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2.11.2010

Preparing

There's been a lot to do this week. And while nothing is officially in a suitcase yet, everything we need in order to pack is now here in this house (including my new laptop battery, the paperwork packet from Lifeline and Ian's new shoes ~ ones that don't have holes, do you detect a trend with my hubby? ~ which arrived via UPS, FedEx and USPS just this afternoon). I've run countless errands either while the kids were in preschool or playing at a friend's house (if you have a friend about to travel on an adoption trip, offer to watch the kids for a few hours ~ she'll appreciate it, I PROMISE!) to purchase gifts for officials, orphanage staff, and guides; make sure our "traveling pharmacy" is restocked; and buy favorite snacks and bribery foods. Yes, I said "bribery foods." No, I'm not ashamed to admit that we're bringing an arsenal of fruit snacks, gum, M&Ms, and Starbursts to "encourage" good behavior. Did I mention that we'll be in a foreign country for 12 days with three children under age four?

When that list was mostly complete, I turned my focus on getting ready for actually arriving home, something that I TOTALLY overlooked when we traveled to meet Caleb. Thanks to all who answered my cries for freezer friendly recipes (I had difficulty limiting myself on which recipes to make), and a nearby friend who offered her kitchen Tuesday morning for us to "catch up and create," my freezer is now stocked with nine entrees that we cranked (with the help of a really cute "junior chef") out in a mere three hours.
Add to that three more meals that the "girls" from my Life Group made (all three of which will likely feed my family two nights each), PLUS a frozen pizza or two, and we are in much better shape than when we ate out for two solid weeks after returning back in November of '08. I also received a fabulous freezer cookbook and another offer to cook for a day that didn't work out due to distance. (Maybe after we get home and then you can meet Darcy too?)

Today Mama and I (yes, my mommy came to my rescue to help out in the very end ~ nothing more comforting that having Mama around ~ plus she gave us a much needed date night last night!) tackled finding a quilt and sheet set for my girl (somehow that had escaped me until just yesterday...), got the picture sized down for her foster mother's locket, picked up the Augmentin prescriptions for the kids, and finally remembered to buy some dog food for our dog sitter to feed our sweet Maya while we're gone.

Somewhere in there I've managed to find a bit of sleep and have even been keeping up with my Bible readings. I suppose my daily quiet time has been the one thing that has kept me sane during this process. Sadly though, in order to accomplish all the above (plus the other 257 things that need/needed to be done) before we leave AFTER FIVE MORE SLEEPS, I've been skipping out on any form of exercise.

Unless you consider weighted walking exercise.

For the record they now weigh 30.1 and 37.4 pounds...

Then I've been meeting my daily quota.

18 comments:

Laurie said...

Oh, I'm getting so excited! I cannot imagine packing for the WHOLE family for that long. It's taking me all day just to get us ready to go to Chicago for a long weekend. :) Our kids are pretty similar- I just weighed them yesterday- 30.0 and 34.8. I was shocked that Aaron was getting so big and not at all shocked that Allison is still a lightweight. The good thing to remember- it's VERY easy to lose weight in China- just skip Pizza Hut! :)

Ann Marie said...

Yipeee!! I am so very excited for you. Praying for you all.

Hugs,

AM

Jess Danielson said...

5 more sleeps! Wow!! I can't wait to watch!! You will be in our prayers daily! Have a blessed trip!!

Jess

Unknown said...

As busy as it sounds like you've been I think you've more than met your daily quota of exercise!!
My prayers will be with you in the coming weeks!

Michelle said...

Have a great trip and I will be praying for you all...

Pam said...

Oh my, you are SO close, Kristi!!!! I cannot wait to follow your journey (with the 2 others in tow) to Darcy! I am so, so excited. I am hoping you'll be planning a trip to my city shortly after you arrive home and I'll be able to meet your sweet girl in person. Of course we're all wanting to see Kylie and Caleb again, too!

Melissa said...

I'm with Laurie, Kristi! I can't imagine packing for the whole family for a trip to China!!! It sounds like you are SO organized, and I am so excited for you to have 5 more sleeps because that means I have that many less days to see your story unfold with Darcy and your family growing into a family of FIVE!!(Well, 6 if you count your precious pup:)
I love the picture of you being weighed down!!! They are too stinkin cute, and truly love their Mama!!!

TanyaLea said...

I could use some of your "lists" to start organizing and shopping myself. It helps so much to learn from you 'seasoned' mamas who have done this before! Sounds like you are on a roll. Can't believe only 5 more sleeps and you're on that plane to your sweet girl! SO EXCITING!!! We're praying for travel by the end of March, as that is when our kiddos are on spring break, so it would help them not to miss so much school work! Take care and happy packing!!

Hugs,
Tanya

Nancy said...

I am so excited for you! Noah and I have been praying at naptimes for you as you prepare. So close! I am glad you and Ian are taking some time for yourselves.

Our Journey said...

5 nights -- wow! I can't wait to watch this journey. You have been BUSY! It's so great that you have such great friends (and mom) around! Praying for you all!

Cindy M said...

Okay, I'm SO tired, just reading your list. And UBER-impressed at your organization. Mindy LOVES to tell the story of me in Wal-Mart the night before we left, melting down in customer service counter because the jewelry counter nazi would not take the back off my watch and sell me a new battery...because I didn't buy it there!!! After I melted in that puddle, she politely treated me like a mental patient and got my watch fixed. Don't you feel so much better about yourself? :-)

And Caleb officially weighs more than Caroline! How did THAT happen? Caroline is holding steady, with all her clothes and shoes on, at 29.4.

Cindy M said...

Three more things...

You TOTALLY look skinny in that picture.

I recognize that kitchen and that cute little helper, and I miss them, TOO!

You're going to have to grow a third leg here soon.

Love you!

Sharon said...

I so wish we lived close not only to soak up your sweet family and friendship BUT to help out!!! Praying for sweet family time as you spend the last few days as a family of four, sweet sleep and hours to be multiplied for all things to get done with time to spare.

Kathy said...

I'm glad your mom was able to come and help. I can't imagine all the planning it took to prepare for this trip. I am so excited for you and it is coming so soon!! Glad you and Ian got a date night. The kids must be so excited by now. Will be praying for you every day until you get home, and after.
Love, Grandma M..

Ally said...

Oh Kristi, the time is so close. I can't wait to see the day Darcy is with her forever family. I will keep you all in my prayers and think of you often. Travel safe! Big (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))!!!

Lisa said...

I can't stand myself, I'm so excited for you!!!! It sounds like you are very prepared and many blessings to your mama for the comfort I'm sure she brought with her. And yes, "weighted walking" counts.

Lilly said...

you haven't seen what my room looks like lately...not much different than yours, ha,ha!..and yes, our tribe likes marshmellows so I'm bringing lots of it!

Anonymous said...

I am freaking out that you, the seasoned adopter, are freaking out... I think I should be much more concerned than I am...? I guess the closer it gets the sheer freak out will begin to kick in more and more.
Aunt Cici