Last Day of Preschool!

How can this be? She is growing so quick....

She had a great year and had wonderful teachers. At her parent teacher review they told me she tested where she will need to be at the end of kindergarten. She is reading easy sentences and can count by 1 to 150+, by 5's she can go to 100 and by 10's to 500!

But most important, she is a kind and sweet girl- we knew all of this already :-)

We are so proud of her.

Later today we are headed to Kindergarten Round-up. I still cannot decide which of two schools to go with. I hope today helps me out with that decision!

Joanie

Meina's stuff packed

I spent most of yesterday packing and got half of it done. I managed to get all of Meina's clothes and supplies (bottles, diapers, formula, medicines, blankets, toys, etc) plus gifts for the orphanage staff and other Chinese officials packed into one small bag. Now it is on to Mike and I's things. Last time we went to China in late November and were able to keep it to one bag for the two of us and one bag for Ramzie. Surely if we could do it in winter when we packed many layers we can do that again right?

Other than packing, we are getting things ready around the house (Mike has already started all of the spring outdoor stuff) and making plans for when we are gone. I am putting together a few things for Ramzie while we are gone.

I have 3 shifts this week- Weds, Friday and Sat. then I am off. So much to do and May 5th is fast approaching!

Joanie

Two new pics- Hmmmm not happy with foster brother!

Mike is on his way HOME!!!!

Ramzie and I are so excited we can hardly stand it. He doesn't get in until late tonight but he will be here TODAY! It has been a struggle, but thanks to support of all of our friends and family we have made it.

I have to admit I am a bit scattered today. Ramzie had an appointment for her school shots and I totally had the wrong time. The bad thing is I was going to get Meina's prescriptions (the just in case while we travel meds) while I was there. Luckily I have a wonderful pediatrician and she is going to just send them to the pharmacy for me. She already reviewed the file, so other than showing her updated pictures- there wasn't much to the appointment. By the way, Miss Ramzie was fine with missing the shots today. Lol!

Next up- getting the playroom ready and packing for China. We are still waiting on all of the in China details from our agency, but should have those by Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Joanie

A few more to share....

Surprise!

I have had a long weekend. I had to work 3 days in a row.... lots of babies to be born right now.

Anyway, I opened my email today to find 15 (YES-FIFTEEN) new pictures of our girl. The ones with the cake were just taken last Friday. What a blessing to see her and know she got her cake on her special day! How kissable are those checks?

Joanie

Our baby is ONE today!

I am having a hard time.
Meina turned one today. It is hard to not be with her to celebrate- every baby deserves a fun/messy first birthday. But I can say we will make up for it when she gets home!!!!!!
We have decided not to celebrate today because without Mike and Meina here- half of our family is missing.
Ramzie and I DID go shopping for her though and have a few cute things for her.

I did hire a service to send a teddy bear, a cake and a card to her at the orphanage. I hope she and her little friends enjoy it. We may get pictures if the orphanage director allows them to get a few for us.

Well- Not much more to say today.....
Joanie

Plane Tickets Booked

We have booked our flights- one more thing off the list. We will be leaving May 5th from Billings and fly to Seattle. Then we will fly Hainan Airlines to Beijing. We will come home the same route on May 22nd. I have heard of several other families with CCAI that are in the same travel group- so we won't be alone- yeah!

Offical Travel Dates.

We will be in China May 5th thru May 22nd. Finally we know. I need to get packing.

I am also taking childrens vitimans to the orphanage, so if anyone wants to donate a bottle or two of these- let me know. I got a note from our agency that says they need them for any and all ages.

Joanie

Updated Pictures!!!!!

She got the coat we sent! Oh I just want to go get her NOW!!!!!! She looks so good and strong.

I was really worried that we would not get an update with pictures before we left to get her.

Ramzie and I are in Glenrock visiting my parents. They are doing very well and are so excited about Meina. Now all we need to do is get our consulate appointment confirmation and buy those plane tickets!

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Joanie

We got Travel Aproval!!!!!!

It looks like we will be in China the 5th through the 21st of May! We are busy getting all the details ready to travel. Lots to do..... Hang on baby- here we come.

Joanie

Easter Weekend and an update on Meina!

Fancy Easter Dress!

Paper Eggs!

On Friday we got an email with an update on Meina.......sort of. It was a spreadsheet with her measurements and said that she is healthy. Judging by her measurements it looks like she is bigger than Ramzie was at her age. That is a good sign for a baby with a heart condition. Also, when Mike talked to our agency on Friday, it really sounded like we will know our travel dates this week. I have to work Mon- Wed then we are off to visit my Mom and Dad for a few days. I will post any updates as soon as I know details!!!!

Joanie