A parent's dilemma

We are now facing a huge dilemma. The state dept. has issued a travel alert for those going to China. China is imposing quarantines on people who have an elevated temperature, in an attempt to contain the swine flu. Temps are taken while still on the plane. If anyone has a high temp - they are detained. This has happened a handful of times to different Americans, and 2 adoptive families. Hospitals for those who test positive for swine flu, special quarantine hotels for those who might be infected.

The scary thing is that the families are separated - and Greg and I have decided that we can not take the risk of it happening on our trip. Jenna has to stay home. We are sick over this. Even harder is to decide if she stays with family, or one of us stays home with her, while the other travels. Travel partner anyone? This is one of the toughest decisions we have ever faced.

We're not there yet. We are waiting on Travel Approval (TA), and then the clock starts ticking.....

She Rides!!

4 days ago, Jenna finally decided to learn how to ride her bike. She wants us all to take a family bike ride.....but for that, well, it was obvious. She practiced up and down the driveway, never letting us touch her or help her - "I can do it myself!" The mantra we hear just about every day.

Today we went to the empty high school parking lot, and that was it. It clicked, she did it, and screamed with joy. Round and round she went, never crashed.

It was one of the best days of her life, and ours too. We are so impressed with her determination, and hope she uses it throughout her life.

Care Package for Will

This is a picture of the care package we are sending to Will. It was put together by Ann at Red Thread China - who lives in Guangzhou. He should receive it in a few days. I hope his foster family shows him the album and prepares him a bit - how much could an 18 month old understand about leaving with complete strangers??

New info on Will!!!!

Today we received updated info on Will. We are using a service in China to send him a care package (Red Thread China), and she was able to call the orphanage and get updated stats and a new picture! We are so thrilled. As of this week, he is 30.0 inches tall, and weighs 26 pounds. At his age, Jenna was 5 pounds lighter!

He looks like a little guy now, and wow dig that jewelry! Greg is calling him Tony Soprano. The orphanage told us he had his surgery last month.......we can only assume that means his palate was closed. Totally unexpected. We will still have him evaluated once he is home with us.

We are so happy. Please don't let the swine flu slow down our trip!

There was this great bar fight.....

A bar fight? He wishes! No, actually Greg had surgery on his blocked tear duct the other day. The Dr. had to drill through his nasal bone to create new drainage for his eye. Yes it sounds painful, and yes it IS painful. Poor guy has a black eye to prove it. First pic is the day of the surgery, the 2nd is 2 days later.

I think he prefers the bar fight story.....

Nesting

Things to do before we go to China.....starting with getting rid of the dreaded monkey paper in the office!! There was no way this was going to happen with a toddler around, but luckily, I had Jenna there to help me. She worked on her section for an hour and a half!! Very determined. I never want to see wallpaper again.

Confirmation sent

Today we sent back the LSC to our agency. It hardly seems real! We want to thank everyone for their support, and keep it coming, cause we're gonna need it!