Let the Packing Begin!

My guestroom has looked this way for over a month and I am finally rolling clothing, assessing our needs and packing! Lauren's things are almost all packed now. We have a total of one checked bag each (44lb max per China requirements) and one carry-on (which we are each carrying a backpack). I thought I'd post what we are doing to pack in case it helps anyone else. It's a small miracle to pack for this trip! ;)

Dan's backpack will have our original documents for the adoption and all electronics such as cameras, laptop, extension cords, batteries, mini surge protector (those following us soon--go get one of these), and hand sanitizer.

My backpack will have copies of all adoption documents, plane ride items such as playing cards (the deck that is in Chinese characters that my sweet secret pal, Steph gave me!),books, an outfit each for Dan and I,tylenol,and of course, hand sanitizer! :)

I'm packing our checked luggage as if I'm planning on losing one of them. I like to plan for the worst and hope for the best. So... I have Lauren's clothing, Dan's clothing, and my clothing separated into each piece. I split the bottles, drop-ins, diapers, etc. into the two luggages as well. As I packed clothing, Dan cut out the directions to all over the counter medications and then rubber banded the medication to the directions and put them in a ziplock bag(This way it cuts down on space). I have put all OTC medications, lotions, baby wash, nail clippers,etc. into a rectangle tupperware in which I will use to wash bottles, nipples, etc. when in China.

I bought a "heating coil" from REI that Steph recommended. This nifty device boils water quickly. I plan to use this to warm water in a large cup and then warm Lauren's bottles in this. ~note to Steph~ can I make coffee with this? Is it safe to drink the water after I use this coil?
I plan to give Lauren a morning bottle and an nighttime bottle for the purposes of attachment and bonding mostly. During the day, she will most likely eat her normal table foods, etc. This of course, will be guided by what her nanny tells me when we meet.

Dan has a money belt in which we will be keeping our money "crisp" and I pray we can hand it over to the officials soon after landing.

To you, my awesome friends who are going on this journey soon, I'm also writing down everything I put into each bag and I will post this. As far as formula, I am bringing one can of Similac Sensitive, just in case I need it. I may end up buying what Lauren has been on in a local store or maybe her nanny's will give me something. If not, I know the sensitive is better for digestion and figure, we can start there.

I cannot tell you how excited I am. If I'm not working or at clinical, I HAVE to be doing something toward our trip to China. Yesterday Dan and I watched "Wild China" on the Travel Channel for 2 hours. I go to bed looking at Lauren's face and she is the first thing on my mind when I awake. I am so in love.

Today, being Dan's first baba's day, Lauren gave him a sweet card and a Red Tie. :)