My application was received Oct 21st and it remains In Process regardless of how many times I call to check on the status. My next anticipated travel is Dec 18th and now I'm getting nervous that it won't be here on time. I could apply for expedited processing, but it seems lame to me that I have to pay an extra $45 per passport (my kids as well) to make something move faster when I mailed it in well ahead of time. Wishing there could be some update, but all I can do is call and be told to be patient. Sigh.