Adoption Poem

Here is an adoption Poem an adoptive mother adopting from Guatemala wrote. It's so beautiful and explains all the ups, downs and celebrations during the adoption process: Adopting a child whatever the reason, Brings love to your family throughout every season. The process is emotional, draining and long, Nothing is guaranteed and anything can go wrong. Many celebrations, disappointments and doubts to create, Time goes by quickly as you helplessly wait. The referral arrives after much anticipation – Your child has a face – your first celebration. Awaiting results of the 1st DNA Then onward you go – you finally get PA. After approval you go to PGN – the dark hole every knows, Anticipating or dealing with the dreaded KO's. Checking the website to see who's IN or OUT, It's a roller coaster ride – sometimes you want to shout. Support from many friends experiencing the same – So many close bonds – so many screen names. Hoping Mr. Barrios finally approves your dossier You pray that the plans for the pickup are soon under way Anxiously awaiting the long overdue PINK Then it is issued – you pickup your child and you think: This process was emotional, draining and long – As you hold your child tight and sing a sweet song. You board the plane with anxious relief – Finally you're all going home - your in disbelief. No more waiting for PA, PGN, PINK or DNA, Just time with your child – who is home now to stay!

One Year Old

Yes, Little Miss Christina turned One Year Old Yesterday!!! We had so much fun. We had cupcakes and she even got to play with one eventhough she has only had strained food she did OK with a couple bites. She had more fun with the ribbons than the presents until we took them away. Then she played and played until 10PM she was exhausted. I didn't know what was more fun....watching Christina or our three big kids enjoying Christina. The love they have for her is amazing. And the love she has for them will melt your heart. Joe and I just watched in amazement.

We received a birthday e-mail from Christina's Foster Family:) We didn't think we would be able to have contact with them but they sent us pictures of her growing up in their home. We were so excited. When I opened the e-mail I screamed because I was so excited. Joe was talking on the phone with his brother...I bet he thinked I flipped.

We are so happy that we were able to celebrate this wonderful day with her.

Here are some pictures of Christina growing up in Guatemala. The pictures are of her from a couple weeks old until we picked her up. The litte boy is two months younger than Christina. He was being adopted as well. He slept with Christina and her fostermother.Christina trying to figure out what all the excitement is all about. Then eating her cake:) Christina's favorite pastime....trying everything out by mouth first.

Christina loved her first baby doll from her Sister Maria. This was Maria's first baby doll and she wanted to share it with her little sister.

Playing with Cousins

We took care of Kaci, Kylie and Nicholas on August 9th. The kids had so much fun. Kaci never left Maria's side and even took a nap with her for two hours. Kylie and Christina played all day until Christina finally passed out at 3:30 PM which is 4 hours past her nap time. She just didn't want to leave her new friend. And Kylie......well she only took a 5 minute nap but they had a blast.

Here are Maria, Nicholas and Kaci playing

Christina and Kylie playing inside of her toy. They stayed in there for an hour.

Kylie showing Christina she is bigger and can play the piano.

Nicholas teaching Christina how to play his toy he borrowed her.

Christina playing herself and so proud

2 months ago on June 3rd

What were we doing two months ago on June 3rd. We were handed our little Guatemalan Angel and our life hasn't been the same since. She has added so much joy to our family. We are truly blessed. I know we say it a lot but it's so true. God had her picked out for us so the delays we ment to be. Hind site is always 20/20. It's all in God's time.

Here is a picture the day she was placed in our arms forever.

Here is a picture of her today as she is starting to walk behind a toy that her cousin Nicholas borrowed her.

Corn Season

Corn season is here again. We were busy last Sunday freezing 26 quarts of corn and 10 bags of corn on the cob which we vacuumed sealed. Christina even decided to help. It was a whole family affair. We had corn everywhere when we were done. We were sticking to everything.

Christina is only eating pureed foods but she wanted to sink her teeth in to some corn as well.