Thursday, May 28, 2009

How's It Going?


I'm hanging in there. I'm waiting for our Visa's to return. Tim went today and made arrangements for our 'new cash' for the orphanage donation. Our travel back and forth to China has been confirmed, but we are still waiting for our agency to confirm in country travel. I am asking everyone I know about what we should eat and what we should do. I am hearing rumors that the Civil Affairs office is shut down in Beijing and we won't be able to complete our adoption. Our agency says we are all set up and fine. We are traveling ALONE...no travel group. I went to Target yesterday and bought a My Little Pet Shop play set and a Disney Princesses miniature play set for Sophia for the plane rides. Eli has pirate finger puppets waiting for him. Then I also have a lot of books and coloring books for both of them. Tim is going to put over 20 kid movies on his ipod for the kids to watch while traveling. I am bringing my big Jeep stroller. Eli cannot fit in an umbrella stroller (he's a big kid) but he and Sophia can both fit in the Jeep stroller...so too big or not...that's what I'm bringing. Tomorrow I am going through Sophia's closet to determine what outfits I am going to bring. THANK YOU to all of you for the wonderful things you have sent, I am going to try to clothe her exclusively in your gifts while we are in China.
I have purchased hand sanitizer, hand wipes and flushable wipes. I met with the pediatrician and have a good medical plan. We still have to meet with our Social Worker to make sure all of our paperwork is done correctly. THOSE ARE ALL OF THE THINGS SWIMMING IN MY HEAD RIGHT NOW :) Did I forget anything????

Thank you for lunch today Steffie. I needed to purge my brain. Now tell me again how you are going to be there for me while I'm in China and you are in Maui....you won't forget me right???

19 comments:

bella said...

your checking your list and doing it all right, wishing you all safe travels and lots of joy.

Kim said...

You will have everything and be perfectly fine..
Things will all work out.
HUGS..
can't wait to see Sophia in her pretty little clothes..
Love ya girly.

Musings from Kim K. said...

It will be a life-changing experience and I can't wait to follow your journey. It's almost YOUR turn!! Love ya!!

Holly said...

Kimberley,
We traveled alone too in our son's province...AND our guide had NEVER been to that province before so she didn't know her way around or anything! It was an adventure as we were the first family in our agency to adopt from Inner Mongolia :)
Don't worry...it will be fine and great fun to meet up with other americans in Guangzhou!!
Remember, the Lord has already gone before you and has prepared the way...all you have to do is get on the plane and TRUST :) I can't wait to see your beautiful long awaited daughter in your arms!!
much love,
Holly

Unknown said...

Ok, Donna S and her family travelled along twice and brought her family with her both times..check out myshelbybaby.blogspot.com and contact her..she knows her stuff

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Sooo exciting!!!! It sounds like everything is coming together. Can you believe that this time next month you will have Sophia Jane in your arms??!!!

Don't forget lots of stickers for the plane! Oh...you are almost there my friend!!!!

Love,
Robin

The Byrd's Nest said...

You will be covered in prayer sweet Kimberley.....you just keep your eyes and ears towards God and we will pray for all of your needs. Just focus on Sophia Jane....big hugs to you.

Keisha said...

Oh.. how exciting!
Okay.. Matt & I.. we ate EVERYTHING! We didn't want to miss out on anything. We soaked it up & NO we didn't get sick!
As for the plane ride.. I brought along play doh in a small zip lock bag. I also packed about 6 crayons(not to overwhelm her) in a zippy and cut up some plain pieces of paper. I placed these in my carry on bag. They were life savers!
Also.. most bathrooms didn't have tissue.. so go buy some packages of tissue for your purse to take with you. Or.. you can buy it when you get there. ;) you can ALSO buy a stroller.. CHEAP.. like $10 cheap. We bought one for Faith & brought it home. They did have double strollers too. Remember.. most anything can be bought there if you should forget something. And... it is alot cheaper!!! ;)
I can't wait to see you with that precious baby girl!

a Tonggu Momma said...

We will ALL be praying for you back here in the States. And a couple of other countries as well. Hang in there!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

It has been a while since dropping by but think of you and hope all is going well... life is busy for me right now... I am getting my mummy mobile today... woo hoo... take care

Gail said...

Sounds like things are coming together wonderfully Kimberley. You're bringing perfect things for the plane. We also traveled alone in our province and it was fine.... you'll be with your guide. Email me if you have questions, I'd be happy to help. You sound like you're well prepared and ready to go get your girl!

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

I can't even imagine.

Lea
xo

Anna B. said...

Kimberley,

This is Anna B.!

Please shoot me an email at bsbnlou@cableone.net or even call me at 208-939-5111. I want to give my donation from Robin's auction this minute and I don't see a chip-in bar. HELP!!

kerri said...

Everything is falling into place. What you forget to pack you can get there, no worries.
I wouldn't even worry about hauling your stroller, they have them there,you could take the add on step/stand on for the back of the stroller, so great for Eli. I don't have the name for them, help someone! Someone in out travel group had on they are so cool!!
I just can't wait to hear about your journey...

Truly Blessed said...

Experiencing a little stress in your life? : ) Just take a deep breath and try to relax. Seriously, you can purchase just about anything you want or need (and a whole lotta things you don't need!) in China.

But, I'd agree that you'll probably want a double stroller you know will fit Eli (and therefore, Sophia as well). You'll like having it in the airports to haul your stuff (if not the kids) and you can gate check it on the plane so you don't have to worry about it on the airplane.

But there are so many places in China that are NOT stroller friendly: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven to name just a few.

You're going to have such a wonderful time - I am so happy that you're this close to leaving.

Remember that Nancy and her family leave tomorrow -- WOO HOO!!!!

Dita said...

We're all going to be right here for you when you're in China....hangin' on your every word so don't you worry 'bout a THANG!

Michelle R Photography said...

These last few days are so stressful!! I think you have it more together than you are probably feeling right now.

BTW, you may already have these packed, but little bottles of bubbles are typically a big hit for this age. They love to play with them in the hotel room. And, you need to get up close to your daughter to play with them, so big bonus!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

That photo is SOOOOOO funny!

I am joining you by way of For Such A Time As This and I am so glad I did as you embark on this journey!!
We have two CHINA SWEETIES and oh what joy!!
Blessings!
Jill from The Glen

Don and Be said...

Kim,
Blessings to you as you prepare for your departure. May these final days before you go to meet Sophia just be filled with great thoughts about your new addition to your family. All will work out and you'll come through on the other side shining.
Blessings to you and your wonderful family,
HomeDaddy

BTW - we spent 7 days in Hawaii as a stopover on our way to Beijing - the only stress we had was where to put those thousands of crisp new American dollars while we reflected on our last days as DINKs. Fortunately, the staff at our hotel in charge of the safe deposit box was honest.