The trip home from Detroit

We were originally told that it would be about 2 weeks' stay in Detroit when we went over to get Ashlyn. Well, about 6 days in I was ready to go! But after talking with our caseworker over there, he said it looked like it would definitely be another week before we could leave. That was a big bummer, because we were hoping my mom and I could fly home before she had to leave, and Collin had to come back. But it looked like Collin would have to come back anyway, since there was no freaking way I was flying home alone with Ash.

Soo.... of course the day that my mom was leaving, which was day 9 of the trip, I got the call from Boise that we had cleared ICPC and were free to leave! wahoo! I was jumping up and down! Then I realized it wouldn't be so simple... my mom's flight left in 2 hours so it was too late to change it, and Collin was scheduled to fly in the next day. So, we had to keep it that way and fly Collin out again. But just knowing we could leave was so wonderful! We decided to try to plan to fly out Sunday, hoping our birthmom could meet with us earlier than we had planned, since we could now leave earlier. We found out Saturday night that yes, she could meet us the next day and so we would be able to fly home that day. How's that for last-minute planning?!

The sad thing was that Collin flew in, only to have to leave again 24 hours later. I think he was looking forward to having a few days to spend lounging around in a hotel room watching all the ESPN his heart desired. I, on the other hand, was itching to go, since I had been there 10 days already!

We got to meet Ashlyn's birthmom, Rae on Sunday. It was such a neat experience! We really love her so much. How can you not love someone who gives you a child? She is such a nice, humble, sweet girl. We had a couple of hours to talk and get to know each other, then Collin, Ashlyn and I had to hurry off to the airport.

I love this one because Ashlyn is smiling! She knows how much all of us love her!! :)

So, the trip home was definitely an adventure. I was the one who had to drive the rental car, which was super annoying to Collin. And it was super annoying to me because he is not a good navigator! He is one of those change-lanes-at-the-last-possible-moment drivers, while I am one who changes lanes the minute I know I will need to turn, even if it's not for 20 miles. So, it was with help from above that we made it through all the freeway changes and navigated the airport area to make it to return our rental car!! Then we had to hop a shuttle to the airport, all with huge suitcases and a baby in tow. Security was awful! You know how they hurry you along and act so rude if you're not moving as fast as you can..well what the heck am I supposed to do about stripping off my coat ,shoes, belt, and everything else when between the two of us we were juggling a diaper bag, laptop, 2 other bags, the baby, and having to dig out all her formula for inspection? it was stressful to say the least. But we all made it through and it was fine. Our flights home were great--Ashlyn was admired by all the flight attendants, and she was such a champ, she slept most of the time but when she was awake she was content just looking around. She even timed her poopy diaper for our half-hour layover in Denver. yeeah!

We made it to Boise around 11:30, and my bud Amber picked us up, and it was SO nice to get home! We spent another couple of hours unpacking and taking care of Ashlyn before we finally made it to our beds--which made it about 3:30am Michigan time that we finally got to sleep. But it was wonderful to be back home!