We are Blessed

Overcame jetlag pretty fast this time. Everything is going so much better than I dared to dream. I feel so overjoyed to be home and to have everyone together. Abby is adjusting incredibly well - she is thrilled to be with her family, and is bubbly and laughing all day long. God answered every single one of our prayers about this adoption, and I stand in awe at His greatness and mercy. Another thing, which I don't think you really understand until you've been in this place.... so many people told me before and I didn't quite get it. You start this out because you feel a calling, because you want to help someone in need. Yet when you're on the other end, you realize you're blessed every bit as much. We feel so honored to have been selected to be Abby's family, and so very blessed to have her in our home! And amazingly, the sound of my five children running through my house, chasing each other and shouting in laughter..... it REALLY is a good sound!! I have a feeling "quiet" time as I know it is over for a while for me....... but I'll take it!!

I'll continue the blog in the months to come, although I will probably be posting less frequently. I have really enjoyed keeping in touch with everyone like this, and even getting in touch with family members we rarely have contact with. Thanks for sharing in our journey, and please continue to check in on us.

Don't miss the posts below with lots of pictures from our first couple of days home.

Meeting My Sister

Around the House

She loves board games just like her siblings. They're teaching her Candy Land.

Home just in time for Daddy's birthday.

Coming Home Pictures

Greeting Daddy at the airport. And no, the wheelchair in the background doesn't belong to any of us (clarifying for my mother's benefit, who I'm sure would hyperventilate when she saw that).

Finally getting to meet the big siblings:

At home:

Daddy with his two girls:

First breakfast at home. She's the only one at the table because I let her sleep 'til 11. Jake sat with her to keep her company.

The Flight Home

Abby loved her first airplane ride. Thankfully she didn't get motion sick, and was not scared at all.

The five hour layover at Shanghai. The kids were thrilled to find a Burger King.


The Smiths little guy Colin on our flight to Newark. He was such a good boy the entire flight!! What a blessing!

Last Night in Guangzhou

Our last night in Guangzhou we had one last dinner with our friends Chris, Faith, and Avery. We felt so priviliged to have traveled at the same time and to have had the opportunity to meet this beautiful family in person. You can read all about this inspiring family HERE. And isn't that little Avery a cutie??

HOME

We're home!!!!! Everything went great on the way back - absolutely no problems, great flights, etc... We just beat the snow that caused a bunch of flight cancellations, reminding me that God was there with us once again. Made it to DH's promotion, everything went off without a hitch. Abby got to help pin on her daddy's new rank. Lots of tears all around - great day.

Abby's doing wonderfully - she's already bonded with everyone, especially her new sister.

I'll post more soon, including some pictures!!