Sunday, January 16, 2011

Yes we're home!

So we finally made it home and are slowly adjusting to being a family of 5 (gotta count the animals, ya know!) Our Visas arrived on the Monday flight in from Manila and we were able to pick them up from the Embassy on Tuesday. We were able to catch the Wednesday flight home and we arrived safely on Thursday!
Rosita and Peter accompanied us to the airport and that ride to the airport, sitting in silence next to Rosita who was holding Emita, was the most painful ride of my life. We both cried quietly in our thoughts. I prayed for God to give me the strength to go through with what was about to happen. I prayed that He would comfort her and help her cope with what was about to happen too. It was a heart wrenching 20 minute ride to the airport. Once we got there however, it was go,go,go. I think with all the people and the other families and babies it distracted us from the pain. Then it was time to go. Rosita walked us to the gate, and as she handed me Emi I grabbed her hands and thanked her again. She pulled away, turned around and walked away with Peter. I could tell she was crying. I know labor is painful but I think this was just as emotionally painful. It literally made my heart ache with the deepest sorrow.
The plane ride was good although we had HORRIBLE turbulence the closer we got to Hawaii. Once we arrived in Hawaii we got shuttled to Immigration. We had to go threw the American Citizen line (no one pulled us out like the Embassy expected they would) but once we were processed, we were directed to a small waiting area behind a wall. From there Emi's visa and paperwork was processed and she officially became an American! We hurried along to grab our bags, go threw Customs, and check back in only to find out that our connecting flight was delayed 3 hours! We didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to the other families =( We found a semi-quiet area and slept for an hour since we had been up at that point for about 36 hours since Emi hardly slept the night before we left. We made it to San Fransisco, slept and flew out again at 10am on Thursday.
When we arrived, we were greeted at the gate by Jan-Olof (Shawn's dad) and down at Baggage Claim by our whole family (Shawn's and Mine)! It was great to see everyone and Emi did really well. I kept talking to her and letting her know that I was holding her and it was safe. We then went to my parent house and had a tostada dinner and cake. We were all so tried at the end. We came home, slept and laid Emi down in her bassinet for the first time.
It was perfect.

Ok well I need to sleep since she'll be waking up pretty soon here for her bottle.
Thanks for reading =)

3 comments:

  1. Congrats! I can't wait to meet your new little one. Is someone organizing bringing meals to you? Can we bring you dinner sometime? (We won't stay- just drop it off! I've had a baby, I know the time limit of a good visit :)
    Becky

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  2. Titi, your story made my heart ache for you and for Rosita. Such an amazing gift of love on both your parts. I think that would have been much more painful than labor. You are an amazing mother and such a kind, strong spirit to Rosita. Such a wonderful life lays ahead for your family.

    Many blessing, love, and joy!! Thank you for allowing us to follow your journey.

    (((((Hugs))))))))

    Kristin

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  3. Welcome Home! I finally caught up on the last part of your stay on the Island; thanks for keeping us updated!
    Tim

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