Just About Two Weeks

It has been just over a week since we brought Landon home from the hospital, and, boy, has his time been filled with adventure and excitement!
After we left the hospital on Thursday the 25, we went to RIESTER where Hallie used to work. All of the folks there LOVED him. Afterward we went to University of Utah to see Mike’s old professors and friends. It was another Love Fest for Landon. So far he seems to be handling it all quite well. We then traveled to Murray to where Riley and Breanne live. They were so cute with Landon, and Breanne’s first question was if she could look at Landon’s feet. We then headed home to Provo after a long emotionally draining day. We were greeted by Carly and Shad, with whom we had been staying. Carly loves babies, and it was nice to have someone help change his diaper or hold him while Hallie did a few things in their apartment.
On Friday the 26, we did several errands and then headed to Marion, Utah, where Mike’s Aunt Karen and Grandma Andrus live. We were also greeted on our arrival by Aunt Irene who had her camera ready to go as soon as we got in the door. Lots of pictures were taken and love was given to Landon. He did great while we chatted with the relatives and were treated to lunch by Karen. Thanks, Aunt Karen! In the evening we attended a Families Supporting Adoption Education Class. We were asked to attend and to share our adoption story. We were now the ones at the front of the class sitting in a panel. I felt like I had graduated. It was a wonderful evening. Friends Tim and Jennifer sat on the panel with us, and they have two children, Charlie and Kathryn. The Spirit was felt, and it was a wonderful evening. We love that Curtis and Melody asked us to do the panel and were excited to see so many new couples wanting to adopt. Our prayers go out to each of them.
Saturday brought fun and a road trip. At 10:00 AM we were at a Baby Shower that was given for us by sisters from our Salt Lake 11th Ward at the Toyn’s home. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see everyone there. All who came were very thoughtful and kind and loved seeing Landon. After we arrived back to Provo, we packed our things and headed to St. George to surprise Grandma Landon. She would call and say, “I wish I could come see you and the baby.” Well we could not let the chance pass us by, so we headed on down and appeared at her door, where her remark was, “Oh, hi.” Not recognizing Mike with his facial hair, it took her a minute to realize it was us. Then she was happy to see us. We are glad we took the opportunity to go see her. We drove back to Provo on Monday and helped Mike pack as he was to go home the next day. Hallie was not sure how ready she was to be by herself with this brand new baby, but all along she knew the pioneers did it, so she could, too.
Tuesday, Hallie drove Mike to the airport and told him a tearful good bye. How long would she have to wait until it was her turn to go home? Her fate laid in the hands of government employees in both the states of Utah and Michigan. She could be in Utah at this rate until after November 3. So she drove herself and Landon out to breakfast at IHOP and enjoyed the pancakes. Hallie found out that morning that the Inter State Compact had come through and she could go home whenever she wanted. So she headed to the Toyn’s house to borrow their computer to purchase some airplane tickets. At last it was real she would be with Mike, in their new home, in Michigan sooner than she tought. At 1:00 Hallie had an appointment to go see her friend Cory who works at LDS Family Services. It was a wonderful visit, and Cory held Landon the whole time, and he looked so peaceful in her arms. Afterwards Hallie drove to see Riley, and they went for a free taco at Taco Bell and ice cream at Coldstone. From Riley’s Hallie made arrangements to return her fabulous rental car and Carly would meet her their to pick the two of them up. The shuttle was coming at 8:30 am to pick them up so Hallie had to get packing. Carly was a great help to watch Landon as things were being thrown together. Tuesday night we had Landon model for us while Shad took pictures. Landon was not happy with the idea of being a model but hopefully for all of the time we spent there are a few good pictures. Carly was a sport to lay there and be the backdrop for the pictures. Tuesday was an okay night by myself with Landon and morning came quickly.
Wednesday Shad watched Landon for Hallie as she got the final things together and when she came back to the front room Shad was taking pictures of the two of them together. It was so cute! Shad is a great guy. It was a pleasure being able to spend so much time with the two of them. We will not let you relive Hallie’s experience back to Michigan via air travel. That story will be for another day. Mike met Hallie at the airport and greeted her with a sandwich and a soda. How grateful she was for that. Mike was a trooper and watched Landon all night long while Hallie got some much needed rest.
All the other days run into a blur. Taking care of our precious son and putting things away in the house have kept us busy. We look forward to meeting with the doctor on Tuesday to see how much Landon has grown. Landon went to church today and all the ladies oohhed and aahed at the bundle of joy. He actually slept for 4 ½ hours and then ate and now has been back to sleep again for at least 2 hours.
We look forward to Hallie’s mom coming this Friday night. It will be fun to have her in the new house and to have her help.
We are going to try and make it a goal to write some on our blog on Sundays and to update pictures as well. Hope you like our little ditties and enjoy watching Landon grow.
Lots of love to you all,
Mike and Hallie