We're Home
May 2, 2010  |  May 11, 2010  |  December 12, 2010  |  June 22, 2011

Sunday, May 2, 2010 We have been home for one week now. Things have been a little hectic trying to settle in and get everyone over the jet lag, but it seems like we are on the upswing. It feels really great to be home. We will try to recap on the last several days. We arrived in Atlanta Friday evening and were greeted at the airport by both sets of grandparents and our sweet sister in law, Melissa and her daughter, Avery. It was absolutely wonderful seeing them! Tears of pure joy flowed as we were finally in the U.S. and being hugged by our family members. Sophie ate at a Mexican restaurant for the first time and later that night took a bath with Avery. Prior to that she would not sit down in the tub and would cry the entire time. Melissa and Avery encouraged her to join in on the bath time fun and by the end she was smiling and enjoying it. Our family also showered us with special gifts to welcome us home. The next morning we went downstairs and had breakfast together in the hotel. Sophie was very happy and sharing many smiles with us. After our goodbyes to our family we headed for home. She did fine in her car seat, and slept about ¾ of the trip home. When we drove up the driveway we were surprised to see Jen, Michael and Rhett with a big “welcome home “sign on the garage door. They had stocked the fridge with groceries and brought everything to grill some delicious steaks for dinner. Aunt J.J. also made a precious Hello Kitty cake to welcome Sophie and again we were all given special gifts to include new pjs, washed and ready for the boys to sleep in on their first night back home. On Sunday the boys went swimming for the first time this season. Sophie joined in for a few minutes, but the water was a little cold for her liking. On Monday the boys went back to school with huge smiles on their faces. They were thrilled to be back in the normal routine. The next day Grandma Mom, Aunt Sandy, and Aunt Patty came up with Mom to meet Sophie. They took us out to eat at one of the boy’s favorite places, Ryan’s. They also brought special gifts for the kids. Rhonda’s mom is here to help out and will hopefully stay through Mother’s Day. She has been a huge support system in every way. We are so grateful to have her! Sophie received a clean bill of health at her first visit to the pediatrician’s office. He said in several months he will refer us to Children’s Hospital for a hematology workup to check on her anemia, but that she is essentially a healthy little girl--wonderful news! Sophie is still a Daddy’s girl. She cries for a few minutes when Mike leaves for work and is all smiles when he comes home at night. She accepts Rhonda, but that bond still needs to be strengthened. We are doing everything we know to help her feel happy with Rhonda as her mom. She is eating well and finally sleeping through the night. We are trying our best to keep her on a schedule so that she will know what to expect. She loves the playroom and interacting with the boys and the neighborhood children. She likes Leap Frog toys and has a favorite purse that she carries everywhere. She likes to wear shoes all the time. We are encouraging her to go without shoes in the house since that is a house rule here :) She understands what we say to her, she is very bright! She is a typical two year old and likes to have things her way. She is a strong willed young lady so we are remembering to be very consistent with our expectations for her behavior. We are so happy to be moving into the next chapter of our lives with three beautiful children to love and teach. We only want the absolute best for them which includes being respectful, obedient children. We hope that they always feel loved and safe in our home. Many thanks to each and every person who has prayed for us and offered encouragement. We are so thankful for all the gifts and kind gestures we have been blessed with. We have absolutely wonderful family and friends! Mike’s coworkers have also been very kind to our family. A big thanks to our neighbor, Ms. Tina who baked wonderful comfort food and who was always checking on us and offering words of encouragement! We love you all! Notes about Miss Sophie: She loves her shoes, clothes, and accessories. Her favorite purse is the hot pink one from Grandmom. She loves to play with other children. She enjoys the swimming pool. She does NOT like to go to sleep. She is strong willed. She loves to pick her brothers up from school. She enjoys eating. She comprehends exactly what we are saying in English. She is beautiful!

Mike’s parents Sweet smile at the Mexican restaurant Big smiles at breakfast Rhonda’s family in Atlanta Cake from Aunt JJ By the pool with the boys Aunt JJ, Uncle Michael, Rhett & Sophie

Patty, Sandy, Great Grandma Mom,
Rhonda, Mom & Sophie

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