One Week Home

We have been home a little over a week! I have never been more thrilled to get off an airplane. I would like to go on record by saying that on this trip I completed eight flights with no medication (or any other forms of sedation!). Pretty proud of myself, but will not be looking to do that again anytime soon...or ever, really. Leah was a traveling champ. She wasn't exactly happy to be on the plane, but after learning that we can't yell on the planes for fun, she settled in and did very well.

So far, Leah has adjusted better than we even dared hope. She is happy to sleep in her own bed (she and Ruthie share a room), and everyone seems to be getting along well. She was terrified of the dogs at first. They didn't like her much either, but now everyone seems to at least tolerate each other!

Even though things overall have been very smooth, if I'm honest I have to admit to being exhausted. The kids still have to get to school, participate in all their Christmas activities, I'm trying to catch up/keep up at work, and oh yeah, there are six folks in this house who have to eat and be cleaned up after every day! I'm looking forward to the couple weeks at Christmas when school is out and Greg doesn't have to go to work. In January, the plan is for Leah to go to preschool in the mornings at the same place where Ruthie goes. I do think it will be good for her to have the routine of a school setting. I'm praying that transition goes well and that she loves going!

Leah's first medical appointment at the local International Adoption Clinic will be next week Monday. We are certain they will refer us to a specialist for her eyes. We do not know of any other health issues, but of course anything could be discovered at that appointment. She also needs to go to the dentist, but honestly I just haven't had time to call and schedule the appointment yet.

Now the part I know you're all really here for...the pictures!

She loves dolls!

Checking out the Christmas tree

Family Advent readings

Thomas is such a ham. Also, this is one food we have discovered Leah does not like -- cheese!

Sweet sisters

Thomas always wants to get in on the pictures!