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!
LaLa says
Love that grin!!! Welcome home
Barbie says
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
Sophie's Mom says
Awe… Welcome back! Swing pictures are the best when you can get them. Great smiles!
epin says
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.
Mom of 5 says
What a beautiful smile !!
kris says
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!
mandimeibearden says
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)
Adam and Cynthia Farley says
So thankful you are home! Maybe you can get some much deserved rest!
Beckyb says
Little Jude has been through so much!! He is a trooper!! Our prayers are with you during all of this – he’s a toughie!!
Patricia/NYC says
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
Jana says
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
tiffany says
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
Holly says
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
Leslie says
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!
sara says
Stefanie~ so thankful that you are home..God is so good & we will continue to pray for your family!
Cate says
Um, excuse me, how did you manage to get the most delicious boy from China! He’s beautiful! Welcome back!
Val says
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.