Our Adoption Journey

Family Website

2008-04-07T14:21:00.002-04:00

Natalie is doing great so I am going to stop posting on this blog. Please feel free to follow us on our Family Website/Blog at

web.mac.com/thenoreds

Leave a comment so I know you stopped by!

We're Home!

2008-03-28T13:34:00.004-04:00

We arrived home late on March 19th! Natalie is doing really well. Our pick up trip went really well. Natalie refused to go with us at her drop off. She was so upset her foster mom and her foster mom's daughter had to take her up to our room and calm her down. They finally got her settled in her pack n play and literally snuck out on their hands and knees so she wouldn't see them. It was terrible. That was about 3 pm on March 14, but after a nap she woke up just fine and by Embassy Day on the 17th it was like she had always been with us. You wait through the whole process to get to Embassy Day, but it's actually a big let down. You don't get to take anything in with batteries or electronics so no pics or anything. Picture a DMV from hell. Lots of lines, windows and blue plastic chairs. Oh well, I was just so glad to be done! We were lucky enough to go through it with 2 other families from my agency and one of those agencies actually flew home with us as well. It made it extra special to share all of it with someone else going through the same thing. Both Natalie and her friend were so great on the plane and through the long immigration (since they landed and immediately became citizens we had to go through an interview process). Thank God we were flying direct and didn't have to catch another flight.

We drove up to the house late and every light was ablazin' - there was a big stork out in the yard and signs all over the inside of the house. Natalie smiled and laughed through the whole thing. And she's been that way ever since! She has slept through the night in her own crib and in her own room and she is napping and eating great. She looks for David and I wherever she is and gets upset if she can't find us after a few minutes, so I think bonding is going well.

The boys love and dote on her. Nick is treating her really well, but he is having a hard time I think not being the baby anymore. Natalie was initially terrified of the dog, but now laughs at her - the poor dog just rolled her eyes when I brought "another" one home. :)

Ok, I know, pictures....

Embassy Day

Flying home with a friend...

Literally landing as a citizen...

Easter

First Formal Pics...

Nora is PINKITY PINK PINK PINK!!

2008-03-06T16:34:00.001-05:00

Congrats A & J! Natalie's buddy is PINK! Unfortunately, due to Easter break, we will miss them at pickup, but we are SO HAPPY that they are bringing their baby home in a few weeks! WOO HOO!!

Natalie and Nora:

Travel Plans

2008-03-05T13:45:00.003-05:00

We are leaving for Guat on Thursday 3/13 and flying home with baby girl on 3/19! There will be a group of us from our agency at the Westin overlapping each other so we should have a great time and PARTAY! Woo Hoo Hoo!

My great neighbor friends have insisted on giving me a shower tomorrow. They are so sweet! I am registered at Babies R Us and Pottery Barn Kids. Thanks guys!

PINKITY PINK PINK PINK!

2008-03-03T13:42:00.004-05:00

FINALLY! Our Embassy appointment in March 17, with Visa pick up on March 18! Our baby will be home on March 19...I can't believe it's finally time! I have to go make reservations....I'll post more soon!

SURPRISE VISIT!

2008-02-28T14:04:00.001-05:00

These were taken on February 15. She is enjoying cereal, fruit, veggies, and meat baby food now. COME ON PINK! The wait is killing me today!

My Friends....

2008-02-27T22:31:00.002-05:00

E (and baby A) and T (and baby M) both have PINK now! I am soooooo excited for them. T will be leaving in a week for pick up and I'm hoping that E and I will be at pick up together. Thanks for all of your support you guys, I don't know what I would have done with out you this year. We have to have a beach get together soon. A shout out to A and baby N - COME ON PINK!! N's DNA has been done and I hope we hear soon about their PINK.

Today was a horrible day of refreshing and refreshing the FEDEX tracking site to make sure our DNA arrived. Who would have thought I'd be a Truck Stalker? Geez. Our DNA arrived YESTERDAY and at 4:58pm the Embassy refused receipt because it won't take packages after 3:30pm. So today at 9:30am it got back on the truck AND RODE AROUND GUAT CITY FOR 6 HOURS torturing me and my poor refresh finger. It was signed for at 3:35pm - 5 mins late but Thank God somebody was still there to sign or I don't know what.

This process is a marathon, not a sprint. I was warned of this, I was warned it was an emotional roller coaster like no other - but NO ONE told me I'd become a cyber stalker of all sorts of things. :)

DNA @ USE!

2008-02-27T19:30:00.003-05:00

WE SHOULD GET OUR PINK SLIP IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS!!! OH GOD, PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME WAIT TILL MONDAY OR TUESDAY CUZ I WILL JUST DIE!! :)

My guess at a date? I'm betting her appointment is the week of 3/17! Hopefully home for Easter and the boys spring break!

DNA on the Way!

2008-02-25T21:53:00.002-05:00

DNA left North Carolina today and is on the way back to Guatemala! I would love to get our PINK slip this Friday, but realistically its probably going to be early next week. I can't wait! The Painter is coming over tomorrow to pick out paint and hopefully he'll be able to squeeze in her room this week. The panic is starting to settle in...

Today Natalie's insurance card arrived in the mail! How surreal! (I took the pic on the computer, thus its inverse).

February Social Visit Pics!

2008-02-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

These were taken on February 18. See you soon baby girl!

HAPPY 7 MOS NATALIE!

2008-02-21T21:07:00.002-05:00

Today baby girl turned 7 months! Our DNA was received by LabCorp on 2/18 and started its process. Hopefully we'll hear soon that it's on the way back to Guatemala!

2ND DNA is DONE!

2008-02-18T15:30:00.002-05:00

We received an update from our agency today that Natalie went in for her 2nd DNA test on Friday the 15th like we guessed. We should be getting PINK around Leap Day! We are so excited, and overwhelmed with unpreparedness (how can that be after this long of a journey?). Still thinking about traveling arrangements since our appointment will be around the Easter holidays. Ugh - I'm a planner and I can't plan yet! Can't dwell though, her room isn't even remotely done, and friends are giving me a shower on the 6th. Lots to do! Here are pics of her first DNA on 8/17, then second DNA on 2/15. She's gotten so big!

08-17-07

02-15-08

ORANGE BABY!!

2008-02-15T13:28:00.002-05:00

Natalie is ORANGE! Our credit card was charged yesterday for the 2nd DNA test (which should happen today)! Babies seem to be coming home about 4 weeks from DNA day! WOO HOO!!

More Trip Pics!

2008-02-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here are some more trip pics - Natalie and Nora had a GREAT time playing with each other!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Easter!

Such the Princess!

Amigas!

We got her BIRTH CERTIFICATE!

2008-02-11T23:17:00.001-05:00

It's a miracle! We were told her birth certificate would take anywhere from a month to 4 months. It took about 10 days!! I flew home from Guat tonight (I'll post more pics tomorrow) totally and completely bummed. I got through giving her back because I knew it was the last time I would ever have to do it, but the thought it could take until this summer was just a bummer. You can't imagine my surprise when I got home and checked email and there it was...her birth certificate with our last name on her birth name and naming us as her parents.

She'll now go for her Guatemalan passport.

I can't tell you the relief I feel.....

Pics tomorrow, I promise!

Westin Day 2

2008-02-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

Natalie slept for 12 hours and woke up the baby I remembered albeit with a little more ummm should we say "personality"?? She seems to be feeling better and resigned to the fact that I'm taking care of her for now... poor thing, so confusing. Come on you stupid birth certificate! Natalie and Nora have played alot today and hung out with a bunch of - mostly - boys! I'll post a few pics I have so far from today...

Good Morning Happy Baby!

Amigas...

Click Here for Movie Clip!

Westin Day 1

2008-02-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

I flew in on Thursday night and got settled (my friend Amy flew in late) and we both decided to get adjoining rooms to help each other out. On Friday I picked Natalie up at 10am and all was fine. She is getting 2 teeth in and it soon became clear she was miserable, she wanted comforted and the person to comfort her WAS NOT ME. Where was my happy laid back baby from all the previous visits? It was a terrible day and I felt so awful for her...I told David (only half-jokingly) to get his butt on a plane down here. She pretty much screamed and cried all day with her poor hand shoved in her mouth pushing down on her gums. I gave her some Orajel and some ibuprofen and she fell asleep at 8:15pm. Here are pics of Natalie and darling Nora on Day 1. Natalie is getting BIG. It's time for her to come home. Let's just say her legs are big (think tree trunks). Her legs no longer fit in the Bumbo, so I'm brining it home. Amy had some Graduate Banana Puffs and this is her first real table food - and thank God she had them because it was one of the few distractions she could stand through her pain...

In the walker I brought her...

Amigas...

Just Perfect That's All...

Tree Trunks...

First Table Food...

Aunt Elaine's Longhorn Lovie...

Legs don't fit in the Bumbo...

Fightin' over the bag of diapers!

Really OFFICIAL Now!!

2008-02-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

Today our agency updated us that on Monday, January 28, Natalie's birthmom signed off for the 4th and final time. The adoption decree was then registered at the civil registry which makes her officially our daughter as of that date!!!

While we've been waiting for this technicality to happen before we really celebrate, it's hard for us to imagine the pain Natalie's birthmom felt signing off for the final time....our hearts go out to her for such a tough decision.

Such mixed emotions...

NORA is OUT!

2008-02-01T18:57:00.000-05:00

Natalie's little buddy Nora got the call tonight! She is OUT of PGN!! CONGRATS!!!!!

Nora's mom, Amy, and I talk almost every day...but we've never met in person. David and MIL were lucky enough to meet her and her husband in October on a visit trip. Amy and I are going to Guat together next Thursday - so it's just extra special that we get to PARTAY with our girls who are OUT!!! I can't wait - I'm counting the minutes!

Here's a pic of Natalie (left) and Nora sharing a stroller in October.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

2008-01-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

So many of you asked "what happens now?" Also, many questions asking why it takes so long to get her home if she is legally ours? Here is what happens now:

Final Adoption Decree.

This Decree will be issued and then the birth mom will sign for the 4th and final time. After she signs, Natalie will legally be our daughter! This usually happens within a week of receiving a PGN OUT!

Getting New Birth Certificate.

Once the Decree is signed and registered, our attorney will request a new birth certificate at the Civil Registry where Natalie was born. Unfortunately, Natalie was born in Mixco and the Registry there is reviewing files so it is taking forever (4-8 wks)! Recently, there has been some pressure for them to get moving, and I hope they do. The New birth certificate will have Natalie’s birth name and our last name.

Getting New Passport  

Once Natalie receives her new birth certificate, the attorney will apply to Guat Immigration to get her a passport in her birth name and our last name. This take around 48 hours.

US Embassy/ 2nd DNA Authorization AKA Getting ORANGE

The whole file is then put together and translated back into English. It is submitted to the US Embassy in Guatemala City. Within 24 hours the Embassy issues the ORANGE slip, which is authorization for the second DNA test and Embassy Medical Exam (Natalie’s 1st DNA is being matched with the 2nd DNA to make sure she is the same baby from the beginning of the process).  

DNA Sample and Medical Exam 

Natalie will be taken to the Embassy doctor for a check up and to give a second DNA sample. The DNA sample is sent to a laboratory in the U.S. The test results are sent to the US Embassy. This takes about 2 weeks from the time the sample is taken.

Embassy Visa Appointment AKA Getting PINK

Once the US Embassy receives the results of the 2nd DNA, they will issue a visa appointment. This is known as getting PINK (the appointment slip is pink)! We get this by email within 48 hours of the Embassy receiving the results - and it means time to travel! The appointment is usually 1-2 weeks out from being notified.

Visa Appointment  

On her appointment date, we will take Natalie to the US Embassy along with someone from our agency and she will be sworn in as a US citizen! The Embassy will issue her Visa the next day and then she can FLY HOME.

Summary:

1. Final Decree/Birth Mom sign
2. New Birth Certificate
3. New Passport
4. Orange
5. Dna Sample/Medical Exam
6. PINK
7. Travel to Guat
8. Embassy Appt
9. Visa issued
10. Fly HOME

January Social Visit Pics!

2008-01-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

I'm so lucky to be swamped with baby today! Just received these pics from our agency from the January social visit on January 24.

6 Month Medical Update!

2008-01-25T22:49:00.000-05:00

Received Natalie's 6 month medical update today - she went to Dr. M on January 24.

Here is what Dr. M had to say:

This morning I had the opportunity to review little Maria Jose, she has now reached 6 months of age and has been, the caregiver tells me, doing well in the time since she was seen for the last time here in my office she is now back to her normal self, from what I am told by the caregiver she appears to be progressing well both in the development and growth, she is alert, active and shows interest in what goes on around her, will turn to sound and to the sound of her name, is now able to roll over to either side and will try hard to sit up, attempts to grab things that are nearby and will put everything into her mouth, she will also on and off bear weight upon her legs. She has an easy smile and makes many vocal noises of her own she also laughs out loud. I ma told by the caregiver that she takes well her diet and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon exam today she appears in good health with no obvious physical or neurological abnormalities, her weight 16 lbs 15 oz (75%), length of 58.2 cms (22.9" 0%) and head circumference of 40.4 cms.

OUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-25T16:43:00.001-05:00

Our agency called at 4:15pm and told us Natalie is OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!! She is ours! I'll post more on what happens now, but basically she still won't be home until April (need US Visa, etc). But she is legally ours under Guat law!!!!!! I can barely breathe!

Update

2008-01-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

Today, a family in our agency that went into PGN 3 days AFTER us got OUT today (and ironically, she has the same birthdate as Natalie)! Congrats A!! Hopefully, this means we are getting really really close. PGN is not consistent date wise, so you go more by weeks. So maybe we'll hear in the next week! Please God don't give us another PREVIO. Let our little girl OUT! Also, M, Natalie's foster sibling, is in the same week so hopefully he'll be OUT too this week!

HAPPY 6 MOS NATALIE!

2008-01-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today my baby is 6 months old. The time seems to have flown, yet take forever at the same time. Happy Birthday baby girl! I'll see you on February 8th! I hope it's the last time I have to give you back.

Today my friends C, R, J and I got OUT of PGN! They had a rough ride in Family Court so I'm so glad to see them get through PGN without a KO. WOO HOO!! CONGRATS!! Sorry about your Packers last night!

Click below to see a slideshow (only 7 pics) of Natalie over the last 6 months...in order: 2 days old, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months and now 6 months!

My Slideshow 1/21/08

Family Website

2008-01-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

We started a Family website with blog and photo albums etc. on January 1. The boys are growing up so fast and I wanted to get it all down before I can't remember any of it! Enjoy our chaotic life!

http://web.mac.com/thenoreds

Surprise Visit!

2008-01-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

Today we woke up with pics of Natalie in our inbox! She had a surprise visit on January 11. I'm so glad that she is feeling better! It is really too bad she is such an unhappy baby. How will I ever make her smile? :)

Life is Good!

2008-01-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

Today 4 people in our agency got OUT of PGN!! I'm soooo excited, we are getting closer and closer! Two of my great agency buds, E and T are OUT and I just want to dance dance dance for them!

Also, today we learned our agency received the forms to register our files under the new process so those should be completed and filed next week! It's been a great day!

7 weeks in PGN....

President Colom

2008-01-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

The Guatemalan inauguration was this past Monday on January 14. It seems as if the President and his wife are questioning whether the people who were sworn in to the CA under President Berger have their own agenda and are not looking out for the best interest of the child. Woo Hoo! Apparently, they are looking further into this and may suspend the new law or revamp or assign new people or something! I'm not sure how much that will matter to our case personally, BUT it may be a very positive move for the future of many Guatemalan children.

Here are some pics the FM sent me:

No News

2008-01-12T21:25:00.001-05:00

No News is good news I guess - 6 weeks (9 total) in PGN. Probably another 3 to go if we don't get another previo. We know PGN is still moving because they are issuing both Previos and OUTS! I was so afraid it would come to a stand still, but it hasn't yet. It was a hard week because the people who were submitted on our original submit date of 11/8 all got out this past week. I'm happy for them but it's hard to know we could have been OUT.

The Central Authority (CA) will be the new body that governs adoptions in Guatemala - we are grandfathered in but all grandfathered cases must be registered with the CA. We've now learned the CA finally has a real office and that the personnel were all sworn in on Friday. We are hoping that this Monday, with the new Guatemalan President etc taking office that we will finally hear how we can register Natalie's file.

I am trying to make plans to go back for another visit in February. I so hope that will be my last visit before our pick-up trip.

A special congrats to a fellow FTCr who got OUT this past week after 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AND 12 DAYS IN PGN!!! I don't think I've been this excited to see an OUT ever! CONGRATS C, G and E!!!!

Natalie is Sick...

2008-01-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

We got an email yesterday from our agency that Natalie had to see Dr. M. Looks to be a nasty respiratory tract infection and she has started antibiotics. I'm thankful it's not rotovirus or rsv, but still....poor baby.

One Year Ago Today...

2008-01-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

we signed with our agency and began the process of adopting Natalie. I thought we were ready for a bumpy ride, but I really didn't have a clue, did I?

I hope next Jan 6 I am no longer posting on this blog because Natalie will be home chasing her brothers. I can dream can't I?

Westin Day 6 - Goodbye Again

2008-01-02T12:12:00.001-05:00

We just dropped Natalie off once again with her FM (10 minutes early nonetheless WUWT?) Anyway, it was more sad than usual as ALL of us who were here for New Year's Eve (except the PINKS) dropped off at the same 10am time - so that would be something like 10 adults, 4 kids, and 5 babies. Boooohoooohoooo. :(

Here are some last minute pics...

WHAT I SAW WHEN I WOKE UP THIS AM..

A NOTE FROM BROTHER...

PRETTY GIRL...

Westin Day 5-New Year's Day!

2008-01-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

We did the usual hang out at the Westin, then realized it was our last whole day and we better get some pictures in outfits! Natalie loves to play dress up (not)! Oh well, we got a couple of good shots. At the moment I am packing while David is hard at work in the casino.

We give Natalie back at 10am tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to come back for a long weekend over Valentine's Day - we'll see. I'm hoping that will be the last trip before final pick-up! Tomorrow everything is open and I so hope I don't hear that we received another previo.

PRETTY PRINCESS

"MI PRIMO" SAYING GOOD-BYE AS SHE WAS CHECKING OUT

I RULE (OUTFIT FROM GRANDMA BARB)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

DADDY'S GIRL

MOMMY'S GIRL

SILLY SMILEY GIRL

Westin Day 4 - New Year's Eve!

2008-01-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Obviously, I didn't make this one before midnight either - we party hard here at the Westin! We had an FTCr picnic with Domino's pizza in the Family Room and had a great time. The fireworks were literally all the way around the hotel - the big Xmas tree did not catch on fire like it has in past years. That's the reason most of us stayed up to midnight (this group barely made watching Times Square at 11pm). Oh well, it was worth it to see the fireworks (even kids shooting bottle rockets out of their cars as they drive by). We tried the local champagne (and the Westin gave mini champagne bottles and grapes in each of the rooms) and it was a little sweet but not to bad. We, of course, didn't get ours because David put up the Do Not Disturb during nap time. UGH.

Pictures...

PASSED OUT AFTER A PACHITA...

"MI PRIMO": A LOCAL LITTLE GIRL STAYING AT THE HOTEL FOR THE FESTIVITIES RAN AROUND ANNOUNCING THIS OVER AND OVER (MEANS "MY COUSIN"). SHE IS DYING FOR A "REAL" BABY SISTER AS SHE HAS TWIN OLDER BROTHERS...SO CUTE

HOLDING "PACHITA" ON HER OWN...

OUR SNOW ANGEL

PICNIC PARTY...

FTC GROUP (WITH 4 ADULTS AND 2 BABIES MISSING)...

BABY NEW YEAR

THE PARTY IS SOOOO OVER...

Westin Day 3

2007-12-31T00:41:00.000-05:00

Today was football day (or I guess it was yesterday now). Natalie slept from 9:30 to 9:30 and we almost missed breakfast. We then pretty much hung out and watched football all day with everyone. She is such a giggly baby and all the "big" kids can really make her belly laugh! Good thing, with 2 older brothers! We've got a lot of that on video so not a huge amount of pictures. I'll have to try and figure out how to upload the video clips. David looks like a lobster because he did not heed the instructions of no sitting in direct sunlight while on antibiotics. He fell asleep behind a palm at the pool but the sun moved of course, thus lobster face.

GO PANTHERS!

COULDN'T QUITE MAKE IT THRU THE GAME...

LAUGHING AT HOW FUNNY DADDY LOOKS AS A LOBSTER.

"E" AND "A"

LOBBY XMAS TREE WITH A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE - WE THOUGHT NATALIE MADE A GOOD ORNAMENT!

ELEVATOR BUNNY EARS

NOT ANOTHER OUTFIT (THIS ONE TO NAP IN)!

LOBSTER DADDY DRINKING SCOTCH OUT OF THE BABY BOTTLE CAP - SHEESH!

Westin Day 2

2007-12-29T23:44:00.000-05:00

Today we just hung out with everyone and their darling babies by the pool then in the family room. We bleached down all the toys in there before playing hoping no one will go home sick. No famous Westin couch pics but we are having fun taking pics anyway and Natalie sat in her first walker and first exersaucer (which she loved)!

Natalie likes her rice cereal today which is day #2 for her...so we are glad not to have to fight her on that. David and his gang of dads ventured out to the grocery store for supplies and he took a pic of the huge Xmas tree in Guat City. We are already getting nightly fireworks so can only imagine what New Year's Eve will be like....can't wait!

Westin Day 1

2007-12-29T00:04:00.001-05:00

Today is Day 1 with Natalie (well, it's after midnight so "today" actually meant Friday). We arrived last night and did a little shopping and then picked her up today at 10am. We've met many FTCrs down here - some new ones as well as some "old" ones! Also, we have been in PGN 7 weeks today (4 weeks since starting over after the previo).

Natalie has definitely grown in height since I saw her 4 weeks ago - and her face has thinned out some. She is sitting on her own for about a minute before she topples over - she can pull herself to a sit while sitting in her stroller. She also will stand with help - she is so strong! I can't believe she is getting big so fast....she is a sweet and happy baby.

I know blah blah just show us some pictures!

Here is my friend and fellow FTCr "E" and her baby "A" - who LOVES to play with straws!

5 Month Doctor Visit

2007-12-28T23:49:00.000-05:00

Natalie went to the doctor on December 26 for her 5 month check-up. Here is what Dr. M has to say...

Today I had the opportunity to review little Maria Jose, she is now five
months old and has been, the lady who cares for her tells me, doing well in
the time since she was seen one month ago here in my office, she shows a
steady growth and her development also appears to be progressing well, she
will listen attentively when spoken to and also likes to listen to music,
will vocalize her laughter and continues to makes vocal noises of her own,
will cry to let her feelings known and also if disrupted, shows good control
her neck muscles and will keep the head straight in the midline when pulled
to the sitting position as well as raising her head clear form the bed when
on her stomach where she will also try to roll over, she attempt to grab
things that nearby and will put them in her mouth, actually she puts
everything into her mouth. I am told that he takes well her diet and
formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Both her
physical and neurological exam appear, besides a small insect bite on the
left side of her nose, within normal limits today, there are no further
abnormalities upon examination, her weight today is 15 lbs 1 oz, length of
56.4 cms (22 in) and head circumference of 39.7 cms.

Surprise Visit!

2007-12-13T20:32:00.001-05:00

Natalie had a surprise visit on Nov. 28. We just received pictures. She takes a bath at 11am, goes to bed at 8pm and wakes at 6am. Not bad!

Look at those chubby cheeks and long eyelashes! We can't wait to hold her on Dec. 28!!

Guatemalan Congress Passed Adoption Law

2007-12-11T15:38:00.000-05:00

The Guatemalan Congress passed the 3rd reading of it's adoption law today. It is NOT the law we were hoping for unfortunately. The good news is that it does contain a "grandfather" clause for in process cases. That is assuming Guatemala can set up an agency to register all the in process cases 30 days after the effective date of Dec 31. Who knows how that will go. The bad news is that this law is not good for the future of guatemalan adoptions. Though I'm thankful that it looks like - eventually - Natalie will make it home, I'm horribly sad for all the babies who will never make it when this law goes into effect and makes everything fall apart.

Our agency is analyzing the new law now and will let us know the details as soon as they have them - which will probably take a day or two.

PREVIO

2007-12-05T18:25:00.000-05:00

A very bad day. We received a previo (kick out) on Nov. 29 and just found out today. PGN asked for a clarification of a multi-page document and that's all we know. Apparently it was "clarified" and we were put back in on Nov. 30. We have to go back to the bottom of the pile so we just lost 3 weeks. So sad.

November Social Visit Pics...

2007-12-03T17:20:00.000-05:00

These were taken on November 15. She looks like the cute little butterball that she is! Our agency won't be doing December social visit pics for security reasons, but we're ok with that (especially since we will be visiting for New Year's!!).

3 Weeks in PGN...

2007-11-29T17:11:00.000-05:00

and I still cringe every time the phone rings - so QUIT calling me! :) So far no bad news from our agency, but since we are supposed to expect at least one previo, we are just waiting and waiting so we can get it over with! The longer we're in the harder it will be to take. :(

Guatemala's Congress read and passed a new Ortega Law the day before yesterday, then they had the 2nd reading which passed yesterday. It takes 3 readings to be final. We've been waiting on pins and needles to find out the details, but of course there aren't any coming. It's rumored there is a grandfather clause, but we don't know what it says and this Law is NOT good for Guatemalan adoptions. Apparently the US is pressuring to keep the date Dec 31 instead of of April like Guat seems to want it to be. Grrrr. We thought the 3rd and final reading would be today so at least it all could be resolved and we'd know what we are dealing with, but NOOOOOOOOO, the congressional session ends tomorrow so now we'll have to wait until they call an emergency session sometime in December.

My patience is wearing very thin. It's bad enough we have to fight the Guatemalan government, but to have to fight the US government is such a disappointment.

Thus a new Call to Action has been advised and I'm off to talk to Senators once again.

4 MONTH DOCTOR VISIT

2007-11-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Natalie went to the doctor today for her 4 month check-up! She is doing well - her weight is in the 51%!! Her height is about 21.5 inches. She is basically a cute bowling ball!

Here is what Dr. M says:

This afternoon I have just finished examining little Maria Jose who is now 4 months old and has been, I am told, doing well in the time since her last medical assessment, both her growth and development appear to be progressing well, she is alert shows interest in what goes on around her, will interact, turns to sound and makes many cooing noises of her own, both to respond and also to call attention to herself, she also smiles socially and will also laugh out loud and also vocalize her eagerness and pleasure, will also cry to let her discomfort be known. I'm also told that she takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her in good health with no obvious physical or neurological abnormalities her weight is 13 lbs 13 oz, length of 53.7 cms and head circumference of 38.4 cms.

Last Day with Natalie

2007-11-25T12:36:00.000-05:00

Today was the day we had to give her back. It's sad and emotional and I worried how Nathan would feel since he is sensitive and a worrier and had so much fun playing and getting to know her. We meet the FM and I give back a sound asleep baby girl and we kiss her good-bye. We are literally not 2 feet away from her (thank God FM doesn't speak English) when Nathan turns around and in a 6yo loud voice says "well now that she is given back it's time to go to the pool!" Ahhhh, to be 6 again.

I took all the Christmas pics today and since I don't know which ones I'm using on the Christmas card I'm not going to post any yet, sorry! We flew out the next morning and Nathan didn't want to leave. I think he really had a great time playing with all the babies and he was a real hit with the toddler set! See you on New Year's Eve baby girl. I hope we arrive with news that we are OUT of PGN!

Here are a random few:

The First Thanksgiving!

2007-11-25T12:10:00.000-05:00

Natalie's first Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We played at the pool, played with brother, watched the Cowboys game, and then had a private dinner with the other families from our agency. The Westin put on a big Thanksgiving buffet. Nathan stood up and told everyone he would not eat turkey out of principle because it gobbles. Tell that to the Turkey lunchables he eats every week. Go figure. ANYWAY, we had so much fun meeting all the other families and the itty bitty babies that were there for POA (power of attorney). There were also a bunch of PGN OUTS for some of the families - now that is something to be thankful for! Today marks 2 weeks since we've entered PGN and so far no previos!

Happy First Thanksgiving baby girl!

We Arrive at the Westin!

2007-11-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

Nathan and I hopped in a plane and off we go. Daddy was nice enough to get us an upgrade to first class. Mr. Prince enjoyed it thoroughly and ate the entire 4 hour flight! He was so excited he couldn't contain himself - boy was he disappointed when we arrived and realized we weren't picking up Natalie till the next morning! We met my friend Terri and her adorable baby M and just hung out. The next morning we scrambled around to get ready to pick Natalie up (Happy 4th month bday baby girl!!). Finally, we went down to meet her - I don't have pics as I taped Nathan meeting her and our FM. Here are first day pics:

One week in PGN & Did I go overboard?

2007-11-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

Today marks 1 week in PGN. I jump and cringe every single time the phone rings - dreading that its my agency saying we received a previo! Ugh.

So, did I go overboard on the Christmas clothes?

Grandma Barb sent this:

This has a shirt and matching hose & bow coming...

Grandma Barb sent this too:

The one on the left was Nick's when I thought he was a girl...the one on the right is MY WISH...

Cuteness!

I just love this one!

Friends on the news...

2007-11-15T20:51:00.001-05:00

Some agency friends were interviewed about the adoption mess going on...

www.wisn.com/video/14602976/index.html

What we go through...

2007-11-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

http://www.jcics.org/CIS%20Guat_Adop_Chart.pdf

New Video Montage

2007-11-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

Posting a new video montage of Natalie from about 1 month to the beginning of 3 months. Enjoy! (Click on the picture).

Natalie 1-3 Months Old

Finally... WE ARE IN PGN!

2007-11-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

And we're scared to DEATH! This is somewhere you want to hurry up and get to, then you get there, and well it's just pure dread. This is where BAD things happen to cases. When I got my update this morning, I was so excited and then I just felt sick. The Family Court typo was fixed on November 7 and we entered PGN on November 8.

If we don't get a previo (a kick out - which puts you back to the bottom of the pile when you reenter) and with the holidays coming up we might be lucky enough to get OUT around January 10 (assuming there is a Grandfather Clause and things don't slow to much). But, if we get previos and such, and with all that may happen on January 1, we have no idea when we will get OUT. Just can't possibly even guess.

Think good thoughts, say prayers, send good vibes....THANKS!

Thanks for nothing Condi...

2007-11-09T16:07:00.000-05:00

A big bunch of nothing from the Department of State...

November 8, 2007

The Department of State has received inquiries about the status of anticipated adoption reforms in Guatemala, and the outlook for adoption cases which are currently pending. Whether the Guatemalan government elects to implement the Hague Convention on December 31st or later in the spring of 2008, pending cases would not be affected if, as expected, the final legislation includes a transition provision that allows pending cases to be processed to conclusion under current law. We continue to advise American Citizens not to initiate new adoptions until the Government of Guatemala has completed its implementation of the Hague Convention.

Adoption reform legislation remains under discussion in Guatemala’s Congress. We continue to advocate for a law that complies with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and that includes transition provisions for cases already filed under the current system of law.

Passage of a new adoption law is only the first step. The next, urgent priority will be for Guatemalan officials to establish a Hague compliant system. Designing and implementing the necessary structural reforms will take time.

The Guatemalan Government has said it will assume its obligations as a Hague Convention member on December 31, 2007, a decision we support, because Guatemala’s children -- indeed all parties to an international adoption -- deserve the protections afforded by the Convention as soon as possible. When the Hague Convention goes into force for the U.S. in the spring of 2008, both the U.S. and Guatemala must have Hague-compliant adoption procedures in order for new adoption cases to be filed. Thus in the interest of long-term adoptions from Guatemala, responsible, prompt reform of the current law and procedures is critically important. The U.S. is committed to provide assistance and support to the Guatemalan authorities for this task.

The Other Shoe Drops?

2007-11-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

There have been some reports that Consul General John Lowell (a higher-up at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala) may be lobbying the Guatemalan Congress in favor of Ortega and of a January 1 date for Hague implementation. It's also possible that the U.S. Ambassador may also be lobbying for the same thing.

***************
Here is a form for those of you who would like to send such a fax or e-mail once again to your appropriate Congressman and Senators, but it would be better if you used your own words:

Dear Senator/Congressman/Congresswoman _____,

I am a constituent writing to ask for your help. As you know, almost 4,000 American families are in the process of adopting a child from Guatemala. The Guatemalan Congress is now deciding how best to bring its adoption system into compliance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

It has been reported in Guatemalan newspapers that the Consul General to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, Mr. John Lowell, has been in contact with Guatemalan congressmen and political party leaders to lobby for a specific bill, the Ortega bill, that threatens to terminate or severely hinder in-process cases, putting the adoption cases of almost 4,000 Americans directly at risk. This, despite the fact that the Guatemalan Congress has indicated its clear intent to bring the Guatemalan adoption process in line with the requirements of the Hague treaty and the various options that are available to any country in developing a Hague-compliant procedure.

Mr. Lowell's actions, if as reported, are unconscionable. First, it is wholly improper for Mr. Lowell to interfere this way with the Guatemalan legislative process - Guatemala should be able to choose, without interference from Mr. Lowell or any other U.S. official, a process that involves both public and accredited private sector actors (like the one we will have in the U.S. when the U.S. implements the treaty next spring). Second, Mr. Lowell's actions are directly contrary to the best interests of the children in the adoption process and to the thousands of Americans who would be adversely affected by the passage of the Ortega bill.

I ask you to take all appropriate action available to you to prompt Mr. Lowell and all U.S. officials in Guatemala to refrain from interfering with the Guatemalan political process regarding intercountry adoption.

[your signature]
******************

ALSO - MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Call and fax Condoleezza Rice's office and ask her to look into the above matter. She is Lowell's boss (after the Ambassador). We would like to know if John Lowell is acting independently in his interfering/lobbying the Guatemalan congress or is he acting at Secretary of State Rice's instruction?

Phone 202 647 5291
202 647 9572

Fax 202 647 228
************************

Once again, thank you for your help!

Good News...A New Proposal!

2007-11-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

I don't know if this is just Guatemalan politics playing out, or if the 5000 families made an impact (or both), but I woke up this morning with this announcement:

***********
JCICS (www.jcics.org) has just formally announced the following:

We can now report that members of the Guatemalan Congress, including numerous party chiefs, have submitted a new legislative proposal which:

- includes a strong ‘grandfather’ clause,

-designates April 30 2008 as the effective implementation date of the Convention,

-allocates $5 million Quetzales ($650,000 USD) for the creation of the Central Authority,

-allocates a percentage of the total government budget for child welfare services

-creates a new government entity to act as the Central Authority in Guatemala,

-provides for private non-profit accredited entities to provide services to children,

-allows single potential adoptive parents to apply for adoption,

-and creates a functional process by which children can find a permanent, safe and loving family
************

For Natalie specificially, this could mean that we would be grandfathered (not sure of any specifics) - and with the Hague not being implemented until April (when the US is supposed to implement) - it give us four more months to get the heck out fo there.

THIS IS ONLY A PROPOSAL AND HAS NOT BEEN VOTED ON YET. We are just ecstatic that their Congress has at least acknowledged many of the issues we were concerned about.

It's at least a step in the right direction and gives us some major hope. Woooo Hoooo!!!!!

Election Results

2007-11-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Colom won the Presidential election run-off in Guatemala on Sunday. He was the slightly better of the two so we hope that it's a good thing for that country. The Vice-President is a cardiologist who worked in Houston for many years and was trained at Baylor. We have a lot of hope he can dispel the rampant rumors of Americans adopting babies to harvest their organs. I can't even believe I'm writing that sentence. Sheesh. Anyway, let's hope these two make for a "better" Guatemala.

New Year's at the Westin!

2007-11-04T22:59:00.000-05:00

David and I just booked tickets to spend New Year's with Natalie! We're so excited! We are spending Christmas in Dallas and the Grandmas were nice enough to offer to babysit the boys while we are gone. We still need to confirm hotel reservations, but hopefully that won't be a problem. We just feel the need to be there on New Year's Eve. We don't know what will happen at year's end yet, but at least we'll be there no matter what is decided.

Out of Family Court.... BUT

2007-11-04T17:54:00.000-05:00

The social worker made a typo in the report! UGH!! So that means we didn't get our file into PGN. Under normal circumstances this would NOT be a big deal to me at all. It just goes back to the social worker so it can be fixed and takes a week or so. But that one week makes our time in PGN go from 8 weeks until 7 weeks before year end and I'm afraid that won't be enough time to get out by New Year's (assuming we were previo-free, which most people are not). I don't want to be what I fear most - literally sitting at the top of the heap on Dec. 31 for signature then everything shutting down. Please God, let the grandfathering amendment pass.

I want to thank my agency though because a typo means a previo (kick-out) in PGN and I am thankful they caught it. I don't want my gratitude for them to be overshadowned by my whine-fest. :)

We exited on October 30.

THANK YOU!!

2007-11-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Here are links to the letters signed by various Senators and Congressman on behalf of our Guatemala 5000 initiative. One letter is to the President of Guatemala and one letter is to the head of UNICEF. If your Senator or Congressman signed the letters, please let them know it is appreciated. If they didn't sign, please let them know you are very upset.

Thank you for your hard work in contacting everyone and making aware our situation!

http://www.jcics.org/UNICEF%20Letter.pdf

http://www.jcics.org/BERGER%20Letter.pdf

October Social Visit Pics

2007-10-31T19:06:00.000-04:00

The October social visit was on October 16 - I was so happy to see Natalie sitting in her Bumbo (yes, I know they were recalled - but there are 4 adults standing around her). Also, I love seeing how well she is holding and moving her head!

3 Month Medical Visit

2007-10-30T14:04:00.000-04:00

I received Natalie's 3 month medical visit today. Dr. M does know she is only 3 mos, it was just a typo. Freaked me out there for a minute though! She went on October 25. Here is what he says:

This afternoon I have just finished seeing little Maria Jose who is now aged
4 months and has been, I am told by the caregiver, been doing really well in
the time since she was seen for the last time one month ago, she is a very
alert little girl who shows a steady growth and is also, from what I am
told, developing nicely, she is very alert and shows interest in what goes
on around her, will listen when spoken to and makes cooing noises of her own
both to call attention to herself and to reply, she will also laugh out loud
and vocalizes her eagerness, she shows good control of her neck muscles and
will keep the head straight in the midline when pulled to the sitting
position as well as lifts her head clear form the bed when lying on her
stomach, she attempt to grab whatever is nearby with swiping movements and
she will also kicks an push with her feet. The caregiver shares with me
that this little eon takes well her formula and is also receiving her
ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her in good
health with a normal physical and neurological exam, her weight today is 12
lbs 2 oz, length of 52.5 cms and head circumference of 36.4 cms.

Family Court Update

2007-10-29T20:35:00.001-04:00

Well, not the news we were hoping for...but not really "bad" news either. Our agency emailed us today saying that they received an update from our attorney that our case had a notation "proxima semana" on it. That means we will get out of Family Court next week (I believe that would be THIS week since they were updated late last week). Of course that is in "Guatemalan" time. :) They will then try to get our file into PGN asap. Our agency is hoping to have us EXIT Family Court and get IN PGN in the next 10 days. If it is really 10 days then we will only have 7 weeks to get through PGN by year end. If we're IN this week then we'll have 8 weeks before year end. This means there is only a VERY SLIM chance we will be OUT by year end. Even one easy previo (kick out) will end any chance whatsoever of finishing in time. And you ususally get one previo. Even the people with no previos thus far are at 7 weeks 4 days etc. I'm trying to be hopeful, but it's an unrealistic hope I'm afraid. I guess we just keep marching on and keep hoping that we get grandfathered under the old system.

For those confused, getting OUT of PGN means Natalie is legally ours under Guatemalan law (though she will not be allowed in the U.S. until her Guat birth certificate, Guat Passport get issued, and the U.S. Embassy meets with us and issues her Visa).

Surprise Visit!

2007-10-28T22:13:00.000-04:00

Still no news on Family Court, unfortunately...but did receive some pictures from Natalie's surprise visit on October 18. She's doing really well it says...but we knew that since David visited after these were taken. :) Surprise visit pics are never really that great...since the babies are "surprised". :)

Look at my new blanket...

Ahh man, what's with this?

Where's my hair going????

3rd Visit!

2007-10-27T20:46:00.000-04:00

David and his mom went to Guatemala to visit baby Natalie on October 21 and returned on October 25. They met a lot of people from our agency down there and had a great time! I still have not received an update on our case. I was really hoping to have heard we were out of Family Court and had entered PGN. Very disappointed household here as our agency was given updates and we didn't get one. Also, for some reason, we haven't received our monthly social visit pictures that we usually have by now along with Natalie's medical update and pictures (which she just had on Thursday so it's probably too soon).

I'm sure you guys just want to see pics so here we go:

My favorite picture of the trip...

Cutie little earrings...

Sleeping Sweetie...

Happy Halloween!

Daddy's Little Girl...

I'm SO sick of Halloween!

Daddy Dressed Me!

My friend Maria sent this dress...

Gramma Barb's favorite outfit thus far...

Meeting Gramma Myrna...

Checking out the Westin's pool...

Natalie's bud Nora...

Dinner at the Westin...

Natalie, Isabella and Nora...

Amy & Nora (ERAmy), Rachel & Isabella (chrisrachel), and Myrna with Natalie...

Ok Nora, Wassup with this??

Chris w/ Isabella & Jacob, Jim w/ Nora, David w/ Natalie...

Sweet Baby at 3 mos old...

Quote for the Day

2007-10-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

A Friend just emailed this to me:

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.

Thomas Jefferson

OPEN BLOG

2007-10-10T14:05:00.001-04:00

I've reopened our blog to the public for now as I feel I can get more info re Guatemala out right now this way. Hoping to get it more updated by this weekend.

Please check out www.5000orphans.com for updated info and links on how you can help bring our baby home.

ORTEGA LAW PASSES

2007-10-04T13:43:00.001-04:00

Well, yesterday we received the sad news that the Ortega Law passed in Guatemala yesterday. This is not good news and as far as we can tell at this point, there is no grandfathering clause in the Bill for those of us still "in process" on January 1. We've been bombarding the Department of State and our US Senators and US Reps to ask them for help. Apparently there is another reading on Tuesday of this Bill and hopefully Amendments will be added. Ugh, we are trying very hard not to freak out. Please pray for us, and especially for the babies in process whose birth moms have already given up their rights and now their adoptive parents may not get to bring them home. What happens to them?

Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) left me a message today asking for me to talk with him about this - I am shocked to get to actually talk to a Senator instead of his staff. I hope I don't sound like an idiot. :)

CALL TO ACTION - PLEASE HELP

2007-09-30T16:18:00.000-04:00

Due to the new statement by US Department of State and Guatemala's current (soon to be gone) President...adoptive parents in the US have started a Call To Action to help those of us adopting from Guatemala. Below is a link to electronically sign a Petition. Please help. I am also going to post links to sample letters you can send to your government officials. Please remember these letters are a way to help us bring home our children. There is a very real chance those of us in process on January 1, 2008 will lose our children. Please write and help.

The petition is here: www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

It is very important that these offices are flooded with letters so they know the public will hold our government accountable. Please go to the following page at Guatadopt and scroll down to the letters: www.guatadopt.com/archives/000715.html#000715

The are six inks to our letters that will look like this:
Letter to DOS for In-Process families: Download file
Letter to DOS for Awaiting Referal Families: Download file
Letter to DOS for Friends and Others: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for In-Process Families: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for Awaiting Referal Families: Download file
Letter to Sen/Rep for Friends and Others: Download file

DOS - send letters to:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

and to:
Gerry Fuller
Unit Chief for Bilateral Adoption
Office of Children's Issues
Department of State
email is: fullergw@state.gov

You can find your government officials at:
www.congress.org/congressorg/home/

THANK YOU.

Family Court Update

2007-09-30T14:25:00.000-04:00

Today our agency let us know that our Social Worker Interviews were completed on September 21 and now the social worker will write up her report and send it to the Judge. Then we will exit Family Court. This process is taking 3-6 weeks. We are hoping it's a lot faster so we can get into PGN as soon as possible.

So Behind....and BLING!

2007-09-30T14:18:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm getting so behind on the blog, so sorry! Below is a picture of Natalie (notice the BLING in her tiny ears) at her September 11 Surprise visit and then another picture of her at here September 17 Social visit.

2nd Visit, 2 month Dr. visit and PA!!

2007-09-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

My mom and I went to Guatemala for my second trip and her first trip to meet baby Natalie. We went from September 20-25 and had a wonderful time hanging out and meeting various other adoptive parents. Things are getting a little panicky with all the government shenanigans but people are still holding out hope that in-process cases will get through in a reasonable time frame. It's good to have dreams.

Baby Natalie also turned 2 months on September 21. Dr. Montiel says: Natalie is
doing well in the time since her last visit with me, she is now spending a good part of the day awake and from what I can gather from the caregiver both the growth and development appear to be progressing well, she is alert and loves to be talked too making some cooing noises of her own as well as smiling in response, shows active, symmetrical, mainly reflex movements of both arms and legs and still also move her head from side to side, when on her stomach she will briefly lift her face form the bed. I am also told that she takes well her formula and is receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found this little one in good health with no obvious physical or neurological abnormalities, her weight today is 10 lbs 2 oz, length of 50.5 cms and head circumference of 35.1 cms.

And on a VERY high note, we received PA (pre-approval) today. As you know from previous posts it has been taking the US Government about 12 weeks (from DNA collection) or 60 days (from DNA notarization) to issue a pre-approval. So imagine my surprise when I sit down in front of the computer tonight after a few margaritas out front with friends and my first email is from "DONOTREPLY-USGOVT" and I start SCREAMING!! Poor David is like WHAT? WHAT? And I'm screaming we got a DONOTREPLY, we got a DONOTREPLY!!! Again, he's WHAT? WE GOT PREAPPROVAL!!!!!!! 6 wks from collection/35 days from notarization. I'm just stunned. I made David read it a million times to make sure it was our baby's approval. I've been stalking the computer waiting to hear we are out of Family Court (or at the very least interviews are done) and the last thing I expected to see was DONOTREPLY. AHHHHHHHHHH!! Now we wait to exit Family Court so we can enter the dreaded PGN.

Here are some pics of our princess:

Entered Family Court!

2007-09-09T14:59:00.000-04:00

I just received an email from our agency (how cool are they working on a Sunday?) that we entered Family Court on August 30! Family Court is on the Guatemalan side - a social worker will now line up various interviews, including Natalie's birthmom, etc. We are still waiting for Pre-Approval on the U.S. side. We must exit Family Court AND receive Pre-Approval before we can enter PGN. At least we've had some movement - ALWAYS a good thing. I'm getting very excited for my trip to see Natalie on September 20. My mom has decided to come with me and meet her granddaughter - should be lots of fun!

First Video Montage

2007-09-08T15:55:00.000-04:00

I've never done a video montage before...but I gave it a shot using all of Natalie's pictures that I have so far. Let me know what you think!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Daddy's Little Girl

2007-09-03T20:30:00.001-04:00

Our Agency sent this cute pic of Natalie and David today. This was taken by our Foster Mother Manager when we had to drop Natalie off - she looked straight at David as if to say "What do you think you're doing?"

PA Countdown

2007-08-31T13:09:00.000-04:00

It usually takes around 60 days from DNA notarization (12-13 weeks from DNA collection) to get Pre-Approval from the U.S. Embassy (pre-approval is the pre-approval of the U.S. Visa Natalie will need to enter the U.S.). This process used to take no time at all, but is now really slow as the U.S. is scrutinizing each application more closely to make sure nothing is amiss. We are hoping to have hers by Halloween and get into PGN before the holidays.

It's a Match! Updated

2007-08-28T17:40:00.000-04:00

DNA was taken from Natalie and her birthmom on August 18 and matched 99.99% on August 22. We didn't even know that it had been taken and we were really shocked when the results came in the mail today! The first hurdle has been cleared and about a million more to go.....

UPDATE: We received a report along with DNA pictures. The report is our agency interviewing the birthmother. It is very interesting and will be much appreciated by Natalie when she is older. I'm so very glad to have it. Below is a pic of Natalie getting her DNA taken.

1 Month Medical Visit

2007-08-24T23:08:00.000-04:00

Ok, an awesome agency I have...imagine my surprise as I sit her writing up my blog for our last day here and I'm so horribly sad...and then DING my email shows an email from FTC! Yep, the FM took Natalie straight over for her medical check-up and FTC already sent me the pics and report!

Dr. M reports:

Maria is doing well in the time since her last visit she is now much more interactive and I am told that she is now spending gradually more and more time awake and starts to notice her surroundings, shows active, symmetrical, purely reflex movement of arms and legs and will also move her head from side to side, when on her stomach she will very briefly lift her chin from the bed. I am told that she takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her in good health with no obvious physical or neurological abnormalities, her weight is 7 lbs 6 oz, length of 47.4 cms and head circumference of 33.4 cms

One of the 20 pics they sent!

Day 4 - The First Good-Bye

2007-08-24T22:16:00.000-04:00

Today we had to hand Natalie back to her very loving FM. The First Good-Bye. The test to see if I could actually handle coming back and giving her back every month. It was hard, but our FM had it rougher as she had just handed baby "E" (Natalie's roomie) to her parents for good. I think it helped me to know how hard that was for her and that getting Natalie back tonight would help with the loss of E. I hope so. We did not stay for a long good-bye, a basic rush job hoping it would be easier. Then we went for the traditional retail therapy and bought a phone to use while down here. On the way back from the mall (yep, a real mall with even a Gap) and much to David's delight, they were opening a casino of sorts in our hotel (machine gaming and they were hauling in some blackjack tables)- I haven't seen David since. :)

As for the process, if anything has happened it's been in the background. I was kind of hoping they would come get Natalie for DNA while we were here, but it didn't happen. I believe she will be going in for her ~1 month check-up on Monday.

We have had a great time here, despite the political climate (and anti-adoption climate). The Westin has been nothing but polite and helpful. Guatemala is having elections here in a few weeks and things are, well, somewhat hostile. The current administration is actively against international adoption. UNICEF (who will no longer get a cent from me EVER) has offered $28 million dollars to build a public orphanage that does not do any type adoptions - believing that families should not put babies up for adoption and should keep them no matter what the circumstances. They believe if they are given up they are better off raised in an orphanage than being adopted out internationally. I don't even try to understand. You see lots of horrible stories about adoptions from here - babies switched, mothers coerced, etc. While I'm sure that there are a few instances of that, it is rare. You see the process we're going through - it's lengthy, it's intrusive and we get investigated by 2 different countries that are against it. And now not only do we have a DNA test done with baby and birthmom at the beginning of the process, but now the baby gets a 2nd DNA test at the end of the process to make sure it matches the first one. Don't see all that going on in domestic adoptions. OK, off my soap box. For now anyway.

It was fabulous meeting everyone we met here - good luck one and all!

Now for Day 4 pics of nuestra princesa:

Gotta Love Those Sleep Saks...

What's Up With The Stupid Bonnet?

Such Tiny Hands (and the first BLING)...

Message from Brother...Natalie (heart) Nathan...

Are Those Clown Shoes? (Smallest Robeez makes though)...

Definitely "Worth The Wait"...

I Am The Little Sister...

Saying Good-Bye...

Tip of Volcano "Pacaya" from the hotel window...

Day 3 And I Socialize WHY?

2007-08-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

Today is Day 3. Our last full day with our Baby Girl. We've spent most of today walking all over the hotel socializing with other parents. Met a very nice FTC man and his son "C". They had a paperchase to rival another forum friend (that'd be you Sig). YUK. But all is on track now. I also met Colleen today (head of our Guat office) - she was here to sign POA for some new referral couples. She really seems on the ball THANK GOD because it seems every person we socialized with today has a horror story about their adoption (no one from my agency). Here we are only having DNA authorized - not even taken yet - and they feel compelled to tell me every last itty bitty horror detail. I feel for them, I really do, but I just don't have the strength. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, not because I have to give my baby back, but because I get to see some happy endings. BABIES ARE GOING HOME!!

Baby Girl slept good last night - I've completely forgotten how much a baby sleeps. We sit in the room and watch her sleep, then we go to the lobby and watch her sleep, then we go to a restaurant and watch her sleep, then to the bar and watch her sleep, then to the kid's room and watch her sleep - well, you get the idea. We have no idea what to do with ourselves after chasing a 5 and 2 year old all day long. :)

Without further ado, here is nuestra princesa...

Day 2 and More Pictures!

2007-08-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

Day 2 at the Westin and all is well. Baby girl didn't go to bed real early but was fine once she finally settled. FM said that she had spitting up and burping problems, but we brought the Avent bottle system with us and we can already see a change for the better. We've just hung out today talking and playing with other babies. Tomorrow Miriam arrives and I can't wait to meet her and Baby "C". We received Social Visit pictures today (the first for Natalie) taken August 16, as well as Natalie's results from the Pediatrix Newborn Screening test. She was Within Normal Limits on everything - WooHoo! We gave her first bath and well, not overly pleased, but not as bad as Nick's first bath. Oh, and for those who commented - we're in a Jr Suite and though I have nothing to compare it too, it's been great, lots of room. Enjoy the pics....

First meeting Natalie yesterday...

Just the crib shoes (size 0)...

Cutest little "Zutano" outfit...

The picture everyone takes at the Westin...

First Bath...

Big Naps after bath...

First Social Visit Pic...

Another First Social Visit Pic...

Happy 1 Month Bday and First Visit!

2007-08-21T23:29:00.000-04:00

Today we landed in Guat and rushed to the Westin so we could get there in time to meet our baby! Our FM was very nice and very sweet - I'm so glad Natalie is in such an awesome home. Everything is going smoothly thus far. We met Teryl and her husband who are FTCrs and are here for pick up. Their baby boy is SO adorable! We are just having a great time getting to know our girl...and enjoying the hospitality of the Westin.

Happy 1 Month Birthday Baby Girl!!!!!!!!!

Surprise Visit Pics and ONE MORE SLEEP!

2007-08-20T21:23:00.000-04:00

Today as we pack a mile a minute for tomorrow's visit, we received surprise visit pics! This is where our foster mother manager "surprises" Natalie's foster mom at home at odd hours and checks everything out and takes wonderful pictures. Natalie is doing well - she takes a bath at 11am, goes to bed at 9pm and wakes to eat ONLY at 3am and 8am. Gotta love that! Can't wait to see my baby tomorrow! Natalie's roomie "E" received PINK today and we are so happy that she wil be going home next week. We are so excited for her family!

Here are a few pics of our girl - the pics were taken on August 8 (2.5 weeks old).

3 Sleeps!!

2007-08-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

Well, mom flew in safe and sound today (albeit with a sprained ankle-good thing we only have a 3 story house and 2 kids under 5, oh and a dog).

We have 3 sleeps before we see our baby girl!! That's how our 5 year old counts time, very cute. We are sooooooo excited, but I've packed nothing. Well except for all of Natalie's stuff, which is 2 giant suitcases and an infant car seat carrier with an infant seat and other things all stuffed in around it. You'd think I was never going back to visit, wander what I'll bring on Sept 20? Well, I know for sure a bumbo and a baby rocker/bouncer. I think this time I might be able to fit in some friends zippies to take as well! But David and I have packed nothing else. Nothing. It's not the fun part!

Our Director was in Guat last week and said that social visits were on Thurs. More pics! We shoud get updated pics any day now (probably when we go to Guat and see the baby in person). Oh well, more the merrier, and I'm DYING for an update. Our agency dropped the ball (not usual with them) and our baby girl and her roomie "E" had a suprise visit on 7/24, but for some reason they can't find or don't have any pics or an update sheet on Natalie (but do on E). Maybe they will find it, I don't know. Weird.

But hey, only 3 more sleeps.

Legacy of An Adopted Child

2007-08-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

Legacy Of An Adopted Child
-Author Unknown

Once there were two women who didn't know each other.
One you'd grow inside of; the other you'd call Mother.

Two different lives were interwined and helped to shape your one.
The first became your guiding star; The other became your sun.

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.
The first prepared you to receive love; the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality; the other gave you a name.
One gave you a talent; the other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.

One sought for you the kind of home that she could not provide.
The other hoped for a child, and her dreams were not denied.

And now you ask us what the sages,
Haven't answered through the ages.

Nature or Nurture - Which are you the product of?
It's both, dear child, and two different kinds of love.

DNA has been charged!

2007-08-16T08:55:00.001-04:00

Today I thought I would check our credit card to see if DNA has been charged - and it was on 8/14! Woo Hoo! For those of you not in process, this means an appointment will be set up to bring both Natalie in as well as her birthmom so DNA can be taken and matched. The lab has already charged for the test so hopefully they will test them soon and we can MOVE on to Family Court and waiting for Pre-Approval.

5 more days till we leave to visit our baby.....

A Week From Today...

2007-08-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

A week from today we will be holding our little girl! We can't wait. Our Power of Attorney made it safely there late yesterday afternoon, so the process has officially started. Let the countdown begin...

I met with a pediatrician today that specializes in international adoptions and she was great. She thought Natalie's stats and labs all looked great. I will send her the monthly medical updates so she can get to know her and track her before she actually gets home. It was nice speaking with a doctor who had this kind of experience.

Anyway, will update you when we hear something!

POA sent to Guat!

2007-08-10T21:51:00.000-04:00

Well today we finally sent the Power of Attorney to Guatemala. Once there, it will be translated and then our process can officially start. We already sent our Parent Identification Letter (which the US Embassy in Guat needed). I hope that's the last of the paperwork for now, yuk! We can't wait to see our baby girl! 10 more days! Two of my agency buddies received there referrals this week: Amy and Terri Anne, woo hoo!!!! It's been a fantastic week, huh Guatemama's? The next step: DNA will be taken from both Natalie and her birthmom. Natalie will also have her DNA taken at the end of the process and have it compared to this first DNA. This is how the US makes sure that all is on the up and up.

And away we go.....

First Slideshow

2007-08-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

Of Natalie's intake photos and her first doctor's appointment at 2 days old. We will receive three sets of pictures every month or so. We will receive pictures from her monthly medical visit, then pictures from a monthly visit with our agency, and then surprise visit pictures every 6 weeks or so (we have an AWESOME agency). We will also receive any movement-in-the-process updates every 10 days or so if there has been any significant movement.

We Have A Name....

2007-08-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

After much debate, my subconcious need for alliteration, and in keeping with the "N" tradition, we have named our princess:

Natalie Maria

Maria was her birth name and we really wanted to keep it for her.

I've also planned a second trip to Guatemala on 9/20 so I can be there for her 2nd month birthday. We can't wait to meet her - it's so hard to wait....

AND THEN WE WERE FIVE!

2007-07-31T09:43:00.000-04:00

She's here! Our case manager called yesterday at 3:45pm. We haven't chosen a name yet, but she was born on July 21, 2007 at 9:30am, weighing in at a whopping 5lbs, 8oz. All looks well on her 2 day old checkup. We are going to visit on 8/21 - just in time to pick her up and celebrate her one month birthday! WE ARE SO EXCITED!

12 Weeks Today...

2007-07-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

and we are still waiting! There have been 8 boys born that are waiting for their forever homes, and I'd be really tempted if I didn't have 3 suitcases packed with girl stuff already! Especially after the whole Nick-was-thought-to-be-a-girl fiasco. :)

We returned from Texas yesterday and are hoping to hear something this week - there is a rumor a few girls have been born, so here's hoping the stork thinks pink!

We have our plane tickets and our hotel room booked for Guatemala for 8/21-8/25. We can't wait! :)

Ticker Update...

2007-07-17T14:17:00.001-04:00

Good Bye TICKER! :)

Almost There...

2007-07-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

Well, everyone I know of waiting for the referral of a girl now has one, so hopefully we are next! It was 10 weeks yesterday and I am READY! Of course, David leaves for Bermuda on Monday and an extra meeting has him not flying home until Saturday night. We are in Texas and the baby things are packed and ready to go - I bought WAY TOO MUCH. As usual. We'll keep you updated so keep checking back!

The Volcano Dilemma

2007-06-21T18:21:00.000-04:00

Poor Nathan. He's scared of volcanoes - and it started with a song by Billy Jonas called "Old St. Helen". Billy Jonas is great, check him out at www.billyjonas.com, but Nathan started to pay alot more attention to volcanoes. Then he overheard that Guatemala had the #20 worst volcanic eruption in modern times. Now he steadfastly REFUSES to go to Guatemala. Forget we are seriously considering homeschooling him for his kindergarten year so he can spend alot of time in Guatemala! Ugh! Guatemala has some beautiful, and active volcanoes. I can't wait to hike up Pacaya and see the lava! Here is a pic of Pacaya near Guatemala City and one of Agua in Antiqua. I borrowed these from other people who sent them to me to help reassure Nathan that he would be evacuated a long time before any eruption. So far he believes no one.

Pacaya (as seen from the Westin hotel where we will stay for visit trips)

Aqua (as seen from the city of Antiqua where we'll stay if we foster)

Where are the Storks?

2007-06-19T19:23:00.001-04:00

We think they went to a convention! Referrals are moving very slow. My friend Esther should be getting a call any day and I can't wait! In the meantime, we broke our rule of no baby purchases, and bought a stroller. We really like it and plan to take it to Texas with us in case we get the call while we are there. We are told that it's handy to have a stroller and a sling in the hotel when we visit.

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

2007-06-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

Ugh, Saturday will be six weeks of waiting! Our agency has had a few referrals this past week so we are creeping up on the list. In the meantime we've bought furniture and bedding for the nursery. We've not purchased anything that can't be used as guest room things right now. Don't want to jinx it!

Cute Sonogram!

2007-06-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

As you can see from our Referral ticker below, we are still waiting for a match and referral.....but someone sent me this cute ultrasound, so I thought I would share it.

Waiting for Referral Countdown...

2007-05-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

Good-bye Countdown Ticker! :)

Still Waiting...

2007-05-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

Well, we are still waiting for the referral of our baby girl, but we have started to buy things and pack them up so they can go with us when we fly down to Guatemala to sign the Power of Attorney. That has been ALOT of fun.

Nathan had his preschool graduation today and as we were driving up to the school we passed a big pond that always has lots of ducks, but these ducks have been missing for awhile. Today though he starts to scream that the ducks are back and they have babies! Sure enough there is a big brown and black mama duck and following were a bunch of little brown and black baby ducks, but the last baby duck was white, black and brown and my cutie says "Look mom, the last baby was adopted!"