Our Journey to you

The time has come.

2011-05-08T19:15:00.001-07:00

I am officially going to end this blog and start our new journey on our family blog. It is a private blog and if you are not already a viewer I can send you an invite. Just leave a comment letting me know you need invited with your email address. I will check here often so I can get everyone added who has followed our family's journey to Kinsey. It feels so weird ending this. It was like my online diary in a way. I am planning to turn it into a book so we can show it to her when she is older.

Kinsey has been home for almost 2 months now and is doing better everyday. She has officially went with her Nana on a trip to her house for a few hours. No tears! She wanted to go back. And she went with the neighbor for awhile today to play with no problems. Her English is improving. She spoke with our friend in Guatemala the other day and she could not make out anything Kinsey said unless it was in English. Kinsey's spanish is less frequent. It makes me sad but we just don't speak it fluently. She still says some small phrases, but mostly English words.

Hope you all decide to continue to follow this crazy family as we adjust to life as a family of 5!!!

Crazy zoo at our house.

2011-04-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Kinsey has been home for 4 weeks now. We had some sleeping issues at first and she was scared we were going to leave her. I can proudly say now that she is sleeping in her own bed all night. This includes being awake when she is in her big girl bed before falling asleep. HUGE milestone. She started in our room in a pack and play and any time we would even roll over in our bed she would jump up and start asking if we were there. This was happening every hour so we were getting exhausted. At first she would not even sit on her big girl bed in her room. We have came a long way. Also, she is letting loose and is letting other family members hold her and do things with her. She still has not been left alone with a family member, but this week we will be starting this for a few hours at a time. I have to return to work 2 weeks earlier than planned due to some staffing issues in my department. Bummer! I would prefer to stay and be mommy all day long everyday.

We had a welcome home party for Kinsey a couple weeks ago. Around 100 people stopped by to see our princess and welcome her to America. It was so nice to see everyone. We had a jumpy castle, cotton candy machine, and a mexican/taco bar. We even had some of our adoption friends whom we had never met in person, but have felt such a close connection to through this whole process come to visit. It was a great sunny day. Kinsey did well that day. She was more open than I expected. We were all exhausted afterwards, but well worth it. I did not get too many good pics because I was too busy trying to greet everyone.

We colored Easter eggs last week. Kinsey enjoyed that with Kainen. Gabe just hung out and watched.

Look at Kinsey's morning hair do.....Gabe could care less about his basket

We went to church Easter morning. What an awesome day. To be at church and have 2 new blessings with us to celebrate. Kainen was in his class. He chose not to sit with us in the Sanctuary. When we picked him up it was dark in the room and there was music and glow sticks waving everywhere. They were having quite a party.

We spent the day at Danny's mom and dads. We ate and had our annual egg hunt.

Gabe had a sucker and drank from his uncle's glass of pop so he had no nap all day until 5:30pm. He was way past due. He was pleasant, but in a sugar coma.

Those are a few things that have happened over the past month. Sorry I am a super slow blogger. We shall see what happens when I return to work. You may never hear from me again :)

Welcome Home Pictures

2011-03-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Personalize a free photo slideshow

First Official Family Photo At Home

2011-03-20T19:51:00.001-07:00

So much to say and so little time. Atleast for now I want to post our first photo as a family in our living room. This was taken by my friend shortly after we arrived home Friday night.

Photos from today

2011-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Before the Embassy Appointment

We have Visa!!!

Kinsey on U.S. Soil Friday!

2011-03-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

We had our Visa appointment this morning and was able to pick up our Visa this afternoon. So tomorrow is a free day for us to relax and enjoy. It still feels like a dream. When we walked out of the Embassy with the Visa we were hollaring Whoo-hoo! Kinsey had her arms up in the air on her Papa's shoulders yelling too. She was as excited as we were. She tells us all about her "new house" and who is going to be there. I think she is getting the concept. Our flight arrives in Indy at 4:59pm. It is on Continental. Can't wait for you all to meet her. I also can't wait to get to my home. I am done with Guatemala for awhile.

Pictures from today to come later after little ones in bed

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

We have an appointment for Wednesday morning at 10am. Whoo-hoo!!!!!! They emailed us and said it was for tomorrow, so I started emailing and calling people. Then within an hour, they emailed and said there would not be an officer to do the appointment tomorrow and rescheduled for Wednesday morning. That is ok I guess, cuz we are coming home. Another family with our agency also has the same Visa appt. time Wednesday. They are arriving tomorrow here at the hotel and we will get to enjoy this whole experience together. We did Kinsey's final doctor appointment tonight so that is why it took so long for me to post. I guess this is really happening. So our plan is to come home Friday on the 5pm flight, but don't make airport travel plans yet!!! We have to confirm a few things in the morning with Continental. I will post our official travel times later. Going to go dance the "happy" dance with Mia Familia.

Love ya all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darn terrorist threats....

2011-03-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last week there was increased security around the Embassy with roads blocked and extra guards around. We read that there had been a terrorist threat towards US Embassys. This morning we received another email that they were just waiting for the DNA results then they would schedule our appointment. They said that the results could be stuck in the mailroom. Danny, Kinsey and I thought we would take a little stroll to the Embassy this morning and maybe sift through the mail for them. I got to speak to the woman who had been emailing me back and forth and she explained to me what the delay was. She said if they get them from the mail room today they can schedule the appoinement tomorrow. If not then maybe for wednesday. Either way, it looks like we will be home thursday or friday. They said that is the only thing they are waiting on.

Update

2011-03-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Received an email from the Embassy that stated they had not yet received my DNA results. Um.....Yeah you did. So I sent an email back stating when it was delivered and who it was signed for by. Geez............ I can't catch a break. I hope it is not lost. Just my luck...................UGH!!!!!!!!!!

No Pink yesterday...

2011-03-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday bit the dust, so let's work on today. Even though I am down here in Guatemala, they still did not email me with an appointment. UGH!!! So I got up this morning and sent another email. I now know how crazy people start to become when they are this close to the end. Also Satan starts to put things in my head on why we don't have an appointment yet. Then the bad dreams start happening. I think I am losing it.

So PLEASE PLEASE give us pink today so I can get this celebration started!!!!!!!!!

Think Pink......Pray Pink.....

2011-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Eat pink, wear pink, smile pink, yell pink, drink til your pink. I don't care what you do that is pink. Just please do something that has to do with pink today. Our DNA was delivered and I already sent an email asking for a Visa Appt. ASAP!!! In the old adoption days the slip that told you when you had your appointment was the color Pink. So everyone who was close to this stage of the process would wear pink or something to help along the long anticipated wait for the date. So why don't you all join in and say "Bring on the PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will keep you posted.

It is finally hitting me.........

2011-03-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

that she is coming home. We received an email tonight from the lab stating that Kinsey's DNA results are ready to be shipped back to Guatemala. Wow! God answers prayers. That was super fast. We received a copy in the email showing she is still the same child that she was at the beginning of the process. Duh!! But anyway, part of the procedure. Here we go, it's the final countdown!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update

2011-03-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

DNA arrived in the US this morning. The lab said they could have results sent out this Wednesday to head to Guatemala. She said they should arrive on Friday. I will start stalking my new Embassy friend on Friday about getting me an appointment ASAP since we are here already. We still have to do Kinsey's final doctor appointment, but that can't happen until the Visa appt. has been issued. My goal is still to be home by the 17th or 18th. Since this week is just a hang out and wait week, we went to the mall and the grocery store again. We rode the carousel 2 times in a row. Good thing I had not ate lunch yet. I don't do spinning things very well anymore. She had a great time. Gabe gets a lot of attention when we go out because American babies aren't too common around here. Everyone stops to talk to him and he always puts on a show for them. I was thrilled today when I saw a Quizno's in the mall. I had been craving a sub and a cinnamon roll. They also had a Cinnabon. I was in heaven!! It doesn't take much to excite me these days. There is a new amusement park we are going to check out later in the week. Our friend here has invited us and it is supposed to be a lot of fun. It has a zoo, pools and rides. Just trying to pass the time. We plan on a final trip to Antigua maybe this weekend. I love it there and we can't wait to share it with Danny's mom. It is the heart of Guatemala and that is where I feel the most safe and where you really see the culture. I bet you can't carry a whole crate of coca-cola bottles on your head with no hands. I saw a woman doing that last time I was there. Crazy!!! I will try to post some more pics of the kids later.

DNA.......CHECK!!!!

2011-03-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

At the zoo!!

Kinsey fell asleep while watching her Bible songs DVD

So we were submitted to the Embassy on Wednesday and they only do DNA on Thursdays. I was frantic wed. afternoon trying to get a hold of someone at the Embassy to tell them I wanted to schedule the DNA appt. for the following day. My facilitator was able to make all those arrangements for me and I was able to take our daughter to the Embassy to get her DNA performed. There are 2 other families that are using the same lawyer as us that are coming home too. All 3 girls were together and one of the families is from my agency. It was such a relief to get this done so quickly. If it didn't happen yesterday, we were for sure here longer due to not being able to do DNA until next Thursday. Anyway, that part is done. The Embassy emailed today and needed additional paperwork since we changed lawyers in the middle of the process. I already knew this, so we have those papers ready and will give those to the Embassy Monday. The lab said DNA could be back in Guatemala 1 week from today so let's pray this happens. Gabe is sooo done with this hotel. He is doing well, but at 9 months old he would prefer to be on the ground moving around instead of in a playpen, a walker or being held. He has always been a homebody. So I think he misses home. Kinsey has been a peach as usual. She is an endless pit. I can't keep her out of the food and snacks. She tells us 5 minute long stories in spanish, we video them and then have our friends here at the hotel translate. Last nights story was about Snow White and how you didn't want to eat the poison because you would die.........Hmm!!! Anyway, I will do my best to keep up with the blog. We lose internet frequently down here. We had none all day yesterday. Hopefully it will stay connected for us.

You make do with what you have.....

2011-03-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

So how do you like my double stroller? When you have 2 kids that want pushed at the same time, you create this combo.

Ice cream and popcicles!! Gabe had his first popcicle and he did not want to let go!

Randon Pictures From Guatemala

2011-02-28T12:22:00.001-08:00

Mama & Kinsey

Gabriel at Mcdonalds

Kinsey and Papa at Mcdonalds

Kinsey and Gabe playing on the IPOD

Kinsey playing Mcdonalds

So living in a hotel with 2 little ones is SUPER fun. Heh! Just kidding. But we are making do. I get cabin fever at home really quickly so it has set in really fast here. The kids are both down for a nap. We have established a routine for naps that is working well. Nana brought a Bible song DVD with her and Kinsey loves it. Within a day and a half she already knows Father Abraham and If Your Happy and You know it in English and the motions. Super cute. She also told me she likes Shakira and does she ever. Her song Loca comes on and Kinsey sings it word for word and dances with her hips moving. Now I didn't teach her that one. I didn't even know the song until Kinsey introduced it to me. Too funny. I will try to post as often as I can.

what a whirlwind!

2011-02-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well, for those of you who do not know, we are here in Guatemala. We arrived thursday and are not leaving this place without Kinsey. So next time you see us in person, we will have our beautiful daughter with us. It is a very long story and some know it already. It was miscommunication between several parties involved, so after praying about it for 1 week we decided to finish the process down here. Kinsey has her passport and we are being submitted to embassey on Monday. DNA kit already at embassey and the testing should happen wed. or thurs. I heard they only test on Thursdays, but then heard possibly wednesdays and thursdays. After that we just have to wait for those results to be tested back in the states then once the US Embassey gets those results, we will get our appointment. So maybe we will be here for 2 weeks or so. Danny's mom is here with us so that has been a great help. Kinsey is great as always. It has not hit me yet that she is here with me to stay and this is not just a visit trip. My goal is to be home before my brother's birthday which is March 18th. I will try to post as often as I can. As you can see I have been here for 3 days and just now have time to post something.

OFFICIALLY A REYHER!!!

2011-02-04T14:54:00.001-08:00

WE HAVE HER NEW B.C.!!! We are extremely thrilled and are seeing our dream of having her come home to us come true. Thank you all for your prayers so far. We are supposed to get her passport on Monday, then the whole file gets submitted to the Embassy for 2nd DNA and her VISA! We are so close, we can feel it...

No BC this week

2011-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

They attempted to pick up the birth certificate yesterday and today and were told both times to return on Monday. Another run around with the Guatemala government. Guess we will wait until then.

Great family memories!

2011-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

This free scrapbook generated with Smilebox

Great News

2011-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

We lost internet yesterday for quite a while and woke up this morning without it too. I obviously don't have much time during the day so I haven't been able to post much. I have a lot to say but atleast want to get this news out. I went to RENAP this morning. Long story short, we will have Kinsey's birth certificate on Monday. I physically saw with my own eyes the paperwork that says to pick it up on the 22nd. That is saturday so they said to come Monday. Mayra asked several times " are you sure we can pick it up?" and they said yes. WHOO-HOO!!!! If all goes as planned, they will get Kinsey's passport next week too. Guessing around 6 weeks from now she will be on her way home. I can't believe it. Have so much more to say about the trip but have to get up with the roosters for our flight home in the morning. Bye for now.

Finally a free moment to post

2011-01-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

I have 3 kids and a husband asleep so I finally get to post. Is this how it will be when we all get home? No time for myself? Thats ok. I can't wait to have everyone home. Yesterday morning started off with the airline unable to print Gabe's boarding passes. And somehow that was my fault. They worked for 40 minutes which was way too long because it was getting very close to boarding time. We held up the line and finally they gave me one to get to our next destination but had to obtain the rest once we reached landed in the next city. Well, while in line for security we hear "last call for flight blah blah blah". That was our flight. People see us in distress and let us cut ahead. We get through security and I tell Danny and Kainen to run ahead. I run with 2 bags, Gabe, and no shoes on like crazy through the terminal. I just knew we missed our flight. We got there and they wanted to know where our visas were. What? I don't need a visa, I have a passport. Then they wanted to see our actual tickets for our return home flights. What? We don't get those until we go to the Guatemala airport and check in. Anyway, they finally let us on. We were so out of breath and sweaty I was pretty sure we were going to puke. After that, smooth sailing into Guatemala. Kinsey arrived about 10 minutes after we did. She was her usual meek and shy girl. She threw her 15 minute screaming fit when her fostermother left then has been fine since. She loves Gabe and has helped with feeding him his baby food. It is so funny because she talks to him in a stern voice in spanish when he looks away and doesn't take the bite from the spoon. Too bad she knows way more spanish than I do and I have trouble understanding her at times. Her hair is down to her bottom. We bought her a bicycle last time we were here. She brought it with her and she rides like a speed demon. We went to the zoo today and met up with a friend who lives close by to us. She is here also visiting her little one. We had a good time. We spend the rest of the evening playing games and skyping family. Tomorrow we are supposed to go to Antigua with Kinsey's FM's daughter and then to her house to visit. Here are some pictures of the kiddos.

RENAP....Be kind to us!

2011-01-11T13:03:00.001-08:00

Ok, we were just informed we have entered RENAP for her new Birth Certificate. Hopefully any delays will be worked out immediately so we can move on to the Embassy! Thank you Lord! Only 3 more days and we see this sweet face...

Going on a vist

2011-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, Its true. Can't stay away from Miss Kinsey too long. The way our luck is going, we may have her home around March or April. So many delays. The RENAP office let 500 employees go this past week in Guatemala. This is the office that issues the birth certificates. Not sure what to expect. We haven't even applied for it yet. That is supposed to happen Tuesday. But in the meantime, we have enough flyer miles to use and a 5 day stretch off from work so we took full advantage of it and are heading to warm Guatemala this weekend. We have not seen her since August and it has been way too long. This will be Kinsey's first time meeting her baby brother. Can't wait to see how she does. She talks to him on the phone and asks about his bottle and asks if he is happy or sad. She will be a great big sissy.

This will be the first time I can get a family photo of all of us together. Yay!!! I will post some pictures once we get settle in.

Still waiting for RENAP submission

2010-12-31T08:14:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! This is taking FOREVER.........

Since most offices have closed for the holidays, things are so slow. Also the fact that people had to be hunted down, paperwork signed and resigned and registered and reregistered has got me in a tizzy. We are being told that we should be submitted to RENAP for Kinsey's new birth certificate next week. Pray this happens because this takes several weeks to get and I am now starting to get impatient. I was doing pretty good, but not now. We had a good Christmas and our theme was "JOY". We have had so much "JOY" brought to our lives in 2010. My mom's gifts to our family were all based around that theme. God really did bless us with Gabriel entering our lives and Kinsey preparing to come home. Let 2011 bring ALL the Guatemala babies home!!!!
Mmore updates as they come.

Not much of an update

2010-12-11T14:18:00.001-08:00

We have not really moved since getting out of PGN. We have our old lawyer and new lawyer working together and we need a document signed by someone who is trying to be located. Most of the notaries who worked on our case are from 3 1/2 years ago. He's not missing, Its just taking a while to get all the ducks in a row. Some other documents have to be registered with the new attorney and it will take a couple weeks for that. So no RENAP submission anytime soon. Please pray that these things happen in God's perfect timing. Atleast we are OUT of PGN. I can handle more small delays as long as I am out of that black hole and never have to return. Keep you posted.

GIve me an O, give me a U, Give me a T!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I already posted that the file was ready for pickup. But I knew I wouldn't be at ease 100% until it was outta there. Received an email that the file was picked up today.

Officially OUT!!!!!!!!I NEVER EVER want to deal with or talk about PGN again. Well, unless I am fighting to bring the rest of these sweet babies home. Then I will do whatever it takes.

We need the final adoption decree signed and that will make Kinsey ours. Then on November 30th they plan to submit us to Renap for her new birth certificate. They only accept peperwork on Tuesdays and there are a few things that need translated before they can submit for it. So I will keep the blog updated as we learn more.

Ready for Pickup!

2010-11-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Called today and we are approved and at the window ready for pickup. She said to go ahead and have my notary come pick up the file. WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Still hard to believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!No, Not hard to believe when there is a might God in control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Going to CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good news all around

2010-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

The lawyer issues are resolved and everything is good. Thanks for all the prayers on that issue. There could have been some major delays if these were not resolved.

PGN told me today still waiting for photocopies. There are only 2 girls in the office working until January due to the holiday vacations. They pretty much shut down or go to half staff until after the new year. Hoping they can move this along. I will continue to check next week and update the blog. They did confirm again we are approved. I have to keep asking everytime I call because it is so hard for it to sink in.

Approved and waiting for photocopies to be made.

2010-11-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today the nice PGN lady said we were approved and going for photocopies then the window for pickup. Still not believing it I asked if we were finished with the Procurador. She said yes and that the supervisor also authorized approval on the case. I guess there is a sub-attorney general who signs and then the actual attorney general gives his rubber stamp of approval. It needs photocopies made then can be picked up. I am in such shock and so guarded that it is hard to believe.
Years ago you didn't hear about getting approved until you were released and your agency called you with the news that you were out of PGN. Well in today's Guatemala adoption world, you have to do all the calling yourself and learn of each confusing step one day at a time. I will definetly celebrate when our file is picked up but atleast it sounds super positive. WHOO-HOO! There is some light at the end of this tunnel. Thanks for all of your encouraing words. You all better be at the airport waiting to meet this girl when she comes home. We will keep you posted as more news comes my way!

Going to the delivery window?

2010-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

That was what I was told today. Elisa, the woman I talk to in PGN said that it is going to the window after being photocopied. She said she was "pretty sure" it was approved. That is what she has told me all along. She always asks if I have any previos when she checks on my case, so I am hoping we still don't have any previos. She is still saying that we don't, but you know how that goes. I am calling back on friday. Someone is on vacation that delivers it to the window or makes the copies. I'm not really sure, but I know someone else is doing this persons job and she wasn't sure when it would get all done. Anyway, I will call again. Please continue those specifice prayers about our lawyer situation. There has been some communication issues and there are some things that need straightened out. It has nothing to do with our file in PGN. Just please pray things get worked out.

Keep you posted.

Made another phone call today

2010-10-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

Still waiting for final signature. Still better than a kickout.

Called PGN today

2010-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was told we are still waiting for final signature. I was told to call back tomorrow and they may have it signed. Still praying for no delays.

File with the Attorney General

2010-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

So I called PGN today and I was told that my file was with the Procurador. That is the fancy name for the Attorney General. We have officially passed reviewer number 2. The PGN lady goes on to tell me that our file will be ready for pickup soon. I asked if we had a Previo(Kickout) or were we approved. She said " one moment they didn't tell me that." She came back to the phone and this is how it went.

PGN: Mrs. Reyher you have no previos.

Me: Did you say No previos?

PGN: No Previos

Me: DO you mean No Previos?

PGN: Yes, No previos

Me: Still not believing it I say, Really No previos?

PGN: Your file will need photocopied and then it will be ready for pickup.

WOW! Could this really be happening? We are so guarded that part of me is so scared to be dancing from the rooftops. We are thrilled of this news and hope and pray that it is true. Kinsey could be home in the next few months. For the prayer warriors, would you specifically pray for our lawyer situation. We have had to do some switching around with some people and some new papers had to be filled out. Pray that these things do not delay the case once it is out of PGN.

Keep you all posted on any new news we learn.

Who is missing?

2010-09-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hmm. If you guessed Kinsey, you are absolutely correct. Yesterday was our sweet Guatemala Princess's 3rd birthday. This was the first birthday we missed. It was super sad. But we did get to watch her party on skype so that was a huge help. Her foster family is awesome and we are so grateful for them. We were able to watch her blow out her candle and hit at her Barney pinata. It was as big as her. I think she had a great time. I made a cake for her here and we had family over to celebrate. We sang Happy Birthday and Kainen blew out the candle for her. Here are a few pics from her day in Guatemala and the pics I took here at our house.

Big brother holding Kinsey's cake

Kinsey eating her Strawberry Shortcake cake in Guatemala

Kinsey and her Barney Pinata

Me and my cake

Still with reviewer #2,

2010-09-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

I called today and was told we are still with reviewer #2. No approval nor kick outs yet. She is still looking at it. We did learn that the person that would be giving us our final signature resigned and the new one starts next week sometime. I am sure that will be a delay since she will have to learn her new job and such. Always something huh? Guatemala's independence day is next week so not much will probably happen. I will call again on the 20th to get an update.

Moving on down the line

2010-09-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Called PGN yesterday. We are now with the Second Reviewer. This person is like the 1st reviewer's boss. They will look at our file too and see if there are any issues with the paperwork. Some of our papers are 3 years old and we are concerned that we may have to redo some of them. We hope not. If they do not find any issues we go to the Attorney General for final signature. Then outta PGN we go. Keep those prayers coming. I will be calling in a week or so to check and see how things are looking.

GOOD RIDDENS MINORS SECTION!!!!!!!!

2010-08-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

After 22months, we are finally released from the Minors section of PGN. Can I get a big WHO-HOO!!!!!!!!! On the way to school this morning Kainen said from the back seat "I want everyone home. I wish this was over." I told him that we have to continue to pray that God will bring her to our family when it is his time and we have to keep faith that he can move the mountains. He asked me to call PGN today and see where our file was. So I did. Well they told me they released it to "normal" PGN two days ago. WHAT? Are you for real? Maybe you have the wrong case. I could not believe it. I was thrilled, but very cautious. So a few hours later I called "normal" PGN and she confirmed we were out of investigations and the people who now have our file are at lunch. I was told to call back. No problem. I will be bugging these people until they release our file for good. So glad to be one step closer. Even though we are thrilled with this small step, there could be more delays. Maybe not. God is in control. Not us. Keep you posted.

Still waiting.....

2010-08-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

To get out of Minor's section. The report is done and waiting to be signed. Then back to "normal" PGN. Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting....Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting....Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting....Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting....Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waitinWaiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting........So while you are all waiting with us, here are some more pics of the kiddos.

Finally some news...

2010-08-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Guatemala last week to show our faces again at PGN. I was getting all kinds of stories when I would call that didn't make much sense, so I went in person. THe director was not in either day I went. Well, the second day she was but she snuck out the back door and we didn't meet with her. There has been some confusion when I call because there are 2 other children that have names extremely similar to Kinsey's birthname. So this is what is really going on with our case. It is on the director's desk. She asked the investigator to get his report done. We met with him and he promised me on Wednesday he would have it done. Thursday morning he was half way done with it and had talked to his boss. He told us that she said to hurry and get it done so she could "proceed". We are hoping that means approve. We did learn that they had released 36 cases our of Minor's and back to normal PGN 2 weeks ago. Most of those were sent back to Minor's, due to more reports requested by the reviewers. Payes in Minor's knows that this back and forth with the cases is not getting anywhere so hopefully they will all realize they are being ridiculous. I can't imagine what other report they could request for any of our cases. We all have every single report known to man in our files. So, we are waiting to hear what she does with our file. I know they are feeling pressure from the government. There were some other things we needed to do while in Guat. and got those things done too. It was a productive trip. We met up with another in-process family and also delivered a package to another family's child and foster mother. It was awesome to be able to get pics and video for this family. They have not received pics in 6 months and last saw her when she was 4 months old.

Kinsey is great as always. She has the cutest manners. Very polite. Kinsey and Kainen play wonderfully together. He loves his little sister. She continues to touch our hearts and can't wait to have her home. We bought her a bicycle while there and brought her a new baby doll and a Dora backpack along with some other things. Her foster mother was happy when she picked her up and said that we had got Kinsey everything she had been asking for. Kinsey was not sure about her bike at first. It will take some time, but I am sure she is already riding it around at her house.

Hopefully new news to come very very soon.

Hopefully our hard work is paying off.

2010-08-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is what was just posted on the Guatemala 900 site.

Guatemala Minister Counselor Fernando de la Cerda is returning to Washington, DC today after an intense 10 day trip to Guatemala which included 2 meetings with Guatemala President Alvaro Colom. Fernando is reporting significant progress in finding solutions for moving the adoption cases of the Guatemala900 forwards towards resolution. Fernando’s efforts in Guatemala also included individual meetings with the PGN, CNA, Court of Appeals, MP, and with his own Department of Foreign Ministry.

On Monday, July 26th, President Colom hosted a meeting with the highest level officials from the PGN, CNA, MP and several high level lawyers. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss adoptions, including the resolution of the grandfathered cases. The same group along with the Deputy Secretary of Interior and high level officials from the Secretaría de Bienestar Social (SBS) convened again on Monday, August 2nd and will do so again next Monday, August 9th. Fernando reports that President Colom was sympathetic to the children who are in limbo and spearheaded discussions with the other officials about how cases can start to accelerate towards resolution. Fernando is optimistic that end result should be some significant measurable progress in the coming weeks and months.

As a condition, the officials in Guatemala are requesting information on the remaining cases. Specifically, Guatemala is asking for :
• Adoptive Family’s Names
• Child’s Name
• Biological Mother’s Name
• PGN or CNA identification Number

Fernando de la Cerda said “I cannot stress enough how important it is that we have this information. There is no way for us to try to help without it.”

Families can ensure that their information is provided to Guatemala by completing the JCICS/CCAI/GUATEMALA900 survey. Over 125 families have already completed the survey, and their information has already been sent to Guatemala. Fernando de la Cerda indicated that the Dept. of Foreign Ministry has already started to process the families information that was provided. Guatemala indicated that they need to have ALL of the families information for the next meeting with President Colom on Monday, August 9th. JCICS, CCAI, and Guatemala900 will send any addition family information that is obtained this week to Guatemala at the end of the day this Friday, August 6th. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT FAMILIES COMPLETE THE SURVEY!

Invite to the new blog

2010-07-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

A few people have left comments regarding an invite to the new blog, but did not leave an email address. Please leave your address so I can invite you to jump over and check out the new blog. Thanks.

Diaper Cake

2010-07-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend my mom and I went on a trip to Kansas City to my friend's baby shower. We love love love to make diaper cakes for any new mom. They are fun and easy to make. No 2 cakes ever end up looking alike. That is the fun of it. We just decide what items we want to put on the cake and go. We decided to add a lot of nessesity items you need for a baby. Travel items, nipple brush, formula dispenser, etc. The base of the cake is covered with a baby blanket and there are some other goodies we attached to the base. I think there was about 70-80 newborn diapers and 30-40 size 4 diapers we used. I am the most uncrafty person you will meet, so I am excited about these cakes. We were stopped several times by people commenting on the cake. If you need one done, let us know.

Overdue Update

2010-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I last posted. There was a letter sent to the Guatemala president with over 75 signatures from US representatives talking about the adoptions and them moving forward. I really feel that our government trying to intervene may be the only way that these cases finish. There seems to be little or no movement on cases anymore. Kinsey is now potty trained. We were told that she wants a bike like all the kids in her neighborhood. I can't believe all the milestones we have missed. We still call her often and listen to her sweet voice.

We have had a lot going on in our lives this past month. We have decided to start another blog and leave this one for Kinsey and her updates. I hope to print this blog out someday and give it to her as a book. Continue to check here for updates on her. Our new blog is going to be private, but do want all that come here to see about Kinsey to check out our family blog. Just leave me a comment or send me an email letting me know that you want added. There is some great news on our new blog!!! http://thesimplestblessings.blogspot.com

Guatemala hit hard

2010-06-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Guatemala has experienced some bad weather and events over the past week. First the Pacaya volcano erupts and spews ash all over Guatemala City and the surrounding areas. They even closed down the airport. As if that was not enough a few days later, tropical storm Agatha hits the country hard with monsoon like rain. They recieved in 24 hours what they get in a years time. There are mudslides, flooding, homes destroyed and people dying. It is just awful. I called and talked to Kinsey and attempted to speak with her foster family. They said they were all ok. I called our dear friend Eva who lives in the city with her family. She said that it was really bad and they had been having earthquake tremors too. She said there was a sinkhole near her house that swallowed a 3 story house. She said it was huge. I am so thankful that her family is ok and everyone that we know down there is well. When she told me about the sinkhole I still could not grasp how big it was. Well here is a pic of it.

It is crazy huge. I could not believe my eyes. There are so many that are already struggling there to stay alive and now they have raging waters, washed out roads, destroyed homes and not alot of aid to help them out.
Keep them in your prayers!

Also, one of the Guatemala newspapers posted an article about our trip to DC. There are pics and I am in one of them holding my banner high. The article is posted on the guatemala 900 website. Go check it out. Not sure what is going to happen since there will probably be delays in Guatemala now. As always we will keep you posted.

WOW!

2010-05-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

That is the only word I can think of to describe my trip to DC. For one, I had never been there and I was just in awe of all the sights. I am sooo going back when I can really take in all the city has to offer.

I met some great families while there. I really needed to spend time with the people who are going through what we are. It was major therapy for me. Our banner lead the way to the Capitol building. We had probably around 30 families there. I have added what was posted on the Guatemala 900 site about our trip. It pretty much sums up what I was going to post. I do want to give a HUGE thanks to the families that put this whole shin dig together. They did a FABULOUS job!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Guatemala 900 Congressional Briefing was a HUGE SUCCESS yesterday. Our meeting was held in one of the Senate Rooms in the Capitol Building and was packed with Guatemala 900 families, staff members of over 30 Congressional offices, the US Department of State, USCIS, Unicef, Joint Council for International Children Services, The Congressional Coalition on Adoption, The Guatemalan Embassy in Washington DC, Focus on Adoption, and the National Council for Adoption among others.

Our presentation was broken into three main sections :

1) The Guatemala 900 gave a presentation on the history and current state of the Guatemala 900 cases, which included possible reasons for the lack of results that we are seeing.

2) The Guatemala 900 families told their heart wrenching stories and pleaded Congress and the US Department of State for help. The tears they shed brought tears to EVERYONE’s eyes in the room, it was quite evident that their journey to DC was going to inspire a new look at our terrible situation. Their poise and grace was astounding and inspiring. Thank You Guatemala 900 families!!!

3) A productive Question and Answer session followed where information and ideas were exchanged between all of the entities involved.

The Guatemala 900 feels confident that yesterday’s briefing will inspire the US government to explore new ways in which our adoption cases will soon receive “DUE PROCESS, DUE NOW!”

We need your help!

2010-05-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

This Mother’s Day will sadly mark the third (at the very least) to pass for hundreds of families still awaiting the homecoming of their adopted children.

On May 6th we will be going to Washington DC to brief Congress and call upon the First Ladies of the U.S. and Guatemala to help unite our families.

Join our collective voice and sign the petition to Michelle Obama and Sandra Colom to intervene on behalf of families and children caught in this political nightmare.

Please click below to sign
Guatemala 900 Mother's Day Plea Petition

It only takes a minute to show the children of Guatemala you believe in a brighter future….

We need as many signatures as we can get by Mother’s Day!!!

To sum it up...

2010-04-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well this past month has been very busy all around. Kainen had spring break the first of the month and Danny and I took the week off. We had a great Easter. We spent the day with Danny's side of the family and had dinner and the big "hunt". I played "Just Dance" on the Wii all day with my nieces. I LOVE that game. If you don't have it, you need to get it. Wow! What a work out.

We took Kainen and his friend to an indoor water park in French Lick, In. for two days. It was nice to get away and relax. The boys had a really good time. After we came home for that we didn't do too much the rest of the week. Just hung out and did little projects around the house. I like those kind of vacations some times.

We were given a Compassion International child to pray over and possibly sponsor at church a few weeks ago. We have her photo out so we can pray for her when passing by the kitchen. She is 6 years old and from Guatemala. She is a sweety. I can't wait to get started on helping her through this program. A Compassion International child who is now grown came to speak about his story of being sponsored. It was amazing.

Nothing new on the adoption front. PGN continues to tell me that we are waiting for the typo to be fixed on a report. I don't know what else to do besides try to go to the US for help.

On May 6th the Guatemala 900 group (all families still stuck in process) will go to Washington DC and have a congressional briefing and a private meeting with a someone from our state senators office. There are several things on the agenda that day. I am traveling by myself but will meet up with another mom who lives not too far from me. I will also get to meet several other families whom I have come to know through emails and phone calls. If you want to check out more about it go to www.guatemala900.org . That is where most of the info is and will be. Due to work, I can only be there for literally 24 hours. I fly in wed. evening and fly home thursday evening. Crazy huh? I will do whatever it takes to exhaust all my avenues to bring these children home. Please pray for this day, safe travels and some answers. This could be our last big effort to get our voices heard and get these children home.

A much needed night out!!

2010-03-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday night a going away party was held for a co-worker who moved away due to her husband's job. It was "Girls only", 80's themed and a slumber party. Oh yes, you can still have slumber parties... These girls are like my sisters I never had and we always have fun together whether at work or not. I had been patiently counting down the days until this night. I had sooooo much fun. We all dressed up and looked absolutely silly. I even had Danny's class ring on so everyone knew I was "Danny's girl". Here are a few highlights from the night.

A few of the gang. Do you like my side ponytail?

This game we're playing is called "headbandz". You have to wear a card on your head and guess what you are. You can ask other people questions to try to learn info about what is on your card. For example: Darcy was a hockey puck. She could not figure it out at all. I was boxer shorts. It is a very funny game to play. A lot harder than you think.

More pics

2010-03-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pics from last week. We had such a great visit with her that I physically hurt now that we are not with her. But, what can we do besides continue to pray for this situation. We gave it to God a long time ago. Thanks to everyone for their support.......

MP report last thing needed........NOT!

2010-03-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

We went to PGN yesterday to check on our MP reports that we were waiting on. Just like several other families, that is all we were supposed to be waiting on. The reports are back with no problems except for one typo that is getting fixed. We met with Sonia but she didn’t have much to tell us. She asked if we would like to meet with her boss. We said yes since this is the person who is supposed to sign off on the cases so we could go back to “normal” PGN. We waited about 10 minutes and then went in. There were 2 other girls sitting at a table in the office. This woman’s last name is Solares. She said she was hired along with the 2 other girls to review files. She said that they are very busy and can hardly get through 1 case a day. Though when looking through our file you would have thought she had no clue what she was doing. She said that PGN needed to find our daughter’s BM. Hello, there have been several investigations done looking for her. They have put our daughter’s picture in the newspaper and everything else under the son. We reminded her that the BM did come to the DNA appointment, family court interview, and all the other requirements. She just couldn’t be located for the 2nd interview that PGN was requiring. She asked us off the wall questions and said that she was not signing off on cases because if she did and one of them was fraudulent then she would go to jail. What the heck was she hired for? She was persistent on needing to locate the BM again. It’s like they are beating a dead horse. We reminded her that we were sent to a judge by PGN and the judge ruled for the adoption to proceed due to no abnormalities in the case. I think she finally realized that the BM may never be found again and that things need to be moving forward. I thought that was what the MP reports were for.
I then whipped out my picture book and showed her the photos of us with our daughter over the past 2 years. They all smiled and looked at them talking about how much she resembled my husband. We finally cracked a smile from her. I wanted her to see that there are children behind these files and they are missing out on time with us. She said she knows that they are violating the children’s rights but her hands are tied. Our translator who also helps families with adoptions told her that PGN has had 2+ years to do all the investigating and reinvestigating on these files. Solares said that she is meeting with the judges and CNA on March 12th to figure out how to finish these cases and that we could check on how the meeting went. So, not the news we wanted to hear. They keep stalling all the cases and making up new requirements because no one wants to take responsibility.

All we want to do is puke right now. I really don't know when this is going to end.

Finally time to post

2010-03-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

Kinsey started to get sick on Friday night with a cough and runny nose. No big deal right? Well for her, it can be. Being a nurse I usually don't freak out right away. Kinsey managed to have me a little nervous. She got to the point that she would cough nonstop until she puked everywhere. It wasn't just a few times, it was very very frequent. She couldn't play without coughing or eat or pretty much do anything. The biggest problem is at night. We propped her up and everything. Once she gets started she can't stop. Knowing she has been hospitalized twice for breathing problems I tried to do all the home remedies before calling her FM or calling the doctor. You should have seen us at the Guatemala Pharmacy. Heh! That was funny. Charades is definetely not my cup of tea. I am not quite sure what I bought. We called Lilian last night and she had been giving her this allergy medicine so we had the pharmacy deliver that to the hotel. Even with that she was up most of the night coughing and puking up mucous. So this morning we took her to her doctor. It was a good experience and he speaks pretty good english. He is actually a new doctor she started seeing about 5 months ago because all the other one was doing was giving her antibiotics. This doctor today said that when she came to him she was very sick. (oh yes I remember) She has been doing really well since she started seeing him. She is very sensitive to things and has allergies that flare up almost instantly. She is on an inhaler and a cough medicine. It was nice to take her to the dr myself and meet him. She knew him and knew exactly what to do.

Despite her sickness she has been so much fun. There are so many little things I have dreamed of doing with her and Kainen. Who would of thought seeing the 2 of them play in the jungle gym at the McDonalds would be so exciting. She tries to keep up with her older brother. She LOVES pizza. We went to Pizza Hut yesterday and she sat in a high chair. That is a first for her because normally she wants to be held. She squealed "PIZZA" when she saw it. She sat on the potty yesterday and brushes her teeth. I know all of these things seem so small to some, but these are little blessings we have not had the opportunity to experience.

We went to our friend Eva's grandmother's house today after the doctor. She welcomed us into her home with open arms. She made us homemade fresh melon juice. Let me tell you, it was good. It is sooo funny because she was jammin to American music like Tom Petty and the Cranberries. She said she loves to turn it up loud in the house. She doesn't speak English, but she likes our music. I thought is was pretty neat.

We head out tomorrow. We will go to PGN in the morning.

Small update

2010-02-27T06:01:00.001-08:00

Our travels were uneventful. We arrived in Guatemala and went straight to PGN. They were all eating lunch and we had 30 minutes to wait so we walked to Pollo Campero for lunch. Once we got back to PGN we talked to Sonia. She said that our report was back but they reversed Kinsey's first and middle birth names which made her sound like she was a boy. So they had sent it back and were waiting for the fixed report. We are going back on Tuesday to check to see if it is there yet. They said that is all we need to get out of minor's. Sonia's boss would still have to sign off on it too. That was Danny's first visit to PGN. When you go and see it for yourself, you realize how much control they have over when your adoption is complete. They choose to decide how much work they are going to do for the day. And from what I have seen, it isn't much.

This visit has been one of the easiest transitions for Kinsey. She did cry for about an 1 hour looking around the hotel for her fostermom. We just held her close and reminded her that she was fine. We figured it would be the usual day or 2 for her to get used to us. BUT she surprised us and when she woke up from her nap she has been great. She has been "cooking" for us and dancing and is talking up a storm. We skyped my mom last night.Kinsey said Hola, Como esta? It was the cutest thing. She is like a typical 2 year old but I forget what milestones she should be at because we only see her every few months. She had me playing hide and go seek last night. We would have to tip toe around the hotel and she would put her fnger up to her mouth and say "Shhhh".

We are very grateful that we can spend time with her and visit with her. I will try to post some pictures later. Kinsey's hair looks like "Cousin It" this morning. I am going to try to go tame it down.

In 6 days.......................

2010-02-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

We leave for another visit trip. We will celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary on the 26th so we decided to leave that day and head down to be as a family to celebrate. Danny hasn't seen her since her 2nd Birthday and it is about to kill him. We were waiting on 3 reports from the MP before we could move forward. We knew we had one complete and were just waiting on 2 more. We have not heard yet if our reports are done but this is what rumors are flying around.

The President of Guatemala has put some pressure on PGN to finish cases and the Guatemala newspaper stated that PGN announced that they would release the grandfathered cases in the next 6 weeks.

The Guatemalan President met with Hilary Clinton in Washington DC yesterday. One of the topics was to be about adoptions. Hopefully they resolved something.

Several families called PGN yesterday and found out that the MP sent a batch of reports on about 50 cases back to PGN. These families were told that they would be out of investigations probably by next week.

I am praying that we are one of those families that have reports in that stack. Maybe I planned our visit trip just at the right time. I have arrangements already to stop by PGN after we land and check on things. And then if I need to I will stop by every business day I am there. Whatever I can do to bug them and let them see we are not giving up. 2010 has to be the year to get these cases done.

Will keep everyone posted..................

Oh how I love saving money!

2010-02-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Most of you close to me know how I love a bargain. I love to shop clearance racks and come home with lost of things that I paid little for. One thing I obsess about is keeping my grocery bill low. The lower the better. At work they call me the "Coupon Queen". I have a significnt amount of coupons all organized in my coupon holder. Now there is a "science" to this coupon madness and you should never buy something just because you have a coupon. Especially if it is something that you don't even use. We have a grocery budget of $250.00/month and that includes any toiletries, household items such as laundry soap, and cleaning supplies. People ask me what in the world I feed my family on a budget like this. Well, we eat just like any normal family does. For example, some dinners we had last week were:

Chili
Salmon Patties
Homemade potato soup
Hamburgers
Lasagna

The goal for me is to pay very little for most of my items so I can use what money I have left to buy produce and meat. Those things I usually don't have coupons for.

Just wanted to share with you some of the ways we save money in our house. Danny says we have enough toothpaste and shampoo to last us until 2015......

My 2 favorite places to go for great deals are Krogers and CVS.
Here are a few pics from 2 purchases I made last week. I just stocked up on the items on sale.

My total was $4.52 after coupons and I have $10.00 in Extra Care Bucks to spend at CVS

Krogers total $8.68

Thankful and Excited!

2010-01-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

First, I want to say how THANKFUL we are that no-one was hurt. Yesterday after church we were heading home for lunch and to get changed to head up to Indy for the Colts game. We were only on the road for about 3 minutes when a car pulled out in front of us and we could not avoid the collision. We all braced for impact and luckily the cars got all the damage and none of us were hurt. We were shaken up but no-one was injured. It took the police a very very long time to arrive. 45 minutes or so. At the same time of our accident, there was another one that happened nearby that ended in a fatality. That is why we saw a police car with their lights on head away from our accident. My heart sunk when the 911 dispatcher told me on the phone. While we were sighing with relief from our accident, a family lost their loved one.
Our thoughts and prayers are with that family.
We were finally able to get home, change clothes, change vehicles, and eat. We then headed for Indy for the big Colts game against the Jets. We surprised Kainen with a ticket and all 3 of us went. It was awesome and we are very very EXCITED to be going to the Super Bowl! We love love love football at our house and can't wait to watch it from our living room on Feb. 7th. Here are a few pics from last nights game.

CRAZY COLTS FANS

THE CELEBRATION CONFETTI

DURING THE GAME

COLTS ARE #1

2 things...

2010-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

First off, Kinsey has some sort of virus. She woke up Monday morning throwing up several times. They took her to the doctor and he gave her some medicine and she was getting a little better last we heard. We absolutely hate the fact that we are not there with her. Please pray for her...

Second, which is important, but heavily shadowed by her sickness, is that the certified resolution was delivered to PGN and we are now waiting for information from the Ministerio Publico(MP). The info has been requested and we hope to hear soon that it has been received. This news is consistent with what other families are having done with their file. Once the info is received, we are supposed to be sent back to regular PGN to be reviewed for final approval...

Haiti

2010-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of the morning reading blogs regarding the efforts to help Haiti with this crisis. With adoption so close to my heart, I started reading the blogs of the families that are in process to bring their children home. Some families do not know where their children are or if they are ok. They are pleading for any kind of news to the well being of the children. It breaks my heart. Most of the children are outside and the orphanages have ran out of water, formula and very basic supplies.
Joint council is working with the US government to try to issue Humanitarian Parole. This means that there would be no need for a visa and eliminate a lot of the paperwork since most of it was destroyed in the Earthquake.
The Haitian government has lifted all exit requirements. That is a huge deal. That means it is just up to our government to agree to let children who have been matched with families in and to come up with a plan to do so. This seems like a great plan, that is if the US agrees. I am sure you have been praying for Haiti. Please pray that the groups trying to help can get into Haiti with the necessary supplies and that any person that is trying to hear if their family members are ok, find out very soon.

Here are a few blogs I came across

http://ourhaitianadoption.blogspot.com

http://salzwedeladventures.blogspot.com

http://seasaltmosaic.blogspot.com

Starting the year off with good news!

2010-01-04T18:12:00.001-08:00

We recieved a copy of the judges "certified" resolution today. The attorney's office is delivering the document tomorrow to PGN. This is what we need to move forward in our adoption. Maybe we can get out of investigations and get this thing moving again. Keep you posted. 2010 is going to be a great year!

Could this be good news?

2009-12-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

We heard yesterday that the Certified Resolution that PGN is waiting on is ready for pickup and was to be picked up yesterday from the courts. They said they would let us know if things did not go as planned. We haven't heard anything today, so let's pray that no news is good news. Once this paper is delivered to PGN, then our file goes out of investigations and back to the "normal" review process. We have our "contacts" lined up already. These people can go and push push push our case to be reviewed quickly. When I was there at PGN one month ago, the staff would have signed us out of investigations that day and sent us upstairs to the reviewers if we had the resolution in our file. So the specific prayer we ask for would be that we really do get out of investigations quickly and our file does not sit somewhere on someone's desk. We all know the ultimate goal is to get Kinsey girl home ASAP, But we need to pray through these little hurdles first. We have never once given up on God's plan for us and I know he is not given up on us.

I hope everyone that follows our blog has a Merry Merry Christmas and you all share the true meaning of this season with your loved ones.

God Answers Prayers!

2009-12-07T18:10:00.001-08:00

Two prayers have been answered since I last posted. I had recently asked for some specific prayer requests. I am happy to announce that Juan Pablo, one of the prayer babies as I call it, is coming home on Wed. He will be arriving in Indianapolis wed. night. Whoo-Hoo!!!!! Tears were in my eyes as I read his parents post on their blog.
And, the US Embassy has lifted the halt on the DNA testing. Praise God, Praise God!!!!!So, when we get to that step in the process, there should be no delays.

This is the week that we are hoping to hear that the infamous document gets where it needs to be in PGN.
And of coarse I had to put another pic on here of sweet Kinsey. She can count to 5 in Spanish and English now. They are really doing a great job working with her.

Here are the pictures I promised

2009-11-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

Update from my trip

2009-11-28T05:32:00.000-08:00

I have been a bad blogger. Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Our trip home was delayed too and then Kainen got sick on the last leg of the trip. It was a bit stressful and then with the holidays and work I just haven't felt like posting. I know your curious about what I learned at PGN, so here goes.

I went to PGN Monday morning at 9am before I had to head to the airport to fly out. I met with Alicia(attorney's assistant), Ludwin (someone who Alicia has asked to help us), and Mayra (our translator/adoption case helper). We all went in PGN together. I was told we were meeting with the PGN attorney, Nohemi. She has our file. I was told to tell her all about my relationship with Kinsey and how many times we have visited. Once arriving in her office, I didn't have to say too much. This is what I learned:

I have 2 files in PGN. One is with the investigator and one with the court section of PGN.

PGN attorney remembered our case and pulled our file. She showed us where she had made notes about our case in her BIG book of notes. There has to be a better way to chart and document on these cases.

She showed us where the judge had sent the preliminary resolution. So they do have that in our file. That was good news. BUT They don't have the "official" signed one from the judge yet. She said she was told by her boss to appeal our case to the judge to stall the case, but she knew that it would just get sent back to her so she waited a bit. Then she was pushed again by her boss to appeal the case, so she eventually sent a generic letter to the judge saying they needed more time. The judge sent back a nastygram saying to finish the case. Since she stalled, the time frame for an actual appeal expired. So PGN cannot appeal our case at all. The PGN attorney was very nice and you could tell she was frustrated with how things were being handled with these cases. At one point our case was moving out of investigations that day and Ludwin was told not to leave PGN until we were back upstairs to the normal PGN. I was thrilled....... I could barely stand it. Then once they all got to talking, they decided that they really needed the "official" resolution from the judge, because that is the legal one. The good news is that they can't appeal our case, they are all aware of the case and they were all very positive about the outcome. The investigator did look for the BM again without success. Court #2 is closed until Dec. 7th and that is where our resolution is. So everyone seems pretty hopeful that they will get it that day then we can get out of Minor's and back into the normal review process. The problem I have is that we have been trying to get this stinky paper since May and we still don't have it. There were typos and it was sent back to be fixed and still has not been released. They all work at a snails pace. They told me Jan or Feb Kinsey would be home, but unless a miracle happens, I am not so sure. There are still several steps needed to finish this case. Another future problem is that the US Embassy has halted all 2nd DNA testing on the babies until further notice. So, all the children right now that are done with PGN and are waiting for DNA testing, can't come home until the US gets their stuff together.

I did learn that Ludwin used to work at PGN for 12 years. He knows all the ropes and was a huge help during the meeting. This was a huge plus for us. Everyone exchanged numbers that day and are keeping in touch. Everyone was pleased with how things went. Of coarse I want to be completely done with everything, but at least I know things can't be held up by investigations.

For all the prayer warriors, here are some specific things to pray for:

The resolution gets released on Dec. 7 or 8 and sent to PGN.
The freeze for the 2nd DNA testing to be lifted.
Pray for the children left waiting to come home. Here are a few close to our hearts.
Nola, Olivia, Kayla, Lily, Melany, Hudson, Micah, Mateo, Meilani and Juan Pablo.
There are so many more that need your powerful prayers.
We stuffed 145 stockings and sent them to the orphanage Nola is in. It was very emotional to see all the different names on the stockings and know that they may never be matched with a family. Kainen was able to go with Pam to deliver the stockings. I am glad he was able to be part of that. I will post some pics of Kinsey at a later time. Just wanted to post an update about my PGN visit.

Drama!!!!!!!!

2009-11-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Ok well it is 12:21pm and I am still not in Guatemala. Yesterday Pam and her daughter, Kainen and I embarked on our journey. She flew Continental and I flew Delta. I know that sounds crazy, but she already had her tickets and Delta was cheaper at the time. So, we land in Atlanta and sit on the runway for an hour. Since their computer system had crashed, all the departing flights were delayed. They made all of the landing planes wait until the departing planes were out of the way. Basically a big traffic jam. So Kainen and I run as fast as we can to find out that we had missed our flight. It had already departed. So I stand in the stinky Delta line to find out that they cannot get us to Guatemala until today at 2:45pm. I was a tearful mess, then of coarse Kainen is crying. I was more upset that I was supposed to go to PGN as soon as I landed and by arriving today at 2:45, that only gave me a hour and fifteen minutes to try to talk to someone because they close on fridays at 4pm. And then comes the weekend and we leave monday. SOOOOOOOOOOOO, we ended up getting a hotel vouchure. Not a free night, but a discounted rate. Oh yes, it just gets better and better. SO then I go to get my luggage and they tell me that it is in international holding and needs to stay there so it can get to Guatemala by today. OK fine so I am trying to keep it together. No big deal, I will just walk from the hotel somewhere nearby and get some new underclothes for us and get something to eat. Oh nooooooo, they stick us no where near any civilization. So we ate the nasty hotel food, washed our underwear in the sinks and vegged out in the hotel allllllllllllllll day. The best part is I have 2 of Pam's suitcases because she took several due to having orphanage stuff. The 2 I have are Maria and her clothes and toiletries. So they have nothing either. Boy, I am having a blast. The good thing is I will be there in a few hours. We had to fly to Miami from Atlanta and catch a flight that way. So, I am sitting in Miami airport waiting to board our next flight. Bye

Missing our girl

2009-11-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

I have not forgotten to update the blog, there just isn't much to say. I mean, unless you are physically going through this or have been through an adoption, it is hard to relate. Lately I haven't really felt like posting.

We have been very busy the past month with Kainen's football, Halloween and work. Kainen was a GI Joe for Halloween. We hosted a "Movie Night" at hour house a few weeks ago. Kainen invited all the neighborhood friends over. We had admission tickets, a snack bar (Danny worked behind the counter), and made the living room like at the "real" movies. The kids LOVED it. It was a very inexpensive evening.

Me, Kainen, Pam and her daughter Maria fly out Thursday morning for Guatemala. We will be there 5 days. Pam has been busy sewing stockings for the children at Casa Alegria. She plans to deliver them and have a short visit with the children. I have been trying to find out more about our case and why PGN refused the judges ruling to move forward. It is insane down there. I talk to family after family who is in this mess like us. If only the government saw the children behind the paperwork. I am going to PGN on Thursday to talk to them. Not sure it will do me any good, but I will be as persistent as I can. It is very hard to be persistent when you live 2800 miles away.

Kinsey is well. She is as healthy as she has been in a very long time. I am so thankful for that. She is saying full sentences in Spanish now. I am soooo in trouble. My Spanish gets better and better, but I am not anywhere close to where I need to be. We call her twice a week. I don't know any child that will sit for 25 minutes on the phone and talk without getting up or losing interest. It is amazing. She has always done this. She sits and says "Hola Mama" "Hola Papa" over and over. It is great. I will post info as it comes. Thanks for being so supportive. I know Kinsey is loved by so many people and you want her home as much as we do.

Another 5 months gone, wasted

2009-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

So we have been waiting since May 15 for this certified resolution from the judge. Thinking once we got it, we would be moved directly back to the review process of PGN for approval. Well, last week we find out that the PGN finally received it. However, they immediately sent an “act” back to the judge stating they were not going to comply with the order and they are not wanting to review our case for approval. They basically want nothing to do with approving adoptions right now. I am assuming this is especially true for the ones that did not have the last bmi’s, which were an illegally “un-grandfathered” thing to start. Had they not added this new requirement last summer, she would be home with us right now!!!!!
We are now waiting for the judge to make a move. Our attorney says this is normal, back and forth between PGN and the judge. They eventually have to go with the order, but I am guessing it is somewhat like an appeals process. And who knows about this new unit, which involves the MP. Which was supposed to be set up due to the pressure from our Govt. to finish all the cases quickly. Yeah right.

Yep, you guessed it….more waiting!

They have no idea what they are doing to our family. I am at a loss for words, and am really trying hard to keep it together…

You can tell I am on vacation. I have waaaaay too much time on my hands.

2009-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

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Sorry so long since last post.

2009-10-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

When we are with Kinsey, nothing seems to matter except our 2 kiddos. I should back up to last Monday and tell you that we showed up unannounced at our attorney's office. Basically that was the only place we ended up going to because our attorney's assistant had already went to the courts that past Friday and was going back that afternoon at 1pm to check on our resolution. We learned that the judge has 6 officials. Each official types up the resolutions and has to take his/her turn to have the judge sign them. When it was our officials turn, the judge found a typo on Kinsey's birth name and the date. It was sent back to be fixed. Instead of the official retyping it and going straight back to the judge, she waited til it was her turn again. Evidently having it be your turn again takes forever. Our official just had a baby too, so she is out of the office alot. They said they have to be very kind to the officials and not make them mad so they will get things moving. We called later that day and found out they were told it would be done this week and to check on Wednesday. Well, it is Sunday and I have not heard anything. We usually get updates from our agency on Monday's or Tuesday's so we shall see. This past week was our officials turn to have her things signed so I hope it got signed. We decided not to go to PGN because they are on hold until this signed resolution is in their hands. I will let you know. I guess I didn't feel like I had any good news to post so I wasn't in a huge hurry to post anything. Kinsey on the other hand is hilarious. I am the one that makes her belly laugh out loud and we play crazy games. But her Papa is the one she wants to console her and make her feel safe. She knows her body parts in Spanish and some English. She is a typical 2 year old. She is a sponge and takes everything in. I can't express enough how much she loves music and books. We painted her fingernails and toenails. When someone would ask her who painted her nails she would say "mama". It was soooo cute. Kinsey's FM gave us a huge vinyl banner about the size of me that said "Happy Birthday Kinsey" on it with all kinds of baby pics of her. It was supposed to be ready by her party,but it wasn't. She gave it to us to bring home. It is so nice. I think I am going to hang it up for all of her future birthdays. Going to a christian church in Guatemala was awesome. It felt like we were at home. Except for the plastic patio chairs the congregation sat in. They had a band that played the worship music and the words were on the screen on the wall. They were all in Spanish, but I somewhat got the jist of what we were singing. This was our FM niece's church. They have prayed weekly for our family about the adoption and were very excited to meet us and Kinsey. Before church started we all were in a circle and prayed for different requests including the adoption. There were a few English speaking people there so one young man sat with us and translated the sermon and the verses from the bible for us. It was great and overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. We had talked so many times about when we would get to take Kinsey to church. Too bad it wasn't in the states. She was clapping to the music and did very well during the sermon. I was tearful through so much of it though. I am emotional anyway. The best part was that we were all praising the same God. So what if we can't speak each others language. I felt God's presence there that day. After church they had a fellowship time. We ate flat corn tortilla's with some kind of red sauce spread on it topped with mozzarella cheese, juice, coffee, bread and cookies. The entire congregation welcomed us with hugs and kisses and we hope to go back again next time we are there. WOW! I guess I can say I would have never experienced all of these blessings if Kinsey was already home. Here is a pic of us at church and a hilarious video clip of her getting so excited about the music that played on her book we got her.

Been Busy...

2009-09-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted since I have been here. We pretty much skype everyone now so I am not posting pics as often. Kinsey's party was a great turn out. There were 15 people there including us. That is quite a turn out for a Guat. party. Kinsey's fosterfamily and their extended family came. They are wonderful. Kinsey though was not to impressed and did not want to have anything to do with the party unless her FM was at her side. She did blow out her candle. She fell asleep and then woke up with just Mama and Papa at her side. She was not too thrilled about that. She cried for a good while, but is better now. She still looooovvvvvvessss her papa. That is just the norm. She loves to dance and do the itsy bitsy spider. We sing that song every time we talk to her on the phone so she knows it pretty well. When she wants to go to sleep she points to her crib and says "Pache", which is her bottle. She drinks it, throws it to the side, and rolles on her belly to sleep. THat is soooo great. We don't have to fight her to go to sleep. SHe just tells us when she is ready. We went to church yesterday with Lilian's niece. It was amazing. Just like home. Someone who spoke english sat beside us and translated for us. I will talk more about that later. I am getting ready to go to all the fun government places shortly, so I better go.Here are some photos to last you for awhile.

Manana, Manana, Te Amo, Manana

2009-09-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

That is the song that we sing the day before we leave to see Kinsey!!! Yes, we are going down for her 2nd birthday. We are one day away from holding her again. We are having a birthday party tomorrow at the hotel after we arrive. There will be several people there including most of her foster family. Kainen will stay here due to school. His grandparents already have tons of fun things planned for him so he probably won't miss us much. We skype several times a day too, so that really helps. Kinsey is on a new medicine regimen. She is seeing a new doctor and had several tests ran. She had bilateral pneumonia a few weeks ago, shortly after she was out of the hospital for the second time. She was taken off milk and put on soy. She was taken off her antibiotics too. Her labs came back showing she didn't have much of an immunity. Everything on her labs were low. The doctor thinks it may have been from the other doctor putting her on so many antibiotics in such a short time. She has to drink this immunity boosting stuff for 2 months. She is also on a new inhaler and some other meds. She is soooo much better. They say she is pink and has more energy and is not sick at this time. I am thankful for that. I don't know what she looked like while she was sick, but it must have been pretty bad because the fosterfamily is very very happy she is so much better.

While I am there I am once again am going to PGN and the courts to see what the hold up is. Some of our hard work has paid off though. Adoptive families had several state representatives and senators sign a letter to Hilary Clinton urging her to do something about the delays in Guatemala. She evidentally did something because it is all over the news and radios in Guatemala that the government is feeling pressure from the US on getting the adoptions completed. Our fosterfamily said they heard Hilary gave them a deadline of december. Now we all know that Guatemala time is like a snails pace. PGN has developed this "new" unit to try to finish cases quicker. Well if they had been doing it in a timely manner to begin with we wouldn't need to try to create a NEW unit. HELLO!!!!!! Anyway, I will try to post some photos while we are there. Have a great weekend.

Waiting is the hardest part

2009-09-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Not knowing what our future holds with Kinsey is enough to drive me into the insane asylum. She IS coming home someday, there is no doubt about that, it is just when? Our judge ruled in May that the adoption could proceed. Whoopee! BUT the judge has yet to send the "resolution" to PGN so our case can do so. I guess the judge went to sign the document recently and found some typos so she sent it back to the official to be retyped. Golly Gee people. It never fails to amaze me with the delays in Guatemala. There are still little ones coming home which awesome and keeps my spirits up. But there are alot of us that are stuck with delays.Our dear friends Pam and Mark who are waiting for Nola just got word this week that the judge set a 2nd hearing on their case for JUNE 24th, 2010 Why on earth would the judge set the hearing so far away? Please keep them and Nola in your prayers. THey have been through so much already and now they are possibly looking at a NOT NEEDED 9 month wait for a court hearing. Another family we know have a 2nd court date March 2010. It seems like it is never ending.

Summer pics

2009-08-26T05:21:00.001-07:00

Wanted to share a quick slideshow of pictures of things we have done in the past few weeks. Even though we pray and think of Kinsey every single day, our lives do have to go on and we have a fantastic 7 year old that we are blessed with every day. He is so funny at this age. He asked me one morning if I was going to wear what I had on to take him to school. I said absolutely! He was embarrased, but I don't even get out of the car so why get all dressed up right? He is in 2nd grade. He is playing football for the fall. This will be his 3rd year. And he loves baseball.
A few weeks ago we went to Wrigley field for a Cubs game. Danny's cousin Meredith met us there and we stayed 2 nights in Chicago and also went to Legoland. We had a blast. If you have never been to Legoland you need to check it out. They have a lot to do and see and it is amazing how they build some of these things out of Legos. And of coarse they had a Lego store at the end. THe adults enjoyed it just as much as the Kainen. A few of the pics from Legoland are sideways. One of them is darth vader from Star Wars. His head was cut off when I made the slideshow. This was Kainen's favorite piece made out of Legos. I also put in a few pics from the birthday party my parents had for me last weekend. We celebrated August birthdays along with my grandma's whos is Sept 4. It was an absolute great day. My mother in law made a small blanket with Kinsey's name on it for when we go on our visit trips. It is for us to cuddle her with and have her sleep with while we are there and then bring it back with her scent on it so we can remember her until next time. It is kinda funny that she thought of this because we do try to not wash some things that she has worn or had with her while she sleeps so we can smell her. Kinsey is talking more and saying some english words to. She says "luv you" and "night" for good night when we end our phone calls. It is cute. Can't wait to give you all some good news about the case. It has been a while since we have had some good news. I hope everyone has had a great summer break.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

4 days.......

2009-08-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

That is how long Kinsey spent in the hospital this past week. We knew she was running a high fever and was having some difficulty with her breathing on wed. night. The doctor had made a house call and started her on antibiotics. Well by thursday she was not better and they admitted her. I do not know a lot of details becuase we just found out on sunday night that she was in the hospital. I do know that she was released last night and did have IV antibiotics and respiratory treatments while in the hospital. She sounded lousy last night while we were calling to check on her, but atleast she is home. She is ALWAYS on medicine. We have visited her 8 times and have always had some kind of medicine to give her. Usually antibiotics and it is always for her breathing. Hopefully asthma and not something more serious. She has been hospitalized twice now for her lungs. We are still waiting for the judge to release a document to PGN so we can get out of minor's section and go back to the normal PGN process. Our attorney was suppose to go today to the court to let them know how sick Kinsey has been to see if they could SPEED things along. We shall see..... Please remember Kinsey this week as her little lungs are trying to get over this illness. I know how scary she looks when she can't breathe. It is horrible.

She asks for Mama and Papa........

2009-07-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our fostermother said she was out at the supermarket with Kinsey and saw a boy that resembled Kainen. She got very excited and the boy came over to play with her. She went right to him and asked where Mama and Papa was? She got very upset when the boy had to leave and had to be distracted so he could leave. This of coarse made us very happy knowing she knows us and remembers us, but sad that she doesn't understand all of this. We also had a friend of ours call to tell our FM some things. Kinsey kept asking to talk to us thinking we were on the phone. She wouldn't take no for an answer and our friend, Eva had to talk to her so they could prove to Kinsey it was not us. I guess I got my confirmation that all of our visits have paid off. Nothing new worth reporting on the adoption front.

Also I have a funny converstion to tell you about. This was between me and my 5 year old niece. She spent last weekend with us and went shopping with me. We have never stopped trying to concieve on our own and was at the store to buy some ovulation sticks. Here it goes:

Brittney: (Picks up a box of ovulation sticks and heads to the checkout)

Grace: "Aunt Brittney, what are those for?"

Brittney: Uncle Danny and I are trying to get a baby in my belly"

Grace: (looking puzzled at me) Why don't you get 2 boxes? Don't you want to have 2 babies?

Brittney:(laughing) Oh, yes Gracie, but that is not exactly how it works.

She cracks me up. She was so serious too. She really made my day. Sometimes that is all I need to keep me going is good laugh from a child.

A lot to say, so little time.........

2009-07-15T18:25:00.001-07:00

Well we have been back from our trip for 9 days now and it stinks a big one. Kinsey was so confused about what was going on that her FM said it took her 2 days to get back to her routine. She said she was confused and sad. Once she showed her the home video of us she said our names and then was happy. As the trip progressed she was more at home and looooves her brother. She calls him "Ka Ka" which sounds like "da da" but she made sure we all knew that he was who she was talking about. It was so sweet to see them interact more now that she is older. He is a trooper too. He can pretty much sum up the adoption for you. I know he wants her home as badly as we do. That was what he asked for when it was his b-day, to go see her.

Danny went with Pam and her family to Nola's orphanage. They were all overly blessed and was able to purchase a jungle gym, ride on toys, bouncy seats, and tons of other stuff. Danny really enjoyed his time. Check out Casa Alegria's blog or Journey to Nola to see some photos.

While there I went to PGN to see if there was anything I could do to help our case along or to get a better understanding of what is going on. Boy, was I a nervous wreck. I used one of my contacts I have in Guatemala and she goes to PGN alot with families. She knows the process and is a great translator. I have no idea how she did it, but she got us into the minor's section of PGN and next thing I know the man who has our case is shaking my hand and sitting beside me with OUR case on his lap. We talked and I tried to present myself well in hopes that he got a good vibe from me. He was VERY nice and seemed genuine. The bottom line is he was just assigned our case and didn't even know he had it. The woman that has had it all this time was recently fired and his desk is piling up with cases to review. Alot was said and learned. There are some things that still need to be done and one thing is to get the judges "certified" resolution to PGN into our file. He did give me his personal contact phone number and said he was glad I came. He was going to make our case a "priority". Yeah, well we all know Guat. time is soooooooooooooo not our time. This guy has the power to release our file from minor's and send it to regular PGN. There are still so many steps that have to happen for Kinsey to come home. I met and spoke with our attorney's assistant too while I was there. It is amazing how loooooooong these little steps take. The document PGN needs is in a huge pile at the judges office waiting for some kind of certification. Come on people!!!! Our attorney is as frustrated as we are. We have not paid one cent towards this adoption to our attorney's or agency since March 2008. Once the adoption is complete, then they recieve the rest of their fees. No-one knew the major delays that were ahead. Even though our attorneys have not recieved anything, they are still paying for Kinsey's fostercare, diapers and other needs and have never once asked for additional fees due to all the delays. We are very thankful for this, but wish it was all over.

With her 2nd b-day fastly approaching, please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I have some really hard and low days. Some days I barely get off the couch. I call them "Poor Me Days". They are fewer these days but they come to haunt me on occasion. I have more good days than bad thanks to Kainen keeping me on my toes.

Well you know the usual post ending phrase. I will keep you all posted on any news.

Rain,Rain Go Away!

2009-07-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

Yup, it is rainy season here and that is all it does. It is like a monsoon at times. We went to the zoo today and spent most of the 2 hours we were there dodging the down pours. Now, it was perfectly sunny all morning until we decided to get in a taxi and head out on a adventure. And an adventure it was!!! Kinsey is still very very attached to her Papa. She is letting me do more, but still prefers Dan. I did go to PGN yesterday. WOW! What an experience that was. It is a very long story, and will share it at another time. I was a nervous wreck, but was able to talk to the man that actually has our file and saw our file while I was there. From what I hear, being able to do that does not happen too often. So I am blessed that God brought the right people in my path yesterday to make that happen. Well time to eat dinner. Hasta Luego!!!!!

Changed Hotels and Much better!

2009-06-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

I know this is crazy, but we had wondered if being at a different hotel than Kinsey was used to may be contributing to her unhappiness. Well, we decided to check out of our hotel a day early and go to the hotel that Kinsey has always been to and she was almost instantly better. She has been playing in the room and not needed held. It is so crazy that she recognized the hotel room. We always stay in the exact room. Now we know where to stay. Well, I am going to go for now. Just wanted to let you all know that things are much better now that we are in our home away from home.

We are still here!

2009-06-30T07:16:00.001-07:00

Well everyone is physically feeling better. We had a very rough day emotionally yesterday. Or should I say I did. I almost hate to admit it because I feel defeated in some ways, but it was rough yesterday. Kinsey has alway loved her Papa, but yesterday she only wanted him. There was no consoling her by me. She cried and cried. She did have a bit of a low grade fever so that may have contributed a bit. Nothing really went smoothly. We got our valuables locked in our safe and 3 Guatemalan people were in our room for an hour with our safe and the table upside down trying to get it unlocked. They finally did. We went to Mcdonald's for ice cream and were stared at the entire time because we were the minority. (which we usually do not have a problem while we are here)

Kinsey and I took a nap while the boys swam and I was awoken by Kinsey screaming with fear in her eyes looking for Papa. Well I take her down to the pool to see him and she is a bit better, but still tearful even with him. They all go back to the room and leave me to pick up everything and bring it back to the room. I have my hands full and manage to drop the glass baby food jar on the floor and glass flies everywhere. (Kinsey doesn't typically take baby food, but she is not eating well so we were trying everything) By now I have tears in my eyes because I have emotionally hit my max and all these people are talking to me in spanish and I have no idea what they are saying. Two men help me clean it up and off to my room I go. I have my meltdown and then feel a bit better.

Then the strangest thing happens. Well God had his hand in it. Kinsey's mood changes and she only wants ME! She reaches for me and wants ME to do everything for her. She even shook her head no to Papa at one point. WOW! God knew I needed that! We finished the evening out playing and laughing. She is an angel! SO maybe she was having a bad day, who knows.

Early Morning!! Sick family!!!

2009-06-28T05:06:00.001-07:00

Well, I have been up with Kainen since 4 am. He has been on the toilet with diarrhea and vomiting at the same time. My poor baby! I hate when he is sick. Especially when we are thousands of miles away from home. He has been rolling all over the bed with stomach pain. I hope it is just a bug and not something more serious. Danny too is not feeling well. He says his is more jet lag and not sleeping well. Me and Kinsey on the other hand are doing fine. She has been all smiles and just loves to play with Kainen. Though he is not up to par this morning.

We are here!!!

2009-06-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

We made it with no problem here. Kinsey is sleeping on her Papa's chest right now. She teared up for a few minutes and then fell asleep so haven't spent to much time with her awake yet. I'll post pics sometime later...................

Happy Birthday Kainen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-26T10:19:00.001-07:00

Today my Kainen turns the big 7. I can't even believe that I am a mother of a seven year old. Boy am I feeling old. He had his party this past weekend. Of coarse it was spongebob. Everyone had a great time.

We are heading to the movies to see Transformers 2 this afternoon. Then tomorrow, we head down to Guatemala. Bye for now!!!

Guatemala 900

2009-06-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

We were unable to attend the Guatemala 900 march in Washington DC, but had some friends from our agency take some photos of the girls there with them to put on the Guatemala consulate steps. They lit 900 candles, one in honor of each child still waiting. There was a good turn out and the US is trying to see what they can do to move us all along.

We are leaving Saturday for Guatemala. I have made arrangements to go to PGN and possible the Judge ( if needed) to see when this "opinion" might make it to PGN's hands so we can move forward. Evidently there were some people signing off corrupt cases in PGN within the past 2 weeks and they were caught and arrested. So of coarse PGN is now even more strict with there approvals. I hate hate hate that there are still 900 children waiting to come home to waiting families and even more that are not even referred to families due to the shut down of the adoptions. Dan and I both know that God chose Kinsey for us. There were children referred to families before and after our referral and those babies are home now. God has set us on this journey and we are never giving up on her. If I could only sit down and tell you all the blessing we have had since this journey started. We have grown so much in our faith and all 3 of us know who comes first in our lives. One day Kainen was talking about everyone he loved and he said God first and then family. We were in the car when he told me this and I had tears of joy to be able to hear my 6 year old say those words.

I will some pics while we are there and of coarse any updates we might have.

Guatemala 900 march and vigil

2009-06-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

On June 17th there will be a march in DC to the capital and a candlelight vigil in front of the Guatemala Embassy representing the 900 cases that are STUCK in this process. There will be 900 candles lit representing each child. There is a memorial area where the children's pictures will be. Please pray on wednesday and continue to remember that there are so many children left that are not home yet.

Also, if anyone was interested in donating items for Casa Alegria, time is running out. Pam has gathered a small team together and they will be delivering items the first week of July. Just let me know if you want to help. She has had such a great response. Last night I had 5 huge totes full of clothes donated for the children. Mostly girls clothes, so if you have any boys items that would be awesome.

We will be going down to see Kinsey for 1 week soon. We will leave June 27th. We called her last night and she just talked away. Some of it was spanish jibberish but she said Mama a few times and Papa of coarse. Nothing new from PGN. Still waiting! I am getting really good at this waiting stuff. I won't know what to do when it is all over.

GIRLY GIRL PUTTIN ON HER MAKEUP

Mama's braggin post!

2009-06-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Every mom should be able to brag about her kids atleast once right? Kainen has been very busy the past few months. He absolutely loves sports! He has been taking tennis lessons since March and just finished. He has seemed to pick up the basics of tennis quickly and even taught me a few things. He is now playing baseball. Well his Mama played softball in high school so she loooovvveess to watch him play. Usually they play very basic rules since most of the kids are just learning. They only get to run to one base and always throw it to 1st base. They never keep score or track of the outs. Monday night they played a "real" game. Kainen was thrilled. He hit a line drive over the short-stops head out to the outfield. He ended up hitting a home run. It was so exciting. I am so gonna be one of those Mama's that are loud during the games. Poor Poor Danny!!!! Kainen slid into home and tried to act all relaxed about it. It was sooo funny. He did a really good job. SO, I wanted to post a few pics from baseball and tennis lessons.

Nothing new on the adoption front. Still waiting on PGN. We have heard our case is still in the Minor's section of PGN waitin to be sent through the "normal" review process. Who really knows. All I know is that the big mountain that was holding us up for almost a year is now gone. We did learn from reading the judges resolution that the investigation that was done to look for the birthmother was NOT NECESSARY!!
Wonderful huh? Keep you posted on that subject.

Praise God again, We have approval from the judge!!

2009-05-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

I was so not expecting to hear anything today. I figured it would take several days or weeks to get the ruling. I was sitting on the deck reading a magazine and the phone rang. Now usually I jump up to get it but this time I just let it ring because I wasn't expecting any news today. Danny came out with the phone and I could tell it was the agency. They just recieved the report from the judge and the ruling was in our FAVOR. The judge is sending it back to PGN for approval. So hopefully PGN will approve it soon and we can get her home. Pray for a quick in and a quick out. I will keep you all posted. THanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming.Praise God! Praise God!!!

He is Mighty to Save

2009-05-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Kinsey loves to dance. We have a song that is on our blog called Mighty to Save by Laura Story. THis has become our families "theme song" while on this journey to Kinsey. Everytime we hear it we think of her and sometimes we cry, praise him, pray or sometimes dance. Out of all the songs I have on the blog, this is the one she chooses to dance to. She knows it is mommy and daddy's favorite. Here she is the last morning I had her before I left to come home. SHe is still in her PJ's. Check out her morning hair-do! You may have to stop my blog music first to hear the clip.

WELL.......NO Ruling......yet

2009-05-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Yea, you heard me right. I could not believe it either when the agency called late last evening. Everything went down as it should and everyone showed up that was supposed to. I just can not fathom how they could bring everyone together; our foster mom, Kinsey, our attorney, and PGN, and still do not make a final verdict right there. We were told that now the judge(since she has heard both sides) will go back to her "chambers" and make a final ruling and write up the report. They are hoping to get this next week, but we will see---a week to them usually means a month or 2. Our attorney feels VERY confident that things went well in the hearing, but he really has nothing to base it off of, because NO case has ever gone this route, not having the 2nd illegal BMI. But he did say the judge was very happy to see the connection we had to Kinsey; visits, pictures, video, etc. I also know our sweetie was as good as gold all day, smiling and waving saying hi to everyone, and it was a LONG day for her. The hearing started over 2 hours late and they were there about 4-5 hours, so they were there about 7-8 hours total. So we still don't know where we will go next, but I guess at least our case is being worked on. Thank you everyone for all your prayers, and we could still use them...

Praise God, We have a date with the Judge!

2009-05-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

and the best part is.............It is this coming Friday, May 15th-just 6 days away! Our foster mother emailed us today to tell us this news. It would have been at least Monday before we would have heard anything from our agency. We absolutely love Lilian. She is an angel sent from above. She also stated in the email to please pray that the judge rules favorably,... WELL YEAH!!! We will definately be doing that, and we ask all that come here and read and follow along with us to please join us and lets lift our little sweet Kinsey up to him and let HIS will be done. Everything hinges on this ruling. Not only to see if our adoption can continue, but to see also which route we are going to go after this; back to pgn or what. We are going to try and call soon to get more info and will call again Friday night to see how it went.

Mommy, Can you fix my hair???????

2009-05-04T18:04:00.001-07:00

I tell ya, this girl has some hair! This is what she looks like in the morning. She has the softest ringlet curls, but by mid-afternoon they start to go frizzy on me. All I have to do is damp them a bit and they go smooth again. Does anyone have any suggestions on a child-safe product that will not hurt her hair in any way that I can put on it to keep the curls not so frizzy. If I keep it in pigtails or up it is tame, but boy oh boy, watch out after I take the pigtails out.It looks like she has a wig on sometimes. But she is still my adorable sweet angel that God sent to us!!!!

Sorry so late

2009-05-01T16:40:00.001-07:00

I have literally been running around the past several days and just now have time to sit down and post. We skyped several people during the trip so there wasn't an urgency to post pictures. Our trip was great. I first off want to say that Praise God, Pam got to see Nola. Check out her blog to read about it. Secondly, it was so nice to go with her on our visit. We had such a good "girl" time together. I think I really needed that. We could talk girl talk and talk about adoption topics 24 hours a day and never got tired of it.

Kinsey has grown up so much since I last saw her 8 weeks ago. She is talking up a storm and she was my little shadow. She says agua, bye, hi, papa, mom mom,and several other things that I can't make out. Partly due to my lack of spanish. She understand English though. I asked her to go get me her diaper so I could throw it in the trash and she did. She adjusted very well which was good considering she usually attaches herself to her Papa. She absolutely loves the Ergo baby carrier. I didn't think she would this time since she is mobile, but she would point to it and get my attention when she wanted in it.She would snuggle up and go to sleep or just hang out in it. Still no news on a court date. Our FM said the social worker visited the house 2 weeks ago and focused on us. She asked several questions reagarding our family and our FM showed her pictures of us. She wrote down several things. The attorney's assistant told our coordinator last week that the judge may rule on our case without a hearing. This is hard for me to believe since every other case has had a hearing scheduled. I am not putting restrictions on God's miracles, but So far this has been the case. THe attorney's assistant doesn't typically give us that kind of info unless she has been told something so I really don't know. Maybe having our FM work so hard for us while the SW is there is helping. Who really knows.

Moms On A Mission

2009-04-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

Well, Pam and I leave in the wee hours of the morning for our Guatemala trip. Initially weeks ago, we decided to go fight for movement on our cases and actually go to the judges office and PGN to see what the hold up was. After we purchased our tickets, we started getting all kinds of news. Pam finally got a court date for Nola which is still a bit ways away in August and we heard the judge has our PGN report. We have yet to actually get the report in our hands but they say they have confirmed that is it done and in the judges hands. So, we still sit and wait for some more news.

Our goal for our trip is to try to have Pam see Nola somehow. It has been 6 1/2 long months that she has heard nothing about her sweet angel. Please say a prayer for her and for our trip. Pray that we have a safe and productive trip. I will post pics of Kinsey while down there and keep you all posted about any other news we have.

There is another family who I would like to remember. THey are with our agency. They too did not have the second birthmother interview but PGN just recently found the birthmother and she consented for the adoption to proceed. This was such great news to hear and we were all happy for their family because PGN would soon release the case and the child would come home. Well yesterday they found out that the CNA is convincing PGN not to release any cases. SO, now they are up in limbo again not knowing what is going on. CNA is the council created who will be in charge of adoptions once they start again. I have know idea what this means. GUatemala's adoption process has went to bad to very bad very fast.

Creation Museum and Adoption News

2009-04-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Kainen is on Spring Break this week and we took a 2 day trip to the Cincinatti area and visited the Creation Museum. If you have never been, you have to go. It is awesome. It talks about Evolution vs. Creation. They have a ton of stuff to see and learn about. Kainen's little wheels in his head have been spinning since the trip. He had lots of questions afterwards. He has learned about Creation and Noah's Ark and such during sunday school, but to see it like they have it set up was really eye opening to him. It takes approx 2-3 hours to do everything. There is a garden to walk through and a petting zoo with some of God's animals. Danny and I both enjoyed it as well and we learned a few things ourselves. THey have some "cafes" to eat at if you want and they were very reasonable. All I have to say is you have to go check it out. Here are a few pics from the visit.

Adoption news

Well, We had not heard anything for so long that we decided to take some action. Our friend Pam is in the same situation as us except her daughter was taken and sent to an orphange this past September. We decided to take a trip to Guatemala in 3 weeks. We had obtained lots of contact info, recieved the judge's phone number and such. We were so ready to fight fight fight for our babies home. Well this morning we got an email with all kinds of info. I will let you read Pam's news on her blog. Click on the "Journey to Nola" link on my sidebar. Well our news is this: Our attorney is under the assumption that our investigation has been completed though he does not have proof in his hands. The judge requested last week a copy of the POA that our BM signed and that was submitted last week. Once the judge has the investigation report ( which they are saying is done) then she will schedule a hearing for her resolution. You need to read Pam's blog for her news because she has the same lawyer and judge as us. So, the good news is that someone is viewing our case. THe stinky news is we need a hearing set and we don't have a date yet. Our agency is calling the judge tomorrow to see if there is any news they can obtain for us. We shall see. So yes, Pam and I are still going in a few weeks, but there may not be anything we can do if we have a hearing date set by the time we go. So it may just be a visit with Kinsey. Which is fine with me too. Keep you all posted.

Happy 18 months sweet girl!!

2009-03-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Su Mami y Papa y hermano los amos muy mucho! Here are some more photos from our last trip. The middle one is at the aquarium restaraunt in the mall. You actually had to crawl to get inside this cylinder opening in which you were surrounded by all the fish.

As far as news on our case, well, there just isn't any. We are still waiting for PGN to "finish" their investigation. We were told awhile ago that they thought it was done, but it is not. At least not yet for whatever reason. We have a friend who we met along the way who lives in Guatemala. She has alot of connections in the adoption world, and we had asked her to check on our case at the minors unit of PGN and see where we are in the investigation and/or what else was needed. We are still waiting to hear concrete evidence of what stage we are at or when it will be done...

New Pictures!

2009-03-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

We received these Friday. She is getting so big! The last one looks like she's ready to fight......bring it on PGN! It seems like she has changed even more since the last time we saw her over a month ago. I guess that's what happens, though, when you are not there everyday to see her grow. I can't begin to express my longing to have her home with us. It is a hurt that runs deep and can only be healed by her coming home. We know she is very well cared for, and all of her needs are met by our wonderful FM. But WE want to do those things. WE want to be doing the daily needs stuff. WE want to be who she cries for in the middle of the night. WE want to be there when she falls and scrapes her knee(she is walking, or should I say running everywhere). WE want to be her PARENTS! Not just a distant memory of a family that comes every 3 months or so and visits for just a few short days. NO, WE want to be Mami and Papa fulltime. BUT, it is not about WE or US. It is about this beautiful little girl in which God has given us the opportunity to adopt. It is about what is in HIS will for our lives. It is about when the right time of her coming home will be. For many reasons, there are obstacles in our way, and we have to be patient and let God work them out. HE is mighty to Save!

9 Wonderful years ago.....

2009-02-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

I married my best friend in the whole wide world. Danny and I shared our 9th anniversary today. Now tomorrow night is the real celebrating. No child ( staying with Mamaw overnight), dinner paid for, and well whatever happens after that. Maybe some shopping. We would like to see a movie, but I never stay awake. I was surprised with a dozen roses in my car tonight after work with the sweetest letter reminiscing about when we firt met and were dating and had no worries in the world....just him and I. Ok, Ok I know that sounds corny, but hey, that is how we are. Corny!!! I love you babe!!!

Nothing new on the adoption front. I have been hearing from other families about some slight movement with their cases. Of coarse they all are in different situations, but atleast they are somewhat working down there.

Thanks everyone for posting their comments on the blog. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. All of your thoughts and prayers are so uplifting. I wanna give a shout out to my Godmother Vicki. I knew you were a lurker, thanks for posting.

Here are some more pics from our visit a few weeks ago.

ATTENTION ALL LURKERS

2009-02-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Ok I saw this on another blog and thought this was awesome. I am so encouraged by all of the encouraging words you give my family during this time in our lives. I want to know who you all are that lurk on my blog and never reveal yourself. So I challenge you now to reveal who you are and leave a comment. If you do not have an account, it is easy to sign up. All you do is make a username and password. This is how you sign in to leave a comment. It is that easy. Hope you see who you all are that check out our blog. Feel free to leave encouraging words. Besides God on our side, this is how we get through our days.

Kinsey dancing to the tv music

2009-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day!

2009-02-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post some more pics of our visit. First I want to update you all on the meeting we had yesterday. Basically the judge has notified the attorney that the investigation is completed and once the report is available for pickup the judge will review it and make a ruling. The letter the judge sent was on the 28th of January. So maybe a ruling will be soon. If it is a positive ruling then it will be sent back to PGN for approval. PGN will not be happy about this since they initially sent us to court to begin with, so she said to prepare for a kick out. Some of you may not know all this adoption lingo. Sorry. Anyway, PGN can then approve the case or deny it. If it is denied then it will go back to the judge and the judge will say APPROVED and Kinsey comes home. Too bad we can't bypass PGN again. The judges ruling is saying that Kinsey needs to proceed with the paperwork to get her home. A social worker came to our FM house last week to check on her and she told Lilian that everything looked good and the adoption should proceed. So I guess it is a matter of time for all this stinky paperwork to get completed. Our attorney's partner has a case like ours and the judge approved it and sent it back to PGN so we are anticipating to hear how that goes. SO that is all we know for now.

We are here....

2009-02-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

THe first day is always hard for me to post pics because we are so busy with everything. Not too many pics yet. The more she gets older, the more attached she is to her FM. She is a delight and defiently understands when spoken to in spanish. She is taking a step here and there but not actually walking on her own yet. She runs if you are holding her hand. Here are some pics. Meeting with the attorney assistant today at 11:00. Pray for positive news!!!!!!!! Eveyone is so overdue that is in this process. I will post more as the day progresses.
One pic is when we first got her yesterday. Kainen is hiding from her, he is not upset or anything. It just looks like it. Another is of her WILD hair without anything in it to help tame it down.

Newspaper article on Guatemala adoptions.

2009-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

This was posted in a Guat newspaper and translated by a Guatemala citizen. There are several different translations by different people, but this one makes the most sense. Some may not understand it all, but those that have adopted before will understand.

The CNA requested the Children and Adolescents Courts protection for over 200 children whose adoption files were not presented during the verification process done by PGN. In the past few days 832 similar requirements were made.
Elizabeth de Larios, CNA's president, commented the institution's worry for the safety of these children, so they came to several courts.
There is total of 1032 children that were not presented to the authorities by the attorneys in charge of their cases in 2008, when it was required the presence of the child and the birth mother to prove their familiarity and the mother's desire to give her child for adoption.
The CNA is still evaluating another 122 cases before requiring the placing of the minors. Among other things they have to verify if there is any duplicity in these files registers.
The judges recieved the addresses contributed by the attorneys to locate the children, who might be in danger.
A co-chairwoman from PGN, Florencia de León, informed that her unit's registers say they identified 43 children that were not presented for the verification process, for 27 of these cases they opened a judicial file.
She assured that those minors are located in particular homes or with foster mothers.
She also exposed that they are a process to purify their information to stablish why there is so many difference among CNA's cases.
Yesterday, about 30 adoption cases were filed to PGN to be evaluated in order to their approval, they all correspond to previous requests from 2008.
Nidia Aguilar, from Child Defense, hopes this year adoptions will be fast forward, so the number of completed adoptions increases.

We are in the judicial system, so I wonder if we are one of those 27 cases they refer to. Who knows. I will keep praying and stalking the computer with more news! 7 days til we hold Kinsey girl again.