Mia did unbelievably well on both flights. The first 3 hour flight, she slept through most of. She stayed awake for our layover in Korea, and once on our long 13 hour flight back to the States, we put her down to sleep around what would have been 9 pm her time. She slept at least 6-8 hours of that flight, and didn't even really get fussy until the very end..but, hey, who could help it?? Even Brian and I were fussy by then!!
We finally cleared US Immigration an hour after landing and headed home. We had a 3 hour car ride back to our house....and Mia slept through almost the entire drive. Since it was almost midnight when we arrived, both Boys were fast asleep. We woke Nick, but only for a moment. Alex wasn't even hearing of waking up...he was passed out. Some of our family was there anxiously awaiting our return, and had decorated our house in Mia's honor of coming home. It was SOOOOO good to be back! Running water, a hot shower, comfort food and my family....there truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!
Mia went straight to the family that was there waiting, without hesitation. She loved them just as much as they loved her. t was a perfect homecoming! The next morning, the Boys woke bright and early to meet their Sister. they were all over her!! Constantly wanting to hold her, touch her, try to make her laugh. She took some time to take them all in (they are a little overwhelming at times!!lol), but she instantly took to them, and is just ecstatic to have these amazing 2 Big Brothers!
We are settling into our "new normal". I'm not going to lie....I'm going to have to figure this whole "3 kid" thing out. It seems a little overwhelming at times, but I know that with time, we will figure out a routine. Mia demands most of the attention right now and we are working hard to form a good attachment with her. She looks so happy in the pictures we post, but trust me when I say, that bond took time and trust...and we will continue to reassure her of our love and trust everyday. She has changed and come so far so much in just 2 weeks. She went from being a panic stricken little one who couldn't even sit up on her own, to a friendly, smiling little blessing who can sit, crawl and is even TRYING to pull up by herself. We are working on her sleep routine (she seemed not to have one at all in China). We are trying to put her down at a certain bedtime and wake her at a scheduled wake up time in the morning. We are only on Day 1 of this...so we will get back to you, on how it's working out......
Today she went for her complete check-up with our Pediatrician. They began to get her caught up on her vaccines (that is going to take multiple visits), she had her blood work done (which all checked out better than expected), and had a full physical. She is very tiny for her age (plotted at -5% for weight and head circumference and 50% for height).They stressed to bump up her intake of formula and try to begin getting her to take some baby food. She had gained 5ounces since a week ago...woo hoo!!!! Now weighing in at a whopping 16.12 lbs!!!
She will need to make strides to catch up, but she is thriving and happy...and 2 weeks after having her, that is ALL we can ask for.
Here are a few photos from our first 2 days home........
We were welcomed home by so many phone calls and messages, which made us feel so loved. We cannot thank you all, again, for praying us through this trip. We are so blessed to have you as a support team. We promise to call, visit and get out......at some point...but for now, we are just focusing on figuring this whole new life out. We are so excited to watch this little girl blossom into the happy, healthy girl, she was destined to become...we only wish we could have met her 15 months ago.......
More to come!!!!!
With love from HOME,
Angie
