5 Days And Counting

Five more days till we leave for China. As many people who have traveled this road before us have said, after over four years of waiting, it's absolutely surreal that we are truly on our way in only several more days. Add to that, the fact that in eight more days our daughter will be in our arms, well, I have no words, only lot's of emotion.
Friday was my last day of work before I began my family leave. I will miss my work colleagues, especially by partner Karen. She texted me yesterday to see if it has sunk in yet, and honestly it hasn't. It still feels like the weekend to me and that I have to get up early tomorrow for work (even thought tomorrow is Labor Day!). John says it will probably sink in once we're in China. We'll see. I've been working straight with small (week) vacations since I graduated nursing school (I'm not telling how long ago that was ;-) ). I've only taken a two week vacation only twice that I can remember, one was many years ago, and the other was when John and I got married almost seven years ago. Our anniversary is in October, and John knows exactly the day too!! (inside joke that I'll have to explain another time :-)).
So, travel preparations are iin full swing. I'm on my own for two more days. John has to work today and yes tomorrow Labor Day. But then he'll be done too and can join me in the bigger home preparations that we want to do before we leave. I've been busy preparing the lists, packing, reassessing the lists, shopping, then starting over and over again. I think we've got just about everything packed, or gathered to pack, all except our clothes. Yup, suitcases are almost filled and we haven't packed our clothes. Good thing we're not taking an entire wardrobe, we'd never make it with the 44 pound weight limit (China).
I've also been busy getting Renee's room ready. I didn't realize how much we'd accumulated over the last four years. Finding a place for everything has been a challenge.
Oh, I almost forgot, my work colleagues surprised me with a baby shower on Wednesday, and yes Karen I was truly surprised, you and Alison totally pulled it off, I had no idea. It was wonderful, work colleagues from all over the hospital came to wish me well. I truly appreciate it.
Needless to say I have alot of photos to post. I will make it a point to post them before we go.
This week I'll also be making sure that my sister and my nephew know how to post on blogger, should I run into any problems while in China.
We also want to make sure that we are skype ready. Hoping to show off Renee on the webcam while in China!!!
Hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day!!!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but when dreams come true,
there is life and joy.
Proverbs 13:12

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
Psalm 127:3a