I know this is a little late, sorry! Traveling home with Jonas was pure joy for Todd. He said Jonas did so well with every new thing. There are a LOT of "firsts" for our children coming home from Haiti. For those of you whom have never traveled to a 3rd word country, it is like night and day.
So here is a list of firsts just from traveling:
- seeing a huge plane! (Jonas LOVED this)
- riding on an airplane
- freely given food and drink on the plane
- automatic doors (Jonas was fascinated with them)
- running water
- WARM running water
- flushing toilets
- automatic hand dryers (Todd said they spent a long time in the bath rooms!)
- escalators
- elevators
- security check points
- ped walkers in the airport
Jonas did so well traveling. He slept the entire time from Miami to Chicago. Todd kept covering him up and he'd wake up and take the blanket off and tell Todd he wasn't cold. I think the boy is warm blooded.
Todd said he got a little nervous in the Immigration office. But they were only in it for less than 10 minutes! He had fun running down the terminal with Todd trying to catch their connecting flight to Chicago. They barely just made it. I was praying hard!!!!!
My brother and his wife took good care of them during their layover in Chicago. Unfortunately my niece and nephew were asleep the whole time (late arrival and early departure, so they didn't get to meet. thanks Paul and Leann for taking such good care of my men!!!!
The flight from Chicago to Evansville was empty except for Todd and Jonas!!!!!! they had a private plane ride home! FUN!!!!! The flight attendant came back and sat with them and talked. The crew was so excited to have such an awesome reason for flying that day. They too thought it was cool that they got a private flight. Jonas and Todd got special treatment! Jonas got a set of wings! Oh yeah! My scrap booking heart is all over that! Be sure when you bring your little one home you ask for one if they aren't offered. Todd even asked for an extra set for my scrap booking. He's so thoughtful!
Also, be sure to pack a bag of activities for the kids and do NOT forget snacks!!!! I added baby wipes just in case, along with an extra set of clothes, a blanket (the plane can get cold at high altitudes), and I had pull ups even though Jonas is potty trained. You never know when accidents can happen!
So here are some travel pictures for you to enjoy!
Jonas' birthmom went to the airport with them.
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Coloring in his book while they waited at the airport.
Watching the planes land and take off.
On the tarmac heading home, FINALLY!
On the tram in Miami.
Heading to Chicago!
Layover in Chicago with my brother and his wife.
Watching planes at O'Hare (I Love this picture!)
His personal flight crew to Evansville!
6 comments:
What wonderful pictures! WOW ~ His birthmother went to the airport?! Is that common in Haiti for them to be a parto f their lives for so long? Cool!
Thanks so much for the specific details Kristina! It is great information to have for the near future:o) The pictures are great!
What a great homecoming!
Dawn,
First let me say, Jonas' birthmom is a rare exception all the way around! She is an amazing woman who stood strongly in her choice to have Jonas adopted. She never wavered. Three Angel's staff had nothing but good things to say about her. I can't tell you how may times I heard that she was the best birth parent there!
We wanted her to be there for Jonas leaving. I personally believe it is important for her to have a chance to say goodbye!
i do know Three Angels lets the birth parents know when their children are leaving for the states. Some show up, others don't. Todd made sure Jonas' mom had tap tap money to get back home from the airport. ( a slip of the hand to Megan)
I can only speak for us, Todd was not bothered by her being there. In fact it was comforting to him in a way.
I have heard where other adoptive families were very nervous and uncomfortable by the birth parent riding to the airport with them.
Jonas' BM will always be a part of our family now. Jonas and I look at pictures from Haiti quite often and we talk about her. He calls her momma too. It always makes me smile!
Kathy,
I'm sorry but I alwasy get tickled thinking about Shakira playing in the electronic doors!!!!!! Could you just see her pure joy and excitment?
I hope I find it humorous when the time comes! :o)
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