7 days and counting!

So...one week to go! I haven't written much (or anything, really) lately because things have been CRAZY here! I can't believe all the ups and downs we've had over the past week. Missing paperwork, sleepless nights, mounds of stuff to fit into 3 suitcases...aaaahh!!

But all of our paperwork is in. All of our shopping is done. Iris' clothes are all washed up and in the closet. Diapers are ready to go (although haven't totally decided against the diaper service...don't know if I want to get back into washing diapers for another 2 years!).

All that is left to do is pack! And yes, it will take me seven days to get it perfect. The weight restrictions for luggage for in-China travel is quite limited, so there will be a lot of packing and weighing and re-packing and re-weighing until I get it right. We can leave some luggage behind in Beijing while we go to Nanchang to pick up Iris; I would like to have it all organized ahead of time. I also have to go to the bank today to get our money converted to US dollars and Chinese Yuan. Not sure if our bank will have yuan but I'll give it a try.

Our facilitators have been so helpful preparing for this trip. And one of the mom's in our travel group set up a Yahoo group so that we can all be in touch with each other as we all prepare for the trip of a lifetime. It's been wonderful to get tips and ideas from others and to get support from the group when I am freaking out about something. I can't wait to meet them all! And their children!

We are staying at three different hotels while in China. For our first few days in Beijing we are staying at the Oriental Culture Hotel (http://www.bochotel.com/english/index.htm). Then in Nanchang we stay at the Galactic International Peace Hotel (http://www.glthp.com/english/). Dean being the sci-fi fan that he is, loves that fact that we are staying at a hotel with Galactic in it's title. Check out the Galactic Bar in the hotel!! Very space age looking!Then, when we get back to Beijing, we are staying at the State Guest Hotel Presidential Plaza (http://www.thepresidentialhotel.com/luxury_five_stars_hotel_beijing_china/index.aspx). They all look really nice...much nicer than I've ever stayed in! And Amelia is excited because there are pools in all the hotels!

So that's what is going on here. I can't believe we leave in a week. And we meet Iris in only 12 days!! It's been such a LOOOONNNGGG wait. I am constantly anxious about the paperwork going missing, the donation to the orphanage being unacceptable (has to be given in US $100 bills, PERFECT condition...not tears, creases, jagged edges), forgetting something major like our passports or travel visas. So if you can send us some 'relax' vibes, I would really appreciate it!!!