So, Some News
Grace emailed us the other day, and she said it looks like we are departing on January 11. There is still the possibility that it could move up a day or two. She said that she will have a definitive answer next week.
The CCAA has matched more families with babies, which is good news for everyone who is still waiting for their referrals.
We saw on one of the email lists that there are a few travel groups in Nanchang right now, and a whole bunch of the kids were from the Poyang orphanage. All of the babies are really healthy, and “there has been minimal grieving and mostly they just want to be held.” This is also very good news.
So, We Had The Shower
Nancy, Laura, and Kristen managed to put together an amazing baby shower for us in four days! The shower was on Friday, 12/7. We were so touched by the shower itself as well as the turn out! Once we get some pictures we’ll post them. Matt’s Aunt from CT made it down, as well as many friends from PA and NJ, many with over an hour drive, on a Friday night during the holiday season in the snow! We are just so blessed.
The Chinese food was perfect, there were red ribbons and balloons throughout the house. Nancy is currently working on a 100 wish quilt for Gracie, and I believe she will be contacting everyone who was invited to the shower to write their wishes on fabric scraps to be incorporated into the quilt! This is a long standing Chinese tradition, and we feel so fortunate to provide our baby with this very special gift. We also received Gracie’s stroller, car seat, tons of feeding stuff, clothing and a full library.
We just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful outpouring of love and generosity you’ve shared with us!
So, Still No Firm Date
December 4th was a bit of a tough day. After the mad dash to get all the last minute details together for our holiday trip to China, for the best present EVER, we found out that we will not be traveling until the new year.
Our travel authorizations came in yesterday, but arrangements with the US Consulate can’t be made in time to travel in December. No firm date, but they told us to plan on sometime between January 8th and 12th.
Well, the Christmas tree is already de-Christmastized, so this year will be a quite holiday, as we anticipate our delayed, but pending travel.