We're home! The journey was a long one, about twenty hours from the time we left our hotel until we entered our home in Seattle at 10am Saturday. We barely got any sleep on the plane rides, except for Lilia who got a couple of hours. So the first order of business was to pass out. Thank goodness, James' sister Grace picked us up. Not even James was in a condition to drive.
When we woke up around 5pm, Lilia was back into quiet clingy mode, but she was interested in crawling around her new home, as long as one of us was within hugging distance. She LOVED her bath though. Ryan has plenty of bath toys. We forced ourselves to bed at midnight.
Now, it's 4:30am Sunday. Ryan, Lilia and I couldn't sleep. Already, Lilia's broad smile is back. She'll get to meet grandma and grandpa Tjoa today, and maybe a few other folks, if she's up for it.
Before I forget, Lilia's now a US citizen! We were sworn in at the consulate on Friday in a massive group of 56 adoptees. But the kids didn't become citizens until reaching US soil. "Soil" became the operative word for us, as when we arrived in Seattle, ready for the Kodak moment of turning in a sealed brown envelope to immigration, Lilia had a complete diaper blowout. While we were changing her, she tested her bladder on US territory. Let's just say that turning the paperwork in was anticlimatic.
Okay, Miss USA wants to play now, so I'll post more later when my photographer gives me some new material to work with...
10 comments:
Jeanne and family: I've enjoyed following along on your journey to Lilia and home. It brought back a lot of wonderful memories of our own experience. This week we celebrate seven months since "Gotcha Day." When you are over your jetlag I have a few questions to ask you about your trip.
Again, congratulations. Lilia is just beautiful and looks like she fits in perfectly with your family.
--Shirley
Congratulations on becoming an American citizen lovely Lilia! And thanks to James and Jeannie for having both brought a wonderful child into the family--and having kept us abreast of all that transpired over the past two weeks. And thank you too, David, for being along to both help and encourage. And thank you, Ryan for just being the wonderful you that you are. Now, I better get on the phone and talk to you all.
Love
Dad / Grandpa
Welcome home everyone! Have loved reading about your adventures and seeing the pictures especially of lovely Miss Lilia (and you too Ryan)! Can't wait to see you all in person!
Hugs - Julie, Mike, Eva and James
Jeanne,James,Ryan&Lilia,
I've enjoyed learning all about the newest member of our family through this blog. She looks like she fits right in and there couldn't be a better big brother for her than Ryan! I hope that you keep this site up as I really enjoy catching up on what is going on in your family.
Congratulations on the latest US citizen. I can't wait to get an opportunity to meet her and see you all again.
Love,
Rebecca, Chris, Ben and Evie
Rules must have changed since I was adopted. I remember we had to wait till I was much older when I was sworn in in Michigan. I think it was ten years old back then. Right Mother? Now all you gotta do is come to Florida and let Lilia play wif her uncle.
Dear Tjoa Family-
Welcome home! Great talking with you the other evening Jeanne. Hope you all settle in quickly and get some much needed sleep:-)
Hope you can contine the blog when you get a moment. It's so wonderful keeping up with your family. Love you all,
Mom
I was reminded at mom's this past weekend that you guys were blogging. I just now caught up on all the posts. I am so happy for you guys. Lilia is so adorable. I just love all the pictures and posts. Thanks so much for taking the time to do all this. We can't wait to meet Lilia in person.
Love, brother/uncle Joe
Jeanne,James,Ryan & Lilia,
Congratulations! Jeanne, you are a very gifted writer. Terrific storytelling.
Ryan, great job, big brother! It's exciting and fun and Griffin and the rest of the Murch clan send their very best.
James, Jeanne -- you are so blessed to have such a beautiful, happy, spirited girl in your family. Welcome home. Hope to catch up when you all get some rest. Glad to see you back in the states. Does Harmonious Family Bonding Time ever end? :-)
Love
Steve, Heather and the Murch family
Post a Comment