Time to catch up!

Hi Everyone,
Sorry for making you wait, but we are in Guatemala and Margaret finally has a minute to update the blog. First, just FYI, Margaret updated-revised the post on 2-28, and this post will catch you up until today. It is now Friday February 29th, at 5:30 Guatemala time, 6:30 New York time. LOL The men are in the room napping now, and Anna is hanging out with her mommy watching her on the computer.

So, On 2-28 at 1:01 am Margaret posted that we were done packing, well, Margaret also forgot to tell you that she still had to put together the stroller that she took apart so she can wash everything, so it was clean for Guatemala. So instead Margaret pulled an all nighter, she didn´t get any sleep. Margaret was doing last minute things when the car service showed up at 3:10am to take us to the airport. LOL.

At 3:10am Thurs. 2-28 morning, the car service showed up to take us to the airport, and we managed to fit everything in the car. On the way to the airport, Peter got car sick, not sure why-but we would guess the driver ¨good driving¨. We made it to the airport and did I tell you I just love American Airlines......they gave us bulkhead seating for this flight and for our connecting flight to Guatemala. Usually you have to wait until you get to the gate to ask for bulkhead seating. The flight leaving JFK, was delayed by an hour - Margaret didn´t even know it, because as soon as we hoped on the plane and they started the engines, Margaret and Peter was out like a light. Then an hour later Margaret woke up to the pilot announcing that we were next to take off and he apologized for the delay. In Miami, we had a 4 hour layover, which turned out to be a 3 hour lay over, since we got a late start. While in Miami, all Peter kept on saying was...See Anna, See Anna - so each time we had to remind him that we had to get on another plane to go see Anna. So it was nice to just relax, but wow - Margaret needed a couple more hours of sleep. The flight to Guatemala wasn´t too bad, we were delayed about 45 minutes due to turbulance. Peter managed to sleep on both airplanes, nothing woke him up.

Jacqueline and her daughter were at the airport waiting for us, and Edwin and Anna and the foster family was waiting for us at the hotel. It was a nice surprise, walking into the hotel and seeing them waiting in the lobby for us.

Once at the hotel, after checking in. Everyone remembered Peter, and they all knew we´ve been there before. Margaret told them, that Howard was my cousin....LOL. We had a late lunch with Edwin, Jacqueline, katherine their daugther, and Carolina the foster mother with her son Bryan and daughter Abigale. The pics are below of everyone. We gave gifts to the foster family and our Lawyer´s family for all that they have done for us. They will always be a part of our family forever. What a Great Gotcha Day!

Afterwards, we got settled into our room. Before the kiddos went to sleep, everyone took a walk down to the lobby to call Grandma, to let her know how everything was. Margaret had trouble getting the calling card to work, so she asked Howard how it worked, since she bought it at the Hotel´s gift shop. After a little while, we finally figured out how it worked-thanks Howard. Grandma was so happy to hear from us. Of course, Grandma´s house will be the first house Anna visits, when we get home. After the phone call we went back to the room, to get the kiddos ready for bed. Margaret also called up the front desk to get a DVD player for Peter, Howard said that we would not have to pay for it - Thanks Howard, it´s greatly appreciated. Once the kiddos were ready for bed, Margaret had every intention of going down to the business center to update her blog, but she layed on the bed and waited for Peter to fall asleep, only to find out that she fell asleep before anyone. Margaret woke up about 9:50pm, and it was too late to go to the business center, so she just went to bed.

This morning, Feb. 29th, Anna woke up about 3am for a bottle and a diaper change, and went right back to sleep. Daddy woke up about 6:30, and then the rest of us starting waking up at 7:30-8am. We got ready to go to breakfast, and then we were meeting Jacqueling to take Anna to get her picture for her visa, and she had to go see the U.S. Dr. for her final check up. One of the requirements to be done in order to complete our adoption. Anna had a surprise in her diaper for the U.S. Dr. too.......LOL. Anna wore the socks that Marcie (Margaret´s friend from ¨down south¨) and everyone loved them in the Dr´s office. Thanks so much Marcie, they are adorable. Anna now weighs 16 lbs. 11 ounces. Anna got two shots while at the Dr´s and Peter started to cry when Anna started to cry. Afterwards we went grocery shopping to have some stuff in the room, and to get diapers for both kiddos, we decided to only pack a few and just buy them when we got here.

We had McDonalds delivered to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, Daddy and Peter took a nap, and Anna and mommy took a walk to the business center to update the blog. Ooops, now Anna is sleeping.

As for Anna, she is such a happy baby, and she can Move!!! She rolls all over, she knows how she can squirm out of her stroller if she is not fastened in. Anna tries doing chin ups, when you hold her hands. Peter just loves his little sister. This morning, he had to wake Anna from her nap, because he missed her and wanted to play with her. Now when mommy burps Anna, Peter burps himself and bunny and he shows Anna what a burp sounds like. He is sooo cute to watch with his baby sister. And Peter even let Anna hold one of his Bunnies, you know he loves his sister for him to share his buns, buns, with Anna.

Well, below are a few pics of the past two days, I have to go wake up the men - because we are having dinner with Barbara- from New York visiting her daughter. wow, it just took me over an hour to put these pics on the blog. I´ll post more pics later.

















l
Everyone at lunch.


















Edwin, Bryan, Abegail, Carolina, Anna, Jacqueline,
and Katherine.
















Peter playing cars and trucks with is little sister Anna.


















Anna weighs 16 pounds 11 ounces, and is a happy healthy baby.
Anna being checked by the U.S. Doctor.

We are finally ready to goooooooooooo

Wow, what a day..............yesterday we were running around doing last minute things - one of these days we'll learn to plan ahead and to get stuff done ahead of time. LOL. And today we had to get Peter a new car seat, so Anna can have his - and of course the one we wanted the store was out of, so we had to go to another store, just more running around.

While out shopping, Margaret received a phone call with some bad news. Margaret´s brother in-law died today, and as of now they really don´t know why. It was very upsetting news to get, since he was only 49 and it just happened out of the clear blue sky. Margaret couldn´t believe it, and it was very upsetting. News like this, makes one think - what if that was me, what if it happened to me, yes, I know it didn´t, but ¨what iff¨. This evening, Margaret and Kerry and Peter went to Margaret´s mother´s house to visit her sister and their daughther along with the rest of the family. On the way Home, Margaret stopped by the store to buy a card for her sister to mail it to her - so she knows we will be thinking about her and her daughter while we are in Guatemala. It´s times like this, when we are so thankful to have the family we have - because Margaret´s sister and daughter will have the support 24/7.

We are finally packed and ready to go. Just hope all the luggage is going to fit in the car service auto. LOL.

wow, in about 13 hours we will be holding Anna - for good!

Well, Margaret sill has some stuff to do, so please check the blog while we are in Guatemala, because we will be updating it daily with pics and news.

Have a great weekend,

What a nice surprise..............

Wow, shortly after Margaret got done posting Sunday's blog, and checking the emails. We got a picture of our Anna from Jacqueline. Thanks Jacqueling, that was a great surprise! She is such a happy baby. We can't wait to see her again and bring her home.

As Peter would say.........."TA DAAA!"

"TA DAAA!", we finally got Anna's room done, I mean completely done. The closet looks great, her room was cleaned from top to bottom under and behind all the furniture. A lot of stuff went out to the curb, a few bags were donated to "Big Brother/Big Sister", and we even have a few boxes of toys and stuff for the Downs Syndrome auction, and Peter didn't take any of the toys out of the box to keep - so I guess he is done playing with them. It was a challenge to entertain Peter and clean at the same time, because whenever "Peter was helping mommy" he just made more work for Mommy. But, Mommy took quite a few breaks to play with Peter, and did most of it when he went to sleep.

While cleaning out the closet, we came across Peter's photo albums from when he was in Guatemala and we visited him, and pictures that his Foster mother took while she was taking care of him. It was soo great looking at the pictures, and Peter knew who the baby was in the book - "that's me, Peter" with a big smile on his face. Peter was soo excited looking at all the pictures, we even found a big 8 x 10 picture of the day we had our Embassy appointment, it's unbelievable how Peter has grown so quickly. Margaret told him about the pictures, but I am sure at 2 years old - he doesn't understand the whole thing, but he will when he gets older. Once we looked at all the pictured Peter wanted to keep the photo albums in his room, but Mommy told him that the shelf in the closet was for all his stuff and he can ask me to look at the books whenever he wants. Peter was fine with the books being on the top shelf of the closet.

I didn't post anything yesterday, so here is how our Saturday went. ...............
On Saturday, we took a break from cleaning, and went out shopping for a couple of gifts to bring to Guatemala. Margaret was tired of being in the house, since we spent the entire day yesterday in the house. Peter was great shopping, and didn't mind missing his nap. Luckily he went to bed early since he didn't nap. We managed to do pretty good shopping, and we even got the Easter gifts too for Peter's & Anna's cousins. Peter picked out Anna's socks to buy, and you'll never guess what color he picked out............... com'on take a guess.........okay, he picked "Pinkk", and it was actually the color pink that he picked out. And we also got Anna's shoes to match her dress for her Embassy appointment.

Today (Sat.), in the mail our friend from "down south" sent a pkg to us to bring to Guatemala and she also sent socks for Anna - she crochet beads on the socks, and they look so adorable. Thanks Marcie! For those of you who don't know, Marcie adopted a year after us, and she had the same foster mom that Peter had - so she sent us a pkg to give to Sandra (Peter's and Karina's foster mother), because we will be seeing her while we are in Guatemala.

Today (Sunday) Daddy is coming home from upstate. So Margaret was trying to get the entire room done, before he got home - because some of the furniture was out of Anna's room and in other rooms (ie. his bathroom). Daddy got home about 6:30pm and was wondering where all the garbage came from (there were garbage bags full of "crap" out on the curb). Who would of thought, that much stuff came from one room. LOL. Peter was so busy playing, that Margaret had to tell him that daddy was home, Peter was happy to see daddy, and so was mommy. Once Daddy got home, mommy was able to finish up Anna's room.

Margaret is going out this week to get new blinds for the room, because I (Margaret) hates the ones that are up there now, and a new lamp for Anna's room. Then, once all of that is done - pics will be posted on the blog for you to see. Hopefully this will be done, before we leave for Guatemala. :)

As for the office, that Margaret spoke about earlier in the week - it's good enough. Kerry will have to finish it - so he knows where he put his stuff.

So it's Sunday night and it's a great feeling that the two rooms are back in order. Now we can start working on packing and fitting everything in the luggage. Margaret is still trying to decide on the stroller - whether to bring the single one for Peter or to bring the double one. There's pros and cons for either one. Guess we have a couple of days to decide.

Wow, it's so exciting, knowing that our Anna is on her way home soon! This time next Sunday, we will be getting plenty of sleep to get up early Monday morning for our Embassy appointment.

We finally got snow, good day to get some organizing done!

Today, the day started off early, because Kerry (daddy) woke up to snow and didn't have to go to work (Long Island, finally had enough snow to talk about). So instead of waiting until the afternoon to go upstate to go snowmobiling, he called up his friend and they decided to leave now. So, of cause Kerry had to wake up Margaret to tell her the news. So the whole house was up early (6:30am). Kerry and his friend Billy decided earlier this week, to go snowmobiling, because who knows when they would have the chance to go again - especially when Anna comes home. So, Margaret decided to let the guys go and have fun, this way she can get some work done around the house. We sent Kerry off to go Upstate, and Margaret and Peter stayed home.

Mommy asked Peter if he wanted to go out and play in the snow, and surprisingly enough he didn't want to. Margaret was surprised, she even got the sled out and all ready to go, but Peter didn't want to go out. So Peter and mommy decided to stay indoors to get some things done in Anna's room. We put all of Anna's clothes in her drawers. Thanks to all of Margaret's friends for hooking up Anna with some really nice clothes - hand me downs is a great thing! - especially when they outgrow them soo quick. We even put the next size in Anna's closet, so when she outgrows the clothes in her drawers - we'll have the next size ready for her. The only thing missing was socks, so Margaret will pick them up this weekend. Otherwise, Anna is going to be a well dressed little girl.

Then Peter and mommy went through his toys (3 toy chests full), to see what we can donate to the Down's Syndrome auction. They are looking for gently used/new toys to raise money for their organization. Mommy was very surprised, that Peter was parting with quite a few toys. Guess, we'll see if he feels the same come Sunday - then Margaret will know to donate them or keep them.

Today was a good day, we got quite a bit done. This weekend, Anna's/Peter's closet will be done, that is going to be a big job - you'd be amazed how much "crap" accumulated in the closet.
But now we have to make room in the closet, so both Anna and Peter can share it.

Wow, we can't believe Anna will be home real soon! Peter keeps on talking about her, and when he sees a "jet plane" the first thing out of his mouth is Anna, jet plane.

Peter wanted to go shopping for his little sister....

Today, we headed out to do some shopping. We had to get some last minute gifts and Margaret wanted to make sure she had outfits for the kids for Easter, since that will be here shortly after we get back home from Guatemala. Margaret let Peter pick out an outfit for Anna. We went to Gymboree because they were having a great sale, and lets face it their girl clothes are adorable. Margaret held up two outfits for Peter to choose from he picked the overall (jeans with flowers up the leg) with a matching shirt. Then Margaret picked out another outfit and held it up with the overalls, but Peter was sticking with the overalls. So we got them. Now, before you say, oh my - Anna is wearing that for Easter, no - of cause not. Anna is going to get use out of her Embassy outfit on Easter day also. The overalls will be for the family and friends Easter Egg Hunt. Don't worry we'll be posting pics of these events. It'll be Anna's first Easter. Hmmm, now that I think of it - Peter made his "day view" at the family's St. Patricks Day Dinner - where he met the majority of Margaret's family, and this year Anna will be doing the same. Good thing, we got Anna a St. Patty's day shirt when we went out shopping. Peter had fun shopping and he was happy with the outfit he picked out for his sister. He was ready to go home and "nap", which sounded great to me.

Talked to Anna's Foster mother & made more plans..........

This evening we called Carolina, Anna's foster mother. To see how Anna was doing, and to let her know we were coming to pick Anna up in a week (wow, the day is right around the corner). She said that Edwin said he had a surprise for her, but he didn't tell her what. She is happy that Anna is coming home to her family, but Carolina and her kids will be sad when Anna goes. Carolina is going to keep the kids out of school next Thursday, so they can say good bye to Anna and see Anna's family.

As for the "more plans". Margaret has made arrangements for Peter's foster mother to come to the Hotel to see Peter and us. Margaret called Fabio who is now in the "taxi tour" business to make arrangements for him to pick up Sandra and bring her to the hotel, and he would stay and translate for us, and then he would bring Sandra back home - Fabio was very happy to help us with this, and he can't wait to see Peter too. Fabio we met while adopting Peter. At that time he was working at the Marriott, and he helped us in translating emails from out lawyer and he wrote back to our lawyer for us. He was very helpful during our visits in Guatemala and with Peter's adoption. We talked to Sandra about a week ago, and she was very happy to know that we remembered her, because she hasn't heard from us in awhile - so she thought we already came and picked up Anna and brought her home. I told Sandra that we have been mailing pics and cards to her monthly, but with the mail in Guatemala - it turned out that Sandra didn't get our pics over the past couple of months. So I told Sandra that she should never think that "we forgot about her, because we never would". Sandra started crying, because she was so happy to know that she was going to see her "little coyote" (Peter's nickname, because at the time both babies that Sandra was taking care of had the same name). It'll be nice to see Sandra and her family.

It also, turns out that two families who Margaret has kept in touch with via email, will also be down in Guatemala at during the same time and they are staying at the same hotel - so we'll be able to meet. One family is going to a pick up trip and the other family is visiting. It'll be nice to meet them in person.

wow, I can't believe in a week we will be going to Gautemala. Today, I finally got Anna's Embassy outfit to wear. I had to return the other one I got, because it would of been too small. So much for planning ahead. LOL.

Just an update on the other families that we became friends with during this adoption, some of them are back in PGN, and a couple of others are waiting for documents, so they can be re-submitted back into PGN. PGN seems to be moving quickly now, so hopefully they'll have thier little one home with them soon. Please continue to pray for them, so their little angels come home soon. Thanks.

Anna is 7 months old!

Got new pics of Anna today, she is just tooo cute! Can't wait to get her home.

Here are the pics, they were taken on February 17, 2008.

Just an update on what's been going on, and a cute story to share about Peter. Daddy has been busy working, trying to get all the jobs done, before he leaves for Guatemala. Mommy is still working on organizing the house, it's amazing how much stuff has been thrown out already, gotta make room. LOL. At the same time, mommy is also working on the "adoption announcement cards" and the "Christening invites" - good thing mommy can multi task. With any luck, they will be all done and be ready to mail out once we are home with Anna.

Today, Peter brought his little photo album to school with him. He had to show his teachers the pictures of his baby sister Anna (pictures were from our visit trip in January). Peter was your proud big brother showing off his baby sister, and he didn't want mommy to help, because he wanted to do it all by himself. When it was time to leave, he was concerned about not forgetting his little photo album book. Peter is going to be such a good brother.

Lately Peter has been talking a lot more and has been repeating everything he hears, from his mom and dad, the T.V., the radio, family and friends, and sometimes he even thinks he is singing like Elvis - hey, he has the stand right. So yesterday we went to church, and while we are there the priest tells a little story and ends it with Amen, and everyone says Amen. With a little delay, you hear Peter "Amen"! So then the priest continues with mass, and everyone says the appropriate response, and so does Peter - but he manages to say his reply after everyone and the church is quiet. It was so cute to see to hear, and everyone around us had the biggest smile on their faces. And lets face it, Peter takes after his mom with the "loud voice" so the entire church heard him each and every time. Guess our family and friends will be surprised to see and hear it at Anna's Christening.

As for Anna, we decided on a date to have the Christening, and reserved the Church for it. We are still working on where to have the celebration, but that is Daddy's job. Anna's room is almost all done, just have to re-organize the closet, so Peter can share it with her. We can't wait until Anna is home. Peter keeps on pointing out Anna's room and his room.

And just a few coincidents - Anna's Birth name is Nancy, on February 28th (the day we leave for Gautemala) is Margaret's sister Nancy's Birthday. Also, we return on March 5th, 2008 - two years ago on March 6th, 2006 we left for Guatemala to bring our son Peter home.

Who can sleep with sooo soo much to do.......

Well, it took Margaret awhile to fall asleep last night, and then Margaret woke up kerry about 4:30am to talk about everything that had to be done, before we left and before Anna comes home. At first kerry was all ears, then Kerry was okay - lets talk about it later when we wake up. So Margaret said okay, lets get some sleep. About 15 minutes later, Kerry started adding things to the "To Do List", and Margaret just fell asleep. So Margaret reminded Kerry that he wanted to sleep and we were going to discuss it later when we woke up. LOL. Well, we both fell asleep, but Margaret woke up about 6am to start her day, and let the men (Peter & Kerry) sleep. Well, at 8am - Margaret decided to wake up everyone to start the day. LOL.

We didn't get too much done today, because Margaret had her niece's baby shower to go to in NYC, so Margaret was gone most of the day. Margaret was hoping that Kerry would get some things done, like most men - Peter and Daddy got a lot of napping in during the day.

So hopefully this week - we will get the things done that have to get done.

Have a Great day.

YES, it's true, we got E Pink today! yippie!

Hi All, Well as all of you heard, we got our E Pink today. Margaret was home most of the morning still "storking" her computer hoping to get "pink". Because some families have been known to get pink on Fridays, not many but some. So about 11:30am, Margaret decided to go out with Peter, instead of waiting. We went to get Peter's pictures taken, that is something we do every month on the 15th. Since we've been home with Peter (almost 2 years now) we have always gotten his picture taken on or very close to the 15th. Soon when Anna comes home, she'll be joining in with the fun. After we got the pictures taken, daddy called to see if we wanted to meet for lunch. So we met him for lunch and then went grocery shopping. We then came home, before putting away the groceries, Margaret checked the emails - to see if we got E Pink. Well, Margaret just scrolled down to read the subject headings, and this is what we saw:

Subject: PIIIINNNNNKKKKK from Leah

This email was sent from our congressman at 12:31pm, Leah - is in charge of international things. (Now remember, Margaret emailed the Congressman, Leah, yesterday complaining about the U.S. Embassy treating their citizens like this and making them wait for "pink". LOL). Margaret said "we got pink", and then Kerry (daddy) was like what, I thought we didn't get them on Fridays. We opened the email to see that our appt. is for March 3rd at 7:15am. Yippie. So then Margaret knew if Leah knew, that meant we must of gotten an email from the U.S. Embassy - so we checked the subject lines again...........and saw this...........

Subject: USEmbassy Guatemala Appointment - Kanakos, Nancy.pdf - Adobe Reader

This email was sent from the Embassy at 11:35am, Margaret printed it out and forwarded it to our lawyer in Guatemala, so he knew when our appointment is. How exciting.

Margaret called her mom to tell her the great news, and called her friends to tell them the great news. Kerry called his sister with the news also. Margaret posted it on the boards too, just so everyone knew that we got pink and that they Embassy was handing out E Pinks on Fridays. And of course, Margaret updated the blog! so all of you would know.

So, the next step was to check out flights to Guatemala. We decided to fly American Airlines. Delta will not be an option until we see how they handled Margaret's two claims.

Margaret checked our flights to Guatemala, and we will be leaving on American Airlines on Thurs. February 28th and returning on American Airlines on Wed. March 5th.

Margaret contacted Howard at the Vista Real, but he was already gone for the day. So Margaret emailed him to make hotel reservations.

All evening when someone called, Peter had to talk to them and all he was concerned about was "Big Jet" and Anna, soon. He was so cute. I hope he is fine with his baby sister in his territory.

Well, Feb. 28th is right around the corner, and Margaret has two rooms to get organized. LOL. Wish me luck.

This is great news for us, but we do need still send out best wishes and prayers for all the other families still "in process" trying to get their little angel home. Good luck to all of you still "in process" - it is a great feeling once you know that is will be over soon and your angel will be home soon.

Thank you all for your continued support. Thanks for the super great messages left in the comment section of our blog and the Guestbook. All of this will be put in Anna's lifebook.

We will still continue to update the blog: as we wait, while we are in Guatemala and when we are home. So all our friends and family can keep up to date with the Kanakos Adventures.

FOR TODAY I AM LOVING.......

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Well, still no E Pink. Margaret even posted on the boards (Guatemala adoptive families info) to see if anyone else got pink who's DNA arrived there on Monday, and it looks like the U.S. Embassy took another day off, because no E Pinks were given today. We don't expect to hear anything tomorrow, because the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala is closed on Fridays, and Monday is Presidents Day and they are closed that day too. And we thought the U.S. Government here had it made, the U.S. Government in Guatemala has a 5 day weekend. It would of been nice if the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, handed out the E Pinks before "closing up shop for the weekend", but hey - we are just their citizens being treated like this - nice to see how our tax dollars are being used worlwide. Margaret even wrote her congressman to see what was going on, because today a lot of families should of gotten their E Pink, and didn't. The congressman never got back to Margaret. Okay, Margaret will stop her ranting about the U.S. Embassy, but com'on already - why do we have to wait a week for epink! And it's not just us, why does any family have to wait this long for E Pink! It is torture waiting.

So, in the meantime, Margaret has started to re-organize DH's office and Anna's closet, so now we have two rooms in shambles. LOL. Peter and Anna are going to have to share the closet, so Margaret is trying to make room. And as for DH's office, well - it's a man thing - it is never organized, but once I am done - DH best keep it that way. LOL. Hopefully the rooms will get done over the weekend. And in between all of that, Margaret is working on Anna's Christening plans too.

Please continue to pray that we get pink soon, so we know when our Anna will be coming home.

Thanks for your continued support.

Still storking the computer...............

So, Margaret has been storking the computer all day, still no E Pink. Other families who DNA arrived at the US Embassy in Guatemala on Monday (same say as ours) got their E Pink today, so hopefully ours will be coming tomorrow for Valentines Day. But in the meantime, here is a pic of our Anna Maria, this was taken at the 2nd DNA on 2/4/2008. She is sooo soo adorable, we can't wait until she is in our arms forever!

Just an Update on Anna's Measurements......

Today, Jacqueline emailed us the update on Anna. She weighs 16 pounds, Length 63 cms and head circumference 42 cms. these measurements were taken Feb. 8 2008.

This evening Dr. Lee called to let us know that Anna is still at the 25-50 percentile for weight, and the 10 percentile for height, and the 25 percentile for head circumference.

I told him the next time he gets measurements, he will probably be taking them himself. He was very happy to hear Anna is coming home soon.

Lets hope, Pink will be here tomorrow!!!!!

Wow, what a weekend! An Update on Everything!

Okay, so first things first..........I have been meaning to post this article on the blog for everyone to read - it is such a great article. You can read it here.........by John Stossel. http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/JohnStossel/2008/02/06/usa_makes_adoption_harder

The other day, Margaret wrote about receiving and email from our lawyer, informing us that our case had to be registered with the CNA. Well, after 3 long days of our lawyer waiting on line, he finally got all his families cases's registered. So everyone will be able to continue with their adoption. Thank you such much Edwin and Jacqueline and your staff for all their hard work. Unfortunately, Edwin said that there were hundreds of cases that still weren't registered from other Lawyers with the CNA, and tomorrow is the Deadline. Hopefully the Dept. of State will issue an extention so all the waiting families can get registered and continue with their adoptions. Please pray for all the families that are still in limbo with their adoption not registered yet with the CNA.

This morning Margaret wrote about the 2nd DNA and how it was going to be delivered by 6pm today. Well, after that post, Margaret called back Fed Ex and asked what would happen to the package, if no one was there to receive it? The woman said that it would be attempted to get delivered tomorrow before 6pm. I told the woman that the U.S. Embassy closes at 3pm, so once again we'll be in the same boat if Fed Ex delivers it by 6pm tomorrow. She said she would put in a request to see if anything can be done. I said great! Well, of course it couldn't of been that easy, Margaret got a phone call 15 minutes later and a message was left (Margaret was busy changing Peter at the time of call) and the woman left a message telling us that we could not request anything to be done with the pkg. because we "were not the sender". Well, Margaret got right back on the phone with Fed Ex, and told the woman - that I had the tracking number, because the contents of the envelope is what I paid for. I also informed her of the lab that was the sender and told her what was in the Envelope. I told her that I refused to take any chance of the results getting lost and delaying our adoption any further. She was soo nice and said that she could help us by sending a "wire" to Guatemala Fed Ex, to request the pkg be delivered by 3pm. I said great, thank you very much. Earlier today, Margaret checked the tracking number and it was delivered at 3:27pm (New York time). And we got our copy of the 2nd DNA in the mail today also. There is an adorable picture of Anna with the results, I'll post that tomorrow.

So, now we wait for the "E-Pink" which will tell us when our appointment is. Hopefully it will be soon, it would be the best Valentine's day gift anyone can ask for. Positively thinking of course, but realistic, probably by Monday.

Over the past few days with everything going on and the not knowing. My friend Barbara from Rochester (she visited with me in Jan.) always would send me an email and in the beginning of her emails it always started off by "Have Faith in Him", and then she would continue the email with her rambles. :) I would email her back her same words of "Have Faith in Him", just to remind her - that everything will work out! We knew it meant the "woman" upstairs, and Edwin! And lets not forget Laurie - she was my phone call friend. She is also adopting with Edwin. She would call me for a "pick me up", today she called me about everything going on, and I told her about Barb's "Have Faith in Him". And it turned out - shortly after that phone call, we got the email/call that Edwin's cases were registered. We are soo happy that everyone can continue with their adoption! It is such a relief that Edwin got all his families registered with the CNA.

Tracking the DNA..............

This morning Margaret checked on the Tracking number for the 2nd DNA results, and at 7:26am (US Time) it just left Miami for Guatemala. Since the envelope was shipped on Friday, we were hoping that it would be in the Embassy this morning, not Miami. The envelope was shipped priority (that is the same as express mail/next day). Margaret called Fed Ex to see why it is took 3 days to get there, since Priority was paid. The Fed Ex commitment was for today before 6pm. The woman on the phone said, more than likely it will be delivered before 6pm. Which really doesn't make since since the Embassy will be closed already, so where will the pkg be delivered.

It's not over until the Fat Lady Sings - How true this is....

Today we got an email from our lawyer regarding the Secretaria de Bienestar Social de la Presidencia (CNA also called the CA). He told us that our case has to be registered with the CNA. He stayed there with his assistant until 4pm and the line didn't move forward at all. They only worked with the cases of 5 lawyers. On Saturday he was on line all day too, and did not have his files reviewed for CNA approval to get Registered. Edwin is #26, on Sunday he is going to the CNA to wait on line again, and hopes that all his files will be registered.

Luckily, the CNA is working all weekend, but they are checking the files thoroughly and are giving "previos/kick outs".

Lets keep our fingers crossed and say a few prayers, that all of Edwin's files are approved and get registered with the CNA, so that our adoption process can proceed.

It's definitely not over until Anna is home in the U.S. Lets hope all the other children get home to, to their families.

2nd DNA is on its way to the U.S. Embasssy in Guatemala

This morning Margaret got an email from the lab, informing us that our 2nd DNA is being Fed Ex today to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala. So they should have it by Monday. Hopefully by the end of next week we will have our "e-pink". (Positively thinking - that would be a GREAT Valentines day Gift).



We are almost there Anna!

It has been a busy 24 hours.

Well, since getting the I-72 form, Margaret has been trying to figure out what it all meant. Because the U.S. Embassy requested the 171H form and "proof of fingerprints current." Our lawyer had the 171 H form, so that wasn't the problem but to show "proof of fingerprints current" that was another whole story. Last night Margaret called our Lawyer to discuss this with the help of Soni (thanks again Soni). After talking to our lawyer, we decided to just hand in the 171H form and see if the Embassy would accept that also for the "proof of fingerprints", because on the 171H form, it does state when our fingerprints are good until. We also found out, then when our folder exits PGN, it is not handed into the Embassy, because they don't like that. The U.S. Embassy gives the lawyers a list of documents that they want, before issuing "pink". And the 171H form was not on the list, so they requested additional information to be turned in. One would think that the Embassy would just keep the 171H form on the list of requested documents, since this is the official document allowing us to adopt an orphan.

So in the meantime, Margaret was searching for phone numbers to call, just in case the 171H form wasn't enough. This morning Margaret woke up early to continue the search. She contacted everyone she knew that might know the answer. Then at 9:58 am (New York time) we received an email from our lawyer stating that his assistant was #2 on the Embassy line to hand in our document. So Margaret just put everything on hold with phone numbers in hand, to see if the U.S. Embassy accepted the 171 H form for what they requested. Sure enough at 10:45am, Edwin emailed us to let us know that the Embassy accepted the 171H form with the proof of fingerprints. "sigh", what a relief. Then the phone rang, and it was Edwin making sure I got his email. It was very happy news to get.

Now lets just hope the DNA lab is able to Fed Ex the results to the U.S. Embassy tomorrow so they get it first thing Monday Morning. Hopefully Margaret's "sister" (joke) can make it happen.

We are almost there.........can't wait for the "epink"! Keep your fingers crossed and please continue to pray that our epink comes quick!

thanks for your continued support.

Just when we thought we were in the Home Stretch

This afternoon Margaret checked her emails, only to find out that we received an I-72 For Final Documents Form from the U.S.Embassy in Guatemala. This is not a "kick out", the U.S. Embassy is requesting more documents from our Lawyer. Margaret immediately called Edwin in regards to this matter. Edwin said that he handed in the list of Documents that the Embassy requested to be issued "pink", and those were not on the list. Edwin didn't quite understand why they needed those documents, because they were in our folder - in order to be approved from PGN, and the Embassy didn't have them on the list of documents required to be issued Pink. So to make a long story short, Edwin will be turning in the documents that the U.S. Embassy is requesting, tomorrow (Thurs. 2/7/2008). I guess on the brighter note, the U.S. Embassy is already looking at our folder for "pink". Positively Thinking!

WE ARE OFFICIALLY WAITING FOR LAVENDER (PINK)

HEY ALL,

Well today was a busy day for our lawyer and his staff, and lets not forget Carolina the foster mom and Anna and her children. Our file went to the US Embassy in hopes to be submitted at 9am, just to find out that they have a new time now to hand in folders - the US Embassy switched the time to 1pm. So at 1pm our folder went back to the US Embassy to get submitted. Meanwhile, Carolina and the children are in Guatemala waiting for news, that they can do the 2nd DNA. Margaret was just about to go out with Peter, and then decided to check her emails before she left the house - and she found an email from Edwin (at 2:48pm) of the events that was taking place and he was going to send Margaret the "orange slip" so she can contact the DNA Lab here in the U.S. to pay for the 2nd DNA to be done. But all of this had to be done now, because the lab in Guatemala closed at 3pm. Margaret contacted the Lab in the U.S., and explained the situation to Barbara (the woman in charge of adoption DNA) and how we were against time. Barbara said that she needed the orange slip, I told her that Edwin was sending that. Well, it turned out that Edwin was waiting for his staff to bring the "orange slip" to him - so he can email it to us, and he asked if Barbara can at least send the paid receipt - so the DNA test can be done. So I forwarded that email to Barbara and Margaret called up Barbara and told her since she was "my sister" (joking here), if she would be able to send the paid receipt without the "orange slip". Margaret told Barbara that the Lab in Guatemala closed at 3pm. Barbara said that she can, and if they question it she'll just pretend she forgot and hopefully by then - she'll have it. Thanks Barbara! So after all of this, it turned out that Edwin just got the "orange slip" to Barbara just as she was faxing the info to the Lab in Guatemala at approximately 3:10 pm (US time). Margaret didn't find out until late tonight when she received an email from Edwin, that the 2nd DNA was done today. Thanks for much Edwin and your staff and family for making this happen today.

Wow, I guess things all happen for a reason. Luckily Margaret checked her emails before leaving the house, otherwise - the 2nd DNA probably wouldn't of been done today. Today was Margaret's father's birthday, so maybe someone was looking over us too. Carolina would have had to come back into Guatemala City again for the 3rd time in one week. Carolina lives about 2 1/2 hours away from Guatemala City, so it's not like she is right around the corner. Thanks Carolina and your family, for spending the day in the City waiting for the news in getting 2nd DNA.

Wow, we can't believe we are on the home stretch here. We now have to wait for the 2nd DNA to be tested and sent back to the US Embassy in Guatemala. Barbara said they should send it back to the US Embassy in Guatemala by Friday. Then from there - we wait for the US Embassy to give us our "lavender" (pink slip), and this will tell us when our appointment is to complete our adoption.

On a day of our good news, there is still some bad news going on in Guatemala. Our friends who are adopting with us with Edwin, are stuck in "limbo", because the Central Authority hasn't registered any cases yet, so no one is able to be resubmitted to PGN. It is such a mess in Guatemala now, it is soo sad, because it's effecting soo many children. Please continue to pray for all the families that are stuck in "limbo" so their little bundle of joy can come home. If you want to read more about it, please check out the links to the right of this blog. The Dept. of State, is suppose to be posting something in regards to this, since it was them that pushed this whole issue of the Cenrtal Authority opening to register cases. Meanwhile, there are no funds to do it. This was just posted on 2/5/08 from the Dept. of State - go to this link..... http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3948.html

Thanks for your continued support.

COM'ON LAVENDER! (PINK)

GO GIANTS - WAY TO GO!!!

COM'ON, you got to admit that was a GREAT Superbowl game!!! The Giants (New York Team) played a great game!

Well, mommy & daddy didn't win any pools, but Peter and Anna played in some little ones with their cousins, Aunts, and Uncles - and they managed to win. So I guess Peter will be off to spend his money tomorrow.

Lately, Peter has been "big" on Daddy, Mommy, and Baby. When he plays with his cars - there has to be a daddy car, mommy car, and baby car. And when he plays with his toys - it's the same thing. When he watches TV - he even manages to pick out the Mommy, Daddy, and Baby - might not be the same species, so he does it by size. It is quite cute to see.

So tomorrow is the big day, Monday 2/4 we should be submitted into the US Embassy for 2nd DNA, and the DNA should be done also on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed and pray, that this is taken care of on Monday.

Thanks for your continued support.

I got TAGGED!!!

I was tagged by Jennifer Fisher and Sandy Burnette, both of these families we met, when we were adopting Peter about 2 years ago, and have keep in touch via the internet. This is Jennifer's blog http://www.lifewithfishers.com/ and this is Sandy's blog http://www.jsburnette.blogspot.com/

Jennifer adopted a girl when we were adopting a boy, and this time around it's the opposite. Sandy adopted a girl two years ago, and is adopting another girl this time around. Both are also adopting from Guatemala and using FTIA. Sandy is home with her baby girl and Jennifer is still "in process" and waiting to get resubmitted back into PGN, so her son can come home.

I am going to try this tag thing and hope I get it right. I guess I'll soon find out. Unfortunately, I can't tag the families that are adopting with me, using the same lawyer - because no one has a blog. Drats. So I guess I'll have to pick on some FTIA families. Well, forget that idea - because most of them have been tagged already - so I chose some other blogs.

The rules are to link the person who sent this and leave a comment on their blog so their readers can visit yours~Post the rules on your blog~Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself~Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link their blog~Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.So, here are 7 wierd/strange facts about myself.

okay, so 7 weird/strange things about myself...........hmmm, let me see here. What would one call weird? or strange? hmmm, okay, lets just go with the Facts.......... that's easier.

1. I come from a family of 16 brothers and sisters - no twins, none adopted, same mom and dad. As for nieces and nephews - the last I counted there was 37 with about a dozen grand nieces and nephews. If the numbers are wrong, I am sure a family member will make a comment to correct the numbers. LOL

2. I didn't get married until I was 40. hmm, guess you can say that is weird - how many people get married for the first time in their 40's.

3. I like sleeping in flannel pj's, regardless of the season. (okay, here is a weird thing too).

4. My lucky number is 13, probably because I am the 13th child in my family and there are 4 more after me.

5. I am very sarcastic, luckily - most people are use to it. For those who aren't use to it, I usually forwarn them - that I am going to say something sarcastic. LOL

6. I am a capricorn - and everything they say about capricorns...........that's me.

7. oh ya, I am very loud, just by nature - I like to talk loud, but really don't mean it/or am aware of it.

So the following families are the families I tagged, please visit their blogs.

Emily - http://www.guatparentstobe.blogspot.com/
Mark and his Wife - http://www.journeytoana.blogspot.com/ (sorry, but I forgot the wife's name - ooops)
The Goldstein Family - http://amylynn3-thegoldsteins.blogspot.com/
Miller Family - http://www.ourlittlegiants.blogspot.com/
Gretchen - http://www.bandgwilliamson.blogspot.com/
Bradley Family - http://levidouglas.blogspot.com/
Amy - http://adaughtertolove.blogspot.com/
Tammy - http://waitingforanthony.blogspot.com/

GO GIANTS!!!!! GOTTA DO A SHOUT OUT FOR THE NEW YORK TEAM!!!