Our Two Days

The second the plane landed I had this terrible feeling of dread - thinking I really couldn't do this again. I couldn't believe I was putting myself through this process - again. Mothering a baby, loving a baby and then leaving. The night before the foster mom brought Eli to me, I was really having some anxiety about the fact that I was leaving one child at home while I was traipsing around a third world country preparing to ruin Rosemary's life by adopting another baby. Fortunately my good friend Rachel (who is also adopting a second baby and you'll see pictures of her with Eli soon - she surprised me with some when she came down a few weeks ago) warned me about feeling this way. So - I was prepared and decided I needed some sleep - and then I remembered this wasn't my idea in the first place. I did not plan to adopt a second child. When I found out Rosemary's birth mother was pregnant again and was going to make an adoption plan, I kind of freaked out. I wasn't ready. But - you know, that didn't matter. Things fell into place so amazingly well after I prayed about it, I knew this was God's idea. When I prayed for a baby, I asked God to give me a child or children - whatever his plan was for me. So - when I went to bed on Friday night, I went knowing I had made this decision to adopt on faith alone and that's how I was going to get through it. God's idea, not mine. It would all be okay.

And it was....It is okay. If I could have written down everything I wanted in a baby, he is it. He's sweet, cuddly, has a personality that will survive his sister(!), he's beautiful - and he sleeps!!! Yes - that's right. My precious, darling son slept until 9:45am this morning and didn't wake up at all through the night. I kept waking up to make sure he was breathing! But, most of all this feels right. I mean it. I know I'm his mommy. And, more importantly - from the beginning of time, he was meant to be my baby.

Enjoy the picture parade!

A Birthday Surprise

Happy Birthday, Aunt Stacie!!!!

This is the best I could do! He fell asleep!

A sleeping baby and me in my donut pj's Rosie and Eli's aunt Stacie gave me for Christmas. Everyone knows I love my pajamas. A girl can never have too many!

Happy Birthday! We love you!

He's Mine.

Yesterday I arrived in Guatemala City (more like early this morning - after midnight - my flight was delayed.) Mr. Eli was placed in my arms at 9am this morning and he's perfect. I have so much I want to say, but I could either say it or go to bed and sleep when Eli sleeps. And - since he's sleeping with me tonight (co-sleeping is recommended with international adoption - I've made it safe, I promise) I am going to make this rather brief. But - I know so many of you are dying to see photos and I wanted to make good on my promise. So, enjoy the photos. So far Eli hasn't slept for more than 20 minutes (except at breakfast with my attorney - love her!!) so I fear he sleeps like his sister - which means ....not at all. Wish me luck!

I was smooching him and trying to take a picture of us at the same time - I meant the smooch to come after the picture had been taken, but well - I need a faster camera - and some sleep.

I'm not a photographer, okay? But - I wanted to get a quick shot of him in his Dinosaur outfit which is so cute. He's still pretty little. This is a 3 month and it's kind of big on him, I think.

I have more photos which I haven't loaded on the computer or they aren't fit for viewing because they are terrible! I have really just been enjoying him today. You know, he really was meant to be my baby. Notice the title, "He's Mine." He really is my baby. When I held him, it was like he knew I was his mommy (which I've been teaching him today - and he is saying "Ma" but I can't be sure that's not something else.) I know you are all pitying me thinking he knows me and saying my name. But, it's true! He's a genious!

Love you all!

"Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man!!!"

Oh - I just want to hold him soooo bad. I received these pictures today from his 3 month check-up yesterday. He is doing well. He weighs 12 pounds, 2 ounces and is 23 inches long. He's getting to be a big boy - and he's looking more like his sister everyday. He even has some of her same expressions.

I had planned to visit and I will admit I am quite devastated that I couldn't work out my flight before Christmas , but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Besides, I think Rosie needs me here right now after having been gone so long to training for my job. I am hoping to visit at the end of December.

Here are some adorable pics of my little Eli who decided to open his eyes! Beatiful eyes.

PA!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a really nice surprise when I opened my email and found Pre-Approval. Now our file can move into PGN and should - this week! For the newcomers - I've posted definitions for these crazy terms I keep using over to the side of the page.

Our little Eli's homecoming is getting closer. I'm really starting to miss him even though I haven't seen him. I will admit I've mostly been excited, terrified, worried over how having two babies is going to work out. But - now I'm just wanting to see him and hold him. I think I was really concerned that he wouldn't be coming home, but it does appear that he will - eventually!

And - now for a little political discussion.....
I am not plugging any particular politician here. But - I have never felt more supported by a member of congress than I have recently. As you all know, there has been some negative press concerning Guatemalan adoptions - and I can say I am fortunate to have the best attorney in Guatemala. She truly cares about the children and she is most certainly ethical. Our case is a good, straight forward case. I have children who were placed for adoption by a woman who would love and care for them if she could. She cannot. There was nowhere else for them to go and if the adoptions from Guatemala were suspended, they would be homeless. That is a fact. There are not enough homes for the children in process in Guatemala. There aren't enough homes for the children not in process and the stories are gut wrenching. Therefore, why wouldn't our government support the citizens who are in process of adopting children? Well - the truth is some of our officials do support us. Some - do not. Honestly, I have never been so determined to make my vote count next time.

I emailed my senators and representatives and explained there were other children out there - not just mine who would not have homes - they would be lost in the process. After seeing the list of members of congress who signed the letter to President Berger of Guatemala, I noticed there were a couple of important names from my state - missing. However, there was one name that stood out - who said YES to the children in need of homes. I called her office on Friday and they immediately transferred me to someone to tell my story. I don't know if my PA was due to that phone call - but I can say I saw her signature and she's got my vote from now on. I asked, she heard - and it just makes common sense. How can you say these kids don't need homes?

http://www.ccainstitute.org/BERGER_FINAL.pdf

Anyway - stay tuned as we begin the next phase in our process......... : )