Friday, October 25, 2002

Welcome home!

Friday we caught a flight from San Francisco that left about 9:15. After three flights with Malia, including the 11 hour flight of the previous day, Malia finally cried on an airplane. She had HAD it. She was still on China time and couldn't figure out why we were awake at 11:00 a.m. (p.m.?) She just wailed, so Kevin walked her and within minutes she was sound asleep.

When we landed, Malia slept through everyone getting their baggage out of the overhead compartments and getting off the plane. Kevin (still holding Malia), Evie and I walked through the familiar DIA concourse--it was great. Finally we came out of the secure area and I saw my folks, Tom, Jane and Joe. I just started crying! I was so glad to be home!

When we went to the baggage claim, Joan and Becca were there. Again, I almost cried. I didn't want to let any of these people out of my sight! And although people were staring at Malia and stroking her head, she didn't even wake up.

My folks drove us home. We put Malia in the car seat and she woke up briefly---but then she was back out. She slept all the way to Fort Collins and didn't wake up until we took her out of the car seat.

When we drove up to our house, I was so touched. Our neighbors had decorated our home with a huge "Welcome Home Malia" banner and these wonderful painted boxes to look like a child's blocks. We live in the best neighborhood! When we walked in, there were balloons all over the floor, gifts on the counters, and meals in our refrigerator. Wow!

Once we were inside, Malia started to wake up. She had to show off a bit for her Grandma and Grandpa, doing raspberries, clapping hands, laughing---all of her best material. We were so glad that Grandma and Grandpa got to see some of her amazing personality shine through that day. And while we were sitting there, flowers came from another friend, welcoming us home.

It was a fantastic homecoming. One of the most dear things, though, was seeing Malia sleep in her crib for the very first time. It felt like the beginning of our new life!