Hello from the
states!
The boys and I have
been here now for just a few days shy of a month and what a busy month it has
been!
Here’s a little bit
about what has gone on…
We left Abu Dhabi
just the 3 of us to travel across the world. Braxton was a champ and ended up
watching his shows for the 14hr flight. At one point we took a walk down the aisles
and up through business class where Braxton made it known out loud that it just
was not fair that they got to lay down in a bed for the flight! Weston did
really great too for the first leg of the trip. He was pretty overwhelmed with
all of the people so my fear of him cruising the aisles and pulling people’s
coffee cups off of their trays didn’t happen. Instead, he wanted me to hold him
the whole time. Which was great, except we don’t call him Squishy for nothing.
Holding 25lbs for 14 hours can be pretty rough on your back. By the end of the
trip my body was pretty sore! What also didn’t help is that they did not give
us our stroller for the layover in Chicago so I had to carry him on one hip and
the diaper bag and large carryon tote on the other. And I was reminded we were
no longer in Abu Dhabi when I had to wait in the slow line for security and
didn’t get to get in a special “people with kids lane” and no help.
Nonetheless, we made it through Chicago and boarded the 1.5hr flight to our
home state! I also stood on that flight as well and Braxton was excited that he
got to look out of the window on that flight – since there were no tvs on the
smaller airplane. I appreciated all of your prayers for the extra seat on the
long flight! In God’s sovereignty He chose to answer those prayers with a “no”…
but I realized that I didn’t have a chance to sit down anyway so it would have been wasted. We were very excited to land
in Chattanooga and Braxton ran as fast as
a cheetah to hug the grandparents who were anxiously awaiting our arrival!
Overall, it was a really good trip back into the states! And I’m so thankful we
made it safely and no delays!
We have had a hard
time with Weston and his ears since we arrived. He has been on pretty much
constant antibiotics since we arrived – despite a few adjustments at the
chiropractor to try that route as well. Hopefully once we get his insurance sorted
out we can get him in for some tubes to help his ears drain.
Braxton finally has
his long awaited library card! He has been reading a lot and loves spending
time there. It’s such a great place! They even have blocks and stuff for Weston
to do. Every week they also have a therapy dog that comes for the children to
read to for them to practice their confidence I reading out loud – B has really
enjoyed this! He also went to a Saturday Lego Day with his grandad! He has been
fascinated with drinking water fountains and mail trucks!
Zach’s sister,
Britt, delivered her baby the first full weekend we arrived. It was an amazing opportunity
to be with her during labor and delivery. Sweet babies are so cuddly! But in
case you’re wondering, I have no desire to have another ;)
We welcomed Zach
back into the states this past week. Braxton had a fun time at the airport
making friends with the police officer on his motorized scooter as they did a
few races around the baggage claim! We were so glad to give him a big hug once
he came through security. It was a long month without him. I missed him more
than I can put into words… But it was very obvious how much both of the boys
missed him. Zach had a great time traveling through Israel and Jordan but I
think it’s safe to say he is happy to be back!
This past weekend we
celebrated Weston’s first birthday! We are waiting until his actual birthday on
the 24th to post pictures. It’s hard to believe he is already 1yr old!
He is walking everywhere, talking a
lot, loves his big brother, and has a very determined attitude!
Last weekend my
parents and I went out to Dallas to prepare our apartment! We left early Friday
morning, unloaded and the trailer and set up the apartment, and then left and
drove back Sunday morning. We ended up making pretty good timing and had a
great time stuck in the truck for 14hrs one way! We were really encouraged by a church that we have come in contact with who
brought about 15 people to help us unload and arrange the apartment. It was
amazing and so helpful. It helped us unload and arrange the entire apartment in
about 2-2.5 hours. The apartment tower was very welcoming and had a few signs
up welcoming “Zachary and Michelle home” which was really cool! I’m excited for
Zach, Braxton, and Weston to arrive to their home already prepared for them. It was also awesome to see our friends Chris and Dana from Abu Dhabi who relocated to Dallas! A huge thank you to Mom and Dad and Metro
Bible for helping and to Grandma and Grandad for watching both boys for 4 days!
Since Weston
absolutely hates riding in the car for any
amount of time, we have decided that him and I would fly out to Dallas and
Zach and Braxton will have some alone time and drive out by themselves. We plan
to leave this weekend. I thought I was done with airplanes and babies, but it
appears I have another short stretch to do!
Back in Abu Dhabi I
signed a contract to teach at Westwood School. It’s an IB Montessori school
that is from 18mo-12th grade. Braxton will start with me in August
and Weston will join us in January! It was such an answer to prayer. I go back
August 7th and am excited to start this new journey! My new co
teacher is from Egypt!
Stay tuned for
pictures of Weston’s party and our apartment! And for more updates as we adjust
to life in Dallas, Texas!
We miss you all in
Abu Dhabi!
#YallahtoYeehaw!
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