Going Postal...

Yesterday we went to the Post Office after picking Caleb up from school. After doing some research on the cheapest way to get a package to Taiwan (this is more complicated than you would think) we decided on the good ol' USPS. Our package weighed less than 6.5 lbs and according to rate charts on the USPS website, I was expecting a bill somewhere around $25. Needless to say, what the website doesn't mention is that the only 2 methods still available for shipping are Express or Priority (the website lists 4 methods). So, $45 later, after discussing all this with the postman, filling out all the customs forms and being told there is no way to track the package once it leaves the U.S., I am asked "And would you like to buy stamps with that?". No I wouldn't, because my budget is now messed up and the postage has officially cost twice as much as the items that are in the package, but could I please have some extra customs forms so I can fill them out at home where it is quiet and I don't have a five year old pulling on my arm every five seconds begging for something to eat and to go home. :-)

The slightly humorous and ironic thing about this is that probably 90% of the items we packed in that box were made in China. Maybe I should just find a penpal in China and have them ship directly to Taiwan. It would cut out the middle man, but where's the fun in that?

Our package included the following (I forgot to take a picture, so this is as much for my memory as it is for you to smile at):

1 Baby Blanket that we slept with for several nights in hopes that Pei-Chi
will get a whiff of our scent - poor baby.
1 Blue Dress - I love this dress and hopefully they will take a picture of her in it
5 Onesies - In girly colors!
6 hair bands
3 pairs of tights - pink, white and yellow
1 pair of the tiniest, most adorably cute sparkly jelly sandals you can imagine
1 Teddy Bear - from Daddy
1 Stuffed little pink bear - from Caleb
1 Stuffed Elephant - from Mommy
1 Bib with a duck on it - again, girly colors!
2 Sleepers
1 16oz bag of Starburst candies for the nursery workers -I don't even want to think about the cost of this bag of candy when you add in the shipping! (It's $9.50 - sorry I couldn't help myself)
1 Disposable camera so the foster family will hopefully take some pictures for us
1 Tube of Bath & Body Works Apple scented body lotion for Pei-Chi's foster mom
Miscellaneous rattles and toys

Looking back at this list, I'm actually surprised that the package didn't weigh more than 6.4lbs. I'm also surprised I fit it in as small of a box as I did. Thank goodness for strong packing tape! lol

(Not actual box)