Adoption Timeline

09/04/13: Decided after much talk and prayer to begin an international adoption (China)
09/05/13: Sent our application in to Lifeline Children's Services
10/03/13: All initial agency paperwork turned in
10/08/13: Orientation call
10/22/13: First homestudy session at our house
11/18/13: Second homestudy session (individual interviews)
11/21/13: Crossings training in Birmingham
12/03/13: Third homestudy session
12/17/13: Fourth homestudy session
01/27/14: See our boy's face for the 1st time in an email about waiting children
02/27/14: Receive updated information about our boy
03/04/13: Final draft of homestudy completed
03/07/13: I800a sent to USCIS
03/10/14: After prayer and peace decided to submit our LOI (letter of intent to adopt our boy)
03/17/14: LOI submitted to China
03/27:14: Received pre-approval to adopt our boy (Yay!)
04/16/14: I800a approval of us to adopt internationally
05/13/14: DTC (all documents to China)
05/26/14: LID (Logged into China's system)
06/03/14: Dossier OOT (out of translation)
07/21/14: Dossier reviewed
07/24/14: Dossier match reviewed
07/28/14: LOA (official letter of approval to adopt our boy)
08/13/14: I800 approval of specific child to be adopted
08/21/14: National Visa Center cable
08/25/14: Article 5 drop off
09/11/14: Article 5 pick up
09/22/14: Travel approval
09/23/14: Consulate appointment date set
      - Travel
      - Gotcha Day!!