The List-Updated

Electronics (aka Matt's job):

-Buy a lap top Done! (But I don't think we are taking it)
-Buy a new camera Going to get a new Elph
-Buy a video camera Done!
-Learn how to use the above
-Get extra SD cards Done!
-Look into Skype Skipping Skype!

Paperwork:

-renew fingerprints Done!
-Renew I-171H Sent application out December 12-Should arrive in the mail any day.
-renew home study (if we aren't going to be back from China by June or if we plan to readopt/finalize when we get home) If we don't have a referral by March, we'll start on it then.
-Request that our agency send our referral packet to us via UPS, not Matt's mortal enemy (Fed Ex) Done-I'm sure they think we're nuts!
-Agree on a protocol if Matt is at work and the kids are at school when the call comes. Done! Matt and I will be together when the call comes-we'll clue the kids in later if they are in school.

For Referral Day:
-Charge phone, cell phone, camera and video camera Taylor's job.
-Hopefully, have a person to man the camera and video camera when the call comes in. Bought a tripod!
-Update email addresses and prep an email announcement Done!
-Have Diet Coke, Chocolate in mass quantities, 'The Call' sheet, flower/ladybug pens and Kleenex handy Done!
-Gather links for Orphanage yahoo groups, Name translation sites, Chinese growth charts, map of China etc. Done!-See my sidebar under 'Adoption Resources'
-Print yard sign It's by the computer.
-Order a photo necklace kit.

For Care Package:

-blanket Done!
-stuffed animal/blanket thing Done!
-2 disposable cameras with instructions Done!
-Photo album (bought 2-1 to send and 1 to keep) Link to photo labels in sidebar-Will take photos of each kid and us with Meili's referral pic.
-SafTPops for orphanage children Done! Should arrive by mail any day.
-Jelly Bellys for nannys Done! Should arrive by mail any day.
-save a shoe box Done! (Found a box that is shoebox size anyway)

Shopping Necessities:

-baby shampoo, wash, powder, and lotion Done!
-diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment We have started a supply.
-bibs, formula, rice cereal, baby food and baby snacks Am I just picky, or what? Can't find a cute bib anywhere! Will wait on the rest until just before travel.
-outfits, pj's and onesies to round out her wardrobe Will do this after referral-nervous that Meili might end up being a 4 year old boy.
-baby bathtub (will wait until after we're home-she may be ready for a seat)
-stroller (will also wait until we are home-we may just buy one in China)
-pack n' play (can wait)
-bouncer (also can wait)
-small cd player for Meili's room Done!
-Make some bows (if she has hair...) Having a bow-making party in January with my China adoption friends. I've been collecting ribbon.

Shopping Frivolities:

-The remainder of the China/adoption children's books on my Amazon wishlist
-Mei Tai Baby Carrier (espresso straps with 'carnival bloom' fabric on the front)
-Kozy Pal cart cover. After surviving the better part of a year in an orphanage in a third world county, I'm not too worried about exposing Meili to germs. But after 4 kids I've never had one and I think they look cool! They also have this in the same 'carnival bloom' pattern as the mei tai.
-Asian brocade Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag (Proud owner of a Petunia Picklebottom 'Spring Roll' Boxy Backback Diaper Bag!)

For Travel:

-Finalize packing list (and pack!) Luggage is purchased. The packing list spreadsheet has been made and many things are already packed.
-Decide if Taylor and Audrey are going to China They probably are. They would handle the trip well and would be very helpful. Taylor could handle all of the electronics-take photos and video, upload to the laptop, update the blog and keep everything charged. I know that Audrey would be so good with Meili and help ease her transition. We play with the idea of leaving them home to have the two-on-one time with Meili and to save a few bucks but we're coming home from China up to our eyeballs in debt anyway so it's not going to make much difference.
-Make arrangements for kiddos All of our family lives in So. Cal. We'll probably drive to LA and leave the kiddos with family there, then fly out of LAX. The trick will be driving back home (7.5 hrs) with a baby who has never been in a carseat before and two jet-lagged parents. Maybe my parents can drive our car (and kids) back and we'll get them a couple of plane tickets home? The more I think about it, the more I think I want to come directly home to my own bed. It would also be less transition for Meili to deal with.
-Make arrangements for dog and bird A friend has recommended another friend who is a trainer and does in-home boarding.
-get cash in new or like new condition from bank-We're probably screwed here. A year ago, our bank said, 'no problemo.' Now, they say try again next DECEMBER. 'Like new' is going to have to do.
-have a lock engraved with our name and date for the Great Wall We've got the lock-not sure what to engrave on it-Bouton Brood 2009?
-Get last round of vaccinations I'm done! Need to call and check what Matt needs.
-Finish Quilts (We are making one handmade quilt for each month of the wait to donate to Meili's orphanage)
-Finish OHGW Quilt scrapbook (If it's not done before we travel, it may never get done)
-set up crib before we leave
-put car seat in the car
-Make appt. with pediatrician for when we return
-add Meili to our insurance
-make ahead and freeze some dinners Going to give these a shot.

Gifts for Officials/Nannys:
-Stuff from our state Done!
-Buttons, keychains and small autographed prints by Azuzephre (Jenn's brother) Done!
-Lotion from Bath and Body Works 4 for $10 sale last week-Done!
-American Ginseng Done! (Found it at the dollar store-even has an American flag on it!)
-Jelly Bellys-Ordered!
-red bags and tissue Done!