We are next!!

The group before us just got their call. That means we are the next group to be called. I cannot believe it! This whole process has taken much longer than expected, yet I can't believe the time has finally come. We are still uncertain what the time frame between groups is, but still the reality that we are next is settling in. Our friends Chris and Laura bought Mia her highchair and my sister and family bought us our carseat. We definately need some things before the shower. My mother and sister are planning my shower and anticipate having it after we return from China so that our out of town guests can attend and see Mia on the same trip. It looks like we will be traveling sometime in the summer. On the positive side, that means lighter packing but others have mentioned the heat and the humidity. I say bring it on, we live in Florida and Mike and I are quite used to the humidity and most of our clothes will be appropriate. No bulky sweatshirts and sweaters to pack. More room in the suitcases for souveniers.

We are slowly unpacking and getting organized. Mia's room got painted and her furniture is ordered. It should be arriving in 4-6 weeks. We are working hard to get the house ready to have our friends come for the weekend.

We got our CO ! !

We just got word from our builder that the county has issued our certificate of occupancy. You know what that means, unpacking, painting, organizing and many many trips to Home Depot. We are so excited and can't wait for Mia to see her new room. Once its done I will post photos for all to see. The end of the month is nearing and thats when the CCAA (Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs) places children with waiting families. I pray that we are included in the next batch. If we are not and the cut off date does not include us, I am pretty sure we will hear next. It seems like it is taking soooooo long. I know I have to wait to travel and such, however; Mike and I just want to see her face. I wonder if she will be fair skinned, a little tan (like me). Will she have curly hair?? I doubt it! I hope she likes water. Her father has plans for her already.

Almost done!

Almost done!
Originally uploaded by cygnal20.

I can't believe the time has come to finally move into our house. We received a call from our builder that we passed the final inspection and we should be getting our CO late today or tommorow. WHHHOOOOOO!!!

We CLOSED!!

Today at 4:00pm we closed on our house. It is a bitter sweet feeling. Mike has owned this home for 17 years and has been through a lot in this house so he especially has some sentimental feelings about this house. Everything went smoothly at closing thanks to our friend Stacy who handled the closing. Mike will be retiring on March 17th and he can't wait to finally move. He will be staying with our friend Joe for the last 2 weeks. I have already left for Sebastian with the dogs and the bird. I started a new job which I needed to go up and start.

In the adoption world, everything is taking much longer than expected, however; I think Mike and I have enough to keep our minds busy.

Packing Away

Packing Away
Originally uploaded by cygnal20.

Thanks to our friends Chris, Gary, Joe, and Mike's dad Wayne for their help!

Coming to get our Stuff

Coming to get our Stuff
Originally uploaded by cygnal20.

Do the boxes ever end?

Do the boxes ever end?
Originally uploaded by cygnal20.

I can't believe how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. I told Mike that we can't move for at least another 15 years. I can only imagine how much stuff we will have with anothe family member.