All over the place...

This is going to be one rambling post but, then again, that's how my head is working these days :0)

1) I flat out stole this picture from J & T's lovely mama. (I knew you would forgive me ;0) It was a wonderful day out for the ladies and my last one with this group sans PIPA (wow!!!). Across the front is Krista, Polar Gal, Robin and the simply smashing Maddy (even if she says she is 'NOT mashing' ;0) In the back is yours truly, Sandra, Tahlia and Jazzie. I just love being with the girls - big and little.

It was so good to see them all again before I am off to China. Did I mention it is only 21 days until my PIPA is with me???? If my girl is even half the treat of Maddy, Jazzie and Tahlia then I am going to be one happy mama.

Some wonderful things were awaiting my PIPA (will post those later) and I so appreciate every kindness. In addition, thanks to J&T my girl will no longer be naked after age 2. She received a wonderful collection of their goodies and I will pay it forward to another China sister in the future. It was fun to look at that clothing because, with a number of items, I have the same ones in smaller sizes. Great minds, so they say. It is very interesting to see how much our tastes are alike. Thank you, Robin, for keeping me wipe-ready in China. I have enough wipes to 'keep it clean' wherever I go and they fit right into the carry on.

Most of all, it was just a treat to spend time with all these gals. This has been a long, long journey and continues to be for people I care deeply about. To have that time with women who really 'get it' before I head off to meet my daughter was really some prized time. During this rough road, we've had our ups and downs individually and, sometimes, with each other. In the end, we all share a very special commonality in how our families came/will come to be. We all share the same dream and it is becoming brighter each and every time another dream becomes a reality. I appreciate every one of you who have helped me keep sight of what awaits me right around the corner.

2) I feel like Oprah ;0) I made a mention of the desire for diapers and butt paste and now I have enough paste to butter every butt in the neighborhood ;0) Polar mama hooked us up with some Pampers to come home to as well. I just love my friends, not only do they cover my behind, they are taking care of PIPA's too. Honestly, I am thrilled that I don't have to get off of a plane exhausted myself and, with an exhausted child, head to the store. Preventing that is the true sign of love in my book!

3) Another mystery gift was on my porch yesterday. It's a baby tub and, so far, Jake approves of it immensely. He has to product test everything for PIPA. I haven't found anyone who has claimed to be the sender yet...anyone? Anyone?

4) I told you Jake has to test everything. This goes right down to PIPA's gift basket. After this picture, he couldn't fit to lay down in it so he rested his front end in the basket and hung his bum over the side. I am quite sure there are going to be some initial attitude problems with the Jakester when PIPA comes home to roost. Jake has no concept that anything happens in this world that isn't all about him.

So, there you have it for now. I am off for another full day today. Good thing I don't have much to pack because I have no idea where I would find the time right now if I were a serious packer. I have really appreciated all of your feedback when I have had questions. I also want to say 'Hi' to some of the news faces showing up here. Thanks for your encouragement and I WILL catch up with you too. For everyone else, I know you'll forgive me when I hit 'mark all read' after skimming posts in Google Reader. I am over 300 posts behind but China calls!

Did I mention that I meet my girl in 21 days? :0)