Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Together at last!!

Greetings from Guatemala!! We just got our internet set-up today so I have not been able to post until now.


Wow. What a whirlwind adventure this has been so far and it's only been 3 days!! We were reunited with Eli on Sunday around 4pm. It was very emotional. We were finally holding Eli forever while his foster family was saying goodbye. They are such a loving, kind, and wonderful family and they clearly love Eli very much. His foster mother returned most of the toys we brought down for Eli and she also included other toys from her family. Eli was dressed in a three piece suit that he recently wore in his first wedding! His foster mother's oldest daughter was married a week ago and Eli was in her wedding. We all agreed that this was not goodbye forever. We intend to stay in touch with them and hope to see them again in the future. We definitely plan to come back to Guatemala as a family in the future. We plan to meet with the foster family one more time before we leave as they have more items they want to give us for Eli like a CD of his favorite music and some photos. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and for the amazing love and care they provided Eli.


Eli is doing amazingly well!! He definitely remembers us and I think it made such a big difference that we were here just a month ago. He is the same sweet, funny boy, but now he is walking!! He can take quite a few steps by himself, but still likes the security of a hand to hold or furniture to hold onto. So far, he seems to be adjusting very well, but we realize that this is just the beginning and that attachment takes time.


Now, I realize what you really want is pictures!! Well...unfortunately, my mom has been in charge of taking most of the pictures so I will have to get them off her camera. But, here are a couple to tide you over!!


One last update....DNA arrived at the embassy yesterday so we hope to be getting our PINK slip any day now.


12 comments:

  1. What wonderful pictures Steph! I am so excited for you! Enjoy your time in Guateamala with your sweet little boy.

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  2. I've been stalking your web site waiting for your entry! So happy - Eli looks fantastic and so do all of you. I've been thinking of you quite a bit over the past few days.

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  3. The tears are flowing! Eli is as adorable as ever, and he looks so happy! CONGRATULATIONS! Life can only get sweeter from here on out. Enjoy this time... I know you are. Thinking of you all... and anxiously awaiting MORE pics (wink wink) and that PINK post that is coming any moment!! You deserve this joyful time!!

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  4. So glad to see you made it well...Love th epictures.. Can't believe he is walking already.. Time goes so fast

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  5. YEAH!!!! I am SO happy for you guys! Eli looks like he's doing wonderful and I love the full family pic at dinner! I KNOW you guys are treasuring every moment of your time with him. Thanks for posting an update and pics. We'll all be stalking your blog for more and the PINK post!!

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  6. Oh, how I wish I were there with you all!! Little does Eli know that he has MORE family to meet that love him dearly!!! Can't wait to hear from you all again and to meet my nephew!! Scooter is VERY excited to meet his cousin!! When I told him Eli was walking now he said in his high pitched excited voice, "He's getting bigger! He can play with me?!". By the way-Max and Porter are getting along wonderfully!! Porter did whine when you drove away-but seems to be adjusting well!!! I did see one cat yesterday-so all seems to be well there, too!!!

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  7. SO excited you are there with your baby!!!!!

    Congratulations! Enjoy yourselves!

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  8. Sigh- We wish we were there, but someone has to keep things together at home, right Shelly?

    Can't WAIT to see everyone and we're so glad you're having a great time!

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  9. Yay!!! Goosbumps, I'm SOOOO thrilled for you all. You look beaming and Eli is even more handsome...and wallking! How fun! Hugs andprayers for your continued safe travels and fun exploring Eli's country!

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  10. Yea!! Love the pics! Eli is sooo darn cute. Can't believe he's walking already! Enjoy your time in Guatemala. (I'm sure you are!) and can't wait to read your PINK post!!

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  11. Congrats on being with Eli forever! It is the best feeling ever, isn't it!! I love the new pics and look forward to more during your stay in beautiful Guatemala!! I am so happy for you! God is so good!

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  12. Ok, I stalked for three days,have a busy day, and here is the post!! So glad it is going so well. He is just so cute.

    So happy for you. What a wonderful foster family. That got the waterworks going.

    Can't wait for the PINK post!!! Are you dressing him in pink for that (hee hee)

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