My mom's journey to US permanent residency

I got my US citizenship on June 26, 2013, and I did it for three reasons:

1. The fees will increase if I wait too long.

2. I can travel anywhere with a US passport!!!

3. I want to petition for my family.

I started to petition for my mom last week, and I am going to post her timeline here:

July 11- Mailed application I-130 (along with copies of my birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and $420 check)

July 18 - Got an email from USCIS to confirm receipt and my check was cashed
November 22 - Got a letter stating her case was transferred to Nebraska office to expedite it.
December 18 - Request for evidence. They needed a proof that my mom (with her married name) is one and the same with Adoracion Abellanosa Yap, her maiden name.
February 24 - Petition approved!! Case is moved to NVC
April 14 - Got a letter in the mail telling me to pay $88 AOS fee and fill up DS-261
May 3rd - Got a letter from NVC with a visa processing bill of $230
May 14 - paid $88 AOS
June 12 - paid $230 IVF
July 10 - filled up DS-260 online for my mom (At this time, I am on vacation in the Philippines.)
October 2014 - Got an email and mail saying I need to make corrections to my I-864 and send the following: mom's orig. marriage and birth certificates, passport bio page, and orig. NBI clearance, my original birth and marriage certificates.
April 27, 2015 - Mailed all documents to NVC including 2014 tax return. A new year has passed so I assumed they needed the most recent tax return.
April 30 - NVC received my mail ( according to its tracking online), They also emailed me saying to give them 60 days for review.
June 7 - NVC emailed and mailed me telling me to submit my w2s, tax returns,  and make changes with my I-864. Apparently, Alex needs to be my co-sponsor because we have joint tax return, so I have to turn in his w2s as well.

August 12 - I mailed in all necessary documents.  

August 25 -I received an email from NVC stating my mom's schedule for interview on September 21st. (Less than a month from now!)

September 14 - Mom flew to Manila with sister.  

September 15, 16 - Mom had her medical exam at St. LUKES. 

September 21 - interview at US Embassy! Passed with only 2 questions. 

November 17 - Mama's flying with Philippine Airlines! 

Disclaimer: My mom wanted me to slow down the process. She said, she is not ready. While I was in the Philippines for a month-long vacation with Cinzia, we realized that it would take significant time for my mom to get a passport because she still needed to secure a government-issued ID. She is working on the ID so she can apply for a passport.

Cinzia is 2!

Our precious Cinzia turned two last Sunday, 7/7. My baby is a baby no more. I could not believe how time flew so fast. Experienced parents have already warned me against this, but I took it for granted. I felt like I just went to work and Cinzia became 20 pounds heavier when I came home. It was lightning fast.

I am not the type of girl who is fond of babies. I am not good in taking care of babies nor am I patient with them. With Cinzia, I could say it's Alex who has the greatest influence. Our baby is really a good (I am saying this without bias.). Strangers, Costco cashiers, flight attendants, relatives whom we met for the first time, and many others have told us she is such a pleasant baby. She has a huge smile ready for everyone. She listens and obeys easily. She does not insist on what she wants. She tests us, too, sometimes, but generally, she is easy.

Two weeks ago, I brought her to West Virginia and we travelled 5 states with our relatives. Cinzia did not complain on the long road trips. She kept up with me at airports by walking and running to catch the next flight (We had two layovers each way). She did not throw any tantrums. She ate what I bought and/or prepared for her. Yes, she is a pleasant baby. I hope she will continue to behave like this as she gets older. Alex really did a good job on her. I am so proud of him. 

Cinzia and I were not really close. As I said, I am not into babies. I could not even play with her for 30 minutes straight. Alex already demanded I should. I can feed and bathe her, changer her diaper and clothes, drive her around, and sing with her. That's about it. With that trip we both made, Cinzia and I got closer than ever. I am so in love with this baby girl. As Alex always says, she is our pride and joy.

I cannot be grateful enough to God for sending Cinzia into our lives. Even if we did not expect her to come in this world at that time she was conceived, she came at a perfect timing. When she arrived, my career soared, and blessings poured one by one! She is the perfect baby for me and Alex. God really knows what we're doing. 

Happy 2nd birthday, Cinzia! We love you very very much! Here are some pictures Cinzia and I took on the plane while waiting to take off. We were bored.