Finally An Update

What a summer it has been! I have been swimming lots with swim team, doing a few traithlons, running the 800m/400m at a state qualifier, and playing with friends all summer. We have traveled to Mexico, Denver, Iowa, Wisconin, and St. Louis as well as a few quick trips in between. As we have traveled, it is fun to think of another kid playing and going with us-- it will keep me less bored. :)

As for the adoption, the summer paper waiting is over for this step. We just got great news last week that our Dossier has been sent to Bulgaria! WOW, I know I have heard mom say that she is finally excited to be at the bottom of the pile-- hope that means we don't stay at the bottom for a long time. I wish I knew how many people were in front of us. Guess it is time to get out my books and read more about Bulgaria. I will blog about what I find. I do know more about Bulgarian dance from watching Phineas and Ferb. Gotta tell you I was so excited and surprised to hear Bulgaria as I was watching my favorite show.

The next step is to hear from the MOJ that we are officially at the bottom of the pile, so I will have more Bulgaria updates when that happens next week.

Blog you later...

The Homestudy is Done

The homestudy is done and we are know working to complete the I800A and Dossier paperwork. My mom and I have been following several other family blogs and cant believe they are in Bulgaria right now with thier children- how exciting. We have been telling many of our friends about the process and enjoy sharing more about adoption and Bulgaria.

As we were looking at other blogs, we found the Santor family fundraiser cool shirts with Bulgarian words for Faith, Hope, Love. Check out thier site if you want to see more http://adoptionbug.com/littlebrother/ We just ordered several for Mothers and Fathers day (and one for me too- the language looks so different and very cool.)

We also found and ordered a CD on Bulgarian phrases for adoptive families. Check this out:

Murphy e tvoia brat---means "Murphy is your brother"

imash li nuzda ot toaletna? --- means "Do you have to go to the bathroom"

otivame v novia ti dom ---menas "We are going to your new home"

There is much more at http://www.phrasesforchildren.com/bg_main_new.html

Blog you later...

Homestudy Visit

Today we had the last part of our home study in our house. It was not bad at all. I enjoyed reading the books that she brought for me. She asked me a few easy questions about my personality, what I like to do, and how I feel about the adoption. I showed her around the house- she liked our large bathroom and the bookshelves in my room! She was surprised that I had my own bathroom. And, she liked my blog writing!

We will not see her again until after my brother or sister comes home. Wish it was not so far away. Now mom and dad have to finish a few things for her to complete the homestudy, then they have to get an I800 thing finished, and then the dossier. WOW- cant all the paperwork be done already!

Cant forget my Bulgaria facts.....Since my last post, I learned they have to pay to use the public bathrooms and it takes about 11 hours to fly there.

Blog you later...

Checking in

Just checking in on my blog- I have been visiting my aunt and uncle for a week and had a great time. We got to talk about the adoption a little- I had to show my aunt where Bulgaria was on her globe!

While I was gone, mom and dad met with the homestudy lady. They talked talked alot about
"attachement" with a child in a orphange. I think I will have to catch up from my mom and dad. The homestudy lady is planning to visit our house next week to meet me- I am kind of excited and a little nervous. Right now just sounds like a whole bunch of paperwork for mom and dad.

Oh my Nana got me a travelers guide to Bulgaria. The pictures look very beautiful. As soon as I start reading it with my mom, I will share what I learn.

Since last blog, I have learned that there are five areas in Bulgaria.

Blog You Later

Getting Started

Hi! I am an 8 year old and my family is going to be adopting a child from Bulgaria. I am starting this blog (with my mom's help) so I can talk about adoption from a Soon-To-Be Big Brothers view and share what it is like. I am also researching Bulgaria at school and want to share what I learn. I hope this blog will help me share somethings I am going through, so you can learn if your family is adopting too.

Right now we have found an adoption agency and my parents have filed out a lot of paperwork with questions I have helped them answered. We are getting ready to talk with the home study lady and I am kind of excited and kind of nervous. I am nervous because I am not sure of the questions she will ask but I know it will be ok. I wonder what she will say about our dogs and our house. I will let you know when we are done with the home study in a few weeks.

At school, I have learned that Bulgaria has a beach and its capital city is Sophia. I have found Bulgaria on my map- it is half way across the world from my house. I hope my new brother or sister likes it here-- I can't wait for he or she to get here, but I know it is going to take a long time!

Blog You Later....