And so it begins... (or should we say "continues")

Hi all. I figured this would be a good way to keep those interested up to date on our trip to bring home our new son Aidan from Kunming, China. Hopefully if we start this, we’ll be able to keep it rolling. So tune in periodically and see how things are going.
As of this day, Angie and I are bracing ourselves for the imminent travel dates to China. We might even get the word today! Our visas are approved, and Holt International (adoption agency) is working on the official travel date. We look at this trip with absolute excitement, but with some anxiety as well. Two weeks in China will be challenging. For those who have gone before us to adopt, you know that the level of separation anxiety for Aidan could be anywhere from mild to severe. Imagine a 21-month-old child being taken out of his comfort zone and thrust into the smiling, loving arms of his new parents – who are equally nervous. But time will smooth things over, and Aidan will adjust fine after a few days.
We’ve been there and done that before with Alex in South Korea. Alex, now four, was six months old when we whisked him away to a new country and our new family. There were some touch and go moments during that first night, i.e. non-stop crying and sobbing. But he sobbed himself to sleep, as did we. Up early the next morning to catch our plane, he awoke with a huge smile on his face and he was the ultimate trooper over the next 20 hours coming home. We can only hope that Aidan follows in his big brother’s footsteps during our trip through China’s adoption process, and then homeward bound. Door-to-door, I’m guessing the trip home from China will be pushing 30 hours, so we will have our hands full keeping Aidan occupied.
Equally challenging will be leaving Alex at home with Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. As much as we want to take him with us, the logistics of this trip are just too much for a four-year-old. Angie and I will have enough of a challenge getting ourselves there in one piece without lugging more bags and a 30-pounder through multiple airports. So Alex? Your mission, as the big brother, is to be a good boy at home for Nina, Jo-Jo, Gram, and Pop. We’ll send postcards and bring you some salt-water taffy. We are going to miss you immensely, and vice-versa, I’m sure.