WE ARE HOME!! THANK YOU, LORD!!

Yes, family and friends, WE ARE HOME!!! Praise the Lord for a safe travel and finally being able to be reunited with our families! I do apologize for the delay in posting. Being a new Mom keeps one very busy.
     Before I go any further we must first wish our son, Douglas, a very special 21st "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" being sent all the way to LakenHeath Air Force Base in England. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! Cannot wait for Christmas time! Alivia can't wait to meet her big brother! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers continually!
     The flight home was a very long one! Alivia did fantastic! Of the 14.5 hour flight, she slept off and on for about 10 hours and played the other 4.5. She really made the plane ride enjoyable. When we landed in Chicago, I whispered to Alivia, "Welcome to America"! We had a 4-hour layover in Chicago so after going through customs and rechecking our bags, we still had time to enjoy a wonderful American meal at the Chili's with one of the families we were together with in China. Shortly after 7:00 p.m. we were on the final stint of our journey home. At 9:10 p.m. we landed in Lexington and did it feel great to know that within minutes we would be seeing our families.
     The view from the escalator was overwhelming! To finally see our husbands, children, and other family and friends after two weeks was such a blessing! We were lovingly welcomed in grand style. My good friend and Alivia's Aunt Tammy (she actually has two Auntie Tammys; the other being my sister in Arizona) had t-shirts made that everyone was wearing that said 'WELCOME HOME ALIVIA GRACE" with the date SEPTEMER 28, 2006 (see picture). How thoughtful! Thanks, again, Tammy! The outpouring of love was overwhelming and we just cannot put into words what it means to us. Alivia just stared at everyone for quite awhile. She wouldn't go to anyone just yet. After many hugs and tears, and getting all our luggage, we were on our way home. The drive home was good. She didn't cry when we put her in the car seat for the first time. Once we were home, it didn't take but 30 minutes and Daddy was able to hold her. I am so happy that in such a short period of time she went to him. Mary was next, and then Tammy. She seems to be doing quite well with everyone, even our cat, Faith. We have prayed continually for a positive adjustment to the family. Believe it or not, bedtime for Alivia was by midnight (even after all the sleeping on the plane). Here's hoping she gets her days and nights switched around real soon.
     Friday afternoon we took our first trip to WalMart for needed supplies and new toys for Alivia. She did great - an avid shopper. She'll take one of everything! Most of the day was spent hanging around the house letting Alivia get use to her new surroundings. We had our first dinner out as a family with our Uncle Jesse and Aunt Glynda at the Kentucky Depot (local restaurant in town). Thanks for dinner, you guys!
On Saturday, Alivia woke at 6:30 a.m. She had a pretty good night's rest. I on the other hand did not. You would think after being awake for over 30 some hours that I should not have had a problem sleeping. I must have just been overwhelmed with the fact I was FINALLY home with my entire family. I am not feeling very well, either. She and I did take a long nap (10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) Boy, did I feel better. We awoke to Daddy's offer to go to dinner and for a ride to get Alivia use to her car seat.
     We ventured out to church on Sunday morning. It was somewhat of a turmoil getting myself and a baby ready for the first time. But, I did it and we were even on time for the church service. Everyone was so excited to see our baby Alivia, especially the little children that I teach. They have all been following the website so they couldn't wait to see her and touch her. We just made sure Doug and I were the only ones who held her. Alivia did very well, but I am sure it all was a little overwhelming for her.