Contractions (....or are they palpatations?) Have Begun

Well, we are in some form of labor and I'm definitely experiencing shortness of breath, restlessness, nesting (I'm going to clean the refrigerator this week....is that sick or what?), and I'm emailing our "doctor/coach" (the adoption agency) with every thought that enters my scatterbrained, over-listed mind! My every waking thought is about the referral. Will we be next? When will it come? Will they call both of us or just me? If it's just me, can I conference Lee in? What happens next? Will I be able to get all the required paperwork in on time?

I've spent the past several days/week working on our gifts for the caregivers and orphanage director. Major dilemma there? The gifts have to be made in the USA or somewhere other than China. (Like these are SO readily available!!!!!) Now that I'm assured that all my purchases are okay per my agency's list, and made in the USA, that is done! I'm now going to finish my gift package for the children of the orphanage. While we have to give a SIZABLE cash donation, we are also providing a box of items for the children. I've decided to concentrate on items for the older children. Hopefully, by the end of the week I'll have all my items for this package, as well. The A Parents China group has been very, very helpful with gift ideas and suggestions. It is so wonderful in that you can ask them about anything from gift ideas, to whether or not my nose piercing will be a problem, to what is the best way to upload video on my new JVC camera to You Tube. It's just a terrific bunch of parents who are always at the ready to lend a hand.

Now, back to the contractions. I'm certain this is labor, but only my Chinese physicians will know for sure as they are ultimately the ones in charge of my delivery. The rumors to date indicate that Nov. 21 may not be in the next batch which is bad news for them, but that means we're still safe. There is some speculation (well, rumor) that the referrals may come in on July 31, too. No real confirmation of that one, either. DH and I have bets as to when the referral will come. He voted that the referrals will go through November 20 and arrive on August 5. I vote that referrals will go through November 21 and arrive on August 8. (I still think they will go through the 21st.) So, we wait. DH is lucky (at least on this point) that he has his job to keep him occupied. I spend my days mastering new techniques for loading things on this blog, making lists for the adoption and trip to China and watching all things Rumor Queen. As I told another gal waiting for her 11/18 referral, I would just like to see that R5 rating that the referrals go through our LID and beyond. Once I know for sure there's a referral coming our way, when it comes is less of an issue. As has been stated, "this month is dragging!" I told my husband tonight that this will be the longest two weeks of my life.

That's it for tonight. I'm breathing deeply, suffering through this misery, hoping we're in the final stages of this near two-year pregnancy. DH hasn't begun administering ice chips yet, but I'm hoping the need for those is right around the corner when my throat is raw from shouting from the rooftops....."here's my daughter!" "Can I introduce you to my daughter?"

As always, we'll keep you posted. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and thoughts. Until next time......