We are home! It was very emotional leaving Grand Forks. Our hearts were breaking for Amy as we said goodbye Thursday morning. I was so sad our whole way home, and I know my pain was nothing compared to what she was going through. We know Amy loves Lillian so much, and that because she does, she was able to place her in a home where she will be completely loved and adored by a mom and a dad, and a brother, and tons of extended family members. Amy always said it wasn’t about what she wanted, it was about what was best for Lillian. We have the greatest love for her, and Zach, and his parents in helping this miracle happen.
I had many tears on our way home, but it wasn’t until I saw our family as we were coming down the escalator that I finally had tears of joy. It was so neat to see them, and having them meet Lillian made everything more real. Sometimes it still feels like a wonderful dream, and I have to remind myself that we do in fact have a daughter!
All of the women were crying together, we had all been anticipating this moment, and it was so neat it was finally here!
Jimmy’s mom, my mom, and my sister Shirley holding Lillian. I really loved talking with Shirley because she and her husband have also adopted 2 children, and because of that, they can empathize with us about all of the emotions that are involved with adoption.
Grandma S holding Lillian for the first time
Grandma Z holding Lillian for the first time
We were so excited to get to my parents’ home to see Zeke. We really wanted him to meet Lillian in a more quiet setting with less distractions. We went in and spent a few minutes with him, and then we told him we had a surprise. Jimmy went out of the room to get Lilly, and when he brought her in, Zeke immediately wanted to hold her, he said, “I wanna hold him”. We took a video of it all, and the link to it is found here.
He is doing so well with her! We were a little nervous, but he is taking on the role of big brother like a pro! He loves to help feed her, and he gets her diapers for us. When she cries, he gets concerned for her, and he loves to have her riding in our car with him. We bought some gifts in the Minnesota airport for Lilly to give to Zeke, but I think he would have liked her just the same without them. We are so happy he loves her!
My parents’ house was decorated so cutely with tons of “It’s a Girl!” decor.
Suzy, (Jimmy’s sister ), made Lilly these darling bracelets that I love! She has three boys and one girl, and her daughter, Mallory, is such a little girly girl! Mallory sang Lillian some princess songs, and I took some cute video clips, I just need to upload them.
kissies from big brother
Our whole little family, together at last.
View from my parents’ front porch of a double rainbow; and extra special welcome home gift from above.
When we got to our house, we found more surprises! Thank you to the mystery people who came and decorated our door!
Lillian woke up at about 1:30am, and Zeke woke up too. He was so excited about Lillian, and wanted to hold her and help out. We had some fun middle of the night family bonding time.
Lillian in her crib
We are so happy to be home with Lillian, we love her so much!
I loved the video. So sweet, and especially fun to watch a few years down the road.
How precious! We are so happy that everything worked out! What a beautiful little family!
I am so glad you are home, and it’s official. You both look so happy, and Zeke…there aren’t words to describe his precious behavior with Lily. What a neat family you have! Congrats again!
It was so fun to see you all at church. I have learned and felt so much about the amazing power of adoption through your family’s experiences. Thanks for sharing it!
It was a tough journey, but Zeke and Lily can never doubt your love for them. You have such a beautiful family, and now you have your little girl to have fun with!
Seeing the picture of you three coming off the elevator makes me cry all over again. My heart is overflowing with gratitude that we have been blessed with such a huge miracle….a perfect little angel named Lillian! I love you so much! I loved holding Lilly tonight also!
Wow I am getting teary-eyed just reading this! First off congrats, I am so happy for you guys! Amy really is such an AMAZING woman. I hope she checks your blog often to know that she did make the right decision for Lilly. She couldn’t have picked a better couple. Zeke and Lilly are so lucky to have you for parents. Esther you may need to give me lessons on becoming a more patient mother. Congrats to you and your cute family. Having one of each is great, and Zeke will love entertaining Lilly all of the time :)
What a cute little fmaily. You guys look so happy. I have something for you guys to bring over, let me know what is a good time for you.
Congrats on your sweet little girl! We are so glad you are home! We can’t wait to meet her! I love that Zeke is so excited to have a sister! Love the midnight bonding story. What a big helper! Love you guys!
I got all teary eyed reading that post! We loved sitting behind you guys today and watching your cute little family. You are such a wonderful mother. I really admire you.
Do your cheeks hurt from smiling yet? You have that beautiful “new mommy” glow, Esther! We are so happy for your family. And as a mom of three girls, can I just say girls are so much fun! ;)
Love you Esther!
This entire post is wonderful. The picture coming off the escalator is awesome, and so is the family picture. You make a great family. :)
I love her. I love her. I love her. Congratulations you guys. What a beautiful miracle you have.