It's funny, I've said to a few people that it's as if this "snuck up" on us. I mean, things have been going so slowly that it surely felt like our time would never come, but we definitely could have gotten a better jump on a few things. So, here we are, it's midnight, we're drinking coffee and putting together a bed...
So, after 15 days, our TA arrived on April 18. We would have traveled the following week, but, as with this entire process, we hit a snag due to the holiday on 4/29. So, that put us with the following schedule:
Thursday, May 2: Leave Boston
Friday, May 3: Arrive Hong Kong
Saturday, May 4: Travel to Guangzhou via train
Sunday, May 5: Get our bearings in GZ, do some pre-Rosie shopping and relaxing with E
Monday, May 6: Gotcha Day!!!!!
Monday, May 13: Consulate Appointment (even though she's over 2, we have Monday CA)
Tuesday, May 14: GZ to HK via van
Wednesday, May 15: Heading home as a foursome!
Since receiving our TA, it's been a non-stop flurry of trip planning, shopping, and preparing for our new bundle of joy! As I said to my sister, the adoption process really doesn't test your ability to be a good parent. In the first phase, it tests your ability to be a good admin. In the second phase, it tests your ability to be a good project manager. In the third phase, it tests your ability to be a good travel agent.
So, we have a short time left as our little threesome. E is so excited, and is mostly taking it all in stride while we get things ready for her little sister. She's clearly got some anxieties about it, which I think is perfectly normal. She's quizzed us a few times about how things are going to be after we meet R. The other night I was explaining to her what it meant that we were going to be R's Mama and Baba, too. She responded with, "Will you still be here and be mine?" We're giving her lots of love and reassurance that we're going to be here for both of them, forever.
Now, let's get that bed put together!
6 comments:
Warmest congratulations to you and your family! Your daughters are both so adorable! Best wishes are coming your way from Virginia :)
Congratulations! I just sent you another PM, i hope we can meet up in China! Your schedule is almost exactly like ours, we also arrive in HK! We'll be staying a few extra days there though. Good luck with all of the getting ready, I feel exactly the way you do! We had an even longer LOA wait (100 days!!) which was so incredibly frustrating but now I'm just thinking what did I do with all that time!?!
Congratulations! We are so excited for you!
WOW , after the waiting , it still seems like it came fast. How wonderful for you all. Travel safe and enjoy it all. Looking forward to the continuing adventure.
Where have i been??? Oh my, that went fast all of sudden! Congrats to you....If you have any Foshan questions just email me while there.
hugs
Donna
How excited we r for R to be here. Cannot wait to meet her. Each of our nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews (and their spouses) hold a different place in our hearts. Thankfully God gave us very big hearts. E needs to know that R will never replace her in,our hearts - she will just have another place in or hearts. We r sure that E having her sister will bring the same joy and friendship that u and Sue had - a bond that NOTHING could ever break. Love you all, and safe travels. Pattie and Joe
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