February 14th - A Valentines to Remember

Waking up to sunny California weather was such a treat.  After a good nights rest and the sweet experience we had at our hotel the night before I felt like a new person.  Excited to head home and finally be with the rest of my family.  Excited for our world to finally meet little Jaymi and partake of the goodness that just radiates from her perfect little soul.  Excited to hold my two babies at home and for Wayne to hold Jaymi in his arms again.  Just plain excited!  Jaymi was pretty excited too!  She was up and ready to go at about 4:30 am.  We spent some time watching the movie Tangled, very fitting for a little girls who "life was just about to begin anew".  A little girl who had been locked away from this big beautiful world that has so much to offer her.

Around 6:30 we headed down to the lobby for some breakfast and exploring.  We came back to the room, got bathed and ready for the day.  I'm telling you just being back in the U.S. for less than a day made me so grateful for so many things.  One of those being the bright warm sunshine on our face.  Oh how we missed seeing the sun while in Moscow.  I literally think we only saw it for 5-6 days while we were there.  It was so nice to look out the window and see the palm trees and feel the heat of the sun.

Whoa that things bright!

What is that thing?

I guess its not too bad, I could get used to this!

It was also so nice to see the smiling faces of strangers and passers by in the hotel and airport.  People were so sweet with us and it helped this mama's heart after some disheartening experiences we had while on the flight over.  It made me proud to live in a country where for the most part people saw my beautiful little girl as just that, a beautiful little girl.  I know this country isn't perfect and there are still people that don't understand and see the worth of person with a disability and how treasured they are, but I believe that is changing every day and I hope that more and more people will know how precious every person is, not matter their genetic makeup.

As we waited for the shuttle to pick us up we took some, "WE DID IT!!!" victory pictures.  The kids were so cute!  I emailed Wayne and Brian the pictures and told them we were on our way!  Pretty sure they both teared up a bit when they saw them.  Okay, I know they did because they both admitted to it. :)

Waiting for the Shuttle

Becky and I had to laugh when we noticed we were sitting in the Smoking Area.  Just so used to all the smoke in Russia, we didn't even notice. 

VICTORY!!! WE DID IT!!

Yep friend, we did it!

Okay can we put our arms down now?  We are tired :)

Our flights went well and we made it home!  Our flight from LA to Utah was so fast it felt like we got up in the air, flew for a few minutes and headed back down.  I guess thats what a 13 hour flight the previous day will for you, perspective.  The kids slept for most of the flight and were well rested for their grand entrance into this new life of theirs.

When we got into Salt Lake we took our time saying goodbye to Becky and Gabe.  Becky's sister in law was there to greet us as she had a flight to Arizona in a few hours, that she may or may not have boarded.  It was hard saying goodbye to our new sweet friends.  Becky and I had spent the last 30 days together almost every second of the day.  She is one of my dearest friends and we will be sure to keep in touch for the rest of our lives.  We already have our children bet-roved to each other :)  I can't wait for all of us to get together.  You better believe we are already planning something for this spring.  Gabe and Jaymi will always hold a special bond as they were best friends during this journey into their new forever.  Even 2 weeks since we have been home she gets so excited when she sees a picture of her Gab-ey.

At last my little girl and I found our way through the airport, hand in hand, ready to say hello to this new life awaiting us.  I savored every last step of that walk with her, knowing that I didn't get to keep her all to myself anymore.  That her life and love was meant to be shared with all that will come in contact with her.  I gave her a big hug and said, "Lets go see Papa".  As we stepped onto that escalator down to our family and friends, I couldn't take my eyes off her, because just the thought of those waiting there was too much for my eyes to take in.  I tried so hard not to cry, but I failed...and thats okay.

Waving the tiny American flag Becky's sister-in-law brought for her, she entered this new life with more grace, poise and excitement than I would have ever imagined.  She probably gave out over a hundred hugs in those first 30 minutes, most of them to our nieces, nephews and friends children who have been diligently praying for her to come home for over a year.  I know Heavenly Father was aware of each and every prayer said in behalf of our little girl, I know that is why we were led to find her over one year ago.  She has had people praying for a family to find her for years.  My sister-in-law brought a Princess Dress and Crown for Jaymi to wear and boy did she eat that up!  She was loving all the attention and love, it was so fun watching her soak it all in.

I love the lady's face in the maroon shirt behind us.

Bryn was still mad at me for leaving for so long, she would barely look at me. 

It was so fun seeing all our loved ones gathered in to meet our little girl and to welcome us home.  WE HAVE THE BEST FAMIY AND FRIENDS IN THE WORLD.  We could have never done this without their love, support and prayers.  There were balloons, signs, gifts, smiles, laughter and tears.  It was sad not having little Kaelyn there to great us as she was still up at the hospital, but luckily she was doing better and would be able to come home in the next day or two.  If it hadn't been for Kaelyn we would have never been on this journey to bring Jaymi in to our family.  She opened our eyes to children with Down syndrome and how great they are. We also say that Bryn brought a message with her from Heaven, telling us that she had a sister in Russia waiting for us to come get her, as she was only three months old when we began this process.

We are so grateful to all our loved ones that came to the airport to welcome us home.  It meant so much to me!  Its funny because on our trip home from court I was feeling a little bit sad as Wayne and I rode down that same escalator thinking that we wouldn't have many, if anyone welcoming us home when we brought Jaymi home because our flight from JFK would have put us into Salt Lake around mid-night.  I knew that was too late for people to be there.  So although things were much harder than we anticipated they be back in December, I'm grateful for the sweet experiences we had along the way.  One of those being an embrace with our sweet friend Whitney who is adopting a precious little girl with Ds from Russia.  She and her husband met and bonded with their little girl in December, just before all this broke out.  My heart hurts so much for them as they are still waiting and hoping that a way will be made possible for them to bring their precious little girl home.  I will never stop praying and believing that things will workout for them and all the children and families still caught in the middle of this.

A few local news agencies/papers covered our homecoming if you want to see some footage of that.  They are some great photos and video shots.

-February 14, 2013 - KSL: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=24085933&nid=148&title=s-jordan-family-finally-whole-after-daughter-arrives-from-russia

-February 15, 2013 - KUTV, Utah:  http://www.kutv.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_3856.shtml

-February 15, 2013 - Deseret News, Utah:  http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55832499-78/jeana-jaymi-russia-russian.html.csp

-February 15, 2013 - Salt Lake Tribune, Utah:  http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865573219/South-Jordan-couple-stuck-in-legal-limbo-brings-home-daughter-from-Russia.html

After we left the airport, Wayne went up to the hospital to see Kaelyn and talk to doctors about when she could come home.  The girls and I headed home with Grandma and Grandpa Bonner.  As we entered our street I saw that the trees leading up to our house were all tied with big pink bows.  I was so surprised to see this, once again the tears rolled and I asked my mother in law who did it.  She said there was a note on the door.  When we pulled in front of our house I saw they had decked our whole porch out in ribbon and of course it was none other than our cute neighbors the Buncher's and Carlson's.  I've talked about them both before as the Buncher's have a son with Ds who we love and the rest of their kids have been praying for Victoria since we met them back in May when they first moved into our neighborhood.  The Carlson kids did a lemonade stand for us and raised over $200 to help bring Jaymi home.  We are so lucky to live in such a great community.  I can't tell you how many people have been so supportive and loving throughout this whole journey and especially sweet since we have brought Jaymi home.  If there is one thing this little girl will never run out of around here, its love.

Bryn and I had a great time showing Jaymi her new home.  Bryn totally loved having a big sister the minute we walked in the door.  It has been such a special experience watching their relationship develop.  After we got settled in and Bryn down for a nap, my sweet in-laws headed up to the hospital to be with Kaelyn so Wayne could come home since she wouldn't be discharged until the next day.  After Bryn was in bed we were hanging out on the family room floor and I was trying to stay awake so I could watch the story of us on KSL.  I laid down on the floor and Jaymi laid on my back like kids do when they don't want you falling asleep.  About 45 minutes later I woke up to Wayne asking what we should do with Jaymi.  She had fallen asleep just as instantly as I had.  We were definitely exhausted.  I was able to stay awake through the story and it was so neat being able to see all the pictures and film of our arrival.  It was all kind of a blur to me so it was special indeed.

She came right in and made herself comfortable, like she has lived here all her life.

This is your very own bed, it has been waiting for you for months and months

Opening the beautiful quilt aunt Caryn and Grandma Amy made/gave her.

"So I hear I'm a Utah fan, okay, sounds good to me"

The following morning Wayne headed up to the hospital to bring Kaelyn home.  It was so special when she got home and we were all finally together under one roof.  Kaelyn was still pretty sick, so she isn't quite sure whats going on, but I know her and Jaymi will have a special bond.  I'm so excited to be their mom and for Bryn and their future siblings (if we are so lucky) to have them as their sisters.  I can't wait to see our story continue to unfold and to enjoy the simple pleasures of spending quiet days together at home, as a family.  I know it will take some adjusting, as does anything in life, but I will continue to try and take my own advice and always "look for the good", even when things are hard an the way seems long.

Papa and his girls, together at last

Kaelyn and Jaymi finally meet

Mama and her girls, all finally together

So happy to be home.  So happy to have Jaymi home.  May I never forget the lessons, love and people we have met along the way.  Life. Is. Good.

Be the bellman - Arriving at LAX

So like I mentioned in the last post, I had some high hopes and expectations of our arrival back into the good old United States of America.  It really was my first set of high expectations of this trip, as I was pretty leveled headed throughout the whole experience because I new things could change any minute.  So at this point I was over the fact that we would not be making it all the way home today.  I was sad that we would be missing our welcoming party in Utah, but wanted to make the best of being back in the U.S.  We were the last ones off the plane as we waited for everyone else to move out so we wouldn't slow anyone up with all our carryon luggage and small children.

We made the stop at the top of the escalator for a photo op, commemorating our children's first steps on U.S. soil deeming them instant citizens of the United States of America.

We did it!  We were home...almost.  So when we got to customs people didn't welcome us with open arms like I had hoped.  There was one lady that was really cute and gave us big smiles, but about the next six people we had contact with were anything but inviting.  Something I was not prepared for and especially not emotionally and physically capable of handling well, and I'm sad to say I didn't handle it well.  The nicest person to us in the airport was a Russian woman that worked for our airline.  She set us up with another kind gentleman that lugged our two carts of luggage all over the airport for us.  I wish I would have focused more on those three people while we were in the airport, but I didn't.  I just saw one rude person after another and it brought me lower than I have been in a long time.  The straw on my back was an customs agent that was abrupt and cold to us when we were just trying to cross an aisle to get to another part in the airport.  Well I gave him a look that could kill and he rudely told me to get off my phone.  I was just hanging up with Wayne finding out what we were suppose to do now that we were in LA and getting an update on my daughter Kaelyn that found herself admitted to the hospital with RSV and pneumonia just hours before we left Russia.

When we saw the look I gave him he sternly said, "Is something wrong?"  With tears in my eyes I said, "Yes, somethings wrong, we have been in Russia for over a month trying to bring our kids home....", I really don't remember what else I said.  Then he came back with something about me being on my phone and Becky told him I just found out my daughter was in the hospital at home.  With no sense of care or emotion he said, "Well I didn't know that", in which I reply, "Well people are going through hard things in life so you can at least by kind".  Then he walked about.  I'm sure I created quite the scene and the poor security guard hauling our luggage, I'm sure I scared him half to death.  I had had it though.  I just wanted someone to show concern and understanding for all that Becky and I had been through in the last 24 hours, let alone month.  I even so much as told Becky that "There is no more good in this world", something I knew wasn't true, but it felt like it at that very moment.  Thankfully God didn't let me believe that for too long and he sent some very special people into our paths in the coming minutes and hours.

I spent the next little while sobbing uncontrollably until we arrived at the hotel.  I felt horrible for being so out of control, I couldn't even look at the happy little girl holding my hand because I felt so bad for crying so much.  It was like the flood gates were open and I couldn't stop the tears from coming.  Looking back I am even more able to see how much divine help I had throughout my time in Russia.  Had I been left to my own power I would have been a sad little girl while there, but I know Heavenly Father was blessing me greatly even just by keeping it together and staying happy the entire time.

When we got to the hotel I have finally been able to compose myself enough to look somewhat normal.   Then a gentleman came out and loaded up all our luggage and showed us where to go to check in.  After checking in he took us up to our rooms.  He was being so kind, telling us every last bit of information we would ever need to know about their hotel and asking us about our situation.  Finally I just couldn't take it anymore.  It was like Heavenly Father sent down an angel to remind me that, yes indeed there is good in the world and I don't want you to ever feel like there isn't again.  Especially after all your have witnessed over the past year.  Then I REALLY lost it.  I felt so stupid for crying so hard infront of a complete stranger while he took me to my room with the luggage cart.  He just kept telling me how sorry he was for whatever I was going through and that he wanted me to know it would work out.  He even gave me a hug.  I felt so bad because I didn't have any US bills to tip him with since we weren't planning on staying in LA and then I remember I did have some money in my wallet.  It was quite a bit more than you would normally tip someone, but I thought back to my experience at the airport and I just wanted to show him how grateful I was for his kindness.  I could barely speak to tell him how much his kindness meant to me and then he left.  Thankfully Becky was able to watch Jaymi while I called Wayne and cried my tears dry and got it back together.  I just felt like I was letting Jaymi down by being so emotional at such a happy time for us.

In talking to Wayne on the phone I was still so discouraged and told him I didn't think I could face anyone at the airport, I was at the end of my rope and holding on for dear life.  He was so kind and understanding even though things were difficult for him back home with Kaelyn in the hospital and Bryn also had RSV.  I'm so thankful for such a loving husband and amazing father, we are so lucky to have him!

When I got back to Becky's room she had dinner ordered and on its way, the kids were having a great time and there were a few priesthood brethren of a local ward coming over to give us all blessings.  Thanks to her sister-in-law for lining that up.  Another testament from a loving Heavenly Father reminding us that we were not forgotten and left alone at the end of our journey.   The spirit was so sweet as these young men blessed us and our children.  It was so special to see our small children sit quietly with their arms folded while they were blessed to overcome the sickness they were feeling and to prepare them for the entrance into their new lives.  Gabe was so excited he was ready for another blessing after Jaymi's.  Immediately after Jaymi's blessing the fever she had been battling for 2 days was gone and it never returned.  No amount of Tylenol or Ibuprofen was controlling it and I know it was this blessing that healed her.  I also felt much better emotionally and physically after my blessing.  I will never forget this experience and the comfort and peace it brought to my tired soul.

We all chowed down on some good old Papa John's pizza and salad which also helped.  Finally some comfort food that didn't cost an arm and a leg.  While we were hanging out in Becky's room we got a delivery.  A big bottle of water and a tray of sweet concoctions of chocolates.  Our bellman friend sent them our way and also came by and dropped off a card for me.  It was so sweet how concerned he was about me, about us.  His card read;

"Dear Ms. Bonner,

Please accept our heart felt sympathies.  Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerely Jaime, Bellman Radisson LAX"

As Becky so nicely put it, "coincidence that his name was Jaime?  I don't think so."

One of the most important lessons I learned throughout this whole journey came from this experience.  A reminder for me to not only "Believe there is good in the world", but to "BE THE GOOD".  To be like Jaime the Bellman.  To be kind and loving to everyone.  I hope he realizes how great an influence he had on Becky and I that night.  That he will be rewarded in life for being "the good" in the world.  I hope I can follow his example and reach out to those I come in contact with, even if its just for a short moment, to show them they are loved and are not forgotten.

Thank you Jaime for treating us so kindly.  It will not be soon forgotten and I hope to pay it forward, to try and make this world a little bit better.

New Life - Day 9 - February 13th

Today started out early as we had to do a few last minute packing maneuvers to fit everything in our luggage.  Becky was throwing out things left and right so I took what I could.  I scored some animal crackers, a block train set (That I can return to its rightful owner if need be :) ) and some sweet hot pink and yellow belts she had to buy to get a black one to go with her night at the Spaso House ensamble.  I'm still trying to figure out how to incorporate those into my wardrobe, but when I do, I'll be sure to send Becky a picture! 

We got all packed up and headed down for our last breakfast at the buffet.  We hope the kids enjoyed their last day of 1,000 choices for breakfast.  Then we got all our luggage loaded on to two carts and headed downstairs to meet our driver.  It was so surreal heading out those hotel doors for the last time, we were finally going home.  

On the way to the airport

We got through the airport check-in and customs pretty smoothly and were 2 hours early by time we made it through security and customs.  Our bags were WAY too heavy, but thanks to our language barrier, the lady at the check in had pity on us, or just wanted us out of her hair, she waived the $300 overage fee.  We called that a blessing and moved on.  Getting through customs was not too bad, there was a really nice lady standing at the line that kept telling our driver Igor to stay by us and say goodbye.  Though we were never able to speak to Igor, you could just see that look in his eyes that said, Finally, you are on your way.  What a great guy, I will always treasure the night we had him drop us off at the wrong hotel and how hard we all laughed he returned 3 hours later.  Then he took us past the circus and we got some sweet pictures in the clown car.  Very fitting ending for the evening.

After we got through customs we went right to the flight board to see which gate we would board at.  We did not like what we saw.  We stood there for about 5 minutes reading and re-reading it, making sure we were looking at the right flight.  Sadly it was true, our flight to LA was delayed 3 hours.  So that meant we had over 4 hours to kill in the airport with two little kids and worst of all, we would miss our connecting flights home in the U.S.  Thankfully Wayne was still awake as it was close to midnight at home and he called Delta, figured out new itineraries and booked us a hotel room in LA.  To say we were disappointed would be an understatement.  Since we had no choice we did our best to suck it up and press forward, something we had come quite well at over the past month.  It was harder to do with our kids with us though.  We were already concerned about how they would do on the 13 hour flight and four hours in an airport seemed like asking too much of them, especially since they were both sick.

We went to our gate to see if anyone could explain to us what was going on.  Of course no one was there and once they arrived they told us they didn't speak any English.  We set up camp in the corner and Becky went and found us some dinner.  She came back with two sandwiches, 3-4 bottles of water and some potato wedges.  Our last over-priced meal in Russia and it came to just under $50!!  There are a few things I won't be complaining about any time soon and one is the cost of food here in the States.  The other is the size of my wardrobe.  After wearing the same two pairs of jeans and rotating between two sets of workout clothes for over a month, my closet will feel like a mall when I get home.

Oh yea I forgot to mention the time I killed modeling my knit sweat suit.  I think it would be a great sale for classy yet comfortable travel attire.  Ha ha, totally kidding, it was an accident that I paired these two pieces together, but we got a good laugh out of it.

One of our walks in the airport

Thankfully Jaymi took a small nap on my lap until I had to stand up because I did not have any feeling left in my backside from sitting on the floor :)  We went on a few walks and took many trips to the bathroom.

When it was time to board the aircraft we were pleasantly surprised when the co-captain of the plane spoke english came up to us and told us we could board early with the kids.  As we walked down the jetway we kept telling the kids we were going on the airplane home to papa!  They were getting so excited.  Once we got settled on our row of 4 seats, they were so excited.  Jaymi kept waving her arm back and forth saying something in Russian and laughing so hard and loud.  We had no idea what she was saying or where she picked that up from but it was sure cute.

Watching some cartoons in Russian.  I was proud our myself for navigating the entertainment system in Russian to find her a show to watch.

Thankfully the kids did so well on the flight.  Jaymi slept for close to 9 hours!  Amazing, I know, especially since she was feeling sick.  She did have one time when she woke up with a fever and was so sad.  Luckily the medicine kicked in quickly and she was able to get back to sleep.  She was on the isle so I was so paranoid that she would stick her leg out in the isle and get hit by the drink cart that I only slept for about 30 minutes total.  I did get about 8 hours worth of blogging done though, so that was nice.  I was just happy that Jaymi was able to sleep and wasn't miserable on such a long flight and feeling sick.  However my lack of sleep would come back to bite me once we arrived in LA.

Along with my blogging marathon, I got lots of shots of everyone's sleeping positions which was fun.  At one point I stole the idea of a kid a few isles up and made Jaymi a tent to block the lights when they turned them back on.  When the flight attendant she practically let out a squeal from her surprise, which I thought was a little strange.  The kid a few isles up was doing it for quite a while, but his blanket wasn't quite as wild I guess.

The bent in half position, this one is popular with our flexible children with Ds.  Yes that me holding on to her so she doesn't face plant.  Luckily this one didn't last too long, it was making me nervous. 

The tent sleeper

The sprawled out over everyone

The face in the isle

The good old fashion desk sleep, I'm sure we've all used this one a time or two in our school years.

The mom pillow

When we landed down in LA I was sooooo excited to finally be home.  I was just ready to jump off the airplane and be welcomed with open arms back into the United States.  I'll write more on our experience in the next post because its a whole separate story of its own and I learned a very valuable lesson that I don't want to forget. Well part of it I want to forget, but its all about learning lessons in life, right?