Things are falling into place...

My to do list is shrinking. Lots of shopping has been involved much to Ken's horror : ) Even got my prescription scabies cream form Canada (Canada did not require a presciption...). Pile of Target bags in our room contunes to grow. However, much to Ken's delight, I am beginning to believe that I will actually be able to purchase almost anything we'll need while in China.

The crib is set up, sheets are washed, and changing table is ready to go. Did some preliminary sorting of clothes but will wait to do the bulk once we are home and know her size.

Today, we found out which hotels we are staying in while in China. All 3 are super nice. We opted to upgrade and stay in suites which should be helpful once we have Elaina with us. Our itinerary has been finalized. We actually will arrive in Wuhan on the 19th but have to wait until the 20th to get Elaina. Sigh. I guess it will give us a bit more time for rest and to have things ready for when she is placed in our arms.

Two of the other couples in our travel group are on the same flight from LAX! I really am excited about sharing this experience with 8 other families--that's something that's not an integral part of adopting from Korea (no travel groups).

The kids and I leave for NJ on Tueday, return on Sunday, and then Ken and I leave for China on Tuesday. Another busy weekend ahead preparing!

We Have Confirmed Dates!

We were notified this morning that our dates are confirmed. Our orientation with Holt in Beijing is on August 18th. We want to see the Great Wall so we will go a couple of days earlier. To get there on the 16th, we have to leave very late on the 14th (gotta love that loss of time). We will fly to Wuhan (the capitol of Hubei province) on the 19th and will have Elaina in our arms THAT day!!!! We will be in Wuhan until the 24th when we fly down to Guangzhou. We could leave to return to the USA on the 30th, but China Southern does not fly on Thursdays (bizarre) so we will return on the 31st. We chose China Southern as they have 3 classes of service, one of which is Econmy Premium. This is similar to Business class but MUCH cheaper.

Back Away From The Internet and The Charge Cards, Please

Ken here.

Husbands and wives process things differently. I'm excited about our imminent travel. I'm giddy. I may even be acting strangely.

However, I am not, like one lovely lady I could mention, obsessively researching the danger of scabies on the internet.

Nor am I taking economy-jolting shopping trips to Target. I was under the impression that China has, you know, stores and stuff.

But never mind. Each to his or her own.

Don't hurt me.

Into the Furnace!

Ken here.

It looks as if we will be in Hubei for the last two weeks of August.

Hubei is known as one of the "four furnaces of China." Temps in the high 90s and 100s, humidity close to ... well .. close to swimming, apparently.

I'm thinking I don't have to pack long sleeves.

Once we get Elaina I'm going to be carrying her around on my front in one of those sling-things.

I'm thinking I need to pack extra deoderant.

Elaina will be in our arms sooner than we thought!

Well, yesterday (July 24th) we got an email from Holt that we have TA (Travel Approval)! That is really fast. Holt thinks that we will need to be in Beijing by August 17th! Lots of things to do before then as that is 1 to 2 weeks earlier than we thought that we would travel. Wow! It has been such a long journey that it's hard to believe that the end is so near. I am also thrilled that it looks lik we should be home before Evan starts first grade on September 4th.

We should have specific travel dates be the end of next week--we'll keep you posted!!!!

Here are Elaina's Referral Photos taken on 5/18/07

These are the photos we received on 7/10/07:

Follow our journey to bring Elaina home!

We will use this blog while in China to keep our family and friends up to date with our trip as well as the magical moment when we will finally meet Elaina!