Feet on the ground in the US & a very important person is an Angel

Today is a day of mixed emotions. It was cool to be able to reflect on and say that Ava was home and became a US citizen one year ago today, when we landed in Chicago and placed her two little feet on the ground at the airport. When we arrived in NY it was snowy, freezing, and we were exhausted - it was just before midnight (or noon in Hanoi) and we had been traveling for 48 hours. Kurt's mom was at the local airport to meet us and thank goodness she was willing to stay at our house for a few days because Kurt and I were exhausted and although we had figured out how to take care of and keep Ava safe and happy in Hanoi the reality of being home was different. Our daughter was now HOME with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma B, and our other animal babies who expected our attention and love - Xena, Topi, Buddy and Snickers! Since Ava had been an amazing baby and slept most of the time that we were on the planes, she was awake and ready to play - she certainly did not appreciate her first hour or so in NY being strapped into her first car seat for the car ride home in cold temperatures she would never have experienced in Vietnam. We spent the next few weeks shifting her night to day and day to night while introducing her to our life in the USA and the people who are special to us.

The reason I was "saying that Ava became a US citizen one year ago today", to several people who were meeting her for the first time, is because I spent today with my brother-in-law's family. Today Ava helped make grammy and grampy smile, she played chase and catch with Aunt Val from IL, peek-a-boo with Aunt Mary and cousins Lisa and Bill from TX, and was held by many special people from my home town who were at my family's house to pay their condolences. Several people had not met Ava yet and we were together because Steve (my 37 year old brother-in-law) unexpectedly joined my brother Danny (who passed away at 27 two years ago) in heaven. Stevie and Danny are two Uncles who Ava will have to know through stories and pictures - thank goodness we have lots of them to share with her. I spent a lot of time at Steve's parent's house growing up - we have been like brother and sister since he was 10 years old. Stevie was an amazing musician and chef. He had a heart of gold, a smile that made any room light up, a hug that made people know they were special, long wavy hair that made women jealous, and the uncanny ability to turn a bad moment into something that people would end up laughing about over the amazing dinner he just made and the perfect brew he selected to serve with it. Today I am sad and exhausted (almost as bad as last year) but just like last year - Ava's smile and the joy that she brings to my life helps me to push through and know that in time all will be good in our world. When you read this some day Ava - please ask me about your Uncles - I can't wait to share some stories. My you rest in peace Stevie!