Smiles

Can you tell from the smiles on our faces that we are happy to be together again? This is the way it should be...

We had a great flight home and thanks to my friend Mayka who accompanied me, it all went fairly smoothly. That doesn't mean that Jonas didn't poop 3 times in 30 minutes during our layover at JFK but he made up for it by not making me change a poopy diaper in the airplane bathroom. Thanks, Jonas!!! We each had a child on our laps for the overnight flight but for the most part, everyone slept.

We then arrived home to find the most adorable surprises. Clara spent quite some time on these creations along with my wonderful mom. My mom has done so much for us the past couple of months - way above and beyond what anyone should have to do and we really appreciate it. These posters and decorations made me so happy to see.

The poster says "Happiness is Having Everyone Home" and has 5 snails to represent us. Two in the garden waiting and three making their way home. I love the creativity and have never been more flattered to be portrayed as a snail. Also notice the pair of shoes for each of us.

Here is the family of stuffed animals, each representing a family member and Clara was quick to point out that dad had the remote in his hand.

I could hardly wait for the end of school to see her. Minutes before leaving to get her, Jonas pooped up his back and it even started to go under his bandage so I had an emergency bandage changing which resulted in me being a few minutes late to get Clara. I felt so sad to not be there as soon as school was out but I hope she knows how excited I was to see her. She did exactly what I thought she'd do...smile at me but reach for Nell. She has missed her brother and sister and I can't explain the happiness I feel at all being together again.

Devin got home from a work trip late that night and was on Nell duty so other than one middle of the night feeding, I got more sleep than I have in months. After sleeping in, we took Mayka to Fountains Abbey. Clara was still not done getting her fill of Nell...but with this face, who could ever get their fill?

And speaking of Mayka, I just have to include some thoughts on her...I can't begin to thank her and her family enough for all they did for us both physically and emotionally. They allowed us to stay in their home, eat their food, and sacrificed a lot to have Mayka fly home with me. I couldn't physically manage two children who don't walk, one stroller, one wheelchair, one walker, two suitcases and two carseats by myself...so thanks!!! Then there is the emotional side...Mayka and her family were always there making me smile when things were hard but also hearing me out when I was nervous or upset and being a great shoulder to cry on. Thanks for all the help!!

You know how I mentioned how she would make me smile during some difficult times? Well, as I looked through my pictures of us at Fountains Abbey there were very few "typical" looking pictures with Mayka...here is just a sampling of her many faces, they make me laugh.

We had a great time looking around before grabbing some delicious fish and chips and getting Mayka on the train to go visit her sister near London.

Now we are settling back in and I am trying to get caught up on school work, medical bills (fun, fun) and life in general. Jonas continues to make progress but is still healing. His back has a little ways to go so I am keeping him out of school for the time being until he is well enough to return. I know I've said this lots of times, but we really do appreciate everyone who has helped us by doing things like helping out with Clara, sending us a nice note, delivering a care package as well as praying for us. We are grateful to you.