We're Home!

I am sorry for taking so long to let you know we have arrived safe and sound and all is so good! Our flights were uneventful and Zach was a great traveler. He slept at least 6 hours of the last leg of our flight. We left Guangzhou at 8:15 a.m. and arrived in Tokyo at about 2:00 (local time). We left Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. and arrived in Minneapolis at 11:45 a.m. How I wish it really was only 3 1/2 hours. But 17 hours later, we were home!

Zach's sisters are so proud of him. They have been great, showing him all over the house, helping him find what he needs, and trying so hard to learn how to communicate. What a blessing my children are. We are adjusting well to life as a family of 6.

Zach also had a scare when he met Baylee (our 100 lb chocolate lab) for the first time. It took a while before he could see Baylee anywhere near him without screaming and being terrified. But by the time he went to bed that first night, he was calling Baylee up on the bed with him and saying "Wo ai ni, Baylee!" Too cute.

I want to say, too, that we have some really great friends and family. We drove home in a spotless van, came home to a spotless house and full cupboards and refridgerator! We have received meals and visits. I was not looking forward to grocery shopping when we came home Wednesday, or making meals, and I can't begin to say how grateful we are for all the support. It has meant so much to us on our journey. We have felt the prayers and we know that we are loved. Zachary is doing so well and we praise God for it!

Also, I want to update you on his visit with our pediatrician yesterday. We now know that his left leg is shorter and smaller (less muscle) than his right, and his left foot is slightly smaller. His left ankle doesn't flex past 90 degrees without sustained pressure. We have an appointment scheduled at Gillette on Nov 21 to find out what we should do. Dr Warren suggested that treatment options may include PT, botox treatments (to loosen muscles) or leg lengthening surgery. It's good to be getting answers instead of speculation. I have to say that, considering how quickly the doctors at the visa medical exam diagnosed this, I wonder about all the reasons we were given by the orphanage -- skin condition, femur fracture and infection -- none of which seem to have any merit. I realize that they may have had Zach's best interests at heart in trying to put the best "spin" on what was really causing his limp, but honesty is still the best policy.

We also discovered that he has a heart murmur. Dr Warren has referred us to a cardiologist. He said it could be due to a small hole, or it could be nothing. We pray it is nothing.

I wanted to post some pictures of Zach and his sisters, but in the interests of informing you all is well, I will postpone that until later...