Travel Approval!

Well, a Christmas baby she will be! We were notified today that our Travel Approval has been received and we will be in China from Dec 12th-28th. These last 4 weeks have seemed very long, as I thought the TA would be here any day (before Thanksgiving). When that date came and went, it became depressing again and I imagined that we would never reach Lydia.

But, as always we have realized that this time in December will actually be perfect timing for our trip to China--even though we will be away during Christmas, this timing is actually better than any other: Jason will finish finals at UMKC the day before we leave; I have had time to finish up with all of my clients and get the business wrapped up; Mom will be off from work to take care of the boys over this time; and mainly the boys will have their minds filled with the holidays, cousins, travel to Indiana, and hopefully not much time to miss us.

It will feel very strange to be away from them for so long, especially as I will find myself caring for and loving a new child. Will I feel guilt? Will the boys feel betrayed? I'm sure many emotions will take place over the next couple of months--and moments that we will not have much control over. Time, careful thought, and intentional actions will ease fears, cast away doubts, and create bonds---but can we do it and how long will it take for everyone to fit into their place in our little family?!

I am absolutely giddy with excitement! I can't wait to hold her, squeeze her, and tell those little dark eyes "Wo ai ni" --- I love you.

Now to call the travel agent and arrange all of this. I'm feeling pretty confident about planning the travel---leave it up to the professionals!!! After lurking around chat rooms for the past six months, I know exactly who I want to call. "Yea" for everything learned on Yahoo groups! Jason totally makes fun of me and can't stand it when I stay up until midnight reading posts; but, amazing to say, we wouldn't be in the place we're at now---or with this exact precious child without my keeping up with posts on the Yahoo groups. It is there that I saw the Waiting Child list was coming out and I saw posts from several moms encouraging others to consider "special needs" kids. This was the major turning point in our journey that led us to Fu Bao Xing. Absolutely amazing---again I say, "Yea chat groups!"

The papers are signed!

We received our paperwork around 3:30 and had it all signed and prepared to overnight to St. Louis. They will receive it Monday and overnight it to Beijing!! Now we just wait for our Travel Approval from China that specifies our travel date. Perhaps we will have a Christmas baby!

The Ladybug Was Right!

CHI called--our Seeking Confirmation Letter is here!! We will receive it tomorrow from St. Louis. God must have a sense of humor by bringing the ladybug this morning! The packet will arrive UPS tomorrow afternoon....then we await travel news

A Ladybug!

I spotted a ladybug crawling up the wall today! In the China Adoption community, the ladybug represents good luck and that a referral is coming soon! Silly, but fun--I took pictures of him/her climbing up the molding--perhaps today is the day our Seeking Confirmation Letter (Special Needs Refferal) will come.