Operation CARE PACKAGE Completed

My care package was sent to Libby Doodle Doo's Orphanage yesterday. I used a service called Red Thread China http://redthreadchina.com/ which is run by Denise, an adoptive mom in the US who handles the website and financial end of the venture and Ann who lives in China and does all the translations and mailings. Ann assembles and sends the package within China -- so you don't have to worry about Customs and the package can arrive VERY quickly.

After I realized the problems I may encounter by trying to send a package myself (customs, never arriving, etc) I sent Ann an email about what I wanted to include in my care package. She allowed me to customize the package by adding some unique items. She also advised me of items that I should possibly eliminate from my original wish list and explained her reasons why. She was very kind and helpful throughout our frequent correspondences over the last week. Today she confirmed that the package was sent out and she sent 2 photos of the package contents to me:

She also sent me a picture of a selection of the photo album pictures. I sent Ann 20 pictures via email each with captions and information. She translated all the information and put those translation onto each picture. Then she printed out the photos and put them into the album.

Ann contacted the orphanage yesterday to let them know that the package is on its way and to inquire about Libby Doodle Doo. She sent me an email to let me know her current sizes. This information makes me feel so close to Libby Doodle Doo today. Here's what Ann told me:

Height: 64cm
Weight: 7kilos
Head: 42.5cm
Chest : 44cm
Feet: 10cm

So that's about 25 inches long and weighing a little over 15 pounds. You may remember I bought Hanna Andersson clothing at 70 cm -- so they should be exactly right when I travel next month. Her US sizes are between 6 and 12 months (closer to 6 than 12).

Her shoes size puzzles me a little. Zo Peep wore a size 2 baby when I got her (and that was REALLY small for a baby of her age). Libby Doodle Doo's foot is smaller than a size 1 -- really, really tiny. I may bring one pair of size 2 shoes -- even though this information would indicate that she may swim in that size. No worries -- I'll have plenty of socks.