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

December 10, 2009

One Year Ago Tonight...


...the Abraham family all arrived home after a long, quiet, sleepy, flight from Moscow, Russia, through Chicago O'Hara where Lexi's feet first touched US soil, all the way to the Nashville Airport where so many of our friends were patiently waiting with "Welcome Home" signs and cheering us on!

We were exhausted, but it was all so exciting and such a whirlwind of hugs, tears, and laughter. I'm not even sure who took this photo with my camera, but if I had to guess, it was our wonderful friend, Pam, who escorted our boys to Moscow and stayed there with us for a week. She surprised us by calling home and letting our friends know what time our flight was arriving in Nashville so they could all be there -- even though it was nearly 10:00 pm on a Wednesday night. She even convinced me to change Lexi into her cute clothes for the big reveal. I was seriously so tired that I was going to leave her in the pjs she wore on the plane. (Not that it really mattered but it sure makes for cuter photos.) Pam insisted that "Lexi will only have ONE first time home in America so do it up right!" I knew Pam had been on the phone at lot in Chicago, but I thought she was just calling her family. I had no idea!

Pam, if you are reading this, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Not just for letting people know when to come to the airport, but for EVERY THING you did for us in Moscow and as we flew home together. All your help with the boys and our new baby girl made everything seem so easy. I'll never forget our walks to the grocery store at 6:00 am in the cold dark Moscow rain with us trying so hard to blend in and do ruble conversions in our heads; or the long walk to Red Square and back; or our stroll down Arbat Street to the Hard Rock Cafe and Star Bucks. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO !

Hello, America!


Lexi playing in our living room for the 1st time on December 10, 2008.

And here she is today...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You all look FANTASTIC! I know the flight, and I can tell you, I looked like I had the flu or something when I finally got home with our Russian baby! :) (Although our 9 year old daughter, who went with us to Russia, looked great - must be something about youth!) Everyone said, "you two look tired, but the girls look great." Well, we were the worn-out PARENTS! Congratulations to all of you - she is SUCH A DOLL!

Victoria

Troy and Rachel said...

Wow - One Year! And Lexi looks beautiful! I agree with the first commentor - I looked horrible coming off the plane - you all looked great! What a great memory photo!

Heather Brandt said...

Lexi is such a beautiful little girl! Isn't it amazing that it has already been a year? I find myself in a bit of shock that it is almost a year since we took custody of Colin.

heather
www.russianblessings.wordpress.com

Party Of Six said...

Hard not to keep saying it, but what a difference a year makes! Can't believe it has been a year and at the same time seems like forever that they have been here! What a great picture of all of you though, tired and all!

Mama Fish said...

Kim- I love that photos of all of you! Brings back memories of when you first posted it! You are so fortunate to have had Pam with you! What an absolute blessing... and what a an amazing transformation in your little girl!

Carrie said...

Wow! Great photo! What a great milestone to celebrate!

Barb said...

Congratulations on one year home! You are a beautiful family! Lexi has changed so much this year - what a little sweetie! Love the curls!!

Amy said...

WOW!! What a difference a year makes!! Congrats on your anniversary!

Kim said...

I can't believe it has already been a year! WOW! Lexi is as beautiful as ever!