Today, on "square root day", 3/3/09, Jasmine's name was officially changed from Nguyen Thi Tam to Jasmine Tam Stolz in a process called "re-adoption". You would think that after two years, we would be done with the paperwork, but no... there is more. Now I am in the process of getting her American birth certificate which is not a simple process. Typically, if you wanted a copy of your birth certificate, you would just send in the $$ and get a copy, but if you are "foreign born", you must send in a copy of your Visa, Driver's License (mine), certified copy of the Adoption Decree which we just received today, the $$$ and the application. Then, when we get the birth certificate, we need to quickly apply for a Social Security Number so that I can get my taxes done.
I just love this time of year. The weather is beautiful- which brings out all the snowbirds, lots of traffic and accidents, as well as the yearly continuing education marathon and taxes. I have about 1/3 of my CE done with 7 more full days to go. Very expensive and mostly irrelevant to what I do... but "required". Jasmine stayed part of the time with "Aunt Bonnie"... a neighbor who is a licensed foster care provider and babysitter, then last weekend with Grandma and Grandpa... otherwise known as Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw. The only thing about her staying with them is that now every time we go by their house- which is multiple times daily since they are our next door neighbors.... she starts waving and yelling, then crying because we can't go into their house every single time.
The photos today at the hearing were taken by the County Attorney, Craig Cameron. I asked him to take them while I was talking to the judge:)). They all came out either too dark or blurry. Good thing he is an attorney rather than a photographer.
Jasmine looking very official in the courtroom
Jasmine, Judge Joseph Georgini and Judy
Getting ready to go to the hearing with the dress and sweater given to Jasmine by Jolee.
Honing up on our computer skills.... not really. The Casa Grande Library doesn't do a good job of keeping their computers in good shape, so they don't usually work correctly.
Goofing around with my sunglasses.
Oh yeah, we found out recently that we are going on a couple of trips. In April, we are going camping with Arizona Adoptive Families. I don't know if I am insane, stupid or brave to camp in a tent with a 2 yr old. Over Memorial Day weekend, also with Arizona Adoptive Families, we are going to the YMCA Camp in the mountains south of Tucson. We will will staying in a lodge with some other families... not a tent... that time. They say they have activities for 2 yr olds such as pony rides and crafts. I sure hope so:). Then, in July, ... Joan, Jolee, Jasmine and I are going to Minnesota for the Vietnamese Culture Camp. The kids play Vietnamese games, do Vietnamese crafts, dances and other events, while the parents attend classes... and I am sure that alot of the events are parents and kids together. Joan used to be a flight attendant so she was nice enough to give us stand by tickets that are at a great discount.... otherwise, it would have been questionable if we could have gone. We are also going to share a car... so, it should be lots of fun and a great time to get out of Arizona for 5-6 days. The culture camp is held every year in Minnesota and New Jersey. I wasn't planning on going for a few more years, but Joan talked me into it:))
