Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Embassy Day... DONE!

What? You mean... we can go home?
Sam! Sam! We can go home!

Mom and Dad! We can go home!

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
Our embassy appointment was at 7:15 this morning. We did not have someone from our agency there to meet us, which was a disappointing surprise. Thankfully, Claudia was with us and made the choice to stay for the duration. (We are so fortunate to have met Claudia and Alfredo; they have made each step of the way so much more smooth and a lot of fun!)

Well, it was pretty much what we expected from all the stories we have heard. We paid fees, waited for I-600 approval, had our 3 minute interview and left! It all took about 2 1/2 hours. Claudia is going to pick up our Visa tomorrow, so we have 2 days to just enjoy ourselves... kind of like our first family vacation! Our room at the Grand Tikal is bigger than my apartment in Antigua, so I am loving life! HA!

Oh my gosh. I just can not tell you the weight that has been lifted. We feel so complete and can't wait to be home! Thank you ALL for your well wishes, support and encouragement! It is time to CELEBRATE!!! See you all soon!

22 comments:

Bobbi said...

HUH! I was right on the dress!!

You all look so beautiful. Tears are just streaming. Great pics. Beth, you have never looked more beautiful. Keith and Sam, never more handsome, and well Lucy you just get prettier by the day!!

Enjoy your first family vacation. I know that weight that has been lifted. I bet you can't wait to get home......though it will be tough to leave.

AHHHHH another check off of that checklist.

We'll have to talk about lack of agency represenatives.........

Lots of LOve!!

Steph said...

YAY!!!!!!! Oh, everyone looks sooo happy and I love the dress!!

Thank God for Claudia and Alfredo. Tell her we said "hello!" And...a big GRUMBLE to that agency rep. Grrrrrr...But, I am sure it was much more enjoyable to be with Claudia anyway!! :)

Enjoy the rest of your time knowing you are DONE. DONE. DONE.

The gFamily said...

YAY! It is ALL done! What a peace you must be feeling right now!! I love Luciana's dress! What a beautiful family of 4! I am so happy for you!! Congrats!

Enjoy your vacation!! LOL

Anonymous said...

Doing the dance of joy here in icy Gorham! What a great day for you all! Love the B&W pic of the four of you at the lake. See you soon, and travel safely.

KG

Anonymous said...

WOO HOO - i'm doing the happy dance for you!! Lucy looks so beautiful in the dress - I LOVE IT! And you all look so great - and rested (is that possible)??? Enjoy your last 2 days - Safe travels, congratulations, everyone is ready for you to come home!!!!
Love,
Julie

Pineapple Princess said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I have LOVED watching your journey!!!

Stacy
adopting Isabella

Nicole said...

Congratultaions! You guys look great! Love that dress!

veggiemom said...

Yay!!! Congrats! Love the pics too.
Kerri and Ruby

Guatemama said...

YEA!!!! I am so glad you are done!!!!! WAHOOOOOO I know you are just going to enjoy the heck out of the next two days! Lucy is so adorable in her dress!

Tracy Jens Alex and Anika

Laurie said...

Congrats! I am so excited for you guys! Welcome to America Luciana!

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh...a big sigh. Now the fun begins. The day finally arrived for the family of four. Once again the corks will have to be flying over Maine for you. Enjoy your first FAMILY vacation. We are all so ready to see big brother Sam and Miss PERFECT Lucy.Travel safe, enjoy your dream Love, Terri O

Unknown said...

Is that the dress Auntie Laura bought you, sweet-pea? You look so beautiful! I am so happy you are all coming home! I can't wait to meet you!

Sammy--- I've missed you so much! I bet you've grown 20 feet since you've been gone! Are you in college yet? Oh, well, maybe not that many changes, but I've still missed you tons!

Can't wait to see everyone! Let us know when you're ready for company!

We love you--- ALL!

Anonymous said...

Don't you just love Claudia and Alfredo? They were one of the best parts of our trip. Claudia just stepped up to help at our Embassy appt when our baby wouldn't stop crying. Alfredo took us to Antigua. ENjoy reading your blog. You are blessed!

Michelle Smiles said...

WOOHOO!! HOORAY! CONGRATS! So happy for you. And your little one is gorgeous in that blue dress!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! It was so much fun to meet you at the Embassy yestersday. (We were the couple standing behind you in line for Door 10.) :)

Your family is beautiful.

With Love,
The Ray Family
(www.youbelong.net/rayadoption) MCCR

Anonymous said...

Beth and Keith,
Padre and I could not be happier for you both and Sam for this precious gift from God that you are taking into your home and heart to love and raise. I got to thinking about you saying it was hard to say goodbye to Antigua and it wasn't Lucy's birth town.....but you know what it is...it's "fitting...so fitting"...Think about it...with all it's glorious colors...it's as though you've found your pot of gold at the end of God's "Celebration Rainbow"

We love you and can't wait to see all of you! Take care and hurry home!

Love,
Peg and Padre

Anonymous said...

Isn't it the best feeling?? Congrats and safe travels home. Lucy looks adorable in that dress!

Becky said...

Congrats!! Almost home! Lucy is adorable as ever!

Becky and Jack

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable! What an absolute doll and a beautiful family! She looks SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY! I can't wait until you're on that plane flying home. Although I do believe you'll miss your experience and time there. I also think you'll miss the complete peace you find yourselves in being all alone, the four of you, in the place that gave you this precious gift. Enjoy what's left because you know CRAZY times of visits and well wishers are going to be pounding down the doors. I wish I could say I was one of them!!!!!!
XXXXTamar

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable! What an absolute doll and a beautiful family! She looks SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY! I can't wait until you're on that plane flying home. Although I do believe you'll miss your experience and time there. I also think you'll miss the complete peace you find yourselves in being all alone, the four of you, in the place that gave you this precious gift. Enjoy what's left because you know CRAZY times of visits and well wishers are going to be pounding down the doors. I wish I could say I was one of them!!!!!!
XXXXTamar

Anonymous said...

HMMM...whose dress is it? I do believe that they may be the ADORABLE dress that I had to coherse you into buying. Am I correct? It is just the cutest! What are we all talking about...she looks even more precious in each new dress, every day! XXXX

Terry said...

Love the dress, love the smiles and love seeing you all together as a family of 4! So happy this day has come and you are so close to coming home!

Terry