WE'RE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found out today that we were signed out of PGN yesterday! I'm so excited. (And, somewhat nervous!) Eli's birthmom signed off on the final adoption decree (I think this is her fourth signature) yesterday. I'm leaving tomorrow for a visit trip that I had already planned. So - stay tuned for more pics and more info about when Mr. Eli will be coming home!!!

Here is a pic the attorney's office sent me this week. I think it was taken after his doctor appointment (and vaccinations!) Poor baby. I'm so excited to see him!!!! And hold him!!!!

Fashion Show Part 2

So, here's the hodge podge of clothing I put him in. I made sure to wear my plaid pj's when he wore his Christmas sleeper to match Rosie and I on Christmas day (which I will post soon...) My grandma bought him the grandma shirt (of course.) How neat that my babies will get to know their great-grandma. Rosie's a big fan and I know Eli will be, too.

The last pics were taken around 6am the morning I left. So - don't judge. I was tired - and sad. But - not for long.... I'm going back to see him in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. I finally washed his little clothes today (that's always the hardest part - it feels weird to be washing clothes for a baby who doesn't even live here.) And - I'm reminded of how he smells and feels. How tiny he really is - knowing he'll never be that small again - and I only got a glimpse of it. However, I was fortunate that I could know both him and Rosie before their adoption was even final. Many adoptive parents are not afforded that luxury. And, as heartbreaking as it is (I swore I would never visit another baby without bringing him/her home) - it's so good for the babies. Rosemary definitely knew who I was when they placed her in my arms again. And - that is priceless. For me - and for her - and now Eli.

Fashion Show Part 1

I'm not finished posting pics from my visit with Eli. I had a wonderful 3 nights and 4 days with him and I love him so much it hurts. He's such a happy, sweet baby and it really killed me to hand him back to the foster mother. But - I have been here before and I knew I was going home to Rosie (who I missed like crazy.) I am planning another trip very soon (maybe in a month) and will have more information on our case - hopefully.

I took so many clothes because I didn't know what would fit. And, so many people bought really cute things for him, so I wanted them to see him in them. Unfortunately there weren't enough days to get all the clothes in - and most of them were too big (and at the time I wasn't sure when I would be back.) So - on our last day we had a fashion show! You will see some Christmas clothes in this AND our next installment. Eli's Nana (and me) really wanted him to have cute Christmas sleepers. He also really enjoyed his baby gym (also pictured in our fashion show below) and by the end of the trip he was kicking the toys and using his hands to grab them. He wasn't using his hands at all (much like his sister) but learned really quickly (because as I've mentioned, he's a genious.) I left the gym for his foster mom so he can get use out of it - he'll probably outgrow it by the time he gets home. Ooh.... and when I was downstairs having dinner with some other families, they asked me if he was saying, "Mama." I was so excited.... because, well, he was saying, "Mama." Now, it could be because I harrassed him into it (my Dad was horrified when he saw the video of me saying it over and over) or it could be because he was babbling....or it could be because he's a genious. You know what my vote is! Can you tell I think he's perfect?

I should probably also update you all on our status in the process. We are in PGN (see definitions) and because of the new laws that went into effect on the 1st of January, all cases receiving a previo or kick out OR who weren't submitted before January 1 must register with the Central Registry (the new public system for Guatemalan adoptions.) However, the Central Registry does not yet exist. So - these cases could be significantly delayed. A friend of mine received a previo and I could (most do - I did with Rosie) and it really could be devastating. But - you know - I have faith. I was truly led to this adoption - and I know it will work out. So far everything looks really good according to my attorney. Please pray for us - and for all those in process that we will bring home our children soon!!!! We want our babies!!!! : )

Stay tuned for "Fashion Show Part 2"!!