Quick Update!

I'm just getting the computer back with a new hard drive and don't have all my functions (the computer and myself!) so bear with me. Just as I was blogging away snarling about the lack of info (travel approval and travel dates) from my agency, the lovely Kay phoned me. Kay (in a different travel group with my agency- get this not leaving til JANUARY) informed me she rec'd an email stating my group is tentatively scheduled to leave December 12th!!!!
Just in time for Elena's first birthday on the 20th! Wooo-hooo!!!! Of course, things can change on a dime, but I'M FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) =) =)
Ok, back to business before I go recheck all the stuff I have laid out for my trip for the umpteenth time!
Pictures of the shower are in the mail courtesy of my cousin Heather. Once I get them hopefully my computer will be back to "normal" and I'll be able to shrink down pics, etc.

I know y'all wanted a picture of the new 'do so here's a sample. It's alright. I have really thick hair which grows quickly and it will probably be in a pony by the time summer rolls around again!

Special thanks to PIPO for her thoughtfulness. It's GORGEOUS, girl! Such a talent! Ellie and I will treasure this for sure.

Referral Translations At Last

Thanks for all the great comments about diaper and shoe sizes and the anticipation about the hair pictures! =)

I just wanted to quickly post 'cause I finally received my official referral translations today. If you recall, the nice lady at the Chinese restaurant read some of it to me on referral day! I'd link to it but my laptop doesn't give me that option. Wierd.

So anyway, I finally have English (sort of!) versions of all the medical stuff and the paragraph about her finding and milestones up til 7 months (when her dossier paperwork was completed).
It seems that although we can't see it in the picture Ellie has not one but "two lovely dimples." She also loves to play with her swing bell. Hope I figure out what that is! Also, she is "easy to smile by teased."
Each time I read the pages I find something new that catches my eye, makes me smile, makes me long to bring her home.

I have been sorting through Ellie's clothes collection and luckily it seems she is near the same season/age cycle as my niece K so we have lots of nice hand-me-downs. I must have 15 beautiful, festive, fancy party dresses for my girl! I told Giggy that Ellie will be coming over for "daycare" dressed to the nines!
Just gives us reason to take the new stroller (put it together myself yesterday!) to the mall once we return and find some every day/play clothes, right? =)

I'm here...I think...

Congratulations to my friend Gini and her husband Jay on their new son, Bennett George (Ben). He was born yesterday and is a handsome little guy. She was emailing us all an hour after the event. She's amazing!

Now on to the basics.
Computer is still down and the laptop I own won't allow me to see word verifications so I'm not able to post on some of your blogs. I am reading though! So no shower pics and no word on travel still. When looking at the consulate appointment dates for those referred right before me, it really does look like late December or even January travel. Makes me so sad. That will be definitely over 8 weeks since I saw Ellie's adorable face. At least I might be able to meet up with the 2/17 group at the White Swan. A positive.

I noticed today is 33 months since LID. The 16th is etched in my mind forever! The wait is interminable and I truly feel for those of you still hanging in there. It flat out sucks.

So I broke down and sent a care package through blessed.kids. My agency never came out and said I couldn't and I didn't ask. So there. =P The SWI received it on 11/10 and supposedly asked when I was coming =( and where I lived. I guess I didn't put that in the translated letter? Who knows. The exciting part is that I got updated stats on her Saturday. Sounds like she is continuing to stay right in the average range of growth and she has one upper tooth! Snaggletooth baby! I imagine another should be breaking through soon?! Also, she wears size 12 shoes but I can't figure out what scale they are using. Ellie will turn one on December 20th and is 17 lbs. 10 oz. so it looks like she's still wearing 9 month clothing but on the edge. Now if I could only figure out what size diaper. They start a new size at 18 lbs. The things on my mind these days...
But mostly I can't tell you how thrilling it was to get an update. Made my weekend.

I really can't wait to share some of the shower pics with you. Again, it was a gorgeous time.

Oh, and I got my hair cut really short yesterday. Not sure how I like it but luckily it grows back fairly quickly. I know...need pics!

Start with the Bad, End with the Good

While I'm gathering up the baby shower photos I thought I'd give a quick run down on my pitiful pre-travel meeting in Philly. I learned NOTHING at the meeting that wasn't given to us during our first few paperchasing meetings. It was lovely to meet the people in our groups, but otherwise it was a total waste of time. I could have sent my check and signed forms and not wasted 11 hours and $32 in tolls traveling. Anyway, I digress from what you all want to know.

They don't predict us taveling until the end of December or January. Of course, "anything can happen."

This kills me as some of the people getting their referrals a week before have already had their gotcha day. Some just rec'd their TA's and are traveling before Thanksgiving. I was only 11 days or so later!! Sigh. Remember as a single I did not get to pick my agency and as my mom keeps telling me at least I got a singles spot just in time before they closed adoptions for singles. Trying to keep a postitive attitude but it is really hard once you know that little one is there and she needs to be home with her mommy. =)
So if we don't travel til then I will likely miss her first birthday and who knows about Christmas. Can you tell I'm really ticked?

Oh one thing of interest. In my Jiangxi travel group, three children are from one orphanage and the other three are from three separate orphanages. Hmmmm.

Now for the Good.
My internet on my computer has a virus (ok, that's still bad!) so I haven't been able to get online during the most important time of the month. Referral times! Most of you are aware of the sweet picture arrivals but I wanted to note them in my blog as well. That's the very, very good!!
Congratulations to Queen Mama Stephe on her Princess Giorgia, Lovely Lauren Elizabeth has arrived-she so looks like a Lauren!, wee little Flora (let's schedule playdates, Ellen!) and her SWI-mate cutie Ruby, Ruby, Ruby have shown their sweet faces!
Now you are all on that sweet cloud trying to make it float faster, too! Ahh, the roller coaster never stops!
I still have my fingers crossed that February 06 will be finished with the beginning of December and beginning of January referrals. Keeping the faith with you all. =)
Shower was lovely and I promise to get those pictures up very soon.

Craziness!

Referrals coming in! YAY!!
Virus on my computer! Boo!!
Baby Shower tomorrow! YAY!!
Will find a computer to post more after the shower.
So exciting!

God Bless America

Just Moving Along In Slow Motion

There she is!!

Ok, now down to business...
No news of upcoming referrals.
No news of TA (Travel Approvals).
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

So on to the dailies.
This is going to be a REALLY busy week.

Tuesday: VOTE (yeah, didn't go early).
Wednesday: Go see the opening of Play.boy of the Western World (Matthew designed the set, etc.)
Thursday: Go see Play.boy of the Western World with Aunt Jude and my cuz Heather.

Friday: Mani/Pedi. Pretend it's a full spa treatment! =)
Saturday: Baby Shower!!
Sunday: Pre-travel meeting. I soooo hope to find out travel dates at that time.
Monday: Dinner with friends and family
Tuesday: Go see Sp@m.@lot
WHEW! That's as far in advance as I can think right now!

Here is a picture of the SWI (social welfare institute) where my Ellie J.X.F.L. is supposedly living. Looks pretty nice. I hear we don't get to visit though.