Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Oh, Yippie!
Called PGN today... We are with the second reviewer!
Forward motion... and we are thrilled!
Forward motion... and we are thrilled!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Fav Foto Friday Medley
Today's FFF are a random medley of pics that just made me smile and
brought back happy memories. Enjoy.
Lucy looks so peaceful. (miss, miss, miss)
Sam with Ella. He is happiest when he's with friends.
Jacob and Sam's Spy Fort at camp last winter. Kate is in there somewhere!
Much love.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
4 Phone Calls, 2 Hang-Ups, 1 Bad Connection...
All to confirm what I knew... we are still with the first reviewer... which is sort of what I expected, and is really okay. I couldn't help hoping. Maybe next week.
Much love.
*PGN explanation*
Much love.
*PGN explanation*
Saturday, October 20, 2007
How We Are Adjusting
We have been home for 4 days. We received the "Welcome Home" of a lifetime. Flowers, meals, cards and hugs! We had a reunion with Sam that left us all in tears. We have almost finished unpacking, Keith is back to work, and our regular "everyday" life is beginning to resume. Still, we are missing Lucy terribly. I think about her all the time, and I replay moments we had together in my mind trying to keep them fresh. It was only 5 days ago that we were holding her, but it feels like a lifetime ago, which only adds to my longing to be back with her. On our last night in Guatemala, I cried and cried that I didn't want to leave. I could have stayed... if only I could have had Sam with me. It has been wonderful to be home in so many ways, but I could get on a plane tomorrow just to kiss that sweet girl.
We really are okay, and we are using this time to enjoy Sam, and to jump into getting ready to bring our girl home. We are getting ready to take on the nursery and thinking about registering for a few things... these are little signs of our faith that she will be coming home... soon and forever. We have to get ready!
We really are okay, and we are using this time to enjoy Sam, and to jump into getting ready to bring our girl home. We are getting ready to take on the nursery and thinking about registering for a few things... these are little signs of our faith that she will be coming home... soon and forever. We have to get ready!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Off Topic...
I'd like to take a moment to return to your regularly scheduled light-hearted posting.
This is a story I have been meaning to post for awhile, but somehow I got sidetracked. Hmmmm.
This is a story I have been meaning to post for awhile, but somehow I got sidetracked. Hmmmm.
A few weeks ago, I bought Sam a new pair of Pj's. They have jets and planes and other super cool flying things. He looks adorable in them. (I realize as I am writing this, there will come a day when S will not appreciate me telling stories like this!) Anyway, the Jammies were a hit. "Wicked cool, Mom!"
One morning, not a morning that I will include on my "Mother of The Year" application, I was... well... on the phone while S was playing. Like any mom, I am fairly skilled at multi-tasking... so, I was on the phone, got S breakfast, made coffee, on the phone, put out his clothes for the day, on the phone, changed over laundry, asked S to get dressed, on the phone. Get the picture? (Lelsie, what were we talking about that morning??)
While I was folding laundry, on the phone, Sam came into my room in tears. He was having trouble getting his Pj top off because the Band-Aid on his elbow (from a nasty bike fall!) was sticking to it and was hurting him as he tried to pull it off. Easy enough, no problem. Prop phone to shoulder and remove shirt gently from pussy elbow. No. Screams and tears. "Moooooommmmmyyyyy! Stop, it huurrrrrtttts! This is an emergency! Call the fire department!" Did you giggle a little? So did I. Poor, precious boy. He had me in a fit of giggles, while on the phone, and I had to turn away. When I regained my composure, he had retreated to his room. Truly, I believed he has just decided to take care of it himself. (He did.... you will soon see.)
I went about my this and that's. including checking the mail, receiving a Kodak photo book, flipping through that, (yes... same conversation going on all along), and then... that realization. It is way too quiet upstairs.
What did I find? My son. Sitting bare bottom at his desk. One half of his Pj top off, draped over his neck. The picture unfolds... sitting, the offending sleeve still stuck in place... (but not for long) as he was worked feverishly with a pair of Friskar scissors to cut the other sleeve OFF. Yes, he was cutting it off. He had taken matters into his own hands, and I can not blame him. When the reality of what I was seeing sunk in, I did what any mother would do: I hung up the phone, and I hugged my boy.
Much love.
PGN Explained **with a little help from a friend**
Oh good! Finally, the clear and friendly explanation of PGN that you have all been waiting for! The only thing is, I can't take any credit for it! Ha! When Emily posted her explanation of PGN, I knew she had it pegged, so I asked her if I could bring you all along to her site to check it out... she welcomes you. While you are there learning the details of PGN, take a little time to introduce yourself to her sweet baby, Nathaniel.
Hope this helps. FYI- We are with the "first reviewer".
PGN EXPLANATION BY EMILY
Hope this helps. FYI- We are with the "first reviewer".
PGN EXPLANATION BY EMILY
My FIRST Fav Foto Friday
I chose these two pics for my first Fav Foto's becuase they
both show moments of the purest kind of happiness.
Our first "family" photo with Luciana and her foster family... joy!
Sam is here with his cousins at the end of a blissful day at Magic Kingdom. The pic is from last winter, but everytime I see it I just smile.
Hot, sweaty, HAPPY children... what's better?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Que Los Queremos, Luciana Y Estamos Llegando a Casa, Sam
Tonight we prepare to say a temporary "goodbye" to Luciana and a much overdo "hello" to Sam. There are no words to describe this week, only that we are grateful for each and every moment with Luciana, and have missed Sam terribly. Maybe after some time has passed, I will make an attempt to share more. The trouble is, I don't know how to say "goodbye", and I don't know how to share all of this. For now, we will settle in for one last night with our loving daughter, and we count the hours to holding our strong and amazing son. We could not feel more blessed... or more heartbroken.
Here are a few more moments from our last couple of days in GC.
When we are settled back at home, I will try to share how much we have grown to love this country... the little we have seen, the people we have met, and the surprising adventures we stumbled upon.
And, finally, thanks for all your notes and loves... we raced to the computer each day for your encouragement. I really can not believe this visit is over... she has completed us. We are counting the moments back to you, Luciana.
Adios Guatemala. Thank you for our girl.
Much love.
Here are a few more moments from our last couple of days in GC.
When we are settled back at home, I will try to share how much we have grown to love this country... the little we have seen, the people we have met, and the surprising adventures we stumbled upon.
And, finally, thanks for all your notes and loves... we raced to the computer each day for your encouragement. I really can not believe this visit is over... she has completed us. We are counting the moments back to you, Luciana.
Adios Guatemala. Thank you for our girl.
Much love.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Just Pics
Lucy, you seem sleepy.
Going...
Going...
going...
gone.
Lucina loves getting dressed. 
Hi everyone. We miss you!
Poolside!
Bathing Beauty. Like the suit, Keely?
Can't wait to meet you all!
Much love.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Good Morning World
What a difference a night makes...
Lucy Girl slept almost all night, she has responded almost instantly to her antibiotics, and she is so happy and full of spunk this morning! So are we! Hooray!
Here she is to prove it for herself, ALL SMILES, and bedhead to boot!
For more pics of Luciana, click: Luciana Montage or scroll down to the next post.
Much love.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Better Everyday
Moved the pics to the top... I know that is what you are really tuning in for!
Get your popcorn here! Your peanuts!
Ladies and Gentlemen, ENJOY THE SHOW!
Adoption is full of the highest highs, and the lowest lows, and sometimes they happen in the same day, even hour. It can't be said enough that we are blessed with amazing family and friends, because I am sure their journey through ours is it's own kind of rollercoaster. We are so grateful.
So, the least I can do for these amazing people is find a few minutes to send these updates and highly coveted pictures... it is our popcorn and peanuts to you all as you watch the circus of our adoption unfold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yesterday: High points-
*Luciana has this smile that is pure sweetness. She already trusts us and looks at us with so much love. At dinner, she gave me one of her soft, sweet smirks, and I crumbled. Right there at the table. Can a heart burst with love?
*Magda came back yesterday and we had the nicest time sitting in big overstuffed chairs and couches asking her all sorts of questions about Miss L. She loves her so much and it is so comforting to see her with Luciana.
*We decided to splurge for the $2.50/day stroller and ended up exploring the Westin for a long time yesterday. It really is beautiful, and big enough to get a good walk in. The shops are great, and we hope to bring a few treasures home. Any requests?
*Keith. Oh, where do I begin? My husband cracks me up every day. We have traveled a fair bit together, and I have always struggled with his insitence on trying to speak languages he really does not know. After 13 years together, I have let it go. He has to do it. Everyone here is so sweet as he struggles through his attempts at Spanish. I don't know if you will find this story as hysterical as I did, but here goes: Every time Keith calls the front desk, which is often, he says, in one breath, "Hello do you speak English?". It is his standard greating. Yesterday he was determined to learn how to ask this phrase in Spanish. "Hola, tu hablas ingles?". So, on his very next call to the front desk, this is what I heard, "Hola, tu hablas ingles? --- Oh, good, good. Yes, we were wondering if (something or other). Oh, good, good. Quanto costo? " THEN, he burst out laughing (really loud) as he realized he had asked to speak in English and busted into Spanish half way through! I know it is one of those "you had to be there" moments, but we were so tired and that is so Keith that we lost ourselves. The baby was sleeping and I had to hide in the bathroom as I was laughing so hard. Ahhhh... I love it.
Low point-
*Baby girl had a temp. of 104 yesterday. Very unsettling and scary. We were very pleased that our agency sent someone over and we were able to talk to her doctor on the phone. He feels confident she just has a cold and we are doing the Tylenol treatment. She is still warmish today and had little coughs and sniffles, but she seems comfortable. We will keep a watchful eye.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today-
The whole day has been a high point today. (I wrote that sentence at 1:00 this afternoon... the day changed soon after, but remains wonderful.) Luciana had a much better night sleeping. She wants nothing to do with the crib, but loves our super comfy bouncey chair and was content in that, and then spent the last 2 hours of sleep snuggled up with me. We are feeling more refreshed.
This morning, we had a GREAT bit of news in our inbox. It seems, though nothing formal has been posted yet, that "Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has stated that he supports an amendment to the recently approved adoption law that would allow in process adoptions to continue under the current law". To be clear, this is our prayers answered! We are anxious to see this announcement made formal, but it is with great joy that we can confidently say that we will be bringing OUR BABY HOME!!! (don't ask when... I know you are thinking it... hee hee)
After reading that, we floated to breakfast where Baby Girl charmed the pants off all the staff. We met more families there, too. Such nice families.
We spent the rest of our morning reading books and drinking coffee in one of the comfy cozy lobies downstairs. Keith and I, not Lucy. She slept b/c that is what she does in the morning. We watched another family meeting their itty bitty for the first time. So sweet.
Now, little angel girl is napping, again. Keith is at the gym, and I am writing short novel on what seems like very ordinary things, yet feel extrodinary as we have waited a very many years to experience them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**4:48 PM
Just back a settled in calmly after our adventure to a private hospital in GC. When Luciana's temperature reached 104 again today, our agency and her local doctor felt like it was wise to bring her in to be examined. (As did we.) To the point, she is fine. She does have a throat infection and was prescribed 3 prescriptions. We laughed while in the cab that we had discovered a solution to seeing the city... cab ride to the hospital! Lucy was so tranquil, as usual, and so our agency rep. really did take the opportunity to tell us about everything we passed, about religion, about government, etc. It was very interesting. We were never truly concerned, but it was clear that she needed something other thatn Tylenol. Now she has a whole medley of goodies. Strange as it is, taking care of Luciana in this way made us feel even that much more like her Mamma and Dada. We feel like it is some kind of blessing that we were here to care for her, at least this time, when she did not feel well. We are ready to hunker down for the rest of week with a little less excitement... but, we are not driving this circus train! We are just here for the ride.
PS- Goodnight Sammy.
Much love.
Get your popcorn here! Your peanuts!
Ladies and Gentlemen, ENJOY THE SHOW!
Adoption is full of the highest highs, and the lowest lows, and sometimes they happen in the same day, even hour. It can't be said enough that we are blessed with amazing family and friends, because I am sure their journey through ours is it's own kind of rollercoaster. We are so grateful.
So, the least I can do for these amazing people is find a few minutes to send these updates and highly coveted pictures... it is our popcorn and peanuts to you all as you watch the circus of our adoption unfold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yesterday: High points-
*Luciana has this smile that is pure sweetness. She already trusts us and looks at us with so much love. At dinner, she gave me one of her soft, sweet smirks, and I crumbled. Right there at the table. Can a heart burst with love?
*Magda came back yesterday and we had the nicest time sitting in big overstuffed chairs and couches asking her all sorts of questions about Miss L. She loves her so much and it is so comforting to see her with Luciana.
*We decided to splurge for the $2.50/day stroller and ended up exploring the Westin for a long time yesterday. It really is beautiful, and big enough to get a good walk in. The shops are great, and we hope to bring a few treasures home. Any requests?
*Keith. Oh, where do I begin? My husband cracks me up every day. We have traveled a fair bit together, and I have always struggled with his insitence on trying to speak languages he really does not know. After 13 years together, I have let it go. He has to do it. Everyone here is so sweet as he struggles through his attempts at Spanish. I don't know if you will find this story as hysterical as I did, but here goes: Every time Keith calls the front desk, which is often, he says, in one breath, "Hello do you speak English?". It is his standard greating. Yesterday he was determined to learn how to ask this phrase in Spanish. "Hola, tu hablas ingles?". So, on his very next call to the front desk, this is what I heard, "Hola, tu hablas ingles? --- Oh, good, good. Yes, we were wondering if (something or other). Oh, good, good. Quanto costo? " THEN, he burst out laughing (really loud) as he realized he had asked to speak in English and busted into Spanish half way through! I know it is one of those "you had to be there" moments, but we were so tired and that is so Keith that we lost ourselves. The baby was sleeping and I had to hide in the bathroom as I was laughing so hard. Ahhhh... I love it.
Low point-
*Baby girl had a temp. of 104 yesterday. Very unsettling and scary. We were very pleased that our agency sent someone over and we were able to talk to her doctor on the phone. He feels confident she just has a cold and we are doing the Tylenol treatment. She is still warmish today and had little coughs and sniffles, but she seems comfortable. We will keep a watchful eye.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today-
The whole day has been a high point today. (I wrote that sentence at 1:00 this afternoon... the day changed soon after, but remains wonderful.) Luciana had a much better night sleeping. She wants nothing to do with the crib, but loves our super comfy bouncey chair and was content in that, and then spent the last 2 hours of sleep snuggled up with me. We are feeling more refreshed.
This morning, we had a GREAT bit of news in our inbox. It seems, though nothing formal has been posted yet, that "Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has stated that he supports an amendment to the recently approved adoption law that would allow in process adoptions to continue under the current law". To be clear, this is our prayers answered! We are anxious to see this announcement made formal, but it is with great joy that we can confidently say that we will be bringing OUR BABY HOME!!! (don't ask when... I know you are thinking it... hee hee)
After reading that, we floated to breakfast where Baby Girl charmed the pants off all the staff. We met more families there, too. Such nice families.
We spent the rest of our morning reading books and drinking coffee in one of the comfy cozy lobies downstairs. Keith and I, not Lucy. She slept b/c that is what she does in the morning. We watched another family meeting their itty bitty for the first time. So sweet.
Now, little angel girl is napping, again. Keith is at the gym, and I am writing short novel on what seems like very ordinary things, yet feel extrodinary as we have waited a very many years to experience them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**4:48 PM
Just back a settled in calmly after our adventure to a private hospital in GC. When Luciana's temperature reached 104 again today, our agency and her local doctor felt like it was wise to bring her in to be examined. (As did we.) To the point, she is fine. She does have a throat infection and was prescribed 3 prescriptions. We laughed while in the cab that we had discovered a solution to seeing the city... cab ride to the hospital! Lucy was so tranquil, as usual, and so our agency rep. really did take the opportunity to tell us about everything we passed, about religion, about government, etc. It was very interesting. We were never truly concerned, but it was clear that she needed something other thatn Tylenol. Now she has a whole medley of goodies. Strange as it is, taking care of Luciana in this way made us feel even that much more like her Mamma and Dada. We feel like it is some kind of blessing that we were here to care for her, at least this time, when she did not feel well. We are ready to hunker down for the rest of week with a little less excitement... but, we are not driving this circus train! We are just here for the ride.
PS- Goodnight Sammy.
Much love.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Day Two & Dear Sam
Dear Friends & Family,
A very quick apology that tonight we are not able to post pics or give the detailed update you would like. We are beginning to catch up from sleep deprivation, but are still feeling some of the effects. Tonight, (GOD willing) we are going to watch a movie on this laptop while Miss Beauty gets some beauty sleep... Sleep baby, sleep!! I can bait you with the promise that we have great accounts from today,including a few humorous anicdotes... as well as .... yes,...pictures! AND, we are planning for a super fun photo shoot tomorrow. You see, it has been made clear to us that leaving the hotel with Baby Girl to just "walk around" might not be a great idea (every agency is different)... so, tomorrow, I promise an update and pics out the eyeballs. We miss you all and truly want you to just know, this has been wonderful and we are feeling very blessed to be with Luciana and to feel all your support! The comments are a highlight!
Now, for the MAN!
Dear Sammy,
It was so exciting to talk to you on the phone today! Maybe Mimi and Papa can show you a map to see how far away our phone chat was! I was really excited to hear about ALL the things you have been doing since we left... which has just been 2 days. You have been so busy with Mimi! You are very lucky. I can't wait to see the new mask you got, it sounds "perfectly" awesome. Does it make sound or do you have to? And, your book order came in?? Great! I can't wait to go through it with you. We want to tell you all about what Luciana did today... .ready? Sometimes she drank a bottle, sometimes she napped, and lots of times she needed a diaper changed! HA! Actaully, you know what, she is just like you said she would be. She is a very good baby and she likes to smile and laugh. Since you are the KING of making every baby in our neighborhood smile and laugh, I already know she will love you like crazy cakes! She told me (hee hee) that she had fun talking to you on the phone today.
We are so proud of you for the great boy you are being for Mimi and Papa. Blow kiss coming RIGHT NOW! Smack!
Love you to the moon and back, Mommy and Daddy
A very quick apology that tonight we are not able to post pics or give the detailed update you would like. We are beginning to catch up from sleep deprivation, but are still feeling some of the effects. Tonight, (GOD willing) we are going to watch a movie on this laptop while Miss Beauty gets some beauty sleep... Sleep baby, sleep!! I can bait you with the promise that we have great accounts from today,including a few humorous anicdotes... as well as .... yes,...pictures! AND, we are planning for a super fun photo shoot tomorrow. You see, it has been made clear to us that leaving the hotel with Baby Girl to just "walk around" might not be a great idea (every agency is different)... so, tomorrow, I promise an update and pics out the eyeballs. We miss you all and truly want you to just know, this has been wonderful and we are feeling very blessed to be with Luciana and to feel all your support! The comments are a highlight!
Now, for the MAN!
Dear Sammy,
It was so exciting to talk to you on the phone today! Maybe Mimi and Papa can show you a map to see how far away our phone chat was! I was really excited to hear about ALL the things you have been doing since we left... which has just been 2 days. You have been so busy with Mimi! You are very lucky. I can't wait to see the new mask you got, it sounds "perfectly" awesome. Does it make sound or do you have to? And, your book order came in?? Great! I can't wait to go through it with you. We want to tell you all about what Luciana did today... .ready? Sometimes she drank a bottle, sometimes she napped, and lots of times she needed a diaper changed! HA! Actaully, you know what, she is just like you said she would be. She is a very good baby and she likes to smile and laugh. Since you are the KING of making every baby in our neighborhood smile and laugh, I already know she will love you like crazy cakes! She told me (hee hee) that she had fun talking to you on the phone today.
We are so proud of you for the great boy you are being for Mimi and Papa. Blow kiss coming RIGHT NOW! Smack!
Love you to the moon and back, Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
For The Rest Of You
After months of anticiipcation, we are here, safe and sound... and snuggled and cuddled, and happy, happy, happy.
We are also... exausted. Baby Girl is (shocking) not at all interested in the schedule her FM shared with us and is up and babbling away when she sould be sound asleep.. but the babbling is such a happy little sound. It is a sound we are just eating up with a big ol' spoon! 
Guatemala City from the plane.
Beth waiting for the phone to ring.
Mother and Daughter... and a few special guests!
Family Portrait
First Mommy bottle.
We are also... exausted. Baby Girl is (shocking) not at all interested in the schedule her FM shared with us and is up and babbling away when she sould be sound asleep.. but the babbling is such a happy little sound. It is a sound we are just eating up with a big ol' spoon!
Here is my scoop for tonight... too pooped to write, but am true to my word... soooooo, here are some pics:
Excited parents on the plane.
Guatemala City from the plane.
Beth waiting for the phone to ring.
Mother and Daughter... and a few special guests!
Family Portrait
First Mommy bottle.
First Daddy snuggle.
The Sweetest Angel Face.
Wide Awake 10 Minutes Ago!
I have kissed every finger and every toe... perfection.
Buenas Noches.
Dear Sam
Dear Sam,
Mommy and Daddy have landed after the long trip to Guatemala. We took 2 planes to get here.
We are staying at a very pretty hotel, but I don't think it can be as fun as "Hotel Mimi Papa"!
We were so happy to get to meet Luciana at 4:00! She was wearing a pink bow in her hair and a cute dress with a matching pink bow. She smiled at us a lot. Her foster mom looked at all of the pictures of you and said that you would be a good Big Brother! She has a little boy your age. Actually, she has FOUR children, and we got to meet them all. I will show you pictures of them when we get home.
Soon after we talked with Luciana's foster family, we came up to our room and gave her a bottle. She really liked that. We also gave her her "Sam Bear". That made her smile, too.
She was really tired from her long day, so we put her in her new Jammies, and she is fast asleep. Did you see the picture of her sleeping with her Sam Bear?
We love you and are sending a blow kiss.
Snuggles,
Mommy, Daddy, and Lucy
Sunday, October 7, 2007
2 Days
2 Days.
Loyal friends. Bloggers, Lurkers. Pals, aunties, uncles, grandparents, new friends, unknown friends, Heartwood & book club ladies.... It only takes 10 seconds, so, won't you please... please send a note. It means the world. While we are away next week, we hope to hear from YOU. You can be sure, you will be hearing from us with pictures of that sweet girl we are so anxious to cuddle up!
Much love.
Loyal friends. Bloggers, Lurkers. Pals, aunties, uncles, grandparents, new friends, unknown friends, Heartwood & book club ladies.... It only takes 10 seconds, so, won't you please... please send a note. It means the world. While we are away next week, we hope to hear from YOU. You can be sure, you will be hearing from us with pictures of that sweet girl we are so anxious to cuddle up!
Much love.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Your Support
If you are reading this, then you know that Guatemalan Adoption is in the midst of a political crisis. You can help the families who are "in process", and please act quickly.
We have sent a letter of plea to our friends and family, and know that they will respond in the same overwhelmingly supportive way they did when we asked them to sign this petition.
So, in the interest of getting to the point... if you are reading this, please take 10 minutes it will take to send this letter to your senators and representatives on FRIDAY, October 5. Your support is our greatest blessing. We remain hopeful and look forward to the day we bring our beautiful, sweet, innocent daughter home.
Much love.
For those of you in Maine:
Senators
Representative
We have sent a letter of plea to our friends and family, and know that they will respond in the same overwhelmingly supportive way they did when we asked them to sign this petition.
So, in the interest of getting to the point... if you are reading this, please take 10 minutes it will take to send this letter to your senators and representatives on FRIDAY, October 5. Your support is our greatest blessing. We remain hopeful and look forward to the day we bring our beautiful, sweet, innocent daughter home.
Much love.
For those of you in Maine:
Senators
Representative
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
I Don't Know About You...
I find it impossible to worry when I look at this face!
These new pics of beautiful Baby Girl came from her 3 month check up. We received them yesterday at a time that we really needed them. We are just smitten. Just 7 short days until we are kissing those perfect cheeks for the first time! We are so blessed.
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