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Amazing turnout to welcome Ruby home

Grandmother and Ruby’s first picture together

Now serving 5 to 10

The “burglers” also left this sign on our window

Mamaw inciting a HUGE grin

Ruby already showing her true colors

Jada and Samuel Fang

Birthday girl and “boy”

That’s right – numero uno

You mean this isn’t my party TOO?
Yes, we’re BACK!
Yes, we’re ALIVE!
September 24, 2006

So sorry for the delay in getting the first “back at home” update out to you. We did get back safely and have been busy getting into a comfortable “groove” with the girls. It has been a whirlwind since coming home and both Ruby and Jada seem to have taken it all in stride. Ruby seems to get just a bit overwhelmed when first introduced to a large group of people, but quickly warms up and works the crowd like a seasoned performer.

When we walked down the steps of the plane on the tarmac, the airport baggage workers told us we should acknowledge the swarm of people on the observation deck blocked by the plane. When we walked around to where we could see the deck, it was SO GOOD to hear your voices. Thank you SO MUCH! When we came up the ramp at Tri-Cities airport after leaving the last plane (good riddance), we were met by a few of our close friends and family. I haven’t a clue to the actual number, but it was a LOT.

Despite the great instructions we left Sheila’s Mom to deactivate the alarm, something went terribly awry. Friends wanted to add a few food items to the refrigerator prior to our arrival. Little did they know that they were almost the ones to be “put on ice”, if you know what I mean. We were told that the Sullivan County Sheriff who responded to the call was a good sport and was also easily bribed (kidding)!

Ruby slept VERY well in China and we hoped beyond hope that she would continue when we returned home. Hallelujah, it has! She sleeps a minimum of 12 uninterrupted hours at night, and one morning, Sheila had to wake her after an amazing 15 hours. We feel VERY blessed, especially since Jada still has a few sleep (or lack, thereof) issues.

On Saturday, Tennessee was to play our arch rival Florida. Some wonderful friends had a large screen set up in their yard for a football party. It was unseasonably cold, but Ruby weathered the temperatures and crowd for awhile before having to leave to satisfy her desire for sleep.

We also had a busy day yesterday (9/23). Our adoption agency founder was in town to hold an informational meeting. A lot of the families that have adopted through Living Hope attend the meetings to allow prospective local families to ask questions of those who have BTDT (been there, done that). Samuel Fang is a wonderful man who grew up in China and has also adopted his daughter from China.

After the meeting, we had a combined birthday party for Ruby and Sheila’s dad. And then after that, we attended another birthday party for Jada and Ruby’s first cousin Aden. Aden turned 4 on Friday – Happy Birthday Aden!

So, as you can see, we have been a little bit busy since coming home. I hope you understand the delay in getting this update posted. I promise I’ll keep taking pictures and will post another update in the not too distant future. We still love reading the comments, so those of you who have yet to post something, now is as good a time as any. We’d love to hear from you. Remember, Ruby will definitely see this when she is able to read.

We love you all and couldn’t ask for better friends and family. God bless each of you and keep you in His wondrous care.

R-S-J-R

Comments
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. The pictures of all your friends at the airport brought me to tears! I am so Happy for your family. I can't wait to be sharing our journey with you.

Blessings,

The Hauck Famiy
Posted by: Michelle Hauck on September 24, 2006 at 04:45 P.M.
You make such a beautiful family! Thank you so much for allowing us all to experience your journey with you. Blessings to both those little angels. We are attending a L.H. meeting next week and plan on starting our own journey. Your family is one of many inspirations to us. Thank you so much!
Happy Belated 1st Birthday, Ruby!!

The Wilfong Family
Posted by: Tammy Wilfong on September 24, 2006 at 05:40 P.M.
Ruby is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your beautiful girls.
Posted by: Joanne, Kevin and Kaitlyn Fletcher on September 24, 2006 at 06:31 P.M.
Thank you all for keeping such a great journal while in China. It was like waking up to Christmas morning every day. I am so glad you all are finally home- happy and healthy!

I love every single thing about Miss Ruby Lin! She is such a BiG ray of sunshine, and I feel sorry for anyone who is just reading the website, and can't meet the princess in person :)

Posted by: Brittany on September 25, 2006 at 03:15 P.M.
Wow! I'm glad everything is going well and you made it back safe and sound! I can't wait to see Ruby at the Moon Festival. You all look like you've been a family forever!
Posted by: Pamela Chan on September 25, 2006 at 04:49 P.M.
Welcome home guys!!!
I have SO enjoyed reading about your journey, and am hoping and praying that we will be following in your footsteps this time next year!
So glad we got to see both your precious kids at Chuckie Cheese. NOT my favorite place, but it was well worth it this time. ;-)
Loving the "hands up" shot with the police! How funny!
You are a truly blessed family!
Love
Amy Corrigan
Posted by: Amy Corrigan on September 27, 2006 at 05:29 A.M.
It was so wonderful to finally meet Ruby in person! What a sweetheart! She and Jada are such a blessing to our family! So glad you are back safe and sound!!

Love,
Aunt Vickie
Posted by: Vickie on September 27, 2006 at 05:40 A.M.
I just read your coming home journal. It sounds like you all are having a grea time with Ruby. We miss everyone and especially miss seeing the other babies. Tell Jada Audrey Kate says hello. By the waY, I washed the paper with your address on it by mistake. When you get a chance email it to me. I'd love to keep in touch. Sam had her one year pictures done yesterday. She did great and they turned out so cute. I hope to update our site on the 4th of each month. Take care. Love, The Smiths
Posted by: Jennifer Smith on September 30, 2006 at 04:31 A.M.
WELCOME HOME LANE FAMILY---I HAVE MISSED YOU ALL SO MUCH-----JUST TO LET YOU KNOW YOU GUYS ARE LOVED SO MUCH--YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING TO ALLO OF US---BOTH OF THE GIRLS--ARE BEYONE WORDS---I HAVE SAID BEFORE---I THINK YOU ALL GOT THE CREAM OF THE CROP FROM CHINA---AT LEAST THATS THE WAY I FEEL---AGAIN WELCOM HOME---IT'S STILL NICE TO GO TO YOUR JOURNAL AND READ ABOUT YOU ALL--THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS FOR ALL OF US.-----LOVE AND PRAYERS
Posted by: Opal Ragsdale on September 30, 2006 at 10:39 A.M.
I had lunch today with Pam and I asked about you and the new addition to your family. I was not aware that you had already made your trip and are back home. I am so very happy for both of you (I should say all three of you) that you now have Ruby. I have looked over this journal and you have a very beautiful family. I know that you were unsure whether to take Jada with you the last I spoke with you (many months ago) - I know that the Lord led you to the right decision - seems Jada had a wonderful time and Ruby as well. What awesome memories you share. Amazing. Our Lord is awesome and it is sometimes uncomprehensible how He works things out for us. May God continue to bless you as a family. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Posted by: Debbie Hughes on October 5, 2006 at 10:52 A.M.
Congratulations! Ruby is sooooo beautiful and Jada looks like she's anxious to teach her all she knows (and we know that's a lot to teach - she's so smart)! Glad the trip went well and hope to meet your new family member on a trip down to Kingsport in 2007! Enjoy the holidays with your new family of four!
Posted by: Laurie on October 23, 2006 at 05:55 A.M.
werid duck picture
Posted by: Anonymous on November 12, 2006 at 11:56 A.M.