Packing and Saying Goodbye

Well, I was going to post a picture of all our stuff, but honestly, have no idea where the camera has ended up in all this mess. Actually, we are doing pretty well. I am trying to release some of my "stuff" neuroses that all moms have. What if he wants his bath time book on the plane and the baby faces one doesn't cut it? What if he goes through more diapers than I pack for traveling? Should I bring more clothes/blankets/toys? Do I have enough bug spray and sunscreen?
Bamako isn't the end of the world. I know that there are babies there that are just fine without all of these things and if things are needed, they can easily be obtained...its just stuff issues. Seems that all moms I talk to have it. Thats the real reason our diaper bags are so damn big. I must admit, I did get a new bag for the trip. My current one was simply not big enough.

We've seen a lot a great friends over the past couple of weeks as we wrap things up here in Eugene. Its amazing the wonderful people we've met in such a short period of time since having Marshall. He is going to miss certain people a lot. His big buddy Isaac and all the great walks they took together...sweet babies he smiles at a lot in movement class like Maddox, Arianna and Fiona...his dear auntie Becky who always makes him giggle.

But most of all he'll miss his canine brothers Flynt and Max who today are hopping in the car with us and going out to Eastern Oregon where they will romp and play in the wilderness for the next nine months with their cousins. Its a sad day. Who will lick his feet clean? Who will sit patiently while he yanks on their fur and screams with glee so loud their ears should bleed? They have been good, protective and sweet big brothers and we can only hope they will be as patient and sweet when Marshall returns as a toddler able to chase them and grab even larger and tighter those handfulls of hair.

Just about one week from this moment we will be in Mali. I will try to find the camera to capture first impressions, plane rides and the works...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!