Packing Problems and Bubble Wrap

Since we have had our Visa's come through we have been busy trying to pick a date that suits both of us and have started packing up some stuff. 

After much deliberation Paul has got a date for his trip. 

He will be going without us first for a couple of weeks to look for a house and get some other stuff sorted. We decided this would be the best option for us as the thought of me staying alone in a hotel with Calleigh for too long is a little daunting and not fair on Calleigh. 

Whilst he is away it would of been my job to pack everything up ready to ship over. However, this is a massive job, especially with a 15 month old baby around, and so Paul decided it would be best if we started doing some of it now. 

It seemed like such a good idea at the time but now not so much. 

It's hard to pack up a house you are still living in, add that to the fact that Paul hardly wants to take anything and I want to take everything and cue arguments over sentimental items and whether pretty candles are necessities. 

The house is a mess with bubble wrap and boxes everywhere I step. Which is made worse by the fact the house was already a mess with baby toys anyway. 

Calleigh just wants to play with the bubble wrap. 

Paul just wants to chuck everything away. 

And I just want it all to be over. 

I'm sure we will get there in the end, well, I hope we will. 

Attending the US Embassy

On the morning of our interview at the US Embassy we both got up at 6:30. Our appointment wasn't until 8:30 so this left plenty of time for us to get a good breakfast inside us. We didn't know how long we would be in there so filling our stomachs was important. 

We arrived outside the Embassy at around  8:15 to an already fairly large queue. As we took our place at the back of the line we saw people leaving to go and store their phones in a nearby newsagents. Luckily we were informed that no mobile phones or other electronic equipment would be allowed inside and stored all our valuables back in the safe at the hotel. 

The wait outside wasn't too long, they seemed to want to get people in quickly which was good as it was raining a bit. We went through security and followed the Visa signs up to yet another waiting room. Here we were given a ticket number and told to wait until our number is called. 

Surprisingly we didn't have to wait long and within 10 minutes of sitting down the electronic system called out our number and we hurried over to our window. 

At this first window it was really just checking all the documents and passports, making sure that everything was there and also taking our fingerprints (Paul had told me to be extra careful as they will send you away if you have a cut on your finger). 

We were given a form to fill out and told to wait again until our number was called. This time it would be for the interview and we were told that even though the interview may only last 15 minutes we could be waiting for over and hour. 

That being the case I went and got myself a cup of tea, as you do. 

About 15 minutes later our number was called again and that's when the nerves kicked in. What if they say no? What if we were missing something? 

I didn't have time to worry too much though as before we knew it we were stood in front of a man who was asking us questions. 

How old is your daughter?

When were you married?

What is your job?

Where will you be going? 

Paul did brilliantly and answered every question confidently even though I could see how nervous he was. And that's when the man behind the window said "I'm going to go ahead and approve this for you". 

With that short sentence our interview was over and the rest of our lives were beginning. 

I can't believe how quick it all was. After being told that it could take hours we were so surprised when we were out by 9:30. That meant we had the rest of the day to see more of London. 

The story so far...

This is the story of our move from our little mid-terraced home in the heart of a little village called Breaston in the UK over the great Atlantic to St Louis, Missouri. 

My husband, Paul, works for a company whose headquarters are based in the USA. After several trips out there (one where baby and I got to go along too) the decision was made both by the company and ourselves to petition for a work visa so that we could relocate to the USA and Paul could carry on his work there in the headquarters. 

We have just had our Visa approved. 

What does this mean you say? 

Well, following a long wait while our petition went through check after check after check it was finally sent off to be processed in California. A week later we received notice that it had been approved and informed of the next steps we had to take to solidify the decision. 

This includes a trip to the US Embassy in London that we will embark on next Wednesday. 

Luckily Calleigh does not have to be present at the Embassy due to her young age so we have arranged for her to stay with family. 

We have booked a hotel overnight as to avoid a very (very!) early morning drive to London as our appointment is at half past 8. 

I am very much looking forward to our trip and will make sure to update you once we get back. 

Hopefully the decision will be a good one!