Sunday, December 02, 2007

Oh Christmas Tree

First of all I want to thank you all for your suggestions as to what I need for Abby. I knew I could count on you all. If anyone thinks of anymore please let me know :)



Catherine issued a Christmas tree challenge this year so I thought I would post mine. I didn't even put mine up last year and debated putting it up this year since I will hopefully be traveling shortly after the holiday. I didn't use all of my ornaments this year and only put out a few other decorations for that same reason. I am also debating leaving it up until after Abby is home. Two weeks is a long time to leave it unattended and my cats will be looking for entertainment :0

As to where I am in the process for Abby, Here's a mini update. The visas have been ordered. I am still waiting for TA and have not heard anything yet from my agency. They are still estimating January 3rd but I know of some people that have already received TA and are leaving soon. Rumors say we might hear something this week coming up. Once I receive my TA then we will buy our plane tickets. I have ordered my new and like new money for the in China fees and expenses. I have been going over packing lists and have several piles going in Abby's room. I have my home study update visit on Tuesday. I spent last Friday gathering the paperwork required for the update. Would you believe that I had to be fingerprinted yet again??? That makes 3 times so far. This time it was for my home study update. Virginia has a new rule that you have to be fingerprinted. It was a lot easier this time, I only had to go to my local PD to have them done and the fee was only 10 dollars. Unfortunately it will be 500 bucks for my home study update fee :( I spent today cleaning my house for the visit. Finally, I put in for family leave at work. My last day is December 30th. (assuming that we do in fact leave on Jan 3rd) In the meantime I am walking around with excited butterflies in my stomach. People say this part of the wait is the hardest but it really has not been so bad for me. These almost 4 weeks that have passed since referral day have just flown by. I'm glad too! I just can't wait to get my arms around Abby and kiss those sweet cheeks :)

13 comments:

Gail said...

And what great cheeks those are!!
Looking forward to seeing you with your arms around that baby!
Hopefully you will be able to post some pics while in China.
Fingers crossed for TA this week.

Kim said...

Love the tree...
Well girly... you are almost at the end of the journey...then you will start a whole new journey filled with love from little Abby...
Hope your TA arrives this week..
Have a Fast week..
Can't wait to follow to CHINA...
YEAH..
Kim

Robin said...

The tree is beautiful. Love that little picture (well, big picture) on the mantle too. :0) I know how very excited you are. I hope that things continue to move along smoothly and you'll be on your way to Abby before you know it.!

4D said...

Lovely.

I hope you get some travel news soon!!

Keep smilin!

Liz and Ava said...

Hoping you hear re your TA soon...but enjoy your free time now, because once you are home with Abby it will feel like you are playing "catch up" all the time. I never imagined how busy it would be...a good busy ...but still busy!
Tree looks great!

Catherine said...

Yeah for your Christmas tree!

Hoping you receive your TA soon so that you'll at least have an idea of when you're going. I'm so glad to hear how quickly the wait is going! It won't be long now mama!

OziMum said...

I love those tall skinny trees! (everything I'm not?!!)

HOpe your TA comes soon!

Anonymous said...

waiting for ta news! keep us posted. glad you put up the tree. leave it up. abby will be worth whatever the cats could do to it=) she deserves christmas with her mommy!!

Joannah said...

I'm just so excited for you! I can't believe you found the time to put up your tree with all the packing and preparing you must be doing. You are Super Mommy!

Shannon said...

You really have things together! Very impressive! Looking forward to you "skipping town" soon! =)

Deb said...

I'm so excited for you! YAY! Can't wait til you post that you are on your way!! Here is to a speedy TA.
Cute tree!

kitchu said...

Well, RQ did say packages are coming and she doesn't think it's referrals, so here's to hoping your TA is arriving this week!!

Your tree is so cute :O)

daisy said...

what a great tree! Next year, you'll have ti make room for Abby's collection of ornaments. It would be great to leave it up, but those cats, speaking of, how will you introduce them to Abby? Daisy