March Referrals

So, it's looking like Jan. 4th. That's cool. Eight more days of LID's. It's not set in stone yet, but last month the rumor was right on. Time will tell.
We received our "invitation" to be re fingerprinted yesterday. And we don't have to go to Charlotte!!!! I am sooo Happy!! I was dreading that 5hr drive for the third time. For some reason Norfolk, VA is now accepting us Carolinians!!! Just 2hrs. So we're gonna do some shopping while we're there. Yeah! Now that my month is getting referrals, it just feels more real. Hey, I really am gonna get my daughter!!!! Wish I could put some smileys up here or something.

Checking Off My List

In January I made a list of things to do while I wait. It's a good thing I'm blogging now, I usually would just put it on some paper and by now would have trashed it while cleaning the house, ya know. So I have done the chopsticks, although it still seemed a bit uncomfortable, and I am now learning numbers in Mandarin. (I really want to be prepared for shopping) But these are the smaller things on that list. Granted, this past month has been a little overwhelming, but with things starting to return to our "new normal", I better get back on track. With all that said, since I am working this weekend, I will "plan" on doing the kitchen next weekend. Maybe this week I can get the closet done. We'll see.

Update for Rumors: Nothing Yet

Trickling In

Rumors about the next batch are slowing trickling in. Last month by the time we heard anything they were already ariving in Spain. I think it's a little early. I don't expect to see referrals until next Friday at the earliest. But the rumor is that they will match through the 4th of Jan. It does not stay that it is the cutoff. Matching through the 4th(or 5th) would keep us in a July to Aug. time frame. It's still really early to put much faith in this one. We'll have to see what next week brings.

I'm In Love!

Welcome Levi Scott

My little nephew is here! A whole month early , he and his mommy are doing great. My emotions are still running high this morning. I can't begin to imagine how the new parents feel.
He weighs in at 5bls 11ounces. A strong little fellow. He has the longest little toes. And don't ask me who he looks like, number one I'm not good with that, number two, the little buger never turned his head in our direction last night. He was on oxygen the first few hours. Just to give him a little help. I didn't get to see Christy last night either. All things going well, they should be home Thursday.

This is when I really wish I had a digital camera!

Squeaky Shoes

I am also working on a shopping list for while I'm in China. These adorable little shoes are on that list. Retailing for about 75% less than the US price, my plan is to hord up on these babies. These shoes encourage crawlers to walk because of their audible feed back. I am told after they accomplish that mission I will need to take the squeakers out or they will dive me crazy. A few other things on my list are pearls, jade, silks, and art.

Packing List

So as of lately, I have been comparing all these different packing list.

I have started to put together my own. It will consist of 4 parts.

Today I have completed Part I. I am sure that I will be re editing some

of these with time.

Happy Valentine's Day

Hopefully this will be our last Valentine's without our little Sophie.
Yesterday I had to run into the Drug Store to pickup DH's prescription and
found these scrumptious Fortune Cookies. Had to buy them, it was the
last box. Oh man these things were so good. They come six in a box.
I had one yesterday. DH had THREE! Only two left for today.
Anyways, Hope you guys have an AWESOME day. Take the time
to remember the life you have shared together and look foward to your
future. (can ya tell we started celebrating last night.)

2008 OUR YEAR

So, I'm really ecstactic right now. My Agency calls Friday to tell me to update my fingerprints as they are about to expire(6/6/08). They have to be current at the time of travel. But said they see no need in updating my I 171-H which expires in Oct. WOOHOO!!(sorry) Remember after referral I will travel in 5 to 8 weeks. So let's say referral in July travel in Aug. Today RQ published her new predictions based on the last poll. (note that in the past months we have been in the Bad to Horrid Case.) Also NOTE that I'm in this one.

I need to make up a China Dance/Song. Ya know like "going to China, it's my Birthday."

Recap

This week:

My Agency finally updated there website on Wednesday to confirm that the 27th was the cut off!
I was sick Wednesday and didn't update you guys. Sorry.

Thursday was Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Rat. People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

A once in a century snow storm has slammed into southern China in the recent weeks. There are several orphanges being severely impacted by these storms. William and I talked last night and agreed to make a donation to help. On top of the fact that there are hundreds of children suffering during this time, our Sophie could be one of them. If you feel a tug and would like to make a donation or read about the impact these storm have made go to :

www.halfthesky.org/work/littlemouse.php

We also had a wonderful Baby Shower for my SIL last Saturday. Thanks to everyone who helped out. I will post pics next week.

No Confirmation

I'm thinking that maybe since the CCAA took away the box, that this is the reason it is taking so long to confirm the cutoff. It seems everyone is very excited and most are talking as if it is a done deal. I feel really confident myself about this rumor, but it sure would be nice to have confirmation BEFORE the weekend.