So as we came down the escalator to the bag claim area at the Salt Lake airport, there to greet us was 4 very excited children and Grandma and Grandpa Guymon, Aunt Misty and cousin Meah. Samantha had made a sign to welcome us home. That was emotional in and of itself. Grandma Guymon had warned the children that they would need to be careful not to overwhelm Jessica. That maybe they would need to stand back and just let Jessica get comfortable with everyone. NOT
NEEDED. The coolest part of the welcome home was when Jessica was put down on the ground by the kids and she started hugging them and smiling and interacting with them. I had given them that same advice before we left but it has been unnecessary except when she has gotten tired and fussy. How quickly she has taken to the all four of the kids has been amazing. Samantha was picking her up and carrying her like a little mom. Within the hour of their meeting, when Samantha would put her down, sometimes Jessica whined until Samantha picked her back up. We decided to head to a park to let the kids play, have pizz
a and share the stories of our trip and the plane ride home. It was fun just seeing the kids continue to interact with Jessica. I have seen Jessica crawl up to Brady to give him a hug. Spencer was bouncing a ball and tickler her under her chin which was getting her to laugh. Colby who 1 week ago look like a munchkin, now stands by Jessica and looks like a giant. Having him as the baby, I guess we forgot he was still growing. None of the kids seem at all jealous of Jessica but continue to be excited to finally have her home. We have been including a plea in our family prayers to allow Jessica to come to our family and now she is finally here.
a and share the stories of our trip and the plane ride home. It was fun just seeing the kids continue to interact with Jessica. I have seen Jessica crawl up to Brady to give him a hug. Spencer was bouncing a ball and tickler her under her chin which was getting her to laugh. Colby who 1 week ago look like a munchkin, now stands by Jessica and looks like a giant. Having him as the baby, I guess we forgot he was still growing. None of the kids seem at all jealous of Jessica but continue to be excited to finally have her home. We have been including a plea in our family prayers to allow Jessica to come to our family and now she is finally here.At the park we celebrated Jessica's belated first birthday. She was showered with presents by her siblings and her extended family. Waiting at home we even had an afghan that my mom knitted a baby's blanket for who knows who that was found in a closet 
at my dad's home several months ago. We aren't sure why it was sitting in the closet. My mom would knit afghans all the time in for her grandkids, friend's babies and whomever else she had in mind. With my mom passing 5 years ago, the extra baby afghan seemed to be a present straight from heaven to a special little girl who will only hear about her wonderful grandma who always had a heart close to heaven. Go ahead and tell me that was just a coincidence and I will laugh in your face. When my dad gave us that afghan wrapped in baby shower wrapping paper, it has been waiting for Jessica on our mantel now for 4 months.
at my dad's home several months ago. We aren't sure why it was sitting in the closet. My mom would knit afghans all the time in for her grandkids, friend's babies and whomever else she had in mind. With my mom passing 5 years ago, the extra baby afghan seemed to be a present straight from heaven to a special little girl who will only hear about her wonderful grandma who always had a heart close to heaven. Go ahead and tell me that was just a coincidence and I will laugh in your face. When my dad gave us that afghan wrapped in baby shower wrapping paper, it has been waiting for Jessica on our mantel now for 4 months. What a world wind this past couple weeks has been. Today we took her to the reception center for an extended family party for Julie's side. She is showing all the right signs. While she gets a lot of comfort from Samantha h
olding her and playing with her, and that she loves playing with her brothers, in the end when she is in the need for the most comfort, she must have her mommy. We realize Jessica still is adjusting. She still misses her foster mom. We don't expect it to change overnight. But we know we can provide the necessary comforts and reassurance that she needs to continue to transition into her new family. Two sets of grandparents, 7 uncles, 7 aunts, 18 cousins, 1 spouse of a cousin, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 1 dad and 1 mommy - she won't be lacking for love, that's for sure. Dad, grandma and grandpa are patiently waiting in the wings for her to get comfortable with her new environment. She is adorable!
olding her and playing with her, and that she loves playing with her brothers, in the end when she is in the need for the most comfort, she must have her mommy. We realize Jessica still is adjusting. She still misses her foster mom. We don't expect it to change overnight. But we know we can provide the necessary comforts and reassurance that she needs to continue to transition into her new family. Two sets of grandparents, 7 uncles, 7 aunts, 18 cousins, 1 spouse of a cousin, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 1 dad and 1 mommy - she won't be lacking for love, that's for sure. Dad, grandma and grandpa are patiently waiting in the wings for her to get comfortable with her new environment. She is adorable!
Once again, a picture speaks a thousand words. Spencer, in his "age of wisdom" is all grown up except for the sweet way his finger is being held up for his little sister to hold for comfort. Samantha and Colby are just beaming (because they are young enough that it is this cool) and poor little Brady wants to peek over the seat but can't. Jessica will not be lacking for attention from her siblings!!! That is for sure.
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