I'm starting our Journey less than 24 hours before we meet our baby girl Bethany. It is now 5 am and we are in Nanning. We have been running on adrenaline since last week and the moment is oh so close. Just a bit of background. We arrived in Beijing on Saturday afternoon and stayed overnight at the Jiangou Garden Hotel; flew to Nanning on Sunday and now must prepare for our day of parenthood.Despite taking a gravol to get a good night's sleep, I woke up at 3am and tried to go back to sleep but as I lay in bed looking at the crib right next to me sleep was not what I wanted to do. I mean really! I quietly locate the flashlight that Mitzie insisted I bring, which Tim insisted repeatedly that we do not need....have used it numerous times. I really tried to be as quiet as possible sitting here in the dark but no such luck. Tim now awake and he can't sleep either....he is now singing Queen's "Bohemian Rapsody", oh and btw, he doesn't even know the words. But it's funny to hear, I'm sure the sleeping neighbours don't agree with me but he is entertaining.Yesterday as we arrived at our hotel, our guide Glen non-chalantly mentioned that he had updated information on our children. So, we now know more about Bethany. She eats formula milk 4 times a day and also congee twice a day; bread, crackers, fruit; she prefers sweet waer to normal water and SWEET FOODS! When we read this in the lobby, I laughed out loud as Tim scratched his head and said "hey, she's just like you!". If that is true, all I can say is poor Tim.We also found out she likes watching TV commercials, listening to music...sound familiar? And she also likes playing with new toys and toys she never played with before. One thing we also found out is she has been in foster care since November. It is bitter-sweet news to us because she has become close to her foster mother who we are certain has been treating her with loving care but the sweet part of that is that at least she was getting some personal attentions. Glen said the foster mothers usually do not come with the babies on our meeting date because it is very hard for them and the baby. I cried as we read her new information sheet because we are so close and with each step getting closer. But, I also cried for the grief that her foster mother will have as we will be enjoying our happy and blessed new beginning. I I am sad for the caring woman who has been taking care of our baby but ever so greatful that at least Bethany was being looked after by someone who must have grown to love her.The plan is to meet our children at 3pm and then within half an hour to 1 hour we will return to our hotel room to have private time with her and begin the bonding process. On Tuesday we will do all the paperwork and gift exchange with nannies, foster mothers and the orphanage director. As of then our paperwork begins.On a personal note, I feel anxious to see her for the first time and longing to hold her tight. I had a mini melt-down as we arrived into our room and had trouble turning on the lights to the room. I saw outline of a window and made my way to it and opened the dark curtains opened. I was so mesmerized by the view and heard Tim say "wow, this is for real" as I turned around, right next to our bed was a crib! And then it happened. I finally let out the tightening pressure I've been feeling in my chest for weeks. We are ready! We are as prepared as any first-time parent can ever be. We have made the most of some personal time to talk about our journey together to parenthood. I now have no doubt Tim and I will work together to bring up a beautiful, respectful, loyal, giving and loving child......she will be just like her Mom and Dad. We know it is not an easy task but we are ready.As promised, I will do my best to keep you all posted as soon as we get settled and once I regain my wits.