Journey to Emma

New blog link

2008-12-04T22:42:00.002-05:00

The blog is no longer private! Feel free to check it out and stay updated with our lives at www.finallyfive.blogspot.com

I can still invite you to our new site!

2008-06-03T19:50:00.002-04:00

Email me if you are interested! alholsinger@aol.com
I will gladly invite you to the new family site!
Here are a few pictures of Emma...she is doing so well and growing so much!

4-24-08 MOVING BLOGS

2008-04-24T10:14:00.003-04:00

Our journey to Emma is over. She is home and part of our family FOREVER. Now I am starting a new blog to document our lives as FINALLY a FAMILY of FIVE. In order to go to this blog you will need to e-mail me and I will need to personally invite you. I want to have better control of who is coming and reading our blog. Everyone who is following this blog can be approved for our new blog. I just need you to send an e-mail to me at alholsinger@aol.com and in the subject put BLOG INVITE and then tell me what STATE you are from---nothing too specific just OHIO will be perfect. I am excited for you to see our new blog. I had help from a friend in the layout and design and couldn't be happier with how it all turned out!

I hope you will continue to follow my blog as my family grows and changes.
I look forward to lots of e-mails and inviting lots of you to our new site!

4-11-08 Meeting Emma: 1 year ago

2008-04-11T11:05:00.009-04:00

A year ago today, Rob and I left Lexington a ball of nerves. We were starting a journey that we prayed would end with the addition of our daughter but we really had no idea what would happen. We left our house and our boys just after 4:00am. The stories I heard about Guatemala were not so positive. I heard of crime, some believing Americans come into their country to steal babies, horrible rumors about children coming to the US and being mistreated, stories about the lack of safety for tourist traveling...the DOS's web site sited Guatemala as NOT a very safe place for people to go. Rob and I both were nervous about this trip. I remember kissing our sleeping boys goodbye and saying a quick prayer that they would be safe....and that we would be safe....and that we were doing the right thing for our family.
The flights felt like they were never ending. It was like we couldn't possibly get there fast enough..and were so so so nervous. When we made our connection and boarded the plane to Guatemala, I remember feeling overwhelmed. There were many people speaking Spanish and for the first time in my life, I was the minority. I had no idea what they were saying. Even the messages that came over the intercom were in Spanish first and then repeated in English. (This message issue becomes funny on our way home when we were over the ocean going to Miami and their was an announcement in Spanish...people started looking funny and you could tell whatever was being said was making people who understood stressed. The very nice man beside me spoke Spanish and English and could see my face was getting panicked and said...don't worry we are just running out of fuel... but we are making an emergency landing and he said there was enough for the landing....Those few minutes before the message was in English and before my friend filled us in were scary!) I was glued to the window looking as soon as land could been seen. It didn't look like typical US flights where you see lots of squares and green or you see cities and buildings and cars and movement. Looking out the window as we approached Guatemala looked very different. There were hills and a dirt road here and there and small patches of homes/1 story buildings here and there. The roads looked windy and narrow and brown. There were lots and lots of trees and hills/mountains. We hit turbulence that was so horrible that Rob jokingly (but at the time not so jokingly) said he was not going to be able to get back on a plane to go home. He wondered if we could drive home...and how long it would take. Finally I could see more development as we approached Guatemala City. There were many, many houses and buildings and you could see a group of high buildings/hotels and banks in the heart of the city.
We arrived to a very run down airport....you cannot even imagine what it was like unless you have been there. They unloaded our luggage from the plane onto the street. There were so many people everywhere....swarms of people speaking only Spanish and trying to sell things or clean your shoes. I remember looking at Rob and wondering what in the world we were going to do. Then we saw the man with the Marriott sign and all was just fine as he loaded our luggage and put us into the shuttle. The 10 minute (maybe 2 mile drive) was our first glimpse of the city up close--- out our shuttle window. The level of poverty is something you cannot appreciate or understand until you are there and see it. There are busses that serve as public transportation with so many people on it that people are standing and sometimes hanging on in the door way of the bus. There are little children walking and standing by the road even though it is the middle of the day when we think children should be in school. There are groups of people everywhere just hanging out. Also you see people with guns....I mean EVERWHERE. You get used to it but wonder why there are so many offical lookng men with guns everywhere.
We arrived at the gate to the Marriott and saw the guards at the grounds and went inside. I couldn't believe how NICE the hotel was. It was like what you would expect to see in the United States. It did NOT match what was outside the gate. We went to our very nice 2 story room and called our lawyer. About 2 hours later our phone rang and Carolina was in the lobby. (Quick background....we were supposed to get our medical report before we left but didn't. We went down still only knowing that there was a little girl that weighed 7 lbs at birth and "appeared" healthy. We didn't know when Emma was born...or how old she was or if her blood work and tests were ok...if she really was healthy...nothing. All we had were those three pictures and the limited info. Rob and I said that as long as she was "pretty" healthy we were moving forward. Because we had two little ones at home we knew that we wouldn't be able to accept the referral if her blood work came back with issues--they standard test for HIV type I and II, and several other things. HIV was the only true worry we had...the rest we felt we could deal with.) She said she needed to talk to us before our foster mom brought the baby because there were a few things Karen felt we needed to know before we accepted. My heart SUNK. I told Rob and we quickly grabbed our hotel key and went to the lobby. That was no doubt the longest trip to the lobby every. The what ifs...what are we going to do...can be so scary. We walked into the lobby to Carolina and before we could even do our greetings a women with a tiny baby bundled in blanket after blanket was walking toward us smiling. Carolina motioned her to stop and said we needed to talk first. I said "is that her?" She said "yes". I said "is she healthy...what did her medical say?" She could see were were very worried about what she needed to tell us and said "Yes, yes of course...everything is fine she is healthy." That was all I needed to hear I moved toward Astrid and she handed Emma to me. Carolina continued to talk but Rob and I really didn't hear what she was saying. She explained that Emma's birthmom was from El Salvador not Guatemala---we didn't care--that it would take longer to get the papers in order---we didn't care and it could delay the process some for various reasons..I think she explained why but at that time --- we didn't care. She was healthy and she was in my arms.
Here are some pictures of Emma from our first visit.

We later learned that she was born on March 31st in Zacapa, Zacapa Guatemala to a 19 year old birth mom who already had one child and was not able to take care of Emma. We also learned some other information and were given her basic feeding and sleeping schedule from her foster mom. Our love for Astrid was immediate. After she told us her schedule and was about to leave, she had tears running down her checks. She was having the most difficult time giving this 11 day old baby to us....she didn't know us and she didn't know anything about us but we could see she was nervous to leave such a little baby to people she didn't know. Astrid doesn't speak much English but I kept telling Carolina to assure her that we had two little boys and were comfortable taking care of little babies...we understood about feeding every 2.5 hours, and crying, and diapering, and taking care of umbilical cord. I could tell Astrid was doing more than just a job and her love for this little girl was beyond words.
People always asked me if it felt like holding the boys the first time I held Emma. I laugh and say it didn't feel the same way each time I held my boys. Holding Jay was new and strange and I was scared about how I would be able to do everything he needed. There was a lot of unsureness on my part. With Drew, it was a difficult delivery (with NO doctor--NO epidural) and I was in horrible pain. Of course, I was excited to see and hold him. I couldn't believe how BIG he was but I was in so much pain that holding him for the first time felt different too. With both of the boys, I knew they were mine--- forever-- no matter what. They are my sons and I have rights to them from conception and there was a sense of control from the beginning. With Emma, I thought she was amazing but I had to have some distance...some wall up...because I couldn't allow myself to feel the same. I had no rights to this little baby, a lot could happen, her mom could change her mind, the program could shut, our government could deny her a visa, there were just too many things I couldn't control to feel the same as I did about the boys. My love for her was always there...even from the pictures. I would love this little girl no matter what, but I had to stay objective and rational about the process and not feel the same way---for my protection if nothing more.
Our 5 days with her were amazing. We loved her so much and the thoughts of handing her back were horrible. Rob and I both were a mess. I tried to take comfort in the fact that Astrid loved this baby and I could see that. I knew she was in good hands and would be well taken care of. I also had to remind myself that there were lots more that had to fall into place before I could say she was ours. As rational and objective I tried to be, it was still a nightmare to give her back and walk away from her after having those days with her. I will always treasure ALL the time I had in Guatemala with Emma but especially those first 5 days. She was so tiny, so snuggly, so sweet smelling, so alert, and so very beautiful. Even the horrible pain we felt leaving her was worth the time we had with her. I would never change our decision to be there a year ago today.
This picture was taken of us the night before we left.

I am so happy this little girl is our Emma. All the wildness we went through to bring her home was COMPLETELY worth it. Some say she is so lucky to be in our family but Rob and I both think we are the lucky ones to have her. She has added so much to all of us...the boys adore her just as much as we do!

4-7-08 Trip to the ZOO!

2008-04-07T13:37:00.004-04:00

It was so nice on Sunday that we packed the kids up and met my parents in Columbus for our first zoo trip of the year! It was a lot of fun. It is so nice to feel spring in the air and know that summer is close...we are getting ready to open our pool in the next 2 weeks...I cannot wait!
Here are some pictures from the Zoo. We all had a great time.

4-5-08 Jay's Quilt

2008-04-05T10:55:00.003-04:00

Jay's kindergarten class made a quilt for their end of the year project. A grandmother of a child in the class was in charge of the project and she sent home a letter to parents saying that our children were going to make a quilt. Parents could come into the classroom and help on certain days for an hour through out the month of March. None of the work on the quilt could happen outside of the room. Jay was so excited about this. I was able to go to his classroom 3 days to help him work on it. (It is hard to have time during the day from 10:30 to 11:30 on changing weekly days but I did the best I could to be there as much as we needed.) We worked on the quilt and Jay was so proud when I would walk into his room and his friends would say "Jay your mom is here."

I let him completely decide what he wanted to do and then was there to help him with things like ironing on the pictures/fabric and sewing the few buttons we couldn't glue or iron on. When I told him I was going the first day to help, he said "Mom don't forget to bring your sewing machine!" I was like WHAT....Jay we DON'T have a sewing machine! If we cannot draw it, iron it or glue it....we are in BIG trouble.

He picked the family picture he wanted---it was a picture our friends Ed and Amanda took at the Zoo in Guatemala on the boys first visit trip. He picked the themes for the other squares--the sports and hotwheels ones(I found iron ons). We looked through some of our Gautemalan pictures because he wanted to use one with valcanoes. We found one taken from the window of the Marriott by Pap Pap that he liked.
I am so proud of Jay. He worked very, very hard on his quilt and is so PROUD of it. This is the perfect snap shot of his Kindergarten year!

4-04-08 Referral DAY!

2008-04-04T10:00:00.005-04:00

I want to start this post with three pages from the journal I kept for Emma. I am hoping this journal will help her see how much we loved her even before we knew her and how hard we worked to bring her home.

March 20, 2007
Lots of developments and backlash after the Protocol of Good Practices was made public. The DOS is urging families who haven't started their adoptions--families like us waiting to be matched with you, to consider other countries and adoption programs. Guateadopt has also issued a similar warning. This news is heart sickening for us. We truly believe you are finding your way to us...you are out there either growing in your birth mom's tummy or a tiny baby waiting for things to fall into place so you will find us. Daddy and I have lots of talks. I have also talked at length with your Nan Nan. I received an e-mail from Joanna and Karen and they say our agency is marching on until they can march no more because little ones are out there that need families to find them. We are marching on too.....
***Currently we are # 8 on the waiting list for new referrals.****
Love,
Mommy

March 27, 2007
Good news EMMA! We have moved up on the lists. We are second on the waiting list for R. and S., R and R (these are three of our agencies lawyers)and FIRST on the list with Dina. I truly believe you are about to find us. Karen shared that R and S. have 8 expecting birth mothers in private foster care now. The birth moms are due April to early May. As excited we are for you to come and find us...try to stay in that warm comfy womb as long as possible. Every day that you are there you grow stronger and develop more. Take your time our sweet little girl. There is no rush....when you are ready to enter the world, we will be here to do what we need to do to keep you safe, love and cherish you.
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Jay and Drew

April 4, 2007
We got a call today that changed our lives forever! Karen called to say she had 3 pictures of a beautiful baby girl named Kimberly Yamiteth P. She had no other information about you because it is Holy Week. We will be working with Dina and traveling to see you next Wednesday! More information about you will be coming on Monday or Tuesday.
Daddy and I were home with the boys on Wednesday at 12:08 when we got the call. Honestly I could barely breathe as I was scribbling down the little info we had. Karen said she would e-mail your pictures as soon as we got off the phone. I sat down at the computer and could hardly stand the wait. I saw your beautiful face....you looked like you belong in our family.
We love you already!
Thanks for finding us,
Mommy, Daddy, Jay and Drew

Now reflecting back on that day a year ago....I still get chills. We had talked about Emma, thought about Emma, and loved Emma even before we ever saw her beautiful little face. We were not at ALL expecting any news during Holy Week. The week before, my heart would STOP almost every time the phone would ring. I knew that at any second we could get the call that would finally allow us to see Emma. When the call finally came...we were SHOCKED. Rob and I just sat there and kept pulling up the pictures and looking at this little girl again and again. It was amazing that we were all home together when we saw Emma for the first time. The boys were both on spring break from preschool and I was working from home. Rob had switched his days off that week---he was usually off on Thursday but for some reason he was off Wednesday. We just kept looking at her pictures and wondering about what would happen next. I picked up the phone and called my mom at work. I said something like "Are you close to your computer? I just send you pictures of the little girl that could be your granddaughter and she is BEAUTIFUL...and has HAIR!" (Now I had to keep a slightly removed stance on Emma at first. Those of you that know Guatemala adoptions or were around me during this process have heard me say many times that there are NO guarantees and sometimes referrals don't work out for various reasons. As much as I hoped and prayed this would be Emma...until it was DONE...it wasn't really DONE. I had also told Mom that I just knew my referral would have NO hair! I so wanted a little girl with hair. Both of my boys had NONE until they were well over 1 and I would look at referral pictures on the adoption boards and would see all these babies with lots and lots of hair. I was so hoping Emma would have beautiful dark hair...and she did!) My next call was to my dad at work right after I had sent him the pictures. Rob called his parents and sister and the news was out! We were planning a trip to Guatemala the following week.
We didn't know when Emma was born or anything about her until after we would arrive in Guatemala. All we had were these three pictures and the dream that things would work out and she was supposed to be the Emma we had been waiting and praying to join our family! (We are so thankful it all did work out and that is sitting in our living room as I type this playing with a toy and listening to a music cartoon on Noggins.)

The e-mail from Karen said:
Here she is.....she is beautiful.

3-31-08 Birthday Cookie Party

2008-03-31T10:31:00.005-04:00

For each of my children I have a first birthday Mommy and me party. Their "official" family/friend birthday is always SUCH an EVENT that it is hard to really to focus on them and truly celebrate and enjoy the importance of their special day. So this is my 3rd Cookie Party.
Here was our morning party in pictures.

We had a great morning together...until it was over. Then she was not happy. I am sure tomorrow morning when it is time for bananas she will wonder where the cookies are!

3-30-08 1st Birthday Party

2008-03-30T21:54:00.006-04:00

I promise more pictures and a longer post soon!
Here are some pictures from Emma's birthday party. She had a wonderful party with lots of family and friends. We are so lucky to have her home to celebrate her first birthday!

Happy Easter....(and Birthday Wish!)

2008-03-23T18:49:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures from today. We had a wonderful day with our family and friends. Our family has changed so much since last Easter. Today in Church I was thinking about Easter last year. We had gotten Emma's referral 4 days earlier and were preparing to leave the following day to meet her. This year she was in arms at church. It's amazing!
We hope each of you had a great day!

Today is also a special day for Sofia...Emma's foster sister! It is her birthday. I am going to try this picture to them so she knows we were thinking about her and wishing her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

3-22-08 Earrings---GONE

2008-03-22T11:14:00.007-04:00

Emma hasn't been feeling well. She is taking meds and starting to feel better. But yesterday when I was holding her after she got up, I checked her ears and ONE earring was MISSING! We have searched everywhere and found the back but cannot find the piercing POST. We fear she swallowed it. We called our ped and he said that it shouldn't be a problem and we need to check her diapers---GROSS! We haven't found it yet....but are on the lookout.
I took her other earring out. I am not going to redo them right now. When she is older, she can get them done if she would like. I cannot keeep hairbows in her hair....not sure why I thought I could get her to leave her ears alone!
I am sad because she was not able to wear the ADORABLE earrings her first family gave her. It makes me so sad that their gift to her cannot be worn. We are talking to our friend who owns a jewelry store and are going to try to get them set in a necklace for her. I am so excited that we are going to be able to make something special out of Christian and Astrid's gift to Emma. We love them so much and want to always make sure they hold a very, very special place in Emma's heart.
Here are some pictures of Ms. Emma. Her ears are healing...and she is feeling better. Her hair is pulled back (not cut) because her little nose is running so much and her hair keeps getting STUCK to her face!

These pictures she was not happy with me because her brothers were playing in the floor and she wanted to be down there playing too.

Here is what Jay and Drew were doing this morning. Yesterday was so nice that they went outside with their Dad and explored. They found lots and lots of dinosaur teeth in our backyard. They had a shovel and paintbrush and were too cute. This morning they were getting their teeth in order from largest T-Rex tooth to smallest flyer tooth...("Flyer's don't need BIG teeth mom....they eat little things and don't kill anyone"- Drew) Can you tell I am going to have my hands full with these boys!

Two last Emma pictures...after a hard morning of playing!

It is so hard to be almost 1! We are getting ready for our Easter celebration! We cannot wait to take Emma to church. (It will be her first time to Church since she has been home.) I cannot wait to see what she thinks of all the people, music and celebration.

3-17-8 Busy weekend

2008-03-17T15:49:00.011-04:00

On Saturday we took Emma to the mall to get her ears pierced. Her foster family bought her a beautiful pair of earrings and as soon as we make it to the 6 week mark we will be able to put them in Emma's ears. (I promise pictures as soon as we change them!) She was a trooper. She cried for a few seconds but was comforted by the sucker she was given. Rob held her and I took pictures!

Then we had another WELCOME HOME EMMA PARTY! It was given by my co-workers at Counselor's Clinical Cottage! They did such a great job with decorations and made her day very special. Here are some pictures from the party!

Jade planned a "Pretty Princess Party" but instead of the cake she ordered she got a "Pretty Pony Party"! She was not pleased but it was wonderful and Emma loves My Little Pony!

The only bad thing...I didn't get one picture of Emma and Jade. Jade has been my supervisor for almost 2 years now! She owns the private practice where I work. She got this GREAT birthday dress for Emma. I think it is about the cutest thing I have EVER seen and I cannot wait till Emma's party when she wears it! She will look beautiful in it! Here is a sneak peak of it:

Isn't it beautiful?! Thanks so much, JADE!
Thanks everyone who came to Emma's party. It was a great time and we appreciate all the wonderful gifts. Emma got lots of great things---books, puzzles, clothing, shoes, a necklace, a new bowl/cup/fork, picture frame, picture album, Gunn dog that barks, bathing suit, and hair clips! Thanks so much!

3-15-08 Invites in the mail

2008-03-15T11:57:00.005-04:00

Emma's party invitations are in the mail! Everyone is invited! If anyone doesn't get theirs in the next few days....please e-mail me. We are so excited to have this party and celebrate her first year of life. Here is the front of the her invitation:

Now I have to explain each picture---from top to bottom I will do it in rows.

Row 1
Picture 1- Our first sight of Emma. It is our referral picture. The call came on Wednesday, April 4th at 12:08. Rob and I were BOTH home with the boys (that hardly ever happens during the day). It was Holy Week and we were told by our agency that NOTHING would happen this week and maybe we would get a referral the following week. We were given NO info...just this little girl was available and could we go the next week to meet her and sign POA in Guatemala City. We didn't know when she was born or have any medical information...but we looked at her and fell head over heels in LOVE with her! We prayed she would be part of our family and couldn't wait until we got to go and meet her.
Picture 2- April 11th around 4:00 this picture was taken as soon as our lawyer and foster mom left our hotel room. Emma was so tiny and she was wearing the same outfit from her referral picture. She came to us with her only 3 outfits and 3 bottles.
Picture 3-Here is a picture taken at breakfast at the La Vista in the Marriott. We bought a sling for her to be in because she was so small and slept so much. I think this could be one of my favorite pictures of her. She was so sweet and loved to snuggle and be held. Also, look at all that hair! We were falling more and more in love with her by the second.
Picture 4- In Guatemala, babies are supposed to be very, very bundled. You are also not supposed to use the air! Rob and I were sweating and so hot and there was Emma...layered and layered! I sent this picture home to friends and family and someone wrote back and said "I thought you were in Guatemala not the tundra!" I will have to remind Emma that Gautemala is a nice sunny, warm place...not the frozen tundra that picture might cause her to think!
Picture 5- I treasured this picture. It was taken the evening before we had to give her back to Astrid and return home. It was so hard to leave her. It was the hardest thing Rob and I have ever done. After having 5 days completely focused on her, the thought of months and months without her seemed unbearable for us. I looked at this picture MANY, MANY times over the weeks that followed this visit. I felt like it was a sign from her saying things would be A O K. We loved her so much already.
Row 2
Picture 1- This picture was taken in June when Mom and I went to visit. It was a BIG day for Emma. The day we arrived she was late to come to the hotel. The lawyer called to say there was a small problem and Emma was going to be late. She was having her DNA test done with her birthmom, Liliana, and then social service interviews for Liliana and Astrid. In Guatemalan adoptions, this is the MOST likely time for the birthmom to change her mind. I have to say I almost couldn't breathe when I heard this. I was so afraid that something would happen to keep Emma from joining our family. I had to be strong and say that if this was the Emma that was intended for our family...it would all work out. But if she wasn't, then there was a reason she was brought into our life. After about a 4 hour delay, we got the phone call that she was on her way to the hotel---Mom and I could BREATHE again! I took this picture when she was placed in my Mom's arms for the first time.
Picture 2 - We would sing to her that she was " A pretty senorita with a flower in her hair" I needed to find a picture with her flower in her hair!
Picture 3 - When Mom and I went to visit we would play "Fashion Show"! It was so much fun. We would dress Emma in all her beautiful outfits and then take several HUNDRED pictures! I am not exagerating...we took TONS and TONS of pictures!
Picture 4 - This picture was an all time favorite of MANY of our family members. It was taken inside our hotel room in front of the window overlooking Guatemala City. We loved this picture so much!
Picture 5 - This picture was taken in August when we went to visit for Rob's birthday. He said being in Guatemala with his two girls was the best present he could have! We had gone to Antigua and bought this beautiful patchwork quilt in the background. I always tried to get things that could be brought home that would keep Guatemala alive to Emma. This blanket is beautiful and I hope she will always like it.
Row 3
Picture 1 - We spent a lot of time swimming in the Marriott pool. This picture was taken of Emma in the pool with the Marriott in the background. The Marriott honestly became a home away from home for our family.
Picture 2 - This picture was taken when Mom and I returned to visit in late September. I couldn't stay away. I missed her so very much. Astrid pushed her into the lobby of the Marriott and all we could see was this beautiful smiling little girl coming toward us!
Picture 3 - Emma's first Halloween costume--sorta! We were not there for Halloween but we took this bunny costume Rob and I found at a baby gap outlet. She looked so cute!
Picture 4 - Another family and friend favorite! She was having a wild hair day and Mom and I had planned another "Fashion Show"! We had to use a hat to control her wild hair. I love the dress she was wearing and I think she looked so beautiful in this picture.
Picture 5 - This is our OUT of PGN picture! It was taken Nov 21st. It was our 5th trip and we took the boys to meet their sister and Pap Pap to meet his first (and only) granddaughter for my birthday and Thanksgiving. (My dad later said that he meet both of his girls on the same day 28 years apart!) We had been out exploring Antigua again and came back to the hotel to an e-mail from Joy saying we were OUT and our friends Ed and Amanda coming to congratulate us! Amanda had called PGN that morning and talked to Laura and learned we were OUT. It was such an unreal feeling...to know the end was near!
Row 4
Picture 1 - This picture was taken in December when we went for our extended pick up trip! Emma was so happy in this picture. She was sitting on the couch with Astrid and Sofia and Fabrizio. She was so happy to see them! She had such a great first family....we are so thankful to them!
Picture 2 - Santa brought Jay, Drew and Emma Cleveland BROWNS jerseys! What a great Santa. She was in between her two brothers and holding on to each of them! I love her big smile here!
Picture 3 - This picture was taken in front of Emma's first Christmas tree! The Marriott had such great staff. I called and asked if there was any way we could get a small tree for Santa to leave his gifts for the kids under. (Yes, I took presents down for Christmas...and stockings!) I was hoping for any kind of tree because I wasn't sure what I was going to do to make Christmas morning feel like home. I was so shocked when they came to my door with a 5 foot tree with lights!
Picture 4 - This picture was taken at the Westin the day before we were going to go HOME! Our extended pick up trip got really, really long due to a misplaced file. We were all so excited to get this visa and make our plans to go home! I think Emma was ready to come home and meet the rest of her family and sleep in her room!
Picture 5 - I wanted to use a recent picture of her...this was taken in our living room on Valentine's Day. She was standing by the couch and reaching for chocolates her Daddy bought me.

I have done cards like this for each of my children's birthdays. It is such a neat way to remember and celebrate their first year of life. My family always talks about the invites and really seems to enjoy getting the cards. My mom thinks I should go into the first brithday card making business. She thinks my idea is unique and could be used to make some extra money on the side. (I am not sure where she thinks I would find the time to do one more thing.....but maybe one day....who knows!)

The inside of the invitation has this and the party info.

I am really wanting to give back to Emma's birth country. With adoptions not starting now, there are many birthmoms and babies being turned away by lawyers because they cannot make new referrals. The stories coming from Guatemala are very sad as babies are being left and there is no place for them to go. I am hoping people who attend Emma's party will strongly consider making a donation in Emma's honor to help children and families in such desperate need in Gautemala.

GABI IS OUT!!!

2008-03-15T11:40:00.004-04:00

Ed and Amanda are with their daughter GABI! They learned the day before they left for a an extended pick up trip that GABI is OUT of PGN! Ed will be there for about a week and then Amanda and Gabi will move to Antigua to wait out their PINK appointment. Ed will return once PINK is issued and then they will bring GABI home! We couldn't be any more excited for this very special family! Amanda called to tell me the awesome news before she left and I was in the car with the entire family. I looked at Rob and said "Gabi is out!" He say "That's so great!" Jay said "Mom, tell her Congratulations!" Drew said "OUT...of PGN?!" Tell me these boys don't know too much about this process and understand the importance of being OUT!
These pictures were taken yesterday after Gabi was placed in their arms forever. Their smiling faces say it all.

We are so happy for the As....all THREE of them! You can visit their blog and keep up with their final chapter to bringing Gabi home by clicking on Gabi's link on this page! Amanda has promised to blog faithfully for everyone!

3-13 Can I BRAG on my CHILDREN?

2008-03-13T22:48:00.005-04:00

I have the three best little ones in the world--every mom says that, right?! Here are some art they each created!
First Jay's work. This is his latest family picture. We are seeing so much improvement in his school work. The O.T., glasses and vision therapy is paying off. He has done very well and is MUCH improved from when school started.
Could our family be any more perfect that this picture?

From right to left- Dad, Jay, Emma, Drew and Mom. Look at my curls!

Next Drew's picture of his favorite person in the ENTIRE WORLD....

Could I be any more beautiful? I LOVE my eyes....and my mouth that looks like it is stiched up. I wondered if he thought I talked too much so I did what any good counselor would do....I asked him "what happened to my mouth?" He said "those are your teeth Mama....do you like them?" I said "Of course, I LOVE them!!"
Look at him write my name so everyone would know it was me.

Now I couldn't leave Ms. Emma out. She is an artist in the making. Look at the hard work and her master creation.

I am sure she is thinking I need to back a way with the camera and let her do her work...I am constantly bothering her with my camera!

She has to keep up with big brothers!

Could I be any more lucky or blessed. I have three of the best children in the WORLD! I am so proud of each of them. They are all so very unique and different. I am amazed and thankful they are each exactly the way they are!

3-8-08 SNOW!!!

2008-03-08T21:18:00.006-05:00

We love snow!
Here are some pictures from today...enjoy!

It is near impossible to get them all three to be in one picture...here's my best attempt!

They really had a great time. We have 4-5 inches...I think the perfect amount! Enough to have fun and cover EVERYTHING but not so much that we cannot get out and do what we need to do too. Our family in Cinci had 13inches as of 9 am...not sure what the final total for them but that is a TON of snow!

3-6-08

2008-03-06T09:50:00.006-05:00

I know many of you have been checking and checking and checking for updates...and have been sad to see nothing new added to her page. I have been so busy. We have all be seen sick--Drew, Emma and I have been to the doctor and Rob has been on meds...we have had one thing after the next. Drew is home not feeling well today. When you have three--it seems someone is always not feeling so great. I am so ready for spring for all the winter sickness to go away!

As promised---EMMA pictures! Enjoy!

She is pulling up and getting so close to taking her first steps. She can walk around as long as she hold something---the couch, table, the wall, or our fingers. She should be walking by her first birthday!

We are also trying to have weekly play dates with my cousin Kristi and her adorable little guy Kaden. We have had to cancel a few due to sickness but we were able to meet on Monday. Kaden isn't so sure about Emma. We laughed so much. Emma is a lot like her Mommy---LOUD and somewhat aggressive and likes to be the center of whatever is happening. Kaden is unsure of her! I think she scared him several times with her loudness! I kept telling Kaden that Emma has two big brothers and she HAS to be loud and demanding sometimes to be "heard" in our family! I am sure he is going to get used to her but it is too funny to watch them play. Emma gets loud and Kaden runs to his mommy to make sure everything is ok.
Here are some pictures of them.

It was so nice we went outside for a few minutes too. Kaden had fun outside---He is a typical little boy. Emma wanted to eat leaves and sticks! She also was not going to stay on the blanket for every long.

Emma's work is play...and it sure is hard work. She fell asleep in her pack-n-play. This has NEVER happened before...I moved some hard toys she was laying on...but she was so sleepy she must not have cared! She had to rest up before more play!

Hope you enjoyed all this pictures!
Please keep Gabi and Amanda and Ed in your thoughts and prayers. They are about to leave to be with Gabi and wait out the rest of the process. As beautiful and wonderful as Guatemala is...let's hope there is stay is short. We want them to get there and then get home ASAP! Keep praying for good PGN news!

3-4-08 PRAYING GABI HOME

2008-03-04T08:27:00.003-05:00

We are asking all our friends and family to help get Emma's friend home. Please pray as often as you can. Pray this is the week that Gabi exits PGN and Ed and Amanda get the NEEDED break they need. Hearing they are OUT of PGN, is WAY WAY OVERDUE for this family. Below is Amanda's post.

Let's get GABI home!!!
Ok everyone! Ed and I really feel like this is our week. We're asking you all to pray with us that Gabi's file is approved by PGN this week. Either set a time each day to do so, or say every time I look at the clock, I'll say a prayer that Gabi is released. I promise you'll never find 3 more grateful people in your lives. Let's get this girl home.

Thanks,
Amy
((((I have new Emma pictures and I promise I will post them soon!)))

2-18-08 Our first ROAD TRIP

2008-02-21T09:02:00.016-05:00

Lindsey Wilson College is the college I work for and we were invited to main campus to attend a "Welcome Home Emma" party. I have to give some background info for those of you who are not familiar with the college. Lindsey Wilson College is located in Columbia, Kentucky--about 4.5 hours from where I live. I work for the School of Professional Counseling. We have extension sites in over 10 locations through Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. When I first learned about the college and the programs they offered, I was so excited. I had just earned my Bachelor's degree from Shawnee State University and wanted to continue my education but was not sure how I could do it. At the time, I had an almost 3 year old and an almost 1 year old. Where we live, higher education is not close nor typically easy too obtain. You have to travel...programs I looked into were any where from 45 minutes to 2 hours away. I learned about Lindsey Wilson College's new extension site in Ashland, KY from a former professor who thought it would be perfect for me and my situation. I went to the college on a Friday in July and met Beth the current coordinator. She told me about the Masters of Education in Human Growth and Development that specialized in Mental Health Counseling that they offered but said I had to act fast because classes started the end of August. After our meeting and my internet research of the college, I saw they had a Play Therapy course taught by the president of the Kentucky Play Therapy Association---I was hooked. I turned my admissions paperwork in on Monday! Not really sure what to expect, I went that first weekend. To my surprise my first instructors were the Dean of the Program-Dr. John Rigney and the Associate Dean, Dr. Angelia Bryant. I knew this program was "for real" and was so impressed with the fact that two of the most respected people with the college drove almost 4 hours to spend the weekend in Ashland and teach my class. In April, Lindsey Wilson realized the programs were growing so fast. Beth, my coordinator, and very good friend, was working two sites- Ashland and Maysville--but it was too much for any ONE person to do. They needed to hire someone for the Ashland campus. I applied and interviewed. I was hired and quickly became part of the Lindsey Wilson College family. Family is the appropriate word. I have never worked for a place that was such a "family". Another coordinator from Prestonsburg, Shelia, also became one of my biggest supporters and dear friend. Staff-for the most part- honestly gets along..of course from time to time there is a discussion about what curriculum change should happen or what theorist is the most effect but there is such a sense of family....it is amazing. We had monthly meetings with our direct supervisor Ryan and Enrollement Director Denise. Our time on main campus was always a treat. It was along drive but I enjoy our time at the Best Western and the sense of togetherness and closeness that developed between so many of the coordinators. They are a great group of girls! So I graduated, continued to work and became not only the coordinator but also an instructor for the undergraduate program. When Rob and I decided we were going to start the journey to Emma, we decided that I needed to be at home more and working the 40-60 hours a week was just too much. I left Lindsey but was given the amazing opportunity to continue teaching 2 courses a semester. I was gone for a few months and then the job opened up again and I went back part time to help out because I really missed my job and the people I had left. I was offered the job again full time but was unable to take it because Emma was about to come home. I wanted to be able to be with her and the boys more than working full time would allow. So that was the "short" story of my experience with Lindsey Wilson College.
The Holsingers were invited to main campus to celebrate Emma and my time with Lindsey Wilson Collge. I was excited to return to the campus. Rob and I took Emma on her first road trip to Columbia.

The things I needed to pack this time were MUCH different!

Glad we have a pack-n-play!

Gotta take a bath before the big party!

Dad, Mom and Emma

Shelia and Emma

Christy and Emma

Emma walking with Ryan. She really liked him.

Rob was taking pictures. This is the best one I have (maybe other who were there have a better one...if so, please share and I will post it!) of me thanking everyone for all the support, prayers and being there for us on our journey to Emma.

What would a party be without CAKE! Emma LOVES cake!

She gets so sad when it is done and Mommy cleaned her hands and face!

The Holsingers were given a stone that will be placed on a new walkway that will soon be construced at the college. They said, "The Holsingers will always be a part of Lindsey Wilson College." What an honor! Here are some pictures of LWC's beautiful campus.

Emma had a rough time not being in her bed. She also struggled when we were packing up getting ready to go home. The counselor in my thinks she was afraid that we were going to go and not take her. She is so conditioned to seeing me in a hotel and then me packing and giving her back 6 times. She needed lots of reassuring but as soon as we got in the car....she went to sleep and woke up very happy. We went to lunch at Bella Noche in Lexington. She had spaghetti (no sauce) and loved it!

Emma brought her big brothers cookies on a stick! She thought they would really like the yummie adorable doggies! They sure did!

We also had one more surprise---When we got home in our mailbox we found a letter from George Bush with Emma's Certificate of Citizenship! Now we have to get her SS# and do our Ohio readopt to change her name to Emma Liliana!

Again, I would like to thank the faculty and staff at Lindsey Wilson College for everything. Also, thank you so much to the Alumni Association for dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Columbia.
We cannot thank each of you enough!
The Hs

2-16-08 Let's talk HAIR

2008-02-17T12:51:00.008-05:00

I LOVE Emma's hair right after she has her bath. It is beautiful. She looks pretty and we get lots and lots of comments like "Oh look at that beautiful hair!" "She has way too much hair to not yet be one." "I wish I/my child/my baby/my little girl had hair like that!" "She is so lucky to have such great hair." I am struggling with what to do with her hair and not feeling too lucky right now. She pulls anything out of it that I put in it. She HATES her clippies (and yes I probably have about 100 to match anything and everything you can think of). She will NOT keep her hair in pony tails....if something is in her hair it is her mission to REMOVE it as fast as possible and put it in her mouth to explore.

Here is the way her hair looks like right after her bath when she is dressed and ready to go.

....and here are some other hair pictures.
Emma trying to get her bow out....it had been in her hair all of 20 seconds!

Emma's cousin trying to help you get her bow out.

Even a 1 year old cannot stand all that hair in her face!

What do you think about this hair style....have I mentioned static? Her hair gets very, very crazy!

Yesterday Drew and I decided something HAD to be done. It was either cut it or try something different. Drew had the idea that if we put lots and lots of clips it will work...because she will get confused and not know what to pull out. So here is what we did together on Emma's hair.

Look how beautiful her little face is when you can see it! Even if she has 10 clippies and pony tail holder!

2-14-08 Emma's first Valentines Day

2008-02-14T17:03:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures from Emma's first Valentines Day. The boys were both at school and Emma and I had the entire morning and early afternoon together. It was a very morning.

Play time in her room:

Pictures downstairs:

She was so mad when I took the chocolate box from her...she was trying to eat the plastic wrap.

Here are some pictures of her looking out the window at the snow. My mom and dad took some pictures of her in the snow yesterday...I will have get them and post them too.

2-11-08 HAPPY GABI NEWS

2008-02-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

I lifted this off my dear friend Amanda's blog! I know so many of you have been praying for our friends. I wanted to share their AWESOME news! Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Let's pray her OUT of PGN in RECORD time! We want them in and out and Gabi on her way home as soon as possible.

"WE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH CENTRAL AUTHORITY!

OUR CASE WILL BE RE-SUBMITTED TO PGN TOMORROW!!!

I cannot imagine better news after 2.5 months of waiting to get back in... it is finally here!!! You cannot believe how big the cloud was that was just released from our home and our hearts. We feel like we're going to move forward again this week. Thank you for all of your prayers and wonderful support."

2008-02-11T17:16:00.000-05:00

Today marks 1 month since we return from Guatemala with Emma. It has been a wonderful month....but to be honest it doesn't seem like a month. We feel like she has been with us forever! She is doing so so so well. I almost hate to type that in fear of jinxing how well she is doing.
Here's what she is doing now:
1. Crawling EVERYWHERE... there is NO place that is off limits to her. She a girl on the move.
2. She is "talking" she says Mamamama, dadadadadada, geeegeeegeeegeee (we think she is trying to doggee), lolololo, ahhhhh, ohhhhh and she sometimes just yells. She is exploring her voice and the sounds she can create. She gets so excited and is proud of herself when she "talks".
3. She does "tricks". We play this song/game "Clap em Clap em Clap em. Roll em Roll em Rollem. Put em up high and shake em." My boys loved this too. Emma thinks it is much fun. I have to get a video of this..it is too cute!
4. Peek-a-boo is another favorite game....along with Creepy Mouse!
5. She LOVES the bathtub! She cries when we walk in the bathroom and reaches for it. She enjoys her bath time so much. She cries when she has to get out. It is so cute.
6. She is a great eater. She eats lots and lots of things.....fruits---pears, apples, bananas, plums, peaches....Veggies- carrots, sweat potatoes, green beans, squash, peas meets---turkey and rice, chicken and veggies, chicken and tomatoes....you name it she likes it!
7. She likes to leave the house. She likes looking at everything. Food at the store, shoes today at the shoe shop, the boxes at Sams....she enjoys exploring it all.
8. She is pulling up. She pulls up in her pack-n-play, in her crib, when she is crawling around.
9. She will transfer from the table to the couch to the chair....and from person to person. She is getting so close to walking!
10. She loves us----especially her brothers. She thinks Drew is so cool. She wants to pull and play with his hair. She smiles at him and he loves it. She loves her biggest brother Jay too. He enjoys "walking" her and pushing her in her walker and stroller. He has been such a great help to us. She wants to take very, very good care of her.
This morning we were sitting in her room play with some of her toys. This video is of her playing with her bunny. I took this bunny down and asked the foster family to record a message to Emma. It is something she will have forever of their voices and their special message for her. I know it was hard for them but I am so happy they were able to give this gift to Emma. I just feel so lucky about our foster family. Does anyone know spanish well? If so, let me know what they are staying. I would love to have the translation!

Here are some pictures of her from this morning too.

2-9-08 Emma's first family

2008-02-09T13:34:00.001-05:00

This week has been great. Emma is adjusting and doing so well. I had 7 cameras developed from our foster family. I just got them back and wanted to post some of her pictures. They had given me a round one of pictures when I visited in June so these pictures are June to December.
The people in the pictures are the ones who have made our daughter's transition so easy. Being a counselor, I know how important it is for a child to develop trust and attachment early in life. These early months set the stage for the child's development. If the child is well cared for, loved and engaged right from birth, the child will have the best possible chance. You can see how well taken care of, how loved she was by her ENTIRE family and how happy Emma was with her first family. We couldn't have asked for a better first family for Emma. Their love for her is amazing.

There were no words that we could say to Astrid and Christian to adequately express our deep appreication and love for them. We feel they are a part of our family and we want Emma to know as much as about them and her first months of life as possible. I was so excited to look through this pictures and see Emma's smiles and love in her eyes for them...and to also see their love for her.

2-2-08 Last CHRISTMAS 07 PARTY

2008-02-04T08:48:00.000-05:00

We had our last Christmas/welcome home party on Saturday! I was buying Christmas presents on Friday evening. I excitingly told the cashier that I was now finished with my Christmas shopping! She said "WOW already done with your shopping....so early!" I smiled and said "nope this is LAST year's Christmas." She looked funny and I just smiled!
Here are some pictures of the party. This party was my Mom's said of the family. One of Mom's sisters had a sick little one and there were not able to come. So here is a picture of all Emma's cousins on Mom's side but 2-- Sklyer and Lynley...we missed them and hope Skyler is feeling better!

Drew was needing some Mommy time...he was sad about getting an awesome pop up book from my mom instead of something Power Ranger. (We have been trying to work on always being happy when you get something....but sometimes it is a hard concept for 4 year olds to learn...)

I wanted to get one of all three of us...but Drew wasn't having it! So I guess I need to get used to only getting 2 out of 3 sometimes!

Then we had a CAKE...yeap all of us! I was going to make her wait till her birthday but we sat down and before I could move the cake back she had her hand in it. She is JUST like her Mommy....she loved it! (And yes she still ate her veggies the next day so I don't think it did any real damage.)

Stealing kisses from Nan Nan. Can you tell how much my parents love her?

We had a great part. Emma is doing so well. Every time she is around people she does better. She was happy to play with others and even let several people hold her this weekend. She is doing much better being around people and not having to cling to me or Rob or Mom. She is adjusting nicely and we love her so much.
I hope these pictures help start your week off on a happy note!

1-31-08 We have news!

2008-01-31T09:02:00.001-05:00

Today Emma turns 10 months old! We are so blessed to have her home. We are enjoying every day with her but are also very aware of the present issues in Guatemala and the struggles of those still waiting to bring their babies home. We pray that they get to do that soon...Guatemala is struggling with the "what's next" part and we have several frustrated friends still in the process. Please keep them and their children in your prayers.

Exciting new news....these pictures will say it all!

There were times she wasn't so sure...

But finally she HAS IT!

Now NOTHING is off limits! She is actively exploring every inch of every room she is in! We are so proud of her! She worked hard to learn this!

1-30-08

2008-01-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures for those of you who check it every day and are missing your Emma "fix". I am going to try to do an update tomorrow and more pictures! Rob, Jay and I have been sick--- Jay has been home 2 days sick. We are all feeling better now....and praying Emma and Drew don't get it.
Hope you enjoy!
Emma in her carseat.....we worried that she wouldn't like it or do well....as you can see she is so OK with it. She seems to really like it and likes going out---she is JUST like her Mommy!

She is also really into eating--another way she is like her Mommy! She enjoys chasing her bananas around and gets so excited when she gets them into her mouth!

She also really likes her Daddy. I think I am going to have a Daddy's little girl on my hands! She likes when Rob play "rough" with her...she likes to be tossed, tickled and put on his shoulders!

I promise more pictures soon!

My thoughts on Dateline

2008-01-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

Many of you watched the Dateline special that was on last Sunday. We had many phone calls and people very thankful that Emma is home. We are so very thankful too. I am happy to see people who are doing wrong things in Guatemala are being held accountable. My heart breaks for the families that were affected by people and agencies who are not ethical.

There ARE good stories that come out of this process. Not everyone child is the product of something corrupt. There are birthmother who are just in a very difficult place in their lives and are unable to care for their child. They do not all "produce" baby after baby to "sell". Lawyers do not go and "steal" "trick" or "buy" all the babies they place. Does it sometimes happen???....I cannot say it does or does not but I think the media likes to focus on all the bad and looks right past the good. I have faith in our agency and in our lawyer. I do believe Emma's mom was in a tough situation and made the best decision she could for herself and her baby. She was present at a DNA test in June where she had to sign again and swear that she was making this choice because she was unable to parent this amazing little girl, she had to hold Emma for a DNA lab photo. (We have the picture and are not showing it to anyone until Emma is older and sees it first. We want her to be in charge of it because it is her story...her mommy...her choice who she wants to show and when.) She had to swear and sign off 4 times. She had to be present---so I do NOT believe for a second that Emma's mom did not want this process to happen.

Until you visit Guatemala you truly cannot imagine the condition of the people there who have NOTHING. It is so sad. There are little children standing by the road who look dusty from the traffic, hungry and tired. There are children you see working in the fields in the hot sun carrying carrots or other foods on their backs up a hill to the make shift "family store." There is no means for medical care for the people who cannot afford it. It is a horribly sad situation. But there are people there who have amazing spirits, are proud of their beautiful country, and are longing for better times to come.
Here is a link to more of what I would have liked to see on Dateline.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22721799#22721799

Emma has been feeling the greatest the last two days. She is trying to adjust to Ohio weather---just like we all are. Alergies are HORRIBLE here...even when it snows! Here are two pictures of our HAPPY SLEEPING little girl!

1-20-08 Our first week home

2008-01-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it has already been a week. We have had a great week filled with visitors---Emma has seen so many people who love her and feel like they already know her from this blog. She has been a trooper with all the attention. I say she is my little ROCK STAR and I feel like we are on TOUR! We have been about everywhere with her!

Here are some pictures of my little ROCK STAR!

First we had my grandpa (my dad's dad) "Old Pappy" come on Saturday morning. He couldn't stay away. He was so excited to see her. Then Rob's grandmother, Shelby, came as soon as she got off work around 2:00. She has been one of his BIGGEST supporters and she works delivering meals to the elderly. She would show Emma's pictures and update all the people she visited. I am sure the prayers of many of the people Shelby told about Emma helped to bring our little girl home.

Sunday we had Christmas at the Hxxxxxxers. It was great. Emma got her presents and got to meet her family on both sides. Rob's other grandmother, Fran, was there. She even got to meet two little girls that I am sure she will LOVE to play with---we don't have that many little girls in our family...mostly BOYS!

After that Mom and I took Emma over to see Skip and Sybil. They were so excited to meet her too! They think she is great.

Monday morning Emma and Daddy walked Jay to the bus and meet his bus driver. Jay LOVES Linda and she has been such a blessing for us with Jay. She really takes wonderful care of him and is always so happy to see him in the morning. She tells me how well behaved he is and that is such a joy. Jay got off the bus Monday afternoon with a present for his sister from her future bus drive...it was a fisher price school bus---too cute!

That afternoon, Rob and I took Emma to the doctor for her check up and it started to snow! Emma's first OHIO SNOW! Rob's mom is a nurse there and of course she got to show off her new granddaughter to everyone! The doctor said Emma looked great and was "very healthy". She weighed 21 lbs 15 oz. and was 27 7/8 in long---putting her at the 85% for weight and OFF the chart over 100% on length on the AMERICAN charts. Typically Latin American babies are smaller than American....not our Ms. Emma.

After her appointment, we went to Drew's preschool so he could introduce Emma to his friends. I was so excited for his teacher, who is one of my DEAREST long time friends, to get to hold Emma. Teresa LOVED Emma and Emma felt right at home and comfy with her. Drew was asleep and we had the hardest time getting him to wake up to show Emma off!

Tuesday Emma was supposed to go to Jay's school but due to a snow day, we had to wait till Wednesday. Now Emma got to be a ROCK STAR at Jay's school. His class has used our journey to Emma as an educational tool. They have talked about her country and her language. They talked about the volcanoes Jay saw and he took a Guatemalan flag in for his class. They loved Emma so much. Several of the students wanted to hug her---of course I agreed. I am not nearly as germ phobic as I used to be!

Thursday was Mommy and Emma's day and you have already seen our bath time pics. If not, scroll down.

Friday mom and I took the boys and Emma to the mall. We needed to get a few things and Jay had a waiver day so everyone was home. This ADORABLE outfit was a gift to Emma from Kelly---our friend who took the awesome pictures for us at the airport. I think Emma looks so cute in baby blue! Barb, Brett and Laci came to see Emma Friday evening. They took pictures---maybe they will share one with me and I can post it later?! (Hint hint)

Saturday I asked Mom to come with me to Prestonsburg. The college I work for has extension sites in several locations in Kentucy. We have yearly pinning ceremonies where we recognize students who have earned their degrees. Shelia--my friend, my boss and EMMA's fav auntie from Kentucky- begged me to bring her so everyone could see her. Many of our professors come to the pinnings even though for some it is close to a 5 hour drive. So we went to Lindsey Wilson's Prestonsburg pinning at 1:00 yesterday and again she was a ROCK STAR.

As you can see we are keeping very, very busy. Emma loves it. She is so doing so well. She wants to see me and know that I am close but she is going to people, reaching for them, laughing, walking holding fingers, and loving all the attention that comes with being a ROCK STAR. She really is a wonderful little girl. We are so lucky to have her home and a part of our family.

Hope you enjoyed our first week in pictures!

1-17-08 Mommy's day with Emma

2008-01-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day it was just me and Emma! The boys went to school and Rob went to work. So for the first time since we arrived home I had Ms Emma all to myself. We had a great morning...she had breakfast then her morning nap. We played in her room and then we did something EVERY girl LOVES....BATH TIME. She LOVED my big tub. She played and played and was upset when I made her get out. The air jets kick on so many minutes after you have been in it....I thought it would scare her but no....SHE LOVED it bubbles and all.

Here are some pictures from her bath time.

Airport PICTURES

2008-01-15T21:52:00.000-05:00

I have been sent many pictures! I am so excited to share. A majority of these pictures are from a friend I made as a result of this adoption. Kelly and I met at the Marriott several months ago. She came to the airport and took AWESOME pictures to documents Emma's special welcome home!
I am so excited to share these. I think they turned out wonderful!
Enjoy

1-13-07

2008-01-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

****If you were at the airport, please e-mail me some pictures!****
We were welcomed home by many of our friends and family! It was so wonderful to walk into the support and loved we felt when we saw all of you. Thank you for coming to the airport and being a part of Emma's special day. I, of course, was unable to take pictures and I really, really want some. I know the cameras were flashing...so please send some pictures so I can upload to this page.

Here are so pictures from our journey home and her first night in her crib. Also, a few from her first day HOME! We are so happy and still have that "is this really real---when are our feet going to touch the ground?" feeling. We just keep saying---"our little girl is HOME"...."can you believe we can pick her up and hug and kiss her any time we want to?" It is amazing...and she is a gift to us from God.

I promise a longer update as soon as I can and more pictures!

We are so glad to be HOME!

We are HOME

2008-01-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

I promise to update you soon with pictures. Right now I can hardly think to type. But we are home safe and sound and ALL 3 of my babies are asleep in their rooms. Emma loves her new room and her crib.

Night!
Amy

1-10-08

2008-01-10T18:56:00.000-05:00

This photo says it all!

We have all her documents.....we have her lap ticket for the plane....we have our LITTLE GIRL.....FOREVER!

I have so much to share from the last two days but not enough time. We are busy getting ready to go. We are packing up and buying our last things from Gauatemala to take home. We leave this hotel tomorrow around 12:00....and will arrive in Cinci late tomorrow evening.

We will return to Guatemala in 4 or 5 years. I want Emma to know how beautiful her country is....how kind the people here are....and how much she was loved by her first family. She is one lucky little girl to have the great start she had with Astrid and her family.

We cannot wait to get home!
(((HUGS)))) from Guatemala,
Amy, Drew, Emma and Becky

1-9-08 Embassy Appointmnet

2008-01-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

Kimberly Yamileth Hxxxxxer soon to be readopted in OH and her name changed to Emma Liliana Hxxxxxer meets all the criteria to become a citizen of the United States of America. She will be a citizen as soon as our plane touches down in Houston on Friday the 11th around 4:30. We will be arriving in Cinci late on Friday evening. (If you are planning to come to the airport---everyone is invited---e-mail me for the specific time and location.)

The appointment was not at all what I expected. We had to go through security, much like the airport, to enter the Embassy. Hanging on the wall in the foyer are large pictures of President Bush, Vice President Chaney and Secretary of State Rice. There were 29 other babies and families in a small room with rows of hard blue chairs. Babies were crying or sleeping...lots of Moms and Dads tried to comfort their little one and make the time go faster. Emma was a wild little one for the first 30-40 minutes....then she went to sleep and slept through most of it...she woke up right before I had to sign the final papers and the man said "Congratulations Hxxxxxxer family. Your visa will be ready tomorrow at 3:30."
Carolina was with me and she was awesome. She had everything ready and held my hand through it all. She said do this, pay this, sign this..and it was done. Bryan was also there. He hugged and kissed me and Emma and congratulated us. It is weird...the feeling of standing there and knowing that it is offically over. After all the time, worry and stress our journey to bring Emma home is about to end. In 2 days, we will BE home....that is a miracle and something we thank God for every day.

Here are a few pictures from after the Embassy appointment. (We had to leave at 6:45 and neither Emma or I were up for before we left pictures. We were running around making sure everything was in order and we were ready to be picked up. We arrived "home" (yes I call hotels home now) around 9:30.

1-8-08

2008-01-08T18:10:00.000-05:00

TURN UP YOUR volume and hit PLAY....we have BIG NEWS

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We are on our WAY HOME! Sooner than EXPECTED! We got our appointment moved up to TOMORROW Jan.9th. Then Emma's visa will be ready on the 10th at 3:30 and then we fly out on FRIDAY January 11th! Praise the LORD!
We are beyong happy here!

We are on our way home. I will post more about flights and times when I know. We will be flying into Cinci late in the evening! We cannot wait! Just a few more days and we will BE HOME!

1-7-08

2008-01-07T23:03:00.000-05:00

Today was a better day for us. We were able to escape the hotel! First we went to the Marriott to see our friends Jennifer, Eric, and Daniel. They are visitng and we meet them on one of our earlier trips. We are praying they hear soon they are out of PGN and are able to start planning their pick up. Emma and Daniel are the same age...I think he is just a few days older than Emma. Mom, Drew, Emma and I went to lunch at the Marriott too. It was great to be "home". We got brave and walked back to the Westin. We stopped at a little store and bought several things home.

This evening my long time internet friend, Jaimee, her husband, Ted and Isabela took me and Emma out to dinner. We went to a wonderful restaurant with very authentic Guatemalan food. The girls were so cute. Ted had a band play a song for us and the girls loved the music and singing. Thanks guys for taking me out the hotel and the wonderful dinner! I really appreciate it!

Tomorrow we are planning a trip to the Central Market. I cannot wait to shop some more----poor Rob but I need something to do!

1-6-08

2008-01-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

Another day in Guatemala that brings us another day closer to bringing Emma home. We are counting down the days. Days here are the same...really nothing changes. You get up, have breakfast, do something while they clean up the room, back into the room, showers, figure out what is for dinner, eat, watch some TV and go to bed. That is the typical day here.
Here are some pictures from today. We did have a pretty good day. Everyone got in the pool today for a swim. Swimming really helps get the kids sleepy and brings bedtime earlier! Emma LOVES the water. I wasn't going to put her in but after she saw me swimming with Drew there was NO keeping her from the pool with us!

We are trying to teach Emma to hold her own bottle. We have been practicing...but she will only do it towards the end of her bottle.

I am also practicing how to fix little girl hair! Emma was not pleased with my first attempt.

But in the end....she was as cute as ever!

Oh I almost forget there was ANOTHER smaller earthquake today! It wasn't very long or nearly as long and scary as the first one...but the floor again felt like it was rolling and the curtains were shaking....I wanta be HOME!

1-4-08 EARTHQUAKE

2008-01-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

Yes you read that CORRECTLY! We experienced our first (and hopefully LAST) earthquake this evening. Mom, Drew and I were sitting on the couch making fun of the guy on 1 vs 100 who was about to win $1,000,000 and enjoying our spaghetti when it happened. You never think about earthquakes if you are from Ohio...but it was exactly what I thought it would be like. The building started to sway and shake and it felt like the floor was rolling and rolling and rolling more. The windows rattled, our drinks and plates shook and made noise. Mom and I were PANICKING but trying to remain calm for Drew. I kept saying "the wind is really blowing tonight." He was scared with eye very, very wide and said "it's not the wind MAMA!" Emma was asleep in her crib and never knew it happened.

I felt scared, sick and numb. I kept thinking...this has to stop soon or the hotel is going to start cracking. I guess it is all the TV shows or news reports I have seen where things just start to crumble. I kept thinking how long can this go before something bad happens. It was horrible.

Here are the official details:

Earthquake Details
Magnitude 5.6
Date-Time Saturday, January 05, 2008 at 01:56:50 UTC
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 07:56:50 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location 14.191°N, 91.407°W
Depth 108.7 km (67.5 miles)
Region GUATEMALA
Distances 70 km (40 miles) S of Quezaltenango, Guatemala
105 km (65 miles) WSW of GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala
120 km (75 miles) SE of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
1005 km (620 miles) ESE of MEXICO CITY, D.F., Mexico

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 6.2 km (3.9 miles); depth +/- 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Parameters Nst=161, Nph=161, Dmin=446.2 km, Rmss=1.05 sec, Gp= 94°,
M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=8
Source USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

Event ID us2008lvad

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

We are all fine here in the city. The front desk called us to tell us our internet was back on...Mom asked what just happened and she calmly said "It was an earthquake...no need to be concerned." Easy for someone to say that had exerienced them before. We were VERY VERY CONCERNED.

Drew was scared but quickly fell asleep on the couch after it was over. I will keep you posted. We are hoping the people closer to the quake are alright. Some people live in very primative housing. I am sure there will be more news later this evening or in the morning.

I am going to try to go to bed...that was too much excitement for me. We have 11 more days until we are home....and they cannot pass quickly enough for us!

1-4 Ballerina in Training

2008-01-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

We had a fashion show this morning!

1-3-07 "double date"

2008-01-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

Drew and I went to the Marriott to have dinner with Ed, Amanda and Gabi before they leave. They are returning home in the morning and we needed to see them one more time. Our families have become very good friends. I am so grateful our paths crossed through our adoption journeys. It is hard that we are taking Emma home and they are not able to take Gabi home yet. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We need them to get back into PGN and OUT and to get Ms. Gabi home ASAP!

Right before we left Mom told Drew to have fun on his date with his Mommy. He said "it's not just a date with Mom it is a DOUBLE DATE with Ed and Amanda and little baby Gabi!" He was so excited to go. When we pulled up to the front of the Marriott he said "this is our hotel, Mom." He loves the Marriott. We went up to their room to get some baby food and Drew said let me push the button...and started to push 11. (11 is the floor we always went to.)

When we got there Amanda told us we had to go to Tyler's party. He turned 1 yesterday and is about to go home. His Mommy and Daddy ordered him a wonderful cake and a HUGE ELMO pinata. It was a lot of fun.

Here are some pictures from our double date and birthday party. (My batteries were dying so my pictures aren't the greatest.)Emma and Mom stayed at home and rested. They weren't in the party mood---Mom is still sick and Emma went to bed early last night.

1-2-08 Power is coming and going

2008-01-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

But so far it has only been off a few minutes at a time--several times but luckily it comes back on. It has been dark and windy and yuckie for the most part of today. We did escape a few minutes in the sun this afternoon in the courtyard but it was way too cold and windy for swimming.

Here are pictures from our window---usually the city is bright and busy...not so much so this evening.

1-2-08 We have a ROOM!

2008-01-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

WE HAVE A ROOM!

That says it ALL. Today is going to be better day! We have a place to stay. We are exploring and getting more comfortable with our new hotel. Today we are going to go and explore the shops here and the ones across the street. It is hard to make the days go fast and to not focus on how much longer we are "stuck" here. Today at breakfast my mom said we are "POAs" Prisoners of Adoption. That made me smile and in a way we are. We are stuck in the hotel with not that much to do. We have to put our smiles on and suck it up for Drew and Emma. Yesterday there was talk about us returning to the states (especially if we couldn't get rooms) and then Rob and I coming back down on the 13th and staying till the 16th. The more I thought about that...I just couldn't do it to Emma. She has already been left behind by two moms and I couldn't be the third. And it wouldn't be right to do that to her first family. They were so upset when they had to tell her good bye. I couldn't make them do it again. Emma has bonded so well to me, I couldn't leave her and lose the trust we have already established. We will suck it up and keep marking off the days will we can bring her home.
Knowing we have a place to stay that will not require me moving EVERYTHING again, is helping with my stress. I feel so much better today.
I also talked to Carolina this morning. She said that she will pick me up and take me to the Embassy on the 14th. She will stay with me and then bring me back to the hotel. I have been smiling since that conversation too. I was worried about getting there, knowing what to do, and where to go all by myself. Thanks for the words of support and prayers. They are working. Things are falling in place and I needed this to happen so I would lose my mind.
I will post some pictures of our new hotel and our trip outside the hotel later this afternoon/evening.
(((HUGS)))
Amy

1-1-08

2008-01-01T21:10:00.001-05:00

Pictures as promised.
Here are a few from the pool. (Rob got in on Christmas but I didn't have my camera. He wasn't feeling good the day we got in and I had my camera....but he did swim on Christmas and the day after!) The boys got such a kick out of saying they were swimming when Santa came and it was snowing in Ohio!

My browns fans in training! Santa is a GOOD MAN!

Pictures from our move and from today. Our friends came over today to check on me and try to lift my spirits. They are the sweetest people ever---thanks Ed and Amanda!

Happy New Years...sorta!

2008-01-01T10:47:00.001-05:00

I promise pictures and updates this evening. It has been a rough couple of days. Mom, Rob and I are still sick....so that makes it hard. We were "kicked out" of the Marriott....there were no rooms at the inn. Rob, Dad and Jay left yesterday and we had to find a new hotel yesterday. We are at the Westin but can only get a room here till the 11th. The government is changing power on the 11th and the hotels are going to FILLED with important government officials. So we currently have no place to stay for the last 5 nights of our trip. Jay cried.....and cried....and cried all morning yesterday before he left. He kept saying "I want my mommy....I want my mommy." He begged me to allow him to stay----saying he would be so good and I called his principal. It was an emotionally draining day. We still have 2 weeks and 1 day here....that is hard to type. I have never been away from Jay (or Rob) that long before and having no place to stay and being sick is adding to the horrible sadness I feel.

I did have a GREAT night of sleep and am feeling better this morning. I have to make the best of the time I have left...my plan is to keep as busy as possible to hopefully make the time past faster. We had friends go to the embassy yesterday morning and were told that there are NO sooner appointments---unless babies are very sick and need to get home to go to the doctor. Thank GOD we do not have that issue to speed up our appointment. We will continue to wait it out...and look for a new hotel to stay in.

Sorry for the delays in posts.....I have just been sad, sick and miserable.

I promise tonight some pictures! I have a few great ones with the boys and Emma in their BROWNS jerseys! Even though we didn't make the play offs a 10-6 season is very GREAT! I am proud to be a BROWNS fan!

I miss you all!
((((HUGS)))
Amy

Dinner to celebrate

2007-12-29T10:59:00.001-05:00

To celebrate our PINK and Embassy appointment being scheduled, we went out to eat with Ed, Amanda and Gabi! Mom and Dad kept the boys---we ordered them a pizza and they were excited! We went to the Westin and had dinner at a very nice Italian place. It is amazing to be around many adopting parents...hearing their stories, seeing the way they interact with their babies. Many were sad as they were only visiting. I hope that the fact that we are being able to take Emma home this trip will help them keep the faith that their babies will come home. I told one lady who had already given her baby back that I know how hard it is to have to hand them over....but to keep her chin up and know that one day---hopefully soon--she will return and get to pick up her baby!

Gabi is an angel. She is so happy and content always. She played, smiled and giggled during dinner. Her mommy and daddy made her a bottle and she ate it with no problems and went right to sleep on Amanda's lap. She couldn't have been any better.

Emma on the other hand... she needs to have her things EXACTLY the way SHE wants them. We couldn't get her bottle the perfect temp---I held it over the candle trying to get it warmer and then we requested a glass of HOT water to put the bottle in to warm it up. NOPE she refused to eat it even though she was STARVING and way over due for a bottle. When we got home (yes, I call the Marriott home now) she couldn't get her bottle down fast enough. People at dinner kept saying how beautiful she was. We got lots of "what a pretty baby" even when she had her not so happy face on. She is perfect and we love her so much!

Here is a picture Amanda took of us before we left.

12-29--this says it all!

2007-12-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

EMMA IS PRETTY IN PINK!

We have PINK....not as early as we had hoped...Monday January 14th at 7:15 am. Her Visa will be ready on Tuesday January 15th and we will be searching for flights for WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16th! Emma is COMING HOME..... in 18 days and counting!

(Now there is still the SLIM chance that our congressman's office can work to get our appointment moved up.....that would be great as the Marriott bill is quickly getting out of control...but worse case scenario EMMA WILL BE IN OHIO on Wednesday JANUARY 16th! She is SO WORTH the WAIT...I promise this little girl will NOT disappoint those of you who are anxiously awaiting her arrival!)

We are BACK!

2007-12-27T20:37:00.001-05:00

It was so much fun. The ride to the lake was LONG, BUMPY and CURVEY...but being able to experience more of Emma's country was amazing. I promise to post more tomorrow...but here are a few pictures from our 2 day trip. These pictures do not capture the beauty of the lake for the amazing feeling of the area. Standing inside the bottom of HUGE volcanoes is something we will never forget.

Merry Christmas from Guatemala ! ! !

2007-12-25T11:35:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful morning and are off to the pool! Can you imagine opening presents and then going for a swim in the pool. No white Christmas for us. We love Guatemala!

Tomorrow is a big day. We leave at 6:00 am to go to the lake. We are spending the night and then coming back on the next day. I will not have my computer but will take LOTS and LOTS of pictures and will post as soon as I can!

Merry Christmas from Guatemala!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-24T22:35:00.000-05:00

We have BIG NEWS....SANTA shipped a Wii and tons of GAMES to Bob and Floyd's! (I told Rob to bring the Wii stuff in his carry on because I was afraid that someone might be too tempted on Christmas Eve if it was in his bag being checked. Well when they went through security, they made Rob unpack it and checked all the parts---with Jay standing there saying "Is that ours...I wanta play i... NOW!" So he had to fess up and say that Santa was afraid he couldn't find us in Guatemala and sent the stuff to Dad's work. They have been playing it all evening...and seem to really like it.

They will be surprised to see that Santa has been in our room. Right after Emma went to bed and the boys went to my parents' room to go to sleep...we had a visitor!

We hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas EVE!

2007-12-24T18:09:00.000-05:00

The boys made it! We can start our Christmas celebration! We are getting ready to go to dinner but I will get some good pictures of Daddy, Pap Pap and Jay with Emma. Here are a few that were taken while we waited for them to arrive.

We miss each of you and it is hard to be away from home for the Holidays. For so many years we have done close to the same thing on Christmas Eve and Christmas. This year is totally different. We are thankful to all be together but are sad too that we are not home with our families. Keep those trees up! We are going to have CHRISTMAS again as soon as we are able to bring our baby girl home!

Merry Christmas!

12-23 Getting ready for CHRISTMAS

2007-12-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

I called down to the front desk today and asked them if there might possibly be a little tabletop Christmas tree we could use. I explained to them that I was going to have a 4 and 6 year old that needed a tree for Christmas. The lady at the front desk said she would have to talk to management and they would see what they could do. I was praying for something I could sit on the round table and put their presents under after Santa visted.....but instead I got this...

I had brought ribbon that worked great. We went downstairs and bought some Guatemalan ornaments (the weaved animals) and the wooden painted angels. I am so excited about the tree. Drew and Emma even helped! The bulbs are plastic so she can pull them off and we just have to put them back on!

Here are some more pictures from late this afternoon and dinner. I need to celebrate my smiling little girl after the Browns lost...I hate when they lose...but hate even more when they lose to the HORRIBLE Bengals! Grrr YUCK!

I hope these pictures will lift your spirits as much as they did mine!

12-22

2007-12-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

Another day down! Today was fun. We spent most of the day around the pool with a family from Seattle. They are adopting thier first child and they are waiting out pink too and brought Isabel's grandmother. They are a neat family and it helps to pass the time to talk to new people.
I am off to bed early tonight. My browns play tomorrow and I have to be well rested to cheer them on from Guatemala. There is a chance it will be on the CBS network...if so I am in HEAVEN. If not, then I will be following the real time blog and listening to it on the NFL team radio network. (Yes I paid to join the network on another trip when the Browns were playing the RAVENS....it has been worth EVERY PENNY!) GO BROWNS!

Here are a few pictures.

12-22 (early morning post)

2007-12-22T05:52:00.000-05:00

Emma got up for her 3:00 am bottle and I cannot go back to sleep. So what better thing to do than update her blog and add some new pictures.

Yesterday was really pretty good after we dealt with the fact that our DNA results were lost and we are going to be MUCH here longer than expected. I truly believed we would all come home on Dec 31 with the "boys". I thought we would be starting 2008 introducing Emma to everyone who is so so so excited to meet our little angel...but it looks like God has other plans for Emma's arrival home...and it is OK. She is coming home and I have to be patient (those of you that know me well know patience is NOT one of my virtues) and sit back and enjoy the end of this amazing journey. I am now wondering at $145 a night - with no end in sight - if leaving my job was the best choice for me?! Maybe I needed to stay on full time to pay my hotel bill that is quickly turning into a NIGHTMARE BILL! It will all work out...and I have no idea how I could leave Emma to work full time. She gets upset when I leave the room to go to the bathroom without her! I am seeing some of that classic 9 month old separation anxiety...and honestly what did we expect? Of course, she is going to panic and worry when I leave...so many others have had to leave her and not been able to return.

I am not sure who will stay with me after the 31st. We are just going to have to see what the next week brings and then make the best decision for everyone. We are so excited for the boys to arrive. Drew is counting down the days till Jay is here to play. Jay keeps saying how much he misses his brother. (I am going to remind both of them this after Jay is here about 2 hours and they are fighting over something---I am a realist I know it is going to happen!)

Here are some pictures.

I will continue to update with pictures but there will be no more "PINK related" updates until the first of the year. I am not sure if the lab was able to get the resend the results yesterday or not. EVERYTHING is closed in Guatemala next week....so January 2nd will be our next waiting date for more case related updates about Emma's returning home. We have a great week planned and I refuse to focus on the disappointment of the Embassy's mistake any longer!

12-21 2nd DNA----MIA

2007-12-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

Yep...you read it correctly! Our congressman's office has confirmed that our DNA (although it was signed for and delivered Monday at 4:41p.m.) is not there. They will gladly schedule me an appointment as soon as the proper paper work arrives....or maybe they sould say as soon as it arrives AGAIN!

Does anyone know if the Easter Bunny comes to Guatemala? It is feeling like we are going to be here MUCH longer than expected.

I am trying not to panic.....but COME ON. I just want to BRING EMMA to OHIO!

While typing this I got an e-mail from my agency. They are contacting the lab to resend the results. GRRR about 2 more weeks wasted!

On a happy note...today is my grandfather's birthday! Happy Birthday PAP...I hope you have a great Pizza Party!

12-20 Evening

2007-12-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

I took Emma to the doctor this afternoon. We wanted to check her throat and ears to make sure there was no infection. She also woke up with a rash on her back this morning. So we thought a check up was in order.

It went well. Emma didn't have strep or an ear infection. She just has respiratory issues that require two new meds and nasal spray. (She HATES her nasal spray!)The rash is because her skin is so sensitive. We were given special soap and cream for her back. So hopefully these meds will get into her system and she will feel much better tomorrow. Even when she isn't feeling 100% she is still so good and so happy. She really is one of the happiest babies I have ever seen.

After the appointment, Drew and I went to the pool. He needed some alone Mommy time. It was fun. Mom read a magazine and Emma napped poolside. If I am going to be down here for WEEKS and WEEKS, I will return to Ohio with a wonderful TAN!

Here are a few pictures and a video from today.

Emma isn't really crawling but she can get anywhere she wants by rolling and scooting.

No pink today....but maybe tomorrow. I hear there could be some issued on FRIDAY...and tomorrow is Friday so I am praying that our turn is close!
I will post as soon as I know more!

12-20 Morning Update

2007-12-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

Today has been better! Emma threw up again last night but seems to feel fine after she throws up. She is eating just fine and not running a temp. I called the lawyer and she is calling me back with the number to the clinic Emma goes to...just to make sure there is nothing we need to be watching for. I think as long as she continues to eat--she eats very, very well...we don't have too much to worry about. It is probably just a cold where all the sinus drainage is making her sick in the evening. I will keep you posted on how our little girl is feeling.

We had a visitor today. Astrid came here this morning to drop of some more of Emma's things. You can tell Astrid is struggling with missing Emma horribly. Emma was very excited to see Astrid too. Drew went with me and when Astrid walked away to get paper to write something to me (it is hard to communicate in my toddler spanish), he became very upset and said "where is she taking our baby?" I assured him she was just walking to the front desk but you could see he was alarmed. I promised him we would NEVER have to leave her again.
Here are some pictures from this morning. Can you see how LOVED Emma is? We couldn't have had a better first family for our little girl.

Astrid and her family bought these for Emma. They are PINK. I am hoping there is a PINK theme for today. I hope we GET PINK!

Also this was left in our bathroom last night.....do you see a THEME?

Let's pray PINK is in our NEAR future!

12-19 Happier Update

2007-12-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

We are feeling better. But when you see some of these pictures you will see we are not 100%! My mom is AWESOME. She has had to take care of 3 of us...and has been nothing but smiles---well except when she was reminding me I said I could come on my own! Gotta love your Mom! Mine is the greatest!

We were able to venture out of the room today so room service could come. It was in desperate need of attention! I put clothing on too! I was impressed. We took Drew down for lunch cause he needed to get out of the room and I was able to eat 2 big spoons of white rice. Emma is eating and drinking very well but is sneezy and coughing and holding her throat. I will probably call the lawyer tomorrow to see if we can get her a doctor appointment if she isn't better. I don't want her to be sick on the holiday when everything closes.

Here are some pictures from this afternoon.

One last picture of me Drew took to show Daddy "just how sick mommy is" Enjoy Rob...I typically would NEVER post a pic this bad....but it does document the last two days and how HORRIBLE I was feeling! The worse part is I am feeling much better when this was taken...thank goodness he didn't get the camera when I was sick and laying on the floor!

Amy

12-19

2007-12-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing good to report. Emma isn't feeling well. She is very sneezy, congrested and threw up on Monday night. I have have been HORRIBLY sick too...like laying in the bed, the floor and bathroom since Monday night...NOT fun at all! I am at least up today and moving to check my e-mail. It is miserable to be sick here. My mom has had to take of everyone! OMG it really is bad here.

Please pray that we are all feeling better soon. So the rest of our trip is more enjoyable. It is really rough right now.

Amy

Results logged into Embassy

2007-12-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

This means that we are officially waiting for PINK. Once PINK comes...it will tell us when we have an Embassy appointment. Once we get the appointment, we can plan to come home two days after the appointment!

Check out this video of Ms. Emma in hall in her walker.

One more---enjoy!

(Shelia...these are especially for you!)

12-17 Evening pictures

2007-12-17T18:52:00.000-05:00

Emma isn't feeling that well...but we were able to get some great pictures! She is very, very sneezy and has a HORRIBLE runny nose. She can walk everywhere in her walker. She really enjoys the freedom of her new found abilty to move everywhere!She is reaching for me and snuggling with me. She fell asleep in my arms this afternoon after her bottle. The journey to attachment is under way!

12-17 Morning update

2007-12-17T10:36:00.000-05:00

Emma did well but wouldn't eat last night and was up several times. This morning she still didn't want her bottle but did eat 2 servings of cereal! She is sneezing and has a runny nose. She seems to be happy but you can tell she is trying to adjust and missing her first family.

She LOVES her brother. OMG she thinks he is the greatest thing in the world! She loves his hair---we think she isn't used to seeing light hair and smiles at him the most.

Here are some pictures from last night and this morning.

Keep watching....I will be posting as much as I can!
Amy

She is here

2007-12-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

It was a rough evening for everyone. There was horrible traffic and Emma arrived very late. We actually thought there was a change in plans and she wasn't going to come until tomorrow. When Astrid and Christian brought her here it was very hard. They thought she was leaving tomorrow so they got the call and said "take her to the hotel"...how tough is that? I hate to see the pain they are dealing with...their love for Emma is amazing.

They stayed for about a half of an hour and then said their tearful goodbyes and left. It was really tough. Drew and Emma played for a few minutes on the couch before she realized they were gone....and she started to cry. She ate a little of her bottle and went to bed.

I will post pictures tomorrow. I have been up since 3:30 am OH time and I about to crash.

Please keep her first family in your thoughts and prayers. Astrid said Sofia was very, very upset to tell Emma bye. This is so difficult for everyone.

12-16 We are here!

2007-12-16T17:22:00.001-05:00

Our flights were pretty good. We were delayed in arriving but did get to our hotel around 2:00 Guatemala City time. I just talked to our lawyer and she was calling Astrid. Emma will be here in 1-2 hours. Astrid lives a good distance from the city! I am so excited!

Please keep Emma's first family in your thoughts and prayers. This day has to be horribly difficult for them. The love Emma more than words and telling her bye will be awful for them and for Emma. If you watch Emma with them, you can see how much she loves her first family too.

I will update you with pictures as soon as she arrives! Not much longer now!

12-15 less than 24 hours...

2007-12-15T22:36:00.000-05:00

...Emma will be in our ARMS FOVEVER. I have to be honest....it doesn't seem real. I remember how I felt the night before Jay was born and again the night before Drew was born (both were induced by the doctor). And now I sit in the hotel and wait for 3:30 am when my alarm will go off and we will hurry off to our flight, I am filled with many of the same feelings. With Jay, I was worried about the kind of mommy I would be. Would I be able to take care of a tiny little baby? Would I know what to do when he cried? Would he like me? Then, when I was about to have Drew I worried about how I would take care of two. Could I love this little boy as much as I loved my first little boy? Would I be able to be a good mommy to two? Can I teach them both all the things they need to know?

Now I when I think about tomorrow I am filled with thoughts of apprehension. 3 babies...what was this only child thinking? I am excited but do I know how to juggle everything that needs to be juggled? Can I teach her about her birth country, birth mother, first family and circumstances that brought her to our family in a way that shows her how much she is loved, valued and wanted? How do I keep a relationship with her first family...they love her so much and she loves them so much, I want to keep them a part of our family in some way. How will we deal with struggles in attachment that are sure to accompany this HUGE transition that is about to happen her life. How will I learn to juggle all that comes with having three children age 6 to 8.5 months? How will I make each of my children feel like the center of my world---even if just for a few hours of alone Mommy and me time? How do I not let Jay turn into the "go get things/baby sitter"? How do I not allow Drew to become the classic middle child who is always lost in the middle? How do I teach Emma to be independent and strong when she is the baby and everyone wants to do things for her?

The one thing that is different this time is I know that I have more than enough love for all of them. It wasn't hard for me to love Drew as much as Jay as I once feared. It will not be hard for me to love Emma just as much as I love the boys. Tomorrow when she handed to me forever--it is going to be one of the best days of my life. Knowing what all this amazing, beautiful little girl had to experience to find us---is a miracle. I would have never dreamed that I would be traveling to Guatemala to have a daughter...but that is what I am going to do tomorrow. I will be given Emma and she will be loved unconditionally forever. One of my students wrote a comment that means so much to me. It said, "I didn't think you could be any nicer or smile any more...until I saw you talk about your children and your smile glows." That observation is a gift to me. I couldn't be any happier than when I am talking about my family. They mean so much to me. Rob and I have been on some amazing journeys and bring Emma home is the highlight of all our journeys. We will do everything we can to be the best parents to all three of our children. Typing "all three of our children" is something this only child is THRILLED to type!

Tomorrow will be one of the best days of my life.
We are starting a new chapter...I couldn't be more excited.

12-14 DNA RESULTS IN GUATEMALA

2007-12-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

Emma's 2DNA was a match and is in transit to GUATEMALA CITY! This is HUGE! Now all we are waiting for is it to get to the US Embassy so they can issue PINK. Pink will tell us when we are to be at the embassy for our appointment.

The end is so near!

UPDATE 10:00
Dec 14, 2007 3:00 PM

Held at FedEx location for recipient pickup

GUATEMALA CITY GT

Package available for pickup at: AVENIDA EL FERROCARRIL 19-97

It is there...and waiting for someone to sign. It will probably be Monday before someone comes to get it....but at least it beat us there!
Today has been wild as we get ready for our last trip to Guatemala for awhile! I just cannot believe in LESS than 48 hours Emma will be in my arms forever...wow it is unbelievable to know how close we are to having Emma forever.

I will keep you posted! Pray the weather holds and we are able to get out of Columbus with no problems. We are scheduled to arrive in Guatemala around 12:30 on Sunday!

12-11 DNA is being processed!

2007-12-11T09:29:00.001-05:00

I talked to the lab this morning. They have Emma's sample and are in the process of processing it. They said it typically is a 2-3 turn around. They also said that it should go to Guatemala on Friday or Monday at the latest. Let's pray it beats us there and arrives on Friday! We have confirmed that we will get Emma on Sunday December 16th! We are so excited. Drew and I have a count down and this morning when he woke up for school he said..."put your thumb down Mama." I said what? He said "last night it was your whole hand and now Tuesday is done....put your thumb down and let's count them!" Last night in bed we were talking about how many more days till we leave. (We leave on Saturday to stay all night and fly out 6:00ish Sunday morning. It was all my fingers!) He is so much like me. As soon as we are up and moving the day is done!

We are getting so so so CLOSE!

12-10 Update

2007-12-09T23:34:00.000-05:00

We have our FLIGHTS! We are going to leave on Saturday evening to go to the airport and flying out Sunday morning at 7:15. We had planned on going on the 17th but the flights were $200 CHEAPER a person if we went on Sunday. I am not sure if Emma will be given to us on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning...but either way...we are getting so close!

Now I wasn't planning on going till Dec 24th and I am last minute shopper. So as of Friday I had 6 presents! Saturday Rob and I went to Columbus! We shopped HARD and only have about 3 more things to buy! The malls were HORRIBLE---way too many people on Saturday. We went to dinner with friends, spent the night and the shopped all day today too! We got so much that we had to lay the seats down in the Tahoe and I had to put a few things on my lap to get this evening.

Look at this....Here are a few pictures after we unloaded our car. Yes it was ALL in my Tahoe! Thank goodness I don't drive something small!

I am so excited! I cannot wait to be back in Guatemala with Emma. Now I am inside a WEEK to Ms Emma...that is amazing!

12-7 Second DNA DONE!

2007-12-07T17:16:00.001-05:00

It was taken this morning and is on its way to the lab in North Carolina! We are so excited! I feel like we are in a dream---this doesn't even seem real. We are praying to have her home by Christmas, but are preparing for a Christmas celebration in Guatemala if she isn't home. Either way on Dec 17th--Emma will be given to me and I will NEVER have to hand her back! She will be ours forever!

The plan is for Mom, Drew and I to fly down to Guatemala on the 17th. If we can get her home by Christmas, we will pay whatever and come home. If we cannot, Rob, Dad and Jay will join us in Guatemala on the 24th. Then we will all return home when we can with EMMA!

We are so thankful for the love, prayers and support we have received. This journey has been a roller-roaster ride. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. I was always taught everything good times time and energy and isn't easy. But honestly, we could not have prepared ourselves for this journey.

As happy and excited we are to have Emma home, it is difficult for me to think about Emma's first family. They have loved her and cared for her and made her the adorable, healthy little girl she is today. They are not just people who did a "job" or "service" for us. I believe they are our family. I will do everything I can to keep in contact with them after we return home. I know this will be important for Emma when she is older. She will want to know as much about her first family and early months of live as she can. I will do everything I can to help her gain as much information as possible.

Thanks for reading, posting and supporting us!
Our family has grown and grown over this journey and I will always be thankful for the relationships Emma brought to us.

12-5 We have SNOW!

2007-12-05T22:20:00.000-05:00

Not a lot of SNOW but there is SNOW! I have been thinking about how Emma will do with the cold, windy, snow of OHIO. Winters here can get very, very cold and she is coming from the country of eternal spring! It is funny when go there and see people in coats---zipped and hoods and it is like mid 60s! We are in shorts! It is really a different climate and culture! I was told most Guatemalans get cold when the temperature gets below 65! I am not sure what the people there would think about single digits!

Here are a few pictures. We are trying to get some of our Christmas stuff out. The first thing I put out this year is a nativity scene I bought in Guatemala. Look at it closely...how many US nativity scenes have you seen with a palm tree? I LOVE it!We are not going all out like we usually do because we will more than likely not be here for Christmas. We will probably be going to down to be with Emma and bringing her home but the chances of a Christmas home coming get smaller and smaller and each day passes. We NEED to have DNA completed and on its way to the lab....to my knowledge that has not yet happened. I will post more when I hear!

We have ORANGE 12-4

2007-12-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

Our 2nd DNA is being scheduled today. Hopefully it will happen soon...by the end of the week at the latest! After the test is taken here's what has to happen:

1. Results to go lab in North Carolina
2. Lab determines it is a MATCH
3. Results are sent to Embassy in Guatemala
4. Embassy gets results and issues PINK - Embassy appointment
5. I (Rob too if he is there) go to appointment with Emma and pay fees
6. Next day Visa is delivered to me and we can FLY HOME as soon as we can get a ticket.

I am praying Emma is home by Christmas....keep praying her home. It is working!

I am pricing departing tickets. After I talk to my agency later today or tomorrow and we see when the DNA test is schedule, I will book my flight. This is the process where it is hard to predict--with the weather and holidays and the amount of holiday travel, I want to be in the hotel and waiting on my pink and my appointment. What we do NOT want to happen is for us to get an appointment, and then not be able to get there due to flights or weather and have to reschedule it. We want to make sure we do everything possible on our end to not delay the process and get Emma home ASAP!

I will keep you posted!

Emma's Room

2007-12-02T18:52:00.001-05:00

Today we worked on Emma's room! It is not 100% complete...and if you look closely you will see there is NO baseboard yet...but it is coming along. I have waited so long for a pink little girl room! I bought the paper months ago but didn't want it put up until I KNEW Emma was ours and coming home! I was too afraid to move on it too early when the fear of something happening was still present. Now she is ours and she is going to come home.
I have lots of stuff to still do...but I am proud of what we have done so far! In a few weeks (a month at the MOST) she will be in it....we CANNOT wait!

I will post more when it is 100% complete---and Emma is in it!

More News!!!

2007-11-30T17:30:00.000-05:00

It just keeps getting better and better!
I got another e-mail from our agency....here is what is said

NEXT - - - Her passport and birth certificate (with her new last name) are done! The papers will be submitted to the Embassy next week and when I get the authorization, I'll order the 2nd DNA.

Soon!!!

Here is what we are waiting:
1. DNA authorization ORANGE (the paper it comes on is orange!)
2. DNA test--only done on Emma to ensure the same baby that started is the one that finished.
3. DNA results to embassy
4. WAITING ON PINK (pink paper that says when our Embassy appointment date)
5. Go to appointment and provide needed forms
6. Wait 1 day to get VISA and COME HOME

Yes I typed COME HOME! Emma is coming home soon! There is a real chance that she will be home before CHRISTMAS! Keep the prayers coming!
Christmas in OH would be wonderful!

7 greatest words....

2007-11-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

Emma is a Hxxxxxxer! Birth Mother signed!!!

That is what the e-mail from my agency said this evening. I think we are now waiting on Emma's new birth certificate from Zacapa with our last name on it! Then we will be waiting for our 2nd DNA test and results to come to the embassy. After they have the results and confirm the same baby that started the process ends the process, they will issue PINK and schedule our embassy appointment! We will go to the embassy in Guatemala City and then the next day we will get Emma's visa and she will be ready to come HOME. Yes I just typed it....EMMA IS COMING HOME! Praise the LORD!

Tomorrow we are starting on Emma's room. Her wallpaper has been ordered and in for a few months but I just couldn't hang it until I KNEW she was coming home. It is being put up tomorrow! I will also be getting a new crib this weekend. I hope to be able to post pictures of her new room soon.

We really appreciate everyone....all your love and support is what got us through this and kept us going. We are bringing our girl home! I am just as excited to introduce Emma to each of you---as I know you all are to meet her. Soon....very soon she will be here!

Please pray for our friends

2007-11-28T18:36:00.000-05:00

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. They learned today that they were kicked out of PGN again for the 3rd time. This news was not at all expected. We are devastated for them. Our journey to Emma has been filled with highs and lows. One high was the friendship we established with Ed and Amanda. Gabi is adorable and they love her so much. Please pray that their lawyer quickly fixes the issue and they go back in PGN and get out VERY, VERY soon. This family really needs your prayers...I can not even imagine how difficult this news is for them to get today.

Here are some pictures of Emma with her friend---and our friends.

WE LOVE EMMA!

2007-11-27T10:59:00.001-05:00

There are so many pictures that show how much we all love EMMA! It was a very, very busy and many times STRESSFUL trip---but it was so worth it. For the boys to get to meet and fall in love with Emma, it made all the work and stress with it! We are counting down the days till we go back to get see her and GET her! I am praying we are able to bring her home this time....or we are able to make arrangements for me to be able to stay till she can come home. I don't want to have give her back again...I want to bring her HOME!

Turn off my song and watch and listen to this! Emma says MOM! I was going through my stuff this morning and found this video....it is too cute! I have her saying MOM and somethng that sorta sounds like Emma!

I have many friends who are so close to getting out. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers too. It is so important that they get our by December 31st if at all possible. I am praying them all of you!

Reflecting on Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T17:43:00.000-05:00

Many of our friends and family have asked what Thanksgiving was like for us this year. Honestly it was amazing---being OUT of PGN would make anything amazing and I still do not think our feet have touched the ground since we confirmed the news! Of course, it was difficult being away from what was familar to us. For almost 30 years Rob and I have been celebrating Thanksgiving with our families. For the over 15 years we have been together (dating and married), Thanksgiving has always been stressful for us....we always run from house to house and grandmothers to grandmothers...never wanting to hurt anyones feelings so always forcing ourselves to eat. I remember one Thanksgiving in High School where Rob and I ate at 6 different places in 1 day! Talk about work! Then I got smarter and would eat one thing at each stop--my mom always had the BEST dressing, Rob's mom had the best mashed potatoes, Nana's had sausage balls, Rob's grandma had deserts! Then the last few years Rob and I took the boys to Holden Beach in North Carolina. It was a great time to go as many poeple are not there and renting a great beach house is cheap! The boys loved having the beach to themselves and playing in the sand.
I am happy to report that this Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful too. We had the traditional things you would expect us to have like turkey, potatoes and corn and greenbeans. But there was NO DRESSING---one of my favorites! (We are leaving in a few minutes to go to my Mom's for a late Thanksgiving dinner with dressing!) Most importantly this Thanksgiving was spend with family and friends who are quickly becoming family. You never know where you are going to end up but as long as you surround yourself by good people---you will always be happy and memories will be made to last a lifetime.

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving in Guatemala!

Home safe and sound!

2007-11-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

We are back home!
Of course, we miss Emma but we know that she is in good hands and we have already started the count down to go back and be with her for Christmas! The flights home were fine but Jay got sick and threw up several times! He is feeling better today.

I was given a CD my our foster family FULL of PICTURES and VIDEO of Ms. Emma! I am so excited to look through them and I will post some periodically. I am also excited to go back through all my pictures and post some. (So keep checking the blog or you might miss something good!)

Rob and I had such an amazing time introducing Emma to the boys. They both really love their little sister. Today Drew was snuggling in bed with me and Jay came into my room. Drew said "Only baby Emma is missing Mom...then all the babies will be snuggling in your bed!" I assured him that before he knows it our baby Emma will be snuggling with us! What amazing children I have been blessed to have in my life.

Leaving again...

2007-11-23T10:47:00.001-05:00

...maybe this will be the last time we have to leave Emma and return home without her! We are hearing that OUT of PGN to pick up takes anywhere from 4 to 6 or even 8 weeks. We will be back down for Christmas and will have to see how close we are to our embassy appointment--if we are close we *might* stay the rest of the time and bring her home with us sometime in January! There is a lot of things that would have to fall in perfect place for us to have her home by Christmas...and honestly we are not even thinking that is chance. Our scheduled flights are Dec. 24th to Dec 31st. Maybe we will get an Embassy appointment a few days after Christmas and we can bring her home when we planned to return home.
I will know more in the next few weeks.

I have so much to blog about almost 3 full SD cards of pictures and video...just no time. Here are a few from this morning.

Please pray we have a safe trip home.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2007-11-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to go to Thanksgiving dinner...GUATEMALAN style. We hope all our family and friends had a wonderful day and took time to truly be thankful for all that we have.

Love,
Rob, Amy, Jay, Drew, and Emma

EMMA HAS NEWS

2007-11-21T16:52:00.001-05:00

I AM OUT of PGN!!!

We appreciate all the thoughts and support!
Your prayers worked! Our little girl is out of PGN!
We have so much to thank GOD for this Thanksgiving.

We miss you and hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,
Rob, Amy, Jay, Drew, and Emma

2007-11-20T19:14:00.000-05:00

Today has been another great day with Emma! She is so sweet. Emma stays happy and smiles from ear to ear. I got several pictures today with the boys and Emma after they got out of the shower. After looking at my pictures this evening, I started to see that my boys almost NEVER have clothing on! I swear they have nice, cute clothes too. Tomorrow I am going to get some pictures of them fully dressed with Emma!
It is much more difficult to blog, e-mail or get pictures with 3! There honestly is NO down time. I used to work on pictures and e-mails when Emma was sleeping. Today when Emma took a nap, Drew and I went out exploring the hotel. He was needing some mommy and Drew only time. We had fun. Jay has been all about the fitness room. I have the best video of him running on the treadmill!
Enjoy the pictures from tonight.
We have no new news about being on Barrios' desk. I will post as soon as I know more! Keep saying prayers that we hear we are out soon.

Pictures from November 19th

2007-11-19T23:17:00.000-05:00

AWAITING FINAL SIGNATURE

2007-11-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

This could be HUGE. I got an e-mail from our Congressman's office. Here is what it said:

Amy,

I just called PGN and they instructed me that it was waiting to be signed and it was on the final desk. I will follow-up with this tomorrow to confirm!

Now as awesome as this could be I need to warn you files go to the final desk for two reasons 1) YOU ARE OUT--PRAISE GOD or 2) You are getting another KICK OUT----NOT what we want to hear. If there is another KO this late in the game there is very, very little chance that Emma will be OUT of PGN by December 31st.

So please take a minute and say a prayer that we are getting the news we want to hear soon...that EMMA IS OUT of PGN and is "officially" our little girl!

I will be holding my breath until we hear.....and it could be anywhere from a day or two to a week or two----GOTTA LOVE GUATEMALAN TIME TABLES!

But I am so happy to hear there is movement. Now I am just praying that the movement is good and is going to bring us one step closer to getting EMMA home with her family!

(I will post more pictures and some new video later tonight when the boys to go to bed. We have had a busy day. I went with Emma to her doctor appointment this morning. She is doing wonderfully---has grown 2 cm and gained over 1.5 lbs. She is 19 lbs 10 oz. Astrid and her family have taken such wonderful care of our little girl!)

Say your prayers this is going to be great news!
Amy

November 18th

2007-11-18T21:27:00.001-05:00

It is so difficult to post pictures and really update like I would like to with 3 children! One is always needing something and at one time tonight ALL 3 were CRYING! It has been another great day but full of work.

Here are a few pictures and the link to not one but TWO videos!

Tomorrow Emma has a baby well visit and Carolina asked if I would like to go and meet the doctor. She said it would be a great time for me to ask any questions about her burn and her health. I cannot believe how well it looks. It only turns red when she SCREAMS...but most of the time you cannot even tell it happened. She is one lucky little girl.

Videos below: One is Emma blowing and talking and the other is Drew singing his ABCs to his new sister. Drew is so into being a big brother. Jay thinks she is cool but has been actively exploring every inch of the Marriott! He has made many friends but that leaves little time so far for pictures with his sister!

Night!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2007-11-17T21:57:00.001-05:00

Today couldn't have been a better Birthday for me! I do not have time to go into great detail because I only slept 3.5 hours last night! But I know many of you are checking to make sure we are here and are anxious to hear about the boys meeting Emma and see new pictures.

Emma is doing well. The boys and Pap Pap think she is great! I will post an update of today's events tomorrow after I sleep and can see what I time.

Lots more pictures and updates tomorrow!

(Shelia---I promise a VIDEO soon. I have two that are adorable...as soon as I get some sleep, I will upload them to the blog. I promise you will LOVE them! )

I am off to join the rest of family---everyone here is asleep!

Excellent story about current situation in Guatemala

2007-11-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

If you want to know more about the current situation and what all adopting parents fear the most, check out this link. This is a very accurate documentary of what is going on presently in Guatemalan adoptions.

I know one of the families interviewed for this segment by their local news. We have been friends since we both started this journey in early January. We just clicked and talk frequently via IM and e-mail. They are wonderful people and their story is a lot like ours---they have two wonderful sons ages 6 and 4ish like our boys. They felt like their family wasn't completed until they added a little girl to it. They entered PGN this week Nov. 12th and I am praying they have no KOs and are able to get their Christmas miracle and be out of PGN by the December 31 deadline.

(Copy and paste...I cannot get the link function to work.)

http://www.wisn.com/video/14602976/index.html

Keep praying we hear we are OUT of PGN soon....and before December 31st!

PGN update...still in

2007-11-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

My friend called today and reported back to me that we are still in PGN on the 2nd reviewer's desk. This is good....as long as we are there and not getting kicked out we are passing time and moving closer to Emma! It will be 7 weeks from our resubmit on Nov 16th and the day we leave from our visit on the 23rd will be 8 weeks. Our agency reports that it is taking anywhere from 7-9 weeks to get that OUT we are all longing for. We were informed that we will NOT be able to bring her home by Christmas....but that is ok. We are planning to go and be with Emma. We are looking at going Dec. 24th to Dec. 31st. As long as we are all together, it will be fine. Emma will come home and join our family as soon as she can...and we will love her and wait on her.
My earlier post about the change on Guatemala's side allowing the date to be extended to April might not be accurate anymore. Things change daily--no hourly--right now. It is important that we are out of PGN by December 31st. I will know more after I talk to our lawyer on Saturday. So please keep the prayers coming that we can put our time in PGN in and get OUT by the end of this year!

Happy Birthday JAY!

2007-11-11T11:58:00.000-05:00

We had another birthday to celebrate! My first baby boy is 6 years old! It is hard to believe he is getting so big. I remember when he was just a baby and the center of my world. He is still the center of our world...he just has company there with his brother Drew and his sister Emma!
Here are some pictures of the BIG Birthday boy!

The day we are leaving for our next visit trip is quickly approaching. We are packing and getting ready. Rob and I are so excited for the boys to meet Emma. They boys are excited too...they keep saying they are going to hug and kiss their sister. Drew also says that he plans to tackle his sister if she get's the football. He says Mama I am going to teach her how to play and then tackle her hard! We will have to make sure that Emma plays with her toys and not Drew's football. Jay is taking a book to read to her! Wonder who she will like playing with best...her brother that reads a book to her or her brother that teaches her how to play football and tackles? I have spent time with Emma and I think she might like the football game! She is going to love both her brothers so much!

We leave Friday....5 MORE days! We will get her on Saturday around 5 your time (3 Guatemala time!)

I am off to pack some more! It looks like we are moving. Packing for this many people is HARD. I guess I will get better with practice!

New medicial update

2007-11-07T10:04:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of Emma taken on October 24th are one of her doctor's appointments. You can see the burn...it is 4 days old. I talked to our lawyer and she has seen Emma and said it was a bad burn...but could have been so much worse. She asked about our thoughts of Astrid and I assured her we were VERY, VERY pleased. I know that this was an accident and that Astrid loves Emma as much as Emma loves Astrid.

We just need to get our little girl home. I am seeing PGN outs getting closer and closer to our resub date of Sept. 28th. Our congressman's office called yesterday and we are still on the 2nd reviewer's desk. We have be there since before Oct. 10th...so hopefully we will get to the last review Mr. Barrios' desk soon. Once we are there he typically approves or issues a KO in 1-10 days. We are praying for approval. Now that the "cut off" date has been reported to be changed from Dec. 31st to April 1st, I am feeling so much better. We will get her out and she will get home....way before April 1st, I pray!

Her are her stats:

Date - October 24, 07
Weight - 18.8 Pounds, Length - 67 CM, Head Circumference - 44.5 CM

Keep praying for her quick healing.
We leave in 10 days.....well now that I am up and move...I can count this day as over....we leave in 9 days...but who is counting?

BIG HAPPY NEWS

2007-11-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

We are NOT out of PGN yet---which would be the HAPPIEST news I could post but this report has me smiling and being about to breath. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted! We are going to get this baby girl home! Today is Jay's 6th birthday. We are going to busy celebrating Jay today and I will post pictures later!

Here is the report.

November 07, 2007
Ortega/Hague Update
Guatemalan papers are reporting that committees of Congress met yesterday on the adoption law. This was NOT the vote on the ammendments. But based on these reports, Guatemala will postpone implementing the Hague until April 1, 2008 in order to better coincide with the US's likely ratification date. Interestingly, one paper quotes US Consul General John Lowell as saying this is unnecessary.

In addition, one paper is reporting that the Ortega Law's effective date will be bumped back to April 1 as well. One story also mentions that one ammendment to be voted on is to permit singles to adopt.

Is that a sigh of relief I hear?

Once again, this all coming from Guatemalan papers.

Getting excited for our trip!

2007-11-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

In less than 2 weeks we will be visiting Ms. Emma again! I am so excited! We have done a little shopping. Here are some of the great things we are taking down. Rob and I got the boys and Emma new Christmas outfits. We are going to do our best to get a first family Christmas photo...wish us look. I know it is going to be difficult to get 5 smiling faces will all eyes open! Rob's mom got Emma a beautiful dress too. I am so excited to have a fashion show!

Today is the run off election in Guatemala. Hopefully today will go peacefully and someone will be elected who will put the many needs of people of Guatemala first. I am anxious to hear from agency this week and get new pictures of Emma. I want to see how her face is healing. I have been told it is healing nicely but I need to see her beautiful little face to feel better.

I am also hoping PGN have a BIG week with lots and lots of OUTS! They do not reopen until Tuesday so I am praying they enjoyed their time away and go back into their offices ready to move some cases out and help send many babies home before Christmas!

Happy 7 Months Emma

2007-11-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

Emma just turned 7 months! It is hard for me to believe it has been 7 months already! The first time I saw her she picture she was 2 days old and the first time I held her in my arms she was 11 days old. She was so tiny then....and now she is turning into such a big, beautiful little girl. I cannot wait to bring her home. I am doing my best to not stress about things I cannot control.
I learned from the agency yesterday that Emma had an accident on the 20th of the October. Hot water was spilled on her little face and she had some slight burning around her eye. They assured me that it was healing well and she is going to be ok. They said it did NOT blister and will be just fine. It is hard to know your baby is hurt and not be able to be there...to hug and hold and comfort her when she needs it. I know that Astrid and Christian are taking wonderful care of her. They love her so very much. We really are lucky.
We are starting to pack for our next trip. I cannot wait to see what Jay and Drew think about Emma! I am sure we are going to have 5 wild and crazy days ahead of us at the Marriott. I am doing to try to get them to venture out....maybe to the ZOO? I guess we will play it by ear and see what the climate is like in Gautemala. Guatemala has a run off election on November 4th. Keep the country in your thoughts. Elections in the past have been dangerous for the people of Guatemala. I pray that God puts someone in charge who is fair and honest and will put the needs of the people of Guatemala first!
Her are some pictures of Emma you probably haven't seen. I cannot wait to see her and get new pictures. I am also expecting new pictures of Emma and a medical. I am anxious to see how her little face is healing. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for your love and continued support,
Amy

More pictures!

2007-10-18T22:40:00.001-04:00

Coming home to more pictures of Ms. Emma is the greatest gift in the world!
Please Mr. Barrios let us out of PGN soon....we are so ready to bring her home!

October 17th---new pictures!

2007-10-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

Emma has the greatest first family in the world!
I got these pictures today! There was one more picture of Emma with Astrid's mom Lucky. Lucky is with Emma a lot and helps Astrid take great care of her! (I try not to post pictures of Emma's first family because I want to keep them safe. But the pictures is great and you can see how much Emma is loved by Lucky!)
These pictures make me even more excited to go and see her again. One month from today...but who's counting?!

How are we trying to DEAL with PGN..

2007-10-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

....KEEP AS BUSY as POSSIBLE!

Weekends are tough for adopting parents stuck in PGN. Every day I am checking my e-mail and the adoption boards like it is my other job! I cannot get away from my computer/e-mail and phone. I hang on the fact that any day could be the day when we get the call that we are OUT of the black hole of PGN! Weekends are so tough because nothing happens. There isn't that hope that the next phone call/ e-mail or voicemail could be the one that you have been praying and hoping to get...the call that says the Guatemalan government has approved you to adopt EMMA...she is YOURS! Here is what we did last weekend for Drew's birthday.

Luckily the next few weeks are going to be busy for us. Our family has several birthdays--Drew 10-14, Jay 11-7 and mine 11-17. I am getting the best present in the world this year...Emma in my arms! We will be arriving in Guatemala on my Birthday and Emma will be there to help me celebrate it!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that time will pass quickly and we will get that CALL that we are praying for.

More Emma pictures

2007-10-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more pictures of Emma that were taken on my last visit. We are booking our flights today for our next trip! Thanksgiving in Guatemala...I heard from someone who was there last year for Thanksgiving that the Marriott has a turkey and dressing dinner! I bet it won't be as good as Mom's...but at least they are trying!

Enjoy this slide show (I just learned how to do this!)

September medical update

2007-10-09T08:37:00.000-04:00

I received Emma's updated medical for the month of September.

KIMBERLY PEÑATE:
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - WEIGHT 16.15 POUNDS, LENGTH 65 CM. AND H.C. 43.5 CM.
VACCINATIONS OF THIS MONTH SECOND DOSES OF DTP, POLIO, HIB, HEP B AND NEUMOCOCO

PLEASE SIGN

2007-10-08T21:53:00.000-04:00

We have been very, very concerned about the current state of adoptions in Guatemala, the new laws being passed and the impact this will have on our ability to bring Emma home. Each of you know how much our entire family loves this little girl. We are doing everything we can to fight for her and to ensure her the opportunity to come home.

We need your help---now more than ever. Here is part of an e-mail I got today from our agency contact. We have surrounded ourselves with a great team---I believe the best agency and lawyers are working hard to help us complete this adoption.
Please take some time to read these petitions and sign them if you believe in them. Also, I know that many of you share my e-mails, pictures and blog address with others. Please continue to share this information. Please ask anyone you know that would be willing to support this cause to help. I know there are many churches and people praying Emma home. Rob and I are very appreciative---more than we can express in words to each of you for your continued support. We are not giving up hope. Emma belongs with our family and we are going to do everything in our power to get her home.

Thank you for your time and continued support,

Rob and Amy
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For those of you who have not received this petition please review and sign ...........Then pass it on to all those whom you believe would echo your sentiments.......Here is the opening paragraph of this petition.......we are definitely making an impact please keep it going..........

To: US-UNICEF supporters
As international adoptive families, adoption service providers, and supporters, we want to encourage the continued consideration of the best interests of children within the debate over intercountry adoption. Although we strongly applaud and support the goals of keeping biological families intact and ensuring that all of the world’s children can remain and thrive within their birth family or birth country, we recognize that such goals cannot be attained in a short period of time, and in fact are an ongoing process in every country including our own. In reality, every day a significant number of children are born whose parents do not have the resources to raise them as they feel they should. We believe that each of these children deserves a permanent loving home, adequate nutrition, shelter, and education, and the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. We believe that legal and ethical intercountry adoption provides a legitimate, necessary and current solution for these children, and that it is in the best interests of the individual child to be placed with a permanent family with a minimum of delay. Based on our experience, and with the goal of child protection as our primary emphasis, we offer the following positions:
http://www.petitiononline.com:80/guatpos/petition.html

There is another petition that was circulated by FOA after the DOS statement of the 25th.......This petition has over 31000 signatures.........It can be found at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

Thank you for all your support!