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...

I'm Bored

Do you guys want to see the care package I sent FuLannie after we got her referral?

--Of course we do! We thought you'd never ask!

Oh, well, since you're so excited, here it is:

Did you say you wanted a closer look?

• We sent some baby lotion (no dry skin for MY girl!)
• A disposable camera (we're hoping that the orphanage nannies are taking pictures of her but they will probably just shoot a whole roll on the day we pick her up).
• Little socks
• A teething toy
• A soft book for FuLan and one with a basketball that makes noise. I'm sure everyone is sufficiently annoyed with that
• A pig because she was born in the year of the Pig (Thanks for getting me another one, Erin!"
• A little outfit that says "Little Princess" since clearly I am the "Big Princess"
• A small blankie with an elephant and a really comfly blanket that I'm hoping she is using (I slept with it first. If she doesn't like how I smell, we're screwed)
• A polka dot onesie.
• A big bottle of lotion and an even bigger bag of assorted candy for the nannies (Lord knows I have a ton of candy in this house!)
• And lastly, a photo album with pictures of me, Cody, my Mom (Nana "Judy the Beauty"), Grandpa "Jimmy Angles," my Dad (Grandpa Cary), Grammy Carol Sue "The Redhead", Puppa Steve, and of course, everyone's favorite: Floyd Coden.

***BIG THANKS to Jake Clark for translating "Mama, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa and Dog" into Chinese for us. I was able to put the Chinese words in the book above our pictures so the Nannies can show FuLan who will be making her crazy for the next 40-50 years.

Cody made copies of FuLan's name in Chinese so I put "FuLan" on everything. Good thinking, right? It's good practice for her camp care packages but I will probably just walk to her cabin instead of mailing her stuff. Yeah--I'm sure she'll love that...

OY!

I keep telling Cody to stop buying FuLan presents, apparently he's not listening...

FuLan's Timeline:

So this is what has been (and is) our FuLan timeline:

On Feb 4th we got the call from our adoption agency in Texas. We were sent a photo of FuLan and told her bday (4/17/2007) and where her orphanage is located. Cody videotaped the whole thing. It's totally surreal (and hilarious).

After that, we spent the day flipping out over FuLan because we were in love and then I went shopping before we celebrated with our parents and Cody's brother, Jon.

Then we had to wait on FuLan's health report (more waiting) to come so we could have a pediatrician look it over. Our agency wanted us to wait to accept the referral until we had signed off on her health report. We were told that everything looked good. She is a little delayed in her motor skills but that's just from being in the orphange. She'll catch up!

During that time, we got in touch with the other familes from our agency to make sure that we're all on the same page and timeline. All of the adoptive parents in our group must sign their LOA's (Letter of Approval). One of the families we don't know that well and the other one--we LOVE them. They are from Texas and I feel like we have been friends forever. It's like we're taking a crazy trip with our friends and their daughter (who is in the same orphanage as FuLan--and I bet they are friends!!)

We then sent in our VISA application paperwork to Chinese Consulate. (Never enough paperwork!)

Meet up with our friend, the infamous lawyer, Eric Clark, to notarize our signing of the FuLan referral acceptance letter.

Start getting a packing checklist together. (OY). We are each allowed 44 pounds including all of FuLan's clothes, medication, diapers, food, toiletries, etc. WE WILL BE SO OVER. Wendy, from our travel group--my new best friend--has been AMAZING. We are always checking with each other (me with her more than her with me) about what and how much to bring. The packing list is out of control.

Have our favorite pediatrician, Todd Marcus, fill a ton of prescriptions for FuLan. We need to bring everything from Baby Motrin to Scabies and Lice medicine (fun).

The LOA's are sent back to CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs) so they can register our formal acceptance of the referrals. I think we had to do something that involved a courier but I can't remember.

After that we just waited to get our VISAs in the mail from Chinese consulate--not the good kind of VISA though. I can't use this one at Henri Bendel.

We get re-fingerprinted downtown(for the third freakin' time!!)

Get our 3rd in the series of Hepatitis B shots from Dr. Michael Kobernick (Best shot-giver ever).

CCAA confirms that they got our LOA's and issues TA's (travel approvals).
(THIS IS WHERE WE ARE NOW--We are waiting for our TA's now...anxiously waiting).

Once our agency receives the TA's, our coordinator will contact the US Embassy in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province to set up consulate appointments for everyone in our travel group. We need the date for this appointment so we can plan the rest of our China trip. Plus, the Consulate Appt is when FuLan will become a US citizen. We will be there for a few days before getting FuLan and then we have to wait for this last appointment at the Consulate before we can take her home.

Once our agency has this appointment date, we will have a rough estimate of our travel dates.

We (meaning Cody) will then schedule our flights to China. We are going to go to FuLan's province first with our friends from Texas. Our adoption agency schedules in-country flights and hotel arrangements.

That's the dealio!
Basically, I live at Target and FuLan's checklist rules my world.
Cody is knee-deep in paperwork and flight arrangements.
Floyd doesn't know what the hell is going on...

IF OUR TRAVEL APPROVAL DOESN'T COME THIS WEEK-THIS WILL BE ME:

FuLan's Bedroom!!

While we're waiting, let's take a tour of FuLan's bedroom!

I think it's best to get the girlie thing out of the

way since she may reject it later.

If she doesn't, I have great plans for when it's time to redecorate!

(Breathe, Cody...breathe....)

I love it! I hope she does too!

and STILL Waiting...

Hi!
We are still waiting on our Travel Approval from China.
We are getting anxious. It sucks, all this waiting.
Once we get it, we will know when we're leaving and hopefully know the answers to more of the questions below. In the meantime, I wish I had more answers, but I just don't:

When are you guys leaving?
Where are you flying into?
Where are you going first?
How long are you going to be gone?
What are you going to do about work?
What are you going to do about camp?
Are you going to continue to go up every week?
Are you going to take Floyd and FuLan back and forth?
Are you getting a nanny while your husband is at camp?
Is FuLan going to be too overwhelmed to go to (fill in the event)
How long before you can take your daughter to events?
How long will you guys be jet lagged?

To each question my answer is "I don't know." This is all very new to us. We're first time parents and we're first time "adopting from China" parents. We're just going to wing it. I figure for most things instinct will take over when we meet her, but for now, we pretty much know nothing more than she is WAY CUTE and we can't wait to get out there and get her!!!!

Stay tuned!
XO R & C

Here's Us!

I'm getting the hang of this blog thing now...

Floyd Coden: Cutest Dog Ever

That cute dog down there is Floyd Coden. I'm very sad about leaving him for two weeks so I haven't told him that we're going yet.

Still waiting on our Travel Approval...

Here's FuLan!!!!

We will give her an American name when we meet her in China but for now, we love calling her FuLan. She is just SO FuLan!

FuLan was born on April 17th, 2007
She was brought to the Fengdu Orphanage in the province of Chongqing, China on the day of her birth. She won't be there much longer though. It's been a long road but we're going to China soon. Finally!!!

I started a blog because I thought it would be nice to fill everyone in while we're in China and also because my Chinaadopttalk.com friends bullied me into it!!! :)