I'm Nesting - Adoption Style!

We left the hotel in Beijing about 8:20 this a.m. and headed straight to the airport. Our trusty guide Sam got Brittany and Bayley off on their flight and sat with us for a while till we could check in. Once we got through security, we stopped at a little cafe for coffee. It was surprising to find popcorn on the menu, and of course, I had to have some. Can I just tell you, NO popcorn has ever tasted so good. Who knew I'd ever be so appreciative of microwave kettle corn, after years of declaring myself a popcorn purist?! (For those who wonder, truly the best way to eat real popcorn is air popped and lightly drizzled with gently browned butter. NOT margarine. Just like The Boss makes for me on our in-house date nights!)

We took our in-country flight to Xi'an and were met by our guide, Jo. The drive from the airport was about an hour long and the scenery was vastly different than in Beijing. This region of China is known for its charcoal mining, so there is a very industrial feel to the area. It's very dated looking; picture movies you may have seen of the 30's and 40's about factory workers, minus the unions. The climate is very effected by the northern plains. So the air feels heavy and dusty and humid all at the same time. Jo said the haze we see is normal and really only clears when there's been a good heavy rain to clean things off.

Our room is actually a suite, and I'm sure it would be waaaaay out of our league in a hotel chain at home. But here, the price is very reasonable and worth it for the place we call "home" for the next 6 days. As soon as we arrived, the housekeeping staff set up a crib for us - a cute 1950's looking little bed. It's set pretty high, so we'll have to be extra vigilant if Aidan turns out to be as feisty as her last update indicated.

All ready for Miss Empress!

We got to unpacking and settling in right away. My family teases me that when I travel: I re-arrange hotel furniture to suit my needs and today was no exception. The housekeeping staff was giggling and talking about me as I hefted the dinette set around and set up a changing table in that corner. They thought that The Boss taking pictures of them assembling the crib was even funnier. If only they knew how long we've waited to be in this very place. Both The Boss and I have been fighting tears all afternoon while we sorted things and organized ourselves. I think it's safe to say that we are beside ourselves with excitement.

Aidan's Dressing Room :)

Our little kitchenette.

We had a little adventure during the after-work rush, out to find the local W*lM*rt and stock up on a couple necessities: paper plates and bowls, Ritz crackers for our peanut butter. We tried to find the McDonald's that The Boss saw on our walk in the plaza but we somehow missed it and decided to hit the mini-mart for some ramen noodles for a quiet dinner at "home." Another very welcome "taste" of home - not that I ever serve those things in my real home. But at .30 a pack, they made a tasty dinner!


Please pray with us for Aidan - it struck me (not for the first time) on the plane this morning that her bus ride to us tomorrow morning could be very scary for her. I'm pretty sure she's never travelled that far before. Additionally, she will leave everything she's ever known and everyone who has ever cared for her. I know this is the right thing for her, but I am sad for all she is going to have to process and adjust to. I'm sad for her foster mother and family, too. Finally, please pray for a safe bus ride. I've mentioned a bajillion times or so that the traffic here is crazy. Believe me, there are no traffic laws! They are merely suggestions. And there are no carseat laws or even seatbelt laws in this country. The safety freak in me has been interceding on her behalf all week.

Just think, next time you read this blog, you will get to "meet" Aidan Hope BoNing. Our appointment at the Civil Affairs office is shortly after 10 a.m. - not much more than 12 hours to go! I can't believe how exciting it is to type those words. 12 hours . . . . . Wow.

P.S. If you are a regular commenter here, thanks so much for your encouragements and letting us know you are out there. If you've never commented before, please please drop us a line. We love the "touch from home" and helps us feel when we are missing you and our family.