The Way Home

The time had come, and we were ready, to start our new life together in Walla Walla. On Monday, Aug. 17, we arrived at the Hong Kong airport at 8:45 a.m. and boarded our 13-hour flight to Seattle at 11:15 a.m. It was an uneventful flight, thank the Lord, with very minimal screaming and unfortunately very minimal sleep. And by very minimal, I mean Andrew did not get any sleep; Abi slept for two hours and Luke slept for five. It was very interesting entertaining an 18-month old for eight hours on an airplane, and when there was turbulence most of the time and we couldn't even walk around! But, we made it. I was just so grateful that Luke chose to not grace the passengers with his beautiful set of lungs.

Luke having some fun before we board the plane for the long flight.

Ummmmm, Luke?

Ready for our long trip to Seattle!

In Seattle, on our way to Immigration and USCIS!

We had a three-hour layover in Seattle, and we needed it. Luke became an official US citizen right there at the immigration and USCIS offices! Everything felt so official, and it truly was. We hopped on the short 50-min plane ride to Walla Walla and were greeted at the airport by several friends and family members. What a joy to see all of them and introduce them to Luke! Even though Luke was tired, he cracked a bit out of his shell and people got to see a hint of the ham that he is. I felt like a bazillion bucks holding that sweet treasure in my arms.

Since we've been home, Luke continues to be all smiles. It doesn't feel like we've only had him for 2.5 weeks. It feels like it's been from the beginning. China was so difficult. I had to dig deeper than I've ever dug before. To meet a child, become his mom, give him love, calm his fears—it was a task I thought I was ready for, but I was not. I wasn't ready because I didn't have Luke. Yet together, he and I made it through. We locked eyes and never looked back. Yes there was the mourning, yes there was the frustrations, yes there was the pain, but never was there the chosen option to disconnect. We stayed connected, and that connection strengthened with each concerted effort to not let go.

Today I feel incredibly close to this little boy. Where he initially did not want my skin touching his, he now does not let me go. He is constantly putting his hands on my skin, even inspecting my hands, eyes, nose, mouth, arms. He pulls me close and lays his head on my chest. He reaches for Baba and calls for him often. He plays with big sister and is even getting used to our dog, Cooper. He smiles and makes us laugh; he imitates us and talks (OK, yells) our ears off. He walks with a new confidence—a confidence that says, "I belong," and looks at us with a twinkle in his eye. Who is this boy? He is our son!

On our way home from the Walla Walla aiport

Luke playing in his room...this is his favorite to so far!

First breakfast at home...all smiles!

Playing outside with Jeijei (big sister). They are so cute together. Luke loves being outside!

Love his little body!

Warming up to Cooper

Luke's first time swinging at our neighborhood park.

He loved it!

Our first walk/run together...

...with many more walks ahead. I love this journey with you, Luke!