But first things first. Our night in LA was not much of a night. We all slept a couple of hours and were ready to go for the day at 3:00 AM. With such a head start we didn't have any problem getting packed an ready to meet the Anderson-Wilks at 5:30 to head to the airport and start the last leg of our trip. The first flight from LA to Denver was uneventful. Because we weren't seated next to each other and Molly was being cute, the very, very nice United Airlines Representative upgraded us to Economy Plus seats near the front of the plane.
In Denver, with our planned three hour labor, we were able to meet my family in the main terminal and enjoy a picnic lunch. Molly was as fascinated by Mac and Jacob as they were with her. The Anderson-Wilks joined us for the picnic and Phoebe and Molly were able to thrill everyone with the spectacle of babies eating off of chopsticks. It was wonderful and very special to get to introduce Molly to her Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins. Mac and Jacob even made cards for us to commemorate the occasion.
The flight from Denver to Des Moines is only an hour and fifteen minutes, but it seemed soooo long. Molly started off very wiggly and impatient, but generally cooperative. Christina, Mike, and Mikayla were sitting just over my shoulder, and while Mikayla was being a little fussy, Chistina noted that she had not heard Molly cry this entire trip.
Molly fell asleep as we were beginning the approach for landing. Molly has seemed to fall asleep for all the important events of this trip whether it was the Consulate appointment or meeting the notary. Unfortunately we decided to wake her up for her big introduction to Des Moines. Big mistake. I am positive there is an old adage about not waking a sleeping baby (or maybe it is a sleeping giant). Molly lost it big time. Full blown, hyperventilating, real tear, crying that lasted from landing until we were off the plane and onto the concourse. Fortunately we all had our act together for the grand introduction to the waiting throngs.
There was quite a group of admirers awaiting Molly, Phoebe, and Mikayla. For Molly, Doug and Anne were right up front with a big sign. Monique brought balloons and Kari brought a little gift package that included chocolate chip cookies! It was wonderful to be home, but a little sad that this part of the amazing adventure was over.
Doug and Anne have been wonderful. They stocked our fridge and made a excellent dinner of meat and potatoes that hit the spot. After they left Bill and Phyllis came over to check up on us. While Cheryl and I were adamant we were not jet lagged, Bill and Phyllis saw right through us to the bloodshot and exhausted travelers we were. Bill and Phyllis, with help from Yvonne, took fantastic care of Cordelia while we were gone. She has been her demanding and controlling self since we returned. She has have taken to Molly, evidenced by the fact that she does not run in fear from the baby.
If I recall, Cheryl and Molly and I slept on and off for most of the night. I had teleconference meeting for work at 9:30 AM which went really well. Kari stopped by at noon and brought us a fantastic pasta dinner with real salad! Do not let Kari fool you when she says she doesn't cook. Yvonne came by in the afternoon and made formal introductions to Molly. I believe the two of them have already made a date for coffee sometime next week.
Jet lagged? If it means the sudden irresistible urge to sleep at all times of the day and night, than yes, we have jet lag. Molly is completely thrown off. She has not slept a solid 8 hours yet and was wide awake from 12:00 to 3:00 AM last night. This however, did give Molly and me the opportunity to watch Taiwan hammer China in the World Baseball Classic. Despite being managed by Jim Lefebvre, China is not very good at baseball. Even Molly could see that.
As the memories of the last two weeks start to fade and we get settled into our new lives, I want to make sure to thank everyone for all of their help, support, love, guidance, and food that has allowed this to be a wonderful and amazing experience. To each of our families, all of our friends, everyone at Gift of Love, and each of the families we shared this experience with, thank you!
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