Homecoming!

After a long journey, our family is finally together at home. The picture above is the first one I took of Brad holding his daughter. The look on his face says it all to me. It was very difficult for me to make this trip without him, but he made it easy for me. Back when we were researching adoption options, we had decided that it would be best that only one of us travel to bring home our child. We knew that Alex was too young for us to want to take on such a trip, plus his life-threatening peanut allergy all but makes that impossible anyway. We also felt that for Alex to be away from his parents for so long, then have them show up with a baby sister also wasn't the right thing for our family. Every family finds a solution that works for them, and as we look back, we are glad we made the decision we did.

We arrived home around 4pm on Friday, March 3. Many friends and family welcomed us home at the airport, then many more visited us at our house that evening (at our invitation). This worked well for us as we were all pretty excited from the trip (except Katie who went to bed before 7 at her own party!) and it allowed us to hibernate for the rest of the weekend. For me, the absolute highlight of coming home was wrapping my arms around Alex again. His friends at school had helped him make a sign for us and he was dressed in his new "I'm the big brother" t-shirt. I couldn't get out of the terminal fast enough and around the corner to see him! Kids his age have different reactions to a trip like this, and I was very concerned that he would be upset with me for leaving. Luckily, he did great and was just thrilled to have me home! He stayed close to my side at the airport while Brad introduced Katie to everyone. He has continued to enjoy the perks of big brotherhood and is really doing well with Katie so far. He even stayed up Friday night to help feed her, and he enjoys helping us take care of her and play with her. I'm sure the excitement will die down soon enough. Having two children is working well for us (note I'm only 4 days into it as I write this).

I'm also grateful to our small but mightily welcoming crew in Chicago. We had a 3 hour layover, so that was enough time for a few close friends to come meet Katie. Thanks to Cheryl, Andrea, Cathy, Natalie, Lydia and Clark for welcoming us to American soil. Special thanks to Cathy for bringing lunch that included fresh lettuce and tomatoes! After 2-1/2 weeks with no fresh produce, that was a treat!

Unfortunately, my camera battery died at the airport in St. Louis, so I don't have many pictures of our big homecoming. Cameras were everywhere, though, so I'll add more when I get my hands on them.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has called or e-mailed with good wishes. While Katie made the time zone change without a hiccup (still sleeping 12 hours a night since she landed), I have been hit hard by jet lag. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and now Tuesday (it is 2am as I type this) I have been way off and sleep about 6 hours during the day and just a bit at night. Luckily, Brad is able to cover my 'down' hours and I try to nap when Katie does. Hopefully, I'll have my days and nights straight soon!

Alex and Katie spending some time together at home.

Katie happy to be home! Note that she's sitting up great on her own these days, just an occasional tumble when she goes after something a little too far away. (Cheryl, note she's 'borrowing' Alex's blanket!)

The rain followed us home from China, but that couldn't stop our enthusiasm for the big stork that landed in our front yard helping us to share the good news that Katie was home.

It's pretty easy to see who Katie adores...

Katie meeting Andrea in Chicago. Pink everywhere!

Alex showing off his "I'm the Big Brother" t-shirt at the airport.

Katie dressed and ready to get off the plane. She already misses Grandma Bowen a lot!

Katie meeting Cheryl in Chicago.

Katie meeting Cathy in Chicago. Thanks again for lunch!