Monday, September 15, 2008

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.

32 comments:

Aus said...

Greetings all - rest assured I'd have been commenting more - but 'Ike' kicked our &%% yesterday. Who'd have thought hurricane force winds in Cincinnati? We'll be without power until Tues / Wed - but we do have juice at the office! Not much damage for us - but some of the neighbors got it bad. I'm sure you are excited (and probably have your newest by now) - can't wait to read more then!

aus and family

Mariann said...

I'm going to be on as soon as I get home from my planning meeting tonight. I have been consumed with Little Empress and Gang member updates. OOOOhhhhh...you guys must be like little kids on Christmas Eve where you just can't sleep because Santa's coming...hold on...get some rest. Your life is about to change...praying for both of you.

Mariann said...

I think you have an online name - Lil'Empress - in the making...just a thought.

Kateri said...

Ok, so I just wanted to remind you...on your little honeymoon of sorts in China...THIS. IS. IT! This is your last night of baby-free sleeping for quite some time. ENJOY IT, Would You!! I know, I know, easier said than done when all you can think about is that sweet face and how you're finally going to kiss those cheeks in just 12 hours but try, ok?!
I am sooo very excited for you and The Boss. Please know that we are praying for you and Aidan. My little blog followers are praying too. I have been invisioning His arms, tightly wrapped around her, bringing her to you safely, as He whispers in her ear how amazing her forever family is and how He picked them just for her. He will reassure her, reminding her that you love her as much as He does. She will hear him and take comfort, I just know it!!
Tears and potential screaming aside, it's going to be a moment you will never forget. Tell the Boss to take LOTS of pictures and try not to scare the poor baby with your sobbing:)
OH, my gosh...it's time to get Aidan!!!!!!

My Little Nest said...

I have to say I was cracking up with the pictures of you in my head setting up the kitchenette area, changing area, and crib. I know it was all done in split second time, too. Gotta love those Ramen Noodles, once in a while. Ooohh....it's 8:30 am here, so you're probably getting ready to go to bed. I hope you all can sleep well. Sweet dreams of Aidan tonight!

Anonymous said...

I've just read your blog, said a prayer and felt the tears welling up in my eyes as I prayed for my new little granddaughter. Up 'til now it has been almost like a dream, but now it is coming true. I look forward to the time when I can hold her and hug her!

Grandpa

Amanda said...

How very very exciting!!! Love the nesting skills! Have a wonderful time meeting your daughter!

Promises said...

I am so excited for you and the Boss. as I am reading this, I have tears (of joy) streaming down my cheeks! I am so excited for you - you will finally get to meet your little bundle. I just cannot wait to see her and one day meet her!

I am so happy for you and the Boss - and your gang too! God is so faithful. I am praying for safety and that Aidan will just know that you are the Mommy and Daddy that God chose for her.

Amelia Antwiler said...

Oh, I almost teared up myself at the thought. Then I got all excited in my stomach for you.

Oh!! What fun!

I think I'm living vicariously through you. May God put a bubble of angels around Aidan, to keep her safe and sound until she meets her forever family.

heidi @ ggip said...

You're all ready! Yay! Can't wait to meet her.

BuzzKnitter said...

oh my gosh, T, I'm getting so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!! my heart is thumping after reading your last post, and can only imagine the excitement you must feel!

I'll be praying for safe journeys all around, and anxiously awaiting your next post... the one with photos of Aiden in your arms!!!!!!!

JMCS said...

YAY, you made it and now only 24 more hours....

Glad you had some yummy popcorn, it is always so nice to get a taste of home. I am so excited for you, it's almost time. Best of luck and can't wait to check in tomorrow.

Love,
Jonni

JMCS said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Salzwedel Family said...

I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see pictures of you with Aidan! I went out for coffee last night with my friend who adopted her daughter from China - we had a great talk that included YOU! I am so excited for your family. God is good!

Carol said...

We remember the smog very well....I remember thinking a thunderstorm was coming and our guide said "No it looks like that all the time....."

Ok we are now stalking the blog waiting to hear news!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it's really less than a day now. GrampO and I are very excited and happy. You are right, she will probably be a bit timid, so walk in His peace and grace. His Spirit will woo her. GrampO has been praying for her everyday in our prayer times. Can't wait. Love GramO

Anonymous said...

Wow 12 hours...can't wait to see gotcha pictures! We got hit too. Lots of damage in Columbus area too. They say 3-5 days for power in some areas. I work at the police/fire dept and needless to say, it was an exciting night at work last night. A bit like the driving in China I might ad! Enjoy your stay in Xi'an, there are some great things to see while you are there. Will be praying for you and for Aiden and for an easy transition. Darla

Norma said...

We are following your trip and are waiting to meet your little one. I agree with your comments about her foster mum and changes. In the end it is all part of God's plan and He never makes mistakes. Fast forward to her new life and you will know.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Ok, Lady...
You know I don't do this blogging thing well but after reading all of the blogs entry's lately, I'm so messed up excited for you guys. I can't even begin to imagine how you guys are feeling! I keep checking your blog and will be hourly now that it's getting so close. I cry through them all! Boy...it's just like physical labor...reading about your concerns for "The Lil Empress",and all of those difficult changes coming for her, just made me cry & pray more for her. It also made me think of this being your time of heavy labor...your experiencing something hard and yet...so beautiful & worth it all when you finally see her sweet lil face!! She's your labor of love!!!!! You have soo many people here excited to see the first pictures and hear that she is finally safe in your arms! I can't wait to share them with the Prayer Chain!!!
Love You's!
Crystal N.

Handwoven Dreams said...

I'm so excited for you. I remember that I could hardly sleep the night before. Take care :o) This is going to be so absolutely awesome and mind-blowing!

Betsy

Anonymous said...

We CANNOT wait to "meet" Aiden! As a matter of fact I thought TODAY was the big day and my tribe gathered around me this morning to meet Adien....oops :) We are SO excited for you guys!!! Since two of my kiddos are in school with two of yours it has been fun to hear their updates each day!!! It is aweesome to see my children waiting for another baby to come home!!
Can't wait to see Adien in your arms!!!! GOD IS AWESOME!!!

Diane and the tribe :)

Beverly said...

I am so excited for you. My hands are trembling as I think about the next few hours and days to come for you. So happy and excited for you all. Much love and prayers.
Beverly
Enjoy those HAPPY MOMENTS!!!!

VikingClanEnMass said...

Hi!
Well congratulations!! You made it! By the time you get this, you'll prob'ly already be posting pictures of your meeting! God bless you all! I'm already praying that the 15-hour flight followed by the 2 hr. trip home will go well. (just remembering how it was to travel with a little one...only 1-2 hours at a time!) Give big hugs to Boss and "L'il Empress" from "Auntie and Uncka Viking and all the Norse cousins!"

Anonymous said...

I followed you over from Steve, Jen, and Grace... Congrats on your upcoming Gotcha Day!! We are adopting as well, but domestically from foster care. I can't imagine the anticipation you're feeling right now.

Hands-Free Heart said...

Faithfully reading every day! Very excited for you. Can't wait to read about tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

So exciting that you will actually get to finally meet your daughter tomorrow! Praying for all of you.

Betsy

Melissa said...

For heaven's sake woman...everytime I read an update from you I start bawling!!! Go get your girl so I can read your blog again without a kleenex!!!

We are praying and rejoicing! I thought about her transition, too and I'm praying for it to be peaceful.

Anonymous said...

By the time I'm posting this, you will be getting ready to meet your daughter....We are so excited for you. Praying every detail comes together perfectly and it will be an amazing time for each of you as you begin your new family journey together! :)

KimE

Becki said...

I am so excited for you . I can remember the feeling like it was yesterday. Congratulations on becoming a forever family.

Anonymous said...

hi
from Aunt G i am following your blog every day and praying for you guys cant wait to hold her when we see you in Mass
love you guys
p family

NeeCee said...

I am so very excited for you all. Your newest blessing is on the way. :0)

Mike and Barb said...

Yeah, it's almost time!!!!
I'll be flying across half the globe myself tomorrow, but I'll stay connected to your journey from the place that I used to call home...
Blessings, Barb