We are so happy to be home. Katrina - imagine sleeping through a homecoming that made you feel like a rock star. It was so cute to come down the tarmac and see all of Dustin's family (Grandmother Cheryl, Grandfather Tracy, Aunt Diana, Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Peter) standing there with balloons - smiles and arms that could hardly wait to hold the first grandchild and niece. How lucky is she to have all of them? Each time I would look at them they were beaming - beaming. Grampa Bob, Uncle Kent, Uncle Brad, Auntie Kate and little cousin Elle tried to hold back - guess that's what happens when you've held those babies and know that there will be time enough to get to know their new family member. What a special support group you were to your sister and aunt. Then there were all the people that added to our homecoming by just smiling and offering congratulations to the new family and sharing their adoption stories.
Then it was off home - as the Ides loaded up, mama and Katrina in her first ride in a carseat (not required in the Philippines), daddy sitting next to a passenger's seat full of balloons and a hold filled with their suitcases and stroller, I sent off a special prayer of thanks for our fantastic trip and the safe journey we were afforded.
Now it is time for breathing room and the days to come of firsts - I can just see her exploring her new environment and meeting her family of dogs. Today we are suppose to have snow. I am hoping mommy and daddy will take her out and take a photo of her in the snow so we can send it back to the Hospicio and Ramone.
I talked nonstop to Bob about all I did and saw - he was probably happy when I finally passed out - truly, my eyes were not under my control as I passed out earlier this evening.
Thank you to all of you that accompanied us on this journey. Alicia's cousin, Jeanine, is encouraging her to keep up the blog. I am thinking Alicia should start a book series - and the first book, KATRINA MEETS THE HOUNDS. We surely had fun journaling knowing that you would love to see our insights and comment. The pictures will be endless and I will make sure you that will get the link to the complete album. Right now, I am so happy to be home, to be in my own bed and to get unpacked.
This blog has certainly become one of my daily rituals - coffee first (because I have two kids of my own), get husband off to work, feed kids, feed dog, then blog. I love it because I longed for the day that my cousin would have her child as she wanted it so badly and now it is as if I am there with her everyday. Since I am Illinois and she is in Wisconsin it is a great way for me to know how things are changing for this little wonder - its like EdTV only better. We can't wait to see her but these days ahead will be tiring, getting the routine down,doctors appointments and the all important meeting of the family. This little girl will be in the spotlite to cram in 18 months worth of love - isn't she lucky. We can not wait to meet her but will be happy to hear of all her new adventures - to hear about how she loves her new bedroom, her house, her yard and her car. Wow! Have fun. Cousin Jeanine & Co.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing moment seeing Dustin coming around the corner in the terminal and then Alicia holding the most precious wonder of all. It's amazing Katrina could sleep through all the ruckus and pictures and smiles! All I know is that one day when she sees all the pictures of that moment she will feel all the love and happiness we all did at that moment. I can't wait to see her up and about and full of energy. I love the book idea. Katrina and the Hounds! Lol. Welcome home Katrina...finally you are here.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you are all home safe and sound. I wish I had been there to see all the love but I am sure we will get some pictures??? Try to get some rest, Mommy and Daddy, so you will be alert to all that is to come.
ReplyDeleteBless all of you. Sue
I must say how much I have appreciated this blog to keep us all connected to the events as they unfolded. And it was truely special to be standing there watching them come down the tarmac and seeing our precious granddaughter for the very first time! A special thanks to Lola Marieta for all your comments and insights on this blog. And to the "new family", may God bless you one and all!
ReplyDeleteLove .....Lola Cheryl
It was Awesome!! It makes a person feel like This is why I am suppose to be alive,. I got the opputonity to experince this moment in thier families life!! What a step in the incredible journey that is still ahead of you Katrinia!! Thank you to all who have joined us through this trip. I have actualy kissed this little girl and have chaged a diaper. My prayer is that all of you that who have read this story could experince the joy that I feel .. Hope they include my thoughts in thier story.
ReplyDeleteLove Grandpa Ide.