In Court Today!

We are really moving now! My case is officially in Guatemalan family court as of today. A social worker has been assigned. Next step is for the social worker to interview the birth mother and write her report.

DNA Test Today

Elizabeth’s DNA test was taken today. The DNA is tested by swabbing the inside of the cheek, known as a buccal swab, of both baby and birth mother. The tests are analyzed by LabCorp in NC. Results take 1-2 weeks.

Visit Planned!

In 4.5 weeks baby Elizabeth gets to meet her new Mommy! Chrissie and Aunt Jenny have their airline tickets to Guatemala City to meet/visit October 26-31. It's VERY exciting!

Another nice thing about our visit is that Chrissie's friend Nanci and her family will be there meeting again with 2-year-old Henry, their soon-to-be-son. They went down a few weeks ago and have been able to share tips on the area and how things work. We hope to be able to get Henry and Elizabeth together next month...

Chrissie plans to get a video camera this weekend and start training Aunt Jenny how to use it - so she can capture the first meeting of mother and child... *sigh*

The Mommy Post!

Special thanks to Aunt Jenny for creating Elizabeth's very own Blog! And thanks to the fam and others who have contributed!

I am too excited to express as I await the time when I meet Elizabeth in person and bring her home to meet the family. I am in love with the pictures and anticipate the next round of pictures from the pediatrician each month on the 18th.

On September 14, 2006, there was some movement in the adoption process. My papers have been translated and re-authenticated and were presented to the American Embassy in Guatemala for processing. Unfortunately, there was an issue found with one of the forms, so the lawyers in Guatemala will fix it and represent my papers in a few days. Let's call that progress!!

Mommy at 8 weeks

Today you are 8 weeks old, Elizabeth!

Here's a picture of your Mommy at 8 weeks. Isn't she a cutie? Just like YOU are a cutie!

We are thinking about you night and day--we pray for you, too!

Love, Grammy

Prayer requests...

Today Chrissie e-mailed the adoption agency for a status update, and was informed that her documents are being translated into Spanish and will be presented to the court very soon (hopefully by week's end). The next steps are:

• the law office in Guatemala sends someone to the courthouse to get the case submitted
• a judge and social worker are assigned to the case
• the social worker interviews the birth mother and initiaties the DNA testing, as well as reviewing all of Chrissie's documents

So we're asking for prayers for each step in this process:

• for a fair judge
• for a fast working and proactive social worker
• for a good interview between the birth mother and social worker - that the birth mother would have peace about her decision
• smooth DNA testing

Will keep you updated as we get more information!!

Grammy & Papi

Here are your silly grandparents celebrating your Grammy's birthday in New Hampshire. They absolutely can't wait to meet you!

Maybe they'll even take you kayaking on one of YOUR birthdays if your Mommy says it's OK.

And we'll have lots of cake and ice cream, too!

Love, Grammy and Papi

Belts....

Yesterday I (Aunt Jenny) wanted to share the most recent picture of my precious niece with some coworkers, so in typical over-the-top computer-geek-fashion I created a powerpoint presentation! But I got some flack about the self-serving title: "The Making of Aunt Jenny"... so this blog was born.

While on the (internet/skype/VoiP) phone with friend Brenda (a former pediatric nurse who is currently living in Hungary), Elizabeth's picture was ooh'd and aaww'd over... I commented about our concern re the belt - but Brenda quickly assured me that this was not the case - it isn't a belt - it's the measuring tape the doctor uses!!! duh! So no need to try to "rescue" Elizabeth from tacky dressing - she's ok!!

More pictures!

Chrissie received another e-mail from the pediatrician - with more pictures!

Baby Elizabeth (called Estrella Marina by the doctor) was brought into his office on Friday, 8/18 - at one month she weighed 10 pounds - length 55 cms and a head circumference of 36 cm (apparently that's good!!). He also said she got some shots and is "growing rapidly, has good muscular tone, activity, smiles socially, has good eye tracking movement, still awakes once or twice at nights asking for milk. She looks healthy."

Now honestly, isn't she just the most adorable baby ever!??!

note: the gold belt is a bit much... Grammy-to-be called it her "hoochy-mamma" belt... gracious! Chrissie send that baby some clothes - and soon!

Adoption Announcement

Today Chrissie sent out this e-mail to share her news about Elizabeth (and included the pictures from the 7/27 post):

Hi Everyone,

As many of you know, I have decided to start a family through adoption. I am in the process of adopting a baby girl from Guatemala, and last week the adoption agency presented me with the referral of a baby girl born on July 11, 2006! This is so exciting! :)

She appears to be a very healthy infant, and at 1 week old was 8 pounds – which is a very good weight, especially for Guatemala. I’ve attached a few pictures that the Guatemalan pediatrician has taken.

I will be naming her Elizabeth, and hope to go and visit her in Guatemala within the next couple of months, before she is able to come home for good. It will take 4-6 months to finish the paperwork and legal proceedings, so hopefully she will be here for Christmas. There are a few more hoops to jump through during this waiting period.

Thanks to all for your support! I will continue to send updates and pictures as I get them!