In case you wonder...

In case you wonder why I'm all discombobulated lately... here's a diagram I found of the adoption process.  It's no wonder that I don't know if I'm coming or going! :-) Ha!

And for those of you that are curious... you have to learn a whole other language to survive the process.  No... not mandarin... that would make sense... it's a slew of acronyms.  Here's a quick run down, in order of the adoption process.

1. HS        Home Study
2. Dossier   Collection of important documents
3. LOI       Letter of Intent
4. PA         Pre-Approval
5. I-800A   Application to USCIS to adopt a child from China
6. I-797     Notice Of Action  I-800A approval
7. DTA       Dossier To Agency
8. DTC       Dossier to China
9. LID         Logged In Date
10. OOT       Out Of Translation - dossier has been translated into Chinese and is "in progress"
11. Reviewed - with the new database that the CCCWA installed in 2013, there are some new steps that we can track now.  Reviewed shows when your dossier has been, well, reviewed by the staff!
12. Match Reviewed or Soft LOA - this is when your dossier and the child's specific file are given their final review and the LOA is issued.  It shows in the computer system as issued before it actually arrives in its paper form at the agency.
13. LOA       Letter Of Acceptance also called LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation)
14. I-800       Application to adopt a specific child from China
15. A 5 or Article  5 Final approval from the United States for the adoption to take place
16. TA         Travel Approval
17. Gotcha Day  A day like no other
18. CA          US Consulate Appointment in China

We are wayyyyyyy at the top of this list  and working hard! It'll happen.... 

With Love and Excitement!

Jenn