We arrived at Newark last night around 5:30pm.....after about 24 hours of travel. Those of you who have done this before know the drill. Actually, we were more fortunate than other adoptive families that we met along the way because many of them still had another flight within the US to get home. We had a 2 hour car ride to CT, which wasn't too bad -- especially because we could all sleep! Our day started the morning before around 6:30am when our guide picked us up to go to the Guangzhao airport. Continental airlines did not have Ally's lap seat (even though I'd called days before to book it) -- so that was a real hassle both at the Guangzhao and Beijing airports. But - we got through all that and took two flights to get home (first was on China Southern). The girls both are such good travelers - such a blessing. We had extra room for Ally to lay down and sleep on the long flight, which also was a good thing. She's a great sleeper!
The picture is of me taking her to her new room for the first time last night. We were jet lagged and tired - so pictures aren't extensive -- but at least you can see that we're home. The journey was amazing and it all really hasn't set in yet that Ally is really ours and we are really home. It became a bit more real this morning when we took Lindsay to school......she was excited to see her friends and excited for everyone to meet her baby sister. Everyone at Lindsay's school just loves her so much (which is why we love the school!) and they all couldn't wait to meet Ally. It was her first warm welcome to CT!
We will keep posting during the days ahead......I think Michael may put some of his photography on that we just didn't take the time to post while we were gone. He's an amazing photographer and really captured some great moments. I would also again like to thank my friend, Gayle, in St. Louis. If not for her - we would not have had the blog and couldn't have shared our story with you. One last word for today ......I know many of you following along are waiting for your little ones from China. My encouragement to you today is -- don't give up! It will happen at the right time -- and the wait is all worth it! Cheryl
Ahhhhh, seeing her room for the first time...with a big smile. Love it. Glad you are home and getting settled in a little. I bet big sister Lindsay loved showing Ally off! That's so fun! Congrats, congrats, congrats! Drop by the yahoo group when you get a moment and give a shout out to everybody. :)
ReplyDeleteKelly
Ahhh..Cheryl and family welcome home--and Welcome to American little Ally! We're so proud you are now a US Citizen--the US is definately better for it!
ReplyDeleteLisa A
Welcome home, Ally! Thany you Cheryl for posting during your travel. It was great to see how it might be when we travel in July. Wonderful to see how Ally fits perfectly in your family.
ReplyDeleteLove from Belgium,
Yuxia, Yueming (in Kunming), Jan & Terry
Look at that sweet happy girl! Welcome home...give yourself time to recover. It took us many weeks to shake the jet-lag. ~stacy
ReplyDelete