We have our Visa!!!!

Today has been quiet and peaceful. No pics to post. Clay got up around 630a still cranky and wanting sleep but took awhile and when finally got to sleep slept til 9a. I am learning to tell when my child is getting sleepy, hungry, etc. It is a nice feeling being able to. He kept throwing his bottle down so I have him on a sippy some times throughout the day and he likes it but still really attached to his bottle. Once we get home to St Louis and everything I will start making transitions to full time sippy cup, full milk, etc but until then we will keep everything we can status quo as the environmental changes and everything will be big enough right now. Well, I have to get Clay a bath and ready for bed. Then to finish packing the diaper bag and other bags as well. I will try to post again soon.
As far as the big things goes, Miriam and Christian brought our visa to us at 4p and then we went to the La Estancia steak house for dinner. Wow!!! Was it ever good and right next door to the Embassy too. Well, good night and post more later. I will try to post once in Atlanta.

Sunday

Today, has been a really good day. Clay went to bed really well last night and only woke up once. He was up even before we had to be for our day out. We got up early and went to the ATM, store, Zoo and saw the City from the top of a hill and the Palace. We learned alot today. The people moving from outlying towns to the City will gather at Central Park for the day in order to visit and get to know people as they usually don't know anyone.

Clay fell asleep in the car this morning and so after lunch did not want a nap at what his usual time lately has been. In fact, he decided he wanted a nap at 4 when usually he is waking up so I let him sleep an hour before awaking him ( he didnt like it) so that he could get dinner and get to sleep and sleep all night so as not to be up all night with him.

Tomorrow we are hoping to go to the Kacao Restaurant and then back here around 3 to wait on Miriam to bring us our Visa. Clay seems to be doing well with us here. I guess the real part of this begins when we are home. Well, I am posting pictures (may be sideways, if so will fix when get home) from the zoo, today.

I will try and post tomorrow some time and that will have to be the last post for awhile, but I will again soon.


Family Picture at the zoo

Saturday

Last night was a really difficult night sleep wise. The embassy appt had Clay up three hours early cause he is such a light sleeper and it made for a difficult night. I am thinking some of it was my fault as I let him sleep for a nap till woke up instead of waking him up after about two hours yesterday afternoon. He was up like 4 times and not wanting to go to bed. To get him to go to bed we had to take a push toy they have here and push it back and forth across the floor of our room till would calm down and let us hold him to get him to bed.

He woke up this morning as happy as a bug in a rug and since I got up (not just waking up) Matt let me sleep another hour or so and took Clay out to the patio and stuff to play with the other kids. I really love this hotel. The open feel. The not needing heat or air and the set up and the personalization of the staff. I would highly reccomend this place to anyone.

He got his bath this morning as we were at the embassy yesterday at regular time and I got splashed. He loved the rubber duck, I have to make sure that the water isnt to hot. Needless to say we are having a great time.

We are planning on a trip to the zoo and store tomorrow and the Kacao, Monday. Clay has been sleeping from two to four or longer if I would let him every day so far.

Please be praying for Pablo as he is REALLY sick and in the hospital and for Anna and her family too as they go through this. I have pictures but will have to add later as I have not had time to upload them to the flash drive, today.

Me and Mommy after my bath

Me laughing after my bath

Mommy trying to get my shoes so she can put them on me

I love the walker and boy can I move!!!!

Mommy feeding me black beans and they make me messy!

Embassy Day

Today was a really great day. Clay has been such a trooper, too. He is such a light sleeper (a really good one too). He is almost walking but only as long as someone has his hand or something. He can stand holding on but will forget and reach for something with both hands and next thing you know sitting down and crying. Poor baby!! He will learn, though. We were met here by Miriam and walked to the embassy where there are a ton of people. The comparison to the DMV is accurate, though something to dress up and be comfortable for as it is an important part of getting him home. Above you will see a picture of the three of us after the Embassy and lunch. I tried to put some other photos on but my laptop shut off in the middle of saving them to the flash drive so this will have to be it for now. We are hoping to possibly do the Zoo tomorrow and maybe the market. Kacao on Sunday and possibly, not sure yet, Antigua on Monday. Either way we are just enjoying this time together before getting back to the real world as there are a lot of changes and transitions to make for us all.

Before changing, Clay, out of his outfit I was watching Matt and Clay playing and just enjoying it. Clay is loving the attention, I tell you. Well, probably tons more I could write but right now I just need to do what I need to and get off so can go spend more time with my hubby and son. Thank you, Mary for the socks!! AS you can tell they are being used in really special ways. They match his outfit perfectly. Oh yeah, Clay kept having one of his shoes fall off (same size as tennis shoes and stuf guess just cause dress shoes) so we ended up leaving the Embassy in his sock feet cause I didn't want to lose them.

Please be praying for Pablo, Anna's little one, as he is REALLY sick!!!!

Will try to post more tomorrow.

A Family of Three

Oh my gosh, they got here last night around 545pm and it took awhile for him to come to us but he did and we had a good meal. I hurt so bad for the foster family, but at same time I am so happy for me. Last night wasnt bad and Clay slept all night long except for wanting a bottle once around 11. He has been so happy today and I am still not under complete belief that he is actually forever ours. Maybe, once we are on the plane it will really hit home that it is real and not just me dreaming. I cant explain everything we are feeling right now. I am not going to even attempt that. Right now, just whoever reads this please stop a minute and pray for Sammy, Veronica, Levni and Karen and the rest of the family that is missing my son and a part of their family. They need the prayers!!!!!!!! Pray for Clay also as he misses them, also. I am posting one picture from last night and then a few from this morning before breakfast. I will post more as time goes by until we go home but limited until home due to how the internet access works. We get it free just on public computers and pictures are being uploaded from a flash drive. Enjoy the pictures and I will post more as our time here continues. We love the hotel and it is right next door to the embassy. Talk soon.

Levni, Clay, Veronica and I right before the translator arrived

Clay and Daddy this morning before breakfast

Clay and I before breakfast

Clay getting his picture taken by Daddy

We are here and waiting.........

I am trying to be patient in my wait but they are still not here and 4pm is over and gone. Do they know we aren't at the Westin.. Is it they are sad and putting it off.. Are they caught in traffic.. I figure if I do this they will come sooner with me not watching.

I really like the hotel. It is gorgeous and comfortable. I will say more later but now I am going to check email and stay busy to make the time go faster..

We are waiting on plane

We are at the airport waiting on our flight!!! We have been here since 6am Eastern. We ended up being able to get on an earlier flight yesterday which worked out really well. We got everything done and I actually got a few hours sleep. Our flight leaves at 10:08 and we arrive in Guatemala at 12:50. Needless to say, my excitement is mounting!!!!! I don't mind this wait so much. My mind is going a million miles an hour and the closer it gets to getting my baby the more excited I am. As the time get closer to the rest of my life Veronica and Sammy and Levni are going to be hurting. Please be praying for them as they are going to miss our son tremendously. I am closing for now as we head to the gate to wait out the rest of our time here in Atlanta. Please, continue to pray all goes smoothly as I am nervous about the unknown as well as excited!!!!!

The journey to the rest of our lives..

is upon us. Yes, you read that correctly. Am I 100% ready? Oh yeah!!!!!! I have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am so glad it is finally happening. Our apartment still needs a few things done but nothing major just the crib lowered (gotta find the instruction manual) and re-vacuum (I am paranoid I missed something)

I have been up since 4am finishing up packing and making sure I didn't forget anything. Right now, we are going to finish getting ready, then Matt has to log in his vacation time and stuff so can get paid and then to get b'fast and the airport. Becky is picking us up in Atlanta when we land at 3pm or there abouts. We gotta get some last minute things at Wal-Mart as will have a little more luggage guidelines once there.

Here we go and stay tuned. My goal is to post every day while in Guatemala but that also depends on how much time I have but that is the goal. Please be praying all goes smoothly and I havent forgotten anything.

We are almost ready!!

The last week has been major tough. Yesterday was Clay's first birthday and thinking I wasn't there with him was really hard. It was also Valentine's Day and Matt's first day after starting back to work for the week and has to sleep during the day so nothing special. I handled the day the best I could by planning the party we are having from him once we get home and rearranging. We took the computer out of the living room and put in our room so printer and computer buttons and lights didnt get pushed alot. (((SMILE))) We figure he is possibly walking or will be soon and definitely crawling and curious about everything. In the computers place is going the swing my Mom and Dad got for him for our baby shower and Matt's Moms rocker. Left in the living room is to hang pictures not yet hung, bind the rug and hang in Clay's room. Place outlet covers in plugs not being used. Buying and placing cord tighteners on cords. Cleaning off bar area and vacuuming.
In our bedroom I have to vacuum, change bedding on our room and making sure everything is in place.
Catch up on laundry again so can pack for our trip on Monday.
In Clay's room, hang the rug, lower the bed, wash sheets and find a place for everything in the bed at this time. Vacuum.
The goal: To be finished with above by Monday along with scrubbing the kitchen, bath and fridge.
Monday for packing and last minute stuff only.
Tuesday fly to Atlanta and Wednesday to Guatemala. We will be back in Atlanta on the 26th and celebrate first birthday on 28th and home forever on the 29th.
For his birthday, I am doing a stand up mini bear cake and a big stand up bear cake(holding balloons) Teddy Bear pull pinata, Teddy bear favors and cups to keep. I am hoping it goes as planned cause I want it to be special!!!

It is so close and I can't wait!!!! We have our tickets and hotel. Becky is picking us up from the airport Tuesday and taking us back on Wed morning before she goes to work. I have alot to do still and only two days to do it in but it will be done.

We went and bought a car seat today!!! We have to clean the car out and get it installed, too.

Please be praying that everything needed gets accomplished and for our journey in Guatemala to bringing our son home.

Praise God that my friends Angela, Alex and Kim have gotten back into PGN!!!!!

Please be praying for Kristi cause her 2nd DNA has to be redone (they put wrong Date of birth on test), Annette, Annie, Cory, and Jennie to get back into PGN and for Mary that Family Court and PA will be completed soon and re-entered into PGN and out without any Kick Outs(we really want to see her come home with her baby in record time). Finally, I have a friend her name is Melanie that received word tonight that as they are waiting on Pink slip for one child they for some reason are not able to complete their adoption for another son. She needs all the prayers she can for her and her family right now!!!! Their hearts are breaking!!

Their are a few big items we still lack for Clay's nursery and they are going to have be waited on as time is running out. Please be praying that everything is in place for our first post placement visit on the 7th of March here at our house and that the Pediatrician visit on the 5th and opthalmologist visit on the 6th goes well.

Thank you all for your prayers!!!!!!!!!

In Memory of: My Grandmother

Alice H. Key (1917-2008)

Today my grandmother went to be with her FATHER!! I dont have much to say except be praying for all of us that loved her as we are having a hard time dealing with this. I know that she is in no more pain and happy but I miss her and right now am hurting badly. All I can ask is please be in prayer as we go thru this weekend. I am not sure but the funeral will either be Sunday or Monday. We are thinking it is going to be Sunday as my sister in New Mexico can not be here.

All of you have over the course of our journey been really faithful in praying and I really appreciate that now. I don't have anything else to post right now but will again later. Thanks for your prayers.

Get Set, Ready,GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, this whole week has been something else. We have been having a REALLY topsy turvy week. We went to Mom and Dads for a few days and my grandmother is not well at all. She is 90 years old and hardly remembers anyone. Please be praying for my whole family as she may be going HOME sooner than later. I really hope, God will take her home as she wanted. She told me one time she wanted to go to sleep and wake up in Heaven with Jesus!! Please be praying for us all. That is the low point of this week and what makes it so topsy turvy right now. BECAUSE there are alot of highs to!!!!!!

Beginning on Monday of this year, we have had alot of prayers answered!! Kristi is now signed out of PGN along with Angela with no Kick Outs. Joanna has Orange and even Kristi has learned she has her new BC and Passport and possibly even Orange this week.

Now for my BIG news and what has put us on top of the world!!! We are PINK!!!!!!!! Clay will be home forever in the Good Ole US on 2/26/08!! Yes, we got our embassy appt, in fact, we got our embassy appointment the same day or DNA was actually delivered to the embassy!! Our DNA got to the Embassy yesterday 2/6/08. Our Embassy appointment is on February 22, 2008 at 7:15 am and we are number 18 on the list. We will be able to pick up our visa on February 25, 2008 at 3:30 pm.

I am getting really nervous, now. I am ecstatic and everything. I am trying to get everything ready and there is still alot that is needed but except for one thing it will all have to wait till after we get back home. It will all get done and I have tons to do. Please, be praying, that all we still need is gotten and that we have everything that we need to start with that maybe I haven't even thought of and dont know I need. I never thought I would be this nervous and happy and everything all at once. It is a relief to know when and now I just can't wait!!!!!

I am sooo losing it!!!!

Our DNA sample got to Labcorp on Wednesday the 30th (my mom and dad's 38th anniversary) and I was really excited and forgot their anniversary. Sorry, Mom and Dad. Since then and until the DNA got to Labcorp I have been watching my email like it is going out of style. I just want it there. He is legally our son and I just want him home with me and the US Embassy hasn't even issued any pink slips since Monday and this one day a week emails is so not good. I have been so politically polite and now I am just upset. I want my son home. We started this whole process almost one year ago and it seems like every time we get anywhere and step is over OUR governement slows us down. They have now viewed our file so many times and even now after having 2 dna tests they still do more. What is this? Issuing these once a week so far isnt right. Some people end up waiting a whole week to get an appointment and others get it in 48 hours. I just want my baby home!!!!! Oh yeah, I know there are some out there that will tell me dont do that, you shouldnt feel that way. No reason, too. To those: Have you gone through this? Do you know what it feels like to be in my shoes? If the answer is no then don't tell me that. Yes, God is in control and Clay will come home at the right time. I know that. I believe that, but right now I just want OUR Baby home!!!! He is mine and I should be able to go get him sooner than in a few weeks or two months. OK, I am finished venting!!



We have a praise for one of our prayers, Joanna is OUT of PGN and already has her Birth Certificate and Passport.



Angela has been sitting on Barrios' desk for a week or so now and is really wanting to know what it is for since Barrios has to sign off on everything. Kristi has been in PGN a little over 7 weeks now and doesn't know where she is in the waiting list but is wondering if she is getting out or not!!! Kim is still worrying somewhat as her agency has told her nothing!! Please be praying for all these women and their families as this weekend and next week goes through. Also, please be praying for Annette as she really needs the strength to get thru getting back in PGN and out after her third Kick Out. Please be praying for all my friends listed here and for Mary as she is waiting out the process for their child. This second time is SO Hard on both her and her husband and need all the prayers they can get. Anna needs prayers to as Pablo is now realizing this is a permanent change and nights aren't easy. Pablo needs prayers as it is hard on him also. Thank you for your prayers.



Last night we got alot of snow and when Matt got home from work he took a few pictures that I will be posting here. This type weather really makes us want to go home. It is way to cold for us Southerners, here.