Life rolls on

It's sorta funny how we've known about Darcy for so long now and yet just Monday our family expanding once again became "real" to me. Yes, I've known for nearly 11 months that I'd have three kids within 364 days of each other in age, but I knew that in my head. For such a long time I've been somewhat guarding my heart, just in case somewhere at some level someone decided to say, "No."

But Friday we learned of our TA, (we did celebrate by going to Pei Wei, but chose to keep it quiet until we knew when our travel dates would be) and I let down my guard. And then finding out on Monday that I would be standing in a room with ALL THREE of my children in a mere 19 days filled my heart with a new joy.

"Getting ready" has kicked into high gear. By 8pm Monday night we had purchased plane tickets. By noon on Tuesday our hotel for our extra days at the beginning in Shanghai, and a private mini-van to transport us from Shanghai to Hangzhou had been arranged. Now we wait for our "in country" itinerary to find out where we'll be staying in Hangzhou and Guangzhou. All gifts have been purchased, we've started making packing lists, and tonight Ian and I are going on a clothes shopping date to get my man at least one pair of jeans that don't have holes in them. I'm still working on stocking the freezer and making sure that I use up all things that will go bad or expire while we're gone. I've got notes to remind myself to: let the preschool know Kylie and Caleb will miss three weeks worth of school, go over details with our dog/house sitter, and make sure we arrange all bills to be electronically paid. There are doctor visits to schedule and Kylie's 4th "Princess/dress-up/tea party birthday party" (her b-day is six days after we get home) to plan. And the list continues to grow!

And despite all the preparations, normal life still rolls on. I have two three year olds here with me right now that want my love and attention.

Luckily I learned my lesson (check it out here,) from preparing to meet Caleb and have stopped to take time during the day to enjoy it with my kids!