We're HOME!

We are home! Nothing has ever felt so good!

Today redefines the term "long day." It started over 36 hours ago!

As we arrived at the hotel in Hong Kong wed. night, Buck being the proactive, problem solver that he is knew we would be stopping every 15 minutes on a 3 hour car ride for Annie to use the bathroom. So he secured a child's potable potty for use in the van. Annie did use it about 4-5 times on the way.

As Tim took the potty out of the van to dispose of it, he tripped walking towards the hotel entrance. The potty and contents went flying in all directions. Molly, Annie and I watched this event unfold from inside the lobby never letting on we had any idea who that crazy man spraying yellow liquid over himself and others could possibly be.

After a wonderful dinner with Tino and Lauraine we headed to bed at 12:00 needing to be up at 6:30 to catch that big wonderful plane to the USA.

 Our flight took off on time (9:30 AM HK)  for a 15 hour flight. Annie took her nap at 12:00... for an hour. Finally as we were approaching the 12th hour in air of her crawling, jumping,spilling, singing and climbing we knew she needed a nap. She cried for about 15 - 20 minutes during which time a fellow passenger apparently complained.

 I was rocking Annie when I saw the airline hostess speaking to Tim. Normally Tim is often confused with Gandhi when it comes to being nice, peaceful and non confrontational. So I had to do a double take when I heard him saying: "if that guy has a problem with a 3 year old who doesn't understand the language, was in an orphanage 10 days ago and has cried for all of 15 minutes of a 14 hour flight tell him he can come talk to me." Annie slept a total of 1.75 hours of the entire flight, used the bathroom at least 9 times, ate her meals and ours, and discovered ice cream for the first time. Her face was captured on film as she would experience a brain freeze with each bit close her eyes tightly and shiver with each bit. It was very funny.

We landed 75 minutes early. (11:15 AM) Our emotional were running on high as we were in line for immigration. We handed the officer the sealed packet of adoption papers, medical forms, reports and visa. It is as if Annie knew this was an important moment in her life. She smiled and watched intently to every detail the official made. My mind was racing. I was looking at the yellow line on the floor. One side of a simple line means this child will have every opportunity life has to offer. She can do anything. She can become anything she can dream. It means freedom, choices and a whole new world. The other side represents limits, bias and repression. This was a defining moment in her life and she seemed to know it. She was smiling at the officer and even said: "Hi."

 He replied without looking up a faint: "hi".

And then just like that, clink, clunk. A stamp was placed and few numbers written on the paper and her passport was handed back to the teary eyed parents as the officer, still not looking up said:"Ok."

OK? 

OK what?

 That's it?

 You become a US citizen with the clank of a stamp? 

Now granted my expectations may have been slightly on the side of over the top, such as, the Marine Corp. band marching in formation while playing the Star Spangle Banner and presenting a flag to Annie, but nothing? 

No, Welcome to the USA?

 No, congratulations? 

No, Good luck?

 No, announcement at least saying: You are now an official citizen of the USA?

No wonder they prohibit photos... there is nothing to commemorate!

Very disappointing, anticlimactic and certainly not worthy of the anticipated emotional tears. It's a shame the officials missed the opportunity to be part of something really important. How often do people have a job where they witness life changing moments. 

It seems we should be able to do better than that in this country! 

We arrived in Vestal to cheers, well wishers and clapping hands fitting a rock star. Like a rock star, Annie was waving to everyone and no one in particular as she walked from the plane. Thank you to those who made huge efforts to greet us. We were thrilled so see each of you.

 At home we found angels and elfs had been working very hard while we were gone. Our home is completely decorated for Christmas as if a fairy waved her magic wand and made it so. The fairy's name is Claudia.

Other angels and elfs worked to make Annie and Molly's rooms ready for their arrival.

 As we pulled into the driveway Annie was jumping to get out of the car and into the house. She was excited and seem immediately comfortable as if saying:" Yes, I am finally home. This is where I belong!" 

She walked from room to room talking, singing and playing.

 Tonight after having dinner delivered from Cortese restaurant, a warm bath and new pj's she is tucked into her white picket fence bed on pink sheets, flanked by her ever present panda bear and new snuggly teddy. She has fallen asleep in record time without a whimper and without me next to her.

This journey to bring Annie home has been a gift to each of us. Thank you all for coming along! We needed you.

Stay tuned for the adjustment updates!

Many of you have kindly and unnecessarily asked what does Annie need or want? 

In China, Annie was in a program run by an American founded organization called; www.halfthesky.org  It hires, trains and pays nannies to be consistent care givers for children in state run orphanages. I believe this program has made a world of difference in her life. Now a US citizen,  home and part of a family that loves her, Annie has all that she needs.  As I look at her so safe, warm and happy I cannot help but think of those children who did not come home to the love of a family. Instead of showering Annie with gifts, if so inclined, consider donating to help meet the needs of those children yet to be adopted either though:

www.halfthesky.org 

or

 www.davethomasfoundation.org  
 

We will enjoy the weekend catching up on sleep and adjusting!

Kim