We're Home!!!!!!

Gracie Sofia and Mom, Tuesday AM, Embassy appt.

Gracie Sofia after bath

Gracie Sofia's first look at America

Today at home

Well we are finally home and I cannot tell you how good it is to be home. We had hoped to email/send pictures while we were in Guatemala, but we just never got it all to work and we had so little time. We are so glad Gracie Sofia is home and we are all safe.

Frankly, as far as the actual adoption business went, the trip was a disaster, but it is done and she is fine. It may take me another 3 years to get over some of what happened. Long story...

I am sure you are all wondering how Gracie Sofia is doing. And the short answer is absolutely fantastic for what all she has been through.

She calls me "Mama", ran to me in the airport, hugs us, loves my dad (who went on the trip with us), and loves Don (rode in his lap). She has kissed Lily and thinks she is a very messy eater (so true). She has given a toy to Lola. Lola and Lily are absolutely mesmerized with her.

Gracie Sofia is making huge strides even since we arrived last night with being around dogs for the first time.

She sings sweet songs frequently (in Spanish), loves to be held, loves to play jumping games with my dad, and has a great belly laugh that we have heard many times. She is eating some, but mostly goldfish crackers and chicken.

Sleep has been hard and she does have some sad moments, but is truly a very sweet child that has clearly been shown love, given rules and knows that we are to be her family.

She has already learned a few English words. Will say "Hello" when the phone rings. She says again, thank you, up, stand up.

Gracie Sofia is pottytrained (hooray!!!) and does very well with that. Loves to wash her hands.

I want to thank everyone for the absolutely incredible airport reception we had. I am so incredibly thankful for all of our friends and family and to live in this country and to have our daughter home where she can learn the true meaning of a family that loves her.

Love, Mel