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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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We’re baaackkkk.

We finally arrived home veeerryyy early Wednesday morning. It was one long drive. We left Iowa City at 12:00 PM Central time and didn’t arrive home until 5:30 AM Eastern time.

Yeah, it was way too long to be in the car with 5 kids under 8. But we made it! I am SO thrilled to be home, and we are finally catching up on our sleep.

Jude is wonderful, I am really amazed at how different each adoption experience has been. As different as each of our incredibly unique children, I guess 🙂

Here are some of my favorite pics, taken in Omaha when we were vising our great buddies, the Nowlins. At Bailey’s suggestion, I put Jude into the swing and he absolutely loved it.

He started smiling and cracking up… I had to stop swinging him long enough to go run and get my camera!

Thank goodness I had it handy, I just love the sweet smile on his face!

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08.04.07 · clubfoot, Jude 17

Comments

  1. LaLa says

    August 4, 2007 at 3:00 AM

    Love that grin!!! Welcome home

    Reply
  2. Barbie says

    August 4, 2007 at 3:34 AM

    Stefanie!!! I am so thankful your family is home and can try to get back to a “routine”. Whatever that is! I have missed you and keeping up on your life. It is so good to see Jude so happy. You are truly blessed!

    Barbie

    Reply
  3. Sophie's Mom says

    August 4, 2007 at 11:52 AM

    Awe… Welcome back! Swing pictures are the best when you can get them. Great smiles!

    Reply
  4. epin says

    August 4, 2007 at 12:48 PM

    Welcome home. I love these pictures of Jude, and was glad to read on Jude’s website that his procedure went well. All to the best to you and your family.

    Reply
  5. Mom of 5 says

    August 4, 2007 at 1:52 PM

    What a beautiful smile !!

    Reply
  6. kris says

    August 4, 2007 at 3:21 PM

    God I CRIED when I saw you light up in my bloglines. I have missed you SO much Stef.

    We should catch up soon by phone.

    Jude is such a handsome little boy and I’m so glad to hear he’s doing so well!

    Reply
  7. mandimeibearden says

    August 4, 2007 at 4:18 PM

    SO glad that you are back! Funny how much you can “miss” someone you have never had the blessing to be introduced in person to!!! I need some tips on toddler adoption from you! Glad to hear everyone is well and Jude is so handsome and looks so very happy. Such a tremendous blessing!
    AnnaB.
    (www.myadoptionwebsite.com/sarahisours)

    Reply
  8. Adam and Cynthia Farley says

    August 4, 2007 at 7:31 PM

    So thankful you are home! Maybe you can get some much deserved rest!

    Reply
  9. Beckyb says

    August 4, 2007 at 7:36 PM

    Little Jude has been through so much!! He is a trooper!! Our prayers are with you during all of this – he’s a toughie!!

    Reply
  10. Patricia/NYC says

    August 5, 2007 at 1:44 AM

    WELCOME HOME, LEISTS!!!!!
    We have MISSED you, girl!!
    SOOOOO glad you are back safe & sound & those pics of Jude are just AMAZINGLY ADORABLE!!!!

    I’ve been checking in & checking in & was ecstatic to see this post tonight!!

    I know that life will be very hectic for you now, but know that you have MANY FANS cheering you on!

    Can’t wait to hear all about your journey! Enjoy your own bed!! LOL!
    HUGS!!!
    Patricia/NYC

    Reply
  11. Jana says

    August 5, 2007 at 2:56 PM

    Welcome home, Stefanie!! I have anxiously been awaiting an update and I’m thrilled to see that you are home. Jude is one beautiful little boy. I hope you get an opportunity to rest, which I know is not likely given the toddlers running around your home!

    jana

    Reply
  12. tiffany says

    August 5, 2007 at 9:46 PM

    Welcome home!! What a little angel boy you have. 🙂 Love that smile! Get settled in and then fill us in with lots of details.
    🙂 Tiffany

    Reply
  13. Holly says

    August 5, 2007 at 10:30 PM

    Welcome HOME- what a sweet word!
    Jude is just absolutely precious! The pics of his feet after each casting are just amazing! Praise God! We leave for China in 9 days to meet our sweet China boy!
    Blessings to you!
    Holly McDaneld

    Reply
  14. Leslie says

    August 5, 2007 at 10:38 PM

    Stephanie I have followed your journey to Sophie and now Jude, we brought our little Myah last year. You have been such an inspiration to me and I am glad I found your blog (somehow, not sure how). You are my vote for mom of the year, decade, century and millenium! Bless you for being so strong and having such a compassionate heart. Glad that you are home safely, I bet it feels wonderful!

    Reply
  15. sara says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM

    Stefanie~ so thankful that you are home..God is so good & we will continue to pray for your family!

    Reply
  16. Cate says

    August 6, 2007 at 6:24 PM

    Um, excuse me, how did you manage to get the most delicious boy from China! He’s beautiful! Welcome back!

    Reply
  17. Val says

    August 7, 2007 at 1:48 AM

    Oh, welcome back!!! Missed your posts and pics very much!

    I hope you and Jude can eat some bonbons and have some down time while the kids are in school. You’re an amazing mom…and an inspiration.

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
clementine - 2014
tallula - 2012
penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
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sophie - 2006
isabelle - 2005

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