We're going to CHINA!

I stayed away all day so that I wouldn't wait by the computer for the anticipated information. Upon my return, I was rewarded...

There it was in my in-box...a message from Holt confirming our travel dates and consulate appointment! But, the thing that stood out to me like a flashing red light was the "GOTCHA! Day" date (the day you actually pick up your child is fondly referred to as "Gotcha Day").

March 24th...

I will finally meet my son.

I will be the mother of two daughters and 1 son.

I will have a boy of my very own.

How do I feel right now? Pretty surreal. It's kind of like when you are 9 months pregnant and you want that baby to come so bad that it is practically all you can think about. But, then as labor begins you find yourself thinking, "I'm not ready! I can wait a little longer. Please let me wait a little longer!" It's not that you don't want your child, it's just that fear of the unknown has just tightened it's icy jaws around your heart and you realize everything is about to change. Permanently. Forever. And you are scared.

Yep, that pretty much sums it all up.

So, how do I move past it, you ask? Well, I to do my happy dance with Lilly in the kitchen and squeal with Hannah as we jump around the house clutching hands. It's amazing how expending a little pent up energy can clear the mind!

Now, where's my notebook? I've got lists to make, and tickets to buy, and paperwork to do, and clothes to pack, and doctor appointments to make, and...

New Edition

I just found out that my best bud since we were twelve - Yolanda (you all remember how attached we were!) just completed her adoption of a little girl!!! Zoe is 7 days old and was adopted domestically right there in Florida. We are so excited for them! I can't wait to see her in person. (I need to ask if I can post a photo for you all to see.)



My only complaint is that the adoption took a month! Can you believe it? We have been waiting 4 years and they make it happen in a month. Some people have all the luck :)



(Actually they have been working on the whole adoption thing for several years, but this adoption took only a month...so I guess it's all fair:))



Congratulations Yolanda, Dele, and Max!!! We love you guys.

Almost There!

Today we received our official invitation to travel to China with the purpose to adopt! WaHoo!!! We are so excited. Now we are just waiting for our US consulate appointment to make all the arrangements - we have been told it should be just a few more days (Hmmm...where have we heard that before?).

It has been so hard to wait. But, here are a few tips to help with waiting if you should ever find yourself in similar circumstances:

1. Start a blog...write a whole bunch the first week, then run out of things to say because nothing has happened because YOU ARE STILL WAITING.

2. Go to Chinese New Year and hook up with some fab people who can give you lots of advice and help as you are pretty sure you are clueless and desperate.

3. Read other adoption blogs and cry like a baby because you want it to be you.

4. Shop for clothes that you are hoping will fit your child, but aren't sure because the only sizes you have are from 10 months earlier when he was 21 months old and the size of an American 1yr old...but what the heck!

5. Read Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth" and fervently count your blessings that you live when and where you do. Then compare yourself to O-lan and realize she is so "DA WOMAN!"

6. Join Facebook so that everyone you know or ever knew can be excited for you and send you sweet encouragements that uplift you and keep you going.

7. Visit your doctor and get antibiotics and scabies ointment. Then head to Walmart and purchase as many bottles of lice shampoo you can find because you and your teenage daughter are so paranoid that you are already itching!

8. Make lists...clothing, medications, toys, snacks, tech toys, etc. (If you think of anything else we may need, let me know and I'll put it on my list.)

9. Try to learn Chinese but realize you are utterly hopeless and pray that you can at least learn how to say the important stuff: I love you, Are you hungry?, Do you have to go potty?, I know we are totally weird to you but we are your new family and we have been waiting AGES to get you and you will just love us and your new home and your new life if you will just give us a chance.... Hmmm...The last phrase may be a bit too complicated for our limited repertoire...

10. Read everything you can about separation anxiety and adjustment issues, then give up because you realize every child is different and you will just have to roll with whatever comes your way. And you are really starting to freak yourself out!

Well, I hope this list helps all of you out there waiting...and waiting...and waiting...Luckily, our wait is almost over!