Easter Sunday

Here are some things I know to be true on this beautiful Easter Sunday in the GZ:

I miss Floyd. 

I need a manicure.

Chinese food is awesome, but the desserts are weak. (That, however, hasn't stopped me from eating them). China is in desperate need of some bumpy cake.

Poop can sometimes look like split pea soup.

Boogers are endless.

Knives are shiny and enticing, but they aren't great toys.

Hair is for pulling.

It's OK to pee on Mommy's jeans.

It's fun to pull Mommy's shirt and bra back so everyone can get a look at her boobies.

Daddy's nose is the best toy ever made next to paper place mats or disposable changing pads.

We are having the time of our lives with Frankie Jade Coden and we can't wait to get home so you all can take a bite!

Snake in the bed...

That beautiful little Diva is Amelia Simpson (Future camper, I hope). She is our 6-year-old traveling companion, Jake and Cathy's daughter, and I'm totally into her. She, however, thought it would be a fun prank to put a rubber snake in our bed--on MY SIDE. I'd say that was a big mistake. BIG MISTAKE. She messed with the wrong person! We have plans for her, don't you worry. I told her to sleep with one eye open...putting a snake in my bed. Are you kidding me??

Check out her new little brother, Cameron. Do you love him? "Yeah, waiter--get me a scotch and soda, on ice with a twist." 

We all went to this crazy, good dinner tonight with Jake's brother who is in town from the UK. We had a great time and I think I speak for everyone when I say I hit the "I just went up a size" wall. Good thing we got to do a little dancing in the restaurant! 

Cameron sat with Catherine the Beautiful at dinner tonight. Frankie says she was OK with it, but I'm sure she was a little jealous. Cameron is a stud. It's not easy being him.

Cameron, check out the pics of Swankie Frankie--see what you were missing, buddy.

Some pictures to hold you over...

It's a rainy day in the GZ today so I have some time to send over a few good pics. As cute as she looks, she is THAT much cuter in real life and when she smiles...seriously, forget about it. For a baby who wouldn't eat, do you love how she is trying to get to my water bottle? I feel bad when I drink water out of a bottle around her, but there is no way I'm going to drink out of the faucet here. You think the water in Mexico is bad? Pa-leez, China water can kick the ASS of Mexico water.

Also, have we told you about the "Eye Yie Yies" yet? 

That is the " Cranky Frankie Cry." 

"Eye yie yie..." she sounds like an old Jewish woman who just found out there is no more Coral colored lipstick at the Boca Raton CVS. "Eye Yie Yie..." it's the funniest thing (except at 4:00 am--then not so funny). The best is when she is REALLY dramatic about it and puts her hand to her forward: "Eye yie yie...Eye yie yie." I know I'm not able to express it over this blog, but I'm sure you'll hear it eventually. 

Frankie had her medical exam this morning and she did great. All three of the babies in our group did great. It was really fun in the humid, sweaty, crowded medical rooms with kids and crying babies everywhere. We all thought for sure we were going to be stuck for about 3 hours but we were in and out in about an hour and a half.  We are free for the rest of the day but I think we're going to hang in the room...do a little room service and maybe watch a movie. It's yucky outside and Frankie is enjoying her "naked time" right now. I'm sure she'll crash soon but no doubt before she does we'll hear a little "Eye yie yie..."

XO

Ne Hao!

This blows.
We have so many awesome pictures that I am dying to share but the computer is running so slow, I can't take it. It is just taking too long to upload them and I'm too tired to wait. I will try to get them posted tomorrow, for sure.


I wanted to check in to tell you guys that we are really doing great. It has been a whirlwind of craziness here these last few days but we are rockin' and rollin'. We are having the best time. I can't believe that we have the same kid from just a few days ago. She changes so much in a day, it's crazy. Two days ago I put her on her tummy and she threw a tantrum, now she is not only on her tummy, but she is rolling over and all over the place. She's smiling and cooing and YOU WILL MELT WHEN YOU MEET HER. You will just want to eat her. (But don't OK? We just got her).


In the last few days, our group has gone to the Super Walmart in Chongqing--(that was an experience!!--It's overwhelming enough in that joint but Hello?? No one speaks English and everything is in Chinese! I was sweating my a$$ off looking for Peter--our guide-- to help me translate things), we walked through the Panda Bear Exhibit (so, so cute), and we've eaten so much that whenever I think of the people who claim they lost 5-7 pounds on this trip, I just laugh and throw down some more dim sum.


Yesterday was our most favorite day. All three families met up with our guide, Peter, after breakfast to go on the cable car ride in Chongqing. I almost didn't go because I'm a wuss, but John (who I love, from our group) talked me into it. I'm glad I went, it was actually really fun. After that we all walked around the Chongqing market area just shopping and browsing. The best part of the day (and the trip so far) was when the families stole the Concierge from our hotel and we all went to the Ming Dynasty Market Place. I don't know the actual name for the area so let's just call it that. IT WAS AWESOME. We all had a blast. Kathy, Wendy and I did some MAJOR power shopping and we were all amazed by the old temples and structures. It was one of the coolest places I have ever been. We all loved it. I bought Frankie so much stuff!!! (And maybe a few things for myself).


Since last night was our last night in Chongqing, Peter picked out a great restaurant, came out with us, and did all the ordering. I for sure ate everyone under the table (shocker) and the food was amazing. Frankie even sat in a high chair for the first time ever. She wasn't into it at first, but she had one leg on the table and was sporting her classic "stripper position" in no time. My girl has no shame, I swear. It's great (and very impressive) that she can do the splits, but I think Cody would be a little more comfortable if she kept it within the confines of our hotel room...


Today we all left Chongqing after breakfast to fly back to Guangzhou. Frankie and the other babies (Cameron and Catherine) went on their first plane ride with their new Chinese passports. Frankie has a passport, how crazy is that? Her picture is so cute. She looks very "mod" in her black sweater. I wish I had some white earrings and go-go boots for her. Shee did great on the plane--we were a little worried, but she rocked it out Frankie Jade style.


We're back at the White Swan in GZ, but in a suite this time. It's not nearly as nice as the hotel room we left in Chongqing, so we have decided that we are spoiled (Is this new?) I am missing certain things like the buffet at the other hotel, Cody misses the kitchen area and size of our old suite, and Frankie is just happy to be with us. We asked her tonight, when she was rolling around on the floor clad only in her diaper--with toys everywhere cooing and smiling, if she wanted to go back to the orphanage and she threw some stink eye our way.


We have been working really hard on getting Frankie into a routine (and it's working). She is the happiest baby I have ever seen. Cody is so in love with her, I think he has forgotten about me. I will really try and get some good pictures uploaded tomorrow.


Love and miss you all. We love the comments. Have I told you that? XOXOXO

Daddy's little girl

I'll leave the clever blogging to Robyn. I just want to say that she is worth every second that we had to wait........She is my little girl!!!!!

Out of the mouths of babes...

I was so close, oh....so close!!

I had the one who is supposed to be "The Mom" in the bathroom at the end of her rope in tears twice yesterday because I was crying so much (and very loudly, I might add). I pulled out all the stops. I was a sight to behold. Yelling, screaming, crocodile tears--the whole bit. I even rattled his cage a bit--you know, the one who is supposed to be "The Dad." I didn't get him to cry though. He is kinda tough, that one.

But what's the dealio? They think they did me such a big favor getting me out of that orphanage? I was fine. Ok, ok, so maybe this is a little bit better, I mean they did hook me up with a nice hotel room, and I guess they are all over me trying to see if I need anything. That Mom Lady would change my clothes 20 times a day if I let her, and I'm sure if I let up a bit I can eventually get those rings she is rockin', but come on? Am I supposed to not test them at all??? I was in an institution for almost a year of my life. This is hard on me too. I'm grieving, ya know? They look different, smell different, talk different. I have some issues that I developed while in the orphanage, I know that, but I'm sure I'll get over them with time...but as for them-- I don't trust them at all...well, not yet. 

Also, can I just say (to my defense) that it's not my fault they were freakin' starving me! I tried to let them know I was hungry by crying, wailing, flailing, crying, wailing, flailing, repeat, repeat, repeat but HELLO? Shoving a luke warm bottle in my face is not going to get the job done. Heat that sucker up and cut a bigger whole in the nipple! I'll drink it if you idiots do it right. Jeez. It's not that hard, people. You know... I really expected more from them. 

Here's another problem with them: Every time I freak out and cry they think it's because I'm teething. Well, I am but that's besides the point. Last night, when they were freaking out because nothing they did was working, they finally gave me some new wave, homeopathic teething medicine-- but it didn't keep me down. No, no, no. Just when they were starting to fall asleep, at a nice, ripe time of 3:30ish, you know it brothas and sistas, I woke them up screaming. It was AWESOME. They jumped a mile, I swear it.

But that's when it happened.

They figured it out. It took them until 5:52 AM, but Frick and Frack figured it out. ACES. They had the bottle at the right temp, the right amount of formula and they cut the nipple. I caved. I couldn't help it. I caved and cut them a break.

They're really not so bad and they earned it...so I drank the formula.

Here's the thing though-- Now they think they're back in control because I'm kind of into the eating thing. They aren't calling me "Cranky Frankie" anymore. Oh no...now they're calling me "Frank the Tank" and pumping their fists while chanting "Frank, Frank, Frank" every time I slam a bottle. Just because I didn't see "Old School" doesn't mean I don't get it.

I mean, really--"Frank the Tank?" 

So not cool. 

I'll get them back though. Wait 'til it's time to poop and I can't go. Constipation should cause quite the crying episode. I'm taking them both down. Over confident, newbie, wanna-be parents, you're going down--going down to China Town.

Sleep with one eye open cuz I'm Frankie Jade Coden and you ain't gonna sleep til I go to college--and maybe not even then! 

FJCoden OUT.

FJC Day (Frankie Jade Coden Day)

The pictures actually start from the bottom up (I messed up, I'm tired). We started at the airport, we didn't end there.

Anyway, this was our day yesterday--the "Day of Frankie..."

We had an early breakfast before leaving Guangzhou and the White Swan hotel. All three familes (The Norris', the Simpsons' and us) met up with Peter at 8:50 AM to go back to the Guangzhou airport. (See the bottom two pictures). We did the whole security and baggage thing and got on a 2 hour flight to Chongqing (worst flight ever--thankfully we were all together so we could laugh about how horrible it was). We got off the flight only to get into a van so we could drive another 3 hours to the orphanage. When I tell you the ride was the craziest ride ever--I'm not kidding.

I don't think there is any way for me to describe it so you get the full effect, so let me just say that we drove through slums that made Detroit look like freakin' Malibu, roads that were broken up so badly our driver had to beep the horn so others knew we were coming because there was no way to drive on our side of the road, and the rest stops-- oh, the rest stops...I just won't even go there. Trust me, you don't want me to. Wendy, Cathy and I decided that we are traumatized for life from the rest stops. There is no toilet in China. There is like a porcelin thing in the ground and you can imagine what it's filled with and what is all around it. Yeah... I'm supposed to squat and go in there? Um....REALLY????

BARF.

Needless to say, my beverage intake was MINIMAL yesterday.

Anyway, after a very long and tiring day, we finally made it to the orphanage, nauseaus and anxious, around 5:00 PM. It was wet, cold and rainy. Perfect. We first had to go to the office of the Orphanage Director. He had us sign some papers and he gave us the camera we sent with Frankie's care package. The rest of the time we spent there was kind of a blur so I'll try to remember as much as I can:

We were told where Frankie was dropped off (by the front gate) and I just lost it. I regained my composure back in our van just in time to go into the orphanage. Our visit there was very brief. We walked in and I remember it was much smaller than I thought it would be (and it smelled really bad). The smell was overwhelming. Now, the people who know me real well are probably cracking up because I KNOW I HAVE SMELL ISSUES , but I'm telling you, it was pretty rancid.

I believe the Simpsons' were given Cameron first, and then the Norris' were given Catherine and after what seemed like an eternity, one of the caregivers reached into a crib and pulled little Frankie Jade Coden out and then she handed her to us.

FINALLY. While the other two babies were crying instantly (that is a good thing, it shows that they were attached to their caregivers), Frankie was just looking around, not making a peep.

We were hardly in the orphanage for a moment, I didn't even really get a chance to see the other kids (which was probably a good thing), and before I knew it, we were being whisked off back into the van for a long, three hour ride to our new hotel in Chongquing.

Frankie did great on the ride to the hotel. All the babies did. She had some trouble with all the bumps from the broken road, but who wouldn't?

We were exhausted when we got here but not too tired to notice that our hotel suite is SWEET and we should be very comfortable here for the next five days. Frankie was not into the bath we tried to give her but she slept pretty good last night.

We have had a pretty rough day with her today but we are optimistic that each day will get a little better. She has several of the "institutional issues" that I was afraid of, but also expecting. On top of that, it seems she is teething and probably constipated (the gas this little girl lets off would bring Bin Laden out of his hiding place). She won't let us feed her so we've had to resort to getting liquid to her through the dropper that comes with the Baby Motrin. She mostly cries a lot which is hard because I know some of it is grief and some of it is from just being uncomfortable.

I about lost it today when she had one crying spell I didn't think was going to end, but I felt so much better after I read all of your great comments. Cody, I don't know how, is still managing to make me laugh. He is unreal. He rocks as a Dad. He's even better than I thought he would be. Wait til ya'll see him in action. He's a natural and it only makes him hotter than he already was!

We love you guys. You are all so "fetch." (Hee hee)

Gotcha Day!

We are both so spent that Rob asked me to at least post something. So here is my something.....IT"S A GIRL!!!!!! And she is supper cute in person!

Miss. Frankie Jade Coden is in our loving arms. Robyn will give out all the good details tomorrow, but we wanted to at least get her name out there. Thank you all for the love and support. We all love you..

Robyn, Cody and Frankie!

Lucy and Ricky....or Bruce and Patti?

Today is our last day of not being parents. 

Here's  how it went:

Cody was not into both of us in a twin bed last (I can't imagine why) so we each took a separate bed. We had a jet lag episode around 2:00 a.m. and then went back to sleep until 6:30 a.m. I woke up complaining that we didn't get to sleep together and Cody agreed while cursing and referring to our room as "The F-in' Ricky Ricardo Suite." We only have one more night in this room because when we come back, we get our real suite--and it better be "real SWEET" (get it?) :)

Since we have to take a plane and then a bus to Chongqing tomorrow (pronounced Chongching) to pick up FuLan at the orphanage, we (Cody) decided we needed to not only unpack everything, but also and take out some stuff and leave it here.  (See top picture) That did not make me happy. I didn't bring too many "wardrobe changes" to begin with and now I have to cut THAT in half! I also had to cut FuLan's clothing in half which was not easy since I'm really not sure what size she is... 

While we were doing the "re-pack," one of the families in our group came to meet us: Jake, Cathy and their 6-year-old daughter (also adopted from China), Amelia Simpson. THEY'RE AWESOME. They're so cool and funny and warm. We loved them instantly and I'm not just saying that because they might be reading this--they are THAT cool. We hung with them for awhile and then Cody and I hit the streets of Guangzho.

We had a blast. It's so much more fun than I thought it would be. The people are WAY friendly and the stores are all so much fun. Most of stores have the same kind of stuff, (all tourist traps) but I love those kind of stores and I had a great time boosting the economy of China today. I bought FuLan some super cute stuff and made some new friends (see middle picture). No, I didn't haggle and yes, I got totally ripped off but I don't care. I know they don't have a lot of money here and I had a blast. 

The Chinese people are definitely intrigued by Americans. They stare (but always smile) with a great intensity. They're full of compliments--my favorite by far was "sexy mama," when I told them why we were here. The boys seemed really into Cody. I told him that they probably thought he was Bruce Springsteen or something. BRRRRUUUUUCCCCEEEE!!!!!!!

We shopped and walked learning our lay of the land. On our way back to the hotel, Cody stopped at a 7-11 while I chatted with some shopkeepers. While we were walking away, a group of kids came out of nowhere and swarmed us. (See third picture for the kids). "Can you sign your name? Can you sign your name???" They were shoving notebooks and pens at us so we would sign their pads. It was so funny. We thought we were so cool until some other American guy walked by and they did the same thing to him...

When we got back to the "Ricky Ricardo Room," The Simpsons came by to hang and then Wendy and John came by too. YAY!! The whole group is here! I love our group and I can't believe we're all going to get our kids tomorrow. BIG DAY TOMORROW.

Cody and I are going to an Italian place we found on the island tonight for "the last supper," and then we're going to go to bed early.

We're meeting Peter (our guide) and the group at 8:50 a.m. BIG DAY TOMORROW!!!!

We probably won't get to our new hotel with FuLan until around 8:30 p.m. our time (so 8:30 am'ish your time) but I promise I will log in with pictures, details and FuLan's American name as soon as I can. I'm still not sure what name Cody is going to go with. I really like all the names we have on the table (except one I think is a bit of a "stripper name)."

BTW--we love, love, love all the comments. Thank you guys so much. It makes us feel a little closer to home. Thank you. XOXO

We made it!

The weary travelers have made it to Guangzhou, China! (Finally).

The 6 hour flight from Tokyo was very nice and we made it to China without incident. Peter, our Chinese guide from the adoption agency, was waiting for us with a CODEN sign as soon as we got done with customs. I felt just like Brittany Spears...but not really. 

The ride from the airport to the White Swan hotel was about 40 minutes. We got to see some of Guangzhou on the way. It's a very congested city (10 million) people. The smog didn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it would, but most of the buildings are very old and run down (at least what we saw). Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has laundry hanging on their balconies. It's crazy! The temperature is nice here. I'd guess it's somewhere in the 70's.

The White Swan hotel is very pretty and everyone is SO nice. The service is outstanding. There is even a girl who stands by the elevator and she lets us know which way to go to our room when we get off. The first time I did it, I went the wrong way and she probably saw me. (Stupid American!) We're in a small room for tonight and tomorrow night because Sunday we leave for Chongqing for five days. Chongqing is where FuLan's orphange is and that is where FuLan is! Sunday is FuLan day!!!

We have tomorrow to explore (and eat some more--I swear, everyone says they lose weight on this trip but we have been eating non-stop). Tomorrow is our last day without a child. It's so surreal. FuLan is clueless. She has no idea that her life is about to totally change.

It's 8:16 at night here now and though I think we're almost over our jet lag, we're definitely tired. We're not getting on each other's nerves yet so that's good. Our room tonight has twin beds. I wonder if Cody is going to end up on the floor??? I miss Floyd. 

XO r & c (but mostly me--Cody is totally crashed out).

Trying to get to China...

So...we got the airport at the right time--we even got to hang in the Northwest Club for a bit (I made a coffee/hot chocolate drink that was AWESOME), the flight was prepared for take off at the right time...and then they had an issue. Why wouldn't they? Gotta have an issue! 

Some dumbo mistakenly placed some luggage on our flight that wasn't supposed to be there. It took them 2 hours to get it sorted out so we got off to to a very late start (that sucked). We had these crazy reclining seats, warm towels, great food and lots of movies to choose from in 1st class though (that didn't suck).  

After 15 hours on the plane, we landed in Tokyo to find that we did indeed miss our flight to China. We went through immigration (always a fun line) and customs, found our shuttle, and we're now at a Radisson hotel about 20 minutes from the airport. We're going to try again tomorrow at 7:30 A.M to get to China, so keep your fingers crossed. 

We're going to take some ambien now. Jet lag blows.

SAYONARA!

SEACREST OUT!

What are you doing today?

We're going to CHINA!!!

Hope you all have a good day!

I don't think we will be able to get email (not sure yet) so we will try

to post as much as we can on this thing.

Adios amigos--

We're outtie!!

The poundage is IN!

One bag is 50lbs, one bag is 30 lbs and one bag is 55 lbs. Ok...so we're a little over. Cody says he's not worried and if he's not worried, I'm not worried. He says that he thinks we did great. I told him that I agree AND we are taking everything we want to take! There really were very few suitcase casualties.

He says that "some are taking more stuff than others,"but I'm quite sure I don't know who he's referring to... (not me!)

I haven't done too many "shout outs" on the blog because I don't want to single anyone out, but I (meaning Cody too) do want to thank everyone for all their support and encouragement while we've been waiting for FuLan these last few years. I am still constantly amazed by the endless energy and excitement you all possess. It is truly overwhelming. I told Cody the other day that I feel like FL is "everyone's baby," and I love that. I do believe that "it takes a village," and believe me, we will be asking for many pointers along the way.

I honestly can't remember a baby having so many people love her before she has developed a personality. It is just astounding to me. You guys are amazing and we love you all.

Can I just say some things about my husband too?

I love my husband. Many men would not agree to adopting a child especially when we could very likely do it the old fashioned way. We, however, don't believe that a child is any more "yours" because it has your DNA. FuLan is ours because (Lord, help her) she will be raised by us, with our values and guidance--not because of her hair or eye color.

Cody has been on board since day one. He has done all of the work on this adoption that I never could have done. I honestly couldn't have done this without him. I don't even understand most of the stuff he has done to make this happen. He is my best friend and partner in life. I love you, Cody. You are going to be a good daddy, I know it.

15 more hours and we're out of here. Lists are checked, bags are packed, documents are signed, cash is now Yin. You're coming home, FuLan. You have no idea what you're in for and how much your life is going to change.

I'm sad about Floyd. I'm going to miss him so much. I miss him already and he's right next to me. I'm definitely going to let him sleep with us tonight. Cody will object, but he's overly tired. I think I can take him down if I have to. :)

Please smack me...

I totally forgot that I need to have a bunch of stuff HOME for FuLan!

I have gotten everything for the trip, but I'm thinking it might be a good idea to have some things here for her too. That would be fun to get her home and have no wipes or desitin or any of that stuff here. I don't even have baby food!!! NICE. Good parenting!!

Does anyone want to drive me back to Target...and smack me!!!!

PACKING!

So, imagine preparing to go on a trip for 17 days in a foreign country with your kid who, incidentally, you have never met. You don't know for sure what size she is, how healthy (or not healthy) she is and exactly what she's eating. YOU MUST PLAN FOR EVERYTHING--including all wildcards or illnesses that you catch. Good stuff, right?

Here's what you need to pack:

What you're all wearing. You only get 44 lbs a suitcase. I'm having some issues seeing as though I'm only supposed to bring about 4 or 5 outfits and I've been known to wear that in 2 days, let alone 2 weeks!

For FL I'm bringing some cute hats and a variety of clothes that start at 9 mos and go to 12mos. Nothing fancy because I'm sure it will get trashed while we are there, but I'm thinking she will look cute in anything (except ugly things which she will NOT be wearing).

FuLan's toys: Apparently stacking cups are a big hit because they seem to show up on every packing list I have ever seen, but we're bringing some other items too because we're awesome: Beach ball, soft book, stuffed animal, teething ring, crinkly toy, bubbles, etc.

Your toiletries, her toiletries. (Yes, she has tons of stuff too--Like mommy!)

Your meds, her meds (We're talking everything from baby motrin to zinc oxide to ear numbing drops to glycerin suppositories, to scabies and lice medicine, etc etc. The meds list is crazy for us too because we just don't know what could happen there and we need to be armed and ready Rambo-style. Needless to say--we're bringing everything.

Her snacks (bags and bags of cheerios and goldfish) snack traps, spoons, yummy and delicious baby food, rice, formula packs. Your snacks and instant-type food (instant oatmeal, soup, etc) for the hotel (and CANDY!)

Electronic Equipment, Multi Socket Power Strip, Travel and Adoption Documents, Neck Pouches (I just couldn't cave on wearing the fanny pack, hello??? NO.), Converters, Adaperters, Suitcase Locks, Baby Carriers, Emergency phone numbers for Embassy, Consulate and all kinds of other places, etc. (Are you loving this list so far?)

Presents and RED gift bags/tissue for all the officials we meet and our guide. (All gifts we bring are supposed to be "Made In America"--makes sense, but not so easy to find!) Plus, I'm sure I'll become best friends with everyone I meet at the hotel, so I had to get some things for them too.

Lots of disposable stuff (BACK OFF "GO GREEN-ERS,") I'd prefer not to go this route, but give me a break this time, OK? We're taking disposable bibs, changing pads, table toppers, and dirtly poopy diaper baggies.

Office supplies like pens, sharpie, duct tape (in case our suitcases get trashed--they're brand new, I'll be so mad), white out, notebook, sticky notes, scissors, calculator, etc.

Hotel room supplies like a clothes line, clothes pins (Is this getting crazy?), a big bowl and tongs to wash the bottles/nipples, a PINK thermos (it's way cute) to keep the formula water warm on bus rides and stuff, dish soap, detergent, book lights, etc.

Don't forget about 50 or 60 diapers (the ones in China aren't supposed to be so great), one million baby wipes, bathing toys, baby lotion, and all the diaper bag stuff.

Baby Carriers (I got an ERGO and although I watched the DVD and wrestled with a stuffed animal to pose as FuLan, I still can't figure it out completely...Go Bucks!!)

CASH CASH CASH and it must be all new bills.

Fun, right?

Thankfully, I live with "Cody the Master Packer" and HE ROCKED THE HOUSE! We put everything in plastic bags, labeled them, and then he packed, and packed, and packed until he couldn't pack NO MO!

We will do final weigh in tonight. Stay Tuned!

Full-On FuLan-Mania

This has been a whirlwind weekend of FuLan craziness.

Here are some of the things I have learned this weekend:
1. No house is big enough for FuLan
2. I'm not so into Babies' R Us
3. I do like Target
4. I have a feeling that we are going to be way over 44 lbs a person with our luggage (don't tell Cody)
5. I'd like to throw my packing list out the window (but I still need it)
6. Flying to China and back is not cheap
7. Adoption from China really means "Wait, wait, wait...HURRY UP!"
8. There is Gerber 1, 2, and 3 food. (Of course I bought the wrong stuff the first time)
9. There are different size "necks" on bottles
10. Floyd's groomer raised their rates
11. Saunders on Maple and Woodward no longer sells the 1 shot hot fudge packets. (I thought those would be a good "Detroit" item to throw in the gift bags
12. Pediatric Glycerin Suppositories are "over the counter," but you don't need a prescription
13. I don't like being called "Ma'am." I think I still have some "Miss" in me!
14. Baby items that come with a DVD intimidate me

15. "Taboo" is the name of a Porno Movie

That's all I can think of. I'm going to ask Cody if he knows of any. I'm sure he'll have some gems.

Floyd Coden

I still haven't told him that we are leaving Wednesday morning...

I'm already having separation anxiety and he's in the next room.

We're out of here on the 12th!!!

That down there means "BYE!!" in Chinese cuz WE OUTTA HERE!

Leaving on the 12th (I thought it was the 13th-OOPS)

Picking FuLan up on the 16th

Consulate Appt on the 26th!

(Good thing Cody picked up 500 diapers because I might pee in my pants!)

TA'S ARE FINALLY HERE!!!

WE'RE GOING TO CHINA SOON!!!!

Will update as soon as we know the exact date but we could

go as early as next Saturday, the 16th!!!

Where's our Travel Approval, yo?

Still nothing...