Last day of Real Work

Well I got through the day without any major breakdown. It for some reason was very difficult for me, this whole week has just been hard. I gave my office away and plan on staying home. I'm very happy that I will get to stay home with Grace but at the same time, I REALLY love my job. I do however still have the BEST boss in the world. I'm typing this from my new laptop that he got me. This way I can still get a paycheck, by working at home, and be there for my daughter. Before I left I set up a cubbie in the back, so when things are back to normal, I can go to the office at least once a week.

It all of a sudden just does not seem real. Don't get me wrong, by the looks of my dining room, I know its real, and I know that we'll get on a plane in just a few days, but at the same time, I just cant image it all.

In just about 8 days we'll be getting our little girl. I've pictured in my head a million times how this can go. Will her foster family be there, is she traumatized by being taken away from them, will I have to pull her away from them. You name it and I have worried about it. Will we get to visit her finding spot? How will we handle that? (I have not posted where she was found, I think that will be up to Grace to share when she is older, our family knows, but that is about it). Will we visit the orphanage?

I have so much left to do, you would have thought I'd have it done by now, but nope. I also still do not have a gift for the director. I'm at a loss on that one. I'm hoping to have everything that I need before our conference call on Monday, so I don't have to go back out until its time to go to the airport.

My mom bought us an early Christmas present, we both got a large LIGHT Weight suitcase. Our old one is like three times the weight.

Well there is lots to be done tonight, (and I bought a few more pcs of work I want to do) and tomorrow is Easter. Patricia (another CCAI mom) is in China right now, and its already Sunday there, she is getting her daughter today, I hope it goes well for her.

Happy Easter Everyone and to all the little ones and Paul & Brandon, I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you. My mom and dad are coming over for lunch and then we're going to Paul's sister to watch the kids hunt eggs at 2:00.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Can you believe its here!!!!!

One Week from Today and I'll be leaving on a jet plane!!!!!!!!!!

OK We got our Final Travel Packet, I haven't even read it yet, thought I would update this first, because it looks like a lot of reading!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited I just cant stand it!

03/26/08 Leaving Charleston (bright and early) 645 am arrive in Newark at 838


03/27/08 Arrive in Beijing, China at 2:00 pm

Our guide Helen will pick us up at the airport and us to Novotel Peace Hotel
(picture to right) for 3 nights.


03/28/08 Tour Beijing (she named them off but I didn't get them)
Tienanmen Square plus some other


03/29/08 Tour Beijing - Great Wall



03/30/08 Travel (hopefully by Train) to Tianjin
Well be staying at the Tianjin Holiday Inn (picture to right) 8 nights!



03/31/08 GOTCHA DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Complete paperwork for orphanage and apply for her passport in the afternoon


04/01/08 Registration Office for adoption registration & notarization


Looks like Helen will be still be our Guide. Note: It says our adoption is final at the time of registration. After that point, the Chinese government prohibits you from relinquishing your child to China. I'd like to see someone try and get her back. :)

04/02/08 Rest, relax, free time - it says to ask Helen for details. ????

04/03/08 Same thing, lots of rest


04/04/08 More Rest, hmmmmm or maybe some shopping

04/05/08 And More Rest - More Shopping, maybe we can find a park.

04/06/08 Waiting for paperwork

04/07/08 Travel to Guangzhou (Aboard China Southern- Gracies first plane ride) Guess
what our Guides name is???? Grace. She will take us to the famous White Swan
(picture to right)

04/08/08 Have her picture taken and get her physical.
Its says we'll be walking there, brings supplies and be ready to go.
Meet with Grace to prepare for CA.

04/09/08 Consulate Appointment

04/10/08 Oath Ceremony - No cameras allowed - that bites.

04/11/08 Travel to Hong Kong (midday - 24 hours after oath)

Leave for Hong Kong on China Southern.
Stay at the Kowloon Hotel

04/12/08 Tour Hong Kong (illness permitting)

04/13/08 Leave Hong Kong and Arrive in the USA 633 PM!!!!!! Continental 2751
Grace becomes a US citizen as soon as we step foot in Newark, NJ at 205 PM. Wow, I
may not want to leave home for a long time!

I haven't found anyone else in our group yet, maybe we're a group of 1. However, there will be lots of other adopting parents there.


To those ladies leaving this week, you'll be in my prayers for a safe trip. Keep in touch. I cant wait to see pics of you and your sweet babies. Heather, I'll see you Guangzhou.


Please keep us in your prayers. I hope my DH can put up with me that long. Just kidding. Don't let him fool you, he's just as excited as I am, except having to miss work. He's having issues with that.

I know Gracie is going to love all of you, it will just take a little while.

 

    

Test
 

  I'm testing to see how it works to send an email right into the blog.  I have brandon ready to do it all, but thought I'd give it a try and see.

 

  

 

---

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

Just 2 More Weeks......

thats right, just two weeks from today, Paul Ray and I will be holding our baby girl in our arms. God is truly good. He has blessed me with two wonderful boys, loving parents and a husband who can be stubborn, pigheaded and then just as sweet as anyone can be. This is a long awaited dream come true. I think God was getting Paul Ray ready. I cant wait to see him and Gracie together. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life, and everyone is so thrilled that we are going to get our baby girl.

I cant thank everyone enough for all the gifts, kind words and prayers.

I'll try and keep this posted. CCAI said I should have our final travel arrangements by the end of the week. Well I hope so, we are leaving next Wednesday. I'm still not sure where we'll stay in Hong Kong. I need to get that to CCAI also.


Well its time to turn in. Another day down. 9 more days to go!

CA, Oh Yeah!!!!!

CCAI called early this morning, when my cell rang, I was thinking 303 area code, what can be wrong now! Well I was half right. We did get our CA - Consulate Appointment!!!!!! That is like the golden ticket, that means, we get to plan now. Wow, that can be a tiring job.

However, our fingerprints that we redid on 01/24 have not seem to made it to China yet. I called, but I have to call back Monday, I know they were sent from the local office to the Texas office, from there, who knows. I'm not going to worry about that.

I'll post all my travel info, once it is confirmed.

Stay Tuned...........

just think 2 weeks from now, I'll be in China!!!!!!! And two weeks from Monday, I'll get my baby girl!!!!!!!!

We got TA!!!!!!!!!

Well we finally got our TA after a very, very, very long wait. What an exciting day. Even though we were expecting them, it was still a thrill to get that phone call. It took my breath away.

Who would have thought two words could mean so much. TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!

Congrats to the other ladies who got their TA's today. Stephanie, Heather, Marilyn and Patricia, I am SO Happy for you. They will all be leaving in the next week. Wish I were going with you, but I'm still thrilled for you. Where we are going, the government will not expedite Gracie's passport and you have to be there X amount of days, and with that Tomb Sweeping Holiday, it just wouldn't work out.

I need to start getting quotes on airlines, but still cant confirm anything until we get our CA appt. (Consulate Appointment) That could be the 9th, 10th or 14th! We're hoping for the 9th of course. So our trip looks something like this.

Leave around the 26th for Beijing. Onto Tianjin on the 30th, GOTCHA day on the 31st (Cant wait to hold that sweet baby). We're there until the 7th and then off to Guangzhou until I think she said the 11th or 12th. We'll then leave there and (thanks to my dear sweet hubby) its off to Hong Kong for one night for a little sight seeing before heading home with our sweet baby girl.

It wont be long now baby girl!!!!!! About 18 more days until your momma and daddy come get you.

Here is the dress I found. This was the cutest one out there. I think its perfect for her first steps in the USA!

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.