Welcome HOME, Bella

It was one of those days I will never forget, for as long as I live. 

Back in Guangzhou, we headed down for our last (delicous!) hotel breakfast at the Garden Hotel. We then packed up our room and waited in the lobby for Bella's visa and our travel van to arrive. The second it did, we hopped in the van and embarked on the 2.5 hour drive to Hong Kong.

 Double fisting - spring roll in one hand, banana in the other :)

 Ready to rock!

 Last photo before we head out of the room that had been our home for almost a week

 Happily waiting for our travel van in the lobby

 Bella didn't nap at all during the van ride; so, once we were finally through security and a had a couple hours to spare before our flight out of Hong Kong, she napped on a restaraunt bench while Clay and I enjoyed celebratory beverages. 

 We made it!!! Two weeks in China and now headed home where we all belong! 

Only 30 hours of travel separate us from China and HOME!

Bella slept restlessly on and off on the 12.5-hour flight. Once our plane touched down in Los Angeles, she was officially an American citizen. Her daddy was SO proud, and I may or may not have teared up. We then had a 6-hour layover in Los Angeles, which was spent going through Customs/Immigration, re-checking our bags and going back through security, getting some dinner, and watching the Panthers/Texans game in an airport bar and grill. Our flight was then delayed about 45 minutes and then, after we boarded, we sat on the plane for another 30 minutes (45? I was delirious by this point) before we were able to take off. But finally, we were bound for Charlotte!

 

 The moment our daughter became an American citizen

 Studying up ;)

 Charlotte or bust!

 

 Let's do this thing!

We all slept on and off again and were so happy when our plane finally landed at 6:45 am, after 30 hours of travel. We quickly changed Bella out of her jammies and into the outfit I had excitedly made earlier in the summer, when I was dreaming of the day all four of my babies would meet. Back at home, her three big siblings were dressed in their matching shirts and excitedly waiting for their little sister to arrive!

 She's ready!

 They're ready!

Wearing our matching bracelets (Raleigh had hers on, too). I wore this every day during our wait and every day in China

We got off the plane, quickly picked up some Chick-Fil-A breakfast while en route to baggage claim (so good! Oh, how we missed our CFA while in China!), and then collected our bags. We ordered an uber and were soon on our way to our home, which was about a 25 minute drive from the airport. Oh, how slowly those minutes passed! We were absolutely exhausted but also absolutely ecstatic to get home to unite our family. 

Meanwhile, we had a few close friends and a few family members waiting for us at our home (Because our flight had been scheduled to arrive so early in the morning, we asked our family and friends to meet us at our house, instead of the airport, so that they wouldn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to meet us at baggage claim). I am incredibly lucky that one of my closest friends is a talented photographer, who was there to capture some of the best moments of my life. 

 I mentioned before that I left little surprises for the kids to open each morning while we were away. The last one was a new set of markers and poster board so they could make "Welcome Home" signs for their sister. Ohmygoodness. They did an amazing job. Raleigh's said, "Bella I will love you forever." Yes, my tears were flowing. 

 Our welcoming crew!

 Our sweet friends made the most adorable sign to welcome our girl. Their youngest daughter, beautiful Olivia, was also adopted from China and it was so fun to finally get to introduce her to Bella <3

It was time...

We pulled up and immediately saw the signs that our kiddos and friends had each made. We saw the mailbox covered in pink balloons. We saw my own momma standing there, waiting to meet her 12th grandchild. We saw my aunt and uncle and noticed the chalk signs they had drawn on our driveway to welcome us. I took it all in, took a deep breath, and opened the door. 

Our big three ran straight to the car, hugging their daddy before he even get out of the car before running to greet Bella and I as we came out of the other side. I immediately teared up. My babies were together. And it was the happiest I have EVER seen them. Bella was so calm and observant, taking it all in. 

"This is our Bella?" asked my Banks, eyes sparking.

"This is our Bella," I managed to choke out as my eyes welled with tears. 

We spent the next few minutes hugging and talking to our beloved family and friends, introducing Bella to them all, laughing as she waved to many as she met them, including her Bammy. 

Then, at long last, we let the big siblings hold their little sister for the first time.

As everyone left to continue on with their days, we snapped a couple of first family photos before heading inside to begin our life together as a family of six. 

The amazing friend who was behind the camera, who I am so very thankful for. 

 Letting Bammy hold her for a second

On July 31st, 2017, Bella became an official member of the Lu Crew. On August 10th, 2017, she was finally able to meet the founding members. It was a day I will never forget.