China Here We Come!!!

Since I just learned that my 2 year old niece is now referring to Claire as "China", that title has a double meaning. I can't believe it's finally here - we leave for China early tomorrow morning. I got a phone call today telling me we'd be getting the babies at 3:00pm on Monday, July 20th. Our "Gotcha Day". My friends who are adopted have told me that their "Gotcha Day" is more important to them than their birthdays. I made the mistake of watching "China's Lost Girls" with a friend last night. By the end of the show my heart was racing - and I cried when they got their babies. I can't believe that's me on MONDAY!!! Pray that our trip goes smoothly (and we're not quarantined!) and that the transition goes well for Claire.

4 More Days!

Four more days until I leave for China! There's still a lot to do and Claire won't be coming home to a perfect house - oh well! She'll come home to a place where she's loved and that's what matters. Everyone is so excited, including Grandma!!

China Schedule

We just received our in country schedule for China. Gotcha Day is Monday, July 20th. My heart is so full - I just can't believe it's really happening. I look at her sweet worried face in the photos and I still have a hard time imagining her in my arms. And I can't help but think about how she will be leaving everyone and everything she knows. Please pray for a safe trip for all who are traveling and for a smooth transition for both me and Claire.

Before we meet our babies, we'll go to Tian An Men Square, the Forbidden City and hike on the Great Wall at the Juyongguan section pictured here. After Gotcha Day, we'll have lots of appointments (China Civil Affairs office, medical checkup for the babies, US consulate) but we're also scheduled to visit the Provincial Museum and the Yuelu Ancient Academy Center. A trip to the Guangzhou Zoo is also on the schedule (yes, they have a panda!). Claire, we're coming!!!!

Travel Letter

Wow - I got my travel letter today. Basically a letter from the Chinese government saying that I shouldcome get Claire (Chen Jia Bin)in the next 90 days. Wow - I'm really gonna be a mom.

A Quilt for Claire

My sister Susan has the sweetest family. Her sister-in-laws (whom I have known since I was a teenager) all got together and made Claire a quilt. Not easy since they live in Arizona, Michigan and Ohio! Thank you Alice, Andrea, Mary and Marilyn!! Claire and I will treasure the quilt and your love in the years to come!

Presents for Claire

The shower from my friends at work was so fun! And Claire got lots of nice things! I was really glad two of my sisters (Jane who lives in Ohio and my sister Share who was visiting from Arkansas) along with my Mom were able to come to the shower. The shower was at Joey Chang's, a Chinese resturant, so not only did we have a good time, we had great food too! One special gift was the hand made wall box from my boss, Jo.

Wow - things are happening fast!!!

I just found out today that we have confirmed travel approval and will be leaving July 16th. Only 2 weeks away!! And in 18 days I'll have Claire in my arms!!!

My sweet friends from work had a shower for me at a Chinese resturant last night - it was a lot of fun and Claire got lots of neat gifts!! Thanks to everyone for such a special evening!!