Meighan's Song

The other day we were getting supper ready and Meighan wanted to play the piano.  I moved "stuff" (that we are gathering for China) off of the bench and she got up and played around a bit.  In a little while she came into the kitchen and said "Mommy, come hear my song!"  OK, I thought this would be interesting!

She proceeded to "play" the piano AND sing!  I couldn't make out all the words but I got enough of them that I knew what she was singing about.  I asked her if she would do it again so I could video her.  She obliged and this is what I got!  You can make out words like "my mommy," "pama's house" (grandma's house), "baby brother," and "forever."  I think she's excited to get a baby brother!

PA! (Provisional Approval)

We received our PA from the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) today!  Yippee!  One step closer to bringing our son home!

Based on an estimated timeline I received a few weeks ago, it looks like we will probably travel to China in early February.  From PA to travel is about 9-11 weeks.  9 weeks from now puts us at mid-January.  They aren't sending anyone to China in January after January 6 due to the Chinese New Year and the government offices being closed (apparently) every Friday.  So, February it is!

This PA step is one of the different/extra steps from when we did this before.  Now we have to scan the PA form and email it to Holt, Holt sends it to China and we wait for the "Article 5" to be delivered (I think to the US Consulate).  Then we wait for TA (Travel Approval) from China saying "come get your child"!

VISAS!

We received our visas by FedEx earlier this week sooooo, we're ready to go!

NOT!

I feel so disorganized!  We could be traveling in a month and a half, or it could be two and a half months!  It depends on when we get approval for all we need approval for!

We sent Le An a photo album, a little toy and a disposable camera the other day.  I know the nannies at this orphanage will take pictures if they have a camera so can't wait to see what they catch him doing!

We have to pack and buy gifts for several people/groups of people (isn't the orphanage donation enough?) and buy clothes for him and finish up swimming lessons for Meighan and celebrate Meighan's birthday and try to enjoy the holidays and, and, and....

I mentioned my disorganized feelings to someone at Holt in an email and they said they have everything they need from us so far (even though I STILL think I'm forgetting something!).

I have checked into baggage fees (none on United for the first checked back, $70 for a 2nd check bag), I know where to get the VPN that I will need to blog with from China, I have all of the luggage we'll need (no more than last time).  I still feel very unprepared at this point!

Pray we get some downtime during the holidays so we can breathe!

Favorite Photo Friday {My Favorite Subject}

We went shopping last Sunday for dresses -- for winter! -- and she is very picky.  I told her she could pick out one dress from a certain rack and she picked this one out all by herself.  She didn't do too bad, really!  She just won't be able to wear it much until next year!

(Psst... it's a 4T!)

She's growing up!