We are home!

After crossing 13 time zones, we returned home last night. We were all "dead dog tired," but were so excited to arrive at the Tupelo airport and be greeted by Grandma and Grandpa and quite a few of our Wednesday night small group "family" and Derek and Penny Moeller. Our friend Valerie welcomed Hannah Ruth with a large ballon bouquet.

Hannah Ruth did great on the plane. We had ordered a bassinet and she slept about four hours straight on the plane. She cannot sleep long in our arms - she wants to sleep alone. We flew from Guangzhou to Tokyo and then had a layover in Tokyo. Our long flight was Tokyo to Detroit. As soon as we passed through immigration in Detroit our sweet Hannah Ruth was an American citizen! She should receive all of her citizenship papers in about 45 days. We went through security yet again and Hannah Ruth fell asleep in my arms. In Detroit we had a late lunch of Mexican food and iced tea and coke - with ice! Hannah Ruth woke up before lunch was over. She is not one to miss a meal! Then it was on to Memphis. In the Memphis airport we ran into Scott Lees, our growing deep Pastor. He was the first person from Tupelo to meet our daughter. The last leg was Memphis to Tupelo and it was a very quick flight. When I saw everyone waiting at the airport, my eyes filled with tears. We have the greatest friends! We came home and Mom and Dad had supper waiting for us. I fell asleep putting Hannah Ruth to sleep. She LOVES her bed! Normally she just lays down and goes to sleep, but she bounces and rolls around and giggles in her bed. She is so active and climbing, we have already lowered the mattress to the lowest spot.

This morning Hannah Ruth woke up at 4:30 and was up for the day. Rick and I have colds that we developed the day we left China. Thanks to your prayers we were all healthy the whole time we were there. We got up and had hot tea. I did manage to get a brief nap so that is why I am waiting up tonight. Ryan went to school today for four periods so he could play football tonight. The football game was in Lexington, Mississippi - to far to take the baby so quickly, so he rode the team bus and for the first time, did not have any family there watching. I am waiting up for him. My dad is waiting up with me. Richmond is still up as well. Richmond attended one of his on-line classes, but he is having a hard time getting back into the groove of school.

Hannah Ruth took a nap and I had to wake her up. She was on China time and thought it was night time sleeping. I am hoping she sleeps well tonight. She went to sleep easily. I gave her her first bath in my big bathtub. (Thus far she had been bathing in the sink.) She loves her bath and playing on our bed afterward. The picture is of her after her bath in her poodle towel. I used some lavender bath and lavender baby lotion in hopes of relaxing her into a good night's sleep.

My mom and dad are taking good care of us. I think Hannah Ruth will move into society sooner than expected. People do not seem to bother her as long as she is being held by mom or dad. She is so busy and is trying to stand and walk. Today she was doing "downward dog." Downward Dog is a yoga pose where your head is down between your arms and your bottom is in the air. She is trying to figure out how to stand without pulling up. Her first doctor's appointment is October 16 at the International Adoption Clinic in Birmingham. We will get a full evaluation then, but I think she is right on track. She is happy and active and wants her mommy or daddy. She loves to eat.

We will keep updating you in the days ahead. Hannah Ruth is such a sweet baby and we feel so blessed to have her as a part of our family. Thank you so much for your love and prayers.