We made it home and are settling in...

Willow and new friend Katie.

Joe, Michelle, Katie, Me, Paul and Willow

Fion (our guide), Me, Paul and Willow

Willow sleeping on Eva Air Flight home.

Hello Everyone,

Hope this update finds you all well!

We are finally settling in and getting back on track. We returned home on Friday early morning. The last leg of the flight from Portland to Chicago was challenging. Willow did great for most of the flight! In the last hour of the flight we were all at the end of our rope. We are happy the travel part is over and we are home.

Adjusting to the time change has been the biggest challenge. Paul and I are still finding that we are tired during the day. Willow seems to be getting on a schedule and doing better then us. She is a pure joy! Luc is adjusting well too. The road was a bit rocky when we first came home and now he absolutely loves when she is awake. They interact very well together and Willow just stares at Luc watching every move he makes. They are really cute together.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday seem like a dream to me. The only clear thing that took place this past weekend was us venturing out to church on Sunday. We found ourselves up early and motivated to go to church. It was great to see everyone and it provide Luc with some normalcy.

Visitors have been trickling in slowly, which has made things less stressful for Willow. Thanks to all who have been waiting patiently to see her. We are trying not to overwhelm her with to many people at one time.

Paul goes back to work on Friday. It will be strange for me to be with both Luc and Willow on my own, but I am up for the challenge. I think we are going to try and visit the Morton Arboretum for their Asian Celebration. It sounds great! We will see how we do getting out of the house. Lol!

Willow had her first Dr. visit yesterday and things went well. I love our Dr.! We are new at his practice and each visit he continues to build trust with me. He said Willow is doing well. She can begin stage 1 foods 3 times a day. She will only need to be on formula until she is 10 months old and then switch over to whole milk . He wants to see her on whole milk and drinking from a sippy cup by 1 year of age. She did receive one vaccination, the Hep B, and handled it well. I thought she would be exhausted and cranky, and she was so funny! We played on the floor and laughed for a good hour and a half. She was so stinkin cute! I just wanted to eat her up.

Dr. Mehdi recommends that we have her head checked out due to it being rather flat in the back. She may need band therapy (the little helmet) to help reshape her head. It seems that she was on her back a lot. Which is shocking because she loves tummy time. We watch her and do our best to keep her off her back. She sleeps on her side most of the time except when she is really out like a light, then she is on her back with her arms straight out to the side. Most times her head is turned to the side. Tomorrow is a new day with new experiences. The first time she will try Sage 1 food. YEAH!!

Blessings to all!

Andrea

P.S. If you purchased raffle tickets, there are now 3 items donated for the raffle. The stained glass piece and 2 beautiful knitted scarves. The scarves were donated by Suzie Shaddle, Paul's co-workers wife. Thanks Suzie they are beautiful!!