The Entourage

Our tickets are in hand and, after we solve a costly last-minute visa rush issue, we'll be ready to go. Don't ask me to talk about the visa issue, because I can't do it. I just can't. Not without drying or feeling my eyes roll into my head.

So let's talk about the trip.

We leave on Saturday, Dec. 2 (stalkers - take note! Also, take note that we have a strapping housesitter and three junkyard guard dogs, any one of whom may just have a scorching case of herpes.) We will be in China until Dec. 16. We don't yet have all the in-China details, such as which hotel we'll stay in (probably the White Swan, with its sweet, sweet breakfast buffet) or when we will meet our new daughter and begin gobbling her cheeks forthwith.

We'll be travelling with a full entourage.

Buttercup the Contrarian

(aka Bee, Little Bee, Bebe) She's 3-years-old and 35 pounds of iron will. She can't wait to see Her Baby. And hold Her Baby. And take care of Her Baby. And push Her Baby in a stroller.

You get the picture.

Those of you who live with 3-year-olds will understand just how much love I have in my heart when I say I am dreading this much close-quartered contact with my daughter. She's an intense little laser of a girl, except that her trajectory is not so easily manipulated.

This will make for some fun stories. If we get through the trip without causing major international incident, I'll be happy.

My Hot-Shot Husband

I can't say enough wonderful things about his travel abilities or the way he brings totally unexpected and unequalled fun to experiences like this.

Also, he can drive like a sumbitch and swims a mile like it's walking the dog.

Zee

Two years ago, when we got our referral for Bee, it was unclear whether I would be able to make the adoption trip with HSH. My mother had been talking about accompanying HSH, but she had the unqualified nerve to die on the very same day that we received our referral.

I was sitting on my sofa a couple days later when Zee called and told me that if I needed her to go to China to help bring home my daughter, she was on board. She had already cleared the time off with her supervisor and made an appointment at the local travel clinic.

One day, after the evolution that comes from many lifetimes of suffering and learning, I might be half the person Zee is. But only if I'm exceptionally lucky.

She did accompany us on that trip, and I have since informed her that she will be required to accompany us on any and all international travel excursions. She was the perfect travel companion, and she's making a return engagement.

Smiley

The summer of our paperchase for Bee, Smiley got married in what may have been the only beachside wedding I've ever enjoyed completely without reservation. When she arrived at the reception - all aglow with sunset and pearls - she rushed over to our table and gave us a gift for the Bee to Be.

And she also had volunteered to come on that first trip. This time, we have taken her up on her offer.

In addition to being so enormously thoughtful, she is organized and a seasoned world traveler.

Basically, I have assembled the China Travel Dream Team, and we are going to kick this trip's ass.

Comments

[ppb]

You rock my face off.

[Shelba]

Dang, you do have an entourage! I want to go too! Sounds like a good group. I'm very, very excited for you to get on that plane already.

[raehan]

I have to admit and I am a tad bit jealous.

And also completely excited for you.

[lila]

We are thinking of you often and can't wait to hear your travel tales!!

[angie]

I'm thinking this is sounding like a rockin' party. Way to bring the new girl home!