Homecoming Day

Oliver has been with us for over a week now and I have been meaning to post more pictures, but life with a 6 month old who has left his foster family, traveled half the globe, changed time zones, endured malaria treatment, a bad cold, doctors appointments, and a whole new environment, is pretty busy. 

I'll have to back up to his "homecoming" day. 

His flight landed in Cincinnati at 2:00 p.m.  on Tuesday the 23rd. I think I had more accomplished out of sheer nervous energy that morning before we left than I usually get done in a week. Finally we gave up trying to find things to do at the house and left early for the airport. 

We met another couple there whose son was coming home on the same flight. 

My sister Anne, along with 2 of her children, and my parents were there. Anne was so good to take pictures for us. I was too nervous to think much about what pictures we needed. Thankfully, she got some cute ones like this.
My sister Emily was also there via skype--thanks again to Anne and Lydia, who dutifully followed us around with the laptop so Emily could see what was happening. 

Waiting....

More waiting...

And finally, when I thought I might explode with all the waiting, I spotted Oliver and his escort--Camie coming down the hall. I think I may have jumped up, yelled, and run over to the security checkpoint. What a surreal feeling to finally get to touch our sweet boy after so many months of staring at his picture, praying for him, and longing for him to be home. No one else remembers this, but when he was close enough I leaned in and said "hi" and he gave me a big smile. Clearly I was crying. 

He was such a little trooper. I think every muscle in his body was tense. It must have been so overwhelming for him. 

Ada was another one who couldn't wait to get her hands on him. I thought we were taking a family picture. Ada thought it was her turn to carry him. This eagerness to manhandle him has continued at home where it is not unusual to see Ada try to "help" him change positions by pulling on his neck. 

Oh what overwhelming joy to finally hold him!

Our program coordinator, Sonja, who has patiently answered my onslaught of emails over the last several months, was there to help us welcome Oliver home. 

Marie-our lawyer in-country helped bring the other baby home. We were happy to see her again. I think she loves to see the children come home to their forever families. 

We could hardly believe that we were strapping him in his carseat and driving home with him. He cried at first, but it didn't take him long to start giving us some smiles. 

After so much paperwork, waiting, wondering, fundraising, praying, waiting, worrying, and waiting, we are thrilled to have Oliver home. We are blessed to count this precious boy as our own.