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We're in this incredible city, but all I can think of is our little girl. She's battling a bug and running a little fever. The good news is she's getting better.

The even better news is we're already starting to see her bond with us. Sometimes parents or caretakers take it for granted, but it takes a lot of trust for a child to fall asleep in their arms. Everyone sees babies that freak out when they're handled by someone they're not familiar with. For my little girl to recognize me and allow me to care for her is the best feeling in the world.

Needless to say, there are still many barriers to break. She still a little apprehensive around us. We want to see her play, and more importantly, display that sweet smile that we've grown accustomed to seeing in our communications with our liaison. We're not there yet, but we're certainly hoping that it'll come soon.

On a side note, as she naps, I've had he opportunity to explore the neighborhood eats. Trust me when I say that there are some great eats in Shanghai. Depending on where you go, you can get find fantastic food at extremely good prices. Case and point: Soy Sauce Pig's Feet Stew, Rice, and Spicy Pork Noodles. All for 56 RMB (a little less than 10 dollars)!

After 16 months of endless paperwork and long discussions, it's finally come to fruition. In roughly 6 hours, I pick up an adorable 3 year old from a Shanghai orphanage and will be her father. This little girl's story is amazing, one that probably is best shared in person.

Our journey, in itself, has been remarkable as well. Up to this point, I feel like I've gone through great lengths to make this happen with my wife, to start our family, to tie our lives together.

As I sit here at 3:30 a.m. in the Bund Hotel, feeling the effects of 16 hours of travel yet energized by the anticipation of meeting this special little girl and nervous about how she'll respond when she meets these two strangers who've already fallen for her 7 months ago, I can only wonder and hope that this bonding process is quick and not as frustrating and difficult as I've heard it to be. I hope there is an instant connection, much like that spark two people have on a first date, where she sees us and realizes that her life is about to change for the better because no longer is she alone in this world.

On a side note, we're in this incredible city of 22 million people where the architecture is a mishmash of east meets west and old and modern. As much as I look forward to exploring Shanghai, I'm more intrigued by what is to come in a few hours.

Diapers, snacks, toys, camcorder, and a big smile... PACKED!

Today, I'm packing up all my stuff.

My company is leaving San Francisco and heading to Vacaville.

Needless to say, we're all kind of down. For almost 7 years, I've had the pleasure of working in the heart of the city, Civic Center. Sure, the occasional disturbance from the homeless was an eye sore, but overall, I enjoyed my time here.

With an open mind and good thoughts, I hope Vacaville brings me the same joy.