2-9-08 Emma's first family

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

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!

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

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

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!