Saturday, September 16, 2006

WHEW.....
We are back...Safe and sound. We arrived this morning into Orlando International at 1AM. That is 23 hours after arriving at the Beijing airport for our journey home as a family of three. The flights were good, Chinese security was a little over ambitious in their attempts to meet U.S. TSA regulations. For those traveling the 13 hour flight to Newark or Chicago that meant being stripped of all baby wipes and the beloved hand sanitizer… Life goes on.
Kylie flew like a champ and helped to keep Judy’s hate-hate relationship with flying in check.

Speaking of flying, I have noticed that Judy and I now have our own pre-trip checklist like the pilots on most aircraft, accompanied by a new set of parenting hand and eye signals…
Diaps? Four.
Wipes? Yep..
Cheerios? Check.
Teether? No, Oh wait yep.
Sippy Cup? (One thumb up..)
Bottle and Formula? … Blankie? …

A 28 lb. pack and 8 minutes later we can resume making progress on the daily itinerary (or sub-daily when divided by nap time).

I liken our start to parenting with a fired up 13 month old who runs like a gazelle to someone who wants to drive a full blown Harley or a 40 foot RV on their first try. It can be done, but be careful and hold on…

Since we are still on China time (EST + 12 hours) and in need of a nap, I am going to end this with a very big THANK YOU to everyone who has read along, commented on or physically participated in Kylie’s much awaited trip home. Judy and I are so lucky to have such a special group of people around us. People who have provided emotional, logistical and even financial support along the way. We could not have done it without your help and consideration.

We are glad to be home, look forward to introducing Kylie to the public, and have sworn off Chinese food… at least until Chinese New Year…

Pictures to follow soon…
Sean.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home
Brian, Emily & Brooke

Anonymous said...

Hooray!

You are finally home. It was an honor to be able to transport you home even though the hour was late. I would not have had it any other way. We can only hope that Kylie understands the car seat is not a bad thing. Keep cookies on hand. Sending you smiles!

cmneli said...

Yipee!

Welcome home! I had so much fun following your journey! You two are naturals at the blogging - I love reading your "humor" =) and honestly had blog withdrawals for a few days when you guys weren't able to post!

Cant WAIT to meet your chinita!
Hugs to you three!
Neli =)

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home!! Kelly T. here from Ft. Myers, FL. We are using Wide Horizons and have really enjoyed your amazing journey! Here's to some sleep for you all! :) You have a beautiful family!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back cant wait to see you and meet our new niece!! Love you DT,KT,CT XXXOOOO

Anonymous said...

Home safe and sound... The best news.... Rest while you both can...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You waited so long to fill this room, Made it with love, Now you will watch it bloom. Your Daughter asleep the sounds of peace, Filled with smiling Angels from above. Smiling at you both, Your Journey is now just beginning.

Welcome Home!

Diane

Anonymous said...

Welcome home to my grandaughter and newest US citizen.

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home. Glad to hear the flight went okay. Can't wait to see more pics of Kylie.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home! Thank you for letting us follow your journey. Your hard work was much appreciated.

Stacy & John

Anonymous said...

Welcome home! Enjoyed sharing your journey-this was my first time following a blog and like Neli, I did feel withdrawals when you couldnt post...can't wait to see you all. tell us how bruiser is reacting to you all coming home! Pizza party soon? love,
Elizabeth and Dan

Anonymous said...

Sean, Judy, & Kylie,

Welcome back from your first of many trips together. Your Orlando & Towne Park family missed you and look foward to many additional pictures. I guess you'll have to start carrying a "man bag" to fit all the pictures.

Rick Sorrells & Family

Anonymous said...

YAAAAAAY!! You're here!!! We have been in such a toss up about calling you guys, what if we wake Kylie up, What if we wake you guys up, what if you aren't settled in yet??? It has been topic of discussion for the Ellis', the Utz's and the Ackerman's. Know that we have been thinking of you guys and really, really want to call but are afraid you are still on China time and are afraid of disturbing you!!! Hope to talk with you guys soon!!!! Welcome home!!! Love, Mer

Anonymous said...

Judy & Sean, we wish we could have been there to see you come home, but it would have been a 7 hr trip from Atlanta. We have been thinking about the 3 of you since you came back, but we don't want to call at a bad time. I will try and call soon, just too check in.

Hugs,

Robin, Joe & Natalie on vacation. :)

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

Welcome home Durney Family. It is so wonderful to have another Precious Wuwei girl here in Florida :)

Lori

Janell & Wyatt said...

Welcome home! Glad to hear you all made it home safely! Can't wait to meet the newest addition!