Stuff's about to get real

.

We've known since we started this process that we would be spending two weeks in China to adopt our child. So you would think that it wouldn't have been shocking now that we actually have travel dates that we have to pack.
However, the realization that we have to pack for two weeks in a foreign country for ourselves plus a child that we haven't met is starting to sink in. We have only an educated guess about what size clothing or diapers he's wearing. We have no idea what he's eating or how he's eating. We have no idea what toys he might like or how many to bring. No idea what sort of medications we might need while we are there.
Oh yeah and this all has to be packed in two less than 44 pound suitcases and four carry ons that we will have to carry with us through six plane trips and a train ride....

So obviously we need a packing list. I'm a list kinda girl. Lists make me happy. The only thing that makes me happier is checking things off a list. Thankfully I didn't have to start a packing list from scratch as there are many adoption blogs that give people's packing lists for China and I'm a part of several adoptive parent Facebook groups that have been really helpful. The only minor issue is that Brian and I pack for trips very differently.

If I had my way, this is how we would pack for China:

Yes even the barrels. 

If Brian had his way, this is how we would pack for China:

Sure they look happy, until they get sick and then look to me for the giant bottle of Immodium that wouldn't fit in their teeny tiny suitcases

So we have some compromising to do! Let's hope we can get it together before we leave and I won't find myself trying to sneak two barrels through airport security while Brian pretends he doesn't know me.