Adoption Blog

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sweet Home Helena!

We are home!!!! Although China was an amazing country with the most kind and gentle people, we are tickled pink to be back in the good ole' USA! I ran through the airport in Bham (totally like that O.J. commercial) when I saw my sweet boy...couldn't wait to get my hands on him :) Troy and I had been up for 34 hours by the time we landed...oh goodness, China jetlag, we still aren't quite right but we're getting there.

Annalee was a trooper through the entire trip. So many airplanes, trains, and automobiles...even a couple of boat rides..so much change for such a little girl. She is adjusting well and starting to show us her little personality a little more each day. She's already gained 2 1/2 lbs since we got her, we're so thankful. Dylan and her instantly bonded and what a big bro she has! He is super protective and watches everyone around her...he yelled at Troy and I for making her cry as we tag teamed trying to wipe her stuffed up nose :) She laughs at everything he does and crawls around after him. He discovered that she cracks up when he jumps up and down so he's been my little Mexican jumping bean all over the house- just to make sister laugh.

We're still on "China time" - having a hard time reversing days and nights- if anyone has any suggestions, please send them...yowzy!!!

We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for the emails, messages, and prayers. Troy and I have been married 16 years , 14 of them have been dedicated to building our family. After adopting Dyl from Russia, we had no idea what HE had in store for us next. Then China spoke to our hearts. I had no idea how different this adoption would be from Russia. Annalee's orphanage was immaculate, bright, lots of toys and even crib bedding- strikingly different from Dylan's.  How thankful we are to have these sweet children and their amazing life stories. We laughed b/c we said how odd it would be not to have to "wait" for a child any longer. I joked with T that I'm sure Annalee would LOVE a little brother or sister :) My timing was probably a little off since we were in the middle of China w/no sleep and he was super sick :) God sure has blessed our family beyond measure, and I couldn't have dreamed it any better.

7 comments:

melanie said...

I have looked and looked at these pictures and thanked God for the beautiful boy and girl that God has blessed you with. I am overjoyed for you!! Your family is beautiful!!! I love reading about how Dylan is adjusting and how much he and Annalee already love each other!! You are an inspiration!! I can't wait to see Annalee!! Love you all!

Anonymous said...

Oh Denise & Troy what WONDERFUL pictures!!! I am sitting here with the HAPPIST tears!!! I am so happy you have made it home safe with your beautiful baby!! I LOVE you So much & can not wait to meet her!! You & Troy are such wonderful parents & have the sweetest hearts!!! Thank you for sharing the blog it was exciting to be on the trip with you!! Love Katy

Pandamonium Mom said...

I LOVE LOVE the pictures! And how sweet is Dylan being! So happy you're home and settling in. I will call you soon. As far as jet lag - get outside during the daytime. Okay, yeah, it's 100 degrees..but maybe get out in the morning. Both trips - getting outside helped "reset" our clocks.

Sonja Chandler (The Sideline Mom) said...

It never ceases to amaze me the "resemblances" between with adopted children and the parents. Can't help but say she reminds me of you Denise. :) (as Dylan reminds me of Troy) Amazing! Love the pic of her looking up at your mom. So cute! And the one of her and Dylan. So awesome! Glad ya'll are home safe. ((((hugs)))

Nat said...

You guys look so very happy & just perfect together & of course complete with BIG brother Dylan! We are so thrilled for ya'll & look forward to seeing you & meeting sweet Annalee* Your patience & perseverance throughout this long journey have been inspiring , & how immensely blessed Annalee is to call you Mama! We love ya & pray for a continued smooth transition ; )
Hugs ~ The Hagoods

Anonymous said...

Denise & Troy! "Isn't she Lovely" just began and I'm sitting here with tears of JOY!! What an experience for you all!! Denise, I hope you are keeping a journal of notes for your book, it just Has to Be!! I'm sure with all of the emotion you & Troy have had thru adopting these babies, it's unbelievable!!! Love you All!!
Rita

Anonymous said...

oh, Denise, she is as cute as a button. We're looking so forward to meeting Annalee. We were praying for your safe return. The pictures y'all have taken are awsome. You are truely blessed to have such beautiful miricles...Love you and see you soon. Love:The Tinneys...