We're Home!

Warning:  This post is heavy in pictures!  Partly because it's just so hard to put into words what these last few days have been like and partly because I know you all want pictures!

Yes, we survived our trip home! A little over 26 hours from the time we left our hotel in Guangzhou to the time Lily laid down to sleep in her home.  HER home.  I love the sound of that!

The trip home was long, very long.  We could not have asked Lily to be any better.  She only cried for about 15 total minutes.  She slept for a total of 5 hours.  She likes to look around at people, likes eating snacks in the United Club, likes to run and stretch her legs during airport wait times.

Waiting at the airport

A huge surprise was my sister Karen was there with Bonny and Michael's aunt Karen to meet us at the airport!   As we came out of the airport, there were 3 posterboard signs welcoming Lily.  Peeking out behind one was Bonny, peeking out behind one was Michael's aunt Karen and nobody was peeking out from the other one. I was wondering who was behind it and when we got there, my sister lowered her sign.  WOW!!!  Was I surprised and so happy to see her. Friends and family greeted us all once at home and Lily was just fantastic.  She just took everything in.  All these people are her people now and they all love her so much.

 Balloons for me?

 Flowers for Lily 

I love these things called balloons!

Lily got to meet "her" people, see her home and see the puppies.  Not sure about the dogs at first, she squeezed her legs tight against her Mommy while being held.  By the end of the night though, she was already getting use to them.

 Thank you Aunt Karen for surprising us with your visit!

We have now been home 3 full days and have had many firsts:  first bath, first walks in neighborhood, first meals at the table, first lunch out for Mexican food, and many more!

First morning to wake up at home

First time out for Mexican food. Yes, this is a weekly event for our family.

Love my Aunt Andrea and Uncle David

 First cousin time!

Loves being with kids!

 What?  All these people want to see me?

 Getting use to being around these people called "guys"

I can get in here and play?

Getting some snuggles from Roxi

Lily will always have a nap buddy!

 First Build A Bear from Grandaddy and Grandma Joyce

Pushing Honey Hugs in the cart

First wagon ride.  Thank you Janet!

Ready for the day

Wish Aunt Karen could stay longer!

First bath!  Mommy had to get in with me, but no tears.

What's on for today?  I'm ready!

Today marks two weeks that we've been a family of three.  Our lives are forever changed.  The amazing transformation we've already witnessed is unbelievable.  From the little sad girl who wouldn't get off of Mommy's lap and had to have her shoes on, to this vibrant two year old, running and playing at home.  It is truly a miracle for all of us.

No shoes and ready for this great day to start!