
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It's really not that hard waiting for TA. The wait for LOA was horrific. This wait has been a walk in the park. Maybe it's because I know that we have been approved as Meili's parents and are just waiting on one last piece of paper from China. Then, we'll be waiting one last thing from the US goverment - the Consulate appointment. But that is just an email/fax requesting an appointment. It takes a couple of days to receive CA but again it's really nothing compared to the long wait of LOA.

FYI - if you cannot see the 12 in the above graphic, it means that you are color blind.
 
For the past 3 weeks, we've been talking with Meili on Tuesday nights. We had to cancel this week as we had a very important meeting that we had to attend. While I love talking and seeing Meili, both Ben and I are over it. We're ready to just be there and see/talk with her IRL. On the bright side, across the street from our meeting place is a new Vietnamese soup restaurant. It was packed full of people so maybe it's really good??? I'll have to try it in the upcoming weeks.
 
 
I got word from my agency that the Article 5 was picked up yesterday from the USA consulate in GZ. It's now on its way to the CCAA where it's processed and the TA is issued. The current average wait time for TA is 2-3 weeks. It'll be here before we know it.
 
 
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the Article 5 is picked up from the USA consulate in GZ! If everything goes accordingly, the Article 5 will be picked up by my agency's rep on Tuesday, 8/16/11 - this is 3 days from now. The CCAA needs the Article 5 in order to issue TA.

What comes next?

The rep will mail the Article 5 to the CCAA. Currently, they are taking 2-4 weeks to process these and issues TAs. My guess is that we'll receive our TA during the week of September 5 and travel the last week of September.

 
I was able to get a few of my questions answered last night, specifically about Meili's birthparents. No, they have no information on them and never will as this is illegal to do in China. Apparently her heritage is different than the local children. She is very tall, strong, and heavy compared to all of the other kids that are her age at HOG. In fact, I was informed that her stature is like the people from the north. They are big people. Southern people are small and petite, which Meili most definitely is not. Maybe her birthparents are originally from northern China? At least she has this information. Below are a few photos from 7/30/11.
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Our visa application was dropped off last Tuesday at the consulate. They have 10 business days to process it and issue the most valuable Article 5. The pick-up date should be next Tuesday, August 16 - one day after my birthday. I can't think of a better 31st birthday present than to receive the Article 5 on time!

There's really nothing else to report. We still have not done anything to Meili's room. It's still filled with random junk, including the giant wreath that I purchased for 90% off after last year's Christmas. Her crib is sitting in pieces in her room. It'll get done before we travel. If not, then we'll worry about it when we get home.
 
Just talked with Meili. At first, the video connection was really good. We got to see her.  But after a few minutes, the video connection froze and we could only talk/hear her. It was interesting. We talked for 30 minutes. She is more of a baby than I realized. I guess I've been comparing her to my niece and thinking that she'll be at the same developmental level. Honestly, I'm really excited and glad that she's still a baby. She hasn't started walking independently yet but will with the help of her ayis. We'll talk  again next Tuesday night. Actually I talked and Ben just sat next to me smiling at the computer. Just Meili getting to hear English and our voices will {hopefully} help ease the transition. Amy said that she has stranger anxiety. I'm praying that conversing online will ease her anxiety when she's placed with us.