Who would of thought that the family court would of called us up, to let us know for Anna's re-adoption we can appear in front of the judge. Mommy was so surprised to hear that over the phone, she had to ask the lady to repeat what she just said. And yup it was true - the woman on the other end of the phone said that the judge said if we and our family wanted to appear in front of him for the final signing of the re-adoption he would do it. Of course I had to question it, because just last week we were told that it wasn't possible since it was a re-adoption for an international adoption. But the same Judge who signed off on Peter's re-adoption paper work agreed to do the same for us for Anna and he welcomed us and our family into his court for the proceedings. I was so excited - because for Peter's it was such a nice thing that the court did and grandma (mom's mother) enjoyed seeing it done. So, mommy told the woman that they would love to come to court, and she said how about this Friday - hmmmm, mommy knew that wasn't going to work because Daddy was planning on being out of town working. So we scheduled it for the 17th of April - when mommy & daddy would be around along with grandma and other family and friends would have enough time to rearrange their schedule if they wanted to attend. So, Friday April 13th, 2009 Anna's re-adoption paperwork will be signed off by the same Judge who did our son Peter's re-adoption.
When daddy came home from work, mommy told him the good news and he was very surprised that they agreed to do it. It will be a nice day to have family and friends there to see this special event take place with our Daughter.
Special Thanks to the Judge who agreed to let us have this opportunity with our daughter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
It's been a GREAT 10 days!
Well, 10 days ago - Peter wanted nothing to do with pull ups/diapers - he just wanted underwear. Well, it has been GREAT!!!! Thursday night he went to bed with underwear on under his pj's - and he woke up in the morning without having an accident....YIPPIE! Friday - was better with going on the potty. He would run to the potty, but would get himself a little wet and get the potty a little wet - missing the potty. But he was doing great, and did not want to give up. When daddy came home, we took Peter to the toy store for a gift - for doing such a great job with the potty training. Friday night was great, Peter woke up Saturday morning without having an accident. Saturday - Peter became the "holding king" and only went to the bathroom once all day. We went to Margaret's sister & husband's house for a St. Patrick's dinner and Peter told mommy he had to go potty, but mommy took Peter to the wrong bathroom, he needed his potty chair - so mommy ran to the other bathroom where Peter's potty chair was and we made it 1/2 way through. But this accident is mommy's fault because it was her who went to the wrong bathroom. LOL. Since Friday (9 days ago) Peter hasn't had any accidents!!!!! Mommy still has to remind Peter to hold snoopy (yes, we gave it a name - or should I say Peter named it) down so he doesn't get everything including Peter's pants wet. Peter has tried standing a couple of times, but "snoopy just isn't listening". LOL. Peter loves the potty chart (Lightning McQueen) - because when he gets 20 stickers - he gets to go to the Toy Store to get a toy. Today he told mommy that he wanted to get a fish instead of a toy, we'll have to see about that request. This evening, Peter thought he was a "big boy" and went to the bathroom by himself and also cleaned up the potty chair by himself also. Mommy walked into the bathroom, and had a lot of mess to clean up - since I didn't know if the pee actually made it into the toilet or not. Peter is just so happy over accomplishing going to the potty on his own.
As for Mommy, I am so happy that this potty training thing is going so smoothly. Over the past few years, I have been hearing "horror stories" about people potty training their child - I was like - wow, I hope my Peter isn't like that. Over the past few months, so many people (friends and family) have been telling me - you better get him potty trained, you have to stay home for weeks and potty train Peter, etc. etc. etc. But a few months ago, it wasn't worth the "fight" to put Peter on the potty, when he was not one bit ready. It was definitely worth the wait - to have a nice pleasant story to share about Peter's potty training.
As for Anna - I think she'll be potty trained before she is two, because she keeps on saying "pee pee" and she runs to the potty and sits on it, fully dressed, but she sits as if she is going. But I'll wait until she is ready - so it's a pleasant experience for everyone.
As for Mommy, I am so happy that this potty training thing is going so smoothly. Over the past few years, I have been hearing "horror stories" about people potty training their child - I was like - wow, I hope my Peter isn't like that. Over the past few months, so many people (friends and family) have been telling me - you better get him potty trained, you have to stay home for weeks and potty train Peter, etc. etc. etc. But a few months ago, it wasn't worth the "fight" to put Peter on the potty, when he was not one bit ready. It was definitely worth the wait - to have a nice pleasant story to share about Peter's potty training.
As for Anna - I think she'll be potty trained before she is two, because she keeps on saying "pee pee" and she runs to the potty and sits on it, fully dressed, but she sits as if she is going. But I'll wait until she is ready - so it's a pleasant experience for everyone.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It just happened one morning........who would of guessed!
You hear about it all the time ~ boys are the hardest to potty train......... you just have to wait until their ready. Well, it happened this morning and who would of guessed! Out of the clear blue sky, Peter wanted nothing to do with diapers or pull ups anymore.
This morning, just like any other Thursday, Mommy woke up Anna and Peter - to get them ready to start the day and have breakfast and take Peter to Pre School. Well, mommy was changing Peter and went to go put a pull up on (since he wasn't potty trained yet) and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear today. Mommy was soo surprised, and asked Peter what he said (mommy had to make sure she heard it right), and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear. Mommy asked Peter if he was sure, and Peter said yes. So, mommy got a pair of Peter's underwear out of his drawer (they were collecting a lot of dust sitting in his dresser drawer) and put them on him and got him dressed for school. Mommy was so happy, but at the same time a little worried - because Peter was going cold turkey - with no more diapers/pull ups. You have to understand - Peter didn't want anything to do with potty training and he was comfortable in wearing diapers all the time and wearing Pull ups to school (diapers weren't allowed). So, off to school we went. After dropping Peter off at school - mommy called daddy to tell him the great news - daddy was like "hmm, you did put a pull up on him also, right?" Mommy said no, Peter just wanted underwear. Now, mommy was worried even more - because "what would happen if Peter had an accident" "would the kids pick on him, or would the teachers protect Peter". Mommy then called up Pam O. to tell her the great news- and lets just say - she was on daddy's side about how I should of put a pull up also, just in case he had an accident. Well, it was tooo late to worry about this now, because mommy very well couldn't turn around the truck and go get Peter out of class to put a pull up on just in case. So mommy just had positive thoughts that Peter would do great in his underwear for the first time and will not have any accidents. 11:30am couldn't come soon enough - that was the time that mommy got to pick up Peter - he was fine and didn't have any accidents....YIPPIE!. As for the rest of the day - it went pretty good for Peter's first day in underwear - he had a couple of accidents, but that is expected. Luckily, daddy was out of town for work - so we didn't have to worry about where the accidents happened - whether it be the living room rug, or the leather sectional, or the cushion on the kitchen chair - everything was good and mommy cleaned it all up. Peter managed to make it to the potty to do 1/2 his poop in the potty and he was sooo soo excited about doing that in the potty. Once he was done with the bathroom, he had to call daddy and "tell him exciting news" it was so cute to see how Peter was so happy and telling his dad the "exciting news". This evening, Peter didn't want to wear a night time diaper, he wanted to wear his underwear and that "was final". So, mommy said okay - hey, if he had an accident it just had to be cleaned up - that's what they make wash machines and dryers for - right? right!
Anna on the other hand was fun with this transition - because she wanted in on the fun too and she wanted to sit on the potty when Peter was sitting on the potty. So while Peter was busy pulling down his pants, Anna squeezed in to sit on the potty. It was cute to see Anna do that, but mommy was trying to prevent more messes on the floor. We'll be going out to get another potty too, just so Anna has something to sit on to pretend she is going potty, while her big brother is going on the potty. Anna isn't ready yet to be potty trained, only because the first indication is usually them waking up with a dry diaper and Anna is far from that. But, I am sure Anna will be easy to potty train when the time comes, because her big brother is showing her pointers now.
So, keep your fingers crossed that the weekend goes good, especially since daddy will be home, and mommy really has no idea how daddy will remain positive with Peter having accidents. I guess we'll soon find out.
My little Peter is becoming a big boy! Wow, wouldn't it be great to be diaper free!
This morning, just like any other Thursday, Mommy woke up Anna and Peter - to get them ready to start the day and have breakfast and take Peter to Pre School. Well, mommy was changing Peter and went to go put a pull up on (since he wasn't potty trained yet) and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear today. Mommy was soo surprised, and asked Peter what he said (mommy had to make sure she heard it right), and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear. Mommy asked Peter if he was sure, and Peter said yes. So, mommy got a pair of Peter's underwear out of his drawer (they were collecting a lot of dust sitting in his dresser drawer) and put them on him and got him dressed for school. Mommy was so happy, but at the same time a little worried - because Peter was going cold turkey - with no more diapers/pull ups. You have to understand - Peter didn't want anything to do with potty training and he was comfortable in wearing diapers all the time and wearing Pull ups to school (diapers weren't allowed). So, off to school we went. After dropping Peter off at school - mommy called daddy to tell him the great news - daddy was like "hmm, you did put a pull up on him also, right?" Mommy said no, Peter just wanted underwear. Now, mommy was worried even more - because "what would happen if Peter had an accident" "would the kids pick on him, or would the teachers protect Peter". Mommy then called up Pam O. to tell her the great news- and lets just say - she was on daddy's side about how I should of put a pull up also, just in case he had an accident. Well, it was tooo late to worry about this now, because mommy very well couldn't turn around the truck and go get Peter out of class to put a pull up on just in case. So mommy just had positive thoughts that Peter would do great in his underwear for the first time and will not have any accidents. 11:30am couldn't come soon enough - that was the time that mommy got to pick up Peter - he was fine and didn't have any accidents....YIPPIE!. As for the rest of the day - it went pretty good for Peter's first day in underwear - he had a couple of accidents, but that is expected. Luckily, daddy was out of town for work - so we didn't have to worry about where the accidents happened - whether it be the living room rug, or the leather sectional, or the cushion on the kitchen chair - everything was good and mommy cleaned it all up. Peter managed to make it to the potty to do 1/2 his poop in the potty and he was sooo soo excited about doing that in the potty. Once he was done with the bathroom, he had to call daddy and "tell him exciting news" it was so cute to see how Peter was so happy and telling his dad the "exciting news". This evening, Peter didn't want to wear a night time diaper, he wanted to wear his underwear and that "was final". So, mommy said okay - hey, if he had an accident it just had to be cleaned up - that's what they make wash machines and dryers for - right? right!
Anna on the other hand was fun with this transition - because she wanted in on the fun too and she wanted to sit on the potty when Peter was sitting on the potty. So while Peter was busy pulling down his pants, Anna squeezed in to sit on the potty. It was cute to see Anna do that, but mommy was trying to prevent more messes on the floor. We'll be going out to get another potty too, just so Anna has something to sit on to pretend she is going potty, while her big brother is going on the potty. Anna isn't ready yet to be potty trained, only because the first indication is usually them waking up with a dry diaper and Anna is far from that. But, I am sure Anna will be easy to potty train when the time comes, because her big brother is showing her pointers now.
So, keep your fingers crossed that the weekend goes good, especially since daddy will be home, and mommy really has no idea how daddy will remain positive with Peter having accidents. I guess we'll soon find out.
My little Peter is becoming a big boy! Wow, wouldn't it be great to be diaper free!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Anna's is in process of being re-adopted.........
Over the weekend, mommy was on the computer printing out the new forms to re-adopt Anna. We have been waiting a few months for the paperwork to be updated for international adoptions. When Peter was re-adopted there was a fat packet (about 1 1/2" thick) that had to be filed out by the adoptive parents. Along with that packet a home study had to be done along with both parents getting finger printed (again). Besides the cost it was very time consuming. When Anna came home, mommy called the re-adoption office to get the packet to start Anna's re-adoption. The woman explained to me that in a few months everything was going to change where international adoptions wouldn't have to do a home study or get finger printed again and they wouldn't have to fill out that large packet. Mommy was so excited to hear the news. The woman said it would take a few months, but they hoped to have it all set by the new year. She told me that it was my choice if I wanted to start the paper work now, or wait - of cause mommy chosed to wait - because she remembered all the work that went into re-adopting Peter. Mommy called back in January and they were still working on it. Mommy called them this past Friday to find out it was just completely done a few weeks ago and the new forms were on line. Mommy was sooo nicely surprised to find out that it was 2 forms that had to be filled out and 2 pages that required the parents signature and one of those pages had to be notarized. That was it - there was no fingerprinting and no home study that had to be done - it was a beautiful thing, until Mommy went to the re-adoption office with the "kitchen sink" ( all of Anna's adoption documents) with the forms. Luckily daddy came home early from work - so mommy was able to to this solo, which was a good thing, because something that was so simple - turned out that to be so simple. Lets just say Cruella De Vil was there and boy was she in a bad mood. Mommy knew as soon as the woman opened her mouth - it was not going to be a good thing. There was no hi, there was no how are you, or how may I help you - it was - I can not tell you how to fill out the form. I was like what? I understand the forms were just put on the computer, but there were a lot of blanks that the adoptive parents had to fill out - and who knew (except the people in the office) what exactly goes in the blanks - and keep in mind - these blanks were just big white areas - there were no lines - indicating where something should be written. So, mommy asked the woman what would go in the blanks and Cruella De Vil said that she couldn't tell me how to fill out the form, I would have to ask her questions. I asked her if she had a pen for me to borrow, because I managed to drop mine on the way up here - while she was going to get me a pen, she stopped in her tracks and asked if I had to last page notarize - I replied no. Cruella De Vil then said - well, you can't hand them in without them being notarized and asked if I still needed a pen - as if my request for a pen was making her job hard. I told her that I still wanted the pen and I explained that I didn't get the page notarized, because it said Deputy Clerk Notary - so I figured that had to be done here at the courts. Cruella De Vil "barked" no any notary can do it. So, despite Cruella De Vil rudeness, mommy was determined to get Anna's re-adoption paperwork done. While mommy was at the doorway (no desk, no table - just the bottom half of a door closed) filling out the paperwork with very little help from Cruella De Vil another woman told me that in the next building I could get the page notarized and get copies and bring it all back here - because they were open until 5pm. While mommy was filling out the paperwork, Cruella De Vil was looking through the original documents - telling me that I didn't have the correct paperwork and I must have other documents. I explained to the woman that I have the same paperwork that I had for my son when I re-adopted him 2 years ago. Then Cruella De Vil looked at the copies that I was suppose to have to hand in with the forms - and she enjoyed telling me that I had the wrong documents copied. Cruella De Vil then proceeded to mix the original documents with the copies and mommy kept on asking the woman not to mix the documents up, because it was hard to tell the difference from the originals and the copies, but Cruella De Vil seemed to not have cared. Keep in mind, that when mommy called this office last Friday and woman told me what copies I needed to hand in and mommy made sure those copies were made. So, mommy just took a deep breathe and was more determined to get this paperwork done and handed in today! Before going to get the paperwork notarized, mommy asked Cruella De Vil to check the paper work (keep in mind - we are talking about 2 short forms) to make sure it was correct before getting it notarized. She pointed out blanks (white areas) that needed to have something there, so Mommy made the corrections. Mommy then went over to the next building to find out that the notary in the courts left for the day, but was told that the law library should have a notary. Once there, a sweet elderly lady assisted me and notarized the page and was soo happy to know that we were re-adopting our daughter - it was so nice to be treated so kindly. In this same office mommy made the copies that she needed to hand in with the forms. Mommy went back to the re-adoption office to hand in the forms, luckily Cruella De Vil was not there - so it went smoothly. We should be hearing something in about a week.
I couldn't believe how today went - something that should have been a nice happy experience was a sad and aggravating moment. Something that should of only took about 10-15 minutes took over 1 & 1/2 hours. I am happy that this part is done, and hopefully the judge will be fine with the documents that were handed in. I was also told, that we do not have to come to court any more - the paperwork is mailed to our house, or we can pick it up. I was very surprised to hear this, because that was such a special day when we re-adopted Peter. But the woman said that since Anna came home with a R3 visa, she was already adopted and a US Citizen, so there was no reason to appear in court. I asked if it would be possible to have the option to appear in court if we wanted to, and the woman said that only way for that to happen was if we re-adopted Anna and do all that paper work (the 2" pkg., fingerprints again, and a homestudy - as if we were just starting the adoption) - and we really don't need to do that to celebrate this special day. I know with Peter's re-adoption grandma, family members and friends enjoyed this special day, but we decided that when we pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption we would go out to eat and celebrate the day. The woman said in about a week we should be getting a call to come and pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption.
We'll keep you posted, when we hear something.
I couldn't believe how today went - something that should have been a nice happy experience was a sad and aggravating moment. Something that should of only took about 10-15 minutes took over 1 & 1/2 hours. I am happy that this part is done, and hopefully the judge will be fine with the documents that were handed in. I was also told, that we do not have to come to court any more - the paperwork is mailed to our house, or we can pick it up. I was very surprised to hear this, because that was such a special day when we re-adopted Peter. But the woman said that since Anna came home with a R3 visa, she was already adopted and a US Citizen, so there was no reason to appear in court. I asked if it would be possible to have the option to appear in court if we wanted to, and the woman said that only way for that to happen was if we re-adopted Anna and do all that paper work (the 2" pkg., fingerprints again, and a homestudy - as if we were just starting the adoption) - and we really don't need to do that to celebrate this special day. I know with Peter's re-adoption grandma, family members and friends enjoyed this special day, but we decided that when we pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption we would go out to eat and celebrate the day. The woman said in about a week we should be getting a call to come and pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption.
We'll keep you posted, when we hear something.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Happy Gotcha Day Peter...
We can't believe it's been 3 years since Peter was put in our arms forever! On March 6th, 2006 we went to Guatemala to pick up our son. On March 13th, was Peter's Embassy appointment, when he became officially ours. On March 15th, we came home with our son at exactly 6 months old. Peter is such a blessing.
Today, Peter wanted to go out to Dinner for this special day - and the only place he wanted to go was the Chinese Buffet. He just loves the "all you can eat peel and eat shrimp" (mommy has to peel it for him, otherwise he would just eat the entire thing), and he loves to look at the big koi fish they have in a huge pool as soon as you walk in. Afterwards, we had his favorite- vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Peter has added so much love, happiness, and joy to our family! We are so blessed to have him as our son.
Our Adoption Story - During our adoption - Beth our coordinator from FTIA always asked me to write a story about our adoption and the friends we made during it for the FTIA website. Well, I never had the chance to do it 3 years ago - so I decided to do it now.
Juan Carlos (Peter) was born on September 15, 2005 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, a city known for pottery. He weighed 8.4 pounds and was 19.7 inches long. He was in private foster care in Guatemala City where he lived for 6 months with his foster mom (Sandra) & her family. There was another boy also in forster care with Peter with another agency, who had the same name. Sandra (the forster mother) decided to give Peter the nickname of "little coyote" - since both boys were named Juan. We asked about the nickname, and Sandra told us that Peter was so cute - he was a little coyote.
In the beginning of our adoption journey, FTIA our agency - had a yahoo group where other family members from all over the U.S. were able to chat with one another and give each other support. During our adoption journey we have met quite a few of the families on the yahoo group - whether in Guatemala or at the FTIA East Coast Picnic. It was nice meeting so many of them, since we shared the same bond - adopting our baby from Guatemala. To this day, I still go onto that Yahoo group - to give support to the families that are still waiting to bring their baby home.
The social worker who did our Home Study along with a couple of other families adopting from the same agency (FTIA) & Country (Guatemala) gave us their names and phone numbers. Their names were Pam O. adopting Emily & Cathy S. adopting Maria, who lived in the area. I called Pam and Cathy and we planned to meet for lunch. Emily's mom, Pam O. and I became very good friends. We kept in touch with Cathy via emails, because she was working full time. Pam was a stay at home mom, and I worked for my husband's business keeping the books in order - so I had a very flexible schedule. God placed us together and had the perfect plan in place long before we ever realized it. During our adoption we were calling each other everyday - giving each other support, we were emailing each other also everyday - for that "positive thinking pep talk." We had the same coordinator at FTIA, and we took turns who would call Beth in the morning and who would call her in the afternoon for some good news. Beth was our "booster shot" when things weren't looking like they were moving. I kept in touch with the foster family - which also helped a great deal during this adoption roller coaster. While our adoption was moving, Pam's adoption hit a couple of road blocks. But, Pam and I got the chance in February '06 to go to visit our babies in Guatemala for a week. At that time I was in PGN not knowing when we would get out - since the Dr. who delivered Peter was against adoptions and refused to give the necessary paperwork to our lawyer to proceed with the adoption. And Pam was stuck with some paperwork head ache, and she was getting very frustrated, that her case wasn't going anywhere. It was an amazing time of bonding with our babies that we will never forget. After that trip we were more determined to get our babies home. Shortly after returning home, we got that phone call that we were out of PGN - who would of figured - it felt like I just left Guatemala and we were heading right back to get our son (we came home the day before Valentine's day and was heading back to Guatemala on March 6th). It was hard to be soo happy, knowing that Pam was still waiting to move ahead in this crazy process of international adoption. But Pam O. was a trooper - she was very happy for us, and she continued to think "positive" that her daughter would be home right after us. Once Peter was home, Margaret kept on cheering for Pam and her family until their daughter came home a month later. It was nice to take this roller coaster ride with Pam O. - we had our happy moments, sad moments, and frustrated moments together and always had that shoulder there whenever it was needed. Sure we had our husband's, but hey just didn't understand everything that was going on and what was involved and what was taking place, like us - the moms!
It's been 3 years and Pam and I remain great friends - we've made friends for life with the O'Dea family. We look forward to many years of watching both our kids grow up. Peter and Emily are the best of Pals. We do plan play dates for the kids to play, lately it's not as many - with pre school and everything else going on, but we try to get the kids together often to play, especially since they are always asking about each other. We went on vacation to Alaska with the O'Dea's and that was fun and Emily and Peter just loved having their pal around all the time.
We also became good friends with Julie M. and her family. Julie also adopted with FTIA and was on the yahoo group. When we went to Guatemala to visit Peter the day after Christmas '05, Julie and her husband was doing the same thing from Buffalo, New York. We knew we would run into a few families at the Marriott as per the yahoo group - a few families were visiting the same time we were, but we didn't know it would be in the airport waiting for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to the Marriott. We noticed Julie having an empty stroller and she noticed us having an empty stroller - and at the same time we asked each other if we were adopting and what agency we were using. It was so weird how we were both from New York, using the same agency and being in Guatemala at the same time visiting our babies. We hit it off right there - it was just meant to be - for us to be friends. For the week we were in Guatemala we spent the entire time together with Macie and her parents Julie & Dave. We went sight seeing, went swimming in the pool, they came along for the drive to see our lawyer to give him a gift - that is when we found out that we had the same lawyer too. We did everything together and had a wonderful time. This was the trip where Margaret got an email from our lawyer at 11pm informing us about the Dr. who delivered Peter was not cooperating and refused to give our lawyer the paperwork to continue the adoption. Margaret was a wreck and poor Fabio - he was gentlemen in the business center who was there when I got the email and he translated it for me. Fabio was great - he gave me suggestions on what I should do and where I should go. If you remember I told you about Fabio when we picked up Anna because he picked up Peter's foster family to visit us while we were in Guatemala to bring Anna home. I remember calling Julie that night at 11pm in her room, just sobbing - she came right away to the business center to give support. At that point I knew I had to go to the U.S. Embassy first thing tomorrow morning and talk to them about what the Dr. was doing. Fabio suggested not to bring Peter, because he said it is very hectic there and it wasn't the place to bring a baby - so even though I only knew Julie for just a couple of days - I trusted her and asked her to watch Peter while we ran to the U. S. Embassy. After talking to our Country Coordinator - I went to our room to tell Kerry what was going on and what we needed to do - it wasn't something to discuss - it was something that a mother (me) needed to do for her son. The next morning we got up early and left Peter with Julie and Dave while we went to the U.S. Embassy - we found out that it was New Year's Eve and they were closed but the guards said that I can write a note and they would give it to them. So we stood there and wrote a note explaining the situation and gave it to the guards. We went back to the Marriott and met Julie and Dave in the lobby with our son and their daughter - and we had breakfast together. Then it was time to head home - Dave & Julie flew back to Buffalo, while we flew back to Long Island. After the trip, Julie and I kept in touch via emails, phone calls and texting - we all went back to Guatemala together for our pick up trip to bring our babies home - it was a great celebration.
Over the past 3 years, Julie and I still keep in touch via emails, texting, and phone calls. We have gone on vacations during school breaks, and during the summer. Just this past winter we all rented a house to play in the snow and go snowmobiling - it was a great time. Julie and her family lives in Buffalo - that isn't exactly in the neighborhood, so our get togethers/play dates
involve vacations. It's about a 10-12 hour road trip to get to Julie's, where Pam is about a 15-25 minute road trip.
You know, I sit here and I am amazed that I remember the above, as if it was yesterday. Just goes to show that good memories are never forgotten.
To Pam and Julie - Thanks!
Today, Peter wanted to go out to Dinner for this special day - and the only place he wanted to go was the Chinese Buffet. He just loves the "all you can eat peel and eat shrimp" (mommy has to peel it for him, otherwise he would just eat the entire thing), and he loves to look at the big koi fish they have in a huge pool as soon as you walk in. Afterwards, we had his favorite- vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Peter has added so much love, happiness, and joy to our family! We are so blessed to have him as our son.
Our Adoption Story - During our adoption - Beth our coordinator from FTIA always asked me to write a story about our adoption and the friends we made during it for the FTIA website. Well, I never had the chance to do it 3 years ago - so I decided to do it now.
Juan Carlos (Peter) was born on September 15, 2005 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, a city known for pottery. He weighed 8.4 pounds and was 19.7 inches long. He was in private foster care in Guatemala City where he lived for 6 months with his foster mom (Sandra) & her family. There was another boy also in forster care with Peter with another agency, who had the same name. Sandra (the forster mother) decided to give Peter the nickname of "little coyote" - since both boys were named Juan. We asked about the nickname, and Sandra told us that Peter was so cute - he was a little coyote.
In the beginning of our adoption journey, FTIA our agency - had a yahoo group where other family members from all over the U.S. were able to chat with one another and give each other support. During our adoption journey we have met quite a few of the families on the yahoo group - whether in Guatemala or at the FTIA East Coast Picnic. It was nice meeting so many of them, since we shared the same bond - adopting our baby from Guatemala. To this day, I still go onto that Yahoo group - to give support to the families that are still waiting to bring their baby home.
The social worker who did our Home Study along with a couple of other families adopting from the same agency (FTIA) & Country (Guatemala) gave us their names and phone numbers. Their names were Pam O. adopting Emily & Cathy S. adopting Maria, who lived in the area. I called Pam and Cathy and we planned to meet for lunch. Emily's mom, Pam O. and I became very good friends. We kept in touch with Cathy via emails, because she was working full time. Pam was a stay at home mom, and I worked for my husband's business keeping the books in order - so I had a very flexible schedule. God placed us together and had the perfect plan in place long before we ever realized it. During our adoption we were calling each other everyday - giving each other support, we were emailing each other also everyday - for that "positive thinking pep talk." We had the same coordinator at FTIA, and we took turns who would call Beth in the morning and who would call her in the afternoon for some good news. Beth was our "booster shot" when things weren't looking like they were moving. I kept in touch with the foster family - which also helped a great deal during this adoption roller coaster. While our adoption was moving, Pam's adoption hit a couple of road blocks. But, Pam and I got the chance in February '06 to go to visit our babies in Guatemala for a week. At that time I was in PGN not knowing when we would get out - since the Dr. who delivered Peter was against adoptions and refused to give the necessary paperwork to our lawyer to proceed with the adoption. And Pam was stuck with some paperwork head ache, and she was getting very frustrated, that her case wasn't going anywhere. It was an amazing time of bonding with our babies that we will never forget. After that trip we were more determined to get our babies home. Shortly after returning home, we got that phone call that we were out of PGN - who would of figured - it felt like I just left Guatemala and we were heading right back to get our son (we came home the day before Valentine's day and was heading back to Guatemala on March 6th). It was hard to be soo happy, knowing that Pam was still waiting to move ahead in this crazy process of international adoption. But Pam O. was a trooper - she was very happy for us, and she continued to think "positive" that her daughter would be home right after us. Once Peter was home, Margaret kept on cheering for Pam and her family until their daughter came home a month later. It was nice to take this roller coaster ride with Pam O. - we had our happy moments, sad moments, and frustrated moments together and always had that shoulder there whenever it was needed. Sure we had our husband's, but hey just didn't understand everything that was going on and what was involved and what was taking place, like us - the moms!
It's been 3 years and Pam and I remain great friends - we've made friends for life with the O'Dea family. We look forward to many years of watching both our kids grow up. Peter and Emily are the best of Pals. We do plan play dates for the kids to play, lately it's not as many - with pre school and everything else going on, but we try to get the kids together often to play, especially since they are always asking about each other. We went on vacation to Alaska with the O'Dea's and that was fun and Emily and Peter just loved having their pal around all the time.
We also became good friends with Julie M. and her family. Julie also adopted with FTIA and was on the yahoo group. When we went to Guatemala to visit Peter the day after Christmas '05, Julie and her husband was doing the same thing from Buffalo, New York. We knew we would run into a few families at the Marriott as per the yahoo group - a few families were visiting the same time we were, but we didn't know it would be in the airport waiting for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to the Marriott. We noticed Julie having an empty stroller and she noticed us having an empty stroller - and at the same time we asked each other if we were adopting and what agency we were using. It was so weird how we were both from New York, using the same agency and being in Guatemala at the same time visiting our babies. We hit it off right there - it was just meant to be - for us to be friends. For the week we were in Guatemala we spent the entire time together with Macie and her parents Julie & Dave. We went sight seeing, went swimming in the pool, they came along for the drive to see our lawyer to give him a gift - that is when we found out that we had the same lawyer too. We did everything together and had a wonderful time. This was the trip where Margaret got an email from our lawyer at 11pm informing us about the Dr. who delivered Peter was not cooperating and refused to give our lawyer the paperwork to continue the adoption. Margaret was a wreck and poor Fabio - he was gentlemen in the business center who was there when I got the email and he translated it for me. Fabio was great - he gave me suggestions on what I should do and where I should go. If you remember I told you about Fabio when we picked up Anna because he picked up Peter's foster family to visit us while we were in Guatemala to bring Anna home. I remember calling Julie that night at 11pm in her room, just sobbing - she came right away to the business center to give support. At that point I knew I had to go to the U.S. Embassy first thing tomorrow morning and talk to them about what the Dr. was doing. Fabio suggested not to bring Peter, because he said it is very hectic there and it wasn't the place to bring a baby - so even though I only knew Julie for just a couple of days - I trusted her and asked her to watch Peter while we ran to the U. S. Embassy. After talking to our Country Coordinator - I went to our room to tell Kerry what was going on and what we needed to do - it wasn't something to discuss - it was something that a mother (me) needed to do for her son. The next morning we got up early and left Peter with Julie and Dave while we went to the U.S. Embassy - we found out that it was New Year's Eve and they were closed but the guards said that I can write a note and they would give it to them. So we stood there and wrote a note explaining the situation and gave it to the guards. We went back to the Marriott and met Julie and Dave in the lobby with our son and their daughter - and we had breakfast together. Then it was time to head home - Dave & Julie flew back to Buffalo, while we flew back to Long Island. After the trip, Julie and I kept in touch via emails, phone calls and texting - we all went back to Guatemala together for our pick up trip to bring our babies home - it was a great celebration.
Over the past 3 years, Julie and I still keep in touch via emails, texting, and phone calls. We have gone on vacations during school breaks, and during the summer. Just this past winter we all rented a house to play in the snow and go snowmobiling - it was a great time. Julie and her family lives in Buffalo - that isn't exactly in the neighborhood, so our get togethers/play dates
involve vacations. It's about a 10-12 hour road trip to get to Julie's, where Pam is about a 15-25 minute road trip.
You know, I sit here and I am amazed that I remember the above, as if it was yesterday. Just goes to show that good memories are never forgotten.
To Pam and Julie - Thanks!
Anna went to the Social Security office today to get her Social Security Card
Okay, so it's not like mommy forgot - I was just waiting for Anna's re-adoption to be completed before applying for her Social Security Card (SS card). But last night our accountant reminded us that we couldn't claim Anna on our taxes without a SS card - so off to the SS office we went to get Anna her SS card. Mommy brought the entire kitchen sink (Anna's adoption documents), Anna and Peter and the double stroller and lots of snacks and toys. The SS office was very crowded (standing room only, iff that), but luckily we only had to wait 20 minutes for our number to be called. Once at the window - this was the long step. The woman at the counter was trying to tell me that I would have to wait until Anna's re-adoption was done before applying for her SS card. I explained to the woman that I called the 1-800 # last night and they said I would be able to get a SS card now for Anna, and once the re-adoption was finalized, then all I would have to do is come back in and do a name change. After about 20 minutes the woman went to the back office with my kitchen sink (all of Anna's adoption documents). The woman returned with the woman from the back office - who sat at the computer and made magic happened. During this time the woman who was originally helping me kept on telling the other woman (from the back room) that she shouldn't be able to do that, and she kept on making comments on what she was doing - but I guess this nice woman from the back room - had the magic to do it- so Anna was given a SS card. Yippie! Since it was past Anna's nap time - we grabbed a bite to eat on the way home at McDonald's before Anna fell asleep in the truck. We made it just in time, she just dosed off, but once she smelt the food she woke right up. lol
Once home, mommy was all set to get all of Anna's paperwork done once and for all. Mommy called up the Re-adoption office to see if they updated the requirements for international re-adoptions. It turned out that they did - and all the forms were on the computer. So, this is mommy's next project to work on. Mommy will get into the updates later on.
Once home, mommy was all set to get all of Anna's paperwork done once and for all. Mommy called up the Re-adoption office to see if they updated the requirements for international re-adoptions. It turned out that they did - and all the forms were on the computer. So, this is mommy's next project to work on. Mommy will get into the updates later on.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Year Ago Today........
Wow, A year ago today Anna Maria became our daughter officially! A year ago today we had our Embassy Appointment to make our adoption official. Below is what was written a year ago about our day.
Introducing the newest Member to the Kanakos Family
Well, it´s official. Anna is a Kanakos. Today we had our Embassy Appointment, and it was great!
Margaret woke up about 4am, because she couldn't sleep, then Kerry woke up at 4:30am, because he couldn't sleep either. Margaret woke Anna up about 5:15am to feed her, so she would have time to finish the bottle and get ready for her big day. Peter woke up about 6am, he was happy to know that Anna was going to become his baby sister officially today.
We got ready and headed down to the lobby at 6:40am. Jacqueline arrived shortly after to go the the Embassy with us.We got to the U.S. Embassy about 7:20am. Jacqueline pretty much did everything, we just waited for our name to be called. Mommy had a surprise for Anna´s big brother, and he was very happy to get Nascars and more cars from the ¨Cars¨ movie, it kept him entertained while waiting. We were called to go to window 10, and our adoption was approved, and we were told that Anna would become an American citizen once she entered the U.S. Then we had to wait for our name to be called again and we went to window 7, there she verified our paperwork, and asked if this was our first adoption, and we had Peter with us - and told the woman that we adopted Peter 2 years ago from this same place. The woman was happy to hear that, and she had all of Peter´s information on the computer. Then she asked if ¨Anna¨had any other siblings, and we told her that she had two older sisters. Then we had to raise our right hand, and Peter raised his too, to swear that all the information was correct and that we would treat ¨Anna¨ like any other American child. (hmmmm, I think that is what they said - I was just amazed that Anna was officially ours). We got done with everything about 10am, on the way out of the Embassy we saw Carolina - Anna´s foster mother, she was very happy to see us, it was a very nice surprise.
While Carolina was holding Anna, Peter kept on telling his dad to get Anna back, we had to remind Peter that Anna was coming home with us this time - not to worry. But, Peter was worrying, so to make Peter happy daddy took Anna back. Since everyone was hungry we dropped by a very nice restaurant to have a bite to eat before going back to the hotel.
Once back to the hotel, Margaret just had to show off how nice Anna looked in her dress. Anna and Peter did great being dressed up. They looked very nice, Peter is becoming such a little young man. Once back at the hotel, Daddy and Anna fell right to sleep, then Mommy and Peter played with his cars and watched a movie. Then Peter was getting tired, so Mommy and Peter took a nap too. Mommy woke up, along with Anna- so we left the boys in the room to finish their naps, and we came to the business center to post the great news.
Here is a pic of Anna Maria on that Wonderful Day....
Introducing the newest Member to the Kanakos Family
Well, it´s official. Anna is a Kanakos. Today we had our Embassy Appointment, and it was great!
Margaret woke up about 4am, because she couldn't sleep, then Kerry woke up at 4:30am, because he couldn't sleep either. Margaret woke Anna up about 5:15am to feed her, so she would have time to finish the bottle and get ready for her big day. Peter woke up about 6am, he was happy to know that Anna was going to become his baby sister officially today.
We got ready and headed down to the lobby at 6:40am. Jacqueline arrived shortly after to go the the Embassy with us.We got to the U.S. Embassy about 7:20am. Jacqueline pretty much did everything, we just waited for our name to be called. Mommy had a surprise for Anna´s big brother, and he was very happy to get Nascars and more cars from the ¨Cars¨ movie, it kept him entertained while waiting. We were called to go to window 10, and our adoption was approved, and we were told that Anna would become an American citizen once she entered the U.S. Then we had to wait for our name to be called again and we went to window 7, there she verified our paperwork, and asked if this was our first adoption, and we had Peter with us - and told the woman that we adopted Peter 2 years ago from this same place. The woman was happy to hear that, and she had all of Peter´s information on the computer. Then she asked if ¨Anna¨had any other siblings, and we told her that she had two older sisters. Then we had to raise our right hand, and Peter raised his too, to swear that all the information was correct and that we would treat ¨Anna¨ like any other American child. (hmmmm, I think that is what they said - I was just amazed that Anna was officially ours). We got done with everything about 10am, on the way out of the Embassy we saw Carolina - Anna´s foster mother, she was very happy to see us, it was a very nice surprise.
While Carolina was holding Anna, Peter kept on telling his dad to get Anna back, we had to remind Peter that Anna was coming home with us this time - not to worry. But, Peter was worrying, so to make Peter happy daddy took Anna back. Since everyone was hungry we dropped by a very nice restaurant to have a bite to eat before going back to the hotel.
Once back to the hotel, Margaret just had to show off how nice Anna looked in her dress. Anna and Peter did great being dressed up. They looked very nice, Peter is becoming such a little young man. Once back at the hotel, Daddy and Anna fell right to sleep, then Mommy and Peter played with his cars and watched a movie. Then Peter was getting tired, so Mommy and Peter took a nap too. Mommy woke up, along with Anna- so we left the boys in the room to finish their naps, and we came to the business center to post the great news.
Here is a pic of Anna Maria on that Wonderful Day....
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Pictures from our Visit Trip to see Anna Maria 01/02 - 01/08/08
