Coming round the corridor I could see my “new” family – I couldn’t help but smile. My dad comes forward to give me a big hug. I feel him tremble with anxiousness, as I must be too.

Then I got hugs from my siblings – Danielle & Keith, Ricky, Brittany and Alexis. And I’m handed a big bouquet of roses.

Mary was running late, so we went to the baggage area, where we got my luggage and I finally get a big hug from Mary. Then we headed home.

There we played a couple rounds of pool (me and my dad vs. Ricky and Keith). I lost everytime I think. Dad subtley joked about house rules (I think referring to not beating him when we played one on one).

Then we all sat around and talked. I mostly listened and observed as they talked about people and occurances that I didn’t know. I attribute my lack of participation to being tired (and haveing had 2.5 beers). But it’s also because I have not been a part of this family – I am new and a stranger really – and that’s ok. Afterall, that’s why I’m here now

All packed and ready to go! Still trying not to think about it too much.

Everyone keeps asking if I’m nervous, but nervous is not the right description. Excited is more like it!

Houston here I come!

In just 48 short hours I will be sitting in my dad’s house. How exciting! I’m trying not to think about it too much, else I might just drive myself nutty! Check back often – I’ll try to keep the journal going while I’m visiting in Houston.

~Nicole