Our day started off with a 4:30 am wake up call from the front desk. We had exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete our packing, get Grace fed, and check out before heading to the airport for our flight home. Once we got to the airport it was check in time, and then we had to pass through security. At first it seemed like eternity, but the line moved swiftly and everything went smoothly. Our first flight from Guangzhou to Tokyo left at 8:20 am and the ride was a little rough for Grace. She is still fighting her mild congestion and had a hard time sleeping. I guess when you wake a baby up at 4:30 am, then there will definitely be these types of moments. Our arrival at Tokyo only took 4 1/2 hours, and once we passed through their security it was time for a 2 hour breather. Our flight from Tokyo finally pulled out at 4:55 pm, and it too was a rough flight for Grace. Sarah and I did not get a chance to get any real good sleep, so we our time was spent attending to Grace!
When we arrived at SFO around 10:10 am the day really took off. We passed through US Customs without any glitches, and once Grace's passport was stamped it became official...Grace is now a US Citizen. That was a truly magnificent moment for us, as we have come so far and long to get Grace. Sarah and I cried again, Candie-Gram gave us a great big smile with huge hugs, and Grace was Grace. As we walked through the "magic" doors to International Arrivals lobby, all we could hear was Auntie April screaming at the top of her lungs. The moment we turned the corner Sarah handed Grace to Auntie April and it was a moment that I will never forget. The looks of glee, happiness, and love was written all over April's entire face. She smothered Grace with hugs, kisses, and attention. Words can not describe this moment any clearer than picture number 1. Once Auntie April was finished, Grace got to meet Grandpa, SirPop, Grandma Gale, Aunt Pam, Aunt Donna and Uncle Dave, and Cousin Ja!
ck. Later that evening Uncle Rich and Cousin Brad came down from Napa to meet Grace. We let Auntie April introduce them, and Uncle Rich had a panda bear especially for Grace. Uncle Rich showered Grace with his love, hugs, and kisses just like everyone else.
Hey Everyone... It's Auntie April!!!
Well I finally got my girl! She is about the sweetest thing I have ever seen! Everything about her world is going to be PINK...PINK...PINK!!!! Sarah and Don are going to have to be VERY understanding with me since I am pretty much convinced Grace should be coming home with me. They may have a new homeland security level at SFO (code pink) in order to warn all of the waiting people of an Auntie April Alert...(there was quite a bit of squealing when I saw them leaving customs) Well...I can't wait for us to all settle into a routine. She is just what our family needed!
