I was busy busy busy last week gathering all the information and supporting documents for my visa to remain here (my two year period from the last one is ending in July), John's visa to move to the states (has to be filed before the baby is born or all the info we have so far is invalid and will have to go through an entirely different process), and the birth registration, social security number request, and passport for our little baby (has to be completed before the baby enters the U.S. if we want the baby to have American citizenship). Mine has to be done before John's can be filed but not until 28 days before my present visa expires, John's has to be done before the baby arrives or all the forms we have started are invalid, and the baby's has to be done before we can come home for Christmas. Hopefully luck is on our side as we try to get each one finished and all the documents back (passports, birth and marriage certificates, etc) in time to start the next and all them all done in time that we can get back for Christmas. Whew!!! It's not an easy task, let me tell you and I'm sure there will be some stressful moments while waiting and wondering how much longer it is going to take. Not to mention the cost.
Let me just give you a rough idea. The visa I had to apply for when John and I intended to marry and live here for the following two years: $850. In order to apply for this new visa so that we can stay here to have the baby and finish the house up, I have to first take a test showing I have significant knowledge of life in the UK, I must take a test: $75. After passing the test, I must then apply for the new visa which allows me to stay indefinately: $1,500. With this completed, I must then move on to John's visa for the U.S. I must first prove to the U.S. that I am truly an American citizen by sending my b.c. and passport along with $420 to the U.S. embassy in London, and by doing this ask for permission to invite John to live with me in the states. If they rule that I am, in fact, an American citizen, John can begin his visa application: $350. If this goes smoothly and we get all our info back along with John's visa, we can then register the baby's birth here in the U.K. $12 and apply for an Irish passport: $75. Then we must register the baby's birth at the US Embassy in Belfast: $100. A social security number: $?? And finally an American passport: $105. Wowser!!! The cost, although creeping higher and higher, is not the main concern. You all know how long all this paperwork and government documentation takes, and with each application dependent on receiving the one before, we're gonna be mighty lucky if all are completed in the space of time we have alloted. Prayers are always welcome!
That's why I have started all this now, so without further postponement, I must get back to the books and study for my "Life in the United Kingdom" test.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Monday, 23 May 2011
As of today, I am 6 months pregnant. I have 16 weeks left and am really enjoying this time and reading about all the developments the baby is accomplishing. I can feel it kick a LOT now. Up until Friday night, John kind of felt it move but wasn't very sure of it. I read in one of my books that it is possible to hear the baby's heartbeat if you put your ear to your stomach. As I am unable to bend that way, I asked John to listen. Just as he put his ear to my stomach, the baby gave a big sharp kick. He's definately felt it now!!! I'm posting a pic for all of you who have been asking for one of this pregnant belly. Up til now, I could have worn a hoody and hidden it, but it's starting to stick out a bit more these days. Within the last two weeks, we saw a friend of John's at the shop and he asked us when we were going to start having kids. John said we were actually due to have a baby in September and I said couldn't you tell, Brian? He said, "Well, I just thought you were getting fat, but it wouldn't be nice to say that." I also have a new nickname with John's family, Fatty. I can laugh at that now, but I'm wondering how long it will be funny to my rapidly changing hormones...
March 2011 USA (70 photos), by Hillary Marlatt
I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
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Miss Jenna Mae Busald becomes Mrs. Jenna Schwering!
Coming home in March was wonderful. Jenna and Adam's wedding was beautiful, and the bride was absolutely gorgeous!!! All the planning and stress that Jenna laboured through for months really showed when everything came together perfectly. I would like to say I had more to do with just how well it turned out, but truly Jenna was (and is) amazing. Thanks for giving us something great to celebrate! I wish them all the best.
The rest of our time in the states was spent with friends and family, and although it's never enough time, it gives me strength to last over here for a few more months. :) Here are some photos of the time we spent there. (Not very many, I am getting worse instead of better at taking photos. I used to have so many, now I come back and think I definately should have had my camera out more.)
The rest of our time in the states was spent with friends and family, and although it's never enough time, it gives me strength to last over here for a few more months. :) Here are some photos of the time we spent there. (Not very many, I am getting worse instead of better at taking photos. I used to have so many, now I come back and think I definately should have had my camera out more.)
January 2011 (62 photos), by Hillary Marlatt
I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos
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