The Abraham Family’s Journey to Russia to Bring Home Their Daughter

December 11, 2008

We're all HOME!!!!!!

Wow! It felt so good to sleep in our own beds last night. Our fights home were all on time with no problems. Since the plane was nearly empty again, the boys were all able to stretch out across three seats and sleep for 8 of the 11 hour flight from Moscow to Chicago. Even Alexis slept for 5 or 6 hours. I dozed in and out during that time and didn't fully sleep because she rolls around so much when she sleeps that I had to keep my hand on her foot the whole time to keep her from falling off the seats. (As Martin learned the hard way!) She was a real trooper the whole trip and only cried once for about five minutes. I've read so many times that the flight home from Russia is referred to as the trip from H-E double hockey sticks because of all the screaming babies. There were two other families on our same flight and their little guys were good as gold too.

We were met at the airport by our wonderful friends cheering and holding signs welcoming Lexi home. It was an unexpected surprise that made me cry! It was a incredible homecoming! Thank you all so much!!!

I think Pam was in on that little secret because she kept asking when I was going to change Lexi into her cute clothes for the airport. I had her dressed in pjs to keep her cute clothes clean for airport photos. Lexi and I both slept on the flight from Chicago to Nashville and were so tired and (since I thought we were just going to get in the car and go home and not see anyone until Sunday) I thought about not changing her. I know it wouldn't have mattered to anyone there, but I'm glad I did. As Pam said, "There will only be one time that she comes home from Russia forever!" And, we have it all documented on film!

We arrived home to a clean house stocked with food and goodies, compliments of Nana and Grandma! Nolan asked if Santa Clause had been at our home while we were gone. Nana-clause strikes again!

Lexi enjoyed crawling around and exploring our house and the boys were showing her how to work her toys. She must really like her new bed because she slept for 13 hours last night!

I am working on more posts with photos from Moscow and all the fun things we experienced. God has been so good to us and I am thankful beyond words!

The photo below was taken just as we stepped off the plane in Nashville. Some people would say the image above her head was just the camera flash reflecting off the pole, but I KNOW it is a glimpse of the angels that have been protecting our sweet girl for the past 14 months and that helped bring her home safely to her family!







Garrett between airplane seats

Garrett's bed on the plane


Preston staked out his row with a good view of the movie screen.



Liam preferred the window seat



Just getting off the plane in Nashville. Home at last!




Preston teaching Lexi how to operate one of his old baby toys



Lexi meets Elmo


Isn't she just a little doll?


29 comments:

Carrie said...

Welcome home!!!

Anonymous said...

I have tears in my eyes. Welcome home.

Jeanette said...

I teared up the whole time I read your post! Your family is just beautiful! Enjoy that gorgeous daughter of yours :)

Melissa said...

YEAH! Welcome home. I am so happy for your family. What a great Christmas present for all of you. Lexi looks adorable!
Melissa

Lindsey Carney said...

I'm so happy your trip home went well. Hopefully we will have the same experience. I am so thankful we were able to e-mail before you left because I have really enjoyed following your journey thus far.

Janine said...

She really is the cutest little doll. I'm so glad you all are home safe and sound. You all look like you are just beaming at the airport. Welcome home Lexi!!

Carey and Norman said...

How wonderful to have so much room to yourselves on the plane. I enjoyed all the photos and laughed at needing to change Lexi for airport photos. Too funny. I cannot wait to hear more about your journey once you've had time to rest.

Lexi is so beautiful (as the boys are handsome). What a sweet family!!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for all of you!!! I knew you were coming home yesterday and had to look to see if you had posted pictures. I am so anxious to meet Lexie! I cried as soon as I saw your happy family. Welcome and God bless.
Love, Nora

Anonymous said...

welcome home! i'm glad your trip went so well. i hope ours is as good too. your family is beautiful! you are just beaming in the picture in the airport! :)

Karen said...

She is beautiful!!!!! I cannot believe you are home. I have soo not been reading blogs lately and feel so happy to have read this post. Congratulations!!!
Karen

Party Of Six said...

Are you just in your glory?!? It is such an amazing time- jet lag and all! Welcome Home!

How much fun are you having dressing a little girl?!?

Laura said...

Just came across your blog and wanted to let you know that I am so thrilled for you, your family and Lexi. Congratulations -- you are so very blessed!!

~Laura

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

Kim, she is beyond precious! I got mega chills when I read your comment on the pole reflection/angles. We just don't know what kind of warfare goes on for these children in heavenly places. I'm so glad that the heavenly host is a bunch of totally ripped warring dudes and not a bunch of harp playing milktoasts! Satan doesn't want these childrens lives/futures redeemed from ruin and especially by God's people! No wonder adoption is such a tumultuous process. But the VICTOR always is victorious! Hallelujah! I just am so elated that you are all home ... what a loving family and group of friends to arrange such a special homecoming and cover even at home details. I know your Christmas will be awesome!

Lavonne said...

Congratulations. You have a beautiful family.

Joe and Renae said...

I have been following your blog for a long time now but commenting for the first time...I am SO happy for you and your family!!!! Lexi is ADORABLE! I actually had tears in my eyes as I read your post...Congratulations and I wish you all the Best!

Renae and Joe

Ryan and Katie said...

Welcome Home! And, yes, she is a doll!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

She absolutely is a little doll! Glad to hear you all made it home safe and sound!

Over-Caffeinated said...

Wow, seeing that photo of all of you in the airport makes me tired AND remember how happy that feeling is.... congrats on being home!

Anonymous said...

We are glad you all are home safely. I have showed the girls the pictures. They can not wait to see and touch her. They thought the pictures were adorable. We hope that you get back on your normal sleep patterns pretty easily. Take care.

Mama Fish said...

Oh Kim!! I am so glad you guys are home!!! I bet it feels great! Lexi is absolutely adorable! And I think she looks like you! What a smile and what a happy baby! Congratulations to all of you!!

Barb said...

She really is a doll! Congratulations. You are so blessed! btw - we got to bring the white bow home with us:)
Barb

Chris said...

Mission Accomplished! Congrats! What a wonderful Christmas Present for your family.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home!!! Don't you just love that return AA flight that is soooo empty! Ours was the same way.

Joy said...

Kim how wonderful that the plane was not full. She is so beautiful! I think it is great that your friends surprised you. The boys must have loved that.
Joy

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

Congratulations on making it home!! Welcome to Tennessee Lexi!

Jane and Jim said...

COOONNNNGGRATTULLATTIIOONNSS!!!!!
I'm soooo happy for you!
She is just beautful and adds a whole new dimension to your family..
Welcome back!
Jane

Troy and Rachel said...

I'm late - but Welcome Home!! She is duch a doll!!

Heather Brandt said...

She is beautiful! I'm so happy that you have a successful court date and trip! We have been here in RU since Thanksgiving and we will still be here (now in Moscow) until Dec. 24th. It is hard because we are so ready to come home from this long trip.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

heather
www.russianblessings.wordpress.com

JEff said...

Ready to see more photos!!