Monday, April
14, 2008
MAGGIE IS HOME!
Our last day in China began at 4:30 am when we had to get up to
make an early flight from Guangzhou to Beijing. Then it was time
for the 12 hour flight to Chicago, which most of the families
were a little nervous about. All in all, the kids did great.
Maggie slept for 8 of the 12 hours, and then slept on the flight
from Chicago to Richmond. I knew that it meant that she might
not sleep that night at home, but it did make the flights
easier.
I can’t even express my feelings on that last flight. I thought
back over this past year, and how God had worked everything out.
His plan was not my plan, but it was the perfect plan. I looked
at the little girl sleeping next to me and still had a hard time
believing that she was ours.
As we neared the waiting area at the airport I became very
emotional and broke down when I saw my family. I missed them so
much and was so happy to finally have us all together. My Mom,
my neighbors and a special friend were also there to greet us.
It was very late, so we appreciated them being there.
Maggie was very shy and stoic, which we expected, but she did
have a kiss for her Baba. This was so special to see and brought
tears to all of our eyes. Her brothers were in awe of her and
kept kissing her and trying to make her smile. Once home she did
open up a bit and we were able to get some smiles from her.
The past few days have been wonderful, but also tiring. While
Maggie and I try to get on a schedule and deal with jetlag, the
boys are wanting my attention and like everyone says, life goes
on…laundry, cooking, etc. Although, friends had been wonderful
so meals were in the freezer and my husband kept things very
straight, so things are somewhat easier.
Maggie is enjoying getting to know us, but gets overwhelmed at
times. Just today, she had a major meltdown, the first one I
have seen. I think it stems from all of the change she has been
through in the past 2 weeks. Or for that matter, the last 2
years. I just held her and told her that I loved her and would
never leave her. That was all I could do.
Right now she is doing puzzles and laughing with her Daddy. It
makes my heart leap with joy. She is right where she belongs and
I am so grateful that our journey is complete.
I will continue to update this site monthly for a year. For
those of you who want more, I do have a
blog that you are more than
welcome to visit. My friend has made a movie of our
homecoming at the airport that you can see there.
Thank you again to everyone who commented to our guestbook. I
hope that in some way our story has inspired you. We would love
to share more about adoption with you, so please feel free to e
mail us. (address on guestbook page)
Jeff, Denise, Garrett, Mitch, Gabe, Nate and Maggie |
Maggie's brothers anxiously awaiting her arrival.
Seeing my family for the first time in 2 weeks!
Together at last.
With my brother Mitchell.
Giving BaBa a kiss. |
