Sunday, July 5, 2009

Homecoming

Our little man did great in the car ride home. My mama heart was so very proud! We went through six different states and it took us about 25 hours (We spread it over three days). We stopped every three hours to feed and change Ty, gas up the car if needed, and use the restroom ourselves. Ty was a champ and slept most of the way! He fussed a little here and there, but was always lulled back to sleep by mommy's voice and the sway of the moving car. We thought for sure he wouldn't sleep during the nights, with all that day sleeping, but he did!!!

Our last stop before coming home was to our sweet friends, Dan and Laura. Laura has been my best friend since 7th grade and had a baby boy 7 days before us. All I've ever wanted in life was to be a mom alongside my best friends and it finally happened!!Baby Gabe and Baby Ty gave us a few good shots before the cries started...They will be best buds for sure!

The sweetest moment occurred when little Maddy (Gabe's big sister) came running down the stairs and said "Auntie B, Auntie B you got your baby!!!" It brought tears to my eyes and reminded me just how many hearts...big and small...our celebrating with ours.

I was flooded with emotion when we pulled into our driveway! I know people say "Home is where the heart is"...but there's something about those four walls too...

Three weeks is such a long time to be away...Surreal.Within minutes of being home, my sister brought over a huge surprise...My mom!! My mom was going to fly out and visit us while we were away (she lives in Texas) but broke her elbow right before Ty was born! She didn't think she'd make it back to Michigan until his dedication, at church (in August). I was SO excited to see her! There's something about wanting your mom during life's biggest events!
Intimate moments with Auntie Rachael, cousin Nya, and Nana JJ.Nya just loved her new little cousin and kept saying, "Baby..baby!"My dad and sister made this giant stork last summer, when Nya was born, and added a heart with Ty's info! It's such a fun little shout out...by little, I mean 9 feet tall!Such fun famly moments that I'll never forget...I held back tears most of the day! Seeing my mom hold her grandson for the first time was really emotional. Without her financial support, Baby Ty would never have been ours. I am forever indebted to both her and Rebekah for such an incredible gift...
It was a fun day with family and friends! We literally dropped our bags in the garage, visited with my family, and then all headed over to our best friends' 4th of July party. Our closest friends were all there ready to shower us and Baby Ty with hugs and kisses! I cared more about seeing my friends then taking pictures, so you'll have to imagine the hugs and tears!

When we got home Ben's family came over to meet their first grandchild and nephew! Sharing our sweet boy with all the people we love is amazing.

(Ben's mom)

My mom and sister spent the night and when I got up this morning (at 12pm...Life with a baby has turned my sleeping upside down), my sister had gone out and grocery shopped - fully stocking the kitchen, made us a huge breakfast and meals for the next few days! She rocks!

We still have so many people to see...and unpacking to do...but we're home.

Our life begins.

58 comments:

  1. Your story continues to warm my aching heart.

    I love the picture of the screaming babies. Priceless!

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  2. It's wonderful that you're home. My boss actually made up frozen dinners (like lasagna and chicken pasta bake) for a weeks worth of meals when I had my daughter. It was seriously the best baby gift ever!

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  3. Awww...the pictures are worth a thousand words!

    That's not your mom, that's gotta be your sister...she's so young and beautiful!

    I love that last picture of you kissing your husband and holding your baby.

    God bless you!!!

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  4. I have never commented but I have been following your blog since you left to get your sweet baby boy! I stumbled across your blog through a friend of a friend of a friend, etc :) I have anxiously checked day to day to see this unfold! It is incredible to see your amazing faith and trust in God and it is such an encouragement to me as a believer! Your story is beautiful! And so is your baby boy :)

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  5. I have been following your journey for a while now and I am so happy that you are finally home. I love all of your pictures. You look so very happy

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  6. Beautiful pictures Bek! I love the last one, it totally encapsulates the hope for your future! You and Ben are truly precious, and I am filled with such joy as I see the peace in your smiles.

    I can't wait to see you, hug you and hold Ty! We couldn't be at the 4th of July party because we had a big family party to attend. I'm taking off this morning and wont be home until Thursday but would LOVE to bring you a meal over the weekend. Or better yet--the Butchers bring over a meal to SHARE with the Pinchbacks! (Of course, we wouldn't bring everyone...just Paul and I!) Let me know if you're up for that and/or if it can fit in with your schedule.
    Love love love you!

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  7. Glad to see that you guys are home. Enjoy!!! Your mom looks more like your sister!!! Prayers from OHIO!

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  8. What a great day! It's wonderful to home! I love the picture of you in front of the door...it looks like there's a ring of flowers around your hair. Ty is a very lucky man! Have fun just being a mom and God Bless.

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  9. Welcome back home! So glad you made it back safely! I just love all of the appointments!!!

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  10. So glad you're home! I remember when we got the call we could go home (and it was only 5 days after he was born) I cried! I was so happy to finally get to bring my baby home. There is just something about home. Ty is so precious and your pics are so fun. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  11. Watching how God's timing is perfect through your story! Thanks for the reminder and for the wonderful, joyful update!

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  12. how very exciting! thanks for sharing these moments with us! :-)

    glad you made it home safely... prayers answered. ;-)

    now that Ty is getting a little bit older & his face is starting to become more distinct, i personally think he looks like Skyler with dark hair. at first i couldn't see the connection to the other Rebekah at all, but he does look a bit like Skyler now.

    QUESTION: how would you like us to refer to his birth family? i almost just called Skyler his "brother," and although he is, he isn't. i want to be sensitive to how you feel, while also acknowledging both his first mother AND the fact that he is YOUR son now.

    - michelle

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  13. so happy for you guys! i loved the pics of ty and gabe (before and after the crying). what a blessing that you guys got to stop there on your trip.

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  14. Good grief that is your MOM!!!
    You look so beautiful, mommy-hood just makes you shine. Love all the pics! Welcome home!

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  15. Beautiful! You have an absolutely beautiful family! I have prayed for ya'll as you traveled all those hours and am glad to see you have made it! I am so happy (happy doesn't cut it) for you all! Our God truly is Might to Save!!!
    Samantha

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  16. Congratulations! I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this story with us. God is so good!

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  17. Ahhhh (huge sigh) thanks for giving us another page to read in this amazing chapter. I'm glad u made it home safe, I love the pics, I don't know who took the pictures but the one of u with that big sunflower behind your head turned out WAY cute! Kudos to the photographer.
    Cindie

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  18. Already miss you so, so much...I need to hold that little peanut more! We are so moved and thrilled by the beauty of your story...it is the most amazing thing I've ever witnessed (other than the birth of my own children). I love you, Mama, and look forward to endless conversations about our baby boys...

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  19. There's a baby in the crib in your house... can you believe it? I can't wait to experience that feeling...congrats!

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  20. What a sweet homecoming!! The pictures are so precious, and your mom & sister are beautiful...you guys look just alike! Welcome home. :)

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  21. YAY FOR BEING HOME!!!!!!

    I'm so glad you guys arrived safely and were able to see your mom and visit for the 4th!!!

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  22. Love your story and all the sweet moments you guys have shared!!! I can feel the joy in your writing. So very, very happy for you all of you!!!! It's just amazing.

    Hugs to all!!!!

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  23. I am thrilled you are finally home
    ... life begins!


    I look forward always to your updates!
    It reminds me that one day, our miracle will arrive and life will never be the same

    God Bless

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  24. we are so glad you are home...ready for a pool day :)

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  25. WOW- I'm so happy that Ty is finally home!! Congratulations once again!!

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  26. I'm really glad that even while mothering a newborn you still find time to share your journey w/ us in this awsome blog! I love all of the photos!

    My heart is definatly celebrating with yours!!! I'm SO happy for you and Ben.

    HUGS
    Tracy

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  27. I'm so glad you all made it home safely! That was so sweet of your sister! We brought our son home after 5 weeks in the NICU and the last thing I wanted to do was cook!

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  28. This is so wonderful to read. My kids are grown but our oldest child is adopted and it is great to see such joy as in your and Melba's blogs.

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  29. My social worker blogs and she asked me to start bloging. She actually gave me your blog to follow and this blog makes me feel like I have hope and I am so happy for the both of you. We are also trying to adopt and I as well am 27 years old and I am just waiting for that day to get that call with great news. Thank you for sharing your adventures through having your baby. He is beautiful and you are so lucky and blessed to have him. Good luck and I am happy you shared this experience with everyone. :)

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  30. Your homecoming pictures are all so cute.

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  31. Praise God for your mom's financial help!!! She is beautiful!! Obviously on the inside too!!
    I can't wait to see pics of all of you in Ty's room!! Get on that soon!! ;o)

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  32. Oh my heart is so full and happy reading your story and what a beautiful homecoming for your new f amily of three!!!

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  33. Welcome home, Ty!

    So glad that you made it home and can now start to settle in.

    Congratulations! Love the pictures!

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  34. I am in tears! I am so glad you are home and all went well! I cannot tell you how much it warms my heart to see you at home, as a family. Congratulations! Let the adventure begin.

    I have been out of town for five days and haven't stopped wondering if you were able to get home yet!

    I am sure you have a few busy weeks ahead with tons of visitors! Soak up every moment!

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  35. Oh Sweetie! Heart overflowing! Tears for your joy! Happiness all around!!! Welcome home! xx

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  36. isn't it amazing when just your voice can soothe him? And to think he's only known your voice for a short period of time, but already knows who Mommy is! Amazing! Welcome home, beautiful family of THREE!

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  37. Those are AMAZING homecoming photos. Congrats again.

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  38. I loved this post. It made me cry tears of joy and happiness for you. God Bless your family! :)

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  39. i have been waiting for this post :)

    i am so glad you guys are HOME! your mom and sister are so sweet, I am so glad you have them around!

    your pictures are gorgeous, I am thrilled to see baby Ty's name on the stork now!!!

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  40. We have been waiting MONTHS for this post. Congratulations to your beautiful family. What a blessing a new baby brings. Can't wait to see pics of him in his nursery and with the zebra!!!

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  41. You have such a beautiful family. Congratulations on finally getting home!

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  42. Praise the Lord for safe travels!! I can't wait to follow along your journey!

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  43. I have a tough time reading your blog at work these days, because it almost always brings tears of joy to my eyes. You make for such a beautiful family! Welcome home baby Ty, and welcome to the beginning of your new life. Your faces are so full of happiness!

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  44. Welcome home, beautiful family! I am so glad you made it safely. The fun truly begins now. ;)
    *hugs*

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  45. Welcome home! What a wonderful celebration and joyous occasion. It makes my own heart happy.

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  46. Congratulations! I found your blog and have been so moved by your story and the love for your son.

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  47. I am happy that you all made it home safely. Your Mom looks to young to be your Mom. I am happy that you have your family to celebrate your new son.

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  48. So glad you made it home safely...now just enjoy that precious baby boy!! =)

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  49. Wow your little man is so adorable. I hope you are enjoying being at home. :-D

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  50. Rebekah,
    I dont know you, have never met you but I wanted to tell you congratulations! I came across your blog through a family member of mine and have been reading for some time now. You are an amazing writer, so eloquent! Anyway, you put being a mommy into wonderful words. We are just so happy for you guys! God bless your little family!

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  51. Missed this post, but again...I can say I'm SO glad you guys are home safe and sound! There is something particularly magical and special about having YOUR baby at YOUR house!

    One thing you said in this post that I can really identify with is, "...reminded me just how many hearts...big and small...are celebrating with ours." That was one huge thing I learned when Charlie was born...just how many people had been waiting right alongside us. Even though I was too caught up in my own pain while we waited to see theirs, it all came full circle when he came home.

    Wow...we have sons!!! It's amazing how much can change in such a short time. Not that long ago, you and I were both hitting our own personal low points, and now we are soaring through the joys of new motherhood together too.

    Life is good!

    Hugs,

    Melba

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  52. You're story is so inspiring. I have loved reading it the last few weeks. Congratulations, the baby is beautiful!

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  53. I'm filled with such joy for your family. I'm bursting with it.

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  54. I'm so happy for you - it's so wonderful to see happy endings in real life. Or, should I say "happy beginnings"? :)

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