Arrival in Shanghai (baggage claim area) after about 20+ grueling hours on the plane (without sleep). I have also decided that this will be the start of a game I will play with The Little One called "where is teddy? (you can play along too).

Days 1, 2, and 3: Meryl + Chris' Amazing Adventure

I am going to attempt to post a bunch of images (and short descriptions) to give you a taste of our first few days in China (I am not proficient at this blogging program yet, so bear with me). Here "we" are, sitting in the boarding area (in the Minneapolis-St.Paul airport) waiting to be called for our Northwest flight to Seattle, the first leg of our journey. This is your first introduction to "pink teddy", who I just finished creating for The Little One a couple of days ago (she is pink chenille).

We Are Here. Safe, Sound, and Loving China

Check back in a little while for pictures. Just wanted to let you all know we are here (and are finally in a location with internet access). Went to a Chinese wedding reception last night; now heading for breakfast and to shop for The Little One (with a Chinese friend who makes her home in both Los Angeles and Suzhou).

Meryl, Chris, and Pink Teddy

Meet BOB. My new best friend.

This week I also had some fun at REI. My friends in the Sierra Nevada made it possible for me to acquire a very special stroller: one that can traverse trails, and even some snow. I delude myself that I will be out with the two dogs and Willow almost every day ! Here's a picture of my SUV (sport utility stroller). Note the tires ... 16" of pure traction. I also purchased a rain shield and cordura "console" (which holds baby bottles, beverages, and dog treats).

Looking to the heavens as a pair. Flying home as a family.

Still preparing for our trip (3 related appointments today ... including travel vaccination, a meet-and-greet with a pediatrician (that I feel really good about), and an appointment with a orthopaedic surgeon (orthodonist who also is trained to work on tiny patients). We will bring some special tape to China; the idea is to put it across Willow's cleft, to begin to move her lips and columella into place for surgery. This ought to be a trick, with a toddler who doesn't know us. We will, of course, go slowly.