Monday, April 21, 2008

First Family Pics!
















My friend Lacey from work gave us her time and talents as a gift for our first family pictures! There are so many great ones, it's hard to pick which ones to post, let alone which ones to print....but I'll do my best! The lighting and candids are just so amazing! We are so thankful for Lacey's fabulous work! Seriously, if you're in Phoenix, you should give her a call!

12 comments:

Stefanie said...

WONDERFUL pictures!!! Your friend is really talented - I certainly can see how hard it is to choose a favorite! I love Leo's smile :-) What a beautiful family!

Kathy said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the black and whites... I don't know how you'll pic, either... you all look so happy... just perfect!

Kathy

Rydley said...

Adorable!!! I love the one of you guys raising Leo up in the air. They are such sweet photos.

William's Family said...

Gorgeous pictures. Too bad your friend lives so far away from us or we'd call her. It looks like Leo is really thriving as the newest membber of your family.

Chris said...

What a fun day that must have been-Leo looks so handsome and you all look SOOOOO happy!
Ditto Jane-love the one of Leo in the air-
Happy choosing-
hugs
Chris

Shana said...

They are amazing! You guys look great and I love the outfits. What a beautiful, perfect, family.
-Shana

Jess said...

You guys are so cute! I can't wait to see you :-)

Amy Pfeiffer said...

Katie,
The pictures are fabulous! Leo is getting so big and I recognize that Panda sweater from gymboree! He is beautiful!
Amy P

Beth said...

Katie, those are AWESOME!!!! I'm jealous! Leo is such a cutie patootie!!

dkirby9208 said...

Excellent pics. What a beautiful family.

Jenny Evoy said...

What a beautiful family you are! I also like the picture of you holding Leo up in the air... so many wonderful pictures to choose from!

Karin and Rob said...

Great pictures! I wish we lived in Phoenix! Love the panda sweater.

Learn Chinese!

Timeline


January 8, 2007 Attend Adoption 101 Information Session in Mesa, AZ
January 22, 2006 - Apply for preapproval from our agencyand Taiwan
January 23, 2007 - Application for USCIS (I-600A) form submitted
January 28, 2007 - 1st Homestudy meeting
January 28, 2007 - Sign adoption contract with our agency
January 29, 2007 - Approved to adopt from Taiwan
February 1, 2007 - Clearance from state of Arizona
February 6, 2007- Maricopa application to adopt is filed
February 13, 2007 - Clearance from state of Michigan, Medical clearances, and Fingerprint invitation arrive from USCIS
February 24, 2007 - Fingerprinted for USCIS
March 11, 2007- Homestudy Complete and Court Certification from Maricopa County received
April 28, 2007 - Homestudy is translated into Mandarin
July 1, 2007 - Finally receive 171-H in the mail
July 6, 2007 - Get new case manager
July 22, 2007 - Sign adendum to contract
August 8, 2007 - Our lucky day! Referral for Lin Kai-Yi, born 6-3-06
August 8, 2007 - accept referral
August 13, 2007 - Sign Child Referral Agreement
August 23, 2007 - Paperwork arrives in Tucson
August 24, 2007 - Paperwork arrives to us
August 26, 2007 - Documents notorized (How many adults does it take to use a stamp?)
August 28, 2007 - Documents certified by AZ Sec. of State
August 29, 2007 Documents sent to TECO to be authenticated
September 4, 2007 - Documents arrive in Tucson from TECO
September 6, 2007 - Documents sent to Taiwan! YEAH!
September 10, 2007 - Update day! We receive 4 pics and a video!
October 2, 2007 - Receive word from TWCA that our hearing date is October 9, 2007 (this happened extreamly fast!)
October 9, 2007 - Keep your fingers crossed for a quick 1st ruling (even better yet, keep your fingers crossed for a final ruling!)
October 11, 2007 - October updates are here!
October 19, 2007 - Receive more pictures and videos from Ray's visit to Taiwan!
November 5, 2007 - November updates are here!
December 2, 2007 - December updates are here! Can't believe there has been no news all month!
December 13, 2007 - FINALLY! Word of our First Ruling! Yippeee! It happened on Dec. 13th in Taiwan (yesterday here)
January 4, 2008 - January updates
February 4, 2008 - February updates
February 28, 2008 - Leaving for Taipei!!!
February 29, 2008 - Arrive in Taipei!
March 4, 2008 - Gotcha Day! Can you even believe it!?!?!?
March 5, 2008 - FINAL RULING FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY! (by the way, our paperwork says the final ruling was issued December 24th!)
March 6, 2008 - First AIT appointment
March 7, 2008 - VISA DAY!
March 10, 2008 - Leave for home!
March 10, 2008 - Arrive home with our boy!!!!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2008 - Find out about Wil's arrival!
March 10, 2009 - Wil Shan-Yi Shaffer is born at 3:38 am 8 lbs. 4 oz. 20 inches long