And then we were four...

What a feeling that was at the airport! Ella and I arrived a little bit early, and we paced back and forth, back and forth by the stairs that Anna and Patrik would be coming down. I was crying even before I saw them, and they really were a sight for sore eyes. Anna said "and now we're never going to be apart ever again!".

Anna was a great big sister right from the start, greeting Ella with kisses on the head, and then helping with bottles, diapers and clothing at the first opportunity.

We headed off exploring on our very first day together, heading down to the Jersey Shore to dip our toes in the Atlantic. We were in Ocean City, which has a long boardwalk, miles of sandy beach, and lots of rides for Anna to try.

The next day we were off to the zoo before spending the afternoon with adoption appointments. My favourite was the giraffes and Anna's was the hippopotamuses. Ella slept through the whole thing...

Anna enjoyed some music at a farmer's market one afternoon.

We also took some time to relax at home and to have a couple of dinner parties.

On our final morning, John treated us to a delicious breakfast, and then Colette took Anna and I out for a spin in her car.

It was a great few weeks that we spent in New Jersey. I missed Anna and Patrik so very much for the first couple of weeks, but I had the chance to devote all of my attention to Ella, which was pretty special. We met some amazing people whom we will definitely keep in touch with and will hopefully see on the west coast some day. And of course some day we will all head back to Ella's birth state again for a visit.

Hasta luego New Jersey...

People and Places

For the most part, Ella and I have stuck pretty close to home during our stay here in Haddonfield. We've spent our time getting to know each other, getting to know those closest to us here, and getting to know the local area. But, we have gotten out a little bit, and the following are just a few of the faces and places in our New Jersey lives.

First of all there is Colette. Like I have said to her already, I must have done something right in life to end up at this time of life in her home and company. She has been so good to us, really opening up her home and her life to welcome us in. She will always be part of my memories of my first weeks with Ella.

Just yesterday, Ella and I hopped on the train in to Philadelphia for the day. We spent our time in the Rittenhouse Square area, which is centred around the square of that name. The square is full of people having their lunches, reading the paper, or grabbing a few rays of sun on the grass. And then the surrounding streets are full of little shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants, theatres, and lots of lovely old architecture.

Mid-afternoon, we were joined by Lori and baby Sawyer. Lori was Ella's foster mom, and Sawyer is the baby she is now fostering until her parents arrive from the Netherlands. The weather was perfect for a stroll around the city.

Another couple of people that have been so great to us are Anne and John. They live next door, and Ella and I have spend several evenings on their patio, sharing a meal and good conversation. Much as I'm looking forward to getting home, I'm going to miss these people!

And then there is the house itself. Every day, I find myself sitting on this rattan sofa on Colette's front porch. Playing with Ella, catching up on email, or having a visit with Colette.

Our bedroom is a quiet escape. As you can see in the previous and following pictures, Ella is happiest napping right up against me during the day. Thankfully she sleeps just fine in the crib at night!

Ella had two sets of foster parents before I arrived to pick her up. Gregg and Pam took care of her for about 3 weeks before they had to leave on a previously planned trip. Lori and Jack then took care of her until I arrived. About a week ago, we were all invited over to Gregg and Pam's for dinner. They are all such lovely people, and it's so nice to be able to share with Ella a little bit about her early days when she eventually asks.

This is little Sawyer, Ella's first friend. They spent one night together at Lori and Jack's before I picked Ella up. And Ella and I have met up with Lori and Sawyer several times since then.

Tomorrow is a big day - Patrik and Anna arrive! How will I sleep tonight?