Tomorrow morning

Wow, we leave in less then 24 hours. The bags are packed, visa and passports arrived this morning, paperwork triple checked, house cleaned, we are ready to go (well as ready as we will be). Whatever we don't have we will buy when we get there!

I cannot wait to meet my daughter. I'm going to try my hardest not to cry, since it will probably scare her even more, but I can't promise anything.

48 hours

2 days to go. Just received an e-mail from our agency and the passports, visas etc. were just sent off today. We will get them tomorrow. Nothing like a little more stress to add to the pile, yikes. I think I am going to be in a panic until I have those in my hands because we can't leave the country without them.

I think I may have over packed, but that isn't anything new. Looks like it is really rainy in Xi'an right now so I decided to add a few sweaters and an extra pair of jeans (and a raincoat).

I am so excited and nervous that it is hard to sleep. I know they say to get lots of rest before you go, but that is just not going to happen.

My mom is arriving tomorrow afternoon so I can show her where Avery's teddy bear school is, etc.

Still can't believe we are leaving in 2 days!

3 days

 

I'm trying a post via e-mail again. 

3 DAYS!  Packing like crazy now.  Still lots to do!  6 days until we meet Brennyn, cannot wait.

Last day of work

Finished my last day of work today. Seemed kind of surreal. Still can't believe we are leaving in 5 days! Yesterday was a busy day, running around to the bank, taking the dog to the vet, back to the bank, courier, going to work.
I have to admit that it was very hard to be interested in working today, good thing we weren't very busy.
I am planning to have all our shopping and running around completed by tomorrow evening. Bags will be packed by Tuesday (hopefully).

I am a disappointed that we have been told that we are not allowed to visit the Xi'an CWI due to the H1N* flu. I am still going to double check with our guide in Xi'an though!

SUNDAY is the day

Our itinerary is in! We have a hotel, flight to Xi'an, guide or two and the usual things to see.
We are staying at the Gloria hotel in Xi'an which is funny because we stayed at the Gloria in Nanchang 3 years ago.

Really though, the important part is that Brennyn day is on Sunday September 20th! That is only 9 days away.

I don't call it "gotcha day", just a personal thing. When I was growing up it was just "my day" (I was adopted at 8 months). My brother and I both had our birthdays and a my day (when I was little I thought everyone had one of those).

blog

Trying out an e-mail post so I am able to post while in China.

ONE WEEK

7 days, one week! Visas are being processed, itinerary is being worked on (hopefully), bags are so not packed. Lists are being checked off, still a few more things to pick up before next week.

Not sure if we are going to meet Brennyn on the Sunday or the Monday now. I know when we adopted Avery we met her on the Sunday. The plane had been delayed and we arrived in Nanchang a few hours before it was time to meet the babies. That was a crazy amazing day!
I really hope Brennyn day is on the Sunday, but that goes without saying!

Pictures of my girls.

8

8 Days!
Still waiting for visas, itinerary, nothing too important. Send an e-mail with 500 questions to my travel coordinator and agency rep (that may be a slight exaggeration).

I am so thankful to our friends and family who have been so supportive during this journey. In 8 days the adventure really begins.

10

10 days! The time always goes so quickly once you have the final approval. I just hope our visas get here soon, and our passports (which were needed to apply for the visa). We still don't have an itinerary or have any idea where we will be sleeping. Actually, not that concerned about where I am staying, as long as there is a roof over my head and it's semi clean I am good to go! I'm more concerned about when we'll be seeing our little girl for the first time. I assume it will be on Sunday September 20th.

The countdown is on, woohooooo!

Happy Anniversary

Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to my Mother and Father In Law. It's their
40th anniversary today. That is such a big accomplishment, I don't think many couples make it that far today.

Hope we're ready

I've been thinking, while walking with Avery in the beautiful, hot sun. I hope we are ready. I keep going over things in my mind and I hope that we are prepared. I think we are, but I have to admit that I am nervous.
I'm worried about leaving my little girl at home for 2 weeks. I'm going to miss her so much! We had a great day today, walking to DQ for a blizzard (boy can that girl eat, remind me not to share food with her next time if I want to eat some), just hanging out.
I'm nervous about meeting Brennyn for the first time, and at the same time crazy with excitement. I worry that I haven't read enough books, done enough research, prepared for her arrival, etc., etc.
It's going to be a different adventure this time, but I guess that is what parenthood is all about!

TA is HERE!!

Yes folks, the last A has arrived. We have our TA. I really don't think the TA means as much to us in Canada, it's more of a formality. Our agency books the plane tickets as soon as you send back your LOA/LSC. Still, it feels great knowing our notice to travel has arrived!!