Rosie and Me...And Eli Makes Three!!!

My Sweet Babies - Together!

2008-05-11T23:23:00.008-05:00

I am finally posting some pictures! I don't have time to write a lot, but I'm assuming everyone really just wants to see pictures. These aren't in any fabulous order, but you get the drift.

So - Enjoy!

My mom painted this mural in Eli's room. She signed it "Nana 2008." How cute is that?

The "905" on the train is his birthdate. And his name is on the boat.

Two of my favorite guys. Uncle Josh giving Eli his bottle before bedtime.

Aunt Carrie holding "the baby." Rosemary wants to be the baby, too.

Two babies getting baths at Nana's house.

They got three easter baskets each. Everyone went crazy over Eli's first Easter.

Finding eggs in the yard and then smashing them in the basket.

Eli and Aunt Carrie bundling up.

Getting ready to hunt eggs!

We're Here!

2008-04-22T00:36:00.002-05:00

We are, indeed, home. Nice that I've been able to post photos and updates, huh? I feel that Rosie and Eli have such loyal fans and their meanie mommy can't get it together enough to post!

I promise I will post photos soon - along with an update.

I have been in a major learning curve - trying to figure out how to do about 100 things at once. I had to go back to work about a week after Eli came home so that has been quite an adjustment. I think I've got most of it figured out - and I've managed to find time to sleep - but that means no computer, no internet, no eating (just kidding about the no eating - unfortunately I've managed to find time for that.) Rosemary still doesn't sleep well - she has terrible night terrors. However, I have learned some new things that I hope will help - and help me sleep, too! I feel like I'm just catching up on sleep - and about a million other things.

I should mention the most important thing going on: Eli is beautiful - and smart - and wonderful. He is a dream come true. He's happy, he sleeps through the night, he's so easy..... Rosemary is busy and learning so much. She is becoming more like a little girl and less like a baby every day. I am sad to see her babyhood go, but I love seeing the little girl she's becoming.

I am tired. I am busy. I am frazzled. But - when my head hits the pillow at night - I am content. I am thankful that all my babies (furry and otherwise as I call it) are happy and safe and healthy. I love knowing all my little ducklings are under one roof - and that I'm the mommy. Life could not be better. This is what I've waited for my entire life. What a beautiful, kind gift God has given me.

Gun shots, spoon feeding and Chiky cookies

2008-03-01T22:20:00.008-06:00

It's primitive here, people! I'm not kidding! I switched hotels and wow do I love the Marriott. Unfortunately ---- that is the hotel I switched from. Sigh.... Anyway, I have a free room in the new hotel and it's fairly decent. I have also stayed here before so much I feel as though I lived here once. Still not so fabulous....

It is much better to be a new mommy in your own home, I suppose. I can't wait for the days when I can simply throw a bottle in the top rack of the dishwasher, throw a dirty bib in the washer, feed my baby cereal out of a bowl (!), have hot water fifteen seconds after I turn it on instead of like fifteen minutes, have a working hair dryer, not hear gun shots outside my room...... Yep. You heard me right.

We were in our room and I heard a loud pop. I've heard that a lot here and I assumed it was a chicken bus or something backfiring. Those buses have some serious problems. I'll try to get a shot of one with people hanging out the back doors. Okay - I digress.... anyway - I heard it and it sounded very unrhythmic - you know - like random gunshots! I wasn't sure, but then I went to the balcony and noticed some traffic had stopped. Soon a whooooooole lot of police showed up and then were gone in like 5 minutes. I also saw a guy below (I'm on the 17th floor so have a really good bird's eye view) running into a building with his M-16. I think he was probably a security guard for a business and was checking things out.

Even the security guards at McDonald's carry M-16's. You are highly likely to see a water truck go by carrying bottled water with several security guards with guns. So - who knows - this could have been someone's target practice.

Another little known fact about me: I was raised a country girl. I have shot a gun more than once and we lived in the boooon docks and people used to come to our house to go deer hunting until my dad decided he didn't like it anymore (Go, Dad!) So - I KNOW what a gun sounds like - oh - and I've watched CSI Miami and Criminal Minds a lot (that is for you, Mark) so I feel like an expert in all police and gun matters (again - a joke for Mark.)

I called the front desk and asked what was up. They said they heard the police sirens and were sure everything is okay. I asked if they heard gunshots and they seemed unaffected and said their lobby was full so it was a bit too loud but I could turn on the television and usually 'it will be on there if something happened.' Nice. I am in a safe district, but it is the bar district - which is why I am hearing some super, super, super loud bar music below. It's sort of like I have really rude neighbors. Anyway - back to the lobby. The lobby was full of Avon people! I have never seen so many Avon people in my life - many not wearing make-up. Weird.... Oh -and they all have matching black cases and there were even a couple of men.

So - I'm sure everyone would rather hear about Eli than my bad hotel.... again - highly recommend the Marriott with it's lovely security gates.... and breakfast buffet....sigh.....
Today, I fed Eli with a spoon! His fmom said she hadn't fed him with a spoon, yet because she wanted me to have that honor. So, in the meantime, she was putting his rice cereal in his bottle. Today I thought I'd try the spoon - and I highly suspected that he probably had been fed with one. Lord knows Rosie had - she was eating guacamole and beans already! Anyway - he had NOT been fed with a spoon. He seemed confused over it (as he is the bottle - but that is another story) and didn't get what I was doing. So - we learned together. After all, I have never taught a baby how to eat from a spoon. In the end, I think we did pretty well. But - now he has a tummy ache, I think. Or he just wants me to hold him. He keeps waking up and looking for me. And - well - you KNOW - I'm going to hold him!

View from my balcony. See the volcanoes in the distance? Gorgeous.

Guatemala is a truly gorgeous place - even the city is pretty sometimes. I'm going to Tecpan tomorrow with my attorney so you'll see some more pretty pics.

See this? Can't wait!

More of Guatemala City. Around 4 million people live here.

This is how I had to feed him cereal. I brought a spoon and cereal, but getting a bowl from room service would be waaay to easy! Did I mention the service isn't so great? Oh - I didn't feed all this to him. I just had to keep adding to get the right consistency. Told you this was primitive!

Aunt Stacie warning: You are about to see baby food pictures! Beware! You may choose to abandon this blog! (Note: Stacie gags at all baby food pictures but for some reason can catch cat vomit in her hand without thinking about it! Hmmm....)

He was probably thinking I was doing it all wrong. That's supposed to go in a bottle, lady!

He started really liking it...

Maybe right before bedtime wasn't such a good idea now that I think about it.....

Sleeping not so peacefully tonight. Poor baby.

Want to see the best cookie in the world? Rachel, you have to post a comment to tell people I'm not lying! I forced Rachel to try these and Tortellitas and now I've corrupted her, too. We had those and some Grapette on our way home from Antigua. Rachel introduced me to Grapette. Also delicious. I had some of that today, too!

The best cookie in the world! If anyone ever finds these in the US, please let me know. I will be forever grateful. I've even looked them up on the internet! They have chocolate on the back - like a fudge graham. You can see they've called it, "Chocolate Enrobed." Beautiful.

I've tried all the ones in the U.S. including girl scout cookies (which may explain a lot about that picture from yesterday....) and nothing compares. They are not the same. I'm telling you - these are little bits of heaven.

Gotcha!

2008-02-29T23:49:00.005-06:00

Today was Gotcha Day! We had a great day. I went to the airline counter at the Marriott and bought his lap ticket for the flight home. Then, we switched hotels. We went to the embassy doctor for his final medical report for the embassy appointment and Eli is in perfect condition. We did not have to get his flu shot (a new requirement) because he is not quite 6 months old (how did that happen?) They didn't tell me how tall he is, but he is 16 lbs. He looks really, really good. Then, I went and got his pictures taken for his visa. He will come home as a US citizen and will not have to be naturalized but he has to leave the country with a visa.

Posing with Eli's (and Rosie's) foster mom, Orbelina, her grandson and one of her daughters. They arrived early (like 30 minutes) and I had to hustle to get ready. Ooh. My shirt was baggy and I look super pregnant. Ummm. I'm not. But - a diet plan is not a bad idea....

Me handing Eli back to Orbelina for one last hug.

Sleeping peacefully in his mommy's care. I never have to go through the agony of leaving him for months at a time again. Okay - he can go to college - and that's it! No leaving his mommy!
How precious is this perfect baby?

Chain, chain, chain.....of events.....

2008-02-28T23:41:00.007-06:00

Okay - so it's been a while since I've posted. So, I have some catching up to do! As you will notice in the title, I have been watching too much American Idol. Scratch that - wishing I could watch more. It took me a week to watch the first two hour episode. Thank goodness for DVR's (love, love, love TIVO.)

Here's what happened in order:

We got ORANGE!!! That - I may have mentioned. But - I wanted to say it again. So - I got to go with little Mr (as I'm calling him) and have his DNA taken. It was a simple swab and we were done.

I stalked the lab AND Fedex AND the embassy. I was at a meeting for work for three days and I can't believe everyone I work with doesn't hate my pre-occupied guts. I kept checking email on my phone. The lab was late by a day or two causing our embassy appointment to be moved back several days. The lady who normally handles it was out because her mother-in-law died. I turned into Momzilla and told the lab I was sorry for her but it wasn't my fault and it sounded like a personal problem and they had a business to run. (I'm even shocked at myself!) They, in turn, wrote me a nasty email telling me they completed my DAUGHTER's DNA as quickly as possible and they did not drop the ball. This infuriated me even more since they are a DNA lab! Ummmm....Eli is a boy. I have never heard of a girl named Eli. Not that there's anything wrong with that....

The embassy was really nice to me and gave me an appointment the day before my paperwork expires and held it for me until my DNA results arrived.

We got PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our appointment is Monday. We are first in line. Thank goodness for the embassy holding the appointment b/c if it would have been one day later my paperwork would have expired and we would probably have a couple of months delay or so.

I'm in Guatemala. I just arrived about an hour ago and should receive little Mr. tomorrow morning!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is "Gotcha Day."

Now - I am officially clearing my slate b/c I have been tagged by the great Amanda. Love her! I am supposed to write 7 things about myself that everyone may not know, things that are interesting, things I deem noteworthy.

Here you go:

1. I hate cold salads. Yep. You know: pasta salad, chicken salad, carrot salad, potato salad. DIS-gusting. And, what's with putting mayonnaise in there? Just eat it on a sandwich, dude. Oh, but FYI for anyone planning to make me a cold salad without mayo - I'm still against it. This hatred does not include the regular leaf lettuce salads - that is a whole other subject which I am also quite particular about.

2. I have a bizarre love for country music. I mean - so much so that I know the majority of country songs. And - if I'm driving through an area (yes, some of where I work is that remote) where I cannot pick up good radio (that also includes XM), I scan the radio and play the "Country Music Game" - a game I made up to pass the long drive (perhaps I should be listening to self-help CD's.) Mostly, I try to sing along with every single song that is country (most are in these particular areas) to see if I know them all, then repeat each time the radio scans. So fun. But - as you all know I love to sing.....

Which brings me to the next weird thing but must be in the same category. I love, love, love Loretta Lynn. I was super little when "Coal Miner's Daughter" came out. I still know most of the words to the movie! And, when I sing karaoke, I usually throw a little "Coal Miner's Daughter" in just as a tribute to Loretta!

3. I live in pajamas. Even in the summer and all day long at my home I wear pajamas (mostly flannel.) The mailman, FedEx, UPS guy, neighbors, trash people, you get the point... have all seen me in my pajamas and I'm so not ashamed. I never, ever wear the ones I slept in or that I'm planning to sleep in because that would be grody. The daily wear pj is a fresh pair at all times. Now that I'm working again, I am obviously a weekend and after work (immediately after work) pajama girl. Oh - and they MUST have fun, cute, silly patterns on them. They can be worn with the pant and tank, with a shirt thrown over, etc. The pj is super stylish.

4. I hate wet socks. That is my biggest pet peeve. Who wants to roam around in a sock after it's been in some water?

5. I am a huge, huge, huge animal lover. But - I will never, ever beat the animal lovin-ness of my friend, Stacie who is queen of the animal lovers. I am a member of the ASPCA. I help support the animal officers you see on the Animal Planet. I also have very strong opinions and I'm on the writing committees for some of the animal protection groups.

I love my dogs. They are so very, very precious to me. It's been me and them for a long time - we've been through a lot together. And, I adore them. I've had Panda since she was 3 1/2 weeks old and Sally since she was around 2. They are both 10 now. And, they've been good sports about this whole baby thing! I also really, really believe in adopting animals. There are so many that need homes and so many more that never get them. So - if you are considering a pet, think about adopting. If you want a specific breed, there are some great breed rescue organizations. Try that first!

6. I am very weird about my laundry. I still spend way too much time doing it (but that does not mean it is always caught up.... I really take my time on these things...hee hee.) I press out all the ruffles, bows, appliques, pull out wrinkles by hand before I hang things up to dry. I also fold my towels, waschloths, etc with all the labels tucked neatly inside and the seems all tucked inside and matched perfectly corner to corner. I also store them all facing the same way - with the band on the outside, folded side in, etc. This probably makes a person think I am super organized. Wrong. It's just a problem I have.

7. When I really love a person or an animal or I'm soothing someone, I call them "Bear." It all started from my little Panda Bear. So, now Sally is Sally Louise (she needed her own middle name) and I also call her Bear. Rosie, Eli.... everyone is Bear. It's sort of like, "Oh, what's wrong, sweet Bear?" or "I love you, Baby Bear."

So, now everyone knows my secrets. I am tagging Dawn and Emily. Nice that I'm tagging women with multiple children. I'm sure they have nothing better to do! : ) Sorry, guys. Love ya'.

Weekend in Review

2008-02-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Just what you've all been waiting for.... more pics of Eli! : ) Here they are in random order. There are so many more, but this is just a sampling of what is in store for more posts. I have to pace myself - oh - and sleep. By the way - amazing that I had to come to Guatemala to sleep! Eli is such a good sleeper (although he stays awake a bit too much at night and sleeps most of the day - normal for the change from foster mom to me) that I can sleep so well. Praise the Lord, I say because I don't get a lot of sleep at home! This has been great. He's great! So cute and cuddly and precious.

Having more fun with his mommy and his hat.

My friends, Lance and Rachel are here with their baby Tarynn. We all went to Antigua today (the former capitol city of Guatemala.) I also have pics of us when we were in Guatemala during our adoption process with Rosie and their baby, Taylor. We're all old pros.

I realized just how old I am when I was trying to climb the hill back to the car - through the sand, carrying a baby! But - I think it was worth it for the pretty pictures.

These are "rugs" made purely of loose (you could destroy the rug with a sweep of your foot) sawdust. People spend hours making them. These are some examples of the huge, gigantic rugs made during Holy Week.

Mr. Fix It

Cutie pie in his Antigua touring outfit.

Thanks, Nana for fixing this gown. Now, could you work on the socks?

Styling in his bear gown and cool hat he got in Antigua earlier in the day. Doesn't he look like he's ready to pack his bags and leave? Soon!

He really enjoys pulling his gown up and playing with it and his hat.

I Love Mommy.

A quick wardrobe fix after a spit-up accident and ta-da Mommy Loves Me!

Guess What???

2008-02-01T21:06:00.001-06:00

I have the same last name as my mommy and big sister! Today I got to see my mommy again and then we went and had my picture taken and got my passport. The neatest thing was my mommy got to sign. Usually someone else does that, but since my mommy was already here, things went faster for us -- and she got to sign as my legal guardian! I'm hoping to get submitted for ORANGE and then get my 2nd DNA test on Monday and then come home in couple of weeks! My mommy will go back home because she has a lot of work to do before I come home. She still has to complete a whole nursery! Thank goodness for my Nana! I can't wait to meet her and Grandad and everyone else at home!

Did I mention you're going to love me? Mommy keeps saying I'm perfect!

WE'RE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-30T23:28:00.000-06:00

I found out today that we were signed out of PGN yesterday! I'm so excited. (And, somewhat nervous!) Eli's birthmom signed off on the final adoption decree (I think this is her fourth signature) yesterday. I'm leaving tomorrow for a visit trip that I had already planned. So - stay tuned for more pics and more info about when Mr. Eli will be coming home!!!

Here is a pic the attorney's office sent me this week. I think it was taken after his doctor appointment (and vaccinations!) Poor baby. I'm so excited to see him!!!! And hold him!!!!

Fashion Show Part 2

2008-01-14T00:50:00.001-06:00

So, here's the hodge podge of clothing I put him in. I made sure to wear my plaid pj's when he wore his Christmas sleeper to match Rosie and I on Christmas day (which I will post soon...) My grandma bought him the grandma shirt (of course.) How neat that my babies will get to know their great-grandma. Rosie's a big fan and I know Eli will be, too.

The last pics were taken around 6am the morning I left. So - don't judge. I was tired - and sad. But - not for long.... I'm going back to see him in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. I finally washed his little clothes today (that's always the hardest part - it feels weird to be washing clothes for a baby who doesn't even live here.) And - I'm reminded of how he smells and feels. How tiny he really is - knowing he'll never be that small again - and I only got a glimpse of it. However, I was fortunate that I could know both him and Rosie before their adoption was even final. Many adoptive parents are not afforded that luxury. And, as heartbreaking as it is (I swore I would never visit another baby without bringing him/her home) - it's so good for the babies. Rosemary definitely knew who I was when they placed her in my arms again. And - that is priceless. For me - and for her - and now Eli.

Fashion Show Part 1

2008-01-08T00:06:00.000-06:00

I'm not finished posting pics from my visit with Eli. I had a wonderful 3 nights and 4 days with him and I love him so much it hurts. He's such a happy, sweet baby and it really killed me to hand him back to the foster mother. But - I have been here before and I knew I was going home to Rosie (who I missed like crazy.) I am planning another trip very soon (maybe in a month) and will have more information on our case - hopefully.

I took so many clothes because I didn't know what would fit. And, so many people bought really cute things for him, so I wanted them to see him in them. Unfortunately there weren't enough days to get all the clothes in - and most of them were too big (and at the time I wasn't sure when I would be back.) So - on our last day we had a fashion show! You will see some Christmas clothes in this AND our next installment. Eli's Nana (and me) really wanted him to have cute Christmas sleepers. He also really enjoyed his baby gym (also pictured in our fashion show below) and by the end of the trip he was kicking the toys and using his hands to grab them. He wasn't using his hands at all (much like his sister) but learned really quickly (because as I've mentioned, he's a genious.) I left the gym for his foster mom so he can get use out of it - he'll probably outgrow it by the time he gets home. Ooh.... and when I was downstairs having dinner with some other families, they asked me if he was saying, "Mama." I was so excited.... because, well, he was saying, "Mama." Now, it could be because I harrassed him into it (my Dad was horrified when he saw the video of me saying it over and over) or it could be because he was babbling....or it could be because he's a genious. You know what my vote is! Can you tell I think he's perfect?

I should probably also update you all on our status in the process. We are in PGN (see definitions) and because of the new laws that went into effect on the 1st of January, all cases receiving a previo or kick out OR who weren't submitted before January 1 must register with the Central Registry (the new public system for Guatemalan adoptions.) However, the Central Registry does not yet exist. So - these cases could be significantly delayed. A friend of mine received a previo and I could (most do - I did with Rosie) and it really could be devastating. But - you know - I have faith. I was truly led to this adoption - and I know it will work out. So far everything looks really good according to my attorney. Please pray for us - and for all those in process that we will bring home our children soon!!!! We want our babies!!!! : )

Stay tuned for "Fashion Show Part 2"!!

Our Two Days

2007-12-30T22:14:00.000-06:00

The second the plane landed I had this terrible feeling of dread - thinking I really couldn't do this again. I couldn't believe I was putting myself through this process - again. Mothering a baby, loving a baby and then leaving. The night before the foster mom brought Eli to me, I was really having some anxiety about the fact that I was leaving one child at home while I was traipsing around a third world country preparing to ruin Rosemary's life by adopting another baby. Fortunately my good friend Rachel (who is also adopting a second baby and you'll see pictures of her with Eli soon - she surprised me with some when she came down a few weeks ago) warned me about feeling this way. So - I was prepared and decided I needed some sleep - and then I remembered this wasn't my idea in the first place. I did not plan to adopt a second child. When I found out Rosemary's birth mother was pregnant again and was going to make an adoption plan, I kind of freaked out. I wasn't ready. But - you know, that didn't matter. Things fell into place so amazingly well after I prayed about it, I knew this was God's idea. When I prayed for a baby, I asked God to give me a child or children - whatever his plan was for me. So - when I went to bed on Friday night, I went knowing I had made this decision to adopt on faith alone and that's how I was going to get through it. God's idea, not mine. It would all be okay.

And it was....It is okay. If I could have written down everything I wanted in a baby, he is it. He's sweet, cuddly, has a personality that will survive his sister(!), he's beautiful - and he sleeps!!! Yes - that's right. My precious, darling son slept until 9:45am this morning and didn't wake up at all through the night. I kept waking up to make sure he was breathing! But, most of all this feels right. I mean it. I know I'm his mommy. And, more importantly - from the beginning of time, he was meant to be my baby.

Enjoy the picture parade!

A Birthday Surprise

2007-12-30T00:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Aunt Stacie!!!!

This is the best I could do! He fell asleep!

A sleeping baby and me in my donut pj's Rosie and Eli's aunt Stacie gave me for Christmas. Everyone knows I love my pajamas. A girl can never have too many!

Happy Birthday! We love you!

He's Mine.

2007-12-30T00:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I arrived in Guatemala City (more like early this morning - after midnight - my flight was delayed.) Mr. Eli was placed in my arms at 9am this morning and he's perfect. I have so much I want to say, but I could either say it or go to bed and sleep when Eli sleeps. And - since he's sleeping with me tonight (co-sleeping is recommended with international adoption - I've made it safe, I promise) I am going to make this rather brief. But - I know so many of you are dying to see photos and I wanted to make good on my promise. So, enjoy the photos. So far Eli hasn't slept for more than 20 minutes (except at breakfast with my attorney - love her!!) so I fear he sleeps like his sister - which means ....not at all. Wish me luck!

I was smooching him and trying to take a picture of us at the same time - I meant the smooch to come after the picture had been taken, but well - I need a faster camera - and some sleep.

I'm not a photographer, okay? But - I wanted to get a quick shot of him in his Dinosaur outfit which is so cute. He's still pretty little. This is a 3 month and it's kind of big on him, I think.

I have more photos which I haven't loaded on the computer or they aren't fit for viewing because they are terrible! I have really just been enjoying him today. You know, he really was meant to be my baby. Notice the title, "He's Mine." He really is my baby. When I held him, it was like he knew I was his mommy (which I've been teaching him today - and he is saying "Ma" but I can't be sure that's not something else.) I know you are all pitying me thinking he knows me and saying my name. But, it's true! He's a genious!

Love you all!

"Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man!!!"

2007-12-07T00:53:00.001-06:00

Oh - I just want to hold him soooo bad. I received these pictures today from his 3 month check-up yesterday. He is doing well. He weighs 12 pounds, 2 ounces and is 23 inches long. He's getting to be a big boy - and he's looking more like his sister everyday. He even has some of her same expressions.

I had planned to visit and I will admit I am quite devastated that I couldn't work out my flight before Christmas , but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Besides, I think Rosie needs me here right now after having been gone so long to training for my job. I am hoping to visit at the end of December.

Here are some adorable pics of my little Eli who decided to open his eyes! Beatiful eyes.

PA!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-03T01:27:00.000-06:00

I had a really nice surprise when I opened my email and found Pre-Approval. Now our file can move into PGN and should - this week! For the newcomers - I've posted definitions for these crazy terms I keep using over to the side of the page.

Our little Eli's homecoming is getting closer. I'm really starting to miss him even though I haven't seen him. I will admit I've mostly been excited, terrified, worried over how having two babies is going to work out. But - now I'm just wanting to see him and hold him. I think I was really concerned that he wouldn't be coming home, but it does appear that he will - eventually!

And - now for a little political discussion.....
I am not plugging any particular politician here. But - I have never felt more supported by a member of congress than I have recently. As you all know, there has been some negative press concerning Guatemalan adoptions - and I can say I am fortunate to have the best attorney in Guatemala. She truly cares about the children and she is most certainly ethical. Our case is a good, straight forward case. I have children who were placed for adoption by a woman who would love and care for them if she could. She cannot. There was nowhere else for them to go and if the adoptions from Guatemala were suspended, they would be homeless. That is a fact. There are not enough homes for the children in process in Guatemala. There aren't enough homes for the children not in process and the stories are gut wrenching. Therefore, why wouldn't our government support the citizens who are in process of adopting children? Well - the truth is some of our officials do support us. Some - do not. Honestly, I have never been so determined to make my vote count next time.

I emailed my senators and representatives and explained there were other children out there - not just mine who would not have homes - they would be lost in the process. After seeing the list of members of congress who signed the letter to President Berger of Guatemala, I noticed there were a couple of important names from my state - missing. However, there was one name that stood out - who said YES to the children in need of homes. I called her office on Friday and they immediately transferred me to someone to tell my story. I don't know if my PA was due to that phone call - but I can say I saw her signature and she's got my vote from now on. I asked, she heard - and it just makes common sense. How can you say these kids don't need homes?

http://www.ccainstitute.org/BERGER_FINAL.pdf

Anyway - stay tuned as we begin the next phase in our process......... : )

Dank Doo or Something Like That....

2007-11-23T00:11:00.000-06:00

On this Thanksgiving day I am reminded of last year. Mom, Dad and I went to visit Rosemary for the second time - and she was placed in my arms on Thanksgiving day. Remembering those visits is so bittersweet. I'm so grateful I had an opportunity to get to know my perfect daughter, to mother her, to sleep next to her, to study her every movement and memorize the way she looked. Yet, I remember all too well (even as I write this it comes back to me so clearly) the ache I had for her, the lump in my throat, the heaviness I felt at knowing I would leave her, getting on the plane and watching Guatemala fall behind me knowing she was there and I wasn't, going back to a house that never before seemed empty or lonely.

This Thanksgiving Day, however, was not bittersweet. It was fabulous and wonderful and peaceful and uneventful. I was able to enjoy Rosemary's presence - and oh is it a big one! She kept everyone in the house quite busy with her entertainment. Once her Aunt Carrie got her to take a nap (I was unsuccessful all day - but somehow Carrie managed to pull it off - and we were all thankful!) and she had a chance to fully wake up, she immediately realized she was the main source of entertainment for this Thanksgiving. This year football came in a very distant second. So - entertain she did! And she did not disappoint.

The title of my post is "Dank Doo or something like that...." and that's because when I came home from being gone for three weeks (ugh! I thought I would never get back home!) she was saying Dank Doo (Thank You) or some version of that for everything. She says it when she gives you something (which is constantly) and when she holds her hand out for something - or when you give her something or when she wants something.....like I said - it's for everything.

The night I came home, I gave her a bath and had her wrapped up in her froggy towel and I was overwhelmed by how much I missed her and how much I love her and I closed my eyes and sort of breathed "Thank You, God...." and she said "Dank Doo." She is saying so many words right now it's hard to count. But - she's been talking since she was a little over six months old. I keep telling everyone she is a genious. I mean, "durdle" for turtle, "dudderfly" for butterfly - I'm saying genious. : )

But - here's the exciting part...... She's walking!!!!!!!!!! And - I didn't miss it - or Mom and Dad are lying - whichever. But - I very clearly saw her take her first steps on Tuesday night (the night before her 14 month birthday) from my mom to her Aunt Carrie. And, she got so excited, she hugged her Aunt Carrie. Then, she walked (only a three or four steps at a time) to Mom, Dad, Carrie and I. Yesterday, she would stand up from a sitting position (she's been doing that for a while) and take a few steps. Then, more walking to people when my parents and grandma came over. Today - she walked to everyone (a few steps here and there) - it was soooo fun.

So, on this day - I have to give thanks or "Danks" and say the only thing that would have made the day more perfect was to have Eli here. I am very thankful for my family and how great they are with Rosie. Her Uncle Josh even fixed her hair after she messed it up ---and he did a good job!

Here are some photos of our day.

Walking from Grandada to Aunt Carrie. That's MamMam in the background. MamMam is Rosie's version of Mamaw for my grandma. She loves, loves, loves her MamMam.

Giving links to around 6 people or so at once- and then taking them back - and always saying, "Dank Doo", of course.

Deciding who to give the next link to....

...And the winner is grandada - as always.

And back to Aunt Carrie.

My Man.....

2007-11-05T21:20:00.001-06:00

Here are new photos of my sweet baby. I got them today while I was in my training class.

He's 10 pounds, 7 ounces and 22.44 inches long (converted from centimeters.)

Please continue to pray for his health and safety and a safe, speedy adoption process for us and all other families in process in Guatemala right now.

Isn't he getting big? : )

My Little Lady Bug...

2007-11-04T19:47:00.000-06:00

Here is my sweet baby on Halloween. She went on a whirlwind tour to show off her costume - chaperoned, of course, by her Nana. They were joined later by Grandad and concluded the evening with a dinner surrounded by her biggest fans (aunts, uncles, Mamaw.)

A Bedtime Story.....

2007-10-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

I am really missing Rosie right now while I'm away at training for three weeks!!!! So - I thought I would create a little Rosemary tribute. This is a story about Rosie and bedtime....and her not wanting to go to sleep.... and how much I miss the bedtime routine - however crazy it is........

She usually runs away before I can dry her hair and put her socks on

My little bookworm....she loves to read and look at books and flip pages....she's been doing this since she was 6 months old...what a smart baby!

Obviously her hair requires a pony tail - always - or a bow. I sneak it out as she's drifiting off to sleep. Her favorite past time is removing books from the bookshelf and placing them on the floor. Those are usually the books we read every night.....at least 9 or 10 and sometimes more.

Perfection!

The bunny is one of her best friends. So is her grandpa. I think if she could just drag her grandpa around like the bunny, she would.

DNA!!!

2007-10-21T14:30:00.000-05:00

Eli's DNA was taken on October 10th. Rosie's was taken last year on October 9th!

For those of you not familiar with the process in Guatemala, the US requires DNA tests to be administered to all children placed for adoption. The process requires the birthmom to go to a lab and the fostermom brings the baby in and the samples (swabs of saliva) are taken while both bmom (birthmom) and baby are in the same room. A photo is taken of bmom holding the baby and the photo and swabs are sent to an approved US lab to process. The results and a photo are then sent to the US embassy in Guatemala and a DNA map and photo is sent to the adoptive parents. This is only one of the safeguards used to make sure the process is a legitimate one.

So yesterday I got my packet and couldn't wait to open it to see more photos of my cute baby. He is so cute with little black fuzzy hair sticking up and he looks more and more like Rosie every day. I have chosen not to post the photo out of respect for the birthmother. She is such a precious woman to me and I do not want to dishonor her by posting a photo of her as she holds her baby for a few precious seconds. She was very visibly crying and I'm sure extremely sad. But, I have a photo of her and Rosie as well. What a gift to give my children: both of them with their birthmother only one year apart. I will treasure those photos for sure. And, of course it goes without saying they have the same birthmom, so it's extra special to see the resemblance.

So, also included in the packet was the DNA map of both bmom and Eli. So, of course I compared it to Rosie's. Birthmom's DNA is exactly the same on both print outs which came as no surprise. And, Rosie's and Eli's is similar in so many ways.

Any result over a 90% match is considered positive. Rosie's was 99.993% and Eli's was 99.999%

I'll let you all know when we get PA which is the next step in our process!

Welcome!

2007-10-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

What a great way to start this blog. Rosie and I happily announce that we are adding another addition to our family. I find myself going through the same things I went through with Rosie's adoption: the worrying, the anxiety, the pain, the joy, the immense love I feel for this child I have not met. I saw this poem somewhere and thought it was perfect.

Almost every night I go outside and say my prayers and now (yet again) I find myself looking up at the stars, at the moon wondering what my precious baby is doing at that exact moment in time. I feel closer to God when I'm outside and I feel closer to my baby. It's sort of a therapy for me as I long to hold this baby and give him the love I know he desperately deserves. Somehow I feel as I gaze up at the sky for those precious few seconds he knows I'm there loving him, praying for him, wishing for him.

Welcome to our blog originally intended for Rosie and me. So, the title is perfect. Visit as often as you like, feel free to leave comments and follow us as we journey through the adoption of Rosie's biological little brother. We are so happy to have him. Welcome to our family Elias Joseph!

Rosie and Me....and Eli makes three!

Kisses in the Wind
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams,
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where I am... what's taking me so long,
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.
Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
--Unknown