Headed Home!!

Originally posted September 29, 2005

Our last few hours in China...we got up early this morning to head out. Our luggage had to be ready at 5:00 am and we left the hotel at 5:45 am. We headed to the Guangzhou airport and took a short 30 minute flight to Hong Kong. After an hour layover, we then boarded the big 747 and headed home. Emma Grace's 3rd flight in 1 week. We had a long flight to Chicago. She did pretty well, even though she didn't sleep much. We had purchased a seat for her and it was so worth the money. It gave her a place to sit and play and when she did sleep, we could lay her there and we could rest. I couldn't imagine a 13 hour flight having to hold her.

We arrived in Chicago at 1:30 pm and had a few hours to kill waiting for our flight home. It was so wonderful to be back on American soil. The minute Emma Grace got her passport stamped in Chicago, she became a United States citizen. Although she wasn't aware of what was taking place, we were and we were so happy.

Our flight from Chicago was so quick (an hour long) and she took a bottle and slept the whole way to Nashville.

We woke her up when we landed and changed her into a red, white and blue outfit. The walk from the gate to the waiting area seemed endless. It was so wonderful when we turned the corner and we had 52 friends and loved ones waiting to greet us....more like greet Emma Grace...we are secondary now. HaHa!!

We're Home

Emma Grace and Nana

Emma Grace and Nannie

She did amazingly well. She let everyone hold her and she never cried. Of course, she wouldn't stay with one person long and she always kept a close watch on Mommy and Daddy. She really loved the kids. Several of our Sunday School kids and Children's choir were there. They were all so sweet. We missed them so much. They have been so anxious for Emma Grace to come home.

Part of the Welcoming Party

Emma Grace and one of her new friends, Maya

The ride home was not so calm. Having never ridden in a car seat, she screamed all the way home. But quickly settled down once we got home. We had such a nice surprise when we got home. Jason's mom and dad had placed a Welcome Home sign in the front yard. And when we entered the kitchen, we had a welcome sign and a table full of necessities. Thanks Misti and Extreme Youth!!

Our house had been deep cleaned and the carpets were cleaned....and we had fresh Subway sandwiches in the fridge....yum!!!

Thanks Amanda and All Pro Cleaning!!

We just want to thank EVERYONE once again for everything!! Our journey to Emma Grace was wonderful, our experience in China was priceless and we are so blessed to have such a beautiful, precious girl. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is an amazing experience that we wouldn't trade for anything. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we could never repay Him for all His wonderful blessings.

Love,

Jason, Denise and Emma Grace