January 24, 25, 26

January 24, 25, and 26

Our Journey home started at 8:15 am Hanoi time. Houng got us to the airport and helped us cut the line to make our plane on time. We were all checked in but for some reason we could not get our boarding pass from Hong Kong to JFK. It was time to board the plane and they said we were delayed 20 minutes. After about 45 minutes they loaded us on to a bus and we drove out to a plane. We boarded and took off. The flight was very smooth.

We landed at Hong Kong at 2:30 pm their local and were set to depart at 5:30. We found 2 other families with adopted children from Vietnam heading to NY. We chatted about our experiences in Vietnam. Once we landed we picked up our boarding passes. Mary and I found a café and decided to have some Chinese food. The food was very good. At the gate Mary and I asked for a bassinet and they asked two passengers to move so we can sit at the bulkhead. We were the last passengers on board. We got set up and took off on time. The flight had some turbulence and they said during turbulence we could not keep Elizabeth in the bassinet. She was sleeping and it was more of a shaking motion no major drops so we ignored their rule. We landed at 7:30 pm est. a ½ hour ahead of schedule. However, there was no gate to pull into so we sat on the taxiway for the ½ hour. Passengers complimented us for how quite Elizabeth was. We kept her busy with food, toys or walking around the plane.

We caught up to the other families as we waited for boarder control. We were the last group of families in the line and I saw a boarder agent and asked if he could do anything for us (there were about 400 passengers ahead of us) since we had infants. He said give me a few minutes. He went off and then said come here – you are next. I asked about the other families and he pulled them off the line as well. The other families are like, “Who do you know.” I smiled and said we are lucky. Mary, Elizabeth and I made it up to the agent and he opened the packet – we were hoping all the papers were in order. The agent went through the packet a few times saying he is looking for a specific piece of paper – he then looked at me like why are you so nervous. I said if you knew the discussions we have had over papers and besides I am not getting on a plane to go pick it up. He said he found it and we should be all set. We passed through the control and picked up our luggage. We passed through customs without an issue.

As we made it through the gates the entire family was there – holding Vietnam and American Flags with Elizabeth’s picture. The whole event was so overwhelming and just a wonderful sight to see everyone. We carried the luggage to the car and we headed to Mom’s house with the family. Elizabeth was just great with the family – looking around smiling and playing. She really did so well and the family just loved her. To me the greatest moment was seeing Grandma holding Elizabeth and then her realizing that at 92 she is a Great Grandma.

Mary and I crawled up to bed and Elizabeth fell asleep right away. An hour later she woke up screaming and it was daddy’s turn to comfort her. After a while I realized that she was hungry since it was 12 noon her local time. I found animal crackers and her bottle and we ate and played for about 1 ½ then she tipped over in the bed and feel asleep. I was too tired to move her so she slept next to me in bed.

January 25, 2009 – we got up and had breakfast. Elizabeth looked exhausted around 10 so Mary and I worked to help her take a nap. Daddy napped with Elizabeth and then we got up and headed to mass. It was great seeing all the people and all of their support and prayers since they have known about our journey. During mass every time the folk group played Elizabeth would bob back and forth to the music.

We went back to Mom’s house and had lunch and Elizabeth spent some time with the cousins. We gave Elizabeth her lunch and packed the car. We headed home to Poughkeepsie. Elizabeth slept the entire way home.

We arrived in Poughkeepsie and as we pulled up to the house and it was all decorated with balloons and welcome home Elizabeth signs. It was like being at the airport again. It was really nice and touching. Elizabeth started to get acclimated to her house and room. She loved the cats. A little nervous at first as both the cats and Elizabeth were trying to understand each other. We crawled into bed and then Elizabeth woke up a few times in the night but overall a good night. We were just so happy to be in our own bed and home. We really missed the kitties and we could tell they missed us as well.

January 26, 2009 we woke up early. I worked on signing up for Medical, paying bills, signing up for a Dr. appointment and getting that side of the house in order. Mary and I switch and I watched Elizabeth play. Mary took off for food shopping and I played with Elizabeth. She crawled around chasing the cats. Timmy was playing with her as she played with her toys and she was able to pet him. Now when she sees the cats she has a great big grin and laughs. Elizabeth started to look tired so I picked her up and sat in the rocking chair and out she went. Buddy sat on my lap as well so the three of us rested. Mary came home from food shopping and we went to the pediatrician. Once Elizabeth is over her cold we will start the vaccinations. The Dr. said she looked really good. Next week we have another appointment.

We spent the afternoon playing and catching up on sleep. It is just great to be home and we are so grateful for everyone’s support. As I look back at the support of family and friends and the people we have met along the way it is truly amazing and we are grateful.