My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

Archives for March 2010

The day before the day before we leave


Evan’s tripping on the stairs yesterday afternoon was not a biggie…yesterday. Sure, he was limping a little, but it was nothing a good night sleep couldn’t cure….right? When he couldn’t put any weight on it this morning, my list of things to do changed dramatically. Instead of going down my list and checking it twice, I took Evan to the pediatrician, then the hospital for xrays, then the orthopedic because he fractured his foot in two places. Praise God he didn’t need to be casted. He just has a special shoe to wear around until we get home from China. Poor guy. Now, no time to be blogging! I have to catch up with my list!

Best quote of the day was from Drew in the exam room, totally out of nowhere (seemingly), “Why is it called a forehead when you don’t have four heads?”
Now, back to work!

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Happy Birthday to my firstborn

Though it seems that all we’re doing around here is preparing for our journey to a faraway land (in 84 hours now…), there are other family things going on around here. And, I rallied to make sure some attention was given to them!

Not only was this weekend the infamous children’s sale (for all you nonlocals, it’s a big consignment sale where my sister and I sell our used and no longer wanted items and basically swap them for other people’s used and no longer wanted items. Sounds simple. It’s a ton of fun, and we’re totally into it.), today–I know that the post date on this will say the 21st because I am up at 12:30 doing this; I so intended to blog before midnight to get the right date on the post; darn it–okay, so today was Evan’s 8th birthday. I can’t believe he’s already 8. He thinks he grew last night; and, frankly, so do I. He looks so big to me. (sigh)
He wanted a robot party at Chick Fil A, an odd combination for sure. But, we managed to do it. We got a cookie cake and put a robot on top. Everyone there (our family and 2 friends) drew a robot and then we stapled the pages together to make a book for Evan as a keepsake. This was the easiest party in all of my parenting years. The combination of having gorgeous low 70s weather, chicken and fries, presents, and a day devoted all to you—it really doesn’t get any better. Evan said to several people today, “Did you know it was my birthday?” When they answered, “Oh? No, I didn’t. Happy birthday!” he just smiled and sheepishly said “thanks.”
Some of his gifts from his friends, family, and us included an eyeclops, a Star Wars transformer, Pokemon stuff, some new shirts (the boy likes his cool shirts), a couple robots (of course), some doodle books, a science kit, some Bakugan stuff, and a couple games.
Okay, I’m officially taking a break from China preparations and blogging to go upstairs and watch an episode of 24 (remember my earlier post about getting into 24?).

Here are the kids finishing up their dinners–clearly, Ashlyn and Drew already finished theirs and were a bit anxious for the boys to join them in the playground.

A cookie cake a little too sickening sweet to eat, in my opinion. Evan loved it though.

Very happy to get a robot pencil sharpener.

And, this is how we spent most of the time, relaxing at the table while the kids played. I tell you, this was the easiest birthday party ever.

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countdown is on

and we have the paper link chain to prove it.
You know I’ve been busy when I’ve been having blog-worthy events daily and haven’t blogged about them. We’ve been busy around here taking care of loose ends and trying to make sure everything is taken care for our trip, for Lydia in China, for Lydia at home, for our three kids staying home (don’t worry, they won’t be alone. Grandparents are coming to the rescue.). It’s a bit overwhelming.
Since you wouldn’t want to see pictures of me on the phone with travel agents and airlines and scurrying around my house cleaning up while three children follow behind me messying up, I’ll post some other fun pics of cool things we’ve gotten in the mail recently.

Kerrie, my little sis in my college sorority back in the day, sent us this package of goodies. All of it is coming to China with us. I love the pink and brown pants in particular because they look great under almost every dress Lydia has. They are perfect for layering.

When we started this journey to Lydia back in the spring of 2007, I started a yahoo group for families on the same timeline of us. All members had their paperwork logged into China’s system in July 2007. Lots has changed since then–many of those families are home with children adopted via China’s special needs program, some adopted from other countries, some are pursuing domestic adoptions, and some are still waiting. One special friend from this group, Jen, who recently became a mother to a newborn baby girl they adopted domestically, sent me these three things. Check out those panda shoes! And, the ladybug bikini! Too much! :)

This is a special gift I just got last week. I’ve so enjoyed building relationships with other adoptive families. One kindred spirit, Ashley, has been a real support to me as we waited to see Lydia for the first time. It has been a real joy to also see her matched with her new daughter Kate who is just a beauty. She sent me this amazing little security blanket that she makes herself as a business to help with the adoption costs. Look at the monogram on it! Ashley remembered a previous post in which I said giraffes remind me of my grandmother, so she thought this material was perfect. I tell you what, if Lydia doesn’t bond with this, I just might. It’s the softest thing you’ll ever touch.

And, I can’t leave this special gift out. When we were matched with Lydia, my parents were in Beijing (as they often are). My mom had a woman in Beijing hand make this sterling silver charm for me. In fact, she had 3 of them made for me–one for me and 2 smaller versions for Ashlyn and Lydia. They are the Chinese characters for Mei Yue, Lydia’s given name, meaning beautiful moon. I’ve been wearing it nearly everyday and look forward to wearing it in China when we receive our daughter.

The luggage is waiting in our dining room ready to be filled with clothes and other necessities (lots of them–I don’t know how we’re going to fit all we need in there). In the meantime, it makes for a good boat for Drew. I’m going to miss that silly face while we’re gone.

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It’s here! It’s here!

We got our travel approval! We are considering potential travel dates tonight and should know tomorrow when we are headed to China to bring our baby home!
Update: We are leaving on March 24th and returning on April 9th. I can’t believe it!

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