I've been reading the posts for a while too. What an incredible group of people! You are all so supportive.
Chess101, you are not alone. We are in a similar situations. Here are our time lines (side note: I am a Canadian citizen sponsoring my American husband).
Mailed the application on Aug 3, 2010 (received in Mississauga on Aug 5). Sponsorship approved, file forwarded to Buffalo.
Buffalo started processing the application on Sept 10, 2010.
Initial Assessment received on October 11, 2010. Interview waived, no additional documents required, medical exam received.
Since then NOTHING. It's incredibly worrisome and frustrating, as you can imagine. My husband tried contacting them twice (case specific inquiry), he got nothing but the standard response from Buffalo.
I requested the CAIPS notes in mid February.