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Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Trip Home

We made it home safe and sound. 

Unfortunately there was a ton of stuff going on in San Fran
today so traffic was horrendous... oh... and it was also raining. 

Add that to the fact that our flight came in an hour early & there 
was NO ONE in the 'new immigrant line'

and that equals us arriving
before the rest of our 'welcome home crew'. 

One of my girlfriends (who's also a photographer) and one of my sisters
and her family did make it (because they were in the city already)
so we called the rest and told them to turn around and
head back to my other sister's house.
(where we were meeting up for lunch)

So Bob & Claire met Charlie for the first time
at my sisters house. 

And you know what? It was just perfect. 

but do you know what wasn't perfect?

that blasted trip home on the plane.

I am sooooo incredibly tired that I can barely keep my eyes open.

I'm trying to stay awake until Charlie goes to bed... not looking too good at this point.

So I will update tomorrow on how that went. 


Here's a little visual to give you an idea:

Charlie is in the carrier facing me
He's pushing away from me with his hands
Kicking with his feet
Throwing his head back in anger
Screaming at the top of his lungs

.... while I'm standing in the lavatory
... with the door closed
... shamelessly crying because I just want to give up







21 comments:

M, A, C and K too! said...

Oh Rachel!!! What a hard trip home... KatieJoy was the same way with me on that plane- thank God she liked Allen at that point. However- she liked the flight attendants better and I remember being so delirious from emotions and exhaustion that I cried my eyes out right in my seat as my daughter glared at me in some strangers arms- it was tough! But it will get better!!! Prayers for you as you officially begin your life as a family of 4!

Jill said...

Welcome home, Rachel! I'm looking forward to hearing about Charlie meeting Claire and Bob - and of course seeing photos when you have some time! So sorry about the rough plane ride home. Colin preferred my husband in the beginning and there were some rough days (okay, maybe weeks for us?! ; )) but like Amanda said, it will get better for sure! So happy for you as you begin life as a family of four! Hoping all of you are able to get some rest - CONGRATS again!

Leah said...

So glad to know you're home. Doesn't sound like the plane ride home went well, BUT, that's over now! You're home, finally, I hope you could get some much needed sleep! Can't wait to read more....

Karen said...

((HUGS)) You made it home! I hope that you are getting some excellent sleep and that things are looking better today. Thinking of you all with love and prayers. XOXO

Jill said...

Welcome home! Just think, you won't ever have to make that flight home again. You are home with your son forever! Get some sleep and let people help you in the next few weeks (months!).

Elizabeth (and Dan) said...

Hi Rach- So glad you have adoption buddies that have been through this to encourage you! You made it through that "blasted" plane ride and Charlie is home! YOU DID IT!!!!! Praying that his adjustment is quick and you get some rest after a rough trip.

Lindsay said...

So happy you made it home safe and sound, and that you survived the plane ride! I was thinking about you all day yesterday. I hope you were able to get some sleep and can't wait to see pictures! Welcome Home!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rachel!! I'm so sorry about the plane ride home, I know a LOT of us who read your blog COMPLETELY understand. Get some sleep when you can and have Bob care for Charlie if you need a nap, they will survive!!!

Welcome home with your new son!!!!!!

Robin said...

Welcome home! I'm sorry the plane ride back was bad. I totally understand. Hang in there! It will get better :) I will continue to keep your family in my prayers as you transition. I hope you are able to get some needed sleep.

Jessica said...

Oh Rachel,
I'm sorry the trip home was horrid. I remember telling someone--as Nathan was screaming for about the forth straight hour--"Yes, he is my son. I met him yesterday." At least, it's over, and the rest of your life is beginning. The exhaustion will pass, you will make it, and you are a good mom. Better times are a comin'.
--Jess

JimandJackie said...

Yes, that was me too, crying in the Somerset bathroom, crying at home rocking Parker...this will fade. But you will keep the memory to let him know what his story entailed. Hang in there, hoping for some sleep for you!!!

Tara said...

Hey Rachel...

Just sending a big hug! Sent you a facebook message too. Wish I was in CA to bring you a meal. Hang in there. It's tough work, but you and Charlie CAN and WILL do it!

Hugs,
Tara VW

Anonymous said...

Oh mamma! Let those tears flow when they need to. The very first grieving episode is absolutely the most heart aching moments. It will get better though.

I cry (aka ugly cry) everytime she grieves...she says umma for fm and omma for me, so I know when it is a grieving cry. However, after the 3rd time I was like okay, I can do this it will only last 30 minutes or so and she tires out.

Hang in there! Prayers for your family are still going up! Call me if you need to chat/decompress!

Sunshine said...

It happens to the best of us, Rachel! Been there (two months ago!). I think for some kids, it's all good in Korea and the ride home lets them know that things are changing forever. What do I know, though? It's going to be OK, just take a deep breath and see if you can sleep a bit. I promise it will help, and if it doesn't, we're all here to help too!

Lucille05 said...

Sounds like a rough trip home. I'm envisioning similar scenes when we get our Charlie! It will look better after some sleep. Happy to hear you are all home safe and sound. I've loved reading the blog!

Kim said...

Welcome home Rachel! Much love! That flight home for Zoey and I was pure hell, not gonna lie, and she wouldn't make eye contact with me the entire way home. I didn't eat or sleep or drink a thing for 14 hours straight and stood in line at immigration for 2 1/2 hours with a tired, hungry baby. I thought I would collapse at any moment. But once home, showered, and with my hubby and son, I knew it was all worth it and would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. I know you'll feel the same too. Enjoy your time with sweet Charlie and Bob and Claire. Can't wait for the next update!

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home Rachel!! I'm so sorry to hear about the plane ride home. :( I'm anticipating the same scenario when I travel to pick up Zoe. Oy! I loved the photo of you, Charlie, Claire and Bob that your friend posted on FB!! Yea, you're a family of 4!! Thank you so much for posting all the pics and stories while you and Mary Leigh were in Korea. I can't speak from experience yet, but I'm sure things will get better soon. :)

Amber said...

No worries Rachel. Those trips home are so HARD. I too cried the entire 17 hours home from Ethiopia with my lil' man. It was tough. hang in there and get some much needed rest.

Jenny said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about plane ride home. Hope you and Charlie were able to get a good night's rest and that the new day brings better news. Welcome home!

Kimberly and Ed said...

I am so sorry the trip home was rough. Your visual is very similar to my trip home with Kyle. Nothing I did would console him so the flight attendants took him from me and helped him to fall asleep by singing Korean lullabies. I didn't eat or sleep the whole trip home!!! It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, but Kyle was worth it! Congratulations and welcome home!!!

Kelly said...

Ugghhh oh honey...big ole hug...It just plain stinks...know how you feel...Congrats on making it home and good luck with everything. Please take a break and don't be hard on yourself ONE BIT!!!! ((HUGS))

 
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