After almost two weeks in Florida and our first post-placement check-up, we were granted ICPC and able to start our journey back to Virginia. We were sad to say goodbye to the beautiful weather and beaches, but eager to return home and get settled in. Gma Susan, returned back to the St. Louis area by plane, and as we drove off we realized we were on our own with a 5 year old and newborn... and about to embark on a multi-day road trip. 

Spoiler alert, we survived.

Countless rest stops, Starbucks, and gas stations later, we arrived home to Virginia. We were exhausted after driving through five states on two weeks of newborn-induced sleep-deprivation, and decided that we deserved some sort of achievement medal. Ori announced that the next time we went to Florida, we should fly. I couldn't help but agree.

Thanks to our kind friends, we were greeted with banners welcoming the new baby boy, baby clothing gathered from generous neighbors, and animals who were happy to see us return. Unfortunately, it was also like time stood still while we were gone - our house was just as disorganized as we had left it, and now we had to get a nursery in order. Also, someone had forgotten to empty the perishables out of the fridge. I won't say who that person was...

A few days after arriving home, we took Rafa for his two week check-up with the pediatrician. He is a healthy, happy baby boy who spends most of his day (and night) sleeping and eating. We have another virtual post-placement visit on Thursday, and have started to figure out the most ideal childcare options for when our parental leave ends. 

And here we are, Rafa is a little over three weeks old and his nursery is no longer piled high with boxes. We are ready for the next step in the journey and immensely thankful for all the generous adoption donations. Please keep us in your hearts and send us positive thoughts that everything will continue to go smoothly!