Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Butterflies


We're boarding a plane at 3:45 this afternoon and beginning the first leg of our trip to China. We fly to Los Angeles, where we have a five hour lay-over, and then board a plane around midnight bound for Hong Kong. 

I'm almost packed.

I spent last night combing through piles of baby clothes, trying to decide exactly what size I should bring. What colors. If I needed short sleeves, long sleeves, pants or dresses. Shoes? Or just socks? This blanket or that blanket? Or maybe both?

It's not like I can't buy something there if I've left out anything important, but I don't want to leave out anything important. I want to have everything my daughter needs from the moment she's placed in our arms. I want to have prepared well for her.

There are so many unknowns.

How will my boys do when we're gone? I know my parents will take good care of them, but I already miss them and I'm not even leaving for the airport for another five hours.

What if she's inconsolable for days? We've been told to expect that, and I think I'm ready. But how can I know until I'm actually there?

What if we can't sleep well? What if the food doesn't agree with us? What if, what if, what if....

But for all the unknowns, there's one shining certainty: Our daughter was always meant for our family, and we're finally going to be united. The rest of it pales beside the joy I feel at the prospect of finally seeing her face to face.

For now, I'm focused on details. Getting my jeans dry so I can pack them. Not forgetting deodorant. Spending precious moments with my boys before I say goodbye.

Wondering why I didn't tell my doctor to give me Valium for the dreaded plane ride. Or Vicodin. Or Vodka. Something with a V. (Have I mentioned how much I hate to fly?)

I have butterflies in my stomach, but I don't mind. I don't even mind strapping myself into a tin can propelled by gallons of flammable fuel so I can be forcibly hurtled through the sky because after five years of waiting, I'm finally going to hold my daughter.

I can hardly wait.

8 comments:

  1. May your trip to be blessed from start to finish. Joanna is a lucky little girl. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Best of luck, CJ! You're going to be fine. Enjoy the movies (I hope) they will show and the tiny little packets of salt and pepper to sprinkle on your individually wrapped airline food.

    On second though, bring some granola bars.

    ReplyDelete
  3. May you all have a safe trip, may your meeting be joyful and may you all return home safely.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Have a great trip. I know it'll be great. Don't worry if you forget something. Trust me, they have stores in China and you can buy it. And usually your hotel will have some American food so you should be okay.

    Enjoy meeting your daughter. It'll be an adjustment for her and you at first even if she's not crying, but you'll be surprised at how quickly you bond. At least I hope so. Enjoy the rest on the plane. You'll need it. Can't wait to hear more.

    ReplyDelete
  5. We're all getting butterflies along with you, CJ! Hope you have a safe and trouble-free trip and quality bonding with your new daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Have a great trip! You're coming home with a daughter! AAHH! SO cool! Be safe. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so excited for you!! All the best!

    ReplyDelete

People who comment are made of awesomesauce with a side of WIN!

Harry Potter Trailer & More!

The final trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 has been released, and I'm not going to lie. I get choked up every ti...