Wednesday, May 14, 2008

We Are HOME!!!!!!

Oh, what a day. What an amazing day. We are home...at last. Ahhhhhhh...wow. My sweet angel is asleep in his crib, in his room, at HOME. Our day started around 3am in Guatemala City and we arrived home around 9pm. Eli was such a trooper all day! He did sooooo well.

The minute our plane lifted from Guatemala City, this huge weight lifted and the tears flowed. All day, Jason and I just looked at each other in giddy disbelief that this was really happening!! We cried when we landed in Houston, we cried when we landed in Detroit, we cried when we got home, we cried watching our sweet pea explore his room, we cried watching our sweet pea drift to sleep in his bed...at home.
Our son is home and our hearts feel whole again.
Here is a glimpse of our journey home today.


Waking up for the big day!!

Daddy and Eli exploring the Guatemala City airport.
Mommy & Eli preparing for take off from Guatemala City (and momma trying to keep Little Pea awake until the plane took off!).
Officially a U.S. Citizen in Houston!!
Exploring his bedroom for the first time!
It didn't take him long to find the toybox!
Daddy and Eli playing
First night-night pacha (bottle) at home.

25 comments:

Jenn said...

Welcome home!!! It touches my heart to see you guys home together! I still can't quite picture it! How did Eli do on the flight?

Amy said...

So happy for all three of you!

Sally said...

WOW! Welcome back! Those are wonderful photos, and I'm so glad to hear the travel went smoothly. Looks like Eli's taken to his new room really well. Can't wait to meet him!! Congratulations to you three! We are THRILLED for you.

Nicole said...

I wish I could find the words to express how happy I am for your family....

Welcome home! You've finally arrived. What a journey it's been.... and what a journey it WILL be!

Christina said...

Welcome home guys!!!!

Anonymous said...

So, so awesome. We can't wait to meet Eli, and are just so thrilled for the three of you. Welcome home, Eli!

Beth said...

WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME! WELCOME HOME!

How many times did you ask if this would ever end... and now it begins! JOY!

I can not WAIT to talk to you and hear Eli in the background.

Enjoy this magical time together.

Anonymous said...

We are do incredibly happy for you. The picture with Stephanie & Jason with the bottle is precious.

Congratulations!

Derek and Jennifer said...

I have tears of joy reading this!!! I am so happy for you all. Praise God that the hard joourney is over and now the fun adventure can start!!!

I LOVE the bedtime bottle picture - just precious!

Anonymous said...

Wow, welcome home Eli! We're so happy that this long-awaited day has finally arrived.

Gail said...

Welcome Home!!! Welcome to the USA Eli!!!
Gail

Jess said...

WELCOME HOME little Pea!!!

My heart brims over with joy for you guys!!!!

Jadon says, "Welcome to the U.S. Buddy!!"

redhawks said...

I'm so happy for you guys! Eli looks so comfortable at home w/his Mom & Dad. Can you believe its over Steph??? A year ago we thought this day would never come, right?!

Jen :]

The gFamily said...

I have happy goosebumps all over just thinking about you guys at home all together!!! What a blessing to have your son sleeping in his own crib at home, playing in his room, and exploring the rest of the house!!! A new journey begins for you and it will be so joyous!! Welcome home Eli!!

Pam L said...

What a wonderful, wonderful blessing! I'm so happy for the three of you! So glad you are finally HOME!
Love the pictures!

Susie said...

Wow--what an adventure you've had Little Pea! Welcome home to all of you!

Kim said...

Stephanie, this whole post just made me smile. Thank you for that. Welcome Home Eli!

Anonymous said...

Welcome HOME, Eli!!!! Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures as a family of 3!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Eli's the cutest new citizen I have ever seen! Love the pictures. I am SOOOO happy for you guys! You're starting on the best part of the journey now.

Bobbi said...

Welcome HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My thoughts have been with you!!! What a great feeling this must be. Soak it all in!!!

This is the best blog I have read in a long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is over. Your adoption is complete. Now you can really be a family.

Kimberly said...

I am SO SO SO happy for you guys! It was great seeing you in Antigua. Can't wait for our first play date in good ole' Estados Unidos!!! I am really just so happy for you!!!

Donna said...

Ohmygosh! I'm crying too! You captured everything! What a sweet, sweet and axciting day! Gary and I kept doing the same thing on our departure day "This just feels so surreal. Is it really happening?"
OH - I'm so happy ELI's HOME. WELCOME HOME ELI!! You sure had a lot of people praying for this day!
That last picture is so special, complete tear-jerker.
sigh.
OH STEPHANIE - I am SO glad Phase II of Mommyhood has begun for you!
And I can't wait to watch your journey continue!
Welcome HOME!

One Busy Momma said...

Congratulations!!!!

So glad to see a new Michigander!!!!

Enjoy getting to know each other!

Denise

Danny and Brittney said...

Oh Steph, I am so happy to see little Eli home. I can only imagine that feeling of completion that has been so long awaited. Enjoy every moment......

Heidi said...

I remember the day we brought Emmi home so well. Just a flood of emotions! So happy you are home safe, sound, and FOR GOOD! I'm so happy for you.