Almost a week

Well, the weekend is coming to close and tomorrow will make the one week mark since we have been home. The adjustment is still going fantastic. Joracin is getting accustomed to the dog. They won't be sleeping in the same bed anytime soon, but he will let Cozmo get to about 3 feet of him.

Our week has been filled with so much fun. Our neighborhood had their annual festival and Joracin got to experience his first bounce house as well as his first icee. We even made it to church today and he did a great job sitting through the service.

It is inspiring to see the world through his eyes. The blessings are just getting started.

Here are some photos of the fun that we all have been experiencing.

All five of us after church.

Checking out the fire truck

Bounce House Fun

Playing with sidewalk chalk.

Joracin and big sis Katie.

Eli built a cool ramp for hot wheels cars for them to play with.

He loves playing basketball in the driveway.

Our adjustment is going well

Well, so far so great. I don't think we could have scripted a better transition if we tried. Joracin is doing great. We have very little issues communicating. He is not a picky eater (at all). He loves playing with his big brother and big sister. The only small challenge we have is with our dog. He is pretty scared of Cozmo. We are working on easing him into having a dog in the house, but if that is the biggest challenge we have, we will take it.

Today is the first day of school for Katie and Eli and it means the house is quiet. But, I think the three of us need it. We are all out of adrenaline and are enjoying the lazy day.

Here are some photos of our first days home.

The neighbors made this huge banner for the front yard.

Katie made an incredible Birthday cake

Grammy brought kites from Gunga

We had to check out a park and show in a long slide.

All smiles for the camera

Eli even shared his Matchbox cars

Home Home Home

We made it home this evening with no bumps, hiccups or travel delays.

Our pickup trip was just plain amazing. The orphanage had Joracin waiting for us in the guest house and we were greeted with lots of smiles and big hugs. He really warmed up to use right away.

All smiles, coloring for Mama

We spent our first day just hanging out. We brought a tennis ball and football and both were huge hits. We also had some cars to play with. And, as those of you with boys will understand, his favorite part was seeing them wreck. We also played with some bubbles. We also got to see his personality begin to come out as the day moved along. That night we also handled getting him ready for bed (bath and brushing teeth).

Look at that concentration.

The next day we had a chance to go to the new property where the orphanage is building new toddler house. It is further up the mountain and it has an amazing view of Port-Au-Prince and the ocean. When they get everything completed, it is going to be an incredible place for the kids to be and to play.

Each one of these house will hold 10 kids.

Look at that view

The next day was Joracin's Birthday. We got to celebrate with a big pancake with chocolate chips and a present that we brought from home. His two main foreign caregivers also came for the Birthday celebration and brought him a big bag of his favorite treats. This was also the day that he got to say goodbye to the kids and nannies at the orphanage. We expected him to be sad and maybe withdrawn after this event. But it was harder on us than it was on him. It was almost like a sendoff from his friends for a great adventure. He was a very happy and upbeat kid. All the kids did sing a very cool goodbye song to him.

Birthday pancake

Yes, those are cheese puffs after his pancake.

We flew the first leg of our home journey on Sunday night. He did great for his first plane ride and had a blast at the hotel. Yes, he was jumping on the bed within 10 minutes.

We didn't leave for Indy until mid afternoon, so that meant we landed around 6 PM tonight. We had a big gathering of family there to greet us. It was so great to have all of that love and support meeting us at the airport. Joracin had hugs for everyone.

Katie and Eli both so excited to have Joracin home.

When we finally got back to the house, the neighbors had made a huge welcome home sign. Plus there was a big Happy Birthday sign and another welcome home sign. It is just amazing home wonderful all of our friends and family have been throughout this journey.

It feels so good to have him home and for the five of us to begin many exciting chapters as a family. He has already filled our house full of laughter.

Thank you all for your love and support throughout this journey. As I mentioned in past blog posts, we really can feel your support and prayers.

God is Good!

Like Christmas Morning ...

Only better. Way better.

Last night was a rotten night for sleep, and I loved every minute of it. I know we both tossed and turned with our minds racing. Last trip to meet J I didn't sleep at all the night before. This was similar but also different.

Last time there were so many unknowns. This trip there are still the unknowns, but we get to be a more active participant. For example, how will Joracin handle the plane ride? We don't know, but we will be able to shape that experience.

It's 5:30 this morning. Any time now Mom and Dad will let us know we can go look at the presents under the tree. I can hardly wait to unwrap the one with the adorable six year inside.

Packed and ready to go

Well, we are packed, checked in and waiting at the Indy airport for our first flight today. We get to Ft. lauderdale tonight and then have a 6:30 am flight into Port-Au-Prince tomorrow. If all goes well, we will be able to hug and kiss Joracin by noon.

We both had a lot of stress and anxiety yesterday as we finished packing. That has melted away and we are filled with excitement and trepidation. This really is going to happen. We are going to be adding to our family. Wow!

I know the emotions will continue to run an amazing gamet. I am going to try and soak this all in and treasure every step.

More to come tomorrow.

Our travel dates are set

We got the news we've been waiting so patiently for today.

We are headed to Haiti this next weekend, on the 10th and 11th.

We head out on Thursday the 8th and get into Haiti on the 9th. Then we head home (with Joracin) on Sunday the 11th and get back to Indy on Monday the 12th.

Sunday is his Birthday. What an exciting way to spend his 6th birthday.

Today was (and is) a Great Day!

Big Day - Today is J's Visa appointment

Well, today is Joracin's Visa appointment. If all goes well today, the orphanage could leave the appointment with the Visa and then we can finalize travel. If they don't get it today, it shouldn't take but a couple of days.

We received some photos of our Little Mister getting ready to head off to the appointment.

Today is a GREAT Day. Huzzah!

All Smiles

Looking like the first day of school

Maybe a little unsure, but in the van and ready to head to the Embassy