Two-Hundred Eighty-Five Days + A Lifetime

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that we've got Bright for good this time! It took 285 days from referral. Like the rest of our journey to him, it couldn't go by the book even on the final leg, but it all worked out fine. We were in St. Louis (which is over half way to Louisville, our intended destination) when Kristen's (our escort) mom called to let us know they got through immigration fine in New York. As she was hanging up she said, "Okay, so we'll see ya'll in Nashville!" "Umm...you mean Louisville?" UGH! Somewhere along the way the final destination was miscommunicated or misunderstood. So we drove 15 hours and a few hundred miles out of the way to get to Nashville, where Bright was.

But wait! That's not all. Couldn't be that easy! LOL! Kristen's flight was also getting in not at 11:30pm, but at 9:02pm. We were still a few hours outside of Nashville at 9:02pm. Goodbye airport reunion. They put Bright in the carseat and started driving towards us, as we drove towards them. Eventually we met at a Quality Inn and Suites location. Not exactly how I had envisioned our reunion, but at least we've got 'em!

Yesterday morning we headed out of Nashville at 8:30am and started the long drive home. Bright wasn't thrilled with the carseat but he did pretty well unless he was tired. When he's falling alseep he insists that he and I touch in some way. Not so easy with our seating configuration. We got home at around 10pm.

I don't know if we are having a honeymoon, or just very blessed, but I am amazed at how well Bright is doing. He still prefers me (the way it should be!) but he's also allowing Eric to hold him and feed him. He's even initiating kisses with Eric and both kids! We just stand in awe, as it's not "supposed" to be this easy with a toddler adoption. =-)

Well, he's at the bottom of the stairs crying for Mama, so I will wrap this up.

Bottom line: Yes, it was long. Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was SO worth it!