10 days and counting down

Yep, that's right- 10 days until I leave for Ethiopia!

Last night, Isa B's health insurance card came in the mail. It hit me again that soon she wouldn't be just a photo on my computer screen. Isn't it funny that something as simple as seeing her name on an insurance card could be so thrilling?

I imagine that pregnant women have a similar feeling as they approach their due dates. But, they've had the physical presence of their baby for the last many months rather than just a 2-dimensional photo. Does it feel more "real" to them beforehand? I try to imagine what it's going to be like, but it's just so surreal. She's real in my heart but maybe not real in my head yet, if that makes any sense.

The good news is that I think I have most of the big stuff taken care of now- FMLA, insurance, her room, travel plans. Now come the details. Mom and I are doing a BRU run on Saturday to get the essentials that I'm still lacking. I've had two wonderful baby showers already but am missing some crucial items (like diapers and bottles!).

While we're out running errands, my Dad is going to install the tray for Isa's changing table. Princess that she is, she is getting a custom changing table! Dad traced the design of the headboard on her crib and copied it onto the back edge of a tray he built that will be attached to an existing bookcase to become the changing table. Does that make any sense? (I really need to post some pictures of the nursery, huh?)

We'll also divide out the donations and Isa's items this weekend so that Mom and I can both start packing our checked bags. We're hoping to have two big suitcases each chock-full of goodies. I really wanted to focus on the older kids at Toukoul and we hit the jackpot at Old Navy last weekend. 50-75% off of clearance prices - shirts for $2, pants for $4. We got two huge bags full for less than $100! My friend C felt inspired and bought some more clothes, soccer, basket & recess-type balls with a hand pump and some adorable toothbrushes (which I promised to donate, although I very much want to keep the Hello Kitty one!). We bought lots of supplies during the back-to-school sales last fall, as well.

FYI- for anyone travelling in the future, the cashier said that Old Navy often will donate items for this sort of thing. I don't have enough time, unfortunately, to work on this before my trip but those of you still waiting- call the Old Navy corporate office and see if they'll donate items for you to take!

Anyone have any thoughts on what to get as presents for the nannies? I want something unique to this area but all I can think of is candy.... Unfortunately, our usual claim to fame here in Seattle - coffee- isn't an option. I actually plan to stuff my bags with Ethiopian coffee on the way home!

Okay, enough blathering for today.