Well, it's been 12 weeks since I got my proposal for Molly, and I still haven't heard when I'll be able to go get her! I've been busy getting ready, but it's hard to plan my life with so much uncertainty. My family wants to know about Christmas, my friends want to know about New Years, and my employers want to know how long I'll be working. So, I think I'll just go to Vietnam and wait with her there. She is 5 1/2 months old now. I've missed so much.
I have invited my nephew to travel with me, and his parents will let him come if he doesn't miss any school. So we could leave a week before Christmas, land in Hanoi, kayak for a few days in Ha Long Bay, then go south to spend Christmas day with Molly in Vung Tau. I think it's a good plan. If the adoption order gets delayed for any reason, we are staying in a resort area on the South China Sea - stuck for a few days/weeks. It won't be terrible! I'll be with my baby and have family and friends with me.
People have been asking me what I need for Molly, and I find it hard to answer. I have picked up almost all the basics to take with me, and to have on hand for when we get home. It's been a lot of work finding items that fit with my lifestyle choices. I have tried to stick with products that are natural, organic or used. I'm conscious of chemicals and toxins that might end up in her mouth. I try to avoid products made in China, but it's nearly impossible. I'm also trying to avoid plastic in all forms, but that too, is almost impossible. So I compromise - plastic toys are OK if they are second-hand! I've been finding great children's consignment stores around town.
Molly's room is taking shape. I have a friend lined up to hang curtain rods and put in baseboards. I bought some material for the curtains, and will ask my Mom is she wants to sew them for me. After I painted the walls, I realized that I still have to paint the closet. The walls are a light bubble-gum turquoise color. The first coat was too dark, so I went back to the store a total of 3 times to get the color right. Anything for my baby!
My friends are giving me used clothing, accessories and toys that their kids have outgrown, which is fantastic. Everything is so cute!
I bought a car seat, diapers, cleaned the garage and got my travel shots. Here is the updated list of what I still need:
High chair
Sleepers
Diaper bag
Toys/books
Winter coat
Baby music
Bathtowels and facecloths
Not bad, with 4 weeks to go! I feel under control at the moment. If I get 'THE CALL' tomorrow, I'll be ready!
