here we are !!

here we are in Nancheng. The weather is very nice, and our baby is beautiful. She has not had any attachment issues, but loves every member of the family. She is always looking to see what Sam is doing, and loves to clap her hands. The only issue we have is that she is not drinking out of a bottle or a sippy cup. I have to spoon feed her any liquids. I guess she did not have much practice with a bottle or cup= not really sure what to do about that yet.
Today we are going to a temple, and then to another group lunch. I hope to go back to this really nice multi- leveled store we found yesterday,and buy Stella a birthday cake for tomorrow. I will try to post a photo of it.

the last quiet weekend?

We went to Corinth yesterday, to spend time with family before our trip. The weather was nice, and Sam played outside almost all day. Now he is upstairs, making lots of noise with his spend-the-night guest. Wonder what time they will go to bed? Wonder if I will get to sleep?!
Back to that packing- how many outfits will she need? Is it okay if EVERYTHING is gingham?! Will there be room in the luggage for our clothes? Would anyone really notice if we kept wearing the same things, any way?
We both met our substitute teachers, and I think they will do great jobs in our places. Everything is falling in to place, and that sort of makes me nervous- as though something bad is really around the corner. I know it isn't, but I still think that way. I think I will not relax until I get Stella in my arms.

Two new photos of Stella!

Look at her! And she now has four teeth!!

oh my word- it is getting closer by the minute!

1. Airplane tickets have been purchased
2. Consulate appointment has been scheduled
3. Family Medical Leave forms have been turned in
4. Husband is starting to freak out about things out of his control
5. We are in for the trip of a lifetime. So glad that family is going with us.
these were supposed to be my five things I am thankful for today, but #4 is nothing to be thankful for, really! I will come up with something else, like my last faculty meeting of the year was yesterday.
Now people are starting to give us so many wonderful things. We have had many people offer to give us baby showers- I still think they need to be after Stella is here- it seems more practical.
We are so thankful for our friends- we have really been blessed with some good ones.

Travel Date? Any one else?

CCAI called this afternoon, and gave us a travel date- oh. my. goodness.
Is there any else from our region who got this call today? We talked with another family after the conference call- and now we are REALLY starting to get excited!
Do you know how sweet it is to put little, tiny, pink clothes in that big suitcase? :)

And here she is

I would like to introduce you all to Stella Frances Parker. her birthday is April 16, 2008- very close to my father's birthday, which I always hoped for.