I talked to my state representative today about the grant; basically he can't help because Maryland has to comply with federal law blah blah blah but he was extremely friendly and called me "Lees". My buddy.

The packing is slowly coming together. I bought compressable packing bags that are kind of cool. They're like giant ziplock bags and you put your clothes in them, seal them and then roll all the air out. I did that with all of C's things (after painstakingly picking out what to bring for a child I've never met), and I'll do that for my own clothes. My suitcase is pretty full.

J and I had a funny exchange. I was musing about whether to take an extra suitcase so that we can bring home souvenirs, and he said "our souvenir will be sitting on my lap on the way home". Point for him. But then I said that I had a lot of stuff to pack and he said, "Well, I know what I'm packing." Hmmm, must be nice to only have to pack for one. I'm packing for six.

For your entertainment, I'll post my packing list:

For C:

beach ball (inflatable, easy to carry, encourage play with family)
soft doll
soft pink blankie
bubbles
little pink backpack
musical bear
board books
little mirror
baby comb/brush
hair bands/barretts
plastic necklace and bracelets
DVDs
two rompers
three dresses
two long pants
two t shirts
pjs
jacket
sun hat
socks
shoes
bathing suit
easy up diapers
swim diapers
sippy cup
disposable bibs
baby bath soap
flushable wipes/tp
toddler carry sling
desitin

For older kids:

Three shorts.
Four t-shirts
underwear
socks
(bring change of clothes in carryon for B)
B's blankie
game boys
travel games (Uno, scrabble, mastermind- we'll be spending a lot of time on the train)

travel wallet/waist pack
rolling suitcases x 5
backpacks x 6
suitcase for gifts/food and to bring home souveniers

Food for travel and for picky kids:
PB crackers
oatmeal packs
glad disposable containers/spoons
breakfast bars
goldfish
M&M/lollypops (to soothe savage children)

Sunscreen
hats and glasses for everyone
bug lotion
Travel Shampoo/conditioner combos
Anti-bacterial hand wipes
kleenex
gallon size ziplock bags.

Prescription RXs, ibuprofen, benadryl, sudafed, bacitracin, hydrocortisone, imodium, bandaids, Elimite, nail clippers, Tums, cough medicine, inhaler

camera/memory card
laptop
DVD player
rain ponchos
duct tape
polaroid camera
trash bags
Small pocket notebook
Mailing tube
neck pillow for airplane
chinese language cards
power converter/plug adapters
battery charger/extra batteries

clothes for me:
2 capris
2 shorts
four shirts
underwear
socks
sandals

adoption paperwork (please God don't let me forget it)
passports
tickets
itinerary