We Are Home!!

Last night, a little after 10 pm, we arrived safe and sound (and sane) in Boise! All 3 of us were so glad to finally make it home! After 4 flights, 4 security checks, and 36 hours of travel we were ready to be HOME at last! Thanksgiving, is an extra special day for us, because a year ago that day-- we had first learned of Kameron's story and felt the calling to be his family. What a great day to bring him HOME!

We landed in San Francisco (from a 12 hour Hong Kong flight) with a 2 hour layover. This is where Kameron became a US Citizen! We thought 2 hours would be plenty of time (and thankfully, it was just ENOUGH time) but with all the immigration paperwork we had for Kameron, by the time we sat at our gate, they were calling us to board. And would you believe it, our flight to Portland left EARLY. Hallelujah!

Kameron and Jesse at the San Francisco Airport. Just after he became a US citizen!

Luckily, despite being re-routed, we were able to sit all together for each of our flights. We landed in Portland, on time, and found our next gate. We explained to Kameron that we had ONE more flight left, and when we arrived, there would be LOTS of people awaiting us outside of security. He looked nervous about that. We wondered how he would handle it when we arrived and he saw that BIG group of people.

Kameron and Jesse did a lot of this (sleeping) on the plane.

When we arrived in Boise, there was a small amount of snow (Kameron got to touch his first snow!) and a HUGE group of family and friends awaiting us outside the security gate. And it was absolutely WONDERFUL! Kameron handled it flawlessly! He didn't seem as nervous as we had expected. He was READY to meet his brothers! Once we were past the point were they could run up to us, the boys pounced on all 3 of us!

Kameron intercepted and hugged on Noah, first. Mom got Toby (he ran the fastest). And Jesse Jay got Daddy. Then we all got turns with one another. Kameron, jokingly (he has a fantastic sense of humor) tried to put Toby in the garbage can in the airport. That had everyone laughing! We were SO happy to be see them and to finally be home! Then we saw my sister Kimmie, my mom and dad, and so many friends who love and support us.

Thank you to everyone who came out, despite the snow and the late hour. It meant so much to see you all and to feel your love and support!

After we collected our bags (they had ALL made it and I was shocked and relieved!) we drove home together as a family. It's been interesting, teaching Kameron some things that are different here in America-- like seat belts. Not a thing in China, but a definite thing he has to do here! Hearing our boys giggle in the back of the SUV together... gaw.. does life get any better than that?!?

This morning, we sadly had to say goodbye to my parents who helped watch our boys while we were away in China. Dad had them the entire time. Grandma came out this week to help out, make Thanksgiving Dinner (Mmmm.. leftovers) and help get the house in shape. It was SO wonderful coming home to a clean house, well taken care of boys, and Thanksgiving leftovers. Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Arendt for all you do for us!

Grandpa & Grandma Arendt, the Maddux Boys and Jesse

Thank you also to Katie and Kimmie who helped with the boys and getting the house clean, as well as our friends and the boys teachers who made sure the boys at home got love and support while we were away in China!

This morning, we are spending time together. Opening gifts from China, playing games, and getting to know one another and what a forever family really looks like. And, of course, recovering from jet lag. Mom had coffee (it has NEVER tasted so good!) and pumpkin pie for breakfast. Yay for Thanksgiving!

We will be posting more on cocooning soon. This is the method we will be using to help Kameron attach to us and help him to understand what a forever family really means.

Some people have asked what they can do to help. We would love it if some people would sign up to bring us meals next week and the week following, as I return to work on Tuesday. It would be one less thing for Jesse and I to have to worry about as we focus on bonding and attachment these next 6-8 weeks (or longer, it just depends on how long it takes)-- this will be our biggest priority and focus in these coming weeks.

If you are interested in helping by bringing us a meal, you can sign-up here:  http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com

Recipient Last Name: Maddux    Password: meals

Thank you, Sarah LeBaron for setting this up for our family!

Right now, the boys are enjoying spending a lot time with their new brother. As we spend LOTS of time at home, they might get a bit of cabin fever and want to go out and spend time with their friends from time to time. We will let you know when they are ready. But this will be for Toby and Jesse Jay only.

Thank you for your love, prayers, encouragement and support! We are so happy to be home TOGETHER!