What's the hold-up?

Many of you know that Wes has been in China for 2 weeks ... while Parker and I are still in America. Of course we are loving still being in the good ole US of A and in the country out in Henderson BUT we are ready to be our little family of 3 again!! So what's the hold up??

Authenticated Birth Certificate (authenticated by NC Department of State and US Department of State)
The Process of paperwork began the day after we had him. We applied for his birth certificate. Once this came-- the true process began. We went to Durham to have the birth certificate authenticated by NC.

Once we received it back we prepared to send it off to Washington D.C. We were disheartened to find out that Washington is holding all mail for 7 weeks to test for radiation before even opening the package. BUT Uncle Coerte came to the rescue. He expedited the paper work by walking into the government building and having it done same day.

Passport for Parker
The photo was fun... since they require infants to have their eyes open for pictures. I simply prayed all the way to the post office and He was faithful. We got the photo on the first try. Even though it is a terrible mug shot... it works for the cause.

Then we had to send off for the passport book.

Visa for Parker

Once his passport came... we could send off for his visa. We worked with Vanessa at ELIC (who was an amazing HELP.) We got all of our paperwork sent in and then find out the Consulate would be closed for the Chinese National Holiday (a 7 day holiday.) So we waited. Vanessa pulled her persuasive skills and got the package expedited the day they opened back up and then over-night for Saturday delivery.

Immunizations
Then the final step... immunizations and clean bill of health from Pediatrician, Dr. Cathcart. And with no surprise... he took it like a champ. He is such a TOUGH baby.

Now our list has been checked off :) We are clear for take off. We should board the plane on Wednesday. Interestingly ... we are going to fly through Tokyo to get to China. Before Parker is 2 months old, he will have 3 stamps in his passport book-- Tokyo, Hong Kong and People's Republic of China.