Alina's flight came in Friday at 2:50...we waited at the International Baggage Claim at the airport on pins and needles until they FINALLY came in at 5pm! Things were edgy for all of us at first. The kids were overwhelmed. Some of us from the group went to eat dinner at Fuddruckers immediatly after leaving the airport. I think it was the GREATEST thing that we did! Alina sat across from another Belarussian child at dinner and they talked, smiled and laughed. Which made us all relax a bit more. Bringing her home was AMAZING in itself. She was in awe as she walked around the house looking at the boys bedrooms and just exploring. She did bring one rolling duffle bag that was pretty heavy. As soon as we got to her room (after exploring the house) she opened her bag and 75% of the contents were gifts for US! 3 wooden puzzle trains for the boys, LOTS and LOTS of chocolate, baskets, a wooden egg with a russian building painted on it, plaques, etc. I couldn't believe my eyes. She would open the candy and pass them out to each of us! She was BEAMING! The rest of the contents were minimal amounts of clothing, a journal with family pictures and an english-russian dictionary. It's sad to see what little they actually come with. She LOVED her stuffed puppy that we gave her at the airport and slept with it last night and tonight. I also got her a wristlet with chapstick, lotion and a mirror which she loves. She also likes the princess silly bands that Blake picked out for her. Communication has definatly been a challenge, but we are working on it. She knows all our names and made herself a cheat sheet today! (the russian word for dog and Bugsy, the russian word for brother and Blake and Davis, Mama Heather and Papa Steve). It's like her world lights up when things click and there is finally a breakthrough. It has been different having a girl in the house. I'm not used to my boys changing clothes 4 times a day or braiding hair, but I'm getting in the swing of things. I'm sure it's going to be a day by day thing.
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