Owen is Home!

HOME ... one of my favorite four letter words; along with love, life, and Owen!

On our last day in Kazakhstan we had a few more details to take care, including a trip to the US Embassy to get Owen's visa, where we were reminded again of what a small world it is. Earlier in our trip on our flight from Kokshetau to Almaty we met a very nice gentleman who had a cousin that lived in Ellicott City (the location of Bob's office), and during our interview at the Embassy we found out that the agent was originally from Baltimore! He asked us if Owen was going to be the newest Orioles fan and we replied "of course, but he'll be an even bigger Ravens fan"! We signed a few papers and were given a sealed packet to give to customs upon our arrival in the US. Of special significance to me is the fact that all Owen's visa paperwork (and visa) is dated March 6th.

We then met up with Maureen, Sean and James for a meal at the Stetson Cafe and finally got our cheeseburgers which weren't bad considering that they had cole slaw on them. Back to the apartment to give Owen a bath and pack up; then Kirill picked us up at 12:15 am to head to the airport. It took a while but we made it through security, got checked in, passed through customs, and joined about eight other families in the waiting area. After a short time we were aboard a Lufthansa jet headed for Frankfort, Germany! While we were obviously thrilled to be heading home, there was also a sense of melancholy leaving Kazakhstan - after all this is the country that gave us our son.

After more than 24 hours total travel time, two flights and a five hour layover, we finally arrived at Dulles Airport on the afternoon of March 7th, and as soon as the plane's wheels touched down Owen became a US citizen! Because the flight was a half hour early there were no lines in customs and we breezed right through, collected our luggage and joyfully reunited with Jodi's mom (Nana) and dad (Pop-pop), Uncle Rich, Aunt Cathy and our dear family friend Courtnay. They were wearing "custom made" t-shirts, holding balloons and signs, and smiling from ear to ear. Seeing my parents welcome their newest grandchild was a dream come true.

Finally we loaded into the van and headed for our house. The first thing I did upon arriving was greet my fur babies - they all looked great and I was so happy to see them. Our wonderful neighbors and friends had decorated our house with balloons, signs, flowers, and gifts for Owen and me; and stocked the refrigerator and pantry with yummy food and drinks. We are truly blessed to have such caring people in our lives - thank you so, so much: Mom, Dad, Aunt Cathy, Uncle Rich, Aunt Sue, Sherry, Bruce, Kim, Chris, Casey, Donna, Nelson, Jill, Vicki, Ashley, Alison, Eric, Chuck and anyone else who helped (but did so without my knowledge!); you are all incredibly special to us.

Our first full day at home was filled up by more fun with Aunt Cathy and Uncle Rich; then Nanny, Uncle Todd, Aunt Maria, cousin Hannah, Sherry and Kim came to visit, and again, Owen was welcomed home with lots of love and attention. I loved seeing the joy in Nanny's eyes when she first held Owen. On Friday, Owen, Nana and I had an outing to Target (obviously the first of many) and I got a huge surprise when I opened the front door to see my brother in law Jeff unloading a car ... Kris, Jeff, Samantha and Mackenzie had flown all the way from Wisconsin to visit!! I was so touched that they came to see us and I loved meeting our newest niece and spending time with them all and my parents. Thank you again Bruce for acting as their airport shuttle and helping to create such an incredible memory for me.

Owen is adjusting very well - he's sleeping through the night and seems to be very comfortable in his new home. He likes to pet the cats; he likes his new toys; and he gets a good daily workout in the Jumperoo. The last two days he had been fighting off a cold, (thank you Dr. Mike and Krista for putting up with this nervous new mom and fielding my call on Sat!) but he's improving and is almost back to his usual happy, adorable self.

Thank you all again for your support, friendship and love. Your comments and emails helped us tremendously while in Kazakhstan and will be a treasure we will share with Owen. Bob, Cearra, Owen and I wish you health and happiness.