So Far, So Good...
For what it's worth, here's my process so far...
4/10 - I sent in my application for myself (G3) and my child (G4). I included color copies of official birth certificates for G1-G4, death records for my father(G2) and grandfather (G1), and death and marriage records and unofficial baptismal record from BAnQ for my great grandmother (G0). I included a letter of brief explanation with checklist, a family tree, and copies of census records from both U.S. and Canada. I requested expedited service due to discriminatory threats in the U.S. with a letter as evidence, though I neglected to mark "expedited" on the outside of the envelope.
4/16 Ordered certified baptismal record for G0 from BAnQ
6/20 Received certified baptismal record for G0 from BAnQ
7/11 Received AOR via email.
7/14 Uploaded copy of certified baptismal record.
7/15 Sent away for certified birth record for G0 (1872) from Directeur de l'etat-civil Quebec, requested expedited mail service (not realizing that they can only send express mail within Canada). Provided nearly 20 pages of documentation, including application, copies of birth/death records for all generations, ID, copy of CIT checklist, family tree, and a brief letter of explanation listing contents, as well as a sworn, notarized statement that I was only seeking this record to prove my citizenship.
8/12 Received email from DIOD Program Support stating that a birth record is required, and explaining that the baptismal record I sent can be used to obtain the birth record. They asked for me to provide high-res color copies of birth record via email within 60 days. (Luckily I already ordered it on 7/14. although I believe it's possible to ask for an extension if needed).
8/14 AM - Called Directeur de l'etat-civil Québec - secret weapon: husband speaks fluent French, he asked them whether the birth record had been processed. They checked and found no record of my request, no charge, etc. They were kind and professional, but had no explanation, offered that perhaps it had gotten lost in the mail. They advised to wait a bit and then re-apply.
*I am not sure what I would have done if I didn't have a French speaker in the house; you can only speak in French on the phone with l'etat-civil, there is no English option, and you cannot translate an email into French to ask about your case, as they will not discuss specifics via email. My French is verrry basic.
8/14 PM - Credit card is charged for birth record (the very same day we called) Coincidence? Perhaps. Probably. Maybe?
8/17 I await birth record in mail (or letter of refusal). I am guessing if the charge went through, they are sending a birth record. I am guessing it will take a while.
I am hoping this level of detail is helpful to others who are applying. I am extremely grateful to all of the folks who have posted info on here, it has helped me enormously. I am very lucky that my case seems quite straightforward. I am not counting my chickens, I am just hopeful since they only asked for one further document.
My takeaways:
-Remember to check your materials multiple times. Get super nerdy. I did, and STILL made a mistake.
-Think about how to make things super clear for the human opening that envelope.
-Say thank you.
-It is ok to send placeholder documents and then upload official ones once you have an AOR.
-Keep in mind that processing times are obviously longer than what is stated on official websites.
-Note that in Québec, you need a French speaker to make inquiries by phone.
Good luck!