WOW!!! What a week!

On Monday we received photos and video, on Tuesday we received updated measurements and this morning we received our CIVIL RULING!!!!

I am jumping up and down with excitement (not literally) that we are one step closer to meeting our boy!!

What does this mean? The civil ruling indicates that the judge intends to rule in favor of the adoption. This notice gets sent to all the parties (including the birth family) and they have 10 days to object. Assuming no one objects (which they should not since they already told the judge they favor this) the judge will issue the final ruling (when he has time).

How long does this take? We were told 6 to 8 weeks from our agency but this is totally an estimate and it could be slower or faster. Historically, it has been closer to 30 days. After we receive the final ruling, our agency will confirm our AIT (American Institute Taiwan- like the embassy) appointment date (to get his Visa). Typically families travel 2-3 weeks after receiving the final ruling. So, if we receive our final in 4 to 8 weeks, we would travel between late July and late August. WOW!!

Are we ready? Yes, Yes, Yes! We have some miscellaneous things to do, a few things to borrow and shop for but we are in good shape overall- I could be ready Saturday if needed.

Measurements- He is still a small fry but getting bigger. Based on his weight (15.4 lbs) and length (24 inches) as of the last week of May, he is still in 3-6 month clothes but should be getting closer to wearing 6-9 month clothes when we travel. Luckily, I have some of both and should be all set for what is left of the summer.

And- One of my bloggette friends received her final ruling today also and is getting ready to travel!!! Congrats J & J!

As cool as this all is, I am sad my other waiting friends did not also get court news today (that I know of). We have this wonderful group of families we correspond with some of which have completed the adoption process, some are in the middle like us and some are waiting for referrals. We are there to support each other because we get how hard the wait is and encourage each other that it will be totally worth it. When anyone in the group has news I feel like it's my own news. Especially the referrals!! That is always an amazing day on the board! I am thinking of you all and know good things are coming with the courts and more referrals.