I have very similar situation but haven't received the 100$ request (i paid it on my own last month and sent the receipt)
Applied: May 15th, 2015
Blank updates: once every month
Contact with CIC: They said the 100$ receipt is attached to my application
Paid 100$: September, 15th (NO EMAIL RECEIVED TO PAY THE MONEY, proactively did it)
Approved: NOT YET
Mail Delivery: ----
TRIED CONTACTING MP BUT GOT AN EMAIL THAT SHE HAS NOT RESUMED THE OFFICE YET (because of elections recently, OUT OF LUCK FROM ALL SIDES I FEEL

)