Sunday, April 5, 2009

Our First Day Home

Let me just start by saying: I love my bed! I guess it's the little things like nightly comfort that you take for granted until it is taken away. For the past two weeks we have been sleeping on the hardest, pokiest mattresses ever made. And for the 6 days in Nanning, we had 2 twin beds for the three of us (Emmett had a crib that we would move him to after he fell asleep). So, every night we would rotate so that someone got a bed to her/himself. That was the worst. The night in Hong Kong was the exception. There we had a huge bed - I swear it was larger than a king, or maybe I was just desperate after the twin beds - and a crib. It was very comfortable and we all slept well. But, still, doesn't compare to home.

And speaking of home, Emmett has done really well. We did not get home until after 10pm and we were all exhausted, but he still walked in the house and began to explore cheerfully. I think he was amazed at the size of our house compared to what he has been used to.

He did not, however, relish the idea of sleeping alone in his new room. The poor guy cried in his new bed even though Eric slept with him (at least until he fell asleep). I can only imagine how confusing it all is for him. And he woke up several times during the night crying and disoriented. I had a very disrupted night, but I actually expected it. Kind of like coming home from the hospital with a new baby. The funny thing is, Eric slept through it all! Once he fell asleep, nothing woke him. He was surprised the next morning when I was describing the night to him! Go figure.

Emmett's first day home was great. He and Lilly ran around laughing and playing all day. He ate well, and even took a 4 hour nap (after his initial crying - this time Lilly volunteered to lay down with him). I think he is getting used to his new surroundings and life. Our only problem is finding clothes that fit. Today I put on him some 18 month sized jeans and they fell off! Luckily, my friend, Heather, loaned me a box of clothes and there was a pair of 12 month jeans in there that fit perfectly. It was kind of ridiculous! I mean, come on, the boy is almost 3 years old!

Lastly, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has supported us and encouraged us over the last 4 years - especially Kathy, Jana, and Nicole. You guys were there when I started talking about adoption and I could never ask for a better support group. My only regret is that both Jana and Kathy moved away this summer and were not here for our homecoming. But, I know you both were here in spirit and love. So, thanks! And a HUGE thanks to Nicole and her family for happily and lovingly keeping Lilly while we were gone. I can not even express my gratitude for friends like you guys. It was so nice not having to worry one moment about Lilly while we were gone. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has given us friends that become our family. And thanks to everyone for the balloons and banners when we got home. It was fun to know people were routing for us!