Time for a little Vacation in the Snow!

On Dec. 27th to the 31st, we decided to go upstate with some friends, to do some snowmobiling. It was fun. Peter's friends Macie and Jen was there, and they had a real fun time playing. We did family trips on the snowmobile, and all the kiddos did a great job as a passenger. Here are some pics.................... the temp was about 32-ish, but there was plenty of snow to go snowmobiling.

Mommy, Daddy, and Peter...........

Peter getting ready to go vooom, vooom..............
No cars/Snowmobiles coming, I can cross the street.

Merry Christmas from our House to Yours!

Today was a busy day, but Peter enjoyed waking up in the morning to see gifts for him from Ho Ho Ho. After we opened our gifts, we went to Grandma's house, and then we visited a few more family member's house for Christmas. We ended at Margaret's sister's house for Christmas Dinner. It was a long day, and Peter fell asleep before we even made it home. Here are few pics of our Christmas...........
Christmas Morning...........Santa was extra nice this year.

Peter loved opening this gift, and Daddy liked putting it together.

FELIZ NAVIDAD FROM GUATEMALA

Hi All,

the pics you all been waiting for.................Christmas pics of Anna Maria.........

Ho Ho Ho............. is coming to town

Well, the holiday tradition officially begun on Margaret's side of the family, but I guess one would think so - as big as her family is.

Saturday Dec. 22, we went to Peter's Aunt and Uncle's house for Christmas Dinner. Peter didn't take a long enough nap, so he was not a happy camper. But after awhile, he finally joined in and played with his cousins.

Sunday Dec. 23rd, we went to Peter's Aunt and Uncle's house for Christmas Dinner. Santa appeared and handed out gifts. Peter was happy to see Santa to tell him what he wanted for Christmas, and it's the same things...........Batman!, Superman, and Jet plane, and Anna. Peter wants a toy Jet plane, but he also knows he has to take the jet plane to pick up Anna. Peter had fun playing with his cousins.

Monday Dec. 23rd, Mommy and Daddy had Margaret's family over for Christmas Eve Dinner, and gifts. Peter didn't take a nap today, because we had visitors throughout the day and Peter "didn't want to miss anything". But Peter managed to catch his "2nd wind" and had fun playing with his cousins. This year we continued with the Guatemala Tradition and lit sparklers before opening gifts. In Guatemala at midnight, they light fire works, before opening the gifts. Since fire works are illegal in New York, we decided to just use sparklers instead. Everyone had fun outside lighting the sparklers. The we went inside to open gifts and had ice cream sundaes and root beer floats for dessert. Once everyone left, Peter fell fast to sleep with his Ho Ho pajamas on.

Peter enjoying his Ice Cream!

Everyone outside, lighting sparklers.

Peter being an Elf with his Ho Ho pajamas on.

Another Tradition that Margaret, Pam, and Julie started was two years ago during our first adoption. On Christmas Eve at 6pm (eastern time) we had a toast to make a toast for our children - those who we adopted and those of us who are in "the process" of adopting, and our other children - that complete our families. This year Margaret invited her friends (Martina, Barbara, Pam, Vicki, Laurie, Melissa, Marcie, & Emma) who are also adopting with Edwin this year. This is a tradition that we will continue to each year. Feliz Navidad!

Peter's New Room - "Big Boy Room"

Well, a few weeks ago, we wrote to tell you we were building a wall to make the "dining room" into Peter's room. Well, the room is finally done, and Peter just loves it.

On Thursday Dec. 18th, Peter's two aunts and uncles came to help put up the wallpaper and border (they have had plenty of experience doing it, so we figured we would ask them to help us). Thanks Anthony, Carol, Joann, & Les for putting up the wallpaper and border. I know you guys enjoyed the dinner Margaret cooked, since we had no leftovers to speak of.

On Saturday Dec. 20th, Peter's Aunt, Uncle, and Aunt from Daddy's side of the family came over to celebrate Christmas. Aunt Karen did a "room makeover" and made up the bed, and put up the curtains, and lamp to finish the room. Uncle Micheal helped Daddy put together the Craftsman tool boxes, that will be used as dressers. Thanks you guys so much, Peter's room looks great!

Once the room was done, it looked Fabulous. Below are the pics. Peter slept in his bed, and loved it and slept until 9am. When he woke up Daddy asked him if he slept good in his new bed, and Peter said yeah!

We called Anna's Foster Mom

This evening, we called Anna's foster mom to see how she was doing and if she needed anything. Because Margaret is going to visit her on Jan 2nd. Carolina (foster mother) said that Anna didn't need anything. Anna is doing very well. She is eating and sleeping very good. She is drinking about 6-8 ounces at each feeding. Anna is due to go back to the Doctors on Dec. 26, so after that we'll know more about her measurements. While on the phone Carolina invited Margaret and Peter to her house so they can see where Anna is living the first part of her life. Margaret explained to Carolina that it might not be possible, since Kerry wasn't coming along on this trip, maybe when Kerry is here too - then we'll be able to do it. Carolina said that she is taking plenty of pics for us. Margaret told Carolina that she knows that she is taking good care of Anna, and she is not worried. Carolina was very happy to know that we were coming to visit.

wow, I can't believe in about 8 days, we'll be going to Guatemala to see our Daughter.

Please continue to pray and send your wishes, that Anna Maria gets out of PGN, so that she can come home soon.

thanks for your continued support.

Got New Pics of Anna Maria - she's about 5 months old in the Pics

Here are the pics of Anna. Jacqueline, did the "scrapbook" effect on the pics. Anna is soo soo cute, I can't wait to see her again.

Visit Trip to See Anna

well, it is all set. In two weeks Peter and mommy will be going to Guatemala to see Anna Maria. We will not be in Guatemala alone, Barbara (Rochester email pal) who is also adopting a baby boy with the same lawyer will be going too. We will have the same layover in Atlanta, so we'll be flying together to Guatemala. The following day, Pam (from Maryland - email pal) who is also adopting a little boy with the same lawyer, will be in Guatemala also visiting her baby. It'll be nice to finally meet the woman I email all the time, and see our babies also.

While we are there, they celebrate Kings Day on January 6th, and we sort of invited ourselves to the celebration that our lawyer gives in his neighborhood. That will be fun to see and participate in.

While in Guatemala, Margaret will be updating the blog, with new pics and info.

Have a wonderful holiday.
And thank you for your continued support, please continue to pray, so Anna gets out of PGN so she can come home.

Making Chocolate houses for the Holidays

Today Peter's cousins invited him to come over and make Chocolate Candy Houses. Most of Peter's cousins were there for this fun event. Peter enjoyed eating/trying the different candies that were put out on the table to use to decorate the houses. With a little help from Mommy Peter did a great job in decorating his house. Luckily, Peter didn't eat that much candy while decorating the house, because he fell right to sleep on the way home.

Peter putting sprinkles on his house, he is such the cook!

Gotta get more "Snow" on the house!

Breakfast with Santa

Today, we went to have breakfast with Santa with a few of Peter's cousins, aunts, and uncles. It was fun. We went to the Riverhead Aquarium. Santa arrived and all the kids got to see Santa to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Peter was soo cute. Aunt Nancy was trying to take a pic of Peter with Santa, but Peter was too busy telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas - he wasn't ready to look at the camera. Along with the jet plane that Peter wanted, he also wanted Anna. Santa looked at grandma, with a "look" not know what/who Anna is? So grandma explained it to Santa. Afterwards, we walked around the aquarium to see the different fish and displays. Peter favorite part at the Aquarium is the sting rays, and he manages to do a good job in getting himself wet.

After having breakfast with Santa, we came home and decorated the tree. While mommy was putting the ornaments on the tree - Peter was taking the ones he liked off, so he can play with them. This year is going to be cute with Peter. Last year, we had to worry about the dog and cat with the tree, this year, we have to worry about Peter with the tree.

Peter is so excited about Ho Ho Ho, he knows that Santa is going to bring him gifts. And every time he sees Santa he ask for the same things. Guess Santa is going to have the elfs make the 3 times Peter wants for Christmas.

The Date is set, in 21 days - Margaret & Peter will be seeing Anna!!!!

The date is set, in 21 days Margaret and Peter will be going to see Anna Maria. Margaret booked the flights last night, and we are leaving on Jan. 2, 2008 and returning Jan. 8th. Who knows, maybe this visit trip will turn into a pick up trip...........POSITIVELY THINKING OF CAUSE............ We were hoping to have enough frequent flyer miles, but we didn't - so Margaret booked the flights. Hopefully the next time we'll be able to fly with our frequent flyer miles. Margaret called Howard (General Manager) from the Vista Real (formerly known as the Quinta Real) and he gave us a really good deal on a suite. When we were there in August visiting, Margaret spoke to Howard a couple of times, not knowing who he was until the end of the trip. Howard gave Margaret his contact info. and told her that when we plan on visiting again, to give him a call and he would give us the best rates he can, and he did. Margaret's "email Pal" Barbara from Rochester (also using the same lawyer to adopt her son) will be going too, and our flights have the same lay over in Atlanta, so we will be flying to Guatemala together. It is soo exciting to be going to see Anna Maria. We are trying to get Pam (she too is using the same lawyer to adopt her baby) to come with us, but she is trying to figure out how to do it with work and all. So hopefully it'll be the three of us in Guatemala at the same time. Hmmm, I think I better get packing, so that is done too. Let me add that to the list of "things to do"..............

Also, just to keep you updated. The grandfather clause that has been in limbo for so long, was voted on yesterday and yes - there is a grandfather clause for the adoptions in process, but come January 30th, if we are not done with our adoption then our lawyer will have to do some paperwork to register us to complete the adoptions. If you want to know the details, please visit the sites on the right margin.

A week of Holiday Events -

Hi All,

We had a busy week with different holiday events. It started off with having dinner with family, for Margaret's mom's Birthday. Peter had so much fun playing with his cousins, he was sound asleep in the car before we even got home. For those of you who don't know, when you talk about having dinner with Margaret's side of the family - just the immediate family (brothers and sisters) is a lot. Margaret has 16 brothers and sisters, yes - that is not a typo. Margaret has 8 sisters and 8 brothers, none are adopted, or step - they all have the same mom and dad. So yes, having dinner with the family or even part of the family is a lot.

On December 5th, it was St. Nicholas Night, so Peter and his mom put their shoes out for St. Nick. It's a Dutch tradition where you put your shoes out on your front porch, for St. Nick to put gifts in. Peter was so excited about doing this, he wanted to put all his shoes out on the front patio. The next morning we woke up, and Peter was reminded about St. Nick, and he ran to the front door, he's face lit up when he saw the presents on the front porch near his shoes. Peter's mom brought the gifts in, so Peter can open them. Peter must of been a very good boy, for St. Nick to bring these gifts.

(Peter opening his gifts from St. Nicholas)

On Friday Dec. 7th, we went into the New York City to see the "Tree" and all the holiday decorations. Peter's dad (Kerry) had work to do in the city so we all drove in together. Peter was a trooper in the cold weather with all the walking we did. On the way into the city Margaret's brother (Joel) called, and long story short - Margaret and Peter went to the "American Girl Doll" store to get a doll and accessories that Santa needed to put under Joel's Tree this year for his daughter. Margaret has never been to this store, and WOW, it is huge. We got there just in time, because as we were leaving the line was around the building/corner. Originally Margaret was going to try and meet up with another woman who was adopting with the same lawyer, but that didn't work out as planned - sorry Laurie, maybe next time. We managed to get out of the "American Girl Doll" store, jus in time and Peter was great in the store. And yes, Margaret's brother Joel owes her big time, but don't worry next year I am sure Anna will be needing a doll from this place and "uncle Joel" will have to drive in and get it. Once out of the store, Peter decided to walk from the "American Girl Doll" Store (50th street) to 28th Street. Lets just say, it took a long time to walk that distance, since Peter didn't exactly have his running shoes on. When we got to 31st Street, we were at the corner waiting to cross and Peter just had to wave to this couple that was in a big black truck. The crosswalk light turned for us to walk, but Peter didn't want to cross just yet, he kept on waving to the people in the black truck and they kept on waving back. It was cute, and the people in the truck couldn't believe that Peter stood there and just kept on waving. Then finally the "big black truck" had the green light to go, and as they drove away, they continued to wave to Peter. Yes, Peter definitely has the politician wave down pat. Once we got back to 28th Street we called up Kerry (Peter's dad) to see if he was done with work yet, and he wasn't. So we went to the Madison Square Park, Peter had fun running around. The squirrels in this park were very friendly, almost tooo friendly. If it wasn't for the fact that I picked Peter up, I bet the squirrels would have crawled right up Peter's legs. Kerry finally got done with work, so we walked around NYC and had lunch and then caught up with Margaret's niece and went to go see the tree and we went by Margaret's niece's husband's job to say hi to him, since he had to work late. Peter loved to see all the lights in the city, and he loved the M & M store, probably because that is his favorite candy. After seeing all the sights and the cool toy stores in New York City, we said our good byes to Margaret's niece and headed home. It was a long day and a lot of walking. Peter was great the entire day, so when we were at FAO toy store, mommy just had to give in and get him a toy.

(Peter looking at the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City)

On Saturday Dec. 8th, we had a Christmas Party to go to. This party was given by Local Union 25 for all its employees' children. Margaret use to go when she was little, and always had fun at the party. The kids had a fun time, it's not the same as when Margaret was little, but the kids enjoyed themselves and they got to see Santa Claus. Peter's Grandma enjoys this time, because all (most) of her grandchildren and great grandchildren attend this event.


On Saturday Dec. 8th, we had dinner with two other families who also adopted from FTIA (Pam's & Melissa's family). We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant in Huntington, it was great food and it was family style. Next year, we are going to post it on the FTIA yahoo group, so others can join us for dinner for the holidays.


On Sunday Dec. 9th, we went out East (Eastern Long Island) to cut down our Christmas Tree. After about thirty minutes of looking, we decided to cut the first tree Margaret picked. LOL. It's a beautiful blue spruce. After cutting down the tree, we met Margaret's niece & nephew and their family for brunch. It was a perfect day, we managed to get home before the nasty wet sleet/rain came. We put the tree in the living room, but we didn't decorate it yet, that will be next weekend's project. We still have to decide if we want Peter to help decorate, or do it while he is sleeping. Because it will become a tradition on whether decorating the tree is a family activity or does Santa's Elves come and decorate the tree. :) Peter has already trimmed the tree, by breaking off some branches, he likes the way it smells.

(Peter picking out his Christmas tree)

(Peter waiting for Hot Chocolate, after cutting down the tree.)

Peter is getting into the Christmas holiday. He is soo cute, when he hears Christmas songs playing, he looks for Santa. When he hears bells ringing, he points out that he hears the bells. During the evening when we are out, if we see a house decorated for the holidays, Peter wants to see "more, more, more". This Christmas is going to be fun with Peter.



Sunday December 9th - "Light the Night" took place in our hometown. It's Bay Shore Holiday Tradition in creating a community of light. It was pretty cool to see the streets lit up with votive candles in white paper bags. It was chilly out, but the rain held off until later on in the night. Peter decided that he wanted to walk around the neighborhood to see all the candles/lights. Peter just loves to walk.

(Light the Night")

Since Christmas is just about 12 days away, we are rushing to get everything ready. Peter's room is still be worked on, we are waiting for the wallpaper and border to arrive, so we can put that up. Peter's aunt and uncle bought all the bed linens for his "Nascar" room. Mommy and Daddy still has wrapping to do, and to get this house back in order since the living room and Peter's room are done being painted. Daddy and mommy also has to go grocery shopping for Christmas eve, because we celebrate Christmas eve with Margaret's side of the family. Daddy enjoys cooking for this holiday, and mommy hates cleaning up after daddy cooks, because he is not the neatest cook in town. And lets not forget about mommy trying to finish making the Christmas cards, yes - Margaret knows that she is nuts, to think she would have time to do this - but no sense complaining - they'll look really cute once done. :)

New pics of Anna Maria

Hi All,

Today we received new pics of Anna, and as you can tell by the picture above, she is screaming to get out of PGN! These pics were taken Dec. 1, 2007 - about 4 1/2 months old. She is such a cutie pie! We can't wait until she is home!

Updated Measurements for Anna Maria

Hi All,

We got updated measurements for Anna. She went to the Dr. on November 23, 2007. Her measurements were: 12 pounds, height; 58cms and Head Circumference 39cms. She is doing great and eating very well. Dr. Lee also wrote us to let us know that "Anna's measurements are fine - her height continues as before at the 10th percentile, her weight is up a bit between the 10th and 25th percentile (was at the 10th percentile for the last 2 months) and her head is also about the same at just under the 10th percentile - better than the 3rd percentile we'd seen for the first 2 months, and about the same percentile as last month".

Spoke with our Lawyer today, to see how everything was going.

Today Margaret called Edwin with the help of Soni (thanks for translating Soni). Edwin was going to find out today how our case was going in PGN. Edwin said he would email us to let us know. Edwin still anticpates it to be at least 8 weeks before we are out of PGN, as long as we have no more previos (kick outs).

Later on, we received an email from Edwin, and our Dossier is still with the 1st Reviewer, and hopefully will be at the 2nd Reviewer next week.

Well, our adoption with Peter went so smooth, who would of thought PGN would of done this with Anna. We entered PGN on Oct 1st and had two kick outs, and still in PGN. Maybe Margaret should send a Christmas card to PGN, to get them in the spirit of the Holidays.

But on a Brighter Note, Margaret & Peter are going to visit Anna after the holidays. The arrangements are still be finalized.

Please continue to pray and send your good wishes for Anna Maria, so Anna gets out of PGN once and for all.

Thanks for your continued support.

"Miracle on Main Street"

Hi All,

This evening (Saturday) we decided to go to Sayville (this great little town where we use to live that have great events throughout the year) to "Miracle on Main Street". This was the first year the town did this (they usually only do a Tree Lighting), and it was great. Peter had fun with his older sisters. All of Main Street was closed, so they had movies playing, Santa and his reindeers there, merry go round, along with bands playing and a choir playing bells, and the tree lighting. Even though there was no snow, the cold temp. made it feel like Christmas.

One movie screen had Snoopy & Charlie Brown's Christmas playing and Peter just sat himself down on the road and watched it. Just the week before Peter watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving on the T.V. and he loved it and was laughing when Snoopy was up to no good. So I guess mommy is going to have to get the DVD, so he can watch it at home.

We ended the evening by going to dinner at a restaurant right in town.

It was a great evening.

Peter watching the Snoopy and Charlie Brown's Christmas. He just loves Snoopy these days.

Santa's Reindeers where there, they were on break having a snack.

And last but NOT least, good ole Santa Claus was there, or as Peter would say.....Ho Ho Ho! was there.

We are back in PGN!

HI all,

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and we hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.

Today we got an email from our lawyer's daughter (Jackie - thanks!!!) telling us that we were resubmitted back into PGN today. So lets just hope the next time, we are out of PGN for good and Anna can come home.

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was nice.

A Christmas Package for Anna

Margaret bought a few items to send to Anna for Christmas, just in case Margaret visited after Christmas. Edwin and his family is coming to Virginia to visit for Thanksgiving. So Margaret sent the pkg to Martina (thanks Martina) who was going to see Edwin over Thanksgiving. Edwin is going to bring the pkg back to Guatemala with him and give it to Anna. We just can't wait for Anna to come home. Margaret is still trying to figure out when to visit, it will either be in the middle of December or the day after Christmas.

Peter helped pick out these gifts. He liked the soft feel to the pajamas - so we had to get them.

Update on our progress

Hi All,
Well, Over the weekend Margaret's patience sort of flew out the window, so she tried to contact Edwin to see when we can expect to enter PGN. Margaret was not able to get through to Edwin. In Guatemala the phone service is very bad. So on Monday Margaret decided to contact Edwin's daughter Jackie about our case. Edwin and his family (except for Jackie) are flying to the US today to celebrate Thanksgiving with a family who Edwin helped adopt a child. With the help of Soni (just in case translation was needed, thanks Soni) Margaret was able to contact Jackie on the phone. We were told that our folder is in the "Relaciones Exteriores" and she hopes to have us in PGN by Wednesday, Thursday the latest. The minimum time in " Relaciones Exteriores" is 72 hours, before you can enter PGN. Jackie told Margaret that either her or her father will email us to let us know when we entered PGN. After talking to Jackie, Margaret felt a little better knowing that their case was still moving along.

Please continue to pray, best wishes, fingers crossed - whatever works for you - that our folder goes right through PGN and we get approval to get out of PGN, so our Anna can come home.

Thanks for your continued support.

We got Updated Pics of our Anna Maria

These pics were taken on Nov. 13, 2007. Anna is just about 4 months old here. She is such a cutie pie. The shirt she has on, says.......... "Who needs Santa (pic of Santa face) when I have Grandma". We also got adorable pics of Anna in her Christmas Dress, but you'll have to wait to get your Christmas card to see that pic, it brought tears to my eyes, she is so adorable. The book is what Peter picked out and we sent that to Anna along with the Elmo Christmas rattle. Christmas outfits and white blanket.

An Anniversary Gift for Margaret

Hi All,
Well, for our wedding anniversary, my husband said that I can go to Guatemala to visit Anna. So Peter and I will be going to see Anna again - hopefully sometime in December. I just have to figure out when. We wrote Edwin our lawyer about us (Peter and I) coming to visit and if we would be safe? Our lawyer wrote back and told us - we would be fine and we will be staying at a very safe hotel. Edwin also told us that he would be available to us 24 hours a day, if we need anything. So, now I am checking out when we are going to go - because with the holidays here there are a lot of things to figure out and plan.

I'll keep you all posted on when we will be going. Unless, we get out of PGN real quick, then we'll just wait for a pick up trip.

Have a great day!

The Re-done Paperwork is off to Guatemala.............

Today was another trip into NYC to go to the Guatemala Consulate, to get the paperwork authenticated. We caught the 8:37am train as planned. On the way to the Guatemalan Consulate we dropped by Macy's to pick up a box of Godiva Chocolate for the "nice person who's going to authenticate our documents while we wait" - yes, you got it, Margaret bought some "good bait", because Margaret wanted the documents done today and given to her today, not in a couple of days by Express Mail. Hey, when you think about it, it was cheaper this way, instead of buying a pre-paid express envelope to leave with the documents - for the Guatemala Consulate to mail to you.

Margaret called the Guatemala Consulate yesterday to see what time they opened today and to see if it would be possible to wait for the documents, the man and woman (Margaret called twice hoping to get someone to say yes, you can wait) said no, you must leave them and they will be mailed to you the next day. Margaret also found out that Pedro was on vacation for three weeks too - that was the only person Margaret knew in the Consulate. So Margaret came up with the "bait plan".

After Macy's we went to the Guatemala Consulate and it was packed and people were even waiting outside. So Margaret got the "bait" ready with the documents before going inside. Once inside, a gentleman behind the desk asked if I needed help and I told him the reason why I was there. I handed him the 3 documents (Margaret made sure he knew it was only 3 documents, not an entire dossier) along with the Godiva bag with the box of chocolates in it. Margaret then asked him if she can wait for the documents and he said yes, he will do them now and they'll be ready in about 30 minutes.............WOW, that was music to Margaret's ears. So Peter and Margaret waited in the waiting area, where others were waiting too. The little girls in the lobby came right over and started to play with Peter, he is such a lady's man. Peter had fun playing with the other kids while we waited for the documents to get done. The gentleman came out and handed the documents to Margaret and Thanked her for the candies. Margaret was like, OH No, thank you for getting these done for me so I can Fed Ex them to Guatemala.

After the consulate, Margaret caught up with her niece Tami at a Staples and made copies of the paperwork and luckily there was a Fed Ex box right there - so they were mailed out right then. Luckily, Tami was there and noticed that Margaret put the envelope in the wrong compartment to be mailed out, so that was quickly corrected - (Thanks for paying attention Tami). As we speak, our envelope should be heading to a Fed Ex Airplane. Yippie.

Before heading back home, Margaret, Peter, and Tami had lunch - and we even went to the toy store to get Peter a small toy to play on the train - since he was a SUPER GREAT kid these past two days going into the city and spending all day in the city. Margaret was so surprised on how good Peter was, and he was so great on the train.

This evening, Margaret is going to email the documents to Edwin, so the translator can start translating it while Edwin is waiting for the original documents. Edwin hopes to have us back into PGN by the middle of the week, because once he gets the documents translated, he is going to see the Judge about what to do with the "dates not being in chronological order", because the Judge can always remove the last page - which would take care of this problem. And from there our folder gets handed into another part of PGN where they review the new documents that were just handed in and the minimum time here is 72 hours - before we are re-entered in to PGN.

So lets just hope that the Judge fixes this mistake and we go right into PGN and get out quicker than quick!

Talked to our Lawyer tonight about the paperwork that has to be Redone

Okay, so we talked to our lawyer tonight about the paperwork still not being in chronological order. And we decided to get everything authenticated at the Guatemala Consulate, and then fed ex it to our lawyer. Our lawyer will then take it to the Judge to see what he thinks and to see if the last page should be omitted so there is no confusion.

I hope the Judge is in a Ho Ho mood, and just fixes it, so we can move on.

It is so unbelievable that all this stuff is going on with Anna's paperwork, and Peter's paperwork was the SAME EXACT and he had no issues with PGN.

So, lets just hope that this is the end of the kick outs.

SIGH! It's been a long day.

Today Margaret and Peter started off the day at 8:30am by going to Town Hall to get a new marriage license. Luckily, Margaret had a birth certificate, so that was already taken care of. While at Town Hall we find out that the computers are down and they don't know when they will be up. The woman in charge of this paperwork was due to come in at 9am. So Peter and Margaret waited. Luckily, Margaret had one extra original of the marriage license, but needed another marriage certificate. The woman said she would be able to do the certificate on the typewriter (didn't know these still existed), but would not be able to give us a marriage license (which was fine, since we had one already). So after that long wait, we headed to Riverhead. Keep in mind it was raining in New York today and there were a lot of Sunday drivers out. We finally made it to Riverhead, and the woman did our county clerks certified documents. Margaret looked at them and wouldn't you know it..........THE DATES ARE STILL NOT IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, are you kidding me. I asked the woman how can that possibly be. She explained to me that the judge takes a stack of blank forms and signs them and dates them, and she just uses them and then on the bottom of the same page, she certifies it with today's date. UUGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. Margaret asked if there was any one, to get them to be in chronological order, she said no - that is the way they've been doing them and it's been fine. So, now I am going through the same authentication process for the same mistake we got kicked out of PGN. So, Margaret decided to still go into the city, and hopefully on the way will find out some answers. Margaret called her husband to let him know they were going to the city, and it turns out that Kerry had a 1/2 day so he took a trip into the city too. Since the day started off bad, it might as well continue, we managed to miss the 12:08 train, because it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a parking spot midday at any Railroad station. So we caught the 12:35pm. While on the train Margaret tried calling her lawyer to ask about the last page not being in Chronological order - it was pretty hard to talk to him on the phone, so Margaret told our lawyer that she would call him this evening to talk about it. Margaret and Kerry discussed it and decided to not go to the Guatemalan Consulate until tomorrow after we talk to our lawyer this evening about the paperwork. We made it into the city and took the subway to the States Dept - the place was PACKED! Margaret has never seen it sooo packed. The woman at the window said that they close the window at 3pm, that's why everyone is here, before the window closes. Margaret and Kerry discussed what we were going to do about the paper work, because if we omitted the last page (the certify, of the certify) then we wouldn't have to worry about the chronological order. So once up at the window Margaret asked the gentleman about omitting the last page and he said, that 's the most important page, because that exemplifies everything else. So in actuality, one document was certified 3 times, but all our other documents in the dossier were only certified once and they didn't have a problem with PGN. It's a Suffolk county thing for sure. After the State Dept. we met up with Peter's cousin Tami for a bite to eat and then we headed home on the train. We finally got home at 6:30pm. Luckily Peter napped on the way home on the train, so he was ready to eat dinner. Lets see how good he is tomorrow when we have to take another train ride. :)

Counting our Lucky Stars

This evening Margaret was getting stuff together to go to Riverhead (Suffolk County Clerks Office) and New York City to get the paper work redone - so we can be resubmitted back into PGN. On Tuesday, Margaret & Peter are doing this trip again.


Luckily, Margaret thought about re-checking the dossier (good thing for copies) and its a good thing Margaret did, because that "stupid mistake" Suffolk County Clerk's office did on our marriage license they also did on Margaret's birth certificate. So Margaret will be taking care of both things. Lets just hope Pedro at the Guatemalan Consulate is in a happy mood so he gives me that Guatemala Consulate stamp on the documents so I can fed ex them from NYC to Guatemala. Fingers crossed.

Hmmm, it's funny how those who never did a Dossier, always have a comment to make - BUT those who did do a Dossier, don't make a comment - only because they know how much work actually goes into it and how time consuming it is. Yes, Margaret knows if she checked the paperwork, before leaving the Suffolk County Clerk's office we would still be in PGN. But, she didn't. Who would of guessed a person would put the wrong date on the document - and I am sure she put that same date (wrong date) on the rest of the documents she did throughout the day. But, if we didn't get kicked out for this mistake, the reviewer would of just found something else to kick us out for. So lets just hope, this satisfies PGN and the next time we are out - it is for GOOD!

Please continue to pray that our Anna gets out of PGN so she can come home.

Thanks for your continued support.

Peter's new room is finally getting somewhere........

HI All,

Today was a busy day working on Peter's room. We decided to let Anna have the Nursery, and we would move Peter. We got rid of our dining room furniture, since we only use it for Christmas Eve Dinner and decided to make that into Peter's room. The room will be big, so it'll be Peter's bedroom and toy room, this way the living room can be a living room.............well, at least that is what Peter's daddy is hoping for.

The wall is done! Margaret will order the doors for it on Tuesday. And the guy will come to spackle on Tuesday. Hopefully it will be ready for Peter to move in before December.

Here are some pics of Peter hard at work........

We spoke to our Lawyer today about the "Previo" (Kick out) of PGN

Today Margaret called Edwin (with assistance from Soni - translating - just to make sure there was nothing misunderstood, thanks Soni).

It turns out that we were kicked out of PGN, thanks to Riverhead Clerks Office making the mistake. Margaret didn't even think to check, because how hard can it be to write the date. It turns out the date on the paper work for our marriage license was not in chronological order, so we were kicked out. What happened............well, Once we got our marriage license, we had to go out to Riverheard Clerks office to get it certified (dated 7/26/07). Since it was a marriage license we also had to bring it to the courts (same building, no biggie) to get the certification that the clerk just did - certified (this was dated 7/25/07). Then we went into NYC to the State Dept. and they did their part (dated 7/26/07), then we went to the Guatemala Consulate and they did their part (dated 7/26/07). It turns out that the court dept. in Riverhead should have put the date as 7/26/07. But since they put 7/25/07 that means I got that certification done before the clerk's certification, and that shouldn't of been - because that shows/means I did not do it in the correct order.

So, what do we need to do now. Well, remember during the summer how Margaret & Peter went to Riverhead with the paperwork, and then took a trip to NYC to get all the paperwork authenticated............... well, we have to do that again. Monday is a holiday (Veterans Day) so Margaret will not be able to do it until Tuesday. So first thing Tuesday morning we will be heading to town hall to get a new Marriage License with the raised seal on it, and then to Riverhead, and then to NYC. This time Margaret will be making sure the right dates are on the paperwork, before heading to the city. Hopefully once we get to the Guatemala Consulate, Pedro will be nice and do our one document while we wait, so I can Fed Ex to our lawyer in Guatemala that afternoon, so he gets it on Wednesday afternoon.

Once our lawyer receives the docuemtns, the next day we will go back into PGN.

Gotta Practice what I Preach!

Hi All,

This afternoon after getting the bad news of another kick out. I came to realize how lucky we are, and how I have to practice what I preach (thanks Pam, Barbara, Soni, and Martina). We have a wonderful son, that just gets cuter by the day, even when he copies Daddy when he snores, or when he thinks our cocker spaniel is a horse - luckily Max doesn't mind it. I have a wonderful husband who cares about us very much. This evening my husband brought me home a bouquet of flowers, because he knew I was having a bad day. We have a great family and friends, who is excited about Anna coming home too.

As for the "practice what I preach" - With our first adoption and this adoption I have always told my friends going through the adoption - "To think Positive" it will happen. That was always my motto. So I have to continue to "THINK POSITIVE", because Anna will be coming home soon. And in the meantime, we have lots to do here to get ready for our little girl. This weekend, we are working on making Peter's room. We got rid of the dining room (only used it on Christmas eve, so no biggie), and we are building a wall - so Peter will have a nice room so his baby sister can go in the nursery. Hopefully my husband and his friend will be able to handle it, while Peter and I go out and do some more Christmas shopping. I wouldn't want Peter or I to show up the men on how to do it.

As for the "kick out", our lawyer emailed us at 10pm this evening, he just got home from a long day and was getting ready for dinner. We are going to call him tomorrow to discuss it, but it something that the translator in Guatemala is going to have fixed by Monday morning and we will be back in PGN Monday afternoon. Lets hope the reviewers in PGN have the holiday spirit this time around.

thanks for listening and thanks for your continued support.
Margaret

Another letter from a Congressman

Wow, they must know that these letters are going to be put in Anna's life book Today we got a letter from P.K. congressman. And it turns out that he is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. He also signed "the letter to President Oscar Berger Perodomo (president) of Guatemala and leaders of UNICEF urging them to adopt an interim plan to allow for the processing of pending adoption cases". And, P.K. even had a real signature on his letter.

Lets just hope, adoptions continue.

thanks for your continued support.

Kicked Out Again! :(

Okay, so today Margaret decided to call PGN herself - to see what is going on. And found out that we were kicked out (previo) on 11/06/07. Margaret then called her lawyer to find out why. Our lawyer picked up our folder this morning and he was going to look at our folder later this afternoon to find out the reason why and he would get back to us. Unfortunately, with PGN once you get "kicked out" it takes a day or two for your folder to get to the front window for the lawyer to pick it up. Nobody really knows why, but that is the way it is with PGN.

So now, Margaret just added something else to her Christmas List - A Visit trip to see Anna!

Please continue to pray, keep your fingers crossed, best wishes that all of this is resolved and Anna comes home real soon.

thanks.

Guatemala Adoption Information and News

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

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

Once again, this all coming from Guatemalan papers. If you would like to see the newspaper articles in full, please visit http://www.guatadopt.com/ website. (there is a link to their website on the right margin).

Thanks!

Received a Letter from our New York State Assemblywoman.

Wow, we were quite surprised to get a letter from G.F. New York State Assembly Fifth District. She wrote us to let us know, that she forwarded our letter to P.K. our congressman and requested him to help us with our situation. And the letter had a real signature too. Sorry, but Margaret is a stickler about letters being signed or stamped. Hand signed letters mean a lot more to Margaret, then just the ones that have the stamp signatures. It was very nice for G.F. to take the time to write us and our congressman and request him to help us.

Please continue to Pray, send good wishes, fingers crossed - whatever works - so Anna comes home real soon.

thanks for your continued support.

Colom Wins Presidency - Guatemala will have a New President.

Its official....Alvaro Colom is the next President of Guatemala. He will take office on January 14, 2008. To see the details on the election and the information about the new President for Guatemala, please go to this website:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/05/america/05guatemala.php

It is really unsure, his opinions on Adoptions, so I guess time will tell.

Got an Email from our Lawyer today - Yippie!

HI All,

Margaret was quite surprised to get an email from our Lawyer on a Saturday. We know our lawyer likes spending the weekends with his family and NOT work. So it was a nice surprise to get this email. Thanks for taking the time to email us Edwin - it is greatly appreciated.

Our lawyer told us that he checked with PGN last week and we were with the 2nd reviewer, or as he would say - they are called "asesores".

So that is good news, now let just hope we go to Barrios desk and get signed off - that would be soo soo great!

Our Efforts have Paid Off! Thanks so much!

The Joint Council posted this wonderful information on their website (www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm)

"Through our collective efforts, the Guatemala 5000 Initiative has resulted in 203 Members of the United States Congress supporting the completion of all in-process adoptions via their signature on letters being sent today, October 31, 2007 to Guatemalan President Oscar Berger, UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman and UNICEF Guatemala Director Manuel Manrique. The 203 Senators and Representatives represent the largest number in the 22 year history of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the first time the Coalition has addressed UNICEF.Joint Council thanks the thousands of adoptive families and their friends who made calls, sent faxes and emailed their Congressional representatives. We also extend our considerable appreciation for the efforts of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute for their tireless efforts, to the National Council for Adoption for their support and to the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Coalition, Senator Mary Landrieu, Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman James Oberstar and Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite for their vital leadership.The text of the letters along with all signatories will be available on Friday, November 30 2007 on both the Joint Council and CCAI websites. It is our continued hope that these letters will result in the development of a legal, transparent and expeditious process by which the thousands of children currently in Guatemalan orphanages and foster-care will find their permanent, safe and loving family.As we have stated many times, Joint Council will continue our advocacy on behalf of the Guatemalan children until each child needing a family has found one."

Thank you all for your continued support, prays, & good wishes.

Just an Update

Hi All,
A few of you have been asking what is going on with Anna. Well, we are in PGN. This is the waiting stage. PGN is closed until Tuesday (closed for All Saints Day, closed Monday due to the Presidential Elections on Sunday), so we will not be hearing anything - if anything until next week. Hopefully, we'll be on Barrios's desk (reviewer #3, last person) and he'll be in a good mood after a long weekend off and sign us OUT! Positively thinking of course. :)

Please continue to pray & send your good wishes, for Anna Maria to get out of PGN so she can come home.

Thanks for your continued support.

Today is All Saints Day in Guatemala

All Saints day is One of the Guatemala's most important holidays, All Saints Day (sometimes called Day of the Dead here) is marked by processions and festivals mixing Mayan and Catholic traditions. Most activities take place in the cemeteries, where people decorate grave sites and celebrate their dead. In the village of Santiago Sacatepequez, less than an hour from the capital, locals fly huge brilliantly colored kites, representing souls rising to heaven. Notes attached to the strings carry messages to the dead and to God.

All Saints Day is a very religious day in Guatemala, where most places are closed. Even PGN is closed today.

Just to give you an idea on how big the kites are - look at these pics. They are so amazingly big. Guatemala also makes their pinatas big for party celebrations.

I saw these pics on another adoptive family blog, and I just had to show them to you all.

Happy Halloween!

Hi All,

Hope every one's Halloween was fun and safe. Today we (Peter and his mom) went to school (Peter's school time) and we went trick or treating with the other kids in the class, and then afterwards they had a little party. Peter enjoyed checking out his candy. Then this afternoon, we went trick or treating with Peter's aunts, uncles, & cousins. Peter was such a trooper trick or treating. This afternoon trick or treating lasted about 3 hours, and Peter did a great job walking the entire time, except for the last stretch - then it was the stroller to the rescue. But he did find enough energy to get out of the stroller to go up to the door to say Trick or Treat. He was such a cutie pie. Next year he'll have fun going with his baby sister too. Daddy stayed home to give out treats to the trick or treaters, to make sure we didn't get tricked on.

As for Peter's costume, there is a story behind that. We originally started off with the Diego costume, but then about two weeks ago, Peter was on this kick about "Batman" - and we have no idea where this idea came from. Just last week while we were at a library activity the teacher asked all the children what they were going to be for Halloween. When it was Peter's turn he stood up, and said Batman! So Margaret went home that night and told his daddy that Peter was going to be Batman for Halloween, not Diego. So just the other day we went out shopping for Peter's costume. Margaret found a Batman costume and showed it to Peter and asked him if this is what he wanted to be, Peter said NO! Margaret was quite surprised with his answer, so Margaret put the costume back. While walking down the Isle we came across a Spider man costume, and Peter started to shout ........"BATMAN!, BATMAN!" as he pointed to the Spider man costume. So Margaret asked Peter is this what he wanted to be, and Peter said Yes, Batman. So, we bought the spider men/batman costume and Peter was so excited about it. Once home daddy kept on working on Peter by calling his costume "spider man", but Peter was set on it being a Batman costume. So we just left it alone. Today while trick or treating, the homeowners would make a comment on how cute spider man looked, and Peter would say "Batman!". At 2 years old, we decided to let it be a batman costume, next year we will all be laughing about this.

Here are a few pics of Peter's day...............the start of the day and the end of the day. And a picture of Anna in her Halloween outfit.

Happy Halloween.

Our Dr. called in regards to Anna's growth and health at three months old.

Hi everyone,

Tonight Dr. Lee called to discuss Anna. Anna remains to be tiny in size, but she has moved up on the charts. For weight and height she is at the 10th percentile, and for head circumference she is almost at the 10th percentile. Our little Anna remains tiny, we will wait and see what the next Dr. appointment brings.

UNICEF & HALLOWEEN

Hi All,
Well, Halloween is here and so is the Big UNICEF "Orange Box" Fundraiser. We just want to take a moment and ask everyone PLEASE DON'T support UNICEF (or anyone who supports them - currently IKEA and Harry and David, Hallmark, and likely other sources as well). UNICEF is the primary force giving money to STOP adoptions in Guatemala - and as long as they are giving money to stop adoptions, I won't be giving money to them.

You don't need to go to Hallmark to buy cards, you can go to your local card shop and buy their American Greetings cards. Just a suggestion, that is what Margaret has been doing. :)

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween.

Thank you for your continued support.

A Holiday Pkg. Sent to Anna Maria

Today, we sent a pkg to Anna Maria, thanks to Tom (Thanks Barbara & Tom) who took the pkg with him, when he went to go visit their son. Margaret wanted to send Christmas outfits down, so pictures can be taken, so Anna can be included in our Christmas Card.



Peter picked out the book and the Elmo rattle for Anna. The book is written in Spanish, so Carolina her foster mom can read to her. Peter also wanted Anna to have the "Big Turkey" bib for Thanksgiving. The shirt is written in Spanish, but it says "Who needs Santa, when I have Grandma". We also sent a white fuzzy blanket for Anna to use, the weather is getting cooler in Guatemala. Hopefully soon, we'll be getting pics of Anna in her cute outfits.

Our Congressman called us today!

Okay, well it wasn't the actually congressman who called us, but the person in charge of "international adoptions" called us & that works for me (Margaret). She called to let us know that our congressman signed the letter for the Joint Council and Unicef to make sure all adoptions in process will be completed. Margaret had a very nice conversation with this person. She then asked if there was anything else that she can do. Of course, Margaret asked if she had any clout with PGN, she said no - that is all Guatemala. BUT, she did say to give her a call after we get out of PGN - because then It'll be a US thing. She said if we had any problems then - to call her back.

Margaret was very surprised to get a personal phone call from our congressman's office. With all the letters Margaret faxed/emailed - she thought she would of gotten more replies. But she got one reply in the mail from a congressman in the Bronx - thanks!, and one by phone (today). Oh ya, and one letter from a congressman (right here in our neighborhood)requesting that I fill out the waiver form for him to check into the international adoption situation. Guess that last congressman mentioned, will not be getting my vote.

So now we continue to wait and be patient, and have faith. Please continue to pray (wish, fingers crossed, etc.) that Anna is out of PGN very soon.

Thanks for all of your continued support.

We got Updated Pics and Measurements - Yippie!

Hi All,

This evening we got updated pics of Anna and updated measurements. Anna is getting so big and cute. On Oct. 13, 2007 she weighed 10.3 pounds, height 56 cms, and head circumference is 38 cm. Thanks Jacqueline for sending so many pics, its greatly appreciated. The outfit she is wearing was a gift from a friend "down south" (hehehe). Thanks Marcie.

Ring, ring, ring...........We called our Lawyer and Foster mother this evening!

Hi All,
This evening we finally got through and spoke to our lawyer. Our lawyer was upset when he found out that we were kicked out of PGN, he said that was a ridiculous reason to get kicked out. He said that he thinks the real reason for the kick out was Anna's age, because she is so young and already in PGN. He said our paperwork is perfect, so we should be getting out of PGN with no further problems. Our Lawyer also told us that once we are out of PGN to plan on picking up Anna two weeks after that...........how wonderful is that thought :) Hey Edwin, thanks for all the hard work you do to get our children home! It's greatly appreciated! So, lets hope the next time the phone rings, it is our lawyer CALLING US to tell us we are out of PGN! Positively thinking of course.

This evening we also called our Foster Mother. She is such a sweet lady. (Thanks Soni for helping with the phone calls). Anna is gaining weight and is now rolling over. Anna also is very alert and looks all over and talks a lot and giggles. This Friday Anna will be going to the Dr's for more shots, but she is healthy and happy. We gave our Foster Mom a digital camera to take lots of pictures of Anna's life while she is with her so we have it for her Life book (similar to a baby book). Our foster mom was very happy to take the pictures and she asked if it would be okay to include pics of her children and I said of course because her children are involved in Anna 's life now. Then Margaret told her in 13 years when we return to Guatemala to visit, it'll be funny to look at the "then and now pictures" of the children. It was nice talking to the Foster mom about Anna, it would be nicer to visit Anna and see her again, but that will take some doing in convincing Anna's daddy. :)

Also, I don't want to forget my "adoption pals" - thanks so much for your comments on our blog, it is very thoughtful of you guys. Some of you we have met, and hopefully we will meet more of yous on our pick up trip! Someone asked why I don't post our progess on the FTIA yahoo group (our agency who we used to adopt our son Peter), and Margaret explained to that person that it wouldn't be right, since we aren't using them this time around for our adoption with Anna. But Margaret did sneak some pics of Anna in the photo album, just to share. :) And Margaret is very active in posting replies on the yahoo group to other adoptive families. It's great having the support during the adoption process.

Please keep Anna in your prayers so that she gets out of PGN real soon, and is home for the Holidays! That would be the best gift Santa can give!