3 continents in 30 days

One thing is for sure, Hannah is a well traveled little girl. She has logged in more air miles in 30 days than many people fly in their lifetime. Just over one month ago her life was probably very routine, structured and organized. Now, she never knows from one day to the next what house she might wake up in, not to mention which state or even continent!

So here is a quick update of our recent travels and events:

We received Hannah's U.S. passport in plenty of time for our return travel to Italy. This was a HUGE relief as we could not travel until we got her passport. We have officially completed every detail of our adoption journey. Now it is just life as usual, whatever usual is????

Our last few days in Oklahoma went by quickly. Probably the most exciting event was when Hannah was playing with the phone and we hear a knock at the door...it was a police officer stating that they had just received a 9-1-1 hang up call from this address. There stands Hannah at the door with the phone in her hand, which is why they were not able to call back to verify the call. Thankfully, the police officer was understanding about the situation, but he did tell me that I should not let my daughter play with the phone. Lesson learned.

We also got to spend the day with our good friends the Mencers. They live in Oklahoma City and drove to Miami to see us and and meet Hannah. The kids all enjoyed seeing each other again and Lisa and I had the chance to visit (which had to be done quickly with 7 kids in the house!!)

On August 2, we said goodbye to our family in Oklahoma and loaded up our 6 suitcases, stroller, car seat, portable crib, 3 kids, and headed to Indiana....

Me, Alex, Tara, and my mom made the 12 hour car journey to my sister's house with Hannah strapped safely in her car seat. Hannah is doing much better riding in her car seat, but after a few hours of driving she was more than ready to get out! Usually we put her in the car and she falls right to sleep, but on this particular trip she opted to cry it out rather than sleep. Normally we can't get her thumb out of her mouth, but on this trip we couldn't get her to suck her thumb for anything (this is the only way she can fall asleep, and no, she will NOT take a pacifier). Anyway, we eventually arrived in Upland, Indiana...just a little frazzled and really, really tired! Hannah was greeted by her cousins and showered with more attention and love. Amazing how quickly she has adjusted to being the center of attention!

After 3 days in Indiana we drove to Chicago for our return flight to Italy. Our friends the Ferris' met us at the airport for a short visit. It was nice getting to see them and we wish they were still living upstairs in our building here in Naples!! Our flights all left on time, but the plane ride to Italy was very different than the plane ride from China. Hannah is such a different baby than she was 6 weeks ago and she expressed that in full force on the airplane. She was a little wild child! Mostly, she just wanted down, as do all babies once they learn to walk. She didn't sleep much (she does not like to be held while she sleeps, which is about the only option on a plane) and she was not a very happy baby (something to do with lack of sleep and being forced so sit???). But we made it home....only she doesn't realize (yet) that this is home. For her it's just another place to explore until we load her up and go to the next house. Considering all that she has experienced, she is doing amazingly well!! But she is having a hard time adjusting to yet another time change and is wanting to sleep at all the wrong times. We are all in this zombie like state from lack of sleep. Alex and Tara are thrilled to be home and have been on the go since the minute we arrived. Hannah is already adjusting to the constant coming and going. In Oklahoma Tara was never far from her (in fact, she was usually holding her) and now Tara pops in for a quick second and she is off again. Hannah is getting use to Matt again and enjoying her new toys and house. I quickly realized how much baby proofing I still need to do!!

So, three continents in 30 days....I don't recommend it, especially with a 16 month old baby, but we FINALLY have our baby home.