Suddenly I’m a mess.
I can’t really think straight.
And it’s only going to get worse.
And better.
Our Article 5 is HERE!
Okay, not really here. It’s in China. Probably resting comfortably on someone’s desk at the CCAA right now.
For those of you, like my mom, who don’t know what the heck an Article 5 is, let me explain…
Once you get your LOA, your acceptance is sent off to USCIS who then issues a Provisional Approval. Then that’s forwarded to the National Visa Center, who then cables it to Guangzhou. Where it gets put into a stack at the US Consulate to wait it’s turn to get an official signature. Then it is handed off to the agency’s in-China rep who then forwards it to the CCAA.
That’s an Article 5. I think.
And that is why we’re celebrating today. Our little approval has come a long long way, baby.
Now we wait for TA, which will, God-willing, arrive in 2-4 weeks.
I’m hoping for 2.
Carolin says
WOOOHOOOO!!!! How exciting!!!! We received our TA (that's what it was called back then anyway) about this time of year last year. Wonderful, wonderful time o' the year for such good news!
Desiree' says
Hopefully you will here something soon!! Maybe a Christmas gift before the agencies close for the holidays!!
Kim says
I cannot think of greater Christmas news!
Jill says
How AWESOME Stefanie!
Emy says
Hoping for two too!
Our Family says
So excited for you!!! Ours was signed on 11/30, so maybe we'll travel at the same time!
Yoli says
Congratulations! That is what we are waiting on. Did you get confirmation via mail that you got your article 5?
Patricia/NYC says
YAY!!!!!!!
5 is a FABULOUS number…but 2 would be even MORE TERRIFIC!!! ๐
Still prayin' here, sista-friend, for that awesome Christmas present!!
HUGS!!
Chris says
Yeah!!!! I am so happy for you!!!
I am praying for a quick TA…for both of us!!! (wink, wink!)
Cynthia says
Yeah!! Praise the Lord!!
Kim says
Praising God for you and your family. My daughter and I have been praying for Vivienne. Wonderful!
Lori says
Woot Woot! That is fantastic news! I'll be praying that your TA comes super duper fast!
adoptionroad says
Wow! So much has changed with the new Hague rules. At least the numbers are getting smaller… and hopefully your wait will as well!
Karin says
WOOOHOOOO!!!!! How exciting! (and thank you for the lesson on what an Article 5 is–we were a pre-Hague family, so that is new to me)
Snoopy dance o'joy for you all!!
Holly says
Wow! Merry Christmas. Why wasn't THIS on the adult list of gifts girl?
We ummm didn't have to deal with all this extra stuff when we adopted Josiah so I guess I have much to learn this go round.
yay.
But it's all worth it….but oh the wait and the wait and the wait and the papers and all the little shiny happy people (okay not so shiny and maybe not so happy) that have to handle precious paperwork!!
2 weeks would be GRAND!!!!
connie says
CONGRATULATIONS! One step closer, and we're praying with you for 2 rather than 4. What an amazing Christmas gift!
Cindy says
Yippee Stefanie!
That is wonderful news to hear, what a Christmas gift! Hope it gets signed fast.
You will have a very Happy New Year!
Kim says
So happy for all of you! It's looking to be a very Merry Christmas! C'mon two weeks!
Heather says
Yay! That is great news! Can't wait to see that cute girl in her mama's arms!
Love Letters To China says
What wonderful news… that's the best Christmas gift anyone could possibly ask for!
sweet momma luv u says
So very happy for you Stefanie!! I have been wondering what an Article 5 is!! Know I now and will wait to hear where ours is!!
Hugs,
Jody
Courtney says
CONGRATS! Can I ask how long you waited for your Article 5? We are still waiting on ours!
Kris says
i'm voting for 2 too!!! hurry up TA and congrats on this milestone!
richmomma says
Congratulations! As one of the first Hague families (meaning we were…what an honor), that's HUGE! ๐
Tracey says
How exciting! Our TA arrived in exactly 2wks! What a wonderful Christmas gift!
The Ferrill's says
Oh Stefanie that is WONDERFUL news!
Did you ever think that one day we'd be praying for something called an "article 5"? My goodness at the changes in the process!
We just got our LOA last week, so there will be more prayers going for all those things between LOA and TA! Thanks for that GREAT explanation of the TA process. I might copy it onto my blog…
Staci says
yay!! so happy for you ๐
Michelle says
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! We received our PA on 12/23 last year. It was such a great Christmas present. Here's to hoping you get your TA at the same time!!!
Stefanie says
Thanks so much, guys!
We are PUMPED!!!
To answer your question, Courtney, our I800 was approved on 11/9/09
cabled from NVC on 11/19/09
and our Article 5 was received on 12/4/09… we just didn't hear about it until today ๐
Hope this is helpful!
living4him5 says
Congratulations!!!!
Hugs,
Amy
Wanda says
Wow….you're so close now. What a perfect Christmas present!
The Gang's Momma! says
WAHOOOO! YIPPEE! Yay for Article 5.
Just curious, is that part of the new Hague process? I'd not heard of it till recently . . .
Can't wait to see her in your arms and in your home with all the other little happy faces ๐
Yay!
Jean says
Yippee! I'm hoping it comes in 2 weeks or sooner!
When you're in Guilin IF you happen to see 2 girls roaming around- they're mine! Tell them their Momma is coming soon and then snap a pic of them if you can!! ๐
I can hardly wait to follow your trip to China for sweet Vivi!
3 Peanuts says
That is FABULOUS news and even though I have adopted…I had no clue what an article 5 was. Hoping for a quick TA.
Stacy says
Stefanie we are so E!X!C!I!T!E!D! for you!!! Sit back and enjoy your hot cocoa tonight! I spoke with NVC today and our papers should be cabled anyday now and to call back on Monday!!!! Praising the Father for all of the babies coming home soon!
Don and Lisa Osborn says
Such wonderful news for you and your family, Stefanie!
Congratulations on being one step closer.
xoxo~
Lisa
Chelley says
thanks for explain!!
AND YAhooooeeeee!!!!!
Annie says
WHOO HOO!!!! Soooo happy for you, Stephanie!!
trina says
You are getting soooooo close!! The new immigration procedure has to be the most frustrating part of the process now. Bless your heart. You *appear* to be doing well…considering. ๐ Not much longer!!!
Lindsey's mom says
Great!! We found out that our TA is on a plane and WACAP should have it Monday!! I am so happy for you!!!!
Gavin's Family says
OH HAPPY DAY!!!
We will be praying for you all.
DiJo says
FANTASTIC NEWS!! And, Merry Christmas to you!
And, thanks for explaining. Because I am still lost on what this new process is…
Can I have a "5" for Christmas too please!
Hugs,
Diana
Football & Fried Rice says
Praise God!!!!! The best present EVER!