Aunties Pegs Easter Egg Hunt and Travel

Since we've moved here we had an Easter egg hunts for our nephews, unfortunately this year we wont be having one. I was hoping I would have our travel info by then. It was just too close to try and do that with everything else going on.

Next year will be a great one.

STILL NO TA

Really, its very frustrating, VERY. I did however talk with the travel dept and they are expecting them this week, and they plan on us leaving the last week in March. We cant make any flight info until we get our TA/CA. I'm going to give it an attempt myself. Maybe I can talk my boss into helping me, he is always making international flights. Apparently there is some small holiday the first week in April, which may be a problem. Then the trade fairs start on the 14th. She did say they hope for us to be home by then.

Also, I just have to say I do have a very wonderful hubby. I'm not sure if its age or what it is, but he is getting better and better with time. I really wouldn't trade him. I would go into detail but he said he would just deny it.

So who thinks he'll want to go back for another little girl?????? He said not, hmmmmmmmm.

I am trying to find a really nice Smock, Patriotic dress to bring Gracie home in, if anyone knows where I can get one before I go. Local would be great.

It's Official

Well its official, my baby has a name. I had to write it at the pediatrician's office last week.

Grace Noelle XinMing Winge

I sure hope she likes it, and doesn't think we were nuts!!!!!!!

It was 3 months ago today that I called Pam to tell her that this was indeed our daughter, now how do we bring her home. I've been staring at that beautiful little face for 3 months. I can not wait to hug her and kiss her and just love her.


We still have not heard anything about our travel yet, it's got to come soon, before I loose my mind.


I'm so ready for her to be home and for our lives to get to normal, or some kind of normal.

PaulPaul got her bed put together tonight, I'll post pictues once I get the house cleaned and it all looking ready.

Still No TA

I just don't think it can get any more depressing. We really thought we'd have TA by now and traveling next week. If we get TA by Friday, we will be able to travel around the 20th, if not it will be somewhere around the 27th!!!!! I know it will come when it comes, but really, this is enough to break a person. I've already missed 3.5 years with her, I want her now!

I just don't understand the wait, we need to bring our baby girl home.

The boys and I (Paul is out of town) will be putting her bed and all together, so by the weekend, it will look like a little princess lives here. Still waiting on her dresser to come in and I'm still trying to talk Paul Ray into a rocking chair. What little girl doesn't want to rock with her mommy?

No Hong Kong Disney, I tried, really hard, to talk my dear hubby into it, but he would not budge! He can be that way sometimes, not alot, but sometimes.

Enough rambling, turning in early tonight!!!!!!

Good Night and Sweet Dreams

Laptop Converters/Adapters for Dummies

Now that is what I need, a book for dummies. I'm having the hardest time trying to find out what kind of adapters we need to plug in our laptop and our battery charger for the camera. I need someone to say, here this is what you need!

Packing List. I will pull out the suitcases in Feb!

02/27/2008
Well I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a lighter suitcase. We're still waiting on our TA, I'm really hoping for Friday and praying for travel the week of the 10th!!!! I would like to get to Beijing a day earlier than we have to. I just read a blog where something happened and they were delayed somewhere. They would have to put me in a stright jacket, and what if they loose our luggage, that one had not crossed my mind until right now. Can we add that to our long list of things to worry about.



Just got a really neat website (blog) from another parent (thank you so much). http://www.the-ergo-lady.com/ergo-baby-carrier/
This will help me figure out the best way to use my carrier.

02/27 FYI - I still have not figured it out!!!!!!! We are getting Little Man a week from Saturday, so I'll have to do it then.


Packing List . . . . OK, alot of this I put here as I see it and want to remember. No, I'm NOT a lightpacker, in fact, I'm way way on the other side, but I do plan on doing my best at packing light for this trip. I also want to make sure that I have everything Grace may need.
I didnt want you to think I would pack EVERYTHING I put on here. Well I might, and DH just informed me he would be going through our bags and he thought he would be fine with just his one carry on. Yeah, not in my house BUD!

As I continue to read all the Yahoo groups, I'm keeping a list of what came in handy, what people wish they had with them, what they wish they had left! The key is packing light, those that know me, know I suck big time at that. I'm always Over packed! I must be prepared. Must, I just cant help it.
02/27 Well I dont see that changing, I keep going into the dining room where everything is and all I can say is oh my! I can see right now, this packing thing is going to get me for sure.

I just read where someone suggested (and what a great idea) you take clothes that are ready to be tossed (or you got really cheap somewhere) and dispose of them as you wear them. This will make room in your luggage for the items that you bought.
02/27 that wont work either, since I'm growing out of my clothes :( I hope chasing a toddler will help me loose it QUICK

http://www.orphanallies.org/pediatricmedicalkit.html Medications

02/27 I saw Gracie's dr today and he gave me two meds in case I need them. I was very leary of all of these meds, I dont want to over dose her, I still need fever med and cold stuff.


Someone suggested using packing cubes - http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1720&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=packing+cube

she also suggested travel socks ?
http://www.packinglight.net/plight/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3040&WT.svl=deptnav2

*Note: If you keep yourself VERY well hydrated, body, skin, eyes, and nasal passages, you can avoid many illnesses on long flights! Pack a flight care package to carry on the plane with you. Include Chapstick, Moisture Eye Drops, Face Cream, Sudafed, and Nose Spray (Afrin & Ocean). Nerve Pills - I'm already getting antsy!!!!!

Luggage (one carry money, one passports and paperwork in carryon) In Carryon - pack one change of clothes for both of us, meds, camera, paperwork, laptop

Me - 1 large to check, 1 carry on (backpack) and her diaper bag on way back

Him - 1 large rolling duffle to check, 1 carry on and laptop ???

Her - one backpack with a few toys

Be light!!!!! should take one change of clothes (maybe meds) in carryone

Suggestion to buy there - A large duffel for clothes - put souvenirs in luggage. Leave unused meds at Jennifers Place

Those in Red I have

Paperwork
Copy of Dossier
Addendum to dossier
Brown Envelope did not receive this, not everyone does
Passports (w/ Visa inside)
Airline tickets
Cash (ordered) and credit cards
Money Belt
copies of itinerary
passport photos of each (originals)
original I-171H
original referral
notebook w/emergency numbers and email addresses
fax/phones#'s for doctors/med.insurance
travel insurance
list of questions for CWI & orphanage director - You will forget
ask for western mattress at WS

Adult Meds / Supplies
Antibiotics (Z-pak) got script
Lomotil (?)
Tamiflu (?)
Advil
Antibacterial wipes / liquid
Tissues
Sinus meds
Jet-lag meds
Alcohol wipes
Peroxide
Neosporin

Benadryl tablets
Benadryl (liquid)
Benadryl (cream)
Saline spray
Cold/Flu/Allergy meds (w/cough)
Cough drops
Vitamins
Airborne (or Shaklee supplement)
eye drops
Tums
Pepto Bismal or Immodium tablets (chewable)
lotion
tweezers
nail clippers / nail file
Cipro
Laxative (?)
sleep aids (Ambien?)
first aid kit (bandaids, etc.)
Prescription meds (Paul & Peg)
Pain meds

Baby Meds / Supplies http://www.orphanallies.org/pediatricmedicalkit.html

Antibiotics
Pink eye drops (?)
Digital thermometer (oral and underarm)
Mycelex or Lotrimin (?)
prescription excema cream
Baby lotion
Baby sunscreen _ I have some but I dont think I need it
Pedialyte (powdered)
Baby Tylenol / Advil / Motrin
Baby Benadryl
ear ache medicine
Cold / cough meds

saline spray
baby nail clippers
lice & Scabies meds (Elimite)
dosage spoon / cup
hydrocortisone
Dramine
Senekot (for constipation)

Adult Toiletries

shampoo / conditioner
deodorant - both
lotion
lip balm
brush
blow dryer
curling iron
q-tips / cotton balls
toothbrushes / toothpaste
razors
shaving cream
tweezers
tampons / liners
make up
sun block
bug spray
travel hairspray
toilet seat covers
face wash cloths

Miscellaneous (ok, I cant figure out why it does this spacing thing)

Carry on for Gracie - Red one with ladybugs

Carry on for Paul

Carry on for Peggy - my Christmas present from PaulRay

Lap top computer - we really need this to keep in touch with our boys and at night when she is sleeping.

digital camera

extra batteries, charge and rechargeable batteries

reader for memory card

extra memory card (2)

tissues in small packs
extra batteries - make a list of what needs what
batteries (3 for camera) / chargers / memory cards (need one more)

GPS
cell phones /chargers
converter / adaptor (nightlight to check these out)
*Ipods / headphones

split headphone

small diaper bag
luggage tags

travel pillow/blanket 2
calculator
money/passport holders
plastic utensils
clothes pins
sunglasses
dish detergent or dawn soap pads
ziplocks
cleaning wipes
ear plugs
luggage strap (colored)
luggage locks
disposable snack containers
duct tape flat
Downy wrinkle release
thermos
special book to sign
travel toilet paper
small flashlight
Chinese for Adoptive Parents (book?)
Chinese language card
small sewing kit
travel bible
books / mags to read
Attachment book / info.
China travel book
printed out numbers for Guangzhou places
note pad

See through plastic paper holder (per CCAI)
travel journal - ink pad for foot and hand prints in china
laundry detergent packets (bottle of woolite)
phone number/email for Ann (shopper)
calling cards / China cell phone
plastic sheeting (for under sheets)
clothesline
gum
mailing tube for art work ???
baby carrier ??? She is 28 lbs, I'm thinking I'm going to try and sell it. Nope, DH said keep it
Pencil Pouch w/ paper clips/ pens / rub bands / folder for documents
glasses / cases
flash light ( small )
travel clock this was a very nice Christmas present from a coworker.(thanks Holly) you can even store digital pics on it.

Food

water bottle packets
cheerios / gold fish
peanut butter packets
cup 'o soup
pop tart
bag of candy to hand out to kids
baby fruit (4 pack)
baby prunes

dum dums (suckers)
grits packs

Adult Clothing take 5 outfits each (No White T Shirts - white means death in china)

Walking shoes
Extra pair shoes
Jacket
shirts (long/short)
pants
PJs
unders / bras
socks
bathing suit



Baby Stuff http://www.orphanallies.org/pediatricmedicalkit.html

stacking cups
Diaper bag
baby wipes (huggies purse size and large pack - no napkins are given at restaurants)
baby shampoo
little brush / mirror
baby blanket
lovie / lilly frog
inflatable beach ball
bubbles
board books
magic doodle
slinky
small see n' say
her ladybug backpack

playdough

coloring book/crayons

CD player

her CD's

toy cell phone
sippy cups (2) (soft spout)

diaper disposal bags (scented) in case she gets sick from car/plane ride
baby toothbrush/paste
DVD Player / for long ride home ???????? just dont know if it would be worth it

bibs

Baby Clothes

8-9 outfits
PJs
Jacket / sweater
bathing suit
socks
tights
hats
plastic pants / pull up just in case??????
hair bows
shoes
slippers

Gifts
Red Envelopes
Red gift bags
candy (Hershey minis) for maids/kids
for the ladies I got Bath & Body Works Body Lotion (Sweet Pea)

thinking about coffee for the orphanage director

Gracie's carseat, What a pretty color!

What we need to get: Those in Green are done!!

1. baby books


2. Baby carriers - http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/: MAS66421


3. Car Seat - Britax Marathon http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2934996


4. 2nd Car Seat - for dad or babysitter, etc (up to 40 lbs)


5. Stroller - So far I like this one the best - Quattro Tour Stroller - Windsor (TRU) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266282&cp=2255957.2273443.2255983.2256189.2256204&parentPage=family


6. :) Umbrella Stroller - DONE Kolcraft - Okie Dokie Ladybug Stroller (Bonny)


7. Rocker/Recliner for family room


8. Glider Rocker for her bedroom


9. toddler bed


10. mattress


11. dresser- ordered


12. armoire wont be needing this


13. night stand


14. Toybox


15. high chair


16. thermometer -
    
17. Radio Flyer Wagon (for those longs walks to see her mamma and papa)


18. Thermos (to take to China) http://www.thermos.com/Product_detail.aspx?CatCode=THER&SubcategoryID=1&ProductID=277


19. hamper


20. lamp


21. Comforter (crib) set


22. SHOES, SHOES and more shoes - planning on buying several while we are there. I said something about squeaky shoes and DH was like what are you talking about :)

It's been one busy weekend. I left work early on Friday to get some stuff done, Friday night we went out with our boss. We went to a charity event, it was a great night, we had a really good time.

Saturday, it was up early, I had to get my brakes done :( and I had a list of things to do. I got Gracie a pair of keds, I hope they fit her. I got electrical adapters, although I don't have a clue if they are the right ones. I kept my nephew Noah for the first time, he was so good.

Sunday, we went to church, then breakfast and then to Wally World (walmart) I sure wish they would make HOSPITALITY a requirement to work there, because they really need it. We got Gracie a toy cell phone for the trip.

From there we were off to Donnas. We were celebrating Payton and Devans birthday. They share the same birthday, what a very special day that is. So in honor of Devan, Donna always has balloons for everyone to write a note on and then we release them up to heaven. I forgot my camera so I didn't get a picture this year. Twice a year the Winges get together to do something for Devan, her memory and her beautiful smile will always be with us. There is not a day that we dont think of her and miss her. I know she is smiling in Heaven, and I know we'll see her again. I wish she could have met Gracie.

Happy Birthday Devan, I love you and miss you!

Disappointing Week

We had hoped to hear word of our TA this week. Hopefully it will come next week sometime, if so we should be able to leave the week of March 12th.

I've been trying to get everything that we need for the trip. I'm sure there are a few things more that I'll need, especially Food!!!!! We're going to talk to Gracie's dr on Wednesday, and get his advise on meds to take for her. I'm still confused by the electrical adapters that we need.

I think we've gotten most of the stuff we need for Gracie. Her dresser wont be in for 2 weeks, but we've got her bed, (which her daddy has decided should go in our room for now, I really miss my old house now, we had a HUGE bedroom, would have been perfect), her carseat, clothes, ONE pair of shoes, (wasn't sure what size to get). We still need a stroller, we may wait and get that when we get back and I'd really like a nice rocking chair, but we'll see.

We got our visa's back, the money ordered, so majorly we could leave that week with no problem. Paul Ray is in Atlanta the 3rd - the 7th.

I got her the cutest little jean jacket that will be cute with her dresses, of course she may need more than that in China.

I haven't even started to price tickets, for fear of a stroke. I also have not started putting things into the suitcases really. I may need to get a lighter suitcase. We'll see.

I kept my nephew Noah for the first time today, he was so good. We were running errands, I had to have my brakes redone! My car is starting to cost major bucks and its not even paid for yet! When is rains it pours, speaking of rain, we've had enough, my yard looks like a swamp!!!!

Well hopefully, I'll have good news to post next week.

Our Perfect Day, NOT!

Well I had this perfect day planned, or perfect in my head anyway. Little Man is 3, it's time to teach him to skate. I love to skate, I taught my boys to skate. I envisoned a wonderful time. Well, he was all excited. We got inside, first he saw the video games, and wanted to play them, I told him no, we would do that later.

So off to the skate room, Uncle Paul Ray helped him get his skates on, while PaulPaul and myself got ours.

To say he was a little unsure of what we were doing, would be a fair statement.

He got this look of fear about the time we hit the floor. He decided right then and there, he wanted no part of this nonsense. There went my perfect day.
We put him back on the carpet.
He got the hang of falling, just right.
And landing on his butt! Oh, and do you see that mark under his eye, that is from running into the tree. Thanks PaulPaul.

Well I made it up to him by taking him to Chucky Cheese, he was happy with that. What was I thinking, that place is wall to wall of nothing but kids! I like them in small doses.

OK, I put one of the videos on you tube of him trying to skate. Not sure why the link came out like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M26AXUTod_0

Quick Update.........

This is just a quick update of everything going on. Quick, because I have little man, and we have a date and need to get moving, and he hates it when I'm at the computer.

First, on Gracie, I got an update from CCAI yesterday, no pics, just measurments. I know they are not acurate. There is no way she gain 5 lbs. But with the way the weight the kids, with their clothes on, that should tell you just how much clothes they have on her, I'm hot just thinking about it. They layer the children in clothes, I mean several layers, and they generally look like the dough boy. It is extremely cold over there right now, so that explains the weight.

Second, I got an email on Valentines Day from Robert in our Tianjin Group. He is an american living there. He is a teachers and does voluntere work. He was able to go back to her preschool, (the last time she was not there) anyway, he said all the boys surrounded him and tried to break his watch and cell phone, while little Miss Ming Ming climbed up into his wife's lap and stayed for awhile. When things calmed down, she made her way to him and asked to be picked up. How sweet, I cant tell you what joy that bought me and tears at work. He said she seemed to be doing well. I emailed him back and asked about her vision, he said it did not appear to be a problem, that he did notice her eyes wander, but that they were not doing school work, so he is not sure how of much else.

Third, now that the CCAA is back at work, since Wednesday, I'm hoping, praying, crossing fingers and what ever else that we get TA (travel approval) this week or the next. Then its just a matter of 2 - 3 weeks before we go.

We're going to get our DAUGHTER!!!!! Can you believe it. I am so ready, well not really, still have so much to do, but I'm ready!!!!!!! Our visa's should be back here on Monday. I have her carseat (its big, but pretty and pink) She could sleep with us if need be, so I could leave on Monday if they said go!

DH and all his sweetness SHOT down my Hong Kong Disney bigger than CRAP! He even laughed at me! Thats ok, I'm already planning her first disney trip, (summer 2010), she'll be taking her first cruise next summer, that is the last family vacation before my baby boy goes off to join the military!

I'm trying to stay away from all sick people and get Paul Ray over his bug, we do not need to be sick when it is time to travel.

I've made my appointment with the Pediatrician to see what kinds of meds he suggests we take. As soon as we get travel dates, I'll make an appt for her to see Dr Boatwright and the pediatrician. We can wait a week or two on the peds dr but want to get her eyes check the first day or two home. It's been a year since her surgery, I want to see if we can correct anything they have done, like not wearing glasses, etc.

Well like I said, we have little man this weekend, oh funny (not so funny) story. PaulPaul my mature 18 year son picked little man up from his Granny's house yesterday, calls me from the truck, says he has him, all his clothes, etc and his 4 wheeler, excuse me, what did you say. Well little man is still not quite big enough to hold on at high speed and all that good stuff (its his size, not a big one) well I didnt think that I would have to tell my 18 year old to be at his side at all times if he rode it. When that thought hit me, I called him at once, they were already outside riding it, and he tells me, Gotta Go! I just thought he didnt want to hear me fuss. I get home, and my handsome little man has a NICE scratch/mark under his eye, I said what happened, he replied (and you really have to listen) "I almost broke *couldnt understand him" Paul Pauls' ???, I said what, he says, I hit a tree, I said you WHAT, he said on the 4 wheeler, I hit a tree and fell off!!!!! The mother in me kicked in, I was very upset, tears in my eyes, start yelling for PAUL PAUL, who was in the shower getting ready to go out!!!!!! WHAT DID YOU DO,, YOU LET HIM HIT A TREE?????? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN, MY ds SAYS to me" CALM DOWN", dont tell me to calm down, you let him hit a tree"""""""" The conversation didnt end any prettier than it started. RULE, dont trust the 18 year old with anything that turns him into a kid himself!!!!

Have a Great Sataurday, we're off to teach little man how to skate!!!!!!!!

ps, spell check still not working, guess i need to look into that

Mom's Ramblings

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Saturday! I actually slept until 10:30 this morning (I was awakened at 7ish this morning by the phone). Our new girl at work started this week and she is picking things up and coming right along. It is hard to allow someone else to do everything and just watch.

My DS (PaulPaul) is getting ready for another ROTC ball tonight, I'll post pics tomorrow. He is presently cleaning my car to earn some of that money. He has been doing well in school this year, we'll order his high school ring this spring. He is still planning on joining the Air Force. I hope it works out for him, but at the same time letting my baby go will not be easy, I break down now just talking about it. His best friend Allen who will graduate this year as already signed his papers and will leave for boot camp in June. This week, a 17 year Senior at his school was killed by a train. I feel so badly for his parents. No parent should have to endure such pain. My heart just aches for them. Paul Paul went to the funeral, he said the church was overflowing. You try to teach your kids to be careful, it's impossible to watch them 24/7. Anyway, I pray that God helps his parents to get through.

Back to Gracie, we still havent had the discussion of putting her in the dining room, guess that needs to happen really soon. The CCAA will be back to work on the 13th. We could get our TA within 1 - 2 weeks after that, which means travel is not to far away. Wow, I'm going to China next month to bring my daughter home, can you beleive it. I stress over everything these days. I was measuring our suitcases the other day to see which ones we could bring, and DH was like "this is not something you should stress over" HELLO, where have you been, I stress over everything. Does he think those suitcases will speak to us and them pack themselves too. He keeps telling me he only needs a carry on. Yeah! right!!!!!! He was looking at the meds that I have for us to take, and he just does not get it. I try to get him to read and pay attention, but I guess as long as he is there and ready to sign when and where I need him to, that is fine, I'll do the rest.

He is finishing up his training at his new job. He seems to like it. (Thank Goodness) Oh, and a big Congrats to his Brother Randy and his wife Christy. They just had a very beautiful baby girl. We are excited for him and look forward to meeting her.

Well it was my goal to get laundrey done today and finish up some things for work tomorrow, sitting her is not getting any of that done! Have a great day!

PS I hope I spelled everything right, the spell check on bloggers seems to be dead!

Ladybugs Everywhere!

My best friend Bonny gave me a baby shower last Saturday, (sorry it's taken me a week to do this). I cant thank her enough. It turned out great and I think everyone had a good time.

From the time you drove up, there were lady bugs, (which I missed at first)

Here is a shot of the gifts laid out. It is a sea of Pink! I love it. Gracie got such nice things, and such pretty dresses, oh and she got two pair of pants also. And yes, that is a fishing pole you see, thank you Willie very much. Her daddy thinks she should wear her camo home (off the airplane), Now Ms Liz and Ms Betty Ann I love them very much, but she needs something a little more approiate for the event. I may have to hide those (like I had to hide PaulPauls hat when he was a newborn because his daddy said his head looked funny and always wanted him to wear that hat - sorry, got off track). Anyway I want to thank everyone for coming and being so generous, I know that Gracie will love you all so much.

I really can not wait to dress this little beauty up in all these clothes.

How cute is this picutre frame. Mrs. Craven got this, I love it, thank you. And thank you for helping Bonny with the shower. Her sister in law Debbie also came and video taped it for me, I still havent had a chance to watch it yet. Her neice Stacy Nicole also help, thank you, you know I love you.
Her is me with my very excited mother about having a granddaughter.


Stacy Nicole made this, it's very appropriate, because my dream is coming true.

here is me with Ashlee Gail (Bonny's daughter)

My mom bought this dress, it has a matching doll dress, how cute.

These match her bedroom set.


Can you tell the stroller has ladybugs on it.

I was trying to download some more, but blogger decided to act up.

Anyway, Bonny, thank you so much for the shower and all the wonderful gifts you got us. I cant wait for us to take Gracie for tea.

Thanks to everyone for everything, I am truly blessed to have such great people in my life.

Gracie, it wont be long now baby girl.

Travel Packet II

We got notice this afternoon to download Travel Packet II. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What does that mean you say, well its means that the CCAA has now moved our Dossier to the match room to be matched with our sweet baby girl!

Hold on Gracie. I continue to pray that God's keeps you safe. I hope that you have someone to hold you until I can get there. I promise to always love you more than you'll know. It wont be too much longer now.

My shower for you is this Saturday, good timing, its time to get busy now, not that I wasn't already. We've also hired someone at work, she starts next week, so training will start then. There is just so much to do that I am over whelmed! I think I may need something to calm my nerves. (before I drive everyone around me insane)

Taken from "Waiting to Asend" blog

I have come up with an idea for a swap as I have been walking around at the Mall lately. I think it would be fun to do a bow swap. I think it would be nice to trade names with 2 or 3 other people and send a couple little bows totalling no more than $10. I don't think the postage would be much either.

If you would like to participate, or if you would like to let others who read your blog about it, please send me an e-mail at npoellot24 at yahoo.com. My goal is to get names out and try to get this going be early Febuary.

I am also thinking about doing a swimsuit swap for the summer.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year starts on 02/07/2008.

There are 3 ways to name a Chinese year:

1. By an animal. There are 12 animals. 2008 is the year of the rat.

Gracie was born year of the monkey.

2. By its formal name 2008 is Wu Zhi

3. Current year is Year 4705 by the Chinese calendar.

Parties / New Puppy / Registered

Happy Birthday Hunter Boy!!!! He just turned 2, and to say this little fellow is obsessed with Thomas Trains would be an understatement. Every gift he got had to do with Thomas the Train.

His chair and Little Mans Chair

You may think he wants the cake, but he wants the train on the cake.
Hmmm, but the cake was good to.
And Yes, he is using his train as a spoon.
Nope, not ours. Chris & Erin finally got the boys a puppy of their own. They love dogs. Meet Tana (Short for Hannah Montana). She is a sweet dog.


Now, I finally got registered for my upcoming shower which is on 02/02 (my Daddy's birthday)I don't know how long Bonny and I were in the store, the day was wet and cold. We thought we'd be the only person in the store on that kind of day, WRONG, but you could say I was the only mom registering that didn't look like she was ready to pop!



Some things on the list I plan on getting myself (the big things) but it took me so long to pick those out, I had to make a decision and be done with it, so when I go back I can just order the furniture and not look anymore. Do you know how many choices you have in a store like that. Whew!


Babies R Us

http://www.babiesrus.com/ControllerServlet?registryNumber=71411773&target=search





I need to get to the store and get some books to get started on her baby (life) book and her quilt book. I was hoping to have her quilt done before the shower, but that's not gonna happen. I need to start that. I was hoping to have some time to breathe before we go get her, but I don't see that happening. Hopefully I'll be able to take a week off before we go to China, but we'll see.



Paul Ray starts his new job tomorrow, lets everyone say a little prayer for him. I know he'll be happy there once he learns his way around.



Now, I've really got to start exercising and loosing some weight!



Have a great week.

Mardi Gras at the Omar Shriners Ball

Last Saturday, we attended the Omar Shriner Ball. Paul's Uncle Roy was installed as the Potentate and my best friends Bonny's brother was installed into the Divan. I think everyone had a great time, I know we did.

Paul and I.
Chris & Erin
Best Buds! Peggy And Bonny

Bonny's sister in law Debbie took these pics, she did a great job. We also took pics there with Chris & Erin, so I'll post those when we get them. This was most likely my last "nice night" out before our Gracie comes home. I'm going with Bonny, Ashlee and Stacy Nicole tomorrow to register for my baby shower. I'm really excited.

Today is also that dreaded birthday, I must say it has not really bothered me too much! Paul Ray is taking me to dinner tonight, maybe even a movie but I wont hold my breath. I'll have our traditional breakfast with Bonny tomorrow and Sunday night my mom will cook my favorite!

Oh I almost forgot!

Happy Birthday Hunter Boy

Lots of Hugs and Kisses to you

His birthday was the 15th and his party is Sunday at noon!

Our To Do List Before our Baby Girl is Home!!!!!!!!!!!

(Those in Blue Are Done)
I'm sure this list will continue to grow.

1. Finish the Paperchase YEAH!!!!!!
2. Print out and put at every phone "The Referral Call" questionnaire
3. Child Proof our House
4. Continue to shop for "Princess Gracie" This is an ongoing thing, It wont ever end.
5. Continue to gather fabric for her "100 Good Wishes Quilt" Have Quilt put together
6. Buy things for the orphanage (my mom just bought 5 very cute outfits for this)
7. Decide on theme for her room
8. Paint, Decorate, and Supply her room
9. Learn Chinese
10. Learn the lullaby "Mama Hao" ("Mama is the Best" in all the world)
11. Prepare a Care Package to send to Gracie (if possible) after referral, make sure to include Family Album and Disposable Camera
12. Order Adoption Magazine
13. Design/Find/Order Adoption Announcements
14. Decide on a Pediatrician, Dr. Bruce Etheridge, he is so sweet, in case you're looking for one
15. Find a babysitter/caregiver and a backup when I'm at work (3 days a week)
16. Continue to read about International Adoption
17. Once we get a referral, track down and buy copies of local/international newspaper
18. Prepare a list of questions for caregiver or foster mom
19. Join and get involved with local FCC
20. Stock up on diapers and wipes - Wont Be Needing These
21. Get in shape. Loose 20 lbs. Start carrying 15 (BETTER MAKE THAT 20 NOW) lbs weights
22. Start a Journal
23. Build a website for everyone to follow
24. Start a lifebook for Gracie
25. Learn how to use camera and video camera BEFORE leaving, Mama got us a new one for Christmas
26. Research, choose, and buy a car seat, learn how to use it
27. Research, chose, and buy a stroller, LEARN how to use it (the first time I took little man to the mall, I seriously could not close the thing. Good thing I was in the Explorer or his mommy would have had to come resue us!!!! They have changed since mine were little.
28. Buy an EXTRA special outfit for her to wear home
29. After Referral, Research Graices province
30. Research post-adoption tasks (birth certificate, re-adoption, SS card, child's new passport
31. Join adoption networks (I am on 13 Yahoo Groups-lost count now )
32. Address baby announcements before leaving
33. Make a list of everything we need for Gracie!.
34. Register at Babies R Us, Target and Amazon for her books
35. Get a Rocking chair (leather recliner) for front room and a Glider Rocker for her room
36. Take a Vacation with DH before Gracie comes home.
37. Practice reposnses to Dumb Questions "Is she your Real daugher?" I hope I never have to deal with this.
38. Choose Godparents/Guardians
39. Start a list of what gifts to take to China (officials, caregivers, etc)
40. Put a stop on mail and newspaper
41. Make sure we have lots of crisp bills (This is Aunt Erins:) Job)
42. Take a seminar in Adoptive Parenting
43. Set up appointment with Dr. Etheridge/Dr Boatwright for a few days after return
44. Send out Thank You's
45. Make a list of what gifts to bring back (Tea Set for Gracie)
46. Start a packing list (make sure have enough of meds)
47. Start / Finish packing for us and Gracie
48. Make arrangements for bills to be paid (online)
49. Make sure house is spotless before leaving.
50. Service Car before leaving
51. Make arrangements for food to be in house upon returning

Ramblings and Such

I just found the most amazing blog site, Mama's Fixins, she has the most wonderful receipts, not that I'm anywhere near being a cook, let along a good cook. But I do know a few who are that could give a few of her receipts a try.

Lets see, just to update everyone. My DH had the flu and was nice enough to pass it on. I still don't have my tree down.

We've submitted a request to have our fingerprints redone since they expire this month. I failed to include a copy of PaulPauls birth certificate, I'll call them back first thing Monday. They left me a message on Thursday and I failed to check the machine until today.

I also received our Home Study Addendum from our SW today, that will go off Monday to CCAI. So now we just wait, the next thing will be our dossier is moved to the match room and we'll get travel packet 2, (I haven't gotten travel packet 1 yet).

We had a surprise birthday party for Pauls Dad here last Saturday, Happy Birthday Grandaddy! I think he really enjoyed it.

Paul Ray and I are attending the Shiners Ball next Saturday, he uncle his being installed as Potentate. I'm really excited, DH usually declines those kinds of events.

The following weekend is my birthday, DH is taking me to dinner on Friday, I'm spending all day Saturday with Bonny and Ashlee (we're going to register and find some stuff for Gracie). Then Sunday, my mom will cook my birthday dinner, Lasagna, my favorite and I get this every year.

Then for the very biggest news, my DH has made a very BIG, difficult decision. He is leaving the company he works for after 24 years. He is going to work for some very good people and will be much better for him, a much better quality of life. I'm so excited for him.