Ho Ho Ho

Little Pea's First Christmas!!

We are having such an incredible time! Eli is such a happy boy and soooo much fun!! He is making us laugh and melting our hearts. Yesterday we spent the afternoon lounging by the pool with several other FTIA families and then some of us went to a fantastic restaurant for dinner. Today we went to the Zoo, a large handicraft market, and we got to tour the clinic where Eli was born. How awesome is that?!?!?! It has certainly been an amazing week and we are so incredibly happy!!

He's crawling!!!

Oh my gosh!! Eli crawled for the first time today. I was crying tears of joy that we got to have this experience all to ourselves!! Yay!!

Sweet Pea

Merry Christmas!!!

We made it!! Quick update (little pea is sleeping, but needs frequent reassuring back rubs!). WOW!! Eli is SO big and he has so much hair!! He is no longer our little pea, but rather our chunky monkey! He was all smiles when his foster mom handed him over to us. Ohhhh, heart melting!! We are amazed at how much he has changed! He is so active, very alert, and is on the verge of crawling. He even stood up today with mom's assistance. It is so wonderful to see how well he is developing. Hopefully, we can all get a much needed good nights rest tonight and possibly hit the pool tomorrow. Yes, it is beautiful here!!!

Back in!!

We are back in PGN as of yesterday! Our attorney FINALLY picked up our file yesterday and also resubmitted us yesterday. We were KO'd for the birth mother's birth certificate again. For the first previo, our attorney had to get a new witness to sign the birth certificate and the witness signed with a fingerprint, which is very common in Guatemala due to the high illiteracy rate. Well, for the 2nd previo, PGN wanted to know why the witness signed with a fingrprint. Hmmmm...... Good grief! How frustrating! But, at least we were resubmitted very quickly!! Now, let's hope and pray for a miracle that we get a speedy approval.

We received Eli's updated measurements yesterday and he is up to 19lbs. I really should have kept up with my exercise routine!

Eeeeeeeeeck!!!! We are sooooo excited to be spending Eli's first Christmas together as a family AND in Guatemala. YAY!!!! I can't wait to get my hands on our little pea!!

Thank you

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This has been an extremely difficult week for us as we went from expecting approval to, yet, another delay in bringing our little pea home. In fact, my supervisor asked me today if I was okay (I had not shared the news with her, yet) and she said, "you seem crabby." Ha! Was it that obvious?!?! Your kind words, prayers, "plans", faith in miracles, and shared tears mean the world to us. As heartbroken as we are right now, we are comforted by all of the love and support surrounding us. We are so blessed.

We are still waiting to hear from our attorney as to the reason for this second kickout. Hopefully we will have more information tomorrow. In the meantime, I still can't believe we will be in Guatemala on TUESDAY!!!! We changed our flight to earlier in the day so we can spend most of Christmas Day in Guatemala. Lots to do until then!!!

Too good to be true

I just had this nagging feeling so I called PGN again today. We were informed today that our case was KICKED OUT on 12/14, one day AFTER we were told we were waiting for approval. Talk about a punch in the gut. How does this happen??? Needless to say we are so disappointed. But, there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. We are waiting to hear back from our agency to find out what the problem is this time. All we can do is hope and pray it is an easy and quick fix so we are resubmitted soon. So, we are just going to focus on getting ready to love our sweet little pea next week.

So, what does one do with the news of a kick out?? Margaritas and beer, of course!!


The day started with heartbreaking news, but ended with a celebration! My dear friends and coworkers threw us a baby shower this evening and it was just what we needed. I will post more pics on that later (Yes, it just wasn't my day. The batteries ran out on our camara so my friend Becky had to take over!). Thank you to all of my friends for helping us get through a tough day by celebrating Eli.

Could it be true??????

We called PGN again today and............we are waiting to be signed for APPROVAL!!!! Eeeekkk!!! I asked the woman if we were waiting to be signed for a previo or approval. I initially thought she said previo so I said "previo?" She said "No, no, no. Approval." Could it be???? Could our sweet little pea actually be coming home soon??? Hopefully, the information we received is TRUE and we are on our way OUT. It certainly is not over until we receive that stamp of approval and Senor Barrios could choose to kick us out himself, though it does not happen often. I have no idea how long we have been on Barrios' desk so it could be at least another week before we hear anything. We will definitely be calling again at least one more time before our trip. Dear Santa............

We also spoke with Eli's foster mom tonight. He has two teeth and is up to 19lbs!!! Wow!! She said he loves the walker and maneuvers himself all over the place. He is eating cereal and table food. No wonder he is up to 19lbs! We also got to hear our little pea cooing, babbling, and laughing. Oh boy. We were crying our eyes out. Marta, as always, told us how smart he is and that he is getting big like his papi. Hee hee!! She reassured us that Eli is happy, healthy, and smiles whenever he hears our voices on the tapes we left. She is so caring and sweet. Marta and her family will always be a part of our family.

Check it out

We have received so many compliments on our little pea's valance both on and off line.

"How do they know how to do that? "

"Very impressive! Those are beautiful!"

"Window treatments? Like something out of a very expensive kids' bedding catalog. Awesome job!"

"I am SO jealous! You have an AWESOME brother and brother-in-law!"

Yes, I do have an AWESOME bro and bro-in-law! And, they know how to do this because they actually are professionals. They have been making custom window treatments for several years now and recently made their business "official." They are incredibly creative and gifted.

So, if you are in need of some adorable, custom made window treatments, crib skirts, pillows, etc for the nursery or anywhere else in your home or office, check out their website. Their website is still under construction, but feel free to give my bro a call or e-mail for more information.

www.windowwear.info

Today

One year ago today....we mailed our application to FTIA.

8 months ago today...I sent a prayer with a traveling adopting mom who organized a worldwide prayer/meditation called The Journey to Find a Home Meditation. Families from all over the world sent her photos of their Guatemala children, prayers, poems, meditations, and more. People gathered at a specified time to mediate and pray for all of the children and families waiting to be united forever. At that time, we were still on the waiting list and anxiously waiting for that call. This is the prayer I sent to be included in the meditation:

I am so inspired by the world wide meditation/prayer. I just imagine these huge arms enveloping all of our children and adopting families.

I would like to add one more prayer. I waited until the last minute just in case we received a referral before you left! But....we're still waiting!! So, I would like to pray for our child's birthmother as she makes probably the most difficult decision of her life. I hope that she finds peace in her heart knowing that her child is already loved.

I sent that prayer on April 11...8 months ago today...the day our son was born.

7 months ago today...Eli came into our lives

2 weeks from today...we will be on our way to Guatemala to see our sweet boy again.

Papi holding Eli for the first time

Mami holding Eli for the first time

Sewing frenzy!!

My brother and I worked on the valance for Eli's room this weekend. I cannot take credit for ANY of it! Oh wait, I cut some fabric and covered some buttons. Does that count for anything? My brother and brother-in-law are the masters behind it all!

I LOVE IT!!!!!!! THANK YOU GREG & CHRIS!!

The MASTER at work

Next....the crib skirt

Still IN

We broke down and called PGN today. I have been sooo nervous about calling just because I did not want to hear any bad news! Well, we are still in! We are with the second reviewer right now. Our plan is to call again right before our trip to check our status. Come on PGN!! It's the giving season!! Give us a BIG FAT O-U-T!!!!

Nursery Sneak Peek

Oh, the pictures don't do these fabrics justice!! The nursery transformation is underway........

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged by Beth. A little bit about me...here it goes!

4 jobs I have had:

waitress (got me through college!)
mediator
guardian advocate for people with disabilities
case manager for people with disabilities

4 movies I've watched more than once:

The Christmas Story
Dead Poet's Society
Harry Potter movies
Bourne Identity

4 shows I watch faithfully:

Survivor
LOST
Grey's Anatomy
The Office

4 places I have vacationed:

Smoky Mountains (one of my favorite places!!)
Grand Canyon
Edisto Island, SC
Arches National Park

4 Favorite Foods:

Anything with black beans
Pizza with artichoke hearts and mushrooms
homemade chex mix (pretty much all I eat between T-day & Christmas)
sushi

4 Places I'd rather be:

There's only one place I'd rather be right now...GUATEMALA!!

4 Hobbies I have:

Scrapbooking
hiking (though, not too many opportunities in NW Ohio!)
quilting
bargain hunting!!

Okay....I tag Nicole. You're it!

Sigh.......

As much as I love picture day, these pictures hit me hard tonight. Jason, too. I am growing very tired of watching my baby boy grow through pictures. It's just one of those blaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh moments. I want him home.

Fav Foto Friday

It's picture day!!!! Oh, I was sooo hoping we would get pictures today. I don't think Eli was having a very good day!! He looks so different in these pictures. And, look at all the drool on his face. Do you think he's teething?!?! Even with a grimace and slobber all over his chin, he is simply perfect!! Hang tight, Eli. Mommy and daddy are coming soon!!!

Season for giving

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We have so much to be thankful for this year. We spent our Thanksgiving with the Shank side of the family in Pennsylvania. Jason's mom is a fabulous cook so we are always spoiled with incredible food and we leave with our bellies stuffed!! I love it!! Unfortunately, I topped off the Thanksgiving weekend with the stomach flu. This seems to be a trend in our household. Jason was sick last year at Thanksgiving and I was sick the year before that. We seem to be alternating years. So, guess who's turn it is next year????? The worst part of it all...I had to cancel our baby shower coordinated by my coworkers (and awesome friends!!). :( Oh well, it has been rescheduled and I am going this time whether I am throwing up or not!! Hee hee!!

Since this is the season for giving, I would like to suggest an incredible gift idea sponsered by a nonprofit called Mayan Families (check out their website). They are doing wonderful things for the people of Guatemala. One of their annual projects includes sponsoring Guatemalan families with a Christmas Tamale Basket. This enables many families, who otherwise could not afford it, the opportunity to celebrate a traditional Christmas. When I think back to all of my wonderful memories of Christmas and my family's special traditions, I realize how much these traditions have not only brought my family closer together but also define who we are. Tradition is often the foundation of a strong family and a strong culture. Imagine your life without them. As insignficant as a Tamale basket may seem, it may mean the world to a family in Guatemala who otherwise has nothing. It may help bring them together for one evening as a family, light up the eyes of a child, and alleviate the stress of everyday life, if even for a moment. That means the world. What a great thing!! Check it out!!

Christmas Tamale Baskets

Everyone's doing it

Have you elfed yourself?? I laughed hysterically when Beth and her family did it. I just had to jump in on the holiday fun. Check us out!! Hee hee!!

The Shank Elfs

Growth Spurt!!!

Our Little Pea is certainly sprouting!! We received updated measurements today and these were probably taken within the last 2-3 weeks.

Weight: 16lbs 14oz
Length: 26.7"
Head Circumference: 16.7"

Eli gained almost 3lbs from last month!! I have a hunch that maybe, just maybe, he may have started eating cereal and other baby food. Ya think?? He is almost in the 50th percentile for weight, around the 70th percentile for length, and the 25th percentile for head circumference. My coworkers and friends like to affectionately refer to him as gordito and I think they are on to something! We had better take a lot of Bengay on our next visit trip. Ha!

Fav Foto Friday

This photo was taken the evening we received "the call" about Eli on May 11, 2007. I love this picture because we were sooo happy and excited and full of love for a son we had not even met, yet. Just thinking of that day still brings tears of joy. Our lives changed forever!!

Guess who's back in PGN????

The face of pure joy!

YEA!!!!!!!! We just found out our case was resubmitted to PGN on 11/07/07. So, we already have a whole week behind us!! Now, let's hope for a QUICK approval!! Happy, happy day

HOLY COW!!

EDIT: The number is up to EIGHT!!! All of the families we went to Antigua with back in August are OUT! CONGRATS!!! As my friend, Beth's husband said, this means 8 less files on someone's desk!! There's more room for the rest of us now!

Seven, yes you heard me right, SEVEN families from our agency were approved by PGN today. WOW!!! That is incredible!! The PGN floodgates are open so.....LET US BACK IN!!!! We gotta get in to get back OUT!

Please, please....I want to go home!

We did it!!

We finally registered!! Thanks to our dear friend, Sally, we made it through the Babies 'R' Us maze. Sally provided much need advice and mediation. Hee hee! Thanks, Sal!! The one thing that made me smile the most was one simple question on the registry application: Are you adopting? YES!!! Honestly, that made my heart sing. Though, when we went to Target and said we needed to register, the saleswoman said "wedding?" I suppose we don't look like the "typical" expecting parents. That's okay, I was too excited looking at the baby Christmas socks and picturing them on Eli's little feet to be annoyed with the sales woman.

I am also feeling this sudden urgency to get Eli's room done. We have been putting it off for a awhile, but it is time to create a space for Our Little Pea.

Look at these cuties!!

This is Eli and his foster sister, Baby F. They are 10 days apart and have been sharing a crib for the past six months. They are practically twins! We met Baby F's parents and her 2 big brothers through our agency and we spent our visit trip together in August. Baby F's family was with us when we met Our Little Pea for the first time, we all ate dinner together with our foster mom and her family, and we spent several afternoons loving on our babies by the pool. Pure joy! They are a beautiful family and it has been a blessing getting to know them while we go through this process together. They live around Cincinnati so Eli and Baby F will have plenty of opportunities to reconnect when they come home.

And.......we just found out that Baby F IS COMING HOME!!!!!!! Her case was approved by PGN last Friday!!!! We are so happy!! Congratulations!!! We look forward to many more photo ops like these in the future. Much love to your family as you embark on the next chapter of this amazing journey.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Enough politics for right now. I am tired of it! Moving onto something fun: REGISTERING!!!

Yes, we are finally ready to register and move forward and envision our lives with Eli HOME. With all of the uncertainties over the past couple of months, we have been emotionally drained, anxious, and overwhelmed. Some days simply felt unbearable and there was no energy left to think about gifts, paint color, or diaper genies. But, the cloud has been slowly lifting over the past couple of weeks. It is time for a shift. We are moving forward with faith that Our Little Pea is coming home soon and we need to get ready! I finally got around to putting my monster to-do list on paper, so it's official. There is no going back when it's written on paper! Plus, there is great satisfaction in crossing items off the list!

So back to the registry...you have 3 days to tell us the "MUST HAVE" baby items! Share with us your favorite, can't live without, baby item! Come on, the clock is ticking until we enter the vast world of Babies 'R' Us!!