Home Sweet Home

"There's no place like Home"- Dorothy.:)

Truer words were never spoken!     We received a wonderful surprise on Friday.... the return of Jim and Karolina!    Last week we got word that there was a SLIM chance they could return from Warsaw a few days early, but it was not likely.   We didn't hold our breath, but we DID do a lot of praying,  and finally heard on Thursday that they would be back 3 days early!

You could barely contain the boys and me, and it was made even sweeter by our neighbors and friends who shared in the excitement. Our neighbor girl Meghan, made signs on our street to welcome them home: 

The boys and I also made a sign for the airport:

They flew into Cleveland and arrived at about 11:30pm (after a few delays). Jim and Karolina traveled for 24 hours and they were both exhausted. The moment we laid eyes on them, it was like heaven. We hugged, cried, and inspected how the other had grown/changed.    I had 2 video devices all ready to go, and NEITHER worked for the big moment! My phone kept closing down when I hit the "record" button, and a Flip recorder we borrowed had a dead battery. I am bummed we don't have a record of that moment on film, but it's certainly imprinted on our hearts, and with a few photos:

Jim said Karolina did GREAT on the long trip, and I was proud of both of them, Jim is my dad-hero. :)   Needless to say, the weekend was one for the record books.  The beautiful weather, lazy schedule, and watching the boys fawn over their sister was more than my heart could contain.   Any apprehensions I had about the boys bonding with her, were quickly dispelled.

  They adore her, and have requested to do everything from changing her diaper, to brushing her teeth (all 2 of them), to feeding her and pushing her in the swing:

I had to laugh out loud on Saturday morning when I heard voices coming from her bedroom.   She was napping, and when I went to investigate, I witnessed this scene:

Incredibly, she was STILL sleeping!  Although I am sure she may have been dreaming that people were watching her.  Ha ha. 

We wrapped up the weekend with Sunday mass, then a day in the country with friends.   Karolina her new friend ( and our Goddaughter) Cecilia!   Despite Cecilia thinking her new gal-pal was a snack at times, they got along famously. 

We also went swimming which may have been my favorite, as Karolina fell asleep in my arms.    Throughout this entire journey, I marvel at God's hand, His timing, His "perfect match" and all the angels who have aided along the way. A year ago, we were still struggling with worry that we wouldn't be able to afford the expense,  and fear of the unknown.   If I've learned anything, it's that when God calls, it's not only important to listen, but to TRUST and jump in with complete blind faith.  Look what He can do!!!!!!!   
  I will never be able to thank Lina, our adoption agent enough.   She, along with everyone at St. Mary International Adoption agency, Magda, and all the other families I met through the Polish adoption blogs, were such a Godsend in terms of preparing us, and leading the way with their own stories and advice.  
Today is officially "paperwork day" as we get the mountains of legal documents scanned and sent to the right people.   Thanks for your prayers..they are powerful and God is good!