We're Home

Monday, January 5, 2008 It seems like an eternity since we have returned home to Connecticut with our new daughter. The transition so far has been very smooth. Not too many issues to report. When we did arrive at Newark airport from China we spent some extra time at customs since the custom agents were new and had to have the “brown envelope” explained they neglected to stamp our declaration of items brought papers and we were not allowed to leave customs without a luggage inspection. When we finally got our turn in line (an hour later) the agent, who was of Chinese decent, asked us “did you bring anything back from China? First looking at Tonya and then pointing to Lia I replied “just her”, hoping the customs agent would have sense of humor! Well he didn’t and we were asked for our passports 3 more times with 3 more agents all the while with Lia practically sleeping on top of our suitcases. Finally we were allowed to leave customs and Tyler, Trevor, Eileen, Lou and Cathy were waiting. The big brothers were very happy so see mom and dad but more so curious to meet their little sister Lia for the first time. From the pictures Lia did recognize them, although I believe she called them the wrong names at first. Driving back to Cheshire with my dad at the wheel was calmer than driving in China (even with my Dad driving!) After about 90 minutes more in a much more comfortable seat we arrived in our neighborhood and immediately noticed that their were balloons flying from most of our neighbors mailboxes and tons of balloons and American flags and welcome home signs all over our lawn and house. We entered our house and were in aw as our adoption friends had decorated the inside of the house at well. Lia was very impressed with our house as this place finally looked like the pictures we had sent her. There was a beautiful welcome cake on the kitchen table along with candy that I indulged more than everyone (good ole’ USA junk food!!!!!! Woooo hooooo!!!!!!) The next few hours Lia combed one side of our house to another. Her brothers had walked her around and showed her around. When it became time to explore her dresser drawers Tonya had to show her everything. Who would have thought clothes could be so exciting. We finally got to bed after being up for something like 35 hours straight. Can you say CRANKY!! Over the next few days and weeks began a series of ‘firsts’ for Lia. A thorough doctors appointment, some blood work (Tonya still owes me for going solo on this one), an eye exam, new glasses, and a first slice of pop’s pizza to name a few. When I returned to work Tonya brought Lia to visit me daily as I had to make up a few shifts for other officers working for me while on our trip. Lia enjoyed the car and didn’t mind either of her car seats. She met parker and Jake (our parent’s dogs) and enjoyed playing with each of them. She has spent a few moments in “time out” which brings on tears. She has gone swimming, played in a leaf pile, jumped on our trampoline, and has had a formal introduction to snow. The trampoline was fun, but she isn’t as sure about the swimming, leaves and snow. We tried to keep Lia away from some of the craziness of our lives for at least a short time, but as it turns out she is truly a party girl. We have a large family and LIa wasn’t the least bit intimidated. On Thanksgiving and Christmas she made sure she was loud enough for everyone to know that she was there. She is enjoying all of the attention from all of her Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. She has had a great time with her older cousin Serena. Lia has had a chance to meet some of our adoption friends. Our good friends (The Turners) came home a year ago with their daughter Claire. Claire is now 6 years old and she is very willing to teach Lia everything she needs to know about living in Cheshire, CT. Our whole China experience would’ve been a lot harder if we didn’t see just how great Claire adjusted. We thank them so much for all of the good advice. She loves older girls and babies, so when our friends came over with their 1 year old who recently came home from China) and their older daughter, Lia was more interested in Sarah their older daughter. Lia has met some other new friends too. Next door lives a little girl names Riley who is also 4 years old. These two have hit it off great. Lia will even tolerate the snow if it means playing with Riley.

Tyler, Trevor and Lia Two of a kind Lia and Claire Lia with her Great Grandma on Christmas Eve I know I'm cute Lia and Trevor on Christmas morning

We spent New Years Eve with friends who also have a 4 year old named Gianna. The girls got along great, but Lia was more interested in the 2 week old baby at the party. We can’t imagine our house without this very special little girl. We are also so very proud of how Tyler and Trevor have been handling having a new little sister. It hasn’t been easy for them, but they are great big brothers. Trevor enjoys Lia coming to school to visit him and he is a huge help with anything Lia needs. Tyler had a harder time adjusting when we first came home, but now he is doing great. He enjoys having a younger sister as long as she keeps her dolls out of his room and certainly not in his bed. We want to thank all of our family and friends who helped us so much while we were away in China. Eileen did a great job keeping in touch with our parents to make sure things were going smoothly. Chris helped out with cub scouts and Melissa drove Tyler to swim meets. Tyler and Trevor had a great time with their Grandparents. The kid’s schedules can be a bit much, so we really appreciate it.

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