tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39373676521679240542024-03-13T12:00:27.211-07:00ON A MISSION TO BE PARENTS…Mark and I have FINALLY been allocated a SON from the Philippines, our journey to meet him continues…Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-78289447841324747352011-03-01T14:08:00.000-08:002011-03-01T15:59:50.909-08:00and the Wait continues . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ihDMERfM0Y/TW2G7vaOcTI/AAAAAAAAABs/omRy0YYUvd0/s1600/Birnny%2Bon%2Bswing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ihDMERfM0Y/TW2G7vaOcTI/AAAAAAAAABs/omRy0YYUvd0/s400/Birnny%2Bon%2Bswing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579263874278781234" /></a><br />The life changing call was certainly that, well in theory anyway at this stage! After 29months 2 weeks waiting, we are finally parents! We are buzzing with excitement that we have a son and spent the first few days in a state of constant euphoria. There are so many people in our lives, across the world as well as within Australia, whom have been with us all the way on this epic journey. <br />The few days after the call were spent compiling a mass of paperwork and documents to apply for Birnny's immigration. Then we hung the expense and flew to Sydney on Friday 18th Feb to lodge all the documents. The evening before and the morning of was spent checking and double-checking to make sure we had all the i's dotted and the T's crossed. I was still convinced we had forgotten something. The schedule was thrown out before we even left Coffs Airport! Mascot had single runway only and we were an hour delayed leaving Coffs, then the flight literally zig-zagged to Sydney, we headed west, then east, then west again, it was a giddy flight and not a wonderful start to what was already a very time pushed day. So once we landed we hit the ground running! On a very expensive train trip to Central and a hunt around the streets for Immigration Office, with assistance from some French Backpackers (with limited English) and the YHA we stumbled across the building and waited in a long queue, only to get to our counter and be told we needed to go upstairs! With adrenalin pumping we didn't have to wait too long to see a clerk who was very happy and helpful and spoke good English (bonus). With payment made and Birnny's info logged into system we took the official paperwork and headed back to Central. Next stop Ashfield and DoCS (Community Services NSW Department of Human Services it's now called). After a long all stops train, we eventually hit the pavement again and cannot find any locals with knowledge of Cavill Street so we go with instinct – bingo!! we find it. Hand-over official paperwork and more money and leg it back to the train station and work our way back to the Airport. We are hot and hungry and searching for the DHL building which on google maps looked much closer to the departure lounge! As we seal the envelope and pray that it arrives safely in Manila, we are told it will be there on Monday morning. At this point I start to cry as we are heading back to our flight, I'm overwhelmed as Mark says "he's on his way now"... <br />We have major delays getting through the checkpoints and make it to the gate as they are calling our names for the 3rd and final time, phew we make it on board and cannot believe we did it!<br />Now though the reality of further waiting is torture! Knowing that Birnny is there waiting for us, we are here ready for him to be part of our lives, and the massive amount of paperwork and visas etc which still have to be processed is such a downer.<br />We have many wonderful connections through our adoption groups, and have chatted to families with children from the same orphanage. Knowing that he is so well looked after and cared for makes the wait a little less stressful, but no faster! We have started purchasing things for our little man, and begun setting his room up also. So much to plan and organise and think about, I am spinning in circles some days. <br />As at today 2 March we know that our paperwork has been locked in and it's up to the authorities in Manila to get through it and get Birnny a visa and a passport and a medical and then finally give us notice to travel. We are praying for MAY, but DoCS like to paint a fairly negative picture and have said it may take 4-6 months!!!!!! MAN I cannot believe that!<br />So meanwhile we have a few celebrations planned and lots of preparations to continue with. Please continue to pray and sent good vibes that our journey will be swift!! x x xMark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-44837109288703782011-02-09T11:27:00.000-08:002011-02-09T11:31:19.911-08:00WE GOT THE CALL!WEDNESDAY 9th February 2011, at 5.11pm, my mobile phone rings and after several very weird questions I am informed that we have been allocated a little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Birnny, is 2 years old and living in Aloha House Orphange in Palawan in the Philippines, he apparently is gorgeous and loves cuddles and kisses and is a good listener! OMGOSH!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Mark and I are over the moon and we await the paperwork to arrive from Sydney before we can see his darling face. <br /><br />Stay tuned.<br /><br />Thanks for all your prayers and love on our long journey, <br /><br />much love always xxxxxxxxMark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-91320573463248047262010-12-02T15:43:00.000-08:002010-12-02T15:58:12.799-08:00TWENTY SEVEN MONTHS and still nothing…It's December 2010 and whopping 27 months into our wait and still no news. I have contacted DoCS who tell me…<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"There's no update news to give you really. We are still awaiting an allocation in the 0-2 age range. We've not had one in this age range since March. We know waiting times are extending due to the decreasing number of children being referred to ICAB requiring overseas families. I know this is a difficult time for families waiting to hear news so please do email / call when you need to."</span><br />Mmmm well that's hard to believe when there are 100MILLION orphans worldwide and we really only want 1, well 2 really, but not fussy, just desperate to be a family!<br />So it's 3 weeks til Christmas and we really thought we'd have munchkins around us this year, not looking that way currently. Honestly just to receive the phone call by Christmas would be wonderful. So I need you all to channel a prayer for us! <br />Meanwhile I realise that I have been very slack about updating my Blog, most of you know however that Mark did complete the Coolangatta Gold in November. It was a very tough race but he was so stoked to have finished and has happily ticked it off his Bucket List. Next challenge is parenthood! In between that though we have embarked on our house renovations which is exciting and distracting at the same time. Next year is already shaping up as a good one with news that my relatives are planning to visit Australia again and maybe a permanent move for (brother) Chris and his family, which would be fantastic. Also Mark is taking on an apprentice (my godson, Bryce) so we are looking forward to having him with us and learning from the "master".!!! Hopefully I will be posting another blog very soon, one with big letters stating … IT"S A …!!! Thanks for all your love support and prayers, make sure you add us to your prayer circle please :)Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-2758464245068267172010-09-30T20:31:00.000-07:002010-09-30T22:08:21.494-07:00October Already!!!!I cannot believe that we are already in the 10month of twenty10!! It's October 1, which means 2years 3 weeks since we were approved by ICAB. I still write each milestone in my diary and shake my head that it has taken this long and still no call. We can only hope and pray that we truly are so close. I am aware that ICAB are processing files at the moment in the hope to unite families in time for Christmas, Gosh I hope we are in there!!! One of my wishes since last Christmas is to be celebrating with our children, decorating a tree together and enjoying the energy that Christmas brings. If you are saying prayers, please make one for us, thanks.<br />Mark is just over 4 weeks out from the Coolangatta Gold. His training is going really well, and he is feeling fitter than ever. The work at home renovation idea hasn't gone so well. He commits to others before himself. But that's ok, we will find time. We both keep busy, my Tri season has started, and we have Coco and Lotti to keep us smiling. Lotti is 8months old now, and a delight. She is like a little teddy bear. Coco has warmed to her a little more now, but still remains top dog.<br />Today it is very peaceful and I sat quietly outside and imagined a life with little ones about, what they will look like and how they will sound. And all the new things we will learn and see and do together. Gosh we are so bursting for that to happen. It seems like I have been dreaming about that life for so long now.Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-75715345025222692982010-08-21T19:57:00.000-07:002010-09-30T20:27:55.191-07:00August!!I was just driving home after visiting a friend with 2 children (2.8 year old, and 9 month old girls) and I was thinking gosh that could be my life very soon. I also realised that I had not posted on my blog for, well, exactly 1 month! We feel we are so very close to getting the "call", we are edging closer and closer to the 2 year goalpost (actually it's almost 5 years since our initial EOI. WOW! We believe that out file may be on the table now and that means that it is only a matter of us being suitably matched, ICAB approving the match and informing DoCS, who then call us with the "news". I've heard stories from friends about where they were, or what they were doing at the time, and I imagine and dream about my situation when it happens. I joke too about being in a public toilet or in the queue at Woolworths. One thing is for certain, I will be celebrating. Hang in there and stay tuned it could be very soon... it WILL be very soon!Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-31513967920182712652010-07-22T18:15:00.000-07:002010-07-22T18:47:12.162-07:00Distractions are good but we never stop prayingDistractions are great things, they occupy your mind from thoughts which may at times be all-consuming. I have exercise as one main distraction, Mark does too. So much so that he has committed himself to compete in the Coolangatta Gold in November this year. The only thing that may prevent this happening is if we happen to be in PI on this date. He has made a huge decision, for those of you you who know him well, this may come as a shock, he is having a sebbatical from work for approx 10weeks!! Yay! He has an incredible work ethic and this decision has been really hard for him. He has a few projects here at home which will keep his passion going, but he will ultimately be able to choose his training sessions at more convenient day times and not have to worry about stressful client requests (apart from mine of course!!) He has enlisted a coach to write his program and on 1 August he starts. He is amazed at how this distraction has relieved his mind from the constant thought of "when" we will get the call. I know too that when I am training and or competing I hardly ever think about "it". And it is a relief, although it never fully leaves your conscious, I am always looking up and asking the big fella to hurry up! <br />The Stats:<br />The Coolangatta Gold is a gruelling ironman race consisting of<br />1st Surf Ski Leg 23km<br />2nd Leg Beach Run 0.65km<br />3rd Leg Swim Leg 3.5km<br />4th Leg Beach Run 4km<br />5th Leg Board Leg 5.5km<br />6th Leg Beach Run 10km<br />TOTAL DISTANCE<br />46.65km<br /><br />Mark hopes to complete it in 5 hrs. I will be there cheering him on, and if anyone would like to join me on the sidelines, he'd love your support, he won't be doing it again he tells me!! Yes I said you will be too busy being a Dad!Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-91123228193085186532010-07-04T23:37:00.000-07:002010-07-04T23:40:36.048-07:00News back fom DoCSI received an email back from DoCS today it reads:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I’ve taken a look at your file and our stats here. I note that you were approved by ICAB in September 2008. I can imagine that it has been quite a long time for you both. There’s no updated information specifically that I can shed on the program at the moment. As you are probably aware, the Philippines allocate children based on which family they believe will best meet the child’s needs. This is not necessarily in chronological order of when applicants were approved. Just for your information however, I can inform you that the last two allocations we received, applicants were approved in early 2008 – so they had waited about 2 years.<br /> <br />I trust this information is helpful and we will be in touch when we have further news.<br /></span><br /><br />SO, looks like we are staring down 2+year wait. Hang in there with me please!!!!Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-67771442469024885002010-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:002010-07-04T16:19:08.791-07:00Friends rockFriends rock, yes the friends that are positive and supportive and tell you with wonderful enthusiasm that they feel we are oh so close to being allocated. The same friends who spoke the same words over a year ago. Clearly the time must have flown by if I can remember those exact words!! But they are words I hang onto, they are my Mantra. I have been in contact with DoCS in Sydney to find out why the Filipino program seems to have come to a near stand still. I await their response! Last year there were 14 allocations in total for the PI program, this year from Jan-April there has only been 3, and I think perhaps one (1) from April-June. So although we are half way through the year, there is less that a third of 2009 total. Some feel there will be a flood of allocations in the later part of the year. Others are just praying that there is some movement. I personally just can't believe that it can be so slow! Knowing that there are children there in orphanages, just bursting to belong to a loving family, and our file is stuck in a cabinet awaiting (?) it totally breaks my heart. If only there was a status update of sorts, which kept you in the loop, advised you of something, anything. It appears we are so close and we live on and hope, but to be honest there are days when Mark and I discuss how we feel it will never happen, or we will be pensioners collecting child-care allowance! Then there are good days when we dream about our little one(s) sharing the moment with us. It's hard this waiting, harder than a pregnancy as there is no time cut off! Maybe DoCS may shed some light this week.<br /><br />Waiting time = 22 months + 5 daysMark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-54191665802191079462010-05-28T16:42:00.000-07:002010-05-28T17:50:23.991-07:00May UpdateIf you are desperately waiting for something to happen and it relies totally on a time factor, is it better that you wish time to speed up, only to risk getting older faster? Such is my dilemma due to me notching up another 40-something birthday this month. May totally flew by and although that means we can add another month to our "wait" it also means I have added another year to my age! Such is life and of course it also means that our child or children are also a month older and it's another month we have missed out on them and their lives. Today is the 29th of May and 1 year ago we moved into this house at Boambee. Gosh another flash, whooosh... one year ago we were trudging up and down the highway from Urunga with car loads full of belongings. I remember thinking at the time, this time next year we will definitely be a family, and this new house will be filled with the sounds of children. OK, so not quite. Now I am thinking this time 2011 our house will be filled with the sounds of children. Damn goalposts keep moving! Lucky I am a sporting and competitive person otherwise I might not keep up!<br /><br />I went to Filipino play group this month. A wonderful local groups of families with beautiful children adopted from the Philippines. There are a set of triplets, twins and two other little ones and now there is a little boy from ethiopia who has joined in as his parents are about to lodge their application to adopt from PI. YAY, there is now someone behind us in the queue. It's so lovely to know that our child(ren) will one day be playing with these children. I was glad I went, warmed my heart. Oh and the morning tea was pretty impressive! I think the mummy = play group = yummy treats lifestyle appeals to me!<br /><br />Pray for June and the "call" to come in.<br /><br />Waiting time 20 months 3 weeks + 3 daysMark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-72249950292062620752010-04-27T17:45:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:53:37.422-07:00April update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ri_rnrI3Apo/S9exKgDw9gI/AAAAAAAAABM/15qoeed2wj8/s1600/Lotti_2April2010_1_lr.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ri_rnrI3Apo/S9exKgDw9gI/AAAAAAAAABM/15qoeed2wj8/s400/Lotti_2April2010_1_lr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465031466799920642" /></a><br />The wait continues, as does the frustration. We keep telling ourselves we are "so close" but judging by Mark's guesstimate he believes we have a few months still!!! Gosh well I am praying for the call before my birthday, which is edging closer so watch this space!!<br /><br />I am typing this with the new addition to our family sleeping on my lap. Lotti arrived yesterday after a mega flight journey across 3 states. Poor thing was so shattered when we picked her up, she laid eyes on us, not quite sure who these new faces were. But soon warmed to us and has impressed us with her affection already! Mark's comments last night were " she is the cutest dog I have ever seen". Trust me she totally is. She's a Lagotto Romagnolo, Italian Breed, hair rather than fur, hypo-allergenic, non-smelly, non-shedding, medium size, active dog great with children, loves cuddles, submissive to older dogs (Coco) and happy to run and play! Ticked all the boxes for us, and some! So we are bonding, and I feel like a fur mum again. Ruby was such a special dog for me and nothing will replace the 7.5 years we had together. But having another pup in my life helps me in more ways than one! She has brought a timely distraction to us.... <br /><br />Waiting time 19months 3 weeks…Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-21231529497202315042010-03-25T15:46:00.000-07:002010-03-25T16:08:23.898-07:00Back track!!I found some diary notes from 20th December 2006. Which was the date we were approved by DoCs as suitable to adopt from overseas. My jubilation was evident in the yippee opening paragraph. Gosh if i'd known then that in March 2010 we'd still be waiting to be parents perhaps I may have begun the sentence a little less excited!!<br />In this above mentioned journal I also found some quirky creative writing poem style rhymes i wrote which I should publish into a book for kids one day. I reckon they are pretty good.<br /><br />So the wait continues...<br />This month has been extra tough for me, Sat 13th March my darling little Ruby (7 year old Kelpie) was poisoned and died a very horrendous death. We were home to witness her suffering and in some ways I am glad that I was with her til the end, but in others I am left shattered with the visions of her suffering and pain as she took her last breaths. We buried her in the garden where we will plant a beautiful tree in her honour. She was totally my fur baby and my little buddy, followed me everywhere and kept me smiling when times were tough. I will miss her more than anything, and we pray that some good news will come soon to help ease my sadness. RIP Ruby Doo I will always love you xMark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-49513405429307109302010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:002010-03-09T14:46:20.305-08:0018 month MilestoneToday marks 18 months ICAB approved, a milestone for us in this epic wait to become parents. To be honest, I never thought that we would have to wait this long, so it is a mixed emotions day. On the plus side, between now and end 2010 we almost certainly will become a family. Mark has threatened to move overseas if we are still waiting come Jan 2011, however, I am convinced we will not have to do that.<br /><br />Some days I find myself pouring over orphanage websites in PI, there are so many little faces staring back at me and again I am left in bewilderment as to why it takes so long to match these children to families.<br /><br />Intriguingly, our little one(s) are already treading this globe. They have a first name and a warm bed and they dream of one day, soon, meeting their mummy and daddy. Gosh, we pray for the day when we will unite.<br /><br />Meanwhile we continue with our house renovations in preparation for 1, 2 or more little munchkins. The plans have come in from the architect to make 2 rooms out of one upstairs (secretly I am very proud of my design skills on that one). Mark's shed plans look very impressive. He can't wait to build his new shed and finish the pool fence around it.<br /><br />Here's hoping that call comes in by end March. Stay tuned :)Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3937367652167924054.post-66033383287149944322010-03-01T20:18:00.000-08:002010-03-01T21:01:18.078-08:00Blog ONE, kick off<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ri_rnrI3Apo/S4ybkHx8ohI/AAAAAAAAAAg/KHbaK9tLTQM/s1600-h/Mark%26Emma_NOV_09.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ri_rnrI3Apo/S4ybkHx8ohI/AAAAAAAAAAg/KHbaK9tLTQM/s320/Mark%26Emma_NOV_09.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443897094450225682" /></a><br />A girlfriend suggested I "CRAFT UP" and create something for our child(ren) to help me get through the "wait" during these last weeks, maybe months before we are a family. "Knit something or make a quilt or what is it you do?, you're an artist aren't you? she says. Yeah right I'm thinking, felting is so NOT me. So, being that I am a graphic designer and spend most of my day at the computer I thought hey I know I'll write a BLOG and that way all our friends can read about our "lack of progress" in awaiting for our allocation, and when our little one(s) arrive we will have a journey to share with them. <br /><br />I also figure it'll be a fantastic way to keep you all posted without having to reply to the same questions over and over! Like the old trusty xmas newsletter which some people used to think was non-personal because it was so general. Well that's progress folks and I'm cheering for the BLOG! <br /><br />I won't bore you with my daily grind but at least try to update it regularly enough for you all to be kept in the loop. Oh and once we are allocated, it will light up with all the news we have been longing to hear. So bring it on, may we all not have to wait too much longer... <br /><br />Current wait time 17 months 3weeks.Mark and Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07080926247213150418noreply@blogger.com1