Progress on Thomas' room

This weekend marks a beginning. John and I cleaned out all the junk in what we call the green room. I even cleaned out the closet. The room is still set up as a guest room but it is now at a place where I could easily paint it in a weekend. Of course, now I have a pile of stuff to sort through in the living room. I am leaning towards keeping it green. I need to check the paint in the garage and see if the original paint is still good. Otherwise, I will probably pick a similar shade. I call it garden green, it makes me think of cut grass and picnic's. Today, John and I spent some time on the plaza in Arcata and I picked up a few items at All Under Heaven. I found a cute child's bowl with a kitty face, a red tassel with the Chinese symbol for prosperity and a good luck cat. While Maneki Neko is really a Japanese symbol for bringing good luck, I thought it wouldn't hurt to have some extra luck around the house. When we were in Sacramento at the beginning of May, we picked up a few things at IKEA also.

Ann with Red threads sent me a picture of the care package sent to Thomas. I haven't received any new pictures yet. On Friday, I reminded my boss at work that while I am not pregnant, that I still get maternity leave and it's a good time to start making a plan.

Update from Red Thread China

Yesterday, I had Ann with Red Thread China send Thomas a care package. I also asked if she could get some information about his personality and language level. I got an e-mail stating - he can call mom, aunt, etc (simple words), his personality is outgoing and a little naughty too, but he is a little shy in front of strangers ...

I ordered him a set of clothing, shoes, a musical bear, a picture book and cookies for him and his aunties. I am still waiting for some updated pictures. Hopefully by the end of the week.

Today, I finally feel like getting his room ready.

Happy Birthday Thomas

Thomas turned two years old on the 8th of May. Happy birthday!

No new news

It's been two weeks since our dossier went to China and we should be hearing that it has been logged in anytime. Except, Xiaoqing is out of town for a few days so we probably won't hear anything until she returns. I've been feeling pretty blue the last couple of days. This whole thing seems so distant. It's like Thomas is just a picture and not real yet. I think I won't be able to get his room ready until travel is more immediate. When we were in Sacramento two weeks ago, we did buy some kid stuff at IKEA, it's a start.

A couple weeks ago or so I ran into my new friend, who also cannot have children, and she shared with me how she is around all these pregnant women and how difficult it is. I told her that I just try not to think about it. Kinda lame advice. I do pretty well at ignoring my feelings on the subject and telling the people I know who are pregnant how happy I am for them. When I circulate c-sections I make sure the baby is okay after it is delivered, but then I keep busy tidying up the OR, charting, counting, etc. I hate OB. I barely notice when the neonatal nurse leaves with the baby. Another friend just had a baby and at first I'm excited for her but then the self pity sets in. I feel the stabbing pain inside that I don't share so as not to spoil things. Oddly, I love baby showers.

Dossier to China

Dossier mailed to China last Friday. Now, 40 to 60 days of waiting, or more. Then more paper chasing. Waiting, waiting, waiting...