We went to the US Consulate this afternoon and completed our final paperwork. It was a really wonderful way to finish this incredible trip. Before we left for China, R had purchased matching outfits for the three babies in red, white, and blue to celebrate their becoming US Citizens. They all wore these outfits to the ceremony. The ceremony was fairly fast -- there were 50 families with appointments today -- we recognized a number of them from the White Swan Hotel and even from when we were in Nanchang. First, Anli picked up our final paperwork, including Chinese passports with US Visas, the final adoption decree, and the paperwork that we will need to hand to the US Customs agent when we get to Washington D.C. The type of visa that Jennifer has makes her a US Citizen as soon as we clear customs in D.C.
Then we had to show our passports and the baby's documentation so that they could confirm that we were the parents of Jennifer Rose Yu Hua Firschein. Then the Deputy US Consul General made some remarks and congratulated all of the families for completing the citizenship process. Then we all had to take an oath that basically said that all of the information we had provided on our citizenship papers was true and correct. Then we were done!
It was such an incredible feeling -- we have such a beautiful baby and we are so happy. We weren't allowed to bring a camera into the US Consulate so unfortunately we don't have any photos to post but Jim had his camera outside and got one of all of the babies in their red, white, and blue outfits in front of the US Consulate sign. As soon as I get those photos from him, I'll post them.
That's it for now -- we just put the baby in her crib and just started packing. We have SO MUCH STUFF! We bought an extra suitcase to take everything home but it still will take a while to get everything packed by tomorrow a.m. We're departing early tomorrow. If I can post from Japan, I will. Otherwise, the next time I post will be from Washington DC with J Rose next to us!
Off to pack!
J & R
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5 comments:
All of your words, pictures and video have been great. What a privelege it has been to have a window into these precious days of Jennifer Rose entering your lives. She's beautiful and adorable and we can't wait to get to know her!
Much love, Debbie & Joe
The three children in their Chinese dresses are unforgettable.
Another favorite image is of the doctor playing a child's toy piano to test all of the baby's hearing at their medical exam. We can just imagine him doing this all day. Jennifer Rose would like that. She loves her little piano so much.
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa Firschein aka mom and dad
Dear Firscheins and that does mean the three of you now! I've just spent time catching up on your blog and what joy to see all of you as you anticipated and then received this wonderful baby daughter. This blog should be published so in this crazy world that we live in, people could see what love and devotion you have shown to this very lucky little girl. Joseph, your descriptions make me feel that I am there with you. I just can't wait to see Jennifer and give her a special hug. You know our family loves you all so much and only wishes you a lifetime of happiness together.
Marion, Allen and Ilissa
I'm trilled, & almost speachless, there's nothing more to say except the proverbial MAZEL TOV! Thanks again for the hours of pleasure you have given me. I love you all so very much. Kudos to Joseph's mom and dad for raising such a caring son, who picked a great wife, & a wonderful daughter.
J Ro, Welcome to USA. Aunt Ev
We are so happy you're almost home. We'll miss the China blog, and we second aunt Ev's words. Looking into your happy hearts has filled us with joy!
Love, Carole and Dick
Oregon
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