Need something to do

I need something to do in order to keep my mind busy. I started packing the other day thinking that would occupy my time for a while. I have taken many lists from other families who have traveled or that have thought about what is needed. I typed up a list of things that we needed to buy to pack. I had to put all my summer clothes away anyway so instead I just picked out several outfits to pack for the warm Vietnam climate. Then, I started gather up all the toiletries and baby items that were on the lists. I have been saving these little plastic containers from CVS that had Q-tips in them and they are great for packing small bottles of shampoo, lotions etc.

We took the list and went to Target where I have numerous gift cards from friends and family. We bought $85.00 in toiletries and baby items. So I finished off my list. Then we decided we needed a bigger suitcase to pack all this stuff in to check. The most important items will go in our carry-ons. We don't trust the airlines, mostly because Chris worked for them and knows what they do with bags. We like to carry-on our luggage, but with an international flight and on the way home a baby, we didn't think that was possible. More gift cards later, we bought a nice size piece of luggage to check.

Now, I'm 98% packed, not including Chris's clothes. He will have to pack his own roll around luggage. All I will need to pack is his (Nieman) clothes (I'm waiting on sizes), my daily use stuff (makeup, toothbrush etc.) and I'm ready to go. Did you hear that, I'm ready to go so CALL US ALREADY!!!

Now, I need a new project! Any ideas?

Feel like a Mom already

I was telling Chris (DH) the other day that I already feel like a Mom. I was off on Monday and I spent the whole day cleaning his room, doing his laundry and putting together a little project for him. I said I already don't sleep due to the stress of not having him with us. So the only thing I need really is Him, to play with, to bathe, to dress, to feed, to put to bed, to hug and kiss and to love.

Anyway, he is 17 months old now as of Saturday. I spent the day at a baby shower for him thrown by a close friend I work with. She had cute light blue lanterns hanging from the lights and a bamboo mat as a tablecloth. She also found all these cute candies from Asia and chopsticks to decorate the table with. It was a great day, beautiful, sunny and warm. We were able to sit outside on her patio and play cute adoption and occupational therapy orientated baby games. We are all Occupational Therapists and the games were really geared towards things we learn to look for in children, the developmental stages.

I was trying to organize his room on Monday to help feel a little more in control of it all. We have decided to buy some furniture for his room from IKEA. I think it will really work out well and keep me from melting down about all the toys and clothes he will have all over.

No news yet but we will shout from the rooftops once we hear when we can travel. I will be sending out a massive email to everyone when we hear.

I-600 Approval

Great news, today! We received our I-600 approval today. This was the last paperwork step we were waiting for prior to traveling. The wait is not over, however, we still must wait for the Giving & Receiving Ceremony (G & R) to be set. This is where things slow for us. The police chief in our providence has been slowing the process for all the families that have their I-600 approvals. He is the only person left to sign off on our dossier that was submitted back in July, along with 9 other families.

Our agency director is/was in country trying to speak with the police chief to push our cases through. I have not heard if he has made any progress. The agency has stated that if he doesn't approve them, the other government agencies will try to go around him.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed that the police chief approves everyone or they go around him in the next couple weeks. He is the last blockade to us getting Nieman.

I'm so excited and relieved to receive this approval today, it makes my weekend. So anyone out to ruin it will not succeed.

For my son

I love you more as time goes by.
I love you so much it makes me cry.
I love you without holding you at night.
Your little faces shines, you are my light.

We can't wait to have you home.
Your bed sits empty and alone.
Your room is filled with toys and clothes.
I just can't wait to kiss your nose.

The love I feel for you is strong.
The wait for you has been too long.
My patience is tired and my heart just aches.
I'll stick it out whatever it takes.

Time has passed, we are so close.
The pictures of you have helped the most.
I wait each day to get the news.
But all this red tape, gives me the blues.