Latest rundown
TA’s arrived for a lot of agencies yesterday and those agencies are now going to be competing for consulate appointments. Some of those agencies received their TA’s in record time, especially since a few of them took over a week to get their acceptances back. I’m pretty sure TA’s have been faster for this group than they’ve been in a very long time.
I haven’t seen anything else about the next referral batch. We had a flurry of rumors and then silence. It does appear that they are in the process of matching, and many agencies expect them to be mailed sometime next week. Which means we might expect them to arrive between Wednesday and Monday. Maybe.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Will we know when they are “mailed” are just when agency start receiving them?
I have been sitting here for 16 months and still can’t remember the pattern—–ok MAYBE I’m a little brain dead at this point. ;)
Where are the European rumors?!
This is going to be a LONG weekend!!
January 26th, 2007 at 10:27 am
you know that sound on the game shows….wwhaawhaawhaaa………
the hissing of air coming out of the tires.
So any word from TATER?
I am doing the minor okay, somewhat major panic with of nesting…with a LID of 11/9 for the next couple of months I have stuff to do. We did asked to clarify a medical issue…ugh if we get delayed anymore.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:37 am
How fast is travel from referral? My LID is 10/13 so I’m on pins and needles. I thought it is 6 to 8 weeks. Am I right?
January 26th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Has the CCAA page always had that “user login” box on the left side of the page? I’ve never noticed it before.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:58 am
rumorslave I don’t think it is new; I noticed it for the first time last month, but I think it has always been there. I think I missed it previously because I am always so focused on the bottom right hand corner of the pager where the LID dates for referrals are listed. RQ?…
January 26th, 2007 at 11:02 am
It has always been there.
January 26th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Mkinsie
Referral to travel for the last group looks to be running about 4 weeks, but that’s pretty quick. It seems like it normally runs 5-6 although my agency always says it will be 5-8 (but they are extremely conservative.
Meg
9/29
January 26th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
mkinzie -
I think it varies by agency. I’ve noticed that some people travel within weeks, but our agency usually travels 2-3 months after referral (long - and that thought kills me, but i know it will all work out in the end). of course referral to TA might be something that doesnt vary by agency, but I dont think that’s what you’re asking…
Darin
9/29
January 26th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
we traveled about 5 weeks from referral and we thought that was fast…but it does depend on when the TAs arrive and how fast the agency gets the travel plans set.
good luck everyone! :)
January 26th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Our referral to travel is 9 weeks and 5 days (12/01/2006 to 02/07/2007).
January 26th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Sarahjane, RQ doesn’t refer to Tater any more. She talked about it on one of her posts.
I so look forward to the bottom line next week.
Blossombaby 10.25.05
January 26th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Our referral to travel was 3 1/2 weeks.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
What a quiet day….I was hoping we’d hear some more details about the impending batch of referrals.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
I cannot stand having NO idea when they will come! The suspense is all consuming..and everyone keeps asking. This is tough. Can y’all tell I am not the most patient person in the world? After waiting as long as we all have these last few weeks feel like eternity.
Kim
10-08-05
http://www.3peanuts.blogspot.com
January 26th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
mkinzie,
I am on pins and needles with you. I still think we have a good chance, but it’s going to be a very long weekend!
LID: 10-14-05
January 26th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
granolagirl,
I’m with you…sitting here today on my 16th month of waiting!
We were skipped on the 1/3 batch, due to a request from CCAA for new passport photos. (back in Apr 06)
I thought I was on pins and needles last time!
Oh my…the closer we get, the more anxious I become!
Hoping the best for all Oct LIDers!
Judy
LID 9/26/05
January 26th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Our agency is still predicting a March 5 departure for us. Eight weeks, five days after referral. Longer than we would have liked, but not unexpected with CNY.
LID 9/9/05
DOR 1/7/07
Travel: 3/5/07???
January 26th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
It’s hard to explain, but we felt more anxiety as last month’s referral date approached. Will we be in this group? When will we know? Well, we missed by 2 days, so we jumped off the roller coaster and settled in. Now that we’re pretty much assured our referral will be arriving in this next batch, the anxiety level doesn’t seem quite so high. I mean, we want to know when we’ll get it, and we’re pretty sure it’ll be sometime next week, but that’s OK. When it gets here, it gets here. Anyone else feel like this?
LID 9/29/05
January 26th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Judy - you got held back for new passport photos? What an odd request (in my mind, there may be a very good reason behind it) Did your agency tell you why they requested that?
January 26th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
My teeny-weeny Northeast agency just announced to a fellow client that they’re travel dates are 3/1-3/14, with CA 3/12. They’re getting twins!!
January 26th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
cooperbabe- Yes, I was held back, along with one other person in my LID group..due to passport photos.
DH and I had originally sent in “homemade” pic’s for our 2 x 2 passport size photos.
In Apr 06,we were informed that these photos did not qualify… thus the request for “actual” passport photos.
We did this immedicately, and never dreamed that it would become a snag come referral time!
What are your thoughts behind it?
Judy
LID 9/26/05
January 26th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Hi Judy, yikes. Who knew?? Did you take the pics yourself? Gosh, I guess if ccaa didn’t like my non-regulation passport pictures, I would have already heard about it?? Mine were professionally taken, just not regulation passport pix. Oh, there are just so many different things that can go wrong, and the closer we get, the more worried we get. I wish I could go to sleep for 6 weeks, and wake up at next referral-batch-time. LOL
Hanging by that red thread…have a calm weekend all you next-uppers!!
Snick
lid Oct 31/05
January 26th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Hello. This is my first time posting. My LID is 10/13/05, and a rep from my adoption agency just confirmed that I am on the cusp & they can’t predict.
The comment about the passport photos makes me very nervous, although the only good news (if you can call it that!) is that only a few have mentioned it, so hopefully this is a rare situation & isn’t an indication of what’s to come. Yikes!!! Judy, I’m sorry that happened to you.
Sign me off as:
Waiting anxiously just like many of you!!!
January 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Our passport phots were like ten years old if I remember correctly. RQ said that is what they use to match I think? So I am looking 10 years younger for the match! Talked to my agency today and they gave NO indication that they even knew referrals “might” be coming soon. And I asked. Granted my coordinator was out today but I spoke with someone else who is usually in the know.
Kim
10-08-05
January 26th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Does anyone in this batch of referrals think CNY will delay our getting TA and CA? I am thinking w/ CCAA closed for a week, that may put them behind. If we get referrals next week and immediately apply for TA then w/ CCAA closed our requests could just be sitting there waiting for them to get back, delaying travel. PLEASE, any thoughts????
Meg
LID 9/29
January 26th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Waiting for China Doll, welcome, can you please tell us when your lid is?
And your link to your website isn’t working
http://chinaadoptwalk.com I find your choice of website name interesting.
Thanks!
January 26th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Sorry Waitingfor…I just noticed your lid. Must get new glasses!
January 26th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Darn it about the quietness! I was hoping to hear some good news about referrals today. Hopefully next week!
Wendy
LID 12/27/05
http://adoptionandfire.typepad.com
January 26th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
It is a sad thing when you are on the west coast,still at work, and realize that the week is done just about everywhere else. Just compiled the list of things to do to get ready for our baby. Not too bad, mostly dealing with sorting and stowing of goods belonging to my older daughter to make some room!
I wish you all a nice, restful weekend. The calm before the storm??
PJM
In California, and pretty much alone on RQ for a change, or so it seems.
LID 10/26
January 26th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Hello All, I have to agree with dummerndirt, that last month right before referrals I was a nervous wreck. I totally had my hopes up and then…what a let down… so this month has been bliss… just knowing we are in FOR SURE. I can empathize
with all of you Oct. people who are on the borderline… it can be a really…… scary place to be. I am excited to say that we just received our updated I71 in record time. That is a huge relief. I know that we will need some cyber slumber parties next week for sure!
Kelly
LID 9/29/05
January 26th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
This will be the first time I have particpated in a cyber slumber party, but with a 9/29/05 LID I certainly will. Getting very excited. I must admit that it really is nice knowing that we are next. Being on the bubble is like being on a rollercoaster. You just don’t know and that’s really hard. Keeping my fingers crossed for the October LIDs.
Joan
http://www.chinamomsonline.com
January 26th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Yes, as one of those on the border people (10-17-05) for this month, I can relate. This month has been stressful as some agencies (like mine) are saying they are expecting our referral in this batch and others with the same LID are saying they are not receiving their referrals. Being on the edge is a tough place to be but I take comfort in many of your comments about the next month being easy. If we do not make it in this batch then next month will be great knowing we are for sure in. It will also be nice to make a bunch of lists of “to do’s” before referral. I did a little bit of that this month but held back knowing we may or may not get our referral, so if skipped, next month should be nice.
Still holding our hope for this referral batch!!!
Christy
10-17-05
http://www.bock.redthreadkids.org
January 26th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I’m so disappointed in the quietness today ;-) I just knew we’d hear something. I’m praying for all the Octoberites, especially those in the middle. We still don’t have a commitment from our agency whether we’re in or out, just a reminder of CCAA’s new policy of not sharing information. So we’re just believing we’re in! And I got a lot of my “to do” list done this week just in case.
CJ
LID 10/10
http://www.bringhomebabyk.chinastork.com
January 26th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
I am so excited we are going to see little babies soon!!!!
Hang in there guys…hoping you get that referral early next week!!!
~Linda
January 26th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
this is going to be a long wknd for sure. we are so ready to see our daughter’s face that the week wait ahead is almost unimaginable. after 16 long (very long!) months of waiting it’s almost surreal to know we are in this place! but so refreshing… kinda like coming to the close of a long race! we can say “WE DID IT!” with big smiles on our faces!
so looking forward to next week though… maybe Monday will have some anticipation for us… some good news or something.
January 26th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
seeyouindepo, (and all the other “octoberites”) we’re pulling for you!! I was so hoping to hear that referrals had been sent before the weekend. May next week be the week that you see your sweet babies’ faces.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
I do feel a little calmer now then last month—I was very upset that we missed the cut by 2 days. I think I hit bottom then but this time around it is not as big and stressful with an IF but more gnawing with WHEN.
Speaking of which—will we know IF referrals were mailed today/Friday? Does CCAA work tomorrow/Saturday?
Will TATER be our only clue that they are coming?
Come on give me somethin’ guys!!
January 26th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
I know…I am going nuts here! I keep thinking in my mind that they were mailed today. It seems like the last couple of months, no one has had a clue when they were sent. Remember the month before last, boom, the referrals were here? No warning/rumors beforehand.
LID 9/29/05 Going nuts!
January 26th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
I’m going with what Karenmb just posted. :) That works for me!
Heather
9/29
January 27th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Hello everyone!
Christy, I hear ya! We have a LID of 10/18/2005, so I can appreciate what you are going through at the moment. My agency did not give me any hope that we would be included in this batch, so we are very excited for the next batch. Like you said, knowing you will be in the next batch is very comforting and takes a lot of the “not knowing” out of the equation. There is so much to do, as you know, so lets have a fun month getting ready for our call! :)
3+
January 27th, 2007 at 1:39 am
Has anyone heard if the review room information will be updating soon?
Thx.
January 27th, 2007 at 7:05 am
mclark,
I am worried about the same thing. If we get our referrals next week, will the TA be delayed due to CNY. Depending on when agencies send back acceptances, they may just be sitting on someone’s desk until they return from their break. : (
Another big worry…the April trade fair (Apr 15-20, 25-30)…will our agency get us in an out before it…otherwise, we may be looking at MAY….
I tend to think WAY too far ahead but this is what has been on my mind. Don’t want to worry anyone just wondering what others think.
I believe once we see our babies, our main mission in life will be getting them home ASAP and since nothing has been fast about this process I am a little worried.
C’mon referrals!!!!
January 27th, 2007 at 8:13 am
mclark,
Our agency does try to get families out before the trade fair or send them during it so that the Guangzhou portion of the trip falls after the trade fair…. Another incentive to get Acceptence Letters back quickly during this busy time in China. Good Luck!
January 27th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
HI everyone, Can anybody tell me the website to calculate our BMI?
January 27th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
firstbaby. I don’t know where the website is, but I can tell you how to calculate it.
First convert your weight in pounds to kilograms. You do this by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2. Then convert your height from inches into centrimeters. You do this by multiplying the number of inches in your height by 2.54. After this divide by 100 so your height is in meters.
The last step is to take your weight and divide it by your the square of your height in meters.
For a person with a body weight of 150 pounds and a height of 5 ft 5 this means your weighht in kg is 68.2 kg, and your height is 165.1 cm or 1.65 meters. So your BMI =68.2/(1.65×1.65)=25.1
Hope this makes sense.
January 27th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Oh my…CNY and a trade show? So there is a small window of good travel time in March and early APril— is that right? I now know my agency is a little slow getting their acceptnaces back to China (slower than others) so I would hate to have to wait until May:( Oh..so many issues.
Kim
10-08-05
http://www.3peanuts.blogspot.com
January 27th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
firstbaby
Here’s a weblink for BMI:
https://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/tl/cl/bmi/bmi.jsp
January 27th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
firstbaby,
The CDC has a BMI calculator at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/adult_BMI/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.htm
January 27th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
google bmi and many websites offer a calculator.
This is such a quiet weekend. ICK! I like a little more excitement. Does anyone else worry about N.Korea affecting China? GRRR.
Airline choices??? Travel sites??? our small agency does not make travel plans we could use some help or ideas. I guess the big deal would be does the travel group meet up in one city and go or do you meet in Beijing??
LID 11/9/05
January 27th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
where is everyone? Is there no info at all yet on referrals? OMG. I can’t take it. why does each time around this month seem to go backwards instead of forwards!
I would love to see what the opinions about N Korea are. It makes me scared. We have had so many obstacles come up within this process. World problems are very nerve wracking. I try not to listen because I don’t want to let it get to me. But, what are everyone elses thoughts? Should we be concerned about this?
January 27th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
hello- this is a test.
January 27th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
babygrl,
I really don’t think we’re looking at May, much less April. My thought is if your group gets their acceptances back right away and we get our referrals late next week, say Feb 2, then they send them back by Feb 5 or 6. Then we wait….CCAA is open another 2 weeks in Feb (taking out closed days from Feb. 19-24 or so. (Not sure what days they are closed, think I saw it somewhere, but not sure). Anyhow, we are then into March. IF we take another 2-3 wks. in March, then we are in China the week of the 19th or the 26th. I am trying to not be optimistic or pesimistic, but realistic. However, I definately think that we will travel later b/c of the week closing for CNY. Really don’t think the trade fair will be an issue tho’. Just my 2 cents:)
Meg
9/29
January 27th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
this is test to see if it will pst
January 27th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Sarahjane, I know that Northwest has a adoption desk with some discounted
rates. United, China Southern, and Cathaypacfic go to China. It will probably
depend on what province your child is from. I see you are in November too.
Have a great weekend.
Lid 11/18/05
http://www.ost.redthreadkids.org
January 27th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I flew Northwest last time and mostly will again this time. I really liked the flexabilty of the Adoption ticket because you can make any change with no penalty. My dad had to cancel his ticket one day before departure and got 100% refund.
Lisa
January 27th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I waited 5 minutes and my first post didn’t post so if it does, sorry.
I flew Northwest the first time we adopted and most likely will this time too. I like the flexablility of the the adoption ticket because you can make a change with no penalty. My dad had to cancel is ticket one day before departure and got 100% refund $.
Lisa
January 27th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
How sad is this that I’m sitting at the computer on Saturday evening, as if we’re going to know anything more?!? Next weekend will be different, I hope ;-)
CJ
LID 10/10
http://www.bringhomebabyk.chinastork.com
January 27th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
CJ,
I am right here also. My husband is at a basketball game. My oldest son is at the movies. I get to pick him at midnight! My younger son has a friend over to spend the night. So., the dog and I are sitting here on the couch, wishing for some good news. I am with you about next weekend. I plan to celebrate big time when we get the referral. Too much has gone into this not to!
Kelly
9/29/05
January 27th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Hi
I’m here too. Still hoping for good news I think!!!
January 27th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Ditto, I’m here as well… i was hoping to hit refresh and there be an announcement… ho hum… i’ve cleaned the bathroom so well you could probably eat off of the floor… i’m trying to make the most of my time… someone told me last night that once the referral is in your hand you automatically go into this crazy mindset of doing everything you can to get ready totally ignoring the every day things like cooking, cleaning, etc., soooooo, i guess i was nesting today! hey, the house is clean! :-)
LID 9/29er
January 27th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
jmlance you can come clean my house ;) I am totally avoiding doing it. I have been knitting like a freak but haven’t even begun to think about cleaning. (We have a very lived in house anyway) I think I’ll hit the nesting thing once I have everything bought and the luggage packed and STILL have 3-4 weeks to wait for our TA ;)
I think tomorrow is going to be dead silent at this rate. I hope Monday brings lots of SCREAMING!!
granolagirl
*NEXT* and watching hockey and knitting to avoid insanity
January 28th, 2007 at 9:25 am
I keep trying to find the list of questions to ask for the referral call. I know people were just talking about it. Can anyone help?
M5
10/13 and hoping I’ll need it!
January 28th, 2007 at 9:28 am
I’ll tell you what is sad….I’m not LID until April and I’m hanging on to every word!!! Can’t image what it will be like when I’m close to referral!!!!
Come on rumors!!!
January 28th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Tomorrow I want to hear that they have been sent…. then learn some great news later in the week!
Come on CCAA drop the packages in the mail tonight!
Sue
10/10/05
January 28th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
To everyone about to get amazing, wonderful, news..I am so happy for you.
From someone just beginning the roller coaster ride..DTC Jan. 19, 2007 aka TripleH
January 28th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Hopefully our rollercoaster ride will end this week!!! I’m ready for a cyber slumber party!!!
Joan
http://www.chinamomsonline.com
January 28th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I am surprisingly calm; DH and I assembled the high chair and stroller this weekend, worked on taxes, and started a spreadsheet for the packing list. I was a wreck before referrals last month; wanting to see how far they would get, even though I knew they would not get to us. Maybe it is because after waiting two years, I am just in a state of disbelief that it is finally our time to be parents…
LID 10/11/05 and smiling!
January 28th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
M5th –
Look at http://www.geocities.com/june2000dtc/questions.html for a begining list of referral questions.
K.
January 28th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
PEARLS>>>
This is off topic, but we are considering purchasing some pearls while in China. We wanted to find out a bit aobut what to look for in a pearl to find good quality. I went into a jeweler and they recommended I check out the Mikimoto website which I just did in order to learn about pearls and what to look for as far as quality. So, as there has been a bit of talk at some point about pearl purchasing I thought I would direct everyone to http://www.mikimotoamerica.com to see if you can find any help there. Enjoy, it’s interesting.
Meg
9/29 and ready to shop!
January 28th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Here is hoping that the CCAA changes its website tonight….
I really hope they make it past the 12th…….
Good luck to everyone. I am all for OOB, then NOB!!!
January 28th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I’m with you babystepstochina. We are only on our 2nd month. We know there is a long wait ahead but I want to keep up to date as much as possible and I love to hear what everyone has to say about it.
January 28th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
RQ,
I am looking for some help.
We have our dossier ready to post but the Adoption Board we are with is interpreting that ALL dossiers in China on May 1st will come under the new rules. They have contacted ccaa in regard to this.
I did read here that someone( In Holland?) had this confirmed and I know everyone except our Adoption Board is correct but I need the exact wording of the answer to the query, would anyone have it? Many thanks. I do have the original wording, it is the answer to the specific query regarding LID I need
January 28th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
What a long weekend it has been. Since it is 6am in China let’s hope we get some news soon. I know it is not probable… but it is possible.Meg, thanks for that link. Beautiful pearls and lots of interesting info. I have to work tommorow and Teusday, so that will help keep me busy. I also have a good friend bringing home her baby from Guatemala on Thursday. It is so funny, she started almost a yr after us and is coming home before we even get a referral. Oh well, I am thrilled for her and happy that our adoption got her thinking about starting hers.
At the most we have one more week… we can do it… one… more….. weeeeeeeeeeek!
Kelly
9/29
January 29th, 2007 at 7:32 am
I just found out that our agency got TA’s for this last batch of referrals and they are traveling this week!! 3 weeks from referral to travel! talk about fast! Bring on those new referrals this week!!!!!!!!!
Jodi
LID 10-19-05
February 5th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Congratulations to all…I get so excited to see these beautiful children and their parents and their journeys. It makes me feel like it’s getting closer. I try not to “stalk” the computer but it’s my therapy…This is my first post but I have been monitoring RQ forever…What a great group of women to be “associated” with. Hugs & Kisses to all and thanks again for sharing your lives with us wallflowers…
February 5th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Ooops…My LID is 07/31/06… See told ya’ll I was a first timer…:)