Really OFFICIAL Now!!

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!

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?

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!

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.