"DIBS SITTING NEXT TO FEI!'

(excerpt from journal entry dated 1/30/13)

Dear Precious Fei Isabella-

This is it--this is the year that we finally get to meet and hold you and bring you home!  We are overflowing with excitement and bubbling with anticipation as we go through each day.  We have met and talked with so many people who have given us information and insight on so many topics...Dr. Kolb from Nebraska, the speech therapist from the Craniofacial Team at St. Joe's, George & Nancy (Grams/Gramps neighbors), the Doran Family, other adoptive moms such as Nancy, Jean and Tammy, Mike & Fran Hodges...all in preparation of travelling to China, picking you up and bringing you back with your forever family.  We are so grateful for all the people pouring into our lives to help prepare us for your arrival!
Shortly after we got back from our trip to CO over New Years, we were at a favorite local restaurant and told Ellie, TJ & Owen that we learned that we could possibly travel sooner--they were really excited as well, with many questions.  We continued to reveal more of the plan...that all 3 kids, plus all 3 grandparents would be joining mommy & daddy to pick up Fei.  For a moment, they were speechless (only a moment) and in disbelief, likely wondering if they had heard correctly.  TJ's first comment was, "Dibs on sitting next to Fei on the way home from China!"...not sure he knew it was a 12 hour flight, but nonetheless, we cherished his enthusiasm and desire to connect with you (expressed through his competitive nature!).We spent the rest of the night talking about what it will be like meeting you, exploring China and bringing you home.  Over the next few days, they called the grandparents with, "Do you want to go to China sometime soon?"  Such a joyful memory and amazing way to share the excitement of our upcoming trip!  Grams and Gramps hosted a night of celebration the next week, in honor of our trip...complete with Chinese New Year decorations, a large detailed map of China, Chinese music, take out from Pei Wei and yummy baked goods from a local Chinese bakery.  One of the highlights was watching "Bizarre Foods" with Andrew Zimmern as he visited Beijing and sampled seahorse, donkey and various other interesting delicacies.
/We look forward to the day that we can introduce you to all of those who have been praying for your care--we love you!

Mommy & Daddy