A busy day- and boy was it cold!

It snowed most of today. We started out at Tian An Men Square, then the Forbidden City & Imperial Garden. We then sat through mass at the International Church. We headed over to the Pearl Place for lunch and shopping. The Summer Palace was the last stop for the day. Since it is Dad's birthday today, we went out for a Peking Duck (Beijing Duck) dinner.

Imperial Garden

Summer Palace

Marble Boat

Our AHH family advocate had a birthday cake delivered to my dad's room for his birthday.

We're in Beijing

It was a long day but we just made it to our hotel in Beijing a little bit ago. Was able to get internet access for 38 yuen per day. We were up at 3 a.m., friday (Phx time) or for 26 hours now.

It is raining here and supposed to snow tonight- by the way, it doesn't snow in Beijing. It looks like it will clear up but be cold for the next two days of sightseeing.

Met three of the other families from my agency and they are all very nice. The remaining five families will be here in a few hours.

I'll post some photos tomorrow after our first day around Beijing.

Advice for those who follow: if you fly United, upgrade to the Economy Plus. It was only $299 per two people but worth the extra leg space. Also, for any luggage you will be carrying on, make sure that you have a piece with wheels (you can always stack a duffle on top). There is a lot of walking around and waiting in line - no over the shoulder bags.

Packed and waiting

Well, it wasn't easy but we're finally packed. Three check-ins and three carry-ons. It took some juggling but we managed to get the large suitcases under 44 lbs each. The two Samsonite suitcases are 18 lbs each- empty. We have one, basic suit case that weights 12 lbs. Six pounds might not sound like a big difference until you are going through your stuff for the tenth time trying to eliminate items to drop a few more pounds off the weight. Advice to those families waiting to leave for China- buy a light suitcase.

Just a few more days. I can hardly believe it. Our flight leaves really early on Friday- 4:30 a.m. shuttle - yikes.

My plan is to post from China so check back in this weekend. I will have Ava at 9 a.m. (China time) Tuesday, March 6. YEA!!

Some of Ava's friends

Some wonderful friends that I've met through the FCC waiting families monthly dinners held a baby shower for me last night. Laura hosted at her home- THANK YOU! Three of the families have their beautiful daughters home so there were four (one set of twins) gorgeous babies at the party. Always so fun to see the babies - I can't wait for Ava to meet her new friends!

CA set for March 14

My consulate appointment came in this morning for March 14. We will be leaving very early on Friday, March 2 and will return home the afternoon of Friday, March 16.

Trying to finalize my packing. There are some things that will have to wait until the last minute to pack but should be able to get most of the items packed this week. Not positive when family day will be but I'm thinking it will be on March 6. Should have the final in-country itinerary later this week and then will know for sure when I get baby Ava!

Only two more weeks at the office- whoohoo. Yes, I am returning but will be off for 17 weeks.

TA has arrived!!

My TA (travel approval) came in today so my agency has made their request for the CA (consulate appointment) for either March 12, 13 or 14. Regardless of which of these days it gets set for, I will leave for China on March 1!!! My agency will start making travel arrangements early next week. I have SO much to do. I've officially been given a wake-up call to get my butt in gear.

Baby Shower at Work

A big THANK YOU to all my Tempe friends that showered me and Ava with beautiful gifts yesterday. And, especially to those that organized it, Amber, Martha, Nikki & Shauna (who wasn't able to attend due to the birth of her son Connor yesterday morning).

Donna had this beautiful necklace made with Ava's photo on the charm- so sweet. The "All About Me" scrapbook set is really cool. It has all the items you need for each page and even a guide on how to lay this out. Ava received her very first, full-size Asian baby doll, it's an American Girl Bitty Baby. The hair clip box is a great idea and I'm sure we'll get tons of use out of it.

Ava received a number of beautiful outfits, shoes, books and gift cards. Thanks again for all the love and support over the many years this process has taken. I'm very blessed to have such wonderful friends. -Michele

The packing has begun

Well, not really the packing but the collecting of things for the trip. Really, it's just Ava's things- and boy does she have a lot of things. It might be time to re-evaluate what I need to bring to China for Ava and what I should get there.

Cutie Pie!!

The FedEx guys

Within the China adoption community, taking a photo of the "FedEx guy" that delivered your referral package is traditional. Needless to say these guys were a little confused when I asked to take their photo but they were good sports.

Referral at last!!

Isn't she beautiful!!

Her Chinese name is
Xiao Jia Hui

to be
Ava Janet

Born: April 13, 2006
Hunan Province
Zhuzhou SWI

As of end of October
height: 24 inches
weight: 14 lbs
health: normal

DTC: 8/26/05
LID: 9/26/05
DOR: 1/3/07
AHH

Waiting for "the call"

I should be hearing from my agency sometime today. The European agencies received their referrals yesterday so the U.S. ones should be hearing soon. I left a message for my agency to see what time their DHL mail normally arrives but have not heard back from them. Hopefully, they are busy sorting through the referrals.

Still no definite cut-off date for the referrals. The European agencies that have already received referrals only had LIDs to Sept 27- apparently no Sept 28 or 29 with those agencies??? So, I know for sure that I will be included but there are many people logged in on Sept 29 who are anxiously waiting to see if they will get their referral today. Of course, the CCAA still has not updated their site.

2006 comes to an end

Although I really believed that Ava would be home for this holiday season, I'm not complaining. I'm still expecting to see my beautiful Ava's face this coming week! Of course, my referral is not a sure thing until the CCAA changes their site indicating Sept 26, 2005 is included or my agency receives my referral, which ever comes first. I believe the referrals left China on Friday or Saturday and will hit the agencies on Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2007!

6th Annual Cookie Exchange

The cookies, 10 varieties this year.

Baby Shower for Nancy & Brian

Nancy and Brian received their referral at the beginning of December for their adorable daughter, Lily. Some of the waiting families, along one family that just returned with their twin daughters, celebrated with them last weekend.

Kim & Scott with their twins Jayden and Jenna, Brian & Nancy, Donna & Joe, Dan & Laura, me, and Heather & Damon.

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