Sunday, July 29, 2012

Almost!

Nick woke me up early this morning to run over to tell me that airplanes give you lunch on a tray! Wow...he must be thinking of this constantly...just like us! Right now he's reciting his days of the week, and telling us when we're going to "CHINA!"

My dining room is PACKED with items that need to somehow fit into our suitcases. Our adoption agency told us to only pack light, only 4 or 5 outfits because each hotel has a laundry service. Gezzz, I don't even see how we'll have room for clothing! Thank goodness it's summer time! Shorts and tee shirts don't take up too much room.

I have all my paperwork copied and completed and put into plastic envelopes and labeled. I have extra copies of EVERYTHING; one packet for each backpack and each suit case. I know, a bit over board, but hey, it doesn't take up much room and it's light.

Today we're setting up the crib, and putting Riley's clothing in her dresser. Then hopefully work on our benefit cookbook tonight. Busy days! I need to think hourly right now, and cannot bare to think we're leaving in TWO DAYS!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Thought we were prepared!

The closer we get to the big day the stronger my emotions seem to be! I think I should just walk around with a paper bag in my back pocket. Not sure if I'm going to hyperventilate or throw up! I tell folks that the paper work involved in an international adoption is liking buying 10 different houses all at the same time. There are so many investors, so many pieces to puzzle and they ALL have to work perfectly together. That's just the paperwork! The emotions? Oh, my. That's a totally another story!

We're trying not to talk to Nick about our pending adventure every second, but he sees the luggage in the corner, and a PILE of our travel supplies....not to mention the little girl items all over the place. It seems to be on his little mind ALL THE TIME! He tells everyone he sees..."I'm going to finally see my new baby sister soon!" AND when he says "finally" he looks at me as if I had anything to do with it! LOL!

We've been trying to take Nick to parks like we normally do, and we even took him to the Hands-on-House this morning for a short time. Later he told me that he wished we didn't go, because there is too much stuff going on there, and his belly is too nervous! Poor thing! Though I have to say I this overwhelming feeling of needing to walk in the woods or in a field, because I just want quiet. Too many "what ifs" pending right now. I was in a great frame of mind earlier, but realizing just how many GIGANTIC obstacles face us has made me realize that this adoption is nothing short of a miracle!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

We got our Travel Approval!!!!

I could NOT believe it. I just wanted to check our email before I took a shower, not expecting to really find anything. BUT to my surprise I saw an email entitled "Travel Approval Received-Please Read and Respond via Email!" Oh, my goodness!!! I was not expecting something until at least next week, and even possibly into August!!! I was jumping and yelling! Ted was smiling HUGE, and he knew why I was so excited. China sent our approval to come on over to get our little girl, Riley!

We're tentatively planning on leaving sometime between August 1st to the 3rd. All we need to do is find out when our appointment date is scheduled with the U.S. Consulate, and then our airflight is planned accordingly. We should get the Consulate date on Monday. Can NOT believe it!!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Passing Time, Making Lists & Having some FUN!

Through all the paperwork, financial strain, and tons of waiting brings forth a huge pile of STRESS! I'm typically a list maker, but this has been getting ridiculous! I now have a note pad sitting on our banister on the 2nd floor just in case I remember something while I'm in the bathroom, bedrooms or hallway. This wait and preparing for the biggest trip of our lives is an adventure like no other. BUT before I officially go nuts, we felt it was really important to get Nick out for family time while it's just the three of us. Plus we needed some good old fashion fun to burn off this stress!



Nick playing with some friends...




Swimming with family....Good times! Nick was a little FISH! He really did well, and didn't want to get out of the pool. Family times and laughter really are good for the heart!





Sunday, July 15, 2012

Trying to be prepare...if that's possible.




I decided to read something a bit lighthearted and humorous to help get us prepared to visit the other side of the world!

Friday, July 13, 2012

We got a grant!

It's been a very, very busy week here at the Edwards home, which is why it's taken me so long to post. We received some terrific news on Tuesday! We qualified for a grant from Gift of Adoption Fund!!! We're so thankful!!! We've been smiling all week. It's a huge help. The cost of adoption is always expensive, but it's nothing compared to airfare to China. Yikes.

Thank you Gift of Adoption Fund!!!