At Home

Here are some pictures from our second full day at home. Our night last night was fitful; poor little peanut is 12 hours ahead. She also has a front tooth coming in. And a cold. Needless to say, it was a difficult night. Probably didn't help that her mommy is a little hovering and doesn't allow her to just fall asleep by herself. But she is learning to let Marie be. You can see Jim is working hard at bonding with Marie; have you ever seen such intensity?
The flight was surprisingly easy. She slept a great portion of the time. The man across the aisle from us took her picture as he got off the plane in Chicago. Marie became a US citizen as we cleared customs. Aunt Heidi and cousins Sydney, Shelby and Luke helped the 6 hour wait go quickly with a airport visit. Sydney was proud to hold her new baby cousin and she did very well. Shelby was adamant that she is not Marie's little cousin but a "big cousin" because she is 5. Luke mooched leftover cheerios. It was so nice to see family after such a long time away. Then we took the last short flight to Traverse City. We arrived home to family and friends egerly waiting at the airport with pink balloons and gifts. Hailey and Hannah, Marie's 3 year-old friends, stayed up late to greet Marie. They said Ni Hao and had left flowers and groceries at the house. Jim's family greeted us at the airport as well and taped the entire event. Marie didn't take to the carseat or crib at first but now she thinks they are allright.
We are all doing great - tired but loving every minute of it. Marie is a joy, as you can see from the pictures. Now let's see if tonight she sleeps through the night!