My girl has more ants than a summer picnic...

Yes, I know I really mean 'aunts' but I couldn't jack up the wittiness of the title ;0)

First, for the eager ones, I have not heard a peep about TA. I have settled my mind that I will travel in early March. This is what I expect to happen. If sooner, it wouldn't be by much. Funny thing is, I have the carry-on and sherpa lined up and all my paperwork neatly in order (except for those VISAs yet to arrive). Otherwise, I could be out of here in 15 minutes if I had to do so. Okay, maybe 25 minutes on the outside. I am used to going from zero to sixty on the fly. I can thank my job for that.

Thanks for the reminder to keep it in mind that PIPA was likely weighed wearing Michelin man clothing. I suspect she might not be quite the chunk her stats indicate but it is clear she is growing well all the same.

More auntie surprises arrived for PIPA today...and a treat for me too.

1) It shouldn't take any one of you too long to figure out who sent these goodies. Penguin PJs, a penguin book and a coordinating snack trap! Yep, you got it. Special K has given my girl the bird...in the most pleasant of ways. I just stuffed those jammies in my carry-on so they see a little China action. Now, take a closer look at the round tin on the jammies. I promise you, I thought it was a pill box at first and I thought I may find some chill pills in there! Not that I really need them because I have never been more relaxed. But....

...take a look at what Special K had tucked in that tin. Isn't this pendant just beautiful? Yes, I think so too, thank you. The picture doesn't even do justice to how pretty it is. On the back it has PIPA's referral date inscribed. I just love it. I have spent 3 years wearing a silver pendant signifying the Chinese character for 'love'. Recently I have received some great options in the pendant department. It is high time for changes from my silver pendant all the time. I couldn't be more excited about being able to wear the name of my little love at last. Thank you! I am deeply touched by the pendant and PIPA will be rocking her penguins in the near future :0)

As well, a treat from the Great White North is here courtesy of Little Maple's waiting parents. Check out this fun stuff. It is such a cute dress with a matching jacket. Hah, I was looking at it and thinking it would be a long time before it would fit but based on that update information on how my girl is growing I don't think it will be long at all until she is sporting her pretty red outfit. As well, if you can't read that cute tee it says "Peace, love and cupcakes" I'd say those are good words to live by. Thank you so much R&J. You are always so very generous and I am proud to say that there are still sprigs of Gertrude (the plant you sent) still alive after nearly a year. THAT is a record for me :0)

My heart just swells up all happy and warm to know how much love my girl is coming home to experience. Thank you so much for your kindness through cards, emails and all the wonderful ways you have shared this monumental time in my life.

Much amor, all!