11/28/06

My journal – 12 weeks in family court, no DNA. I thought for sure we’ld have the boys by Christmas. Now I’m praying with all I’ve got that we’ll get them before they’re 1. I trust in God. I know God has a plan. It doesn’t make sense to me, but I trust in Him. I have to, it’s all I’ve got. Gary is just so distraught with not hearing anything. He’s ready to storm Guatemala and demand his children. I only wish that could/would work.

We just got new medical pictures again. As soon as I saw Logan, I realized he was wearing the other outfit we sent in his care package and I burst into tears. It’s the first form of communication I’ve had from the foster mother. But this was her way of reaching out to me – in a picture, to show she knows. To give me something. So little of a gesture and yet my heart just swelled at the sight – I am so grateful for the effort, for the silent communication.

I am torn – I want to go see them in a few weeks. Yet, I don’t know where to get the strength from. If we go see them now and don’t get them for another 6 months I just can’t imagine. I want to plan the trip as a definite, but we don’t even have DNA.

I pray and I pray. I wait and I wait. Hope, wait, pray.

From Mom to me

I thought this was so sweet and pretty, I typed it up!

From Mom to me on my greeting card 11/21/06


"You really have taught me a lot by the way you live life and the way you handle all that is thrown your way - the good and the bad - you've endured with unthinkable courage all that has been taking place for the past 7 months and shown me what a strong woman you are - you are my hero in many ways and on this day, the celebration of the day you entered my life, I just want you to know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. We are going to have so much more to share in the months to come and so much to look forward to with Austin and Logan's arrival - I can't wait for it all to begin. Happy Birthday!! Love, Mom"

6 months agency pictures

Here we are at just a little over 6 months! We are wearing outfits Mom and Dad sent us, perfect fit!

Just before the pictures were taken, Logan did a little "puke" number on his other outfit.

Do you know who's who yet?

Austin is on the left. Logan is on the right (with his hand in his mouth). Too cute!

Austin weighs 14 lbs and Logan weighs 13 lbs. They are both rolling over and sitting up!

Yum! Austin tastes good!

They have started eating cereal now in addition to formula. They're both sleeping through the night and although they appear to be teething in their video, no teeth have shown themselves yet.

Identical or not? Either way, we're super precious!!

Just too darn adorable!!

Logan looks a little concerned about something, and it appears Austin wants to offer some comfort!

Well - that's all for now. Keep the prayers up and we'll see ya soon!

6 month doctors visit

Here's Logan at the doctors for his November check-up.

He weighed in at 12.10 lbs and is wearing another outfit sent by Mommy and Daddy!

A good shot of the side of his head - we think it looks good!

Hi ya, cutie!

Looks like those cheeks might finally be getting some weight in them!

Here's Austin and his doctor's appointment - are you eye-ballin' me, boy?

Austin weighed 13.10 lbs at this check-up.

Hi ya, cutie!

Update?

Whew! Okay, didn’t realize it had been so long since I had updated the website. Basically, there has not been any update to report – just a lot of long, waiting! Yuck!

So, here’s our update as of today. We were told DNA was ordered last week, well, actually I think the week before that. We receive the results via (snail) mail. We will actually get the results before the agency does. We will receive a picture of the birth mother with the boys.

What getting the DNA means – it usually means that we would be free to travel and visit the boys. However, there has been a little unrest in Guatemala and Gary and I are not sure if we’re going to “risk” a visit right now – (we’re concerned for the safety of the foster mother and the boys – Guatemala is not a dangerous place for Americans or travelers). So, we’re still undecided on the visit.

We also got word that our case was going to be presented before the Guatemala Embassy last week which means that we receive pre-approval and move to the last stage of the process called PGN. PGN is all God – there are no rules, no exact steps or process. We could in PGN 6-13 weeks or two weeks or much longer. It is all up to Him and our prayers to get us in and out of the PGN stage with no problems.

Now, on to more exciting things – we were able to send another care package down a few weeks ago – we included more outfits, blankets, another disposable camera and a mini tape recorder – I recorded myself reading books to Austin and Logan in the hopes that the foster mother will play them and that they’ll recognize my voice.

So, hopefully come this Thursday of Friday, we’ll get new pictures and video of Austin and Logan and we’ll get them on the website ASAP. They turned 6 months old October 29th. They’re last pictures/video were at 3 months. So, I can’t wait to see what they’re up to now. ;-)

Thanks and God Bless!