Newman Family Adoption Timeline

August 1, 2004:
Adoptions from the Heart International Adoption Informational meeting at the library in Point Pleasant

January 12, 2005:
Application sent to Adoptions from the Heart, Hazlet, NJ

January 28, 2005:
First meeting with our social worker Karen at AFTH, Hazlet

February 2, 2005:
Second meeting with Karen

February 28, 2005:
Home Study group class about international adoption

February 30, 2005:
International adoption educational meeting

May 10, 2005:
Home visit by Karen for Home Study

June 3, 2005:
I-600A sent to USCIS with completed Home Study

June 25, 2005:
Fingerprints at USCIS in Philadelphia

August 4, 2005:
I-600A Approved

August 17, 2005:
Meet Karen at AFTH for final paperwork review before sending for State approval.

September 10, 2005:
Dossier sent to Gracewood

October 5, 2005:
Dossier recieved by CCAA

August 2006:
Fingerprints redone at USCIS in Philadelphia

November 3, 2006:
Completed paperwork for Homestudy Update sent to AFTH, Hazlet, NJ

December 2006:
Homestudy update completed and new I 171 approval received from USCIS

March 6, 2007:
Referral for Lola received at 11:30 am!!!!!!!!!

March 17, 2007:
Travel meeting at AFTH in Wynnewood, Pa.

Baby Shower

This was the best Memorial Day weekend ever! On Sunday May 28th, my Mom and Regi (mother in law) hosted a baby shower for Matt, Lola and me! It was held at Basil T's in Toms River and it was wonderful. The favors were great, consisting of a small Chinese silk coin purse and a traditional red Chinese envelope (the kind used to give money, especially at Chinese New Year) with a crisp new one dollar bill and a sweet description of the tradition of the red envelope. Aunt Lily came up with the idea and helped out tremendously with those wonderful favors. So many people attended! The gifts were all so beautiful and thoughtful...the number of gifts was overwhelming. We especially treasure the hand made items like Aunt Karen's Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and Aunt Jennifer's precious La-La-La-Lola sweater and blankie. Leigh was a huge help with unwrapping gifts and making sure my wine glass remained full. I am thrilled that Lola will be surrounded by so many loving people in her life.