Below you will find the link to the original Italia threads which have been archived and can be viewed at any time. They are now closed threads.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums2/index.php?showtopic=33207

Hi all, I replied to dmencaroni in the original thread, but it looks like it got erased, so here's a recap. ...

My mood has been lifted so greatly now that the interview dates have "come down". Antonio will be coming *straight* to the US on the 12th. We're planning a trip to Jamaica for the end of February, so we've also got that to look forward to.

We'll pursue AOS in the States, because Antonio doesn't want to do another interview alone. (I swear, I've never met someone who hated bureaucracy sooo much. Especially someone who served in the military.) I think the Detroit office has a 5-6 month turnaround time. ...

Hey D, I like your job-hunting motivation! To me, that's really the best thing about the CR-1 -- you can hit the ground running when you get here. If I had patience (and I think my last post adequately demonstrated that I do not), I would have Antonio wait in Italy for that visa, but this forced separation has really drained me. ... Are you getting your Italian degree(s) assessed by an international degree assessment company? For anyone else on the list who has used their degrees in the US, did any jobs request certification of them? ...

Hi Kaalyx!

Well this forum crash really sucked!

Anyway, I didn't have luck with the Consulate so I called the other number you provided...it was cheaper to call the US than Naples anyway. I was told that my case wasn't in their system yet although they'd have received by now (it was sent out on the 11th). What really shocked me is that the operator told me that it can take up to 4 months to have the interview (!!!!) I'll keep calling them next week and will keep you posted!

I went to law school in the US (LL.M.) + passed the NY bar exam so I hope this will give me some chance to find a job w/o the need to asses my Italian degree or go back to school....it's tough but since the economy is slowly getting better I'm hopeful.

Ciao a tutti and have a nice weekend.
D

Hello guys,
good to see this thread is still there...not very much alive, but at least there.
I was sorry to hear it was hard for you guys to get through to the visa dept., for us it was always very easy...maybe they secretly read VJ and we got caught. It always worked for us...btw congrats on your interview Kaalyx, that part is going to be really easy you'll see.
Also have fun in Jamaica!!! Post pics.


Daniel,
this sounds a bit too much even for Naples...if I were you I'd keep trying the 081 #, NOT the other crazy expensive one, eventually you'll get through and once you get a person it gets easy. BTW good luck with everything!

As for me, I finally started packing my hospital bag...I'm not quite done yet, but I am getting there Yesterday night we decided the take-me-home outfit for Sean plus another couple of things, I washed them all so now they are ready to be packed as well. Better be prepared, also because I started having contractions everyday now, not painful yet (most of the times) but most definately a sign that my body's in training for the real thing...I'm very excited but also nervous/scared as well...I guess it's normal. And on saturday, since I end my 36th week and enter the 37th, my baby is considered "full term!!!

Anyways...I'm off to do some stuff around the house...
Have a great day everyone!

As for me, I finally started packing my hospital bag...I'm not quite done yet, but I am getting there Yesterday night we decided the take-me-home outfit for Sean plus another couple of things, I washed them all so now they are ready to be packed as well. Better be prepared, also because I started having contractions everyday now, not painful yet (most of the times) but most definately a sign that my body's in training for the real thing...I'm very excited but also nervous/scared as well...I guess it's normal. And on saturday, since I end my 36th week and enter the 37th, my baby is considered "full term!!!

Anyways...I'm off to do some stuff around the house...
Have a great day everyone!
[/quote]

How Sweet! I am so excited for you. I got a little tear in my eye just thinking of it. Best wishes. I can't wait to see pictures of the baby and to hear all the measurements. I will pray for you!

No news here other than I am getting into shape. I signed up for the Mini-marathon 13.6 miles in May in Indianapolis. I am doing a training program through the hospital and it is forcing me to workout--because I have had no drive to do it on my own. Maybe I will post pictures of my new buff body when I am done Glad to see the thread is still around, too

Thank you! I will most definately post pics and all when the time comes.

Good luck with your working out and the marathon...I think I read about it awhile back when you posted a message on VJ. Let us know how it goes. BTW I'm scheduled to attend no marathon but I will still have some serious working out to do as well after the baby comes...


Now I'd better go get stuff done around the house, today they deliver the furniture for the baby's room (even though the crib will actually be next to our bed).

Buona giornata a tutti!

I wonder how much the operators in DC really know, aside from what appears on their screens. I asked one of them for a direct number to the visa unit in Naples, and she gave me the phone number for the Florence consulate! In any case, it is likely true that the case isn't in their system (since that appears on the screen), but wow, what is the hold-up? Maybe it's Diversity Lottery time.



If you've passed the NY state bar, there's no stopping you! Being one of the hardest bar exams in the nation, that's really no small thing! Congratulations, and I really think job-hunting with such excellent credentials should a lot of fun. ... My husband was trained as an microeconomist, but now wants to leave academia and use those skills to enter the business world. Maybe work as a financial analyst. What is the Italian equivalent of an American MBA in Italy? Hopefully, we'll be able to spin his previous work on "environment product declaration" into something relevant to the real world.



Alex, wow, time really is flying by. I had no idea that women started contractions (on even a small scale) so early. How interesting to feel your body moving towards the moment of birth. ... One question: do you think you'll have your husband in the delivery room with you? ACTUALLY, don't answer that (cos it's a little personal), but how much do you wish your mom/sis/friends could be with you? Is it that important to you? (I just began to imagine how different it would be for me to have a child in Italy. ...) ... It's just that at a dinner party I had a few nights ago, some colleagues and I were discussing "folk" conceptions of medicine. I said that I would never have my husband in a delivery with me, which really shocked people as old-fashioned and unfeminist. I think I'd prefer him outside chain-smoking while my mom, sis and midwife/doctor stayed with me! LOL! To me it seems like a woman's space and moment. ... I'm sure some of my ideas are culturally determined. But I'm curious: What are predominant Italian traditions about people present at childbirth? Antonio's mother had her first 2 kids at home, but her 3rd and last (Antonio) was born in a hospital. At home, only women were around her; and I don't know what it was like at the hospital. ...

Yep...they are called Baxton Hicks contractions, they start very very early in pregnancy but you don't actually get to feel them until much later, some women actually never even recognize them at all, if you want you can read about it here. They are usually not painful, just a little annoying because your whole belly gets so hard and tense, but some can be a little painful at times.
To answer your questions...yes, I most definately want my husband in the delivery room with me, it's his child as well! I will do all the hard work I know, but if one day you decide to have kids and go to birth classes, you'll be amazed to discover how important it actually is to have him there with you as a coach, unless of course you'll decide to have someone else as your coach, that's up to you. I might be wrong of course, but somehow I think that when your time comes to be pregnant and all, you'll change your mind about having him there. BTW I was surprised as well to hear you wouldn't want him there, I never really met anyone who told me that before.
About your other question...I don't have sisters (just a younger brother) but it really sucks that my mom won't be able to be there. I try not to think about it, but I really wish she could be, once you get pregnant and start thinking about the whole motherhood thing in a very real way...you understand so much more about how important your mom/parents are. You never really stop needing them, no matter how old you are, and especially for something so important as becoming a mother yourself...might sound lame I know, but I truly feel that way. I am going to deliver in a hospital that have suites so you can actually have as many people as you want in there, I think my husband and my mom would be the 2 people I would want there. I wish my dad could be there as well, not in the delivery room, but I wish he could be right outside and get in after the baby is born. As I said, I try not to think about it...it's the price you pay for living so far away from each other, you can't have it all.
From what I know, in Italy it is pretty much like here: it is usually the husband that is in the delivery room with you, I am not sure about other people or if they are even allowed in there, then again I don't have many friends who had kids yet so I really wouldn't know for sure.
I'm off now, my back can only take so much sitting in front of the computer these days...

Have a great day everyone!

And speaking of pregnancies...my best friend is 10 weeks pregnant too, this morning she called me because her younger sister just took the test earlier and she is expecting as well! And another dear friend of mine had her first u/s this morning (Italy time) and she found out her due date is august, 13. Sooo many babies!!!! Time for other couples in this thread to start as well....

Hi guys. I'm so excited that baby Sean is so close. I saw his u-sound photos on the old forum -- precious! Good luck making it through the next few months!

Anna, I'm so proud of you! A mini-marathon?! You couldn't do that if you were still smoking. You go girl!

We have a new puppy. My kids are so happy. I knowo there are so dog lovers here, so I'll post a photo later.

Giancarlo is in Italy visiting his parents now. His dad has his birthday on Sunday, so they're all happy to be together.

Gotta go. Good luck to those of you awaiting your honeys!

Ahhh~ I WISH

I have to wait. Stefano still says NO NO NO NO. He is worried about financial stuff because I am making more $$$ right now. I hope we are pregnant in the next year or so. Hmmmm. I went off the pill 4 months ago and we are doing Natural Family Planning. It is so cool. I know to the day when I ovulate and when we need to abstain Honestly, it really isn't bad and it makes the time right after ovulation like a honeymoon every month.

Hi everyone!

Alex, I totally understand the dependence on mother thing. That's definitely why I want her around. ... As for my husband being in the delivery room, I allow that I could change my mind on that, but right now, I couldn't see that happening. And he and I agree, he thinks I'll do better with the "womenfolk" there. ... Also, I've seen how he handles slightly stressful situations, ie. the visa interview, and I don't want someone easily ruffled there with me (even if I love him to death). My mother is one of is the strongest woman I know. ... I think my dad and Antonio will be happy waiting outside for me ... Perhaps your mother can come to visit soon after Sean is born? I hope that can be arranged

ace13, I hope your marathon training goes well. I'm desperately out of shape, and will be starting an exercise regimen with my husband once he gets here. I never last very long, but hopefully this time will be different. So good luck to you!

akwalta, your husband seems to be in Italy a lot. What a luxury! ... Right now, Antonio thinks he wants to go back to Italy every year for Christmas AND THAT'S IT. I truly think once he gets to the US, he'll change his mind and will desire more frequent trips back to Rome. It's a strange push and pull. I keep trying to encourage him to factor more trips home into our budget, but he always insists "I want to stay with you!" ... I could be too cynical, but my biggest fear when he gets here is that he won't be able to cope with America -- that when he realizes it's not exactly the way it appears in the movies, he'll find it unworthy in so many ways. ...

Hi all!!

First of all let me wish good luck to Stefano for his medical exam and interview, I always read on this forum that this is the easiest part of the whole deal so he'll do just fine!!

Secondly, I extend my warmest wishes to Alex and Ace! Can't wait to see little Sean pictures! Hey Ace let us know how the marathon went!

It's so nice to hear you've a new puppy Akwalta! I love dogs so much and so does my wife....the past week however we both suffered since her dog passed away. He was 17 and had heart failure On the other side, last Friday I passed the Italian bar exam....so I'm (hopefully) over with studying so damn' hard for this crazy test....the "stressest" (made up word I guess) exam I've ever faced...

It goes w/o saying that I didn't hear from Naples yet....but now that I'm over with books I'll just "bomb" them with calls and faxes.

As for being in the delivery room with my wife...mhmhm....I would want to be there with her but only if she felt comfortable and ok...otherwise I'll stick to what she wants since it's a very delicate and important moment!!!

Have a nice w/e!
D

By 'Stefano', did you mean 'Antonio'? If so, thanks for the well-wishes! (If not, and there is a Stefano out there waiting for a medical exam and interview, then excuse me for stealing the limelight. ) I'm really not worried, but Antonio has visited a church this morning, called me 5 times between 7am and 5pm (I've called him 4 times, so I'm not much better), gone over the document list twice with me, and requested that I pray for him. Poor fellow. Of all the things to worry about, why this? ... Anyway, I'll be sure to update here when I know the interview outcome.



Sorry to hear about your and Ula's loss :-( Maybe you two can get a new dog when you move here? ... New babies and new puppies, what a year it will be for the Italian VJers :-) ... As for passing the Italian bar, wow! I used to think that I wanted to go into international law, because I loved studying languages and politics and the profession seemed to have a glamorous, "corporate law" aspect to it. Anyway, I'm now an academic (medieval literature), and it seems to suit me. ....

Ciao all,
K

OMG! K I'm sorry I messed up names! I was and still am so tired and my brain is so spaced out about the exam that I'm doing so many silly things lately!!

I'll write more tomorrow as now I want to hit the sack!

Ciao!

Antonio got his visa in Naples this morning and just called to let me know We're both so pleased. I'm getting plane tickets right now for Sunday.

He didn't tell me much about the medical, only to say that he had to have 2 shots and his arm hurts. ... The interview was pretty typical. Antonio said the man who interviewed him was a kind American man. The questions asked were:

1) What work did you do in the military?
2) What work does your wife do at the university?
3) When did your wife start work at the university?
4) Where did you and your wife meet? (in a 3rd country)
5) What were was your wife doing in this country?
6) How long was she there?
7) When did you marry?
8) Your passport has been red-flagged since August 2005. Do you understand why? (He did, because our attorney had done an FOIA request, and I've been in touch with the General Consul of USCIS since I got married.)

Whew, so now I can live again. I have been nervous all morning, which I hadn't expected.

I wish all the best to those coming after us! Daniel and Maria (maria_b84, who was kind enough to contact my husband and offer reassuring words before the interivew) -- may your journeys be as smooth And yes, D, I would say it's time to start the paper blitz! (And the Stefano thing was pretty funny. I needed some comic relief that day.) ~Ciao.

Congratulations!

Now comes the fun part--reunion

Best wishes for a safe and happy flight for your hubby

Thank you, ace13, for the dancing smilies and the congratulations ... I'm soooo very happy. My husband has regained the levity and youthfulness that disappeared around interview time. ... I'm prepping slowly for his arrival on Sunday. Oh, happy day ... ! And then I can start that exercise routine I've been talking about ...

Onwards and upwards ... !

CONGRATS to both the new visa and the passed exams!!!

I don't have much time right now, I will try and post again later if I can.

Have a nice day!!

P.S.
Nice to see you again Angela...did you eventually try the recipe I gave you for pasta and lenticchie? Please let me know.

Anna, my ex-husband and I were quite impressed because we did NFP for over a year with no failure.
About a year after that, we discovered we were infertile. No wonder we were so good at it
On another note, I have an aunt/uncle whose last name is Wythem. They jokingly refer to their daughter (much younger than their sons) as Rhythm Wythem

Okay, couldn't resist. I had to have some fun today



Congratulations!



Not yet. I try to not cook Italian for him too close to his trips to Italy. If he compares me to his mamma's cooking, he might be sick eating mine Once he comes home from this trip, I'll give it a few weeks and try it then. Thanks

Sending Congrats to Kaalyx on Antonio's visa!!

Bree

oh and for anyones FYI.....I'm looking for tickets to the U.S. and am finding low fares on edreams.it
One way is $$$, but round trips are 500 E and under!

Hope all is well with everyone here, a big belly rub full of love to Alex and Sean,

and a big hello to Angela and Ace! TC all! Bree

Congrats to Antonio and Kaalyx Now the best part comes, reunion!!!! I must confess I'm a bit lost since Naples is still bouncing me off...I feel a bit depressed I've sent them other emails and a very "hard but polite" fax and had no answer...they would not put me through the IV office when I call...maybe they hear my italian accent....my wife keeps telling me to be patient but i'm not...

Thanx to K and Alex for the congrats....can't wait for this last "pain" to be over...

Hope the rest of the crowd is well and send you a big ciao!

Daniel

Thanks, Bree, Alex, Angela and Daniel! You guys are awesome ... I'm twiddling my thumbs here because he'll be here in 3.5 hours -- a little later than expected b/c the plane is 46 minutes late . Yes, I've been tracking the plane in flight. I don't like to wait in airports and prefer to arrive as soon as he leaves the baggage claim.

I think I've done everything I wanted to do before he gets here. I've got tons of food, prosecco, cheeses, wine, sangria, fresh pink and purple tulips throughout the house, new little touches (vases, Italian books and magazine subscriptions on subjects he's interested in, the calendar of his family's business hanging in the kitchen). Everything's dusted, washed and spotless. Towels are laid out. I still need to vacuum and wash the car, though.

I'm strangely (?) calm. I've been preparing for this day since I left Italy on Jan 8, so I've settled into this moment quite well. I hope we can just pick up where we left off, singing U2 songs in the car on the way to Fiumicino. And it's a beautiful day here too. The sun is out, and by Jove, send us more such afternoons as this

Ciao!

I'm always so tired now that I do not spend too much time on the computer, also because chairs and staying sitted for too long really kill my already hurting back...I just entered my 38th week, and last night full moon started so hopefully the baby won't make us wait too long... Despite how much I love to feel him move I am tired of being pregnant! We are both ready to meet the baby, even though labour and delivery, as I probably said before, are a really scary/fixed thought at the moment.

So what plans are you guys making for San Valentino? Anything special? We are probably just staying at home, I do get sooo tired...but Eric said he has something really special to give me this year...mmmhhh very curious!! He has such a great taste when he picks stuff for me, I know I will love it whatever it is.

Angela,
I am sure you'll do great if you follow the recipe... I will be waiting to hear how it goes.

Kaalyx,
once again congrats!! I get the feeling we won't get to see you too much around here in the next days...

Breezy,
hello girl!!!! Nice to see you again. Thanks for your PM too, I have been meaning to reply and then I keep forgetting...please bear with me, being absentminded is a very typical trait of pregnant women.
One other thing...for flight tickets you can also check www.travelprice.it, that's where I usually found the best deals for both nationa and international flights. And it gives you the option to insure the ticket in case you need to cancel/change it.


Did you guys see the opening ceremony of Torino 2006 winter games? I thought they did a really outstanding job, for once I wasn't bored!! I actually read all kind of positive reviews about it all over the world, made me even prouder to be an Italiana!

Time to rest on the couch now...have a great day everyone!

Ciao!

Alex, I did watch the Opening Ceremonies. Stefano is missing home SOOOO much now that it is on TV every night. The 9 year old from Bologna that sung the national anthem was so angelic. The only part that was wierd for me was the plastic cows Alp part in the beginning. I definately think it was successful. Didn't Sofia Loren look old--I have always thought that she held her age beautifully--but for the first time, she looked made up and older. I guess you can't fight it forever

I pray for a safe, easy labor for you and baby Sean. He will come when he is good and ready, I am sure How exciting--any day now!

Kaalyx---IS HE HOME??????
I am sure you are busy getting reaquainted Congrats

I never really liked her...when she was young she was kinda "thick" and kinda vulgar looking, with age a better figure/look came but her face started stretching beyond belief more and more...I get the feeling she can barely close her mouth now... I am sure if we had her money, lifestyle and plastic surgeon we'd hold our age even more beautifully than she does



And thank you so much, you are too sweet. We are definately impatient for him to show up...I guess we can only wait...

Happy Valentine's day to everyone!!

I'm anxious for baby news! May he come soon , and may the backache and strain go away! And Alex, what was your Valentine's Day surprise? ... Nio and I didn't do much for the occasion. I gave him a card, he gave me chocolates -- mostly out of a sense of obligation to the day. His homecoming was gift enough. But we did go for a long walk, and planned to go to the cinema to see "Roman Holiday", then head to a jazz club, but he was so jet lagged, that we spent the night in talking. And we went to bed early.

But it's been wonderful having him back. I lost my calm when I was waiting at the airport. He only emerged from customs 1.5 hours after the plane landed, and I was crying for most of that time. I can only imagine what the people around me must have thought Anyway, it's been fabulous having him here. There's been a lot to keep us busy (social visits, family stuff, bureaucratic stuff, catching up with other). Gosh, it's been less than 3 days, but we've been running around like crazy. ...

Anyway, I won't be a stranger! Hope everyone's doing well. ... More soon ... !

Thanks! I hope to give you all baby news pretty soon as well

I am attaching a pic of my surprise...I guess being pregnant has its benefits... It is real, meaning it is a 1/2 carat of diamonds total I was speechless...

Buonanotte a tutti!

Babies Any Babies Just checking

Hello guys!!Im from Italy also and i just moved to the states few months ago. Yeah i married an american guy ! I got my greencard interview tomorrow everything should be fine! Anyone is in Missouri?
Ciao a tutti
Paola

Va-va-va-voom, Alex, for the necklace Very elegant! What a thoughtful gift.





Welcome PaolaLew, and good look on your interview tomorrow! It should be a breeze ... I don't know if anyone here is from Missouri, but I'm sure they'll let you know. I'm a Michigander myself. In any case, hope to see more of you around here

Kaalyx

Benvenuti!

I married an Italian guy--We are in Indianapolis. Best wishes on your interview--have all the documents together and you will be fine --It was very easy for us. Again--best of luck!!




Alex Alex Baby....Baby...any news??

38 weeks and 5 days...no baby yet... I am just having a hard time sitting in front of the computer lately so I don't post as much...btw you can all be sure that when he comes I am going to let you all know as soon as I can get to a computer.
This afternoon at 3 I have a doc's appointment, last week they told me to bring my hospital bag and all with me because if my cervix is already changing and dilating/effacing they will just keep me.
I didn't have very many contractions in this past week though, even though I have them daily and some started to hurt a little too, so I am not so sure that my cervix has actually started to change...last week it was completely closed.
We are really ready for Sean to be born and meet him! We can hardly wait anymore!



Welcome Paola!!
I married an American guy as well, we met in 2001 while he was stationed in Italy and it was love at first sight. I am originally from Milan and right now we live in the DC area (Maryland).
I hope your AOS interview went smoothly, which I am sure it did, please let us know we can't wait to read your good news!!



Thanks, it really was...I never take it off.

Ok off to breakfast now, even though I have the worst heartburn there is this morning (aahhh some of the joys of pregnancy... )...

Have a great day everyone!

Yeah my husband was in the military also (i still cant believe i married a navy guy )!My interview was very easy! I got approved but i gotta wait for the approval letter in the mail in order to get my appointment to have my passport stamped. What a long wait!!Hopefully this letter will come anytime soon

39 weeks today, no baby yet...still waiting...



My husband is in the Air Force.
Congrats on the approval! I got the stamp at the interview, hopefully you will get this letter soon!

Goodnight everyone!

Ciao Paola! I'm from Missouri..

Hope their treating you well there! I was born and raised there, then I met my husband and have now been in Italy for almost FOUR years now. Time really goes by. Nice to meet you, glad your here! Bree

Alex, sending belly rubs full o' love to Sean (IS HE HERE YET!!) along with a hug and a back rub to you, and thanks to you for posting the great site! Found EXCELLENT $$!! Bree

CIAO A TUTTI!!

So quiet in here....



I'm glad the site helped! I booked through it several times. And about the baby...my due date is tomorrow and no baby yet

Hopefully I will give you guys baby news soon.

Its nice here! Even if im still tryin to adjust to the american life style ! How do u like Italy?Did u learn italian? My husband was in Italy for 3 years and all he can say is buongiorno!!


Do we have baby news????????

Quick update: no baby yet!! Officially 2 days late now...anyways...tomorrow I have a doc's appointment, hopefully my cervix has started to co-operate and they'll keep me. I will keep you all posted.
Ciao!

Hi everyone...I haven't posted here in a while, but I'm glad to see that everyone is doing ok. We finally got some good news, the AOS was approved without an interview No more USCIS for a while!!!!

Congrats

Had computer problems yesterday, I couldn't post! Anyways, here's what I had to say....


To all of you wonderful Ital/American ladies.....I hope you had a great Feste delle Donne Day!

and Alex......wondering where you are....you didn't post after your doctor's visit....hmm? Has baby Sean arrived!!!?? Hope your both well, looking forward to hearing from you!

Paola....Ciao! Your husband only knows how to say Good Morning in italian?! Che vergona! I'm sure he learned some bad words? Parlo abbastanza bene in italiano, solo scrivendo trovo GROSSO problemi, come poi vedere... Devo scrivvere pui spesso, sono pigra, che posso dire. Dove sei in Missouri, Io vengo da una città viccino Kansas City, poi ho visuto in Springfield per tanti anni, mi piachutto...(si scrivve cosi?! ) Hai passato un estate in Missouri ancora? Fa caldo! Adesso andiamo per trovare mei fine Marzo...non vedo l'ora! Oggi sto pagando per il bigletto (! come si scrive?! BIG-LETTO ho scritto !
I need more practice...you take care, and have a good day, Bree

Congrats on the AOS noemij

Ciao a tutti!

It was a while I didn't post but after I came back in Milan I had to work really hard...

Alex: again best wishes and hope to hear very good news from you soon!!!

Paola: (belated) welcome to the club...it seems I'm the only Italian man writing on this thread so far...so I wish all the ladies a belated happy women's day!!

Kaalyx: how are things going?!?! Hope all is great...must admit I'm a bit jealous

Bree: your Italian seems quite good! need just to tune it a bit!

About me: the Consulate is driving me nuts! It's 2 months now that NVC has informed me that my case was forwarded to Naples. I called them (the regular number), faxed, emailed but nothing...just once an Italian guy told me that they did have my case and to write them an email in order to schedule the interview asap. Well I wrote them 2 weeks ago and heard nothing yet!!! Yesterday I called again...I was so mad...the same guy answered and I gave him a piece of my mind...he said he understood but he could do nothing...he replied I'd keep writing emails or faxes!!! So I did and will do the same on a weekly basis...I'm so frustrated also b/c I'm losing potential job interviews as it's advised to avoid travelling in the US while the case is still pending...

Ok, got to go back now.
Ciao,
D

Hi everyone!

Antonio and I are back from Jamaica! We had an amazing time. We went to an all-inclusive resort, so we just spent 5 days eating, drinking and lying on the beach. We didn't leave the resort once, so I didn't get too many pictures. I've attached a beach scene, in case any of you are languishing in cold climates and need a pick-me-up. ...

As for Antonio's homecoming, it's been wonderful. We haven't done AOS yet because I will probably be in Turkey from June to August, and we don't want to risk having to miss or reschedule the interview. Antonio wants to come to Istanbul with me for the month of June, then go to Rome for a month, but I think he should be in the US working or trying to find a job. Otherwise, he'll just be chilling around the house until June, then taking an extended vacation? No way. That's ludicrous to me. We're trying to reach a compromise, but that's our only "road bump" so far.

Bree, you may be right: Alex could be in labor right now! How exciting

Wow, D, at you have confirmation that your file has been received. I've been corresponding with someone else on VJ who is getting a K3 at Naples. Their file left the NVC in late December, and they still have heard nothing from the consulate. Would speaking with someone in the consular's office help? I think there's an option to do that in the menu prompts??

Ciao, K.

Hi K!

nice pic! I'm sure you had great time in J!

BTW I did select to talk to someone at the menu and the person who answered told me that he couldn't let me talk to anyone of the IV division and all I could do is send more emails and faxes...do you guys know if there's anything more than calling the damn' consulate that I could do to put pressure on them?

Try 081 583 8221 or 081 583 8220.

Its someones desk...don't ask how I got them....i think its from 3-5 though...sorry I'm so late getting it to you...don't evn know if it'll help, hoping so...good luck!

Got a favor to ask of you, would you mind looking in DCF section for my post...you might be able to give me a hand...GO MAKE THAT PHONE CALL!

Your italian is fine I live in Blue Springs its a small town 25minutes from kansas city. Yeah during the summertime was very HOT!! But in my house my hubby likes to have the airconditioning all the time and it was so cold i had to wear sweaters all the time! This winter wasnt bad at all we only had snow 2times !I just got a plane ticket also,Im goin to Italy to see my family at the end of march...Hopefully i will get this greencard so my trip back will be smoother. We all know how bad it is when you gotta go through the immigration

Ciao!!Paola

Breezy, what part of Italy do you live in? Was it hard to adjust to living there? My husband would really like us to move over there and although I have lived in Italy before (Florence and Milan), I haven't warmed up to the idea. I guess it has to do with how difficult it is to find a job in my field over there.

To the USC, are any of you going through the process of getting Italian citizenship?

Hello guys...
I finally find a minute to post here...march, 7th they decided to induce me at my appointment so baby Sean Thomas was born on march, 8th at 4:43 pm, he weighed 7.15 x 21 inches long, we had a very complicated and long delivery that lasted 28 hours...what matters is that everything turned out fine in the end, even though I am pretty beat up at the moment...lots of stitches because of a 3rd degree tear in not so funny places...but it is getting better.
I am not sure how often I will be able to post in here, we are still trying to get into some sort of routine and everything is slowed down because I need to recover, so thanks everyone for your thoughts and congrats, hopefully I will have a minute every now and then.
So here's the little guy...needless to say me and Eric are totally in love

Wow, there's been a string of good news in the Italia, the greatest of which is this latest bit!

Congratulations, Alex and Eric! Sean is so beautiful; he looks so serene and content. I'm glad you've got such a sweet outlook in spite of the pain you must be feeling now. (Here's wishing for a speedy recovery) At least everyone is home now. Your house must be a-buzz with this new addition. How ethereal and lovely!

Stay warm (well, it's cold in MI; I don't know about DC) and healthy and well-fed. Stop in when you have strength, but know we're all thinking of you and sending smiles and vibes.

Ciao, K.