Remember this? Some of you will...he was six months old. We were in Africa. I posted this picture from Africa. I'm pretty sure I've used it again since then - because, well darn it, it's cute. And I'm pretty sure Africa was the last time Quint was in it...
until today...errr...yeah...
We were checking to see/remember how to use the darn thing, after I had washed it, etc. That's when a certain little man popped his arms up in the air and said "me, up?" We asked if he wanted in, and he said "dep" - which we've come to learn means a hearty "YEP!" So up he went. All 25 pounds of him. Ahem. See that's a joke, because he's so tiny. Oh, but how I love that boy!
So a few things to share - and I'll number them, because I'm mentally a geriatric over here. That's because I'm drowning in details. That's my phrase. I've said it at least 100 times and I plan to keep right on saying 100 more or until I'm on that plane next week. I'm drowning in details. Ok, 99 more times then.
1. We leave next week. See, I already said that too. We fly out on Thursday at the crack of earliest, darkest, coldest possible dawn known to all mankind. Ok, just to those of us suffering from unusually cold weather here in Texas. Just us big-babies. And we're heading into a blazing hot 14 degrees in Beijing. During the sunshine hours. A meager 5 degrees at night. Gulp. Big baby indeed!
2. Packing/Planning/Preparing has been underway for a week and the stack of paperwork that has to travel with us is pretty impressive. We decided that in order for Keira to look both warm and cute in all her photo-ops, we will forgo the excessive packing of clothing for ourselves and opt instead for a very limited selection. This will give ample space in the luggage for hair-bows, cute hats, and layers of adorable pink stuff. Hopefully with our heavy winter coats, gloves, and scarves on, no one will notice AB and I are wearing the same pants and shirts day in and day out. Ahem. (Thank God it's winter...)
3. I'm kind of a mess. Nothing new there, except that this is a different kind of mess than the everyday mess. It's the kind of mess that happens when I obsess about traveling overseas. Details. Drowning. (see, technically I didn't say it...so I'm still at 99) I just can't let go of some of the things running around in my head. Do I have enough Kleenex? Am I taking enough diapers? Are these the right size clothes (for me...ha!)? Should we this or should we that? I'm sort of resigning myself to the fact that all things will come together and have their own flow. This much I know...some things you just can't control to death. Alas.
4. Dealing with leaving Mister Q behind is proving a challenge. I know it's the right thing at this time. I know he'll be fine. In good hands. But oh. We are both beyond sad to say goodbye even for two days, let alone over two weeks. My mind can't get around it. I'm not sure how we're going to do when we reach that moment of last hugs and kisses. It's quite possibly going to break us. Send prayers for us if you can? For strength, and for Quint to be able to adjust and not revisit any abandonment issues over those two weeks.
5. I'm pretty sure that my lists have lists.
I'll stop there, because unfortunately, I just realized that I'm just making another list. Ack!
Here's the important part anyway:
After hearing the basic horror stories of those trying to connect to blogger from China - we've decided to do as others have done and open up a TRAVEL BLOG HERE It will keep us connected, allow me to share pictures and video, as well as updates and I shouldn't have any trouble posting.
It's only temporary...but at least we won't be cut off. Had a hard enough time with that from Ethiopia. So, that's the scoop. I won't start posting there until after we arrive in China and once we are home, I'll switch back over here.
So for the next week, you can keep coming by and I'll be sure to announce the transfer as a reminder.
Also, Keira's Fund-raising Blog has it's final post up - thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged us though that process these past four months. You made this possible!
Well, I guess that's the latest...I've got to be back to my lists and my pacing. Save me! Someone...anyone...ha! I'm drowning in details over here. (98)
5. I'm pretty sure that my lists have lists.
I'll stop there, because unfortunately, I just realized that I'm just making another list. Ack!
Here's the important part anyway:
After hearing the basic horror stories of those trying to connect to blogger from China - we've decided to do as others have done and open up a TRAVEL BLOG HERE It will keep us connected, allow me to share pictures and video, as well as updates and I shouldn't have any trouble posting.
It's only temporary...but at least we won't be cut off. Had a hard enough time with that from Ethiopia. So, that's the scoop. I won't start posting there until after we arrive in China and once we are home, I'll switch back over here.
So for the next week, you can keep coming by and I'll be sure to announce the transfer as a reminder.
Also, Keira's Fund-raising Blog has it's final post up - thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged us though that process these past four months. You made this possible!
Well, I guess that's the latest...I've got to be back to my lists and my pacing. Save me! Someone...anyone...ha! I'm drowning in details over here. (98)
10 comments :
Did you know that Stefanie from Ni Hao Y'all is leaving today? Well, her flight was scheduled to leave 9:58 this a.m. so hopefully even with the snow we just got here on the East Coast she's still winging on her merry way. I'm so excited for you guys - will be following from home every step of the way.
And I will say, we didn't have much trouble connecting to blogger at all. Hubby got me all hooked up with a proxy server thingy that routed us past all the, ahem, roadblocks, of their systems. . . Just a thought. I obviously am not the IT person here. :)
Our minds must be in the same place, oh wait! they are in the same place!!! Drowning! This is wild! I can't wait to follow along on your journey...we'll be arriving as you guys will be finishing up the final details. Can't wait! Lots of prayers for you all!
Have a fantastic trip!!! We traveled in Feb. 2006 and it was cold in Beijing for us too. Thank goodness for my Uggs..saved my toes!
Excited to follow your journey, the final leg and the new beginning!
Enjoy every single second!
Sue : )
Such excitement and work. don't worry about what you and AB are wearing trust me, we will not be looking at you :0).
Love Quint in the baby carrier both then and now.
I have your shutterfly on my favorites already.
Take care, Cora
I was looking for your email address, but can't find it on the site. Just wanted to pass along some advice we were glad to use while we were in China. We just returned June 2009. Wear a belt to every meal (with pants that don't need it) to use to help your child stay in the "highchair". A lot of the high chairs we encountered were not like the ones from the States and very rarely did they have a safety strap. My husband would use his belt to help hold our little one in her seat more comfortably. Just wanted to pass this along to you. Feel free to check out our blog at shoesnotrequired.blogspot.com Have a great trip!
Take tylenol 2 hours before you get off of the plane in case they are still checking for s. flue.
Bring the travel role of Charmin and wet wipes everywhere, even Lucy's doesn't have t.p. in the bathroom they will send you to.
ZPack saved us, so did an antibiotic for Eli. It can be expensive to get your laundry done...it's cheapest when you hit Guandzhou.
Enjoy every minute. I am so happy for you. She is absolutely adorable.
Gosh, I'm so excited for you! Safe travels!
I left my then not-quite-3yo daughter (adopted two years before) when I traveled to adopt my 2nd daughter. She stayed with my parents. It was MUCH harder on me than her, but there was so much to do with the new baby that I didn't dwell on it once I was in China.
I got daily updates via e-mail from my parents (a must!). And I relished the one-on-one time with my new baby. I cried boarding the plane to leave the U.S. and cried boarding the plane to come home -- couldn't WAIT to see my big girl!
Things I did: countdown paper chain with a link for each day I was away, a few little gifts to open on certain days (including one from her baby sister), tape recording of me reading some of her favorite stories, a photo of me she could sleep/play with. I only talked to her on the phone a couple of times (and only in the morning, U.S. time -- bedtime was too hard on both of us). I didn't talk much about the baby -- figured there would be plenty of time for sibling rivalry after I got home :).
Best wishes for safe and healthy travel! Be prepared to think Quint has grown a foot when you get home. :)
Gayle
Mom to 2 daughters from China
I am SO VERY EXCITED for you!!!
Have a wonderful trip. Don't wish any of it away. You will have your baby home before you know and your "new normal" will commence. So savor your time with Keira in her birthplace. Take in all the sights, sounds and smells that you can so that you can share them with her when she's older. ENJOY this moment in your life. You have worked so hard, endured so much heartache and cried so many tears for it. That precious child and your sweet family are worth every bit.
I love you and can't wait to follow your time in China on your travel blog!
Have a safe and memorable trip. XOXO
Christie that is beautiful.
While we come from such different histories, I know the pain of waiting four years for a child that i felt in my being I was supposed to have. I know the release of those tears. To say I am overjoyed for you and Anton would be an understatement. God is good and I can't wait for the moment when you and that baby girl are united at long last. I love you, girl!
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