We got our LOA!!!!!

HOORAY!!! BIG NEWS!!!!

We received our "Letter of Acceptance" (LOA) from China!!! We are one GIANT step closer to picking up little Kate!!! WOOOO-HOOOO!!!!

The adoption process goes about like this:

-home study (usual 3-4 months, ours took a bit longer - about 7 months)
-I-800a application submitted
-Immigration approval received
-Dossier authenticated and sent to China
-Log-in date received from China
-Letter of Acceptance received (THIS IS WHAT WE JUST GOT!)

still left to do:
-800 paperwork submitted
-visa obtained (we actually have our visas)
-article 5 letter received
-travel approval received
-apply for & receive Consulate appointment
-TRAVEL!!!!

There are lots of other aspects to the adoption timeline (medical reports, fingerprints, random forms, etc) but these are the main steps. So, basically, we have 3-4 months left to go. We'll likely travel November/December. We received our LOA really fast - so that has sped things up a tad! YIPEE!!!!! Such awesome, awesome news.

Yesterday some sweet friends of ours who are also adopting asked if I could take some adoption pictures of their family. Since we were at it and had the balloons, signs, etc... we posed for a few ourselves!

 LOVE kate's little backpack!!!

 When I take pics, James has lots of funny poses he likes to do... ; )

 sweet Anne

Thank you, Lord, for sweet Kate!!! Thank you that we received our LOA so quickly. We can't WAIT to meet her!!! Thank you, friends and family, for all your support along the way!