I'm Going to China

My TA will arrive tomorrow morning at my agency. My tentative travel dates are June 18th - July 2nd. I can't believe in a month I will be holding my daughter. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life, But in my heart I know. The love I feel is deep and real, As if it had been so. For us to have each other Is like a dream come true! No, I didn't give you The gift of life, Life gave me the gift of you. Unknown

My Heart Stood Still

Two weeks ago I sent two special care packages to my girl at her center. One was specifically for her and included a giraffe (aka Raffi), soft pink blanket, a photo album, some clothes, hair pretties, socks and a disposable camera for the Ayi's to take photos. In the other box I sent a dozen hats, socks and new toys for all the other children in addition to raisins for the kiddos and candy/lotions for the nannies. Oddly enough one hat was one that Lisa my secret pal sent me in 2006 shortly after the swap began when we thought we were getting babies. I'm so happy a little of Lisa's love is sitting atop my peanut's head right now even if it's a little snug. Even her BFF is comfortable enough in his manhood to don a chapeau with a butterfly.

Earthquake Relief

******Update The Ford Foundation is matching donations to the China earthquake relief when your donation is made via Global Giving. HTS still gets the money but it automatically doubles your genorosity and can help more families in need. I made my donation last night, did you? I still can't  fathom the damage from the earthquake in China.  It rattles me to know that my girl is there and I can't get to her immediately and bring her home.  I encourage you if you can to please give something to help the relief efforts no matter how small.  I am a huge fan of Half the Sky and am proud of all the work they do.  They have set up an earthquake relief fund and have already raised close to $35,000.  I don't think you can put a price on the loss of lives but all the families who have lost children, children who have lost parents and the ones sleeping outside due to the aftershocks without water, electricity or water.  Fortunately the weather has been getting warmer of there would be an entirely different crisis.  As of today Ford Motor Co is matching every donation made to HTS.

Retail Therapy

So yesterday and today I snagged some great deals.  Fortunately the stores have a 90 day return policy so if the size is off (I think I should be pretty accurate) I can return.  My stops included The Gap, Nordstrom Rack, Target and Old Navy.  All were sale items and the pic of the print jacket and jeans (haute couture) was $200 on sale for $30 which was a splurge and goes nicely with the $3 Target specials.  It looks a lot better in person.  For your viewing pleasure.

Thank You

To everyone who called or emailed to see if my girl was okay, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Emme and her friends are all safe and sound in the Changchun area which is quite north of the epicenter of the earthquake.  My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy. While I always felt I had a firm grasp on the one-child policy, it never hit me as much as when I read of parents hovering and sleeping over the bodies of their children who perished.  Not to say that one child has more value than another but I imagine losing your only child is the worst pain a human being can feel.

FedEx and Some Snazzy Threads

I forgot I had taken a pic the day my LOA was delivered.  I don't look all that glamorous but it was a happy day.  Since I was at work I didn't get to meet my stork (delivery person) but I ran home to get it, then back to work with it unopened and found my mom (we work at the same place).  She insisted we take a photo to commemorate the day.  I also have some of Emme's summer wardrobe though I took them on the bed which probably wasn't the best way but.....

Let's Roll!

In the midst of my dental agony this weekend, I went to register.  Oh what fun!  I hadn't planned on it but I bought a stroller and am totally in love with it.  It's not what I expected to buy but it is absolutely  perfect.  It's the Baby Jogger City Mini (it's all-terrain, not for jogging) and I chose the solid black.  It holds a child to 50 pounds and truly is a one handed 2-second fold.  With my back I need something easy and light, good for a few years in terms of weight capacity and easy to navigate.  I found all of the above in this gem.  Only when I came home and looked it up did I see the amazing safety ratings, parent reviews and accessories.  It's a little heavier than umbrella strollers but has great features like a huge canopy to protect from the elements, 5-point safety harness, padded handle, cushy washable seat covers and nice storage compartments.  You can also accessorize it if you like with a belly bar or child tray which I will add (tray).  It' so popular that it's sold out everywhere which is why I bought it now.  It's on back order so I didn't want to wait.  It should be here in about a month though it could be 8-12 weeks.  Since they were ordered a while ago they expect them sooner than later.  I can't seem to get a photo of it here but if you're in the market, definitely check it out.  

How Cool of a Mom Are You?

Maia, a fellow adoptive parent and asshat extraordinaire has illustrated a fabulous children's book, which is just about to be released.  She is amazingly talented and I can't wait to get my copy.  Check it out and order yours now.  

Yes Sir, That's My Baby

No sir, don't mean maybe!  My Letter of acceptance (LOA) just came in.  I'm going to China baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am thrilled to introduce Emme Li Chao