Oakes Adoption

It's a boy! 18 months after deciding to expand our family through international adoption, we finally got "the call" on Jan. 8th. We thank God for Johan Mateo, a healthy 17 month old boy from Florencia, Caqueta in southern Colombia. March 12, 2010 was a great day, when we finally had him in our arms. He's now firmly in our hearts. We want to document the journey of being united with our new son. Thanks for following our journey and for your prayers for Johan Mateo and for all of us.

Adoption Timeline

Sept. 25, 2008 -- Johan Londono Tapeiro is born in Florencia, Caqueta

Feb. 16, 2009 -- Adoption Application Submitted to Gladney

July 2009 -- Dossier Submitted to ICBF Colombia

Nov. 18 2009 -- We are approved by ICBF to adopt a boy age 0-35 months.

Dec. 22, 2009 -- ICBF assigns Johan as our referral.

Jan. 8, 2010 -- We receive referral of Johan.

Feb 11, 2010 -- I-800 approved by USCIS.

March 2, 2010 -- Entrega date set

March 6, 2010 -- Travel to Colombia

March 12, 2010 -- Entrega Day -- Receive Johan Mateo!!!

March 23, 2010 -- Entegracion Day at ICBF Bogota

March 31, 2010 -- Liliana travels to Florencia, Sentencia is signed. He's legally OURS!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Checking out Hotel Zuetana

Great guest house specializing in adopting famies, where we will stay
for 2 weeks after getting Johan Mateo. Playground, lots of kid
activities, 3 meals a day and basically all we need, and in a great
location. We spoke to Johan from here for the first time, he heard our
voices but didn't speak much. It felt like getting a single cracker
after a weeklong fast.

2 comments:

Carolina D. said...: Wow! How exciting!!!; March 9, 2010 at 3:24 PM
Unknown said...: Que emoción Lily y Michael. Hermoso video.

Mil bendiciones a toda la familia.

Besos y abrazos de los González/Pirela Novoa.; March 13, 2010 at 11:04 PM