Oh boy, it had to happen. Yup. I have a cold! We have 12 days to go and I am sick. Arrrgg. This is going to be my final week at a job that I love, love, love; I really don't want to look red nosed and be sniffling/coughing. Oh well, at least it will likely clear up before the trip. I just finished downloading and printing up the remaining documents that will be completed in China. I also packaged up all the other documents that we already had, and have sorted them into files for the US Consulate and the Chinese government. I triple checked everything - hopefully all our I's are dotted and T's are crossed. Tissue anyone?

Looking Ahead

Well, the reality of all this is upon us. In a few short weeks we will be going to China to meet our son. I can tell you it was very surreal going to our travel meeting Friday afternoon at the agency. Sitting among other waiting families, listening to information being presented to us about our travel arrangements, there was a brief moment, where the world stood still, as I considered just how real all of this was becoming. In fact, this group of strangers, will one day be very much connected to us. This group of parents and some siblings, is going to be together throughout this journey - both abroad and at home. Many, if not most of us, will bridge lifelong extended families, all of us united through a web of shared joys and struggles, moments of fear and courage, and each of us offering and welcoming support and encouragement along the way. I look forward to meeting them. They will be a part of Kai's link to China. They will be there, as Kai grows older, to validate his story. The children that return home with us this May 20th, will look Chinese, will have biracial families, will share a similar history, and will grow as companions in the years to come. This family we are creating has been a long time in coming. We are grateful to be in the company of families that can relate to our adoption journey and with whom Kai can identify and look to as he grows in his autonomy.

{Deep breath...} We will take this leap together in 18 days.

I can't tell if my last post is working correctly. It is supposed to be a brief photo montage with background music. I feel like it is only working intermittently. If you notice a problem with it, will you give me a heads up? You can either post your feedback within the "comments" section of this post or email me directly @ bebmarr@yahoo.com. Thanks! - Beth

Warning...music will play. If you're @ work, turn on mute! :)

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Regarding Earthquake in China

China has experienced yet another tragic earthquake. At present, the death toll is nearing 600 people. Kai is safe; Nanjing was fortunately unaffected by the quake. We are relieved to know that our Kai is secure and will soon be united with us, but please take a moment to reflect upon those who grieve for loved ones. Take the extra moment to express your love for someone today. Life is all too precious and equally as fragile. The love you share for someone will never be regretted, only those missed opportunities to show it.

Travel Meeting

We meet with our agency on Friday to discuss the logistics and F.Y.I's of travel and the in-China adoption process. I hear they pack a lot of info into a 2 hour session. My brain is gonna hurt trying not to forget anything that would later fall under the whole "hindsight is 20:20" deal. Between the two of us and copious note taking, we should be fine, I guess. Keep an eye on the ticker tape...the date is soon approaching. We're coming, Kai!

Playroom Art

Here and there, we've been working on finishing up Kai's playroom. We still need to do a couple of minor things before it is considered complete, but the grunt work is over.

I splurged and spent a little extra to get just the right pictures to hang in his playroom. I have not been happy with the obvious choices at any of the usual stores; I've made it my mission, as of late, to explore some possibilities online. I typically prefer to see and touch something before I make a purchase, but I couldn't pass on these prints. I found them on a cool site called Etsy, a place where artists and crafters, who work with a variety of mediums, sell their work. These prints came from three different artists from the site. Kai's playroom is fire engine red - these picts should really pop! Fun, fun. I still need to find frames, but I may wait until they come in to get those.

Our Feelings for Kai

Love recognizes no barriers.It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. - Maya Angelou

Spring Is Here!!!

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and it's time for a change. Yup, I got rather bored of the same old background, so for now, enjoy the greenery!

It's Here!!!

Our TA has arrived!!!!
China has sent our agency Travel Approval. Now the agency can begin to make all of the arrangements such as hotel bookings, flights, transportation, guide services, etc...
There is currently a group due to travel on Thur, May 6th, so that will be our likely date! That would mean that we would meet Kai either the night of Sunday the 9th or Monday a.m. the 10th! We don' t know any real details yet. We will update you once the agency gives us the actual travel dates! Yippie Skippie!