Home!

Well, we made it home. The China trip and the overall experience has been the hardest thing we've ever done, but we're making it, and things seem to be getting better. We arrived home on March 31st, that super long day of travel just about did us in. Three flights, four airports, layovers, customs, immigration, security, baggage claims and rechecks,  all with a miserable toddler that refused to ride in a stroller. EXHAUSTING! Mike and I agree that we never want to travel again!

When we arrived in China on March 17th we were so tired we went to sleep at 7:00 pm, and then slept terribly due to jet lag. The next day we went to visit Bethel and see Gabe in his comfortable environment. That day was by far the highlight of our trip! Just one day did not seem like enough time. I loved getting to see all the kids in person and they were all so precious. We were so thankful to have that time to see our "real" child. Gabe was so happy all day until he missed his nap and then he cried until he fell asleep. I know that happy little guy is in there and we've started to see glimpses of his true personality more the last couple days. He's started to sleep better the last two nights which helps make everybody happier. So much change for our little guy and on top of all the change, he's blind and nonverbal. It definitely makes the situation more traumatic for him, and tricky for us to figure out his needs.

I have so many pictures from our visit at Bethel! I'll have to do a post of just pictures. For now here is a few from gotcha day and after.

Thank you all again for loving and sporting us. The real journey is just beginning!