THANK YOU MR. MAILMAN!!!

HEY ALL,
We got our 171H form in the mail today - YIPPIE!!! Now, Margaret has to scan it and email it to our lawyer in Guatemala, because he needs it for when he has to hand our folder into the Embassy. This form is a very important form, because it approves/allows us to adopt a child internationally. It is such a good day!

Our Dr. just called in regards to Anna's Growth and health

hi all,

As some of you might remember, each month (we're on month #1) we get updated medical and pics of Anna from Guatemala. That info we send to Winthrop Hospital to our U.S. Doctor so he can check it out and graph it on the "growth chart". This evening Dr. Lee called to discuss Anna. Anna remains to be tiny in size and is still in the 3rd percentile. He also said, that Anna just might be a petite woman when she is an adult. But he was happy to see her stay on the growth curve. I told him that I was happy to see her gain one pound and six ounces, and he said most infants gain an ounce a day. But, he said that it is good that she is gaining the weight. So our little Anna is tiny, but she does have a big brother to protect her. :)

For Macie from Peter ~~~ Gentle Hugs & Kisses!

Hi Everyone,

We received an email this evening from Peter's Pal Macie & our friends from Buffalo, New York.

For those of you who don't know them, we didn't know them either before Peter's adoption, we were total strangers. But we met while on our first visit trip with Peter and have become very good friends ever since. We have went on vacations with our family and theirs, and have had many fun times. We have kept in touch ever since. Their daughter has Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB for short), and there is a "RELAY-RALLY New York to California" - "WALK a MILE in MY SHOES" to help research for this skin condition. Macie is just a couple of weeks younger then Peter, and she has been dealing with EB from Birth.

Macie asked for our help in spreading the word. We have put a link on the right margin of this blog, so you can check it out and become aware of what EB is. On October 25th, they are starting the Rally in New York City. If you are not able to go, please check out their website and help with the Cyber Rally - you just need a computer for that.

Thanks so much, and Macie thanks you all Too!

Here are more Pics from our visit trip

okay, so I was asked to post more pics.........so here they are..................

DNA was done today

We got the email from our lawyer, letting us know that "the DNA was a success, her birth mother cooperated, but was a very emotional moment, she cried and asked me to take care of her, she blessed her. DNA and social worker interview was done, the social report will be ready in a few days. In a week or so you will receive the results (from the DNA)".

Checking on the 171H form status

Today Margaret found out that the 171H form can be expedited, but she wasn't sure how. So after some internet research Margaret found a phone number to call. It took awhile to get to a real human being (instead of the lady telling you what button to hit) to find out that I can email the "Adoption Dept." to find out the information. It turns out that we received an email right back informing us that we were approved and it was being typed up and we should receive it in the mail this week. Yippie!!! So we will just have to be patient and wait for the lovely mailman to put it in our mailbox.

DNA postponed until Tomorrow

Hi Everyone,
We received an email from our lawyer today, informing us that the Birthmom arrived late for the DNA test, so she has to return tomorrow for the DNA Test. She arrived late, due to roads being washed out because of Hurricane Dean. It is pouring in Guatemala because of Hurricane Dean and the roads are bad to travel on. But the Birthmom did have the Interview with the Social Worker. Our lawyer put the Birthmom up in a hotel, so that she can do the DNA test first thing Friday morning.

Updated Measurements for Anna

Hi all,
Just got an email from our lawyer, and here are her new measurements - I am sure she gained that pound while we were visiting with her eating every two hours - 24 hours a day.

These were taken on Monday August 20, 2007

• Weight - 6.8 pounds
• length - 48 cms.
• head circumference - 35.5 cms

It's good that she is gaining weight. These measurements will be sent to Winthrop International Doctors to see what they think.

We are home, here is the update for Monday Aug. 20, 2007

Hi all,

Monday morning we got up early to pack and have breakfast before Anna got picked up. Margaret packed up all of Anna's stuff. We brought down clothes, toys, blankets, stroller, etc. for Anna to have while here in Guatemala. We decided to eat breakfast after Anna got picked up, because the packing took longer than expected. It was sad, but we knew that Anna was being well taken care of. When Anna was put into the van, Peter stared to cry and kept on saying "my Anna" with his hands waving to her to come back. We told Peter that Anna will be coming home soon. We said our good byes, and then went to have breakfast. We headed to the Airport at 10am, for our 12:56pm flight. Luckily we left early for the airport, because the lines were sooo long to check in. While in flight Peter looked around the airplane and I asked him what he was looking for? and he said "Anna", and I told him that Anna was in Guatemala but she will be coming home soon - then he just smiled. The flight was long, we had a lay over in Atlanta Ga. We didn't get home until about 1:30am due to delays - it was a long day.

Our trip was very nice, and it was nice to see Anna in person instead of just pics. You can't tell how tiny someone is by a picture. Anna was soo good, she only cried for a reason - such as its time to eat or she needed a diaper change. Our foster mother said that Anna only gets up twice during the night, but while she was with us - she was up every two hours to eat and once in between there for a diaper change. Peter was soo good with his little sister - he wasn't jealous of her at all. When Anna was napping in the crib Peter would go over and shake the crib just to wake her up - Peter thought it was hysterical to do, but Anna didn't mind it one bit. Peter loved playing with Anna's little fingers. Peter is going to be a great "big brother".

The weather in Guatemala was gorgeous, nice, sunny, & breezy. The hotel "Quinta Real" was absolutely gorgeous - it reminded us of a resort at Dominican Republic. During our stay, the hotel staff directed us to the "behind the scenes" to use the ramps with the strollers. We went into the kicthen to use the ramp to get into the Restaurant and it was unbelievable to see just how SPOTLESS the kitchen was - I never saw such a clean kitchen in a restaurant - there wasn't a speck of food on the floor and the counters were clean and neat - we were so imprssesed. When we got back, we will definitely be staying here again, instead of the Marriott where we stayed when we adopted our son Peter.

We are Home! Here is the Update for Sunday August 19, 2007

Hi all,

As you can tell by this post, Margaret is still on Guatemala time and feeding Anna every two hours, but Anna isn't here - not yet.

So lets have Margaret catch you all up to speed. On Sunday, our lawyer and his family came by to visit with Josline (a sweet little girl being adopted by a family in Maryland, that introduced us to our Lawyer). We brought a gift down for Josline from her mom & dad, and she loved it.

While the lawyer was visiting, he told us some pretty exciting news. The DNA test and the Birthmom interview will be done on Thurs. August 23rd, 2007. He said he knows the Social worker and she promised him the report within two weeks, but he thinks he'll get it sooner. At which point we will enter the Embassy to get Pre-Approval. The Embassy these days is taking two months to give out Pre-Approvals (PA's), so he anticipates us getting into PGN the beginning of November! Yippie! If all goes well, our little Anna will be home for her First Christmas But it all depends on the Government - both the Guatemala and the US.

Peter had fun playing with the girls, while us adults were talking.

After our company left, we attempted to pack. Notice the words Margaret is using "attempted". Peter wanted mommy to lay down with him and watch TV, so mommy decided that would be a great idea to get Peter to sleep so the packing can be done without Peter unpacking everything. Well, Mommy woke up at midnite when the alarm clock went off (yes, Peter likes setting that to go off anytime during the day/nite) and everyone was sound asleep. So we just decided to go back to sleep and just pack in the morning, becasue the kiddos will be up early anyways.

Today our Lawyer and his family are coming to visit.

Hi, It's Sunday morning, and the business office where the internet is closes early, since it is Sunday..........so you'll have to wait for us to get home for the details..........LOL

This afternoon our lawyer and his family are coming to visit, and this evening we will be busy packing and getting ready to come home tomorrow. Hopefully "Dean" will not delay us.

see you all soon,
Love margaret, Kerry, & Peter, and Anna too.

Today we went to the Handi Craft Market

Today we went to the Handi Craft Market with two other families that were visiting/pick up who are with FTIA (our agency we adopted Peter from). It was very nice to see the Miller & Bach family. Peter got a handmade wooden train, and he absolutely loves it. We had a early dinner at the Restaurant near the market with the Miller & Bach family.

Here is a pic of Peter playing with his baby sister........

This is a pic of Peter & Anna after we got home from the Handi Craft Market............ sound sleep - nothing was waking them up.

Anna is One Month old Today.

Today Anna is one month old. Here is a pic of her...............

The pink bear was a gift from Anna's cousin Morgan, Kedal, and Hunter.........thanks for the teddy bear!

The Appt. was made for the DNA test for early next week!

Today Margaret contacted the company to perform the DNA on Anna Maria. Our Lawyer contacted the Birth Mom to make the appointment for her to come into Guatemala City for the DNA test and the Birthmom interview.

Today the boys went swimming in the pool. Peter just loved it and didn't want to get out.

We all helped out and gave Anna a bath, she didn't like it in the beginning but was fine just haning out in the tub afterwards. To give you guys an idea of how tiny she is, the towel she is laying on is the same size as a dish towel. She is soo adorable and such a good baby.

Tomorrow we are going to the craft market and the zoo with other families who are here in Guatemala who are visiting/picking up.

The weather has been very pleasant here and breezy. The hotel is gorgeous, much nicer than the Marriott......and no germs to worry about with Anna getting sick. Very few adoptive families here, but the staff are soo helpful and friendly.

Peter was cute all day today, whenever we went to go feed Anna, he would run and get the burp rag and put it over his shoulders. Margaret even put Anna's head on his shoulder - and Peter's face just lit up.

well, Peter wants his mom to go to sleep now. So catch ya later!

OH YA, I almost forgot about this good news!

Today when our lawyer picked us up at the airpot, everyone came to the hotel with us. And our lawyer infomed us that we have approval for DNA. So next week that will be done.........YIPPIE!!!

WE ARE HERE IN GUATEMALA!!!

hi all, We made it here! The plane ride was fine, Peter was super on the plane. When we arrived to Guatemala our lawyer and his family and Anna and the foster mom were all here to greet us. Anna is just soo soo adorable, and she is tiny. Peter's new word is "AAAaaawwwwww" He is such a cute big brother. Peter is great with Anna, and Anna is doing a great job putting up with Peter's loud voice. Here is our lawyer with his family, the foster mom (holding Anna).

Here is a pic of Peter with his little sister.........

The Bags are all packed and ready to goooooo!

Well, in about 12+ hours we will be seeing our daughter Anna Maria. Margaret packed all the bags today. Space saver bags helped fit the kitchen sink in the suitcase. Kerry only wanted one carry on, but he was dreaming about that. On the way back it'll be a lot lighter, because the contents of one large suitcase will be staying with Anna. Wow, I can't believe we will be seeing Anna soon.........along with our lawyer and his whole family - they are meeting us at the airport.

Check back while we are in Guatemala, because Margaret will be posting updates while in Guatemala. :) along with pics.

Time for me to get some sleep. We are getting picked up in about 3 hours to be taken to the airport.

Fingerprinting for the 171H form

Today we went into Hempstead to be fingerprinted to get the 171H form (this form allows us to adopt a child internationally). Peter came along for the ride, he had fun watching his mom and dad get fingerprinted (all done by computers, no mess whatsoever). Then the lady asked Peter if he wanted his fingerprints done, and he said yes. Peter was more amazed with the red light scanning his hands, he was cute. Hopefully we will get this form quick, so our lawyer can proceed with the DNA test. Right now are folder is in family court still.

Keep your fingers crossed that they mail it out and its here when we get back!

PETER GOT HIS PASSPORT!!! YIPPIE!!!

Now we can get excited about going to Guatemala. This morning Margaret checked the tracking number to make sure the pkg. was sent, and Margaret found out that the fed ex pkg. was already here and was expected to be delivered before 3pm. Today at 12:26pm, that great Fed Ex man appeared with Peter's passport in hand. It was so great to get that today.........now we can start packing! Don't know how it is all going to fit, but Margaret will figure it out.

SIGH! Peter's Passport, is being FED EX to us ..........FINALLY!

WOW, I can't even begin to tell you how today was. I have been on the phone with the passport people for soo soo many hours. While out running errands and getting last minute stuff to bring to Guatemala for Anna Maria - I called the passport people to see if our son's passport was completed and what can be done. Every time I called, THE COMPUTERS WERE DONE! Then finally while I was having lunch with my mom, I tried again and the computers were up and running, but no new information. I was "done"...."well done", I apologized for taking it out on so many reps at the passport center, but how can one person (me) be told soo many different things when I call up for the same reason.........."is my son's passport done?". The woman who I spoke with, understood how I felt and said that she would fax a message to the Washington Office so they knew our plans of travel and how important it was that we got our son's passport. Then when I called later on in the day, I was told that the computers were down again, and I asked the person if they knew if a fax was sent to the Washington office regarding my case, and she said that was impossible for anyone to fax the Washington office, so it couldn't of been done - and since the computers were down, there was nothing else she could help me with. I knew the mail went out at 3:15pm from the Washington D.C. office, so I called again after that time to see just maybe it went out in the mail.......sure enough the "computers were down again", so no one could help me. Margaret's husband kerry came home from work, to find Margaret on the phone again with the Passport people. We discussed alternatives to get Peter's passport, and decided to drive to a regional office to get Peter's passport in person. So again, Margaret called the passport people and had to do it automatively - to find out that there were no available appointments anytime soon - none in NYC, none in Philedelphia, none in Connecticut, and none in Washing D.C. - ZIPPO! So Margaret called the passport people again and talked to them about getting an appt. before Thurs so we can get our son's passport - nobody could help us, then Margaret finally handed the phone to her husband Kerry. Oh yea, the Computers are still Down! The only thing left to do was to call the automative system tomorrow morning, between 6:30-7:30am to see if any appointments became available due to cancellations, and to wait until 3:15pm Tues. to see if the passport was sent out in the mail. If there were no appointments available or if it wasn't in the express mail tomorrow at 3:!5pm, we will have to reschedule our trip - this is the conclusion we came to after being on the phone for so many hours with the passport people - and being told that the passport is still "being processed".

Well, for those of you who know Margaret - she is big in thinking positive! Tonite, Margaret called the passport people and was told the computers were down - what else is new. Then finally about 11:55pm (just before midnite) Margaret decided to give it one more try.........and yes, call the passport people one las time - just maybe they will have good news for me when I call again. So after being on hold for a few minutes a wonderful woman by the name of Elisia asked me information (you know the same ole name, DOB, etc.) and double checked it over before telling me that IT IS COMPLETED! AND WILL BE FED EX TOMORROW. She was even nice to give me the tracking number, so tomorrow I can check its travel plans...............SO PETER'S PASSPORT WILL BE IN OUR HANDS ON WEDNESDAY!

Look out Guatemala, here we COME!!!

Still waiting for Peter's Passport

So Margaret decided to call the 1 800 passport number later today after she got home from being out all day. When Margaret got home she called the 1 800# to find out that they were closed. So much for thinking that they were open 7 days a week until midnight. But Margaret did gain one piece of information when calling the 1 800# when they were closed - Margaret managed to get the Washington D.C. office's phone number. The 1 800# had a pre recorded message on it, and at the end (I guess after when most people would hang up) they said that if it was a life or death situation, to call their Duty Officer in the Washington D.C. office and gave the number. So on Monday Margaret is going to call that number to see if she can get some facts on when the passport will be express mail out. So please keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer that Peter's passport is mailed out ASAP, we would hate to have to postpone this trip, because of it.

So much for paying for expedited service and express mail. It was suppose to only take 2-3 weeks at the MOST! Well, that is why Margaret was hoping that the passport would be express mailed out today, because Monday will be 3 weeks. But POSITIVELY thinking, hopefully the passport will be mailed out on Monday.

Once we receive the passport, then we can be soo excited about seeing our daughter at just one month old. It's pretty hard to get excited without knowing for a fact that we will be leaving.

Please keep your fingers crossed that the passport will be mailed out ASAP!
thanks.

HOOO Hummmm, No Passport yet!

Today Margaret once again called the 1 800 # to see if by chance if Peter's passport was mailed out today. When Margaret called, the woman said that it was still being processed. Margaret asked the woman if it was "being near completion being processed" and she said she didn't know, it just says being processed. Margaret explained to the woman that the other times that she called - she was informed that it is near completion in being processed. She said she has no way of knowing that, unless I happened to reach the Washington D.C. agency and someone there knew that is was near completion. I asked how it could be possible for me to reach the Washington agency, and she said the 1 800# rotates on where the phone rings, for the next rep. to pick up. So no news yet, but Margaret will be calling again on Sunday. Supposidly the agencies are working around the clock to get the passports done. So please keep your fingers crossed that it was be express mail sunday afternoon. thanks.

No Passport Yet!!!!

Okay, so Margaret called the Passport 1 800# this morning, and spoke to a woman just to find out that it is near the completion process. I explained to the woman that I was told that two days ago. And again, Margaret explained our travel plans to her, but she pretty much said there was nothing she can do. She then said that if Peter's passport doesn't get here in time, we would be able to use his citizen papers, or maybe even his birth certificate to travel - once she said this I knew I was talking to someone who should not be working there. Margaret had to explain to her that Peter's citizenship papers along with his birth certificate and the original adoption paperwork was in the Washington Office so his passport can be processed. So then she came up with a different "brilliant idea - NOT" - to go to Washington D.C. to pick up our passport in person. I (margaret) was like what? are you kidding me? She said well, come Sunday, you might not have any other choice. I asked her if she thought Washington D.C. was just around the corner, because it wasn't, and if the passport would be ready for me to pick it up then they can just put it in the pre paid express envelope we paid for and mail it to me instead of me driving all the way to Washington D.C. Then the woman didn't know what to say, except that - "well ya, I guess you have a point". So then she said to call back and check in two days. I informed her that I planned on calling back tomorrow the latest.

So, thinking positive Margaret started to pack Anna Maria's clothes, and sure enough they fit in the suitcase with room to spare.............LOL.

Later this afternoon, Margaret called the 1800# passport number AGAIN, and spoke to this really nice man - who understood the importance for us to get our son's passport as soon as possible. So he said he would send an email to the agency explaining how important it is to just get it done and mail it out. I asked him if he was going to actually send it to the agency today, and he said yes and he was doing it right there and then as we talked. He suggested to call back tomorrow about 4pm, because the express mail in the Washington office gets picked up at 3:15pm to be mailed out, so hopefully by 4pm they'll know if Peter's passport will be in that devlivery. So, once again - you'll have to stay tuned for the next soap opera show.

We called Anna's Foster mother this evening.

Today with the help of Margaret's cousin Marie (translated for us - thanks), we were able to call the foster mother and talk to her about Anna Maria. The foster mother was so happy to hear from us. She seemed like a really sweet lady and was very nice to talk to. She said that Anna Maria was a tiny baby but she is adorable and a very happy baby. She will be bringing Anna Maria to the hotel on Thurs, when we arrive. She is also bringing along her two children so we can meet her family.

Yippie, we got Updated Pictures of our Daughter Anna Maria

Today Margaret finally figured out how to open the "zip" pictures (with a little help from her husband Kerry :) ) we received from our lawyer's wife. AOL was not cooperating, so we were able to open them under gmail. Isn't Anna Maria the most adorable baby :)

Anna Maria is 15 days old in the Picture.

Update from our Lawyer in Guatemala

Just received an email from our lawyer this evening. The translation for our Dossier will be completed by Friday. Our lawyer said that he will get our Dossier from the translator on Friday and bring it to Family Court. YIPPIE! another step on the way. Once he has our 171H form, he will then go to the US Embassy to request authorization to get the 1st DNA test done. Hopefully when we get back from our visit trip, the 171H form will be waiting here for us. Hmmm, thinking about that - I'll have to let the house sitter know if she gets an envelope with a return address from the Dept. of Homeland Security - to email the form to us. Hey, it never hurts to think positive!

The lawyer's wife (she is in charge of the foster mothers) emailed us also this evening with updated pictures of Anna Maria, but they were sent in a zipfile, and Margaret couldn't open them. So Margaret emailed her to ask her to resend them as a jpeg. So we will have to wait to see the new pics.

And the Passport Soap Opera continues........

Okay, so today Margaret went on line to check the status of our son's passport. And wouldn't you know, that it finally says that we paid for expedited service, and should receive it in 2-4 weeks from when we sent it in. So Margaret then called the 1 800# and spoke to a woman there and was told that it is NEAR COMPLETION - yippie!!! So she said to call back in two days to check the status on it, and hopefully it will be mailed to us by then. Wouldn't that be just so wonderful if we get it before the weekend, so we don't have to worry about it right before we leave. So in two days Margaret will be calling the 1 800# again.......so stay tuned.

Peter say "Anna"

So today we were talking to Peter about his little sister, and how he was going to visit her next week. And we were working on him saying "Anna", and he did a great job saying "Annnnaaaaaaaa" (he likes emphasizing the "A" at the end). We will work on the Maria part down the road. Peter was cute trying to say her name and he said it pretty quick too, he was proud of himself.

YIPPIE!!! WE GOT OUR FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT!!!!

WOW! Peter with his mom and dad went out shopping this afternoon, and when we got home Margaret checked the mailbox. Now, those of you who know Margaret, she never checks the mailbox, and if it was up to her she would leave the mail in there until sunday - and go through it all at once (at least that is what she always did when she was single.........hehehe). But for some reason today, Margaret went through the mailbox and saw an envelope in there from Homeland securities..........Margaret was like "wow that was quick!" It's just been 7 days and next week is our appointment. For this fingerprint (one of many for the adoption) we get the 171H form that allows us to adopt a child internationally. Yippie!! It's very exciting news! So next tues. we'll be fingerprinted for the last time to get Anna Maria Home!!!!

Just figured I would share this great news!

It's Sunday, time to call the Passport 1 800 #

Margaret checked on line first, before calling the 1 800#. On line, it stated that we applied for routine service, and would receive the passport within 10-12 weeks. So now, instead of just the emailing saying that, on their website it also says "routine service". So I called the 1 800# nice and calm, and the woman asked if I was calling to check on the status of a passport and I said yes, and gave her the information. She said that it was being "processed"......the song for the week. I explained to her our travel plans and how our son needed to have his passport, so there would be no problems with him leaving Guatemala, because he is from Guatemala. I also informed her of what I just saw on their website that we were "routine service" she said that on her computer (the one that matters) she has it down as being expedited with a prepaid express envelope. So I asked her if she can email the Washington Agency (one bit of info I found out on Friday), and explain to them our travel dates, and that going to NYC could not be an option. This woman was so nice, and she completely understood how I didn't want to go into NYC with a toddler. So she sent an email to the Washington Agency, and she said to check back in a few days to see if it was completed. I think I might finally be getting somewhere with Peter's passport. :)

Stay tuned, for "As the Passport Continues to be Processed"

Pink or Lavender??? Or Yellow or Light Green?

Okay, so today I went to the mall to shop for myself, but I had to check out the baby girl stuff.........WOW, all I saw was Pink, pink, and more pink. I am not big on Pink, so pink was not happening. Since I am the "Onesies Queen" (I (almost) always have to put a onesie on Peter, and even when I took care of my nephews - they always wore onesie too - I just like how they hold that diaper on....hehe), I decided to buy some onesies to bring down with us when we go and visit Anna Maria. And guess what color they were??? I'll give you a hint, they were't Pink........hehehe. the onesies were lavender.

Today, I washed a whole bunch of clothes for Anna Maria, before packing them in the suitcase to bring with us to Guatemala. My niece (Anna's cousin) gave me a lot of clothes for Anna. that her daughters out grew. A lot of them are 0-3 months and 3-6 months, so they will all be going to Guatemala, so we know Anna has plenty of clothes to wear. Thanks for the clothes Kathi - Anna will get great use out of them. And wow just to think, there were very few Pink items. :)

Peter's Passport.........uuugghhh!

So, let me (Margaret) get you guys all up to speed here. Friday August 3rd, I received an email from the "Passport Processing Service", once I saw the subject I was so excited to think - that Peter's passport was being expressed mailed out to us that day. Well, once I opened the email, it was the complete opposite and even worse, it stated since we paid for "routine service" we will be receiving the passport in 10-12 weeks. I was like WHAT!!!! I called the 1 800# and spoke to a woman there, who was no help and even hung up on me. So me being Margaret, I called back again and spoke to someone else. I explained what the email said, and she assured me that on her computer they have it being down as Expedited service with a pre paid express envelope to be expressed mail to us. I also told her that I have been checking on line to keep updated with my son's passport, and when I called the other day the woman said to call back in two days and if nothing was completed that an email would be sent to the passport agency explaining our travel plans, so the passport is sent to us in time. So, I asked the representative that I was on the phone with if she can send an email to the passport agency, and she said NO!, she said she couldn't do that, because if she did that to everyone that called - the passport agency wouldn't be able to get any work done. So I explained to her how we are leaving in less then two weeks.........(WOW, WE ARE LEAVING SOON FOR A VISIT TRIP), and it didn't matter to the woman, she said if worse came to worse - I can just go into NYC and pick up my son's passport there. I told the woman that a trip to NYC with a toddler was not an option - it was a nightmare (it really wasn't, but she doesn't need to know that). I also told her, that I didn't pay all this extra money to have to take the train, then the subway, and then a taxi to get something that I paid for expedited service for. She then said that she would make note of our travel plans so the other representative would be aware of it. I asked her what that was going to do with us getting our son's passport, she then said to call back in two days, and just continue to check on it. Because as of now, she could not help us anymore. So it was Friday, so on Sunday another call will be made.

Referral Check Up

This evening our International Dr. here in the U.S. called to talk to us about Anna Maria. We used this same Dr. when we were adopting Peter, and it was very helpful throughout the adoption process knowing that our son was being well taken care of while in Guatemala, and he was growing at a steady rate for his age. So we decided to use the same Dr. for Anna Maria. He said that Anna was a tiny baby, and for two days old she was in the third percentile for length, head circumference, and weight. Margaret asked Dr. Lee if they should be concerned that she is only in the third percentile and he said no, because she was on the charts, and that she was only two days old when these measurements were taken. Dr. Lee said that he would continue to track her growth progress each month, when we send him the updates on her medical. Dr. Lee was surprised that we didn't have a whole bunch of questions, like we did with Peter. But I told him that we were use to it, and I didn't have any concerns with the pictures, because she looks adorable.

Our Visit Trip is Confirmed!

So, with the help of Velocity Tours we are going on a visit trip the middle of August. Margaret was on line and the phone trying to get the best deals with airlines and hotels, and Velocity Tours had the best deal for both. So in just a few short weeks we will be meeting our daughter Anna Maria. Margaret's niece gave her lots of clothes to bring to Guatemala for Anna, and Anna's cousin's (the Woolleys) gave Aunt Margaret a gift (stuffed animal) to give to Anna. Thanks Morgan, Hunter, and Kendal.

Our Dossier is in our Lawyer's hands! YIPPIE!!!

Our lawyer emailed us today to let us know he received our Dossier. He was quite impressed with it ("very neat & organized") and his wife loved the scrapbook that Margaret did to include all the pictures required for the Dossier.
Tomorrow (Thurs. August 2nd, 2007) our lawyer said "he will leave this documents to "Relaciones Exteriores" this is the first step here in Guatemala, them to translation. The entire Dossier has to be translated into Spanish.

On another good note, we will be going to Guatemala to visit our Daughter the weekend of August 17th. Anna Maria will only be one month old then. Tomorrow our itinerary will be confirmed. Instead of staying at the Marriott we will be staying at the Quinta Real, it comes very highly recommended from our Lawyer.

This evening our lawyer called us and spoke to us. Of course while Margaret was on the phone trying to hear what our Lawyer had to say.......Peter was chasing after Max (our dog) and was very loud. I apologized to our Lawyer, and explained to him that was our son. And he said Yes, I can tell he is a very happy boy. Our Lawyer talked to us about our Dossier and about the 171H form. I explained to him that we were still waiting on it. So as soon as we get it, it will be emailed to him. He was very pleased to see pictures of our family, he said "your family looks very adorable & your house is beautiful". I told him about us coming to Guatemala to visit and he was happy to hear that, and can't wait to meet us in person. He also told us, that he is going to work very hard to get our baby home as soon as possible. That would be a great thing Margaret told him.

So now all we do is wait...........wait for our fingerprint appointment so we can get the 171H form (this is the form that allows us to adopt internationally) and email it to our Lawyer. Along with waiting, we get to pack and go on a visit trip. That is very exciting and our son Peter will be coming with us to see his little sister.