Video!

Ok, here is a video from Guatemala. I had to edit it down a lot to fit on You Tube. We are having fun! If I can edit the 2nd one I will get that uploaded as well. This video was shot on Thursday morning about 15 minutes after Elizabeth woke up. She is in her PJ's and still a little sleepy.

Kisses from Elizabeth

Looks like Elizabeth is waming up!

Chrissie took this picture on Wednesday - she's sitting on the floor (that's her pink shoe on the left) and Elizabeth is sitting in front of her giving her kisses!

Isn't she ADORABLE!?!?!?

Sigh.. I can't wait to hold her.. I just LOVE her!

Update from Guatemala

Hola! Elizabeth and I are getting to know each other, and we think this is going to be great fun! The first day she was not too sure, and each day it is better! Today she found her voice and was signing and babbling. She loves books and toys and music and loves to be out. When we come back to the room she gets fussy! Here's a pic of Elizabeth saying Hola to everyone back home!

Wednesday in Guatemala

Just got off the phone with Chrissie - things are going well - she thinks Elizabeth is starting to like her! :) There was a game of peek-a-boo yesterday and Elizabeth cracked a smile, so things are looking up!

Here's a picture of Elizabeth playing in their hotel room - like Chrissie says, everything goes in her mouth! Apparently Elizabeth loves being out with people - likes to watch them, so they are spending lots of time at the pool and the hotel has a room they have converted into a playroom for the kids - so they spend a good deal of time there... Elizabeth likes to be right near Chrissie when she's in there, so that's fabulous news! :) She also really loves music, any toy with music makes her bob and sway a bit - wow, a baby with some rhythm - how fun!

I asked Chrissie if she feels like a Mom, and she said yes.. she also said she's sleeping well, but that she's tired! She said her arms are tired, and her legs are tired.. guess that goes with the territory!

She's looking forward to Grammy and Tia Sarita's arrival tomorrow... she wisely decided to lay down a bit when we got off the phone, since Elizabeth was still sleeping.. smart mom!

Elizabeth in new shoes

Chrissie is SUCH a good Mommy - she sent us some pictures of Elizabeth! She's about 9.5 months old now, and looking tall (and of course beautiful!)

This is probably within a half hour of Chrissie receiving Elizabeth from the foster mother - for good! Looks like she got a haircut and check out her fancy shiny black shoes! :) But watch out, she's got the eyebrow creased - that's a warning sign for touble ahead! Apparently crying (was way past nap time) was next on the agenda... but once Chrissie realized the crib was on wheels and pushed it back and forth, Elizabeth fell into a peaceful sleep within moments!

I'm sure there will be much more to follow - stay tuned! :)

Elizabeth is with her Mommy!

Yeah! I just got off the phone with a very happy Mommy - Chrissie arrived in Guatemala City a few hours ago and now has Elizabeth all to herself! She has checked into her hotel and is waiting for them to deliver the crib... Elizabeth is wearing the cute outfit in the latest picture (one that Chrissie sent down) and of course is ADORABLE! :) Chrissie showed Elizabeth all sorts of toys and the one she is interested in is Chrissie's book! how fun. We didn't talk long because after a few minutes Elizabeth started to get fussy - it's past her nap time and she's tired - so Chrissie had to get a bottle ready for her... but at least we know Chrissie made it safely to Guatemala and that she's connecting with her daughter - starting a lifetime journey together.... how precious!

Busy Preparations

It has been a busy 2 weeks getting ready for Elizabeth's homecoming. While her room has been ready for some time, there always seems to be more that is needed! Tonight I am working on several forms needed for the Embassy and gathering the necessary documentation. In between, I squeeze additional items into my overflowing suitcase, or jot a note down for someone at work... all these details! But I am enjoying this time of preparation and anticipation.
Grammy and Tia Sarita (aka Aunt Sarah) are eagerly awaiting their first meeting. Sarah has had a rough couple of weeks tending to the stunned and broken hearts in Virgina Tech, so this will be a welcome change for her. And Grammy is still walking on cloud 9!

Coming Home!

Hallelujah! The day of Elizabeth's homecoming has been scheduled! The Embassy appointment is Friday May 4. We are allowed to leave Guatemala on Tuesday May 8. I am very excited as is the rest of the family. I will travel down a few days early and them Grammy and Aunt Sarah will join us for the Embassy appointment and the flights home. Elizabeth will officially become a US citizen when we land from our connecting flight May 8!

As you can imagine, this is a HUGE answer to prayer and I want to thank you all for your continued support. I heard from the agency last night that I was very "lucky" because the other appointment they got yesterday was for May 14. I also think that Congressman Castle's office had something to do with it as well and I am going to give them a call this afternoon.

YAHOO, Elizabeth is coming home!!

Into the Embassy

More progress... My case entered the US Embassy in Guatemala on April 11. They review the case file and then schedule the visa interview. I should hear by the 19th when my interview will be. Once the visa interview is complete, Elizabeth comes home for good!

Progress

Good news, we have progress towards Elizabeth's homecoming. The adoption decree is complete, and her birth certificate has been updated with my last name. Apparently it was quite a trip to get the updated birth certificate as it needed to be hand collected from the remote mountainous town where she was born. Instead of being a 1-2 day thing it ended up being more like 5. So, I am happy that is complete!
Next step is for the attorneys to collect all the appropriate documents and submit to the US Embassy for their final approval and visa appointment. We expect to hear when the visa appointment will be the week of April 16. Unfortunately with the delays at the Embassy the appointment will be a few weeks from that date. It used to be a 7-14 day turnaround, so this delay is frustrating. After all, Elizabeth is now mine! I just am not able to bring her back into the US until that visa interview.
Thanks for your continued support, prayer, and interest! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!