This was a sign in front of the neighborhood that the kids and D’s folks arranged for us. We were also greeted by all sorts of decorations, signs, etc, at the house that the kids and some great friends at our church set up. Even at 1:30 AM it was great to see . . . almost as good as seeing the kids come running out of the house. They were tired (especially the boys), but happy just the same.
Let’s backtrack a bit . . . This was Lainey’s first “step†ever in the U.S, in the airport in New Jersey. Donna was born in Jersey and was there for a year before going south. For Lainey, it just felt that long.
Donna and I in the airport in Jax. Can you tell how both exhausted and relieved we both were?
The picture above is the whole crew at ~ 2:00 AM. What a crowd . . . it’s still hard to believe they are ALL ours.
Ahhhh…..finally. Can you believe that there is apparently not ONE of these in all of China?
The following pictures were taken the next day, with each of the kids taking turns holding Lainey. She was reluctant and a bit withdrawn around them at first, but warmed up much more quickly than we had hoped. It was all Donna and I could do to hold it together.
Donna’s folks got a chance, too, before heading back up North. Lainey was getting a good taste of life in a big family. I know that Lainey can’t wait to meet the rest our “people†up in North Carolina . . . we’re pretty excited about that, too.
Thanks again for EVERYONE who helped us with this trip . . . for watching over our kids here in the U.S., for your comments on our website, for your thoughts & prayers, and for your advice. It all made this trip easier than it could have been.
By the way, this is what a 19 month old looks like at 3:00 AM who is still living on China time. She was perfectly content to run around the kitchen, stack DVD movies, play peekaboo, etc, until ~ 4:30 AM. Did I mention that we are tired?
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:25 am
I couldn’t help but to cry when I saw these pictures. You say it is hard to believe that there are 7 of you now? It is even harder for me, but prouder for me to look at that picture and know that my son now is the “head” of this bunch. What a tremendous responsibility for both of you.
The pictures of each of my grandkids holding their new sister were great ! They have prayed for this day for so long. Lainey will adapt so much better having the other 4 there for her. They will teach her, protect her and love her.
The one that made me smile (not cry from joy and pride) was the one of Lainey holding the shoes. That picture is priceless. Did you all teach her “peek-a-boo”?
The sign says it all.. “Welcome Home. May God continue to bless your(and my)family.” Love you all.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 am
Thanks for sharing such great pictures!!! I am sure the kids are so excited to have all three of you home!!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:42 am
WELCOME HOME!! It’s so great to see you all together! I love the photo of all 7 of you – Beautiful family!!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Even thought I was there when it all took place, it STILL made me have happy tears seeing it again…it was one of the happiest days of our lives, with the exception of your wedding and Abbey and the triplet’s births. I feel like a ton of weight has been lifted from my shoulders, now that you’re all home, safe and sound and Lainey is doing so WELL!! These are memories we’ll never forget…bonding with the kids as we waited for their little sister to join them! Thanks for letting us share in this unforgettable journey! Lainey looks pretty good in between these 2 grandparents, doesn’t she?!! Glad you finally got to see the sign, Donna! Well, enjoy your fabulous five and take time to get some REST..I plan to do the same today before I head off to work tomorrow! Much love, Mom
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hallelujah! You’re home!
Exhausted though you are, what a great feeling that homecoming must have been.
OK, Randy, I knew you had big feet, but those slippers in Lainey’s hands are just too much. Was she using them to hide behind for peek-a-boo? or was she looking for a place to hide them?
The pictures with each of the older kids holding her are fabulous … I can see her relaxing, and the love & joy in their eyes is evident.
See you later in the spring? Love to you all,
Linda Lee
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Welcome Home!!!! We are SO EXCITED that your family is finally reunited! Yeah!
We are so eager to meet Lainey…but in the mean time, we hope you are able to get as much sleep as possible =).
God bless you all!!!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I loved it when Lainey sat in all of our laps mom! I really hope she starts to like Jack! I am so glad that dad got a picture of Lainey when she first became a US peorson, sorry couldnt think of this setan word! Oh and the picture of her holding dads shoes is funny! “I am strong!” is what it looks like she would be saying!
love, marlita
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
It must feel amazing to be home again. And to see your kids!!!!!I’m glad you’re home. Try to rest. The next little while may be pretty tiring. (although, honestly, you both look fantastic! :-))
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
WELCOME HOME!!! I am so glad that you made it home safely and that you are all together as a family of 7! I will continue to pray for everything to fall into place with days and nights and with Jack. I’m sure it will all just take a little time.
March 4th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
To see all of you together is priceless! I am so happy for you and your entire family!