My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

China eve

I was going to take a picture of the last remaining link on our paper chain. But, we have the memory card reader packed already. So, no pictures on this post.

For over 5 years now, I’ve followed other families’ blogs of their trips to China. I’ve cried looking at Gotcha Day pictures and videos. I’ve marveled at the transformation of the children going from orphan to a beloved child in a day. And, now, I’m the one going. In a few days, we will meet our daughter for the first time. It’s hard to believe. I’ve had butterflies all day–not sure why exactly. I have just been overwhelmed by the magnitude of what is about to happen. And, my heart has been heavy over leaving 3 deeply loved children at home for so long (don’t worry–they will be spoiled rotten while we are gone by their grandparents. I have to keep telling myself that.).
China, here we come. Lydia, praying that God is preparing you now for the transition happening on Sunday.

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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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Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!




How amazing that we received pictures of our dear one celebrating her birthday on her actual birthday! Early this morning, we got these pictures which were taken overnight while we slept. What a precious keepsake to have. And, check out that cake? One friend remarked today that the cake probably weighs more than she does. I bet that’s true. And, just so you know, no, our 1 year old baby girl didn’t so accurately put icing on her own face. I doubt she’d even be able to reach her own face with all those layers on. Apparently, it’s a Chinese tradition for the adults to put icing on the children’s faces on their birthdays. We are so thankful that she is in a place where her birthday, her life, is celebrated. Now, we just have to get this girl to smile!

Here’s how we are celebrating tonight–not nearly as fancy as the cake Lydia had. But, I think our kids will be a bit happier about it than Lydia was about hers!

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