Grendel’s Kitchen

We are officially DTC — Dossier To China — which means that the count-down begins now: referrals are currently coming in 6 months from DTC date, and travel can occur about 6 weeks after that point. We think this means that we’ll see a photo or two of our baby (or babies) in early February and travel to China for two weeks in late March. It also means that our little one was likely born in July! If these next 6 months go by as quickly as the previous 6, welll… I’ve got to start preparing NOW!
But first, I need to agonize: We’ve been approved as morally, financially, psychologically fit parents-to-be and well-organized paperwork preparers by our families and friends, (!), our local police chief, our (wonderful) adoption agency — WHFC, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the US government, US Immigration, US Homeland Security, and the Chinese Consulate. But now, it’s in the hands of the CCAA, who may find something wrong — did we use John’s full name consistently on all documents, did I include a too-old birth certificate? Will our home study or statement of commitment translations portray us as ugly Americans who won’t respect the culture of our Chinese baby? Did I — fatally — use “China” instead of “People’s Republic of China” in any document? Will our photos really inspire the office workers in the CCAA to select that perfect match? John wanted us to pose with one finger in front of our mouths in the universal language of “quiet” to ensure us a zen-like calm baby. Why did I object?!! Why didn’t I replace my image with Angelina Jolie???