The Trip

Our trip to meet the baby who will likely be Baby #3 just got bumped up by a few days and we are now leaving on Saturday. As in the day after tomorrow.

I have been packing all night. My kids found their presents laying around amid the clutter and chaos and so I just excitedly declared, "Merry Christmas!" They were overjoyed with their DVDs, kiddy headphones and sleeping bags. All things specifically selected for the road trip.

Yes, we're driving. That's probably not as shocking to you now as it will be when you find out where we are going (which I'll reveal when we get there. Still just want to keep things quiet for a few more days). If we flew, we'd have to pay for seats for both of the kids. And the children would outnumber us on our home. And not taking them wasn't an option for me, especially during Christmas. I want to go as a family, to bring home their new sister. Plus, I wasn't about to wean Luke cold turkey. Thanks for helping me build my supply back up by nursing three times a day lately! You're all done with that now! Forever!

Speaking of which, did I mention I'm going to try to nurse the new baby? I think my supply is fairly good, I've never had a problem with it, and hopefully it will increase with a newborn's demands. I haven't pumped yet to see what I have, though. I might try that tomorrow. But Luke never complains. I went to a La Leche League meeting yesterday but, honestly, my issue is so specific that it wasn't exactly a great group discussion topic. Basically, I'm going to try to nurse, but not get my hopes up too high. I've already had a formula-fed baby and if I have to supplement, it will be alright. 

So leaving on Saturday means we'll spend Christmas at our destination. We're taking down our tree tonight (so weird!) and bringing a few wrapped presents that my parents already sent them. I think it will be exciting. I'm always up for an adventure, and this will definitely be an adventure! And I love hotel rooms. Love them. Although I'm not sure I will have the same affection when my kids are screaming at 3 in the morning. But I guess that's when I'll pull out the baby ipad thingies they'll be getting for Christmas tomorrow (thanks, Nana and Boppy!). 

Alright, back to packing. We have no idea how long we'll be gone. ICPC, which has to be cleared before you can leave the state, can take three days or two weeks. You just never know. 

The entire thing is exciting, overwhelming, nerve-wracking, thrilling, and scary, all wrapped into one. My emotions are all over the place, to say the least. 

Would you please, if you get a chance, say a prayer for the birthmother, the baby girl, for our safe travels, and the whole adoption situation? And for my nerves, if you don't mind. I really, really appreciate it!

Christmas morning Thursday night in our house. Merry Christmas, guys!

Oh, and because it's kind of a family tradition, I'll be blogging during our trip. So check back starting this weekend!