With some help from our agency in Oregon we were actually able to take an earlier flight on Monday evening and arrived back in Portland around 7pm. Our kiddos and friends were waiting at the airport with signs and it was really fun to see Laura, Colson & Cavan when they first met Lydia. They all hovered around and asked a zillion questions. Cavan said, "She's so cute....do we get to take her home with us?" Lydia did amazingly well on the flight (much easier to fly with a newborn than a 2 year old :>)...the stewardess washed her hands and asked to hold her for a while and basically Lydia just slept the whole way.
The airport story was a whirlwind, but it basically ended up with us changing the tickets and getting the last two available seats just a little before the plane left. The rental car company kept Jason's license on the photocopy machine, so we had to plead with the airline to accept his concealed weapon permit as ID to purchase the tickets (I cringed as we explained that they didn't need to worry--he didn't have his gun with him :>) Then he raced back by shuttle to the rental place, grabbed his license and raced back. We were concerned about being held up in security and I got through just fine, but as Jason was walking through, a big, stern looking security officer said, "Sir--I need you to come over here"....He pulled Jason to the side and we were both dreading the possibility of a full search and not making the plane, but then the man said, "Your train is off the track!" Jason said "I'm sorry?" He repeated, "Your train is off the track!" Apparently Jason was in such a hurry that his zipper was undone :>) Jas, of course, thought that was hilarious....Made it to the gate and realized that we left the base to our car seat in the rental car....but before the plan took off, I was able to call Jenn, who drove around in circles all over Beaverton, but who found a base that works with our car seat and brought it to the airport so we could take Lydia home. We were so thankful to finally land and be back! Jenn also arranged for some meals this week...which is HUGE...we're so thankful. We didn't realize how wiped out we'd be....
The "big kids" chattered all the way home with questions about Lydia and telling us about their week. They had so much fun with my mom, who came over Tuesday morning, so we could fly out. Sounds like they played constantly--park, bike ride, movies, swimming, Oaks Park, Art Camp! We were so thankful she was able to come over so quickly! Then Pavel, "Uncle Tuma", picked them up on Sunday morning and took them all to church with him (Cathy--"Aunt Tuma" had a training seminar for the adoption agency). Pavel decided to include two other kiddos of our friends, The McNeil's, so in the photos, you'll see two of their kiddos in the mix. They went hiking along some river, threw in rocks, ate dinner at Costco, went back to night church, took home sleeping bags and when we called at 9:30 were mid-Mary Poppins. On Monday, our friend Anne-Marie watched them over here at our place with her kiddos & a couple extra from the neighborhood. Apparently they were supposed to spend Monday night at "Nally's" (Sarita's) house and they deliberated on whether they wanted us to come back early or to spend the night with the Nallys. But--all three eventually decided that though "Nally gives us candy"....they were ready for us to get home! Somehow, friends got them to the airport so that they could be there for Lydia's arrival! We are so thankful for all the help this past week....it's hard for us if we are worried about them being sad and missing us, but we think they were WAY too busy to get sad.
It has been so fun to be home with Lydia and the kiddos! Jason and I really missed them. We've only been away for that long once on our 10th anniversary trip and when Selah was in the hospital....it was too long! They have basically been hovering around Lydi constantly. Colson said on the way home from the airport, "Let's set her on the floor and see what she can do!" I'm trying to keep track of whose turn it is to feed her...hold her...and in the time I've been writing this note....they've reported back 3 times what she is "doing" while she sleeps. Apparently she is "snoring.....has something green glowing on the side of her mouth....and they can see her teeth growing in her gums" ;>) Cavan just reported that she is smiling at him dancing in front of her right now....It is so so fun!
We'd forgotten about night feedings....:>) We are pretty wiped out....I think next to Selah's week at the hospital...this was about the most stressful week we've ever experienced. There is just so much on the line...while things went very well with Stefani...there is still always the reality hanging there that until Friday at 9pm our time...we are still at a legal risk. I've spoken with her several times already though and Stefani is feeling very good about everything. She loved hearing about how excited the kids were and friends at the airport. Lydia is still eating about every three hours during the night, but she then pretty quickly goes back to sleep....which is wonderful. We haven't unpacked or sorted ourselves out yet....with the time change...we're both feeling a bit "foggy".....but Jas went back to work on Tuesday. We're thankful for the week this fell on though. We had planned to go on a family vacation to Sunriver at a house that one of Jason's friends gifted to us for a week....so basically with that postponed...there is nothing on the calendar. I ventured out of the house yesterday to run by the bank....wanted to go in and say thank you to "Key Bank David" who really helped us out while we were in Georgia...when we ran into a hang up with the Georgia agency and fees etc. He went out of his way to be helpful and it made it possible for us to pick up Lydi and come home on Monday. My next venture will be Costco/the market with all four....might try to hold out for a couple more days on that one though ;>)
Jason and I are both so thankful for how everything worked out while in Georgia....for the time we had with Stefani and for the relationship that has developed with her. I think it was also good for us to have that time with just Lydia. When we first picked held her at the hospital....if I'm honest....I found myself trying to think back to what Selah looked like, sounded like, smelled like....I got choked up when I accidentally called Lydia..."Selah"....but I think God was good to make this experience so different from Selah's. We felt like we were almost there for Lydia's birth...even got to hear her first cry...we had much more time with her on our own as we waited on Interstate Compact....and we got to hold her within the first 24 hours of her life. We were so thankful to see how quickly she claimed her own place in our hearts.... When we were getting in the car at the airport...Cavan said "I hope she not going to die too". I just said, "me too Cavan..." So...in this whole experience...there is a tinge of sadness that sweeps in as memories flood back from Selah's adoption and bringing her home. But honestly, we have just been so thankful for how Lydi's adoption and homecoming truly is her own story; it's a different story and she's our fifth kiddo with her own sweet personality. We've been SO thankful that God has allowed that to really feel true. We just love her and are so excited to know her more and see who He made her to be. She is just a precious gift!
Our 10 days of legal risk are up on Friday at 9pm (Oregon time). There is nothing at all that looks concerning, but we've promised the kids they can stay up late and we're setting off fireworks and having an ice cream sunday party when we hit 9 pm. I think Jason and I both will return to breathing a little more normally when that time is over. As I said...we don't see any glimmer of concern...but there is always the reality hanging there of just what is on the line....so it feels a little like we're holding our breath until Friday.
We have felt so supported by all of you....we are thankful for you and we praise God for bringing us to this place and for the gift of Lydia.
Much Love,
(Jason), Kara & Kiddos
Lydia in the hospital...
Jason holding Lydia for the first time....
With Stefani, Lydia's birthmom...who we also care about deeply...
Lydia has great "awake times" and can be very alert...though she mostly still just eats and sleeps :>)
Stretching....
Such a tiny bundle...left the hospital at 5lb. 8oz....
Happy girl....sweet dreams....
Cavan and Lydia....the first time holding her.
Laura wants to be VERY involved in everything...so fun!
Colson and Lydia for the first time.... he told me she feels "safe in my arms"...
Lydi found her thumb!
Aunt Laura with Lydia...
Uncle Micah couldn't believe how little she was!
