Today someone asked me if I had my "I'm going to be a parent freak out moment" yet. Uh... I had it Tuesday night. Just sitting on the couch thinking what am I doing? I'm going to be a parent? I'm going to be responsible for a little someone else? What do I do with her? Made me feel a lot better to hear that other people have the same thoughts... the night before before they have their scheduled c-section, as they realize they're in labor for the first time, or as they prepare to travel to meet the child they are adopting for the first time.
The lists of to-dos have been narrowed down to only a few things. This is our last night with the babydog Sedona before we leave and she got a little cuddle time, but not as much as I'd like as I have some Christmas things to take care of before we go.
People ask a lot how long the flight is and if I'm nervous about international travel. I'm not thinking about that at all. Figuring out how comfort our little girl... working on getting her to trust and depend on us... that's what's important... and that's what my thoughts are centered around.
I think that this will be the last post before we leave. If I find internet access in the airports I'll post hello from there. We're flying Fort Wayne to Detroit, Detroit to Osaka (Japan), and Osaka to Taipei.
Saturday 12/20 - travel
Sunday 12/21 - arrive in Taipei and get some sleep
Monday 12/22 - try to recover from jet lag and explore Taipei, planning on meeting another adopting family for dinner at Din Tai Fung for dumplings
Tuesday 12/23 - leave on two day tour to Sun Moon Lake
Wednesday 12/24 - continue tour, return to Taipei
Thursday 12/25 - Christmas exploring Taipei
Friday 12/26 - travel to Tainan
Saturday 12/27 - explore Tainan
Sunday 12/28 - explore PingTung
Monday 12/29 - forever family day with Hannah Claire, return to Taipei via train
Tuesday 12/30 - AIT appointment
Wednesday 12/31 - pick up visa at AIT, hope to enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks
Thursday 1/1 - hope to explore Taipei a little with Hannah Claire
Friday 1/2 - the long journey home
Saturday 1/3 - sleep!
Sunday 1/4 - family Christmas
For while we're gone... time difference is 13 hours. Taiwan is 13 hours ahead of us in the Eastern time zone.
And finally... I'll leave you with a link to a little video Kevin's folks sent us today. I've been busting a gut laughing at it tonight!
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Hi Sarah- I have been quietly following your journey for the past year. It was so exciting to see you recieve your first pictures of Hannah Claire. I wanted to say congratulations and good luck on your journey to Taiwan. I can't wait to see the pictures of Hannah Claire in your arms. You are going to be such an amazing Mom!!!
ReplyDeleteRobin (waiting for a referral since March 2008)
I am on the edge of my seat! What a life changing trip it will be.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it's any consolation... I have those freak out moments now -- and I've been a mom for 4.5 years! haha.
No one will be able to top how your family will celebrate Christmas and New Years this year! Wow!
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip tomorrow. What an exciting time. We're only two weeks behind you.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for pics of you WITH baby!!!
God bless and Merry Christmas,
Mel
Oh my goodness girl I can't believe your on your way. It's hard to believe we first spoke when you first started this journey. Now your on your way to pick up your precious little one and I'm preparing to deliver in a few weeks. How our paths have merged and changed. I am so happy for you and Kevin. I wish, as I'm sure many others do, we could be there to see that first moment. Safe travels and God bless!!
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for SO LONG. Can you believe it's down to days before you're united with your daughter? Glued to your every entry for the next 2 weeks. Will be thinking of you on Gotcha Day!
ReplyDeleteYeah !!! This is a trip of a lifetime and you and Kevin will be wonderful parents! The travel will be a breeze, the "what if's" will fade away as she cuddles in your arms and your love grows. All of this at the blessed time of the year, for things to be cherised and a start of new beginings for the new year. Welcome to Parenthood! Travel Safe and we look forward to seeing the pictures of your new family portrait !! We are so happy for you !!
ReplyDeleteTerry & Christopher
PS I'm very envious of your organization - wish I could copy and paste that trait!! LOL :-)
"GO, GO, GO!"
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for so long to finally type those words. Of course you know that I'll be stalking your journey online. I can't wait for your big day and to read all about your life thereafter. Blessings to you and Kevin as you embark on this new phase of your lives.
BTW - I know you'll be a fantastic mom. You ARE ready for this.
Oh, yes, the "freak out moment" or shall I say moments, or minutes, or hours?! Did we forget to share that with you? Glad you got it out, but prepare yourself for more. Welcome to Mommy-hood! Can't wait to follow your incredible journey to HC. HC-squared is about to become a reality. Hannah Claire's HomeComing!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for safe travels and easy transitions for your family. I'm so excited to follow your journey! Can't wait to see the family of 3 together at last.
ReplyDelete-Michele
Have a great trip and don't worry too much about being a mommy...you learn as you go! I can't wait to see you with little Hannah Claire.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Cindy
http://adopttaiwan.wordpress.com
WooHoo! I was driving in mall madness today around 2pm and thought of you and how you are just hours away from leaving...so excited for you all. Know that we are praying for you and can't wait to see you together as a family of three!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Hi Sarah!!
ReplyDeleteI too have been following your blog for sometime. I am so excited for you and your family. And I will be praying for you that everything goes smoothly.
I have done a 30 hr trip to Thailand and I actually really enjoyed the flight. It was guilt free do nothing time. There is no work to do...just reading and watching movies and having some good conversation. And the connections were fine. You are doing the right thing by focusing your attention on your daughter.
Blessings!!
--Elizabeth (at the starting line to Taiwan)
Freakout Mommy Moment? Won't last long girly. You're a natural! I'll be thinking of you. Go get your baby girl!
ReplyDeleteHolli
Hey there traveling parents! Have an amazing trip & I will be glued to my computer every night looking at your blog for sure! LOL! Drink some bubble tea for me & have a wonderful time:)
ReplyDelete***Don't forget the Handicraft market now:)
Have a safe trip ! I'll be anxiously watching for updates on your blog as you travel for sweet Hannah Claire !
ReplyDeleteJennifer
I remember the freak-out myself! You will be great...so excited for you! Brings back all the memories for me again!
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, I had the same thoughts before leaving for China and have been responsible for other little someones for 10 years!!! I don't think you'll ever not have those thoughts as a mother. They are good to have I think!!! Can't wait to see HC in YOUR ARMS!!! Prayers for a safe journey!
ReplyDeleteL
I'm so excited for you guys! I have to laugh, we were never as organized as you before getting our kids so we never had a chance to be reflective! We were too busy just trying to get everything together! I wasn't even reflective on the plane trips there, just exhausted and relieved.
ReplyDeleteReally, no worries. I know you'll be dedicated, attentive and thoughtful, wonderful parents.
Your going to be a great mom!!!!! I am truly jealous of your trip to Sun Moon Lake. I wish we could have had more time. Post lots of pictures of that area. SOOOOOO beautiful. HC is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteCari
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYou are probably on your way right now! You guys will be great parents! Not sure I'll be able to access my blog this coming week, but I will check in as I can and cannot wait....cannot wait...to see that beautiful girl in your arms!
The freak out moment has nothing on the moment you hold that you first hold your baby!! And the emotions can run high, as can nerves....all of 'em completely normal and something we all have experienced at one time or another!! I'm excited for you!!
Safe travels!!
Lisa C.
You should be in the air right now and I am so thrilled for you! Have a blast and bring that sweet baby HOME!! Love ya :)
ReplyDelete