So sorry for the delay in getting the first “back at home” update out to you. We did get back safely and have been busy getting into a comfortable “groove” with the girls. It has been a whirlwind since coming home and both Ruby and Jada seem to have taken it all in stride. Ruby seems to get just a bit overwhelmed when first introduced to a large group of people, but quickly warms up and works the crowd like a seasoned performer.

When we walked down the steps of the plane on the tarmac, the airport baggage workers told us we should acknowledge the swarm of people on the observation deck blocked by the plane. When we walked around to where we could see the deck, it was SO GOOD to hear your voices. Thank you SO MUCH! When we came up the ramp at Tri-Cities airport after leaving the last plane (good riddance), we were met by a few of our close friends and family. I haven’t a clue to the actual number, but it was a LOT.

Despite the great instructions we left Sheila’s Mom to deactivate the alarm, something went terribly awry. Friends wanted to add a few food items to the refrigerator prior to our arrival. Little did they know that they were almost the ones to be “put on ice”, if you know what I mean. We were told that the Sullivan County Sheriff who responded to the call was a good sport and was also easily bribed (kidding)!

Ruby slept VERY well in China and we hoped beyond hope that she would continue when we returned home. Hallelujah, it has! She sleeps a minimum of 12 uninterrupted hours at night, and one morning, Sheila had to wake her after an amazing 15 hours. We feel VERY blessed, especially since Jada still has a few sleep (or lack, thereof) issues.

On Saturday, Tennessee was to play our arch rival Florida. Some wonderful friends had a large screen set up in their yard for a football party. It was unseasonably cold, but Ruby weathered the temperatures and crowd for awhile before having to leave to satisfy her desire for sleep.

We also had a busy day yesterday (9/23). Our adoption agency founder was in town to hold an informational meeting. A lot of the families that have adopted through Living Hope attend the meetings to allow prospective local families to ask questions of those who have BTDT (been there, done that). Samuel Fang is a wonderful man who grew up in China and has also adopted his daughter from China.

After the meeting, we had a combined birthday party for Ruby and Sheila’s dad. And then after that, we attended another birthday party for Jada and Ruby’s first cousin Aden. Aden turned 4 on Friday – Happy Birthday Aden!

So, as you can see, we have been a little bit busy since coming home. I hope you understand the delay in getting this update posted. I promise I’ll keep taking pictures and will post another update in the not too distant future. We still love reading the comments, so those of you who have yet to post something, now is as good a time as any. We’d love to hear from you. Remember, Ruby will definitely see this when she is able to read.

We love you all and couldn’t ask for better friends and family. God bless each of you and keep you in His wondrous care.

R-S-J-R