While we wait in New York

Many people have asked when we get to 'come home'. We can not wait to get home and introduce Mari to all our wonderful friends and family! First, however, there has to be some paperwork that needs to be completed.

Initially, even before baby girl was born, we had to have a Court Order on Intent to Adopt. This form basically says that Cory and I have custody of Mari immediately once she is born (for insurance puposes, medical decisions, etc). That form got signed on August 22nd! So a little close!

After Mari was born, there is a waiting period before the birth parents are able to sign their rights away. However this was signed on Friday afternoon as well.

What we are waiting on now is for both states to 'approve' the adoption. Basically all of the paperwork we have spent months doing, goes to the Interstate Compact office in New York and they have to approve it. Once approved, it will be sent to the MN Interstate Compact office for them to review and approve. Once both states approve this, we will be able to come home.

Both states are really good at getting this paperwork through quickly, however that can still take 24-48 hours for each step.

So for now, we wait and try to keep busy.

On Saturday, Cory, Mari and I enjoyed a little walk around a park in town.

Yesterday, even during the 'hurricane', we decided that we would go shopping! Up in Albany, it was just a lot of wind and a lot of rain. We stopped at the mall first just to walk around, but they were closing so we stopped at Target just to get out of the hotel for a few hours.

 We went out for supper later in the evening after the hurricane/tropical storm was past. Then we found out that some of the major roads were closed due to flooding.

Today was Amy's last day with us. It was so great that she was able to come with us!!! We quickly decided to drive downtown and visit the Corning Observation deck. We rode the elevator to the 42nd floor where we were able to see many of the State office buildings, the Hudson River, and the Adirondeck and Catskill mountatins. The elevator goes up at a crazy speed of 16 mph!

Once we come back down, Amy then decides to inform us that she is scared of heights! But she still enjoyed it. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time before we had to get Amy to the airport for her flight home.

Thank you again Amy! We love you dearly! Thank you for being such a big part in bringing us one of the greatest joys Cory and I have yet to experience!