This Is Keith

I am sooooooooo happy. This is Keith, husband of Beth, father of Sam, and now Lucy. As this becomes real, I mean REAL, my mind is racing. We are pink. This means I just booked my flight to join my family in Guatemala and bring them home. I miss them more than anything. Although, I have been working long days and haven’t made a homemade meal in over a week, it still is not enough to distract my thoughts from missing my family.

My wife is truly amazing, brave, and has so much love. I could have never imagined my wife, son, and daughter riding in Tuk Tuks, looking out at volcanoes, and exploring a far away place like Antigua for a month. As a finance guy, I look at costs, look at costs, and then look at costs. I booked my flight in 3 minutes tonight with pure joy with utter disregard on the price tag.

Sammy is also my hero. I am amazed that he is so proud, so flexible, and so open to the great joys of life. He will surely remember this adventure and tell it as one of the stories that shape who he is. I know it is one of mine.

I have never been more happy. We are truly blessed.
Love, Keith

Luciana Has Something To Tell You All....

YAY!

We took these pics yesterday in preparation of sharing our big news!! But, when the time came and I looked over at my smiling, half naked, bedheaded wild child, I just new that she had to tell you herself!!! We are PINK! Luciana is coming home forever!

You know what, I am just shaking, I haven't even read the whole docuement yet. But, I can tell you that our embassy appointment is on March 5th, our Visa pick up is on the 6th, and we will probably come home on the 7th!!!! The homecoming date may change depending on flights ($$).

Oh my gosh, you guys, this is just the most amazing feeling. Keith and I cried, Sam and I hugged like crazy, Mom and I screamed and cried and hugged.

I need to cover my baby girl in kisses!

Happy, happy day.

Thanks everyone.... you know your love and support has carried us this far, and now we can start the celebrating!! I want to hear corks pop all the away from Maine!

Much love!!!!!!

No Pink Today

Luciana was dressed from head to toe in pink today in hopes of our big news, but no word today. It's really okay. Somehow, waiting for our embassy appointment date when we are here feels so much less crazy making than waiting at home! There is a very good chance it will come tomorrow... hang in there, folks! The thing I really can't wait for is to post when KEITH will be coming. At this point, Dad is not going to be making the trip. It really doesn't make since as we will be home soon enough.

Anyway, I am totally wiped out from another day of exploring. I hope I won't disappoint by the brief update, but I need to crash! We have fun things planned for tomorrow, so I will try to wrap up both days tomorrow night.

For tonight, here is my all time favorite moment of the day, taken at the Cathedral in Antigua Center:

 

Sam later told me that he was praying that Daddy was happy and would be coming soon, and that we would get that "PINK piece of paper" soon. Me, too, sweetheart. Such a love.

Tuk Tuk Ride (Part 1)

Okay, I just figured out how to get video on here... I don't know how to edit the length, so do not feel compelled to watch this whole ride home in the tuk tuk from earlier today. And, if for some reason you do, please, PLEASE, take motion sickness meds first! hee hee

Honestly, the video makes it seem worse (and louder) than it is! And, yes Luciana was crying a little, but not b/c of the tuk tuk ride... she actually really seems loves them! Sam is on board w/ the occassional lift, too. Walking around here can take a toll on 5 year old legs! Okay, so this is the ride, and the next (much shorter!) post is the tuk tuk driver driving away so you can see what the car (?) looks like.

This one is for you, Tamar! Ask, and you shall recieve!

PS- If you look closely and quickly in the second post, you will see my mom at our adobe!! ;-) It's brief, but it is evidence!!

Tuk Tuk Ride (Part 2)

Happy 8 Months Sweet Girl

Not much less than 8 months ago, I looked at a tiny little sleeping face on my computer screen and feel in love. All those months ago, we had every reason to believe that we would all be home together to celebrate Luciana's 8 month birthday. It is so amazing to me to be here with her today. Keith will be with us for 9 months, and every other little celebration after that! But, for today, this was a special milestone. For the first time I am not waiting for a monthly medical update with a green wall pic to see our sweet girl. Here she is, green dress in honor of the green wall!

This pic was taken at the cemetary near our apartment. Sam, Lucy and I walked all around there today. It was beautiful, and very, very peaceful. We took a snack and enjoyed the calm and beauty.

More later! Oh, and we are feeling fine today. :)

Sunday Snapshots

Not much to report today. Belly aches for Sam and I meant for more time at home than out and about. We did get in some exploring with Mimi which was great. We managed to each lose something today along the bumpy cobblestome sidewalks and streets... I lost my sunglasses, Lucy lost one shoe, and Sam lost Aquaman! geesh!

At home, we hung out in our backyard reading Charlotte's Web while the goose (aka: lucy) rolled all around and had a truly lovely time just being quiet together.

Here are a few shots from our backyard lounging:

Little Nana, the dress is too cute! Thank you! Bobbi, the two piggies do seem to be becoming her signature... they show her face best and Sam really likes them!

PS- Sam has loved his notes from Jacob, Kate and Travis and wants to say HELLO!!! I will try to get his notes back to his buddies soon. :)

Snapshots of A Saturday

Saturday began with a quiet morning in the apartment. Mimi took a few family pics for us:

We headed toward the center before lunch. Saturdays are much busier than the weekdays. Here are some of our sights:

Sam was in charge of the itinerary for the day as he has had to follow our lead most days. He wanted to check out the Funky Monkey for lunch... not a bad choice at all:

Sam snapped this monkey shot!

After lunch, we took advantage of the pool and swingset at Mimi's hotel, the Real Plaza. Sam preferred the unheated hot tub to the ice cold pool:

Sam, Lucy and I crowded into a tuk tuk to head home. I had intended to include video, but didn't grab the camcorder in time... next time. Sam likes our new driver, Luis, who doesn't go too fast!

Many of you have seen pics of our place from Emily's and Gretchen's visits (click their links to see much better pics... I am sooo tired, I can't do it justice tonight!), but I thought I'd include them, too. These pics are from Saturday night. Lucy had gone to sleep and Sam was watching Charlottes' Web that Ilse dropped off... and we, coincidentally, just started reading. Anyway, here is the apartment on a typical night for us:

On a seperate note, it needs to be said that my mom is a ROCK STAR! If you, too, have a rock star for a mother, I suggest you begin the journey to International Adoption, announce to your family and friends that you are taking your 5 year old and taking off to another country for several weeks to be with your baby, and then just see if she might like to join you... you won't regret it! Thanks Mom, Dad and Keith... you just have to know that this time is the greatest gift I have ever known.

Finally, for those who come here looking for a snapshot of Mimi with her grandbabies... I would remind you who we are talking about. My mother has ninja skills when it comes to avoiding the camera! I will get one out there before she leaves next week, and she has agreed. You can take my word, though, that she is having an unforgettable time! ;-)

It is 10:15 PM... yet another round of fireworks are going off! I can actually see these ones... beautiful. (Noisy, but beautiful.) Fireworks... there is so much to celebrate!

Much love.

Worth The Wait

I just got this pic from Mom. It was taken in GC the day after we arrived... I can't even tell you... I was bursting!