Just waiting

Just waiting for the rumors to surface about how far the CCAA got in matching applications to children. Expectations are that the CCAA will have finally made it to matching applications received in 2006; after all, last month they matched up to applications received by Dec. 27, 2005, and it doesn't look like many applications were logged in at the CCAA during those last few days of December. The rumors should start by next week, and hopefully we'll know for certain how far they got this past last month by the first week of March.

How 'bout that eclipse last night!

Rising interest in domestic adoptions

The apparent increase in interest of U.S. parents to adopt domestically (USA Today article) comes as no surprise to us. We're living the challenge of an ever-increasing wait for a child, we've seen other families' anxiety when their country's (e.g., Guatemala, Vietnam) adoption program is in jeopardy of shutting down, and we hear about longer waits and stricter requirements in other countries' programs. Plus, for months I've been saying that #2 (I'm still working on DH) will be via the U.S. foster care system!

Happy New Year!

Today marks the first day of the Chinese New Year (year 4705 or 6, I believe). My DH Chris is himself a rat. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Xin Chun kuai le!

The Sign of the Rat
Being born under this sign determines many talents, as well as other characteristics that may not be so commendable. Rats are very lively and need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They can be calm and perceptive, but sometimes their brains can cause a mental restlessness, tempting them to take on too much, only to discover they are unable to meet their commitments. Rats are blessed with one of the best intellects going. Add to their intelligence a curiosity and a bright imagination, and they seem as sharp as a needle.

The sign of the Rat is the first sign in the cycle giving Rat people exude great leadership qualities and are good at taking the lead. They don't mind a lot of responsibility and they demonstrate a strong presence that other people respect. For those with the Rat nature, status and monetary satisfaction are the greatest motivation.