Originally, we had planned on last Thursday, the 28th.  We are really frustrated.  Beyond frustration --- beginning to wonder if this will actually happen.  We are waiting on the Immigrant Visa to be sent to the agency.  We've been told that the lady at the Consulate is really good at getting back to them and that he will be home.  But with delays like this, so many thoughts run thru your mind. 

 

 

March 6, Wed:

 

We heard from the agency last night.  The VISA has been couriered over night to them.  We are now waiting on flight arrangements.  Hopefully we will be holding Xavier in our arms tomorrow!

 

Patrice was so kind in sending three new pictures of our 'lil man.  Check them out.

 

 

March 7, Wed:

 

We heard from Betty.  She had Xavier's passport in hand and was heading out the door to deliver it to Patrice at the Caring Home (a two hr. drive north).  He is ready to come home but an escort can't be found for tonight nor tomorrow. :o(   Betty will call in the morning and said IT WILL be Friday. 

 

 

March 7, Thursday:

 

Betty called this morning as promised.  Xavier will be coming into Portland, Maine tomorrow afternoon!!!!  I (Tara) was still in bed, trying to get over this cold/flu thing.  So, Paul handled all the details and told me later when I woke.  Parker will stay with her aunt Renee tomorrow.  We'll leave here around 8AM!!!  We'll catch up with everyone when we get back and settled in.

 

 

 

March 9, Sat:

 

We arrived home at roughly 2am this morning.  Xavier is home!  That seems unbelievable to type - it's finally happened!

 

Flight 1844 (Atlanta-Detroit-Portland) arrived a few min. early yesterday afternoon.  We arrived in Portland a couple of hours early so of course, we hit the Kids R Us and Toys R Us.  The drive to (four hours) and around Portland was a breeze.  We were sitting infront of a the glass window watching planes arrive while constantly checking the board to verify that his flight was on time without any recent changes.  Paul got up to go to the restrm. before his plane was to arrive.  The next thing we were heard was the notice that his plane had landed!  In all of our excitement, we missed it coming in!?!  We were teary eyed and telling each other that we were not going to cry.  We wanted to see him and remember everything. ~laugh~  Through the glass divider we say a flight attendant walk out with a baby to her chest covered in a blue and white checked blanket.  We of course, waved madly.  I guess since we were the only one lining up to see this baby, Randa knew we were the parents.  We showed her our ID and Xavier was placed in Tara's arms!  AWESOME is the word to describe the day and moment!  We were given Congrats many times, handed a diaper bag full of goodies & his papers.  We headed to the nearest payphone to give Betty a ring.  Letting her know that we were holding the most wonderful, cuddly & warm little fellow.  A quick stop at the nursery area to change a diaper and we were on our way home.

 

It was roughly a three hour drive to St. Stephen from Portland.  Xavier travelled like a PRO!  He slept, burped and slept some more!  We thought he would be upset for sure!?!  Once we arrived at the Customs (10pm), the Immigration process was no big deal.  Within 10 minutes, we were back in the van and headed to The Parker's (Tara's uncle).  Tara's parents were there as well.  We spent an hour sharing Xavier, feeding and changing.  Then, back on the road. 

 

Where it was so late, Parker stayed with Renee for the night.  She came home in the morning and hasn't stopped kissing Xavier since!

 

 

March 18, Monday:

 

Xavier is a really good baby!  We are soooooo very blessed!  He is a dream.  He hasn't been shy at all and it feels like he has been here forever.  He fit right in! 

 

Tara returned to work today and Paul is off until Nov.  We have been spending the last couple of weeks enjoying every day with our son!  Words can never express our love for our son, appreciation for everyone involved in the whole process and the birthparents.