Packing...the entire house in 2 bags and a carry-on!

Okay, the packing is almost over. These 2 pictures are of the stuff we're taking. One large and one small checked bag (photo on left) and we're carrying on a rolling laptop bag (Thanks, Dina!) and a small rolling duffel bag, plus we'll carry on the diaper bag as a "purse." (It should be noted that I did not want to be in both pictures, but Brad never wants to be in a photo.) It is pretty big and will hold our snacks and such. Over half of the large bag will be used or left in China...all baby things that we aren't bringing home. Must make room for shopping! The smaller bag also is full of Katie's things.

Mom and I are each taking 3 changes of clothes besides what we wear on the plane, then we'll just send them to the laundry frequently in China. This is pretty much the way it is done. I should've bought stock in Ziplock bags before I started packing. Everything is out of the package and in them. Plus our clothes, etc. is in them so that we can remove as much air as possible and fill those bags tight! There is a 1 bag of 44 pounds limit per person on the China flights to and from Nanchang. Mom and I plan to hold off on most shopping until Guangzhou then we'll buy 2 more big bags there (I'm told a "Polo" large suitcase is $15) to fill with our purchases. Now all Katie has to do is be willing to let us shop a bit. Oh, I hope we can get it all done.

Once we are in Guangzhou, I'm told we'll only have to touch our bags to get them through customs, then we check them in right after customs passes us. I think we can manage that! Katie will be 9 months old, so hopefully she can at least carry her own diaper bag!