Today was kind of a rough day. Karla was unhappy most of the day and we don't know why. She finally perked up at about 6:30 tonight and we played for an hour or so. She was having fun running, jumping, dancing, belly flopping on Daddy and Oso. Then she got her first injury of the trip.... More screaming. This time we understood why she was screaming! She went to flop on Oso and hit the corner of the wall with her cheek. It took a while to calm down. After several kisses from both of us she requested a juice box - and then she was fine. At 8 she asked to get in her stroller and "vamos" (go). So I put her in the stroller and she fell asleep in minutes. While she was in the stroller and asleep I finally trimmed her finger and toenails! Yeah! I feel like that was a huge accomplishment. I've tried many things while she is awake and nothing worked.
We are hoping we can go to the pool tomorrow. It really hasn't been warm enough for the pool.
Sunday we are having lunch with Mercedez, our friend that works at the hotel. I think she is going to take us out somewhere.
Monday we will get up early for our Embassy appointment, come back, hopefully nap, then at 2pm we are going to go to the zoo with Karla's foster family and Diana. Please pray about this - that it would go smoothly for all involved. Monday night Diana invited us to dinner with her and her husband.
Tuesday we are going to go to Antigua with Diana for our first real sightseeing experience in Guatemala. We'll have to be back to Guatemala City by 3 because we have to go get Karla's visa.
Then Wednesday morning we'll say goodbye to all of our hotel friends and "adios". We're outta here!
We uploaded some more pictures and videos. You can kind of see Karla's bruise in the picture where she is on my lap. Today wasn't a good day for taking a family photo. Maybe tomorrow! :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Doctors Appointment Done!
This afternoon Karla had her embassy doctor's appointment. Everything went well (other than a lot of screeching during the exam) and we have the sealed medical report ready to preset on Monday. Additionally, Pablo reviewed all of the paperwork we were given for the embassy and suffice to say we have and brought way too much. Almost all of the paperwork given to us is for re-adoption when we get back to Pennsylvania. Most of what we brought with us isn't necessary either which is really annoying because some of the things were non-trivial to get like notarized letters from work. Pablo said that the paperwork on the list we had hasn't been required for a long time and isn't sure why we were given that sheet. ARGH!!! Pablo said that compared to PGN and all the Guatemalan institutions, the US Embassy is "simple and easy" -- and that we just have to wait around a lot.
Karla's having a rough day. She's been somewhat cranky and crabby most of the day. She's had quite a few screaming meltdowns for reasons we can't figure out at all. Jennifer's out walking the latest one out of her right now. She was up early and took a short nap. We gave her some baby Tylenol because it looks like she might be getting some teeth in but that didn't really seem to help so we're not sure what to do.
Oh... I hear a "poppy" coming down the hall.. I'd better go...
Karla's having a rough day. She's been somewhat cranky and crabby most of the day. She's had quite a few screaming meltdowns for reasons we can't figure out at all. Jennifer's out walking the latest one out of her right now. She was up early and took a short nap. We gave her some baby Tylenol because it looks like she might be getting some teeth in but that didn't really seem to help so we're not sure what to do.
Oh... I hear a "poppy" coming down the hall.. I'd better go...
Story of Pink Slip
We are currently working on getting things done for the doctor's appointment. Still not sure what time we are going. We were able to get a hold of Pablo - turns out he left his cell phone at his parents house 2 days ago and that is why he didn't get or answer my calls yesterday. He is going to be helping us today and make sure we have everything for our appointment Monday. Whew! When I told him about the requirements at the doctors office he didn't know anything about it. He said that it has been 2 months since he's had to take a family there and the rules must have changed (we always seem to get the "new" rules). He is taking another child and his/her foster mother to the doctor this morning for the same type of appointment so he's going to ask some questions about these new requirements.
I wanted to tell the "story" of how we finally got our pink slip. We knew on Tuesday evening that Karla's DNA results were received and signed for at the Embassy thanks to FedEx's tracking website. I called the Embassy Wednesday and said "where is our pink slip?" They said they still hadn't received the DNA results but that they had a note in our file that we were in Guatemala and would make a sooner appointment, rather than the typical 1 week later once they received the DNA.
I called the Embassy Thursday, yesterday. I told them we still didn't have our pink slip. The lady said - we don't have your DNA results. I said "What? I know it was received on Tuesday because of FedEx tracking site" and I told her the name of the person who signed for it. Then the lady said sometimes it takes a while to go through interoffice mail. I pressed further - thank goodness. I asked if there was anything I could do to speed this up. A little frustrated she said "hold on". No more than two minutes later she got back on the phone and said, "I have your pink slip, your appointment is Wednesday Nov. 5. I will email it to you now". I said "that is the soonest we can get in??" She said yes. I reminded her again that we were in Guatemala and anxious to get home. "Hold on" she said. One minute later she gets back on the phone and says, "okay, since you are both in Guatemala with your daughter (duh! wasn't there a note in our file and didn't you just tell me that??) you can come on Monday November 3. I thanked her and within 5 minutes our pink slip was emailed to us. I wonder when we would have got it if we hadn't called!?!? It seems like you have to hold everyone's hand to get anything done here. So glad I've been here to move this along!
We'll try to (finally) get a family photo today! :)
I wanted to tell the "story" of how we finally got our pink slip. We knew on Tuesday evening that Karla's DNA results were received and signed for at the Embassy thanks to FedEx's tracking website. I called the Embassy Wednesday and said "where is our pink slip?" They said they still hadn't received the DNA results but that they had a note in our file that we were in Guatemala and would make a sooner appointment, rather than the typical 1 week later once they received the DNA.
I called the Embassy Thursday, yesterday. I told them we still didn't have our pink slip. The lady said - we don't have your DNA results. I said "What? I know it was received on Tuesday because of FedEx tracking site" and I told her the name of the person who signed for it. Then the lady said sometimes it takes a while to go through interoffice mail. I pressed further - thank goodness. I asked if there was anything I could do to speed this up. A little frustrated she said "hold on". No more than two minutes later she got back on the phone and said, "I have your pink slip, your appointment is Wednesday Nov. 5. I will email it to you now". I said "that is the soonest we can get in??" She said yes. I reminded her again that we were in Guatemala and anxious to get home. "Hold on" she said. One minute later she gets back on the phone and says, "okay, since you are both in Guatemala with your daughter (duh! wasn't there a note in our file and didn't you just tell me that??) you can come on Monday November 3. I thanked her and within 5 minutes our pink slip was emailed to us. I wonder when we would have got it if we hadn't called!?!? It seems like you have to hold everyone's hand to get anything done here. So glad I've been here to move this along!
We'll try to (finally) get a family photo today! :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Blessings
We spent at least 45 minutes at the doctor's office. Our friend Diana has been such a blessing. We really could not have done all this so quickly without her. She was able to go with us and she was translating for us. We feel mad at "our" attorneys once again but we aren't surprised. Apparently Karla's pediatrician (Dr. Pinto) already wrote a report that this Embassy doctor requires prior to seeing Karla. Diana was able to speak to him on the phone from the doctor's office and he told her the attorneys should have it. Well, considering the attorney hung up on me two weeks ago when he heard my name, I doubt we'll be hearing from them again and we certainly don't want to rely on them. So, Dr. Pinto is going to write another report for us but has to charge us since we want it so fast. It isn't much but it is frustrating (again) that we are paying above and beyond because of all of our attorneys mistakes. Anyway, it should work out. We'll get the report in the morning and go back to the doctor's in the afternoon. We were getting worried at the office today because if we don't get this appointment done by tomorrow - we can't go to the Embassy Monday - and we read online that if you miss or cancel your appointment you can't reschedule for a week. Not sure if that is true but that is what was going through our minds.
We are letting it go though because we are going to be able to work it out tomorrow with Diana's help and Pablo said he will call us. We want to make sure we talk to him before Monday to make sure we truly do have everything we need.
It is a good thing that Karla had her "photo shoot' at the mall the other day because another thing this doctor requires is a wallet sized photo of the child. I actually have 4 from the mall! Yeah!
I have to say I was VERY proud of Karla because the whole time we were at the doctor's office the three of us adults were mostly busy talking to the receptionist and making phone calls and she was SO good, entertaining herself and watching the other people there. It would have been much worse if she was upset!
I'm so glad we "hurried" and tried to go to the doctor tonight, otherwise....we could have had some delays.
I have been continually amazed about the timing of things and how they are working out down here. I will have to write about all that in another post though. :) Lots of little and big blessings going on!
We are letting it go though because we are going to be able to work it out tomorrow with Diana's help and Pablo said he will call us. We want to make sure we talk to him before Monday to make sure we truly do have everything we need.
It is a good thing that Karla had her "photo shoot' at the mall the other day because another thing this doctor requires is a wallet sized photo of the child. I actually have 4 from the mall! Yeah!
I have to say I was VERY proud of Karla because the whole time we were at the doctor's office the three of us adults were mostly busy talking to the receptionist and making phone calls and she was SO good, entertaining herself and watching the other people there. It would have been much worse if she was upset!
I'm so glad we "hurried" and tried to go to the doctor tonight, otherwise....we could have had some delays.
I have been continually amazed about the timing of things and how they are working out down here. I will have to write about all that in another post though. :) Lots of little and big blessings going on!
Yeah.... so.... that didn't work....
Got to the doctor and found out that our attorney didn't give us the right forms we need for the embassy medial screen. Trying to get them tomorrow morning and go back to the doctor tomorrow afternoon. *sigh*
Embassy Doctor Screening
Short update -- We're forging ahead at light speed! Karla's doctor screening is tonight at 6pm! We haven't been able to get a hold of Pablo all day but we're just rolling on without him. We printed the adoption forms from the Embassy in the business center and got the concierge to make the appointment for tonight. The doctor is just a few blocks from here but we're going to get driven there since it'll be dark on our return trip. We've got all the forms with us and our friend Diana will be here shortly to take us and translate for us. We are concerned that if we wait for Pablo they wouldn't have the report ready for Monday morning. We're running around like crazy people but we're trying to make extreme progress. We'll relax this weekend.
FYI - Jennifer wrote the last post but I'd left myself logged into Blogger. I don't use nearly that many exclamation marks or write in pink.
FYI - Jennifer wrote the last post but I'd left myself logged into Blogger. I don't use nearly that many exclamation marks or write in pink.
PINK!
We just got our pink slip!
Our Embassy Appointment is Monday November 3 at 7:15a.m. We will get Karla's visa at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and then
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5 WE ARE COMING HOME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY!!!!!!!
5 days before our little girl's birthday! Praise the Lord!
Our Embassy Appointment is Monday November 3 at 7:15a.m. We will get Karla's visa at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and then
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5 WE ARE COMING HOME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY!!!!!!!
5 days before our little girl's birthday! Praise the Lord!
Adjusting Again
Jason here... So far, today has gone pretty well. Karla had a hard time going to sleep last night, probably because things are changing for her again. She played with both of us most of the night. The bath was a little more of a struggle this time. I washed her hair and she did not like it when I rinsed it. So I left and Jennifer finished the bath. Then we put on her PJs and played for awhile. But as soon as she realized it was time to sleep, she started to shriek. She laid on Jennifer for awhile but cried every time Jennifer tried to move her to the crib. So Jennifer took her out for a walk in the stroller and I feel dead asleep. Jennifer said Karla finally went to bed for good at 11:15. This morning, I heard Karla stirring and Jennifer was still sleeping away. So I got Karla up (first and only time I've been allowed to hold her so far!), changed her very wet diaper and we went down to the family room and played for quite awhile. Then she decided she wanted "bebe" (her Mayan doll) and we went back to the room and found mommy awake and in thei shower. So we played in the room and then went to breakfast. Breakfast was a bit of a struggle but she did manage to eat a few things. I somehow made her mad by offering her a piece of egg after she said "Poppy!" and pointed to the egg. We ran around the atrium for a long time and then went back to the rooms and played for a long time. She started belly-flopping on me again and I would roll for her to flip clear over the other side and she loved that. Then Jennifer laid down for a nap and Karla and I hade more Cheerios and watched Thomas the Tank Engine. She fell asleep in her stroller, woke herself up and started to sheik. I'm starting to notice the pattern Jennifer has been dealing with! So I laid her with Jennifer and she zonked right out and I was able to pretty quickly move her to the crib.
I organized and consolidated all of our paperwork and put it all in the safe. Later today I hope to go through it all and make sure we have what we need for the US Embassy appointment. There's a number of things on the checklist that says "(Your agency escort will have this)" so since we're essentially agency-less and attorney-less I need to make sure it's all here and that we don't have to go after Julio and Walter for any of it. We're going to call the US Embassy promptly at 2pm and demand our pink slip be issued. We want to go to the embassy doctor tomorrow and have our appointment on Monday. We're trying....
Jennifer and Karla are still sleeping. I'm going to head out to Taco Tento here in a little bit and get us to lunch. The weather outside is much nicer - around 70 degrees and a slight cool breeze. Not sure if that'll be warm enough for la pacina (pool) but we'll see.
We didn't really take any pictures today yet so no new pictures here. Make sure you follow the link in the top-right of the blog to see pictures from yesterday.
I organized and consolidated all of our paperwork and put it all in the safe. Later today I hope to go through it all and make sure we have what we need for the US Embassy appointment. There's a number of things on the checklist that says "(Your agency escort will have this)" so since we're essentially agency-less and attorney-less I need to make sure it's all here and that we don't have to go after Julio and Walter for any of it. We're going to call the US Embassy promptly at 2pm and demand our pink slip be issued. We want to go to the embassy doctor tomorrow and have our appointment on Monday. We're trying....
Jennifer and Karla are still sleeping. I'm going to head out to Taco Tento here in a little bit and get us to lunch. The weather outside is much nicer - around 70 degrees and a slight cool breeze. Not sure if that'll be warm enough for la pacina (pool) but we'll see.
We didn't really take any pictures today yet so no new pictures here. Make sure you follow the link in the top-right of the blog to see pictures from yesterday.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Pictures
I posted some more pictures from this evening. Daddy fed Karla dinner in the family room. He brought her new shoes that she loves and keeps taking off and putting on. He also brought an umbrella stroller for the airport on the way back home - and for some reason she really likes that too. Right now they are sitting beside each other eating their bedtime snack, making faces and at each other and laughing. She is calling him Poppy (what kids in Guat say for dad) and/or Daddy consistently. He took a shower and she was knocking on the door calling for him the whole time. I think they are going to get along just fine. I can't wait until I can take 20 minutes, leave them both in the room and go sit in the hot tub. I'll probably be missing them the whole time but my back hurts! :) Glad Jason will be here to help with the playing, jumping, running, and carrying. :)
I love having this blog and everyone posting. I feel like you are all here - well, at least like you all have a part in this great day! More tomorrow.
I love having this blog and everyone posting. I feel like you are all here - well, at least like you all have a part in this great day! More tomorrow.
TOGETHER
We all went down the dining room because I was hungry and I was concerned Karla would be too. She fell asleep in her stroller before the food arrived. Jason and I ate quickly and then returned to the room. Here are my two angels right now:
I just called the Embassy to see about our appointment. We still haven't been issued the pink slip. I talked to a lady and she said no matter what our appointment will be next Monday or Tuesday. There is no way we could do it tomorrow and they don't do appointments on Friday. I am a little disappointed but I am not going to let it bother me! This will just give us a chance to show Jason what we've been doing, who we've met, go to the zoo, and maybe go to Antigua - a tourist area near here. I'm going to upload pictures now to flickr. Then I will try to rest. :)
I just called the Embassy to see about our appointment. We still haven't been issued the pink slip. I talked to a lady and she said no matter what our appointment will be next Monday or Tuesday. There is no way we could do it tomorrow and they don't do appointments on Friday. I am a little disappointed but I am not going to let it bother me! This will just give us a chance to show Jason what we've been doing, who we've met, go to the zoo, and maybe go to Antigua - a tourist area near here. I'm going to upload pictures now to flickr. Then I will try to rest. :)
WE ARE FAMILY
We are all here at the hotel! Karla and I stood at the airport for at least 1 1/2 hours waiting....my arms hurt! I had to hold her the whole time. Jason is here and we are all tired. Hopefully we'll be able to take a family nap. Diana took pictures and video so I will post that later today. Karla is talking and playing with her Daddy but hasn't let him hold her yet. She is calling him Daddy though and smiling at him!
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!
Okay, so I am more excited about Jason coming than Karla. :) AH! I couldn't fall asleep last night and then I woke up early! I've tried to go back to sleep and I can't. I have already checked Delta's website twice. Jason is currently in Atlanta. We'll have two tired parents today but that is okay. We will be together!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Daily Update
Today we had a nice breakfast. There were lots of people in the dining room and a lot of our favorite waiters were there. They rearranged all the buffet food! I thought “how could they do this to me, when I finally have the routine of where to go and what to get with a little girl in a highchair!” :) I guess I have to stay on my toes.
Rich and Carey introduced us to two important people at the hotel when they were here, the sales manager and the owner of the hotel. They were eating breakfast together this morning - I've never seen them eating there before and I have a feeling they were there to see how the new buffet layout went. Anyway, they both got up and came over and hugged and kissed Karla and I when we walked in. They both asked how we were doing, what was going on with our case and if our accommodations were how we wanted them. I felt like royalty! :) Then all the waiters, probably on their best behavior, were just fussing over Karla and I and making sure we had everything we wanted and needed. I was loving it! Our tattoo-ed/tongue pierced friends were there and our friends that are on a mission trip were there. So Karla was waving and saying "hola" to everyone (she must have felt like royalty too) and I was telling everyone that Jason is coming tomorrow and that we should be leaving in a week. We were at breakfast for quite a while! :) It is probably the most social part of my day so I was glad Karla was content today in the dining room.
Karla seemed tired this morning and spent time entertaining herself in her stroller- she requested to be put in there - I didn't make her! She took a nice long nap. In the middle of her nap she woke up and said "Mommy?". I laid down on the bed next to her and then she went back to sleep. She still wants to know where I am when she's sleeping.
This afternoon Diana picked us up and we went to a restaurant called Nais (pronounced "nice"). We had some good food and then walked around the little mall that was attached. You'll have to see the pictures I uploaded. I added some descriptions to them.
Tonight we had fun playing, dancing, tickling, and talking to Daddy on Skype. Karla had me laughing so hard tonight when she was in the bathtub my stomach was aching. She is so silly sometimes. I've been bathing her the same way pretty much everyday so today she tried to stay a step ahead of me. It was hilarious. She also loves to imitate me....I better be careful what I do! She saw herself in the drain stopper thing in the tub and I think she was trying to say "Karla" and she was making faces at herself. I've never heard her say her name. It sounded kind of like Lola and her tongue stuck out of her mouth for the "l". Funny.
She initiated our "ice run" tonight. We had to say goodbye to Jason to make the ice run.
Bedtime went well, minimal fussing! Still have to move her to the crib though.
I HOPE HOPE HOPE that tomorrow we will know when our Embassy appointment will be, then we can plan when we will be heading home! The only thing I'm not looking forward to is coming back home to that cold weather! :) I hope it is not a shock to Karla's system!
Jason will be here by noon tomorrow Guatemala time (assuming weather is okay and flight isn't delayed)! I can't wait! I've been telling Karla all day that Daddy is coming tomorrow. Diana told me how to say it in Spanish. I can't wait to see how she responds to him. I'll update after we are united as a FAMILY!
Rich and Carey introduced us to two important people at the hotel when they were here, the sales manager and the owner of the hotel. They were eating breakfast together this morning - I've never seen them eating there before and I have a feeling they were there to see how the new buffet layout went. Anyway, they both got up and came over and hugged and kissed Karla and I when we walked in. They both asked how we were doing, what was going on with our case and if our accommodations were how we wanted them. I felt like royalty! :) Then all the waiters, probably on their best behavior, were just fussing over Karla and I and making sure we had everything we wanted and needed. I was loving it! Our tattoo-ed/tongue pierced friends were there and our friends that are on a mission trip were there. So Karla was waving and saying "hola" to everyone (she must have felt like royalty too) and I was telling everyone that Jason is coming tomorrow and that we should be leaving in a week. We were at breakfast for quite a while! :) It is probably the most social part of my day so I was glad Karla was content today in the dining room.
Karla seemed tired this morning and spent time entertaining herself in her stroller- she requested to be put in there - I didn't make her! She took a nice long nap. In the middle of her nap she woke up and said "Mommy?". I laid down on the bed next to her and then she went back to sleep. She still wants to know where I am when she's sleeping.
This afternoon Diana picked us up and we went to a restaurant called Nais (pronounced "nice"). We had some good food and then walked around the little mall that was attached. You'll have to see the pictures I uploaded. I added some descriptions to them.
Tonight we had fun playing, dancing, tickling, and talking to Daddy on Skype. Karla had me laughing so hard tonight when she was in the bathtub my stomach was aching. She is so silly sometimes. I've been bathing her the same way pretty much everyday so today she tried to stay a step ahead of me. It was hilarious. She also loves to imitate me....I better be careful what I do! She saw herself in the drain stopper thing in the tub and I think she was trying to say "Karla" and she was making faces at herself. I've never heard her say her name. It sounded kind of like Lola and her tongue stuck out of her mouth for the "l". Funny.
She initiated our "ice run" tonight. We had to say goodbye to Jason to make the ice run.
Bedtime went well, minimal fussing! Still have to move her to the crib though.
I HOPE HOPE HOPE that tomorrow we will know when our Embassy appointment will be, then we can plan when we will be heading home! The only thing I'm not looking forward to is coming back home to that cold weather! :) I hope it is not a shock to Karla's system!
Jason will be here by noon tomorrow Guatemala time (assuming weather is okay and flight isn't delayed)! I can't wait! I've been telling Karla all day that Daddy is coming tomorrow. Diana told me how to say it in Spanish. I can't wait to see how she responds to him. I'll update after we are united as a FAMILY!
DNA results are in Guatemala!!
At 3:46 pm today the Embassy received Karla's DNA results. We tracked it on the FedEx website. The Embassy closes at 3:30 pm daily. So, we should get our pink slip with our appointment on it tomorrow - the day Daddy arrives! Then I'll call the Embassy and see if we can move the appointment up!
More about what we did today after Karla's bedtime. :) I have pictures to upload too.
More about what we did today after Karla's bedtime. :) I have pictures to upload too.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Happy Day
Is it time to call Daddy yet??
I feel like I have lots I want to write about. Aside from breakfast this morning it was a great day! Karla was back to her silly, fun, loving self again. We were having so much fun this evening. I was sad it was bedtime because I wanted to keep dancing and playing. Luckily my mom and dad called so it made Karla and I sit and settle down before bedtime. :) Since I have so much I want to say I'm going to use bullets. :)
*I spoke with Heidy’s sister, Karina, who speaks some English yesterday. I told her how things are going. I think they were afraid we were going to leave the country and not say good-bye. Karina told me Heidy has been sick with symptoms related to high blood pressure since Karla left. I know fostering was her job but I still feel sad for her. I know what it is like to miss a baby. I also know that Karla was her last foster child (unless adoptions open back up) and she was the child she had had the longest. They keep telling me that Heidy loves/loved Karla like her own child. Even though some family and friends may not agree, we are going to have Heidy, her son and daughter, her sister and nephew to the hotel one day when Jason is here. We will hang out by the pool or have dinner at the hotel. We have gifts for them and I know they want to say good-bye to the three of us. Jason and I both feel this is what we should do. We are both a tiny bit nervous about how Karla might react but we decided tonight if she gets upset, one of us will bring her back to the room and we'll just tell the family Karla's best interest comes first. We have asked them to do things for Karla and they always have done what we want. They want one more chance to see Karla and to tell her good-bye. I think it will provide some closure for Heidy especially. I do plan to keep in touch with her through email and pictures. You could pray that this situation would work out for the best for everyone involved. No doubt it will be emotional for all of us.
*Jason has been planning all along to take three weeks off of work when Karla got home. He has been tentatively planning to have tomorrow as his last day since I came down here two weeks ago. He wanted most of his 3 weeks to be in the US but I told him, and I think he agreed, that we need him here and we’ll be together here.
I also found out that it is only $3 per adult to go to the zoo here. It is only minutes away so I thought that would be a fun outing for when Jason comes.
*I’m continuing to read my “Toddler Adoption” book during Karla’s naptime. It said that intense “despair” generally lasts 10 days to a few weeks in toddlers. I hope we are halfway through it. It seems and sounds like she is angry when she gets upset (before naps and bed or if told “no”). I think I’d be angry too if I didn’t fully understand what was happening to me. Sleeping difficulties, unusual fears, withdrawal, despair/sadness, and anger are all “normal” for toddlers who have a change in caregiver. Usually children don’t exhibit all of those. I think Karla’s main one is probably anger and some sleep difficulties. The anger “bursts” are usually short though. Unfortunately my new glasses have been bent in one of these bursts and sit crooked on my face now. I can’t wear my contacts right now because the air is so dry in here.
*We got out of the hotel today! Diana came and we went to Mira Florez (Carey's favorite mall). I was surprised at how big it was! It is not the one within walking distance of the hotel so we had to ride in Diana's car. I am so proud of Karla. She did a good job in the car staying in my lap and she was a VERY good girl at the mall! We rode on a carousel there. :) I didn't know what she'd think of it. I tried to put her on one of the horses but she didn't want to sit on the horse so we sat on one of the benches that goes up and down as you go around. She was holding on tight to me but smiled and said "weeeee" the ENTIRE time! I teared up. It is the small things that are so fun to do together. To see her face all happy and doing something fun and new. Of course I hadn't taken my camera so Diana took a picture on my cell phone. I don't know how to put them on the computer. I'll have to wait until Jason comes - 1 more day!
*At the mall there were some big fish aquariums with huge fish in them. Karla loved looking at them and pointing at them. She'd say "weeee" when they swam away. I never thought highlights of going to the mall would be fish and carousels! I think we only went IN one store!
*The one kids store we went in(I think it was new) was taking free pictures of kids to get you into their store. So they took several pictures of Karla and from what Diana said (I have no idea what was said b/c it was all in Spanish) they are bringing 4 wallet-sized pictures to the hotel tomorrow for free. I'm not sure how they will turn out because Karla had some crazy hair. I knew if I tried to fix it before the picture she'd cry and I didn't want that. It was a fun little photo shoot.
*We went in to a Barista because I was thirsty. I got a frappucino-like drink. It was SO good, the best thing I've had to drink all week (oh that remind me, I have a beer to drink). :) In Guatemala it has been about 70 degrees and the people here think that is cold...they are wearing sweaters and everything! Anyway, I am sweating constantly in capris and a short sleeved shirt. Probably from carrying and chasing a small girl but the COLD drink was great! Karla sat in her stroller and "talked" to us the whole time so it was a relaxing 20 minutes! A highlight of the past several days.
*Karla cracked me up several times this evening. She was back to being so playful. We were both laughing a lot! I feel like I could tell you several little stories but I should probably wrap this up. So I'll just tell you one. Every night when we are in for the evening she and I run down the hall to get ice (because mommy treats herself to ICE water after Karla is in bed - do you get the theme that I am always hot here?). At first I did everything - she just ran along beside me. Now she carries the ice bucket down the hall and pushes the button for the ice to come out. Then we both have to carry it back to the room because it is "heavy". She smiles and thinks she is so big doing this job. So tonight she stopped as we were carrying the bucket back to the room, took one of the ice chips out and handed it to me saying "boca" (mouth). She wanted me to put it in my mouth. I didn't realize it before but I usually eat an ice cube or two on the way back to the room! She wanted to make sure I had one for the walk back!
*Karla sat in the chair tonight and did all her "tricks" for her Daddy. She was dancing in the chair, played "boo", said "heyo Daddy", blew him kisses, reached her arms out like she was going to hug him...everything. Usually she's too "busy" in the room to sit and talk for a while or just wants to bang on the keys. Tonight she was serious. Oh, she also showed him her "yucky" face. I think Jason really enjoyed their conversation.
*I posted earlier today that we might get home this weekend. That was when I thought the FedEx tracking site said that the results would get to Guatemala today at 6pm. It said tomorrow at 6pm. Jason had to point that out to me. I guess I wasn't sure of the date today. Then I've heard from various sources that the Embassy only has appointments on Mon-Wed. I don't know if that is true though. I hope to be able to find that out for sure tomorrow. Probably we will get home early next week. We should KNOW in the next two days!
*Jason told me today that our neighbors are collecting winter clothes for Karla! There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood so I bet they will collect quite a few things. I, again, teared up when I heard this. I can't believe how everyone is helping us. It is humbling, encouraging,...so many things! I was a little worried about the clothes because the only clothes I have for her are the clothes we brought on this (warm) trip. I had to stop buying clothes months ago because it was too painful to always be returning them as Karla outgrew them. I knew Karla wouldn't go naked, but now I won't have to think about it at all.
You all are wonderful and I never could have done this without all the encouragement and support!
Okay, enough emotions and feelings...Jason and Sara (and maybe others) have heard enough today. :)
Here is Karla, actually posing for a picture:
I feel like I have lots I want to write about. Aside from breakfast this morning it was a great day! Karla was back to her silly, fun, loving self again. We were having so much fun this evening. I was sad it was bedtime because I wanted to keep dancing and playing. Luckily my mom and dad called so it made Karla and I sit and settle down before bedtime. :) Since I have so much I want to say I'm going to use bullets. :)
*I spoke with Heidy’s sister, Karina, who speaks some English yesterday. I told her how things are going. I think they were afraid we were going to leave the country and not say good-bye. Karina told me Heidy has been sick with symptoms related to high blood pressure since Karla left. I know fostering was her job but I still feel sad for her. I know what it is like to miss a baby. I also know that Karla was her last foster child (unless adoptions open back up) and she was the child she had had the longest. They keep telling me that Heidy loves/loved Karla like her own child. Even though some family and friends may not agree, we are going to have Heidy, her son and daughter, her sister and nephew to the hotel one day when Jason is here. We will hang out by the pool or have dinner at the hotel. We have gifts for them and I know they want to say good-bye to the three of us. Jason and I both feel this is what we should do. We are both a tiny bit nervous about how Karla might react but we decided tonight if she gets upset, one of us will bring her back to the room and we'll just tell the family Karla's best interest comes first. We have asked them to do things for Karla and they always have done what we want. They want one more chance to see Karla and to tell her good-bye. I think it will provide some closure for Heidy especially. I do plan to keep in touch with her through email and pictures. You could pray that this situation would work out for the best for everyone involved. No doubt it will be emotional for all of us.
*Jason has been planning all along to take three weeks off of work when Karla got home. He has been tentatively planning to have tomorrow as his last day since I came down here two weeks ago. He wanted most of his 3 weeks to be in the US but I told him, and I think he agreed, that we need him here and we’ll be together here.
I also found out that it is only $3 per adult to go to the zoo here. It is only minutes away so I thought that would be a fun outing for when Jason comes.
*I’m continuing to read my “Toddler Adoption” book during Karla’s naptime. It said that intense “despair” generally lasts 10 days to a few weeks in toddlers. I hope we are halfway through it. It seems and sounds like she is angry when she gets upset (before naps and bed or if told “no”). I think I’d be angry too if I didn’t fully understand what was happening to me. Sleeping difficulties, unusual fears, withdrawal, despair/sadness, and anger are all “normal” for toddlers who have a change in caregiver. Usually children don’t exhibit all of those. I think Karla’s main one is probably anger and some sleep difficulties. The anger “bursts” are usually short though. Unfortunately my new glasses have been bent in one of these bursts and sit crooked on my face now. I can’t wear my contacts right now because the air is so dry in here.
*We got out of the hotel today! Diana came and we went to Mira Florez (Carey's favorite mall). I was surprised at how big it was! It is not the one within walking distance of the hotel so we had to ride in Diana's car. I am so proud of Karla. She did a good job in the car staying in my lap and she was a VERY good girl at the mall! We rode on a carousel there. :) I didn't know what she'd think of it. I tried to put her on one of the horses but she didn't want to sit on the horse so we sat on one of the benches that goes up and down as you go around. She was holding on tight to me but smiled and said "weeeee" the ENTIRE time! I teared up. It is the small things that are so fun to do together. To see her face all happy and doing something fun and new. Of course I hadn't taken my camera so Diana took a picture on my cell phone. I don't know how to put them on the computer. I'll have to wait until Jason comes - 1 more day!
*At the mall there were some big fish aquariums with huge fish in them. Karla loved looking at them and pointing at them. She'd say "weeee" when they swam away. I never thought highlights of going to the mall would be fish and carousels! I think we only went IN one store!
*The one kids store we went in(I think it was new) was taking free pictures of kids to get you into their store. So they took several pictures of Karla and from what Diana said (I have no idea what was said b/c it was all in Spanish) they are bringing 4 wallet-sized pictures to the hotel tomorrow for free. I'm not sure how they will turn out because Karla had some crazy hair. I knew if I tried to fix it before the picture she'd cry and I didn't want that. It was a fun little photo shoot.
*We went in to a Barista because I was thirsty. I got a frappucino-like drink. It was SO good, the best thing I've had to drink all week (oh that remind me, I have a beer to drink). :) In Guatemala it has been about 70 degrees and the people here think that is cold...they are wearing sweaters and everything! Anyway, I am sweating constantly in capris and a short sleeved shirt. Probably from carrying and chasing a small girl but the COLD drink was great! Karla sat in her stroller and "talked" to us the whole time so it was a relaxing 20 minutes! A highlight of the past several days.
*Karla cracked me up several times this evening. She was back to being so playful. We were both laughing a lot! I feel like I could tell you several little stories but I should probably wrap this up. So I'll just tell you one. Every night when we are in for the evening she and I run down the hall to get ice (because mommy treats herself to ICE water after Karla is in bed - do you get the theme that I am always hot here?). At first I did everything - she just ran along beside me. Now she carries the ice bucket down the hall and pushes the button for the ice to come out. Then we both have to carry it back to the room because it is "heavy". She smiles and thinks she is so big doing this job. So tonight she stopped as we were carrying the bucket back to the room, took one of the ice chips out and handed it to me saying "boca" (mouth). She wanted me to put it in my mouth. I didn't realize it before but I usually eat an ice cube or two on the way back to the room! She wanted to make sure I had one for the walk back!
*Karla sat in the chair tonight and did all her "tricks" for her Daddy. She was dancing in the chair, played "boo", said "heyo Daddy", blew him kisses, reached her arms out like she was going to hug him...everything. Usually she's too "busy" in the room to sit and talk for a while or just wants to bang on the keys. Tonight she was serious. Oh, she also showed him her "yucky" face. I think Jason really enjoyed their conversation.
*I posted earlier today that we might get home this weekend. That was when I thought the FedEx tracking site said that the results would get to Guatemala today at 6pm. It said tomorrow at 6pm. Jason had to point that out to me. I guess I wasn't sure of the date today. Then I've heard from various sources that the Embassy only has appointments on Mon-Wed. I don't know if that is true though. I hope to be able to find that out for sure tomorrow. Probably we will get home early next week. We should KNOW in the next two days!
*Jason told me today that our neighbors are collecting winter clothes for Karla! There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood so I bet they will collect quite a few things. I, again, teared up when I heard this. I can't believe how everyone is helping us. It is humbling, encouraging,...so many things! I was a little worried about the clothes because the only clothes I have for her are the clothes we brought on this (warm) trip. I had to stop buying clothes months ago because it was too painful to always be returning them as Karla outgrew them. I knew Karla wouldn't go naked, but now I won't have to think about it at all.
You all are wonderful and I never could have done this without all the encouragement and support!
Okay, enough emotions and feelings...Jason and Sara (and maybe others) have heard enough today. :)
Here is Karla, actually posing for a picture:
DNA on its way!!
Just heard from Pat at LabCorp! Karla's DNA test is complete and the results are being FedEx'd to the Embassy in Guatemala TODAY. She gave us the tracking number so we can follow its progress.
Praise God!
This means we should be issued our pink slip with our appointment on it tomorrow! I can call afterwards and request a sooner appointment. Maybe, just maybe we can come home this weekend. I'm crying tears of joy!!!!
We just had a rough breakfast. I have no idea why but Karla didn't want to eat just wanted me to hold her. So neither of us ate much. Then a lady we met at the pool the other day came over to me and said "the Lord woke me up the other night to pray for Karla." She didn't remember my name but she remembered Karla. When she told me that I burst into tears. I told her Karla needs comfort right now. She hugged me and said she'd keep praying.
Now with the DNA news the tears are flowing.
Diana is going to come today to spend time with us so that will be good and much needed!
I can't believe this is almost over... We are going to be home for her birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I better pull it together now. Karla so far is happy in her stroller...and of course she's eating now, good thing I brought a muffin back to the room with us.
Our "neighbors" here who are leaving today gave me some diapers, food, and their last beer. It is Gallo - the beer of Guatemala I guess. I've never tried it. I may just have to drink it tonight! :) It is in the fridge already.
Time to call Diana. Please continue to pray for comfort for Karla and praise that this is FINALLY happening!
Praise God!
This means we should be issued our pink slip with our appointment on it tomorrow! I can call afterwards and request a sooner appointment. Maybe, just maybe we can come home this weekend. I'm crying tears of joy!!!!
We just had a rough breakfast. I have no idea why but Karla didn't want to eat just wanted me to hold her. So neither of us ate much. Then a lady we met at the pool the other day came over to me and said "the Lord woke me up the other night to pray for Karla." She didn't remember my name but she remembered Karla. When she told me that I burst into tears. I told her Karla needs comfort right now. She hugged me and said she'd keep praying.
Now with the DNA news the tears are flowing.
Diana is going to come today to spend time with us so that will be good and much needed!
I can't believe this is almost over... We are going to be home for her birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I better pull it together now. Karla so far is happy in her stroller...and of course she's eating now, good thing I brought a muffin back to the room with us.
Our "neighbors" here who are leaving today gave me some diapers, food, and their last beer. It is Gallo - the beer of Guatemala I guess. I've never tried it. I may just have to drink it tonight! :) It is in the fridge already.
Time to call Diana. Please continue to pray for comfort for Karla and praise that this is FINALLY happening!
Good News
The transfer to the crib worked last night and we both slept all night!
I woke up early because for some reason my back is really hurting - maybe from all this playing and carrying a little girl.
The good news is I had an email from the wonderful lady at LabCorp already this morning. It said: "your case is going for review and calculations this morning..if all is good and no further testing is needed, the next step will be going out to the embassy...I will keep you posted".
This is great news...hopefully the results will be headed to the Embassy today, in which case I could call the Embassy today or tomorrow about scheduling our appointment to COMPLETE this process!
I hear my little cutie pie stirring in her crib so I better sign off for now.
Oh, something cute Karla started doing yesterday is saying "where are you?" It isn't quite articulated well but it is obvious that is what she is saying. I always say this when we are "looking for" her bear or her ball or each other. :)
I woke up early because for some reason my back is really hurting - maybe from all this playing and carrying a little girl.
The good news is I had an email from the wonderful lady at LabCorp already this morning. It said: "your case is going for review and calculations this morning..if all is good and no further testing is needed, the next step will be going out to the embassy...I will keep you posted".
This is great news...hopefully the results will be headed to the Embassy today, in which case I could call the Embassy today or tomorrow about scheduling our appointment to COMPLETE this process!
I hear my little cutie pie stirring in her crib so I better sign off for now.
Oh, something cute Karla started doing yesterday is saying "where are you?" It isn't quite articulated well but it is obvious that is what she is saying. I always say this when we are "looking for" her bear or her ball or each other. :)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
weekend update from GT and DADDY'S COMING
After my last post on Friday night, I ate my cake and Karla slept for about an hour and a half. Then she woke up crying. She was up on and off all night fussing. If I wasn’t a light sleeper maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me. Anyway, I was exhausted yesterday. Luckily we both took a nap in the afternoon and then I was at least better able to function for the rest of the day. Karla wants to sleep right on top of me with her head right in my neck. I don’t mind for naps but that is not ideal at night.
We followed the same bedtime routine last night and she didn’t cry when it was time to sleep, just fussed a little. She slept for about 30 minutes and then was up crying. I don’t know if she is not feeling well or just still adjusting. I let her sleep with me last night. I had to rig something up so that she wouldn’t fall out of bed. I wasn’t able to move the bed against the wall by myself. She moves SO much in the night!!! So I think she slept well and I slept pretty well. She had to constantly be touching some part of me so I woke up frequently. One time I woke up and her face was right in front of mine and one of her hands was resting on my cheek. I didn’t mind that. It is the feet in the ribs that I mind. :)
I was feeling overwhelmingly tired yesterday, a little bored with doing the same things, and lonely. Karla doesn’t seem bored and I do try to introduce a new toy or activity each day. Yesterday it was bubbles. She really liked them. I know I brought them in May and she could have cared less. Yesterday it entertained her for a long time. She even said “bubble” a time or two.
The past several days she wants me right next to her every second and was very clingy, which is fine because I've wanted to hold her and be close to her for a long time. I just didn't realize how absolutely tiring that could be, literally 24/7. She was better today. I worked on this post on and off a few times while she was entertaining herself and I got some things organized around the room. I also made a point to take more pictures today - so check out the flickr page. Jason added the link to the top right of this page.
Our highlight yesterday was a first communion party that was going on in the courtyard. I don’t remember there being so much happening at the Westin before. I guess it is graduation season and there are so many parties and conferences here everyday!! It really limits our areas to run and play. How dare they have all these parties!?!? Anyway, we can walk around the indoor courtyard somewhat inconspicuously so we were watching all the girls and boys in their nice clothes. Then,the DJ started playing music with the loud bass. Karla started shaking it!! So she and I were dancing and twirling on the sidelines for quite sometime. Ordinarily I might have cared if people saw me/us, but I didn't. In fact two of the waiters (that love Karla and are very nice) saw us and came out to watch us for a few minutes. This girl and her music!!
Saturday was really rough for me. I was planning to tell Jason last night when we were planning to talk that I needed him to come here this coming Friday. He was already thinking the same thing. Whew. In fact, as he posted a while ago, he is coming Wednesday. So I am really excited! I'm going to follow-up with the DNA tomorrow and see if I can take Karla to the Embassy doctor appointment prior to having our pink slip (set Embassy appointment date). We could go Tuesday and get that out of the way. They will just make sure she is healthy and vaccinated. They also have to take some pictures of her for her file.
We are hoping our pink slip will be issued Tuesday or Wednesday and that we can have our Embassy appointment Friday. Please pray about this. We could even pray we could go to the Embassy Thursday. :) If our appointment is Friday then we have to stay till Tuesday because Karla's visa is issued after 3pm the business day following the Embassy appointment. I hope that all makes sense.
Today was better. Karla and I took it easy this morning. I asked her if she wanted to go to the pool and she said "no". She wanted to sit in her stroller. So she sat there for a little while and watched TV and snacked on some grapes (she really likes them!). After her afternoon nap we went to the pool and had lots of fun. It was a nice afternoon. Today her friends of choice were two men from Germany who were sitting in the pool or hot tub with their beers and peanuts. She likes to collect small leaves that have fallen in the water and she would only share the leaves with these men. Luckily the people she has chosen to be friendly with are all nice to her and don't seem to mind. There weren't any other kids out there this afternoon. And don't worry. The Westin is very safe and their is security everywhere. I have never felt unsafe here. This is day 4 of not leaving the premises...
I am going to call Diana tomorrow and see if she will go to the mall with us. It is within walking distance. I just want to go somewhere new to walk around. The Westin is huge but you can only do laps so many times before it gets old.
It is probably safe to go to the mall by ourselves but I am not going to risk it - especially since I don't speak Spanish. It has been weird being a minority, that is for sure. I never felt it before like I have this time. The staff at the Westin and the people we meet in the pool are all nice (and from all over the world it seems) but other guests....not so much. It makes me realize what it is like for some people - and it isn't a good feeling. I think maybe part of it is because there are hardly any families here adopting anymore. When we were here before there were many! There are 2 families here that I am aware of and one is leaving tomorrow. They have a 21 month old and have said they've had issues with her sleeping as well. When they said she got so upset when night she threw up, it made me feel better since Karla did that a little bit several nights ago. (this is the 2nd child they are adopting from Guatemala in the time we've adopted one)
Tonight Karla and I walked around the hotel and played in our room. She was much less clingy today and only had one meltdown - when I wouldn't let her go out the front door of the hotel on our nightly walk. We followed our same bedtime routine and she cried for several minutes but then fell asleep. I am going to attempt to move her to the crib now. Hopefully she won't wake up!
Two more days on our own! Two more days until we are a family of THREE!!!!!!
(picture from Feb. 08)
We followed the same bedtime routine last night and she didn’t cry when it was time to sleep, just fussed a little. She slept for about 30 minutes and then was up crying. I don’t know if she is not feeling well or just still adjusting. I let her sleep with me last night. I had to rig something up so that she wouldn’t fall out of bed. I wasn’t able to move the bed against the wall by myself. She moves SO much in the night!!! So I think she slept well and I slept pretty well. She had to constantly be touching some part of me so I woke up frequently. One time I woke up and her face was right in front of mine and one of her hands was resting on my cheek. I didn’t mind that. It is the feet in the ribs that I mind. :)
I was feeling overwhelmingly tired yesterday, a little bored with doing the same things, and lonely. Karla doesn’t seem bored and I do try to introduce a new toy or activity each day. Yesterday it was bubbles. She really liked them. I know I brought them in May and she could have cared less. Yesterday it entertained her for a long time. She even said “bubble” a time or two.
The past several days she wants me right next to her every second and was very clingy, which is fine because I've wanted to hold her and be close to her for a long time. I just didn't realize how absolutely tiring that could be, literally 24/7. She was better today. I worked on this post on and off a few times while she was entertaining herself and I got some things organized around the room. I also made a point to take more pictures today - so check out the flickr page. Jason added the link to the top right of this page.
Our highlight yesterday was a first communion party that was going on in the courtyard. I don’t remember there being so much happening at the Westin before. I guess it is graduation season and there are so many parties and conferences here everyday!! It really limits our areas to run and play. How dare they have all these parties!?!? Anyway, we can walk around the indoor courtyard somewhat inconspicuously so we were watching all the girls and boys in their nice clothes. Then,the DJ started playing music with the loud bass. Karla started shaking it!! So she and I were dancing and twirling on the sidelines for quite sometime. Ordinarily I might have cared if people saw me/us, but I didn't. In fact two of the waiters (that love Karla and are very nice) saw us and came out to watch us for a few minutes. This girl and her music!!
Saturday was really rough for me. I was planning to tell Jason last night when we were planning to talk that I needed him to come here this coming Friday. He was already thinking the same thing. Whew. In fact, as he posted a while ago, he is coming Wednesday. So I am really excited! I'm going to follow-up with the DNA tomorrow and see if I can take Karla to the Embassy doctor appointment prior to having our pink slip (set Embassy appointment date). We could go Tuesday and get that out of the way. They will just make sure she is healthy and vaccinated. They also have to take some pictures of her for her file.
We are hoping our pink slip will be issued Tuesday or Wednesday and that we can have our Embassy appointment Friday. Please pray about this. We could even pray we could go to the Embassy Thursday. :) If our appointment is Friday then we have to stay till Tuesday because Karla's visa is issued after 3pm the business day following the Embassy appointment. I hope that all makes sense.
Today was better. Karla and I took it easy this morning. I asked her if she wanted to go to the pool and she said "no". She wanted to sit in her stroller. So she sat there for a little while and watched TV and snacked on some grapes (she really likes them!). After her afternoon nap we went to the pool and had lots of fun. It was a nice afternoon. Today her friends of choice were two men from Germany who were sitting in the pool or hot tub with their beers and peanuts. She likes to collect small leaves that have fallen in the water and she would only share the leaves with these men. Luckily the people she has chosen to be friendly with are all nice to her and don't seem to mind. There weren't any other kids out there this afternoon. And don't worry. The Westin is very safe and their is security everywhere. I have never felt unsafe here. This is day 4 of not leaving the premises...
I am going to call Diana tomorrow and see if she will go to the mall with us. It is within walking distance. I just want to go somewhere new to walk around. The Westin is huge but you can only do laps so many times before it gets old.
It is probably safe to go to the mall by ourselves but I am not going to risk it - especially since I don't speak Spanish. It has been weird being a minority, that is for sure. I never felt it before like I have this time. The staff at the Westin and the people we meet in the pool are all nice (and from all over the world it seems) but other guests....not so much. It makes me realize what it is like for some people - and it isn't a good feeling. I think maybe part of it is because there are hardly any families here adopting anymore. When we were here before there were many! There are 2 families here that I am aware of and one is leaving tomorrow. They have a 21 month old and have said they've had issues with her sleeping as well. When they said she got so upset when night she threw up, it made me feel better since Karla did that a little bit several nights ago. (this is the 2nd child they are adopting from Guatemala in the time we've adopted one)
Tonight Karla and I walked around the hotel and played in our room. She was much less clingy today and only had one meltdown - when I wouldn't let her go out the front door of the hotel on our nightly walk. We followed our same bedtime routine and she cried for several minutes but then fell asleep. I am going to attempt to move her to the crib now. Hopefully she won't wake up!
Two more days on our own! Two more days until we are a family of THREE!!!!!!
(picture from Feb. 08)
Weekend Roundup
Hi all. It's been awhile since Jennifer wrote and a bunch of people have asked me how I'm doing and why I haven't blogged anything. So I take a quick stab at some things.
I've managed so far to feed and clothe myself. :) Despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to talk anyone into doing my laundry for me - although Mom did wash Karla's crib sheets. Other than my usual work routine, I've been working around the house finishing up what seems like a never-ending list of little undone things to be ready for Karla to be here. Grammy, Pap pap, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Kevin have all been here at some point over the last two weekends helping me to get ready. I think our strategy of "well, we'll do that when we're close" piled up too many things here at the end. But I think I'm finally all set. I've started to pack for my trip to Guatemala, mostly Karla's things. I've also done some serious shopping for little girl items, guess that's something I'll have to get used to.
Jennifer's has a pretty uneven weekend. Karla seems to be having a lot of fun and is good natured and the spontaneously swings into angry tantrums. Usually they're when she's tired and we know it's just because she's confused and feeling loss (of her foster mother) but it's just so sad. Karla also wants to sleep in bed with Jennifer, which Jennifer is temporarily doing, but kicks a lot and keeps waking up Jennifer. So Jennifer isn't getting a whole lot of quality sleep. I think they're both getting stir-crazy from being cooped up in the hotel. Jennifer might see if Diana wants to go to the mall Monday or Tuesday for something to do. Jennifer did say that she noticed people looking at them when they've been out previously but no one was overtly hostile so she's going to try that.
Although we don't have an embassy appointment yet, we hope to on Tuesday. With that in mind, I am leaving for Guatemala on Wednesday. Jennifer is anxious for me to come down and we decided that at this point, it's probably better for me to come down now instead of have more time when we're back in the US.
I've managed so far to feed and clothe myself. :) Despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to talk anyone into doing my laundry for me - although Mom did wash Karla's crib sheets. Other than my usual work routine, I've been working around the house finishing up what seems like a never-ending list of little undone things to be ready for Karla to be here. Grammy, Pap pap, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Kevin have all been here at some point over the last two weekends helping me to get ready. I think our strategy of "well, we'll do that when we're close" piled up too many things here at the end. But I think I'm finally all set. I've started to pack for my trip to Guatemala, mostly Karla's things. I've also done some serious shopping for little girl items, guess that's something I'll have to get used to.
Jennifer's has a pretty uneven weekend. Karla seems to be having a lot of fun and is good natured and the spontaneously swings into angry tantrums. Usually they're when she's tired and we know it's just because she's confused and feeling loss (of her foster mother) but it's just so sad. Karla also wants to sleep in bed with Jennifer, which Jennifer is temporarily doing, but kicks a lot and keeps waking up Jennifer. So Jennifer isn't getting a whole lot of quality sleep. I think they're both getting stir-crazy from being cooped up in the hotel. Jennifer might see if Diana wants to go to the mall Monday or Tuesday for something to do. Jennifer did say that she noticed people looking at them when they've been out previously but no one was overtly hostile so she's going to try that.
Although we don't have an embassy appointment yet, we hope to on Tuesday. With that in mind, I am leaving for Guatemala on Wednesday. Jennifer is anxious for me to come down and we decided that at this point, it's probably better for me to come down now instead of have more time when we're back in the US.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Fast Asleep
Yeah! I followed the same bedtime routine tonight and there were only 4 minutes of crying. I even did it a little earlier because I could tell Karla was exhausted. We'll see how many nights in a row this lasts. :)
Today was better than the past two days. Probably because I feel better and because I have learned when Karla is about to "meltdown" and I can diffuse it or distract her so she gets over it more quickly.
I never knew it would be so hard to tell her "no" but I have seen how when I do it consistently (about certain things), we're both happier.
Okay moms, you were right. :)
I bought a big piece of some delicious looking chocolate cake at the "cafe" in the hotel today. I'm going to eat it now to celebrate the fact that it is Friday!! I am going to have to eat it with a baby fork though. :)
Anyone have good suggestions for trimming little fingernails and toenails? Karla's really need trimmed...and I'm afraid. :) Not really. I just know she won't want to sit still. I have the baby clippers so we'll try it tomorrow...
A picture to end the week with:
Today was better than the past two days. Probably because I feel better and because I have learned when Karla is about to "meltdown" and I can diffuse it or distract her so she gets over it more quickly.
I never knew it would be so hard to tell her "no" but I have seen how when I do it consistently (about certain things), we're both happier.
Okay moms, you were right. :)
I bought a big piece of some delicious looking chocolate cake at the "cafe" in the hotel today. I'm going to eat it now to celebrate the fact that it is Friday!! I am going to have to eat it with a baby fork though. :)
Anyone have good suggestions for trimming little fingernails and toenails? Karla's really need trimmed...and I'm afraid. :) Not really. I just know she won't want to sit still. I have the baby clippers so we'll try it tomorrow...
A picture to end the week with:
Pool Time and DNA update
It was finally a beautiful warm sunny day so Karla and I went to the pool from 10-12 this morning. She loves the water! She also LOVES people. She always wants to see what they are doing and talk to them. When she is in her highchair in the dining room I turn her so she can see the most people. Then when we leave the dining room she waves to everyone in sight and either says "adios" or "buenos dias". Then today in the pool she made a lot of adult friends. There was one man in particular that she couldn't keep her eyes off of. He was white (it feels like a minority here right now), had lots of tattoos, and was constantly smoking. She talked to him, gave him high fives, splashed him. Luckily he didn't mind and was playing right back. I thought it was funny because he was nothing like her Daddy. Then, this guy's friend swam over and he had his tongue pierced. Boy did that throw Karla for a loop. She was saying "boca, boca" (mouth),trying to figure out what was in his mouth. She wanted to reach for it and I wondered if she could actually yank the thing out. :) He would stick his tongue out at her and she laughed. They were talking to her and I had to tell them that I didn't speak Spanish when they tried to talk to me. At one point there were at least 6 adults in the hot tub - right next to the shallow end. ALL of them were watching Karla show off in the shallow end (it is a few inches deep). She would jump, kick water at them, babble to them, or wave. I was cracking up a few times! Her one friend with the tattoos went to the deep end of the pool and she was yelling, trying to get his attention, and I'm assuming telling him to come back. During all this "showing off" she always watched where I was and would come touch me or hug me every few minutes - which I of course loved.
The way she is around lots of people, especially kids, makes me think she's going to love family get-togethers and going to church! Yeah!
I have a voice today! And I feel good. I don't think I realized how bad I felt yesterday.
Karla went right down for her nap when we came back up to the room. Again she didn't want me to leave the bed. She didn't fuss just kept reaching for me and putting her head in my neck. After 30 minutes I had to strategically get up because I was still in my bathing suit and getting cold! I didn't want to make her cold too.
I just contacted someone at LabCorp about Karla's DNA sample. I was really hoping it would be done today and on its way back to Guatemala. The lady told me that "some of the testing finished today but there are still parts running...My guess would be that possibly Monday.....it may go out but its hard to tell by looking at what I have..."
So, hopefully Monday. Then we'll be days away from being done!
This morning when Karla got up she immediately went for....
She won't hold still by the pool long enough for me to get a good picture of her in her bathing suit.
The way she is around lots of people, especially kids, makes me think she's going to love family get-togethers and going to church! Yeah!
I have a voice today! And I feel good. I don't think I realized how bad I felt yesterday.
Karla went right down for her nap when we came back up to the room. Again she didn't want me to leave the bed. She didn't fuss just kept reaching for me and putting her head in my neck. After 30 minutes I had to strategically get up because I was still in my bathing suit and getting cold! I didn't want to make her cold too.
I just contacted someone at LabCorp about Karla's DNA sample. I was really hoping it would be done today and on its way back to Guatemala. The lady told me that "some of the testing finished today but there are still parts running...My guess would be that possibly Monday.....it may go out but its hard to tell by looking at what I have..."
So, hopefully Monday. Then we'll be days away from being done!
This morning when Karla got up she immediately went for....
She won't hold still by the pool long enough for me to get a good picture of her in her bathing suit.
A Better Evening!
Today we stayed in the hotel all day. The day went pretty well. I haven’t had much of a voice since yesterday afternoon and this morning I just felt so tired. Trying to talk with people in the hotel or elevator that speak limited English and I can barely squeak a voice out – very frustrating. I think Karla sensed that I wasn't feeling well (and wanted to sleep)because she didn’t want to go down for her nap. It hasn’t been a problem before. She ended up falling asleep on my chest and when I tried to move she cried or fussed. So we slept together for 2 hours. Every time I moved she would feel around just to make sure I was still there. I thought that was sweet. I felt a lot better after the nap and I think she did too.
When Karla woke up I was hungry and I asked her “hambre?” for “hungry?” She shook her head yes vigorously. She says no and shakes her head no a lot but seldom “yes”. So we went down to the dining room. It was about 4pm and they kind of put us in a corner. I ordered a drink and they brought it. Then I think they forgot about us! I don’t know exactly how long we sat but it felt like 15-20 minutes…no one came. Well, that is about as long as Karla will sit in the highchair so I got up and walked to the front area…and waited more. Finally someone came, looking confused and I said I wanted my check. I would have complained right then but for some reason I was afraid I would cry if I did. So we came up to our room and ordered in. It was nice and relaxing and I didn’t have to wait forever. I thought about complaining about the poor service but then decided not to since it is usually great.
Karla asked for “Dada” twice today by pointing to the computer and climbing up in the desk chair. So we talked to him twice on Skype. She was telling him about something but we had no idea what it was. (maybe it was “save me from momma”) :) I got to IM with Jason tonight so that was nice too. I requested IM so I could rest my non-voice.
I have to tell Carey that Karla is still saying “easy” about some things. She seems to understand what it means. When she touches the stand-up lamp – she looks at me and says “easy”. She knows she has to be careful so it doesn’t fall over. She also has told me twice when she has “poopoo”. I guess maybe the Spanish word is the same as English. Jason told me that we need to potty train Karla ASAP because of the cost of diapers (since he had to go out and buy some last weekend). Maybe it won’t be too long but we certainly aren’t working on that now.
I forgot to mention that when I called the US Embassy in Guatemala the other day they said that since adoptions are slowing down so much now they may be able to move our Embassy appointment up once the DNA test results are processed and sent to the Embassy. They said they could make it sooner (maybe) because we are in Guatemala. I had heard that you could call them and tell them you are already in Guatemala therefore don’t need as many days to make travel arrangements. I told the lady that I was here and she said she made a notation of it on our file there. Jason has to be present for the appointment but he’ll still have a few days notice. I’m going to follow-up on the DNA tomorrow. I’m hoping they’ll say it is on its way back to Guatemala.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions about bedtime. Last night I truly was at a loss for what to do. All day today I was thinking about bedtime and a routine to try – and stick to. She has been asking to sit in her stroller and watch TV when she gets tired. So at 8 she asked to get in the stroller. I sit in a chair next to her. Tonight we shared a piece of fruit and watched TV for about 20 minutes. Then we went in the bathroom to take a bath (we’ve usually been doing this in the morning). Instead of splashing and playing I stayed calm and so did she. Prior to going into the bathroom I dimmed the lights in our room and put a few books on the bed. She does like to cuddle a little after she gets a bath and is in a towel. So we did that, put on her PJs and then I put her directly on the bed – didn’t give her the chance to go grab a toy. She started crying right away. I picked up a book and started reading and she moved to my lap and got quiet. We “read” a few books and then I told her good night and kissed her. Then I held her on my shoulder – that is how she likes to fall asleep. She started screaming. I actually timed it. Had to do something other than feel bad for making her scream :) She screamed for the first several minutes and then just kind of fussed. After only 6 minutes she pulled back, looked me in the eyes, and started babbling and shaking her head yes. I felt like she understood I wasn’t backing down this time. I shook my head yes. Told her I loved her. Kissed her and her bear and then she fell right to sleep on my shoulder. After she had been sleep for 15 minutes I lay her in the bed. Then 15 or so minutes later I put her in the crib. She’s been asleep since 9pm our time. Whew. Now I know this doesn’t mean it will work every night but it is the routine I am going to stick with for now.
The other two things I have been firm about is 1) hitting mommy in the face (she will randomly do this for no apparent reason) and 2) she is not allowed to play with my cell phone. I couldn’t even use the cell phone before because she would scream if she even saw it because she wanted it.
I guess I’ll just keep adding to the list of “no-no’s” but those are the main ones for now.
I can’t believe how much I am learning from this!!! How can someone who isn’t even 2 teach you so much? This is also probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, aside from waiting years for a baby, of course. But I am so happy to be here and it will probably be good we are having this transition period now so that it won’t be so bad when we get home. (I hope)
I just realized today that this is the longest I’ve ever been with Karla!! Eleven days in a row. :)
I better get to bed. I hope I have a voice tomorrow. I was feeling better this afternoon so hopefully I am on the mend.
Thanks everyone for your support!!
Here are some pictures.
Karla won't keep any pretty things in her hair. But she did keep the headband that was supposed to be in my hair in her hair for "dinner."
On our nightly laps around the hotel we came across this piano player. Actually, Karla ran to him when she heard the music and he invited her to join him. She loved it! He let her play while he was playing and she just smiled and tapped the keys. This lasted for quite sometime.
And finally, I had to buy batteries for the lion because it wasn't playing its music. (In case you didn't remember this is Karla's favorite toy and it used to be Lola's when she "lived" here). You have to remove a little panel and screws to replace the batteries and that is why I hadn't done it yet. I asked for a screwdriver from the front desk and they said they were sending someone up...yeah right. Anyway, I was proud of my creativity in getting the panel off to put in the batteries. I brought the lion to our room...we'll return it tomorrow. Now look what Karla was doing. She wanted to stand on it! What happened to the girl 5 months ago who was so hesitant to sit on him without help!?! "Easy!"
When Karla woke up I was hungry and I asked her “hambre?” for “hungry?” She shook her head yes vigorously. She says no and shakes her head no a lot but seldom “yes”. So we went down to the dining room. It was about 4pm and they kind of put us in a corner. I ordered a drink and they brought it. Then I think they forgot about us! I don’t know exactly how long we sat but it felt like 15-20 minutes…no one came. Well, that is about as long as Karla will sit in the highchair so I got up and walked to the front area…and waited more. Finally someone came, looking confused and I said I wanted my check. I would have complained right then but for some reason I was afraid I would cry if I did. So we came up to our room and ordered in. It was nice and relaxing and I didn’t have to wait forever. I thought about complaining about the poor service but then decided not to since it is usually great.
Karla asked for “Dada” twice today by pointing to the computer and climbing up in the desk chair. So we talked to him twice on Skype. She was telling him about something but we had no idea what it was. (maybe it was “save me from momma”) :) I got to IM with Jason tonight so that was nice too. I requested IM so I could rest my non-voice.
I have to tell Carey that Karla is still saying “easy” about some things. She seems to understand what it means. When she touches the stand-up lamp – she looks at me and says “easy”. She knows she has to be careful so it doesn’t fall over. She also has told me twice when she has “poopoo”. I guess maybe the Spanish word is the same as English. Jason told me that we need to potty train Karla ASAP because of the cost of diapers (since he had to go out and buy some last weekend). Maybe it won’t be too long but we certainly aren’t working on that now.
I forgot to mention that when I called the US Embassy in Guatemala the other day they said that since adoptions are slowing down so much now they may be able to move our Embassy appointment up once the DNA test results are processed and sent to the Embassy. They said they could make it sooner (maybe) because we are in Guatemala. I had heard that you could call them and tell them you are already in Guatemala therefore don’t need as many days to make travel arrangements. I told the lady that I was here and she said she made a notation of it on our file there. Jason has to be present for the appointment but he’ll still have a few days notice. I’m going to follow-up on the DNA tomorrow. I’m hoping they’ll say it is on its way back to Guatemala.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions about bedtime. Last night I truly was at a loss for what to do. All day today I was thinking about bedtime and a routine to try – and stick to. She has been asking to sit in her stroller and watch TV when she gets tired. So at 8 she asked to get in the stroller. I sit in a chair next to her. Tonight we shared a piece of fruit and watched TV for about 20 minutes. Then we went in the bathroom to take a bath (we’ve usually been doing this in the morning). Instead of splashing and playing I stayed calm and so did she. Prior to going into the bathroom I dimmed the lights in our room and put a few books on the bed. She does like to cuddle a little after she gets a bath and is in a towel. So we did that, put on her PJs and then I put her directly on the bed – didn’t give her the chance to go grab a toy. She started crying right away. I picked up a book and started reading and she moved to my lap and got quiet. We “read” a few books and then I told her good night and kissed her. Then I held her on my shoulder – that is how she likes to fall asleep. She started screaming. I actually timed it. Had to do something other than feel bad for making her scream :) She screamed for the first several minutes and then just kind of fussed. After only 6 minutes she pulled back, looked me in the eyes, and started babbling and shaking her head yes. I felt like she understood I wasn’t backing down this time. I shook my head yes. Told her I loved her. Kissed her and her bear and then she fell right to sleep on my shoulder. After she had been sleep for 15 minutes I lay her in the bed. Then 15 or so minutes later I put her in the crib. She’s been asleep since 9pm our time. Whew. Now I know this doesn’t mean it will work every night but it is the routine I am going to stick with for now.
The other two things I have been firm about is 1) hitting mommy in the face (she will randomly do this for no apparent reason) and 2) she is not allowed to play with my cell phone. I couldn’t even use the cell phone before because she would scream if she even saw it because she wanted it.
I guess I’ll just keep adding to the list of “no-no’s” but those are the main ones for now.
I can’t believe how much I am learning from this!!! How can someone who isn’t even 2 teach you so much? This is also probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, aside from waiting years for a baby, of course. But I am so happy to be here and it will probably be good we are having this transition period now so that it won’t be so bad when we get home. (I hope)
I just realized today that this is the longest I’ve ever been with Karla!! Eleven days in a row. :)
I better get to bed. I hope I have a voice tomorrow. I was feeling better this afternoon so hopefully I am on the mend.
Thanks everyone for your support!!
Here are some pictures.
Karla won't keep any pretty things in her hair. But she did keep the headband that was supposed to be in my hair in her hair for "dinner."
On our nightly laps around the hotel we came across this piano player. Actually, Karla ran to him when she heard the music and he invited her to join him. She loved it! He let her play while he was playing and she just smiled and tapped the keys. This lasted for quite sometime.
And finally, I had to buy batteries for the lion because it wasn't playing its music. (In case you didn't remember this is Karla's favorite toy and it used to be Lola's when she "lived" here). You have to remove a little panel and screws to replace the batteries and that is why I hadn't done it yet. I asked for a screwdriver from the front desk and they said they were sending someone up...yeah right. Anyway, I was proud of my creativity in getting the panel off to put in the batteries. I brought the lion to our room...we'll return it tomorrow. Now look what Karla was doing. She wanted to stand on it! What happened to the girl 5 months ago who was so hesitant to sit on him without help!?! "Easy!"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bedtime Suggestions??????
I just suffered through a few hours of trying to get Karla to sleep. I can tell when she is tired but she was really fighting it. She has been going to bed around 8-8:30 until the past few nights. Over the past 3 nights I've tried different things - one night walking her in the stroller worked, one night laying in bed with me watching TV worked - but nothing works 2 nights in a row. Putting her right in the crib, still awake, never works. Tonight she was screaming, and I mean blood curdling screams. I honestly thought someone would call the hotel staff to find out what I was doing to my child - which was nothing except holding her or having her sit beside me in bed. I was actually kind of hoping someone would come and try to help me. She got so worked up she spit up what she had drank a little while ago - all over my pajama top too. Then, minutes ago, she just suddenly fell asleep on my shoulder. I'm at a loss for what to do. Any suggestions, no matter how small would be much appreciated!
I had Diana write down some phrases in Spanish and practiced them with her last night. Phrases like, 20 minutes until bedtime, 10 minutes until bedtime, it is time to go to sleep. I've tried "routines" like reading a book then watching a few minutes of TV...she will start to be silly though. I think because she knows what is coming.
The rest of our day was fine. We went to Price Mart (just like Sam's or Costco) and to a grocery store. The best thing about it - I got to push Karla in a cart. I've been wanting to do that for a LONG time. I don't know if she has ever ridden in one before but she did fine. I know it was a small thing but it meant a lot to me. I didn't have my camera so Diana took a picture on her phone. I will have to see if I can get the picture from her.
I had Diana write down some phrases in Spanish and practiced them with her last night. Phrases like, 20 minutes until bedtime, 10 minutes until bedtime, it is time to go to sleep. I've tried "routines" like reading a book then watching a few minutes of TV...she will start to be silly though. I think because she knows what is coming.
The rest of our day was fine. We went to Price Mart (just like Sam's or Costco) and to a grocery store. The best thing about it - I got to push Karla in a cart. I've been wanting to do that for a LONG time. I don't know if she has ever ridden in one before but she did fine. I know it was a small thing but it meant a lot to me. I didn't have my camera so Diana took a picture on her phone. I will have to see if I can get the picture from her.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
So Far So Good
So far the day is going well. Karla and I did our usual morning walk and running around the indoor courtyard area. They are always setting up for evening events so Karla likes to tell all the male workers "hola" and flash them a smile.
It was finally sunny and warm this morning so I figured, what the heck, lets get to the pool! We went out for a little over an hour. Karla LOVES the water as well as the kids in the pool. I finally met another adoptive family that had their Embassy appointment this morning. It was nice to talk to them while Karla "talked" to their 2 babies. I will have to ask someone by the pool to take our picture in the water one day. Karla likes the water and doesn't want me to hold on to her. I'm trying to blow up her flotation thing that she can sit in but I don't have the lungs that Jason has. :) I will work at it slowly.
I just ordered room service for lunch. Karla taking naps during my lunch time is difficult for me (not being at home). We all know how I get when I am hungry. :) So now I've eaten and I'm ready for when she wakes up! Oh, and I did get food for her too. :)
Here is how she fell asleep for her nap. Her other favorite sleeping position.
I was sitting on the floor right up against her when she fell asleep - I didn't just let her drop there. :)
When she wakes up we are going with Diana to Price Mart. I need diapers, drinks for Karla and some other things. Hopefully the little trip will go well!!!
It was finally sunny and warm this morning so I figured, what the heck, lets get to the pool! We went out for a little over an hour. Karla LOVES the water as well as the kids in the pool. I finally met another adoptive family that had their Embassy appointment this morning. It was nice to talk to them while Karla "talked" to their 2 babies. I will have to ask someone by the pool to take our picture in the water one day. Karla likes the water and doesn't want me to hold on to her. I'm trying to blow up her flotation thing that she can sit in but I don't have the lungs that Jason has. :) I will work at it slowly.
I just ordered room service for lunch. Karla taking naps during my lunch time is difficult for me (not being at home). We all know how I get when I am hungry. :) So now I've eaten and I'm ready for when she wakes up! Oh, and I did get food for her too. :)
Here is how she fell asleep for her nap. Her other favorite sleeping position.
I was sitting on the floor right up against her when she fell asleep - I didn't just let her drop there. :)
When she wakes up we are going with Diana to Price Mart. I need diapers, drinks for Karla and some other things. Hopefully the little trip will go well!!!
Everything is Better in the Morning
I just woke up and feel MUCH better about everything. My throat even feels better. I think the time change is hard on me too....good thing it is not more than a 2 hour difference!!!
Karla isn't up yet.
For some reason God wanted us to adopt a toddler, not an infant. And for some reason He wanted her to go through this transition. I just have to remember that and trust Him (rather than getting angry or sad). We will get through this!
I stayed up a while last night and read a few chapters of my "Toddler Adoption" book. It may have helped a little but it assumes that the child understands what I am saying. Karla understands some English now...but not much!
Karla isn't up yet.
For some reason God wanted us to adopt a toddler, not an infant. And for some reason He wanted her to go through this transition. I just have to remember that and trust Him (rather than getting angry or sad). We will get through this!
I stayed up a while last night and read a few chapters of my "Toddler Adoption" book. It may have helped a little but it assumes that the child understands what I am saying. Karla understands some English now...but not much!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rambling
This morning was GREAT! We had a great time playing together. I thought I was figuring out her needs/wants better. I got some calls made to the US Embassy in Guatemala while Karla had her noon nap and even took a little nap myself. I woke up to a little voice saying "mommy". I think Karla had been awake a little while and playing in her crib. Then we had a great lunch. She was so good and ate - I even got to have a cup of coffee after we ate. I didn't have to rush to eat. My throat is really hurting today so I especially enjoyed the hot coffee.
Then.....well, this afternoon and evening - NOT good.
I just got her to sleep, thank goodness. I feel so bad for her because she seems angry and she can't tell me about it - just cries or screams. Usually she still wants me to hold her though....and tonight it was getting to be too much for me.
I think I am getting my usual "losing my voice, sinus and ear pain" sickness. Luckily I got a prescription from my doctor before I left home so I started it tonight. I sure hope it kicks in FAST.
I deleted what I wrote 30 min. ago because it was depressing. :) I actually feel a tiny bit better (emotionally stable) now that she is asleep. I'm not cleaning up the room or anything - I'm going to bed too.
I just love her so much and hate that she has to go through this. It makes me mad all over again at our agency and the Guatemala government. If they truly cared about the "best interest of the child" she would have been home a year or so ago and maybe this wouldn't have been so hard for her.
It is also hard because Jason can only talk on Skype at night and that is the most difficult time here - so I feel like I've had 1 long/good conversation with him since I have been here.
Better stop rambling. Tomorrow is a new day!
This is what it is all about -->
And her favorite sleeping postion, the one she is in right now (yeah!) - although sometimes the pink and white blanket is wrapped around the top of her head somehow.
Then.....well, this afternoon and evening - NOT good.
I just got her to sleep, thank goodness. I feel so bad for her because she seems angry and she can't tell me about it - just cries or screams. Usually she still wants me to hold her though....and tonight it was getting to be too much for me.
I think I am getting my usual "losing my voice, sinus and ear pain" sickness. Luckily I got a prescription from my doctor before I left home so I started it tonight. I sure hope it kicks in FAST.
I deleted what I wrote 30 min. ago because it was depressing. :) I actually feel a tiny bit better (emotionally stable) now that she is asleep. I'm not cleaning up the room or anything - I'm going to bed too.
I just love her so much and hate that she has to go through this. It makes me mad all over again at our agency and the Guatemala government. If they truly cared about the "best interest of the child" she would have been home a year or so ago and maybe this wouldn't have been so hard for her.
It is also hard because Jason can only talk on Skype at night and that is the most difficult time here - so I feel like I've had 1 long/good conversation with him since I have been here.
Better stop rambling. Tomorrow is a new day!
This is what it is all about -->
And her favorite sleeping postion, the one she is in right now (yeah!) - although sometimes the pink and white blanket is wrapped around the top of her head somehow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Things Are A Little Tougher
I just uploaded pictures from yesterday. I didn't take too many. Lola and Karla played in the playroom for a little while in the morning. They liked "hiding" in the cabinet. It was cute to see two pairs of feet sticking out. I think Carey got better pictures than I did.
I guess because I am a speech therapist I was most concerned about Karla's language. I am amazed at how much she is picking up. I think she understands me sometimes and she is repeating more words I say each day. New words she is saying:
*yucky (for the trash can and ash trays that are everywhere!)
*stinky (for diapers)
*up
*easy (Carey would tell Lola "easy" when touching Karla. Yesterday when they were under the cabinet Carey told them both "easy" and Karla started saying it too.)
*jump (we did this continuously in the pool and I would say jump each time-then she started saying it. We came back up to the room and she jumped and said "jump"!)
Another example of her understanding what is being said is that Lola and Rich would say "put em up" and make fists at each other. Karla heard them do this yesterday and put her hands up too when she heard them say it.
Then, something I didn't think she understood was when Carey would tell Lola to "mind her business" if I was telling Karla "no" or something. We were in a taxi last night on the way home from dinner and Karla poked Lola in the leg. Not even in a serious tone I said to Karla "I'm going to have to start telling you to mind your business". Oops!! She started howling.
Today is a national holiday in Guatemala so things were pretty quiet at the Westin. Yesterday I had Rich, Carey, and Lola go with me and Karla to EconoSuper...the store Jason always went to to buy our stuff. It isn't really that far but it is for a stroller because there are very bumpy sidewalks and some steps on the way and you have to cross 4 (at least) streets....and here stop signs are optional and cars don't yield to pedestrians. I was hoping it would be a place I could go to get things as I needed them but that won't be the case. Rich said I shouldn't go by myself and after the walk - I wouldn't want to. It is also in a different zone, one that is less safe. So the only places Karla and I will go to from now on are to the "price mart" (I guess it is like Sam's or Costco) with Diana or with a taxi driver we have used many times now and who is a friend of Rich and Carey's to go to the mall that is a few blocks away. I don't really see us doing that though. The Westin it is! We can also order everything we need and it can be delievered here - it is just a little more expensive.
We are lucky to have Diana here because she is doing our laundry. The hotel charges a couple dollars per item of clothing so that is out. I've never seen or heard of a laundromat around here.
We went to the pool today for a little while. I think the water is warmer than the weather. Karla loved swimming again and made friends with a 4 and 6 year old girl in the shallow end. I limited our time because it was cool. Karla was not happy to be taken out of the water.
The past 2 days Karla has not been as happy as she was before. Reality is setting in. I should probably be reading my "Toddler Adoption" book rather than blogging. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow. She hasn't taken a bottle for me once this whole week! Her foster mother said she was still taking bottles. I've tried different milk powders and until last night she would immediately get mad if I presented a "pacha" (bottle). Last night we played with it. We fed her bear with it and then each pretended to take sips from it. WHen she thought I wasn't looking she took two little sips. I really think this has something to do with a bonding issue because on our first visit trip (maybe the second too) she wouldn't take a bottle for me at first - only for Jason. I'm going to try ordering milk at breakfast tomorrow and putting it in her sippy cup. I'm just concerned that she isn't getting the calcium and nutrients she needs.
Karla's DNA was received at LabCorp in the US today. I emailed a lady there yesterday to tell her to expect it. She emailed me when she got it and said they tell people it takes 7 days to process but because there are fewer of these adoptions it could be less time. I also found out today that I may be able to call the US Embassy in Guatemala and tell them I am here and can come to an earlier appointment. Usually after the USE in Guat receives the DNA results they tell you when your Embassy appointment is the following day. So, if someone at the USE is willing to help me...this time could be shorter. I hope to be home the very end of October or the very beginning of November! :)
I am surprised Jason didn't blog about his weekend. He did some shopping for Karla, now that we know sizes and things she likes. She needed new shoes, PJs, and a coat! He installed car seats. I have been waiting for that day for 2 years - I think that is how long we've had one of them. He cleaned Karla's room (with his parents help) and finished turning the guest room into a playroom. Karla has her own TV in the "playroom" and a DVD player and a kitchen set.
I am having some difficulties with Karla's behavior now. This is no longer a "fun adventure" but reality for her. It must be frustrating for her not to be able to explain it to me. Sometimes I just don't know what she wants. She has been crying a lot more, excuse me, screaming a lot more. One minute she'll be clinging to me for life, the next she wants me to go away from her. I am going to try to start a more regular routine and see if that helps.
Last night we all went out to dinner with Mercedez (hotel worker) and her boyfriend. Karla was SO bad! It was already bad enough that people were staring at us because we were "white" but then Karla was yelling and running around and trying to talk to people at their tables. Finally I decided to quit trying to eat or feed her and meet everyone else by the front door when they were done. I told her we were leaving and as we walked out of the restaurant she was waving and saying "adios" to EVERYONE. It was cute, but not to a frustrated mom trying NOT to draw extra attention to herself. I felt like I didn't know who the little girl was! Anyway, if you could continue to pray for wisdom for me and comfort for Karla it would be MUCH appreciated!
I know we will get through this and it will be a distant memory. Even though she's not been as pleasant the past day or so I still love her so much and am so happy to be here with her. I wish she didn't have to go through this adjustment. When she calls me Mommy and says "Mmm-uh" with a kiss....it is all worth it!!!!!!!!!
On a topic unrelated to adoption - tomorrow is my grandma's (Mammy) LAST day of chemo!!! She has been so tough and strong. A good role model for me, especially right now. So the picture is a project Karla and I did tonight. :)
I guess because I am a speech therapist I was most concerned about Karla's language. I am amazed at how much she is picking up. I think she understands me sometimes and she is repeating more words I say each day. New words she is saying:
*yucky (for the trash can and ash trays that are everywhere!)
*stinky (for diapers)
*up
*easy (Carey would tell Lola "easy" when touching Karla. Yesterday when they were under the cabinet Carey told them both "easy" and Karla started saying it too.)
*jump (we did this continuously in the pool and I would say jump each time-then she started saying it. We came back up to the room and she jumped and said "jump"!)
Another example of her understanding what is being said is that Lola and Rich would say "put em up" and make fists at each other. Karla heard them do this yesterday and put her hands up too when she heard them say it.
Then, something I didn't think she understood was when Carey would tell Lola to "mind her business" if I was telling Karla "no" or something. We were in a taxi last night on the way home from dinner and Karla poked Lola in the leg. Not even in a serious tone I said to Karla "I'm going to have to start telling you to mind your business". Oops!! She started howling.
Today is a national holiday in Guatemala so things were pretty quiet at the Westin. Yesterday I had Rich, Carey, and Lola go with me and Karla to EconoSuper...the store Jason always went to to buy our stuff. It isn't really that far but it is for a stroller because there are very bumpy sidewalks and some steps on the way and you have to cross 4 (at least) streets....and here stop signs are optional and cars don't yield to pedestrians. I was hoping it would be a place I could go to get things as I needed them but that won't be the case. Rich said I shouldn't go by myself and after the walk - I wouldn't want to. It is also in a different zone, one that is less safe. So the only places Karla and I will go to from now on are to the "price mart" (I guess it is like Sam's or Costco) with Diana or with a taxi driver we have used many times now and who is a friend of Rich and Carey's to go to the mall that is a few blocks away. I don't really see us doing that though. The Westin it is! We can also order everything we need and it can be delievered here - it is just a little more expensive.
We are lucky to have Diana here because she is doing our laundry. The hotel charges a couple dollars per item of clothing so that is out. I've never seen or heard of a laundromat around here.
We went to the pool today for a little while. I think the water is warmer than the weather. Karla loved swimming again and made friends with a 4 and 6 year old girl in the shallow end. I limited our time because it was cool. Karla was not happy to be taken out of the water.
The past 2 days Karla has not been as happy as she was before. Reality is setting in. I should probably be reading my "Toddler Adoption" book rather than blogging. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow. She hasn't taken a bottle for me once this whole week! Her foster mother said she was still taking bottles. I've tried different milk powders and until last night she would immediately get mad if I presented a "pacha" (bottle). Last night we played with it. We fed her bear with it and then each pretended to take sips from it. WHen she thought I wasn't looking she took two little sips. I really think this has something to do with a bonding issue because on our first visit trip (maybe the second too) she wouldn't take a bottle for me at first - only for Jason. I'm going to try ordering milk at breakfast tomorrow and putting it in her sippy cup. I'm just concerned that she isn't getting the calcium and nutrients she needs.
Karla's DNA was received at LabCorp in the US today. I emailed a lady there yesterday to tell her to expect it. She emailed me when she got it and said they tell people it takes 7 days to process but because there are fewer of these adoptions it could be less time. I also found out today that I may be able to call the US Embassy in Guatemala and tell them I am here and can come to an earlier appointment. Usually after the USE in Guat receives the DNA results they tell you when your Embassy appointment is the following day. So, if someone at the USE is willing to help me...this time could be shorter. I hope to be home the very end of October or the very beginning of November! :)
I am surprised Jason didn't blog about his weekend. He did some shopping for Karla, now that we know sizes and things she likes. She needed new shoes, PJs, and a coat! He installed car seats. I have been waiting for that day for 2 years - I think that is how long we've had one of them. He cleaned Karla's room (with his parents help) and finished turning the guest room into a playroom. Karla has her own TV in the "playroom" and a DVD player and a kitchen set.
I am having some difficulties with Karla's behavior now. This is no longer a "fun adventure" but reality for her. It must be frustrating for her not to be able to explain it to me. Sometimes I just don't know what she wants. She has been crying a lot more, excuse me, screaming a lot more. One minute she'll be clinging to me for life, the next she wants me to go away from her. I am going to try to start a more regular routine and see if that helps.
Last night we all went out to dinner with Mercedez (hotel worker) and her boyfriend. Karla was SO bad! It was already bad enough that people were staring at us because we were "white" but then Karla was yelling and running around and trying to talk to people at their tables. Finally I decided to quit trying to eat or feed her and meet everyone else by the front door when they were done. I told her we were leaving and as we walked out of the restaurant she was waving and saying "adios" to EVERYONE. It was cute, but not to a frustrated mom trying NOT to draw extra attention to herself. I felt like I didn't know who the little girl was! Anyway, if you could continue to pray for wisdom for me and comfort for Karla it would be MUCH appreciated!
I know we will get through this and it will be a distant memory. Even though she's not been as pleasant the past day or so I still love her so much and am so happy to be here with her. I wish she didn't have to go through this adjustment. When she calls me Mommy and says "Mmm-uh" with a kiss....it is all worth it!!!!!!!!!
On a topic unrelated to adoption - tomorrow is my grandma's (Mammy) LAST day of chemo!!! She has been so tough and strong. A good role model for me, especially right now. So the picture is a project Karla and I did tonight. :)
We are okay
We said goodbye to our friends this morning. It was sad but we did it. We both just took a nap - today is going better than yesterday so far. We're going to the pool this afternoon! I uploaded some pics from this morning.
From Karla:
gv ,l,cc,,,cc,ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc,,ccccccccccccccccccccccccc,ccccccccc
The picture of Karla is from right after Carey, Lola, and Rich left. I guess that is how she felt about it. :)
rough evening
It was a rough evening here. I think the novelty is wearing off for Karla and I'm seeing some behaviors that are letting me know she is unsure of what is happening. I'm really tired right now so I won't write much more. Please keep sending me emails and posting! They keep me going. I will post some more pictures tomorrow.
Just so you know - I do attempt to do her hair. But I feel like it is one "battle" that isn't important right now. She does NOT like me putting things in her hair. :)
I'm hoping the weather is nice tomorrow so we can go to the pool in the afternoon. We haven't been there yet! It would probably be fun for both of us.....especially after we say good bye to our friends.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Quick Update
Today we went to Jorge's house and had lunch there. He lives in Villa Nueva not too far from the city. He has 3 children so a lot of the pictures taken today were at his place. I also posted pictures from yesterday. Jorge lives in a gated community (just so you family members aren't too concerned about my safety). We walked around the neighborhood and had ice cream. It was interesting to see another part of Guatemala. The Westin and the zone we are in is the "nice" part of Guatemala. For example, tonight Karla and I went down to the dining room by ourselves for dinner and it was the 2 of us (tired looking girls in regular clothes) with a bunch of people in prom-like dresses and suits. I forgot that Friday and Saturday evenings are usually busy with fancy parties. This one was for some kind of graduation. Not exactly sure what the waiter told me. This coming week the Westin is having some kind of Disney celebration so there are some pictures of Karla with Snow White and the Witch. They gave her a chocolate Mickey Mouse lollipop too...guess who ended up eating that. :)
Karla is saying "oopsie" and "ouchie" now....I think because I say those words a lot, unintentionally. She is also saying "shoes"!! (CI people, tell Brooke) She loves shoes (zapatos) but I keep calling them shoes and now she is too. Tonight she said "Mommy shoes". Two word phrase - yeah!
Tonight is our first night in our room alone. Getting Karla to bed was slightly more difficult. Usually Lola and Carey were in bed right before us so Karla would climb into bed and go right to sleep. Tonight there was a little fussing. I have to say I am a little nervous about being here "alone" after Monday. I have met several Guatemalan people that I can call if I need something but tonight I am feeling nervous. I am not sure why. I guess I am afraid we will get bored, I don't know. Maybe things will go faster than I think. Probably just tiredness speaking. I still can't believe how tired I get from chasing after a fast moving toddler can be. I thought my job would have prepared me for this. :)
The hardest part of the process is over. Just have to wait for DNA results to come back and our Embassy appointed date. Easy! No agency or attorney needed!
I uploaded some new pictures! Check them out. Keep emailing me and posting comments. It is encouraging!
Karla is saying "oopsie" and "ouchie" now....I think because I say those words a lot, unintentionally. She is also saying "shoes"!! (CI people, tell Brooke) She loves shoes (zapatos) but I keep calling them shoes and now she is too. Tonight she said "Mommy shoes". Two word phrase - yeah!
Tonight is our first night in our room alone. Getting Karla to bed was slightly more difficult. Usually Lola and Carey were in bed right before us so Karla would climb into bed and go right to sleep. Tonight there was a little fussing. I have to say I am a little nervous about being here "alone" after Monday. I have met several Guatemalan people that I can call if I need something but tonight I am feeling nervous. I am not sure why. I guess I am afraid we will get bored, I don't know. Maybe things will go faster than I think. Probably just tiredness speaking. I still can't believe how tired I get from chasing after a fast moving toddler can be. I thought my job would have prepared me for this. :)
The hardest part of the process is over. Just have to wait for DNA results to come back and our Embassy appointed date. Easy! No agency or attorney needed!
I uploaded some new pictures! Check them out. Keep emailing me and posting comments. It is encouraging!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Still in Love
Yesterday was pretty busy for Karla and I. After the DNA test we went to the airport with Jorge, Carey, and Lola to pick up Rich. I have never been to the airport without being emotional OR with Karla so that was pretty exciting! Yesterday was the first day I was in a car with Karla. Here you don't need car seats so I hold on to her. She doesn't want to be held on to! She pushes my hands away and if she gets any small amount of freedom in the backseat she laughs. I'm wondering how she will like the car seat....
Last night we went to a restaurant called El Portal del Angel, it overlooks the city of Guatemala. It was very nice. The funniest part was we took a taxi and there were 5 of us in the backseat (2 toddlers) and 3 men in the front seat (only 2 seats in the front). It was quite a ride! :)
Karla should be awake any minute so I'm going to make this short. Just wanted to share more things I love about Karla:
When I hold her she'll tilt her head back so I can kiss her forehead or cheeks
She smiles a lot!
She wakes up so happy (Sara, it even makes me happy in the morning!!!)
She is calling me mama or mommy a lot more consistently
It is so cute when she says "gracios" (grot- ee -us), "hello" (hewo), and Lola (her tongue sticks out to one side for both the L sounds.
She gives me hugs and kisses! (she didn't really do this voluntarily on our past visits) Last night before bed I actually had to tell her to stop kissing me because she needed to go to sleep. :)
She is coming out of her shell more and it seems like she has 2 modes - running or constant motion, loud, happy OR falls right to sleep. Keeping up with her if we are in the lobby or somewhere large is quite a job! She is fast....and thinks it is funny when I can't catch her right away.
Oh, I don't think I mentioned that the foster mother did not come yesterday. Whew. She was sick. I'm sorry to hear she was sick but relieved they didn't come. Not sure Karla and I are ready for that yet.
We have had a few "meltdowns" when I have had to tell her "no" or had to take something "unsafe" that she gets a hold of. She recovers quickly though - but boy can she get mad. :) I'm getting better at ignoring when she is mad and then she recovers even faster.
I better go lay out our clothes before my little ball of energy wakes up!
I haven't taken as many pictures the past few days but I will upload them later today.
Last night we went to a restaurant called El Portal del Angel, it overlooks the city of Guatemala. It was very nice. The funniest part was we took a taxi and there were 5 of us in the backseat (2 toddlers) and 3 men in the front seat (only 2 seats in the front). It was quite a ride! :)
Karla should be awake any minute so I'm going to make this short. Just wanted to share more things I love about Karla:
When I hold her she'll tilt her head back so I can kiss her forehead or cheeks
She smiles a lot!
She wakes up so happy (Sara, it even makes me happy in the morning!!!)
She is calling me mama or mommy a lot more consistently
It is so cute when she says "gracios" (grot- ee -us), "hello" (hewo), and Lola (her tongue sticks out to one side for both the L sounds.
She gives me hugs and kisses! (she didn't really do this voluntarily on our past visits) Last night before bed I actually had to tell her to stop kissing me because she needed to go to sleep. :)
She is coming out of her shell more and it seems like she has 2 modes - running or constant motion, loud, happy OR falls right to sleep. Keeping up with her if we are in the lobby or somewhere large is quite a job! She is fast....and thinks it is funny when I can't catch her right away.
Oh, I don't think I mentioned that the foster mother did not come yesterday. Whew. She was sick. I'm sorry to hear she was sick but relieved they didn't come. Not sure Karla and I are ready for that yet.
We have had a few "meltdowns" when I have had to tell her "no" or had to take something "unsafe" that she gets a hold of. She recovers quickly though - but boy can she get mad. :) I'm getting better at ignoring when she is mad and then she recovers even faster.
I better go lay out our clothes before my little ball of energy wakes up!
I haven't taken as many pictures the past few days but I will upload them later today.
Friday, October 17, 2008
DNA done!!
Karla and I are back from the DNA test already!! We were gone maybe for 30-35 minutes! i had to carry Karla and a backpack so I felt like I got a workout.
Karla slept in this morning, of course, so I just threw some clothes on her and we had a quick breakfast. Next thing I knew Pablo was walking towards the dining room - ready to take us to the lab. He was on time! :) They had to swab Karla's mouth 4 times. To me it seemed like the lady was being rough with her but maybe that is how they have to do it. I had to hold Karla down and she fussed a little. Her lip bled a tiny bit but her lips have been pretty dry. She recovered quicker than my heart rate. I didn't let her know I was nervous though. :)
Karina, Heidy's sister called while we were trying to eat breakfast.. I guess they are stopping by for a few minutes at 11. I hope it goes okay.
YEAH!!!! Now we just wait approx 8 days for DNA to be processed and then we'll go to the Embassy doctor for a check up. Then our final appointment when Daddy will be here! Yeah!
Rich, Carey's husband is coming today and then they are leaving Monday. Please pray that Karla and I won't be too sad when they leave. :)
Karla slept in this morning, of course, so I just threw some clothes on her and we had a quick breakfast. Next thing I knew Pablo was walking towards the dining room - ready to take us to the lab. He was on time! :) They had to swab Karla's mouth 4 times. To me it seemed like the lady was being rough with her but maybe that is how they have to do it. I had to hold Karla down and she fussed a little. Her lip bled a tiny bit but her lips have been pretty dry. She recovered quicker than my heart rate. I didn't let her know I was nervous though. :)
Karina, Heidy's sister called while we were trying to eat breakfast.. I guess they are stopping by for a few minutes at 11. I hope it goes okay.
YEAH!!!! Now we just wait approx 8 days for DNA to be processed and then we'll go to the Embassy doctor for a check up. Then our final appointment when Daddy will be here! Yeah!
Rich, Carey's husband is coming today and then they are leaving Monday. Please pray that Karla and I won't be too sad when they leave. :)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tired but happy
Hi Everyone,
This week has flown by. I can't say that about our past two trips. I am so thankful that Carey is here with me. After that last post I did end up calling the doctor because I didn't want Karla's congestion to get any worse. Carey reminded me I could have the concierge call Karla's pediatrician (since we don't speak Spanish) and see if he would call something in. And that is what he did!
I gave Karla some meds and some food before bed last night and she hadn't been asleep long when she started spitting up...a lot! Carey jumped out of bed and helped me. Well, actually i just held Karla and Carey tried to clean our bed. Karla was so tired she really didn't wake up but I was preparing myself for a long night. She slept all night though. I had her in my bed so I could keep her propped up with pillows. She had so much drainage. She has sounded better today but is still recovering.
We were going to have Heidy and her family over tomorrow but our friend Diana called them today to tell them we will wait until next week. I think it is good to wait because the weather is a bit cooler yesterday, today, and tomorrow due to a tropical depression and I don't want Karla getting cold since she has been sick. And maybe the bigger reason is because I feel like Karla is doing SO WELL adjusting that I wouldn't want to mess that up with one visit.
So, we will see them sometime next week.
Jason posted about my day. It was exhausting and all we did was WAIT for our attorney's assistant to show up. We spent at least 2 hours in the lobby waiting for him. The pictures of Karla asleep on the couch are from our "wait". She slept almost the entire time, thank goodness and Lola was good walking around the lobby with her mom.
To make a long story short...I called Pablo hourly, he said he couldn't make the attorney respond and they wouldn't take his calls. I was getting pretty frustrated. There is really no reason we couldn't have done the second DNA test on Tuesday....except I didn't have the paperwork!
We went to lunch/dinner around 4:15. Our food had just arrived and in walks Walter (attorney's assistant). I couldn't believe it! He had a thick envelope with our file in it! I started shaking. He speaks limited English so he just told me what to take to the DNA test, what goes with us to the Embassy and what is "extra". After he left I started bawling! I was SOOOOO happy. I guess that is when it all hit me that this is happening. The documents say Karla McCormick. She's ours!!! Carey started crying too and then I realized I had to pull it together because the two little girls were looking at us concerned. Karla was reaching for me to hug me. So I stopped but I was still shaking! I then called Pablo (again) and told him the good news. He immediately called the DNA lab to see if we could go right away because it is only 2 blocks from the Westin. They didn't take appointments after 4pm. UGH! Pablo scheduled the appointment for tomorrow morning at 9:20 am. The 9am appointment was already taken. Ever since our dinner was over I have felt exhausted. Earlier today I was thinking how I haven't been too tired on this trip...not the same tonight. Carey, Lola and some friends went out later this evening to Pizza Hut and I really wanted to go but decided to stay here with Karla because the thought of walking the short distance seemed like a lot to do. Karla and I went to the family room for about 20 minutes before talking to Jason on Skype. Then I put Karla's PJs on her and she went to sleep right away. I am going to go to bed now too.
I wanted to say that when we went to the family room Karla saw her favorite toy - the lion. It's batteries were dead. I was disappointed. Karla got on it though - all by herself and made it go. It is neat to see how she has grown and all the new things she can do. I feel so proud of her. :)
She is saying more words - English and Spanish - that I can recognize everyday. I love the way she says gracios all the time! When we leave the dining room she waves to all the male waiters and says adios! And that continues all the way down the hall.
We are doing well here. I have all Karla's papers and passport now. So, tomorrow we will probably venture out (as a group) to do a little shopping. We need some necessities.
Hope everyone is doing well and thank you for the emails and comments!!!
This week has flown by. I can't say that about our past two trips. I am so thankful that Carey is here with me. After that last post I did end up calling the doctor because I didn't want Karla's congestion to get any worse. Carey reminded me I could have the concierge call Karla's pediatrician (since we don't speak Spanish) and see if he would call something in. And that is what he did!
I gave Karla some meds and some food before bed last night and she hadn't been asleep long when she started spitting up...a lot! Carey jumped out of bed and helped me. Well, actually i just held Karla and Carey tried to clean our bed. Karla was so tired she really didn't wake up but I was preparing myself for a long night. She slept all night though. I had her in my bed so I could keep her propped up with pillows. She had so much drainage. She has sounded better today but is still recovering.
We were going to have Heidy and her family over tomorrow but our friend Diana called them today to tell them we will wait until next week. I think it is good to wait because the weather is a bit cooler yesterday, today, and tomorrow due to a tropical depression and I don't want Karla getting cold since she has been sick. And maybe the bigger reason is because I feel like Karla is doing SO WELL adjusting that I wouldn't want to mess that up with one visit.
So, we will see them sometime next week.
Jason posted about my day. It was exhausting and all we did was WAIT for our attorney's assistant to show up. We spent at least 2 hours in the lobby waiting for him. The pictures of Karla asleep on the couch are from our "wait". She slept almost the entire time, thank goodness and Lola was good walking around the lobby with her mom.
To make a long story short...I called Pablo hourly, he said he couldn't make the attorney respond and they wouldn't take his calls. I was getting pretty frustrated. There is really no reason we couldn't have done the second DNA test on Tuesday....except I didn't have the paperwork!
We went to lunch/dinner around 4:15. Our food had just arrived and in walks Walter (attorney's assistant). I couldn't believe it! He had a thick envelope with our file in it! I started shaking. He speaks limited English so he just told me what to take to the DNA test, what goes with us to the Embassy and what is "extra". After he left I started bawling! I was SOOOOO happy. I guess that is when it all hit me that this is happening. The documents say Karla McCormick. She's ours!!! Carey started crying too and then I realized I had to pull it together because the two little girls were looking at us concerned. Karla was reaching for me to hug me. So I stopped but I was still shaking! I then called Pablo (again) and told him the good news. He immediately called the DNA lab to see if we could go right away because it is only 2 blocks from the Westin. They didn't take appointments after 4pm. UGH! Pablo scheduled the appointment for tomorrow morning at 9:20 am. The 9am appointment was already taken. Ever since our dinner was over I have felt exhausted. Earlier today I was thinking how I haven't been too tired on this trip...not the same tonight. Carey, Lola and some friends went out later this evening to Pizza Hut and I really wanted to go but decided to stay here with Karla because the thought of walking the short distance seemed like a lot to do. Karla and I went to the family room for about 20 minutes before talking to Jason on Skype. Then I put Karla's PJs on her and she went to sleep right away. I am going to go to bed now too.
I wanted to say that when we went to the family room Karla saw her favorite toy - the lion. It's batteries were dead. I was disappointed. Karla got on it though - all by herself and made it go. It is neat to see how she has grown and all the new things she can do. I feel so proud of her. :)
She is saying more words - English and Spanish - that I can recognize everyday. I love the way she says gracios all the time! When we leave the dining room she waves to all the male waiters and says adios! And that continues all the way down the hall.
We are doing well here. I have all Karla's papers and passport now. So, tomorrow we will probably venture out (as a group) to do a little shopping. We need some necessities.
Hope everyone is doing well and thank you for the emails and comments!!!
Waiting for Godot... or at least our Attorney
Jennifer's had a pretty long day so I'm making a short post on her behalf. Most of today was spent waiting for our attorney to show up with the "orange slip". For those of you not familiar with adoption-speak, that is the color of the form issued by the US Embassy in Guatemala City authorizing the doctor to do the official second DNA test, the last step in Karla's adoption process that leads to her visa being issued. We'd hoped that the DNA test could be done on Tuesday, but for reasons we don't understand the attorney was not returning Pablo's phone calls. Somehow he knew that the attorney was supposed to drop the form off at the hotel this morning between 8a and 10a. All morning they waited and no attorney. Jennifer burned through all her cell phone minutes talking to Pablo and calling me here in the US. She even had the concierge at the hotel track down the "main" attorney's number and call him. When she identified who she was and that she was calling on behalf of Jennifer, he hung up!! However not long afterwards, our attorney showed up at the hotel and gave Jennifer our ENTIRE case file not just the DNA paperwork. While I'm sure they feel like they're washing their hands of us, we can't be more thrilled. Now that we don't really have to content with our agency, our next roadblock was the attorney and their out of our lives too! Some people might think we're crazy, but we're actually happy to have to do this ourselves now. Jennifer quickly made arrangements to have the DNA test tomorrow morning at 9:30a. She also arranged with Pablo for him to assist us in completing our case at the embassy when we have the appointment so we won't have any paperwork mistakes. So basically we have to deal with Pablo who is usually helpful and that's it!!
I got about 30 minutes of Skype in with Jennifer and Karla today. Karla is EXTREMELY cute on Skype. She keeps saying "Hello daddy!" over and over and over. I made a face and her and she laughed and said "boca" which means mouth. I guess she's doing quite a bit of talking and Jennifer's trying to teacher her a some English words. So far she hasn't been upset about not being with the foster mother at all. Jennifer said that she's a little hesitant around new people at first and will sit in her lap, but pretty quickly gets over it and gets down to play. She's not drinking too many bottles for Jennifer and is eating mostly regular meals. Her favorite book is Goodnight Moon. She has a ritual that I got to witness on Skype - she picks up the book, walks to the end of the bed and slides down into a sitting position and starts turning the pages.
However the MOST exciting thing to me is that she apparently is expressing a strong preference to use her left hand for eating with a fork!! I'm planning on bringing the markers I bought for the plan down with me and working on her important left-handed-ness. That's a great skill to take after daddy!
Just talked to Jennifer and said she's going blog a little tonight so I'm signing off and heading for bed. I will leave you with Karla on Skype.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Time for an update
I finally have time to sit down for a few minutes to update you. Karla is taking a nap right now.
I just talked to Pablo for the 3rd or 4th time today. He and the attorney are dragging their feet. Anyway, he said the attorney's assistant will drop off Karla's passport and paperwork for her DNA test. The passport is important for me because I don't currently have any legal papers stating she is my daughter. I've been asking for it since Monday, just to be safe. The DNA paperwork will have to be faxed to LabCorp in the US so our credit card can be billed and then the confirmation slip will be sent back to Guatemala - I hope I can have it sent to me at the hotel. As soon as we have the confirmation slip we can take Karla for her DNA test. Tomorrow might be too soon to send the faxes and go get the DNA done but I hope Friday we can get the DNA taken. Then, while we are waiting for the DNA test results to be processed I will take Karla to the US Embassy doctor and to get required pictures taken. Then we just wait for the Embassy to tell us when our appointment is.
Karla is doing so well! She smiles a lot and is saying so much more than last time I saw her. When I saw her Monday I couldn't believe how tall she had gotten! I am a little concerned that most of the clothes I brought for her might be too small. We will definitely have to have Jason bring us some more PJs for her. They were pretty snug last night. I hope the other pair I brought for her are a better fit.
Karla slept ALL night! I woke up frequently just to look at her and make sure she was still there....that I wasn't dreaming.
She took a bath for me this morning!! She has screamed everytime we've been here during her bath. Today she played around in the water while I washed her. Her daddy is going to be proud of her! I was concerned about how I would bathe her b/c it was a 2 person job before....she was so slippery and mad when we did it. Today she was fine. I used the little baby tub b/c I wasn't sure how it was going to go.
She is getting along with Lola. I think it is good there is another girl her age here to distract her. So far Karla has said:
Mommy
Lola
Tia (aunt in Spanish) when referring to Carey (I didn't teach her that, but I'm not correcting her either. :)
Daddy - while on Skype last night with Jason
baby
vamos ("go" in spanish)
pacha (bottle in spanish)
gracios (thank you in spanish)
she "roars" like a lion
mas (more in spanish)
ma (mine)
She is drinking from a sippy cup and with a straw - something she wasn't doing 5 months ago.
She has eaten for me - something she didn't do on the first day of both of our visit trips. This morning for breakfast she ate fried plaintains (her favorite this morning), strawberries, apple pieces, some black beans, and some other fruit that I can't remember right now.
She has been asleep for over an hour. When she wakes up we'll have lunch. I'm kind of hoping it is soon because I'm hungry. :)
It was so nice yesterday when the foster family brought Karla to the hotel. Carey, Lola, and some other great friends, Diana, Jorge, Marlin and baby Richard were with me while I waited for Karla to arrive. That is always so stressful - waiting for her to arrive. Diana called Heidy to see why they weren't at the hotel yet. Turns out their taxi had a flat tire and that is why they were running late. Then when Karla came I just enjoyed Karla while Diana took lots of pictures and translated for me and Heidy. Diana took pictures from the hotel lobby all the way up to our room which I thought was great.
It was SO hard for Heidy to say goodbye to Karla. I couldn't watch as they left because I started crying for them. I know how difficult it is to leave Karla!! They are probably going to come here on Friday to hang out at the pool. I saw on the weather that it is supposed to rain the next few days though.
Karla is waking up. Please pray for her. She has been congested since Monday. Seems like everytime I see her she is congested....allergies maybe? They definitely run in the family. :) Anyway, she wakes up coughing pretty hard. I don't know if I should take her to the doctor or not. She doesn't have a fever (I brought a thermometer this time).
Gotta go...
I just talked to Pablo for the 3rd or 4th time today. He and the attorney are dragging their feet. Anyway, he said the attorney's assistant will drop off Karla's passport and paperwork for her DNA test. The passport is important for me because I don't currently have any legal papers stating she is my daughter. I've been asking for it since Monday, just to be safe. The DNA paperwork will have to be faxed to LabCorp in the US so our credit card can be billed and then the confirmation slip will be sent back to Guatemala - I hope I can have it sent to me at the hotel. As soon as we have the confirmation slip we can take Karla for her DNA test. Tomorrow might be too soon to send the faxes and go get the DNA done but I hope Friday we can get the DNA taken. Then, while we are waiting for the DNA test results to be processed I will take Karla to the US Embassy doctor and to get required pictures taken. Then we just wait for the Embassy to tell us when our appointment is.
Karla is doing so well! She smiles a lot and is saying so much more than last time I saw her. When I saw her Monday I couldn't believe how tall she had gotten! I am a little concerned that most of the clothes I brought for her might be too small. We will definitely have to have Jason bring us some more PJs for her. They were pretty snug last night. I hope the other pair I brought for her are a better fit.
Karla slept ALL night! I woke up frequently just to look at her and make sure she was still there....that I wasn't dreaming.
She took a bath for me this morning!! She has screamed everytime we've been here during her bath. Today she played around in the water while I washed her. Her daddy is going to be proud of her! I was concerned about how I would bathe her b/c it was a 2 person job before....she was so slippery and mad when we did it. Today she was fine. I used the little baby tub b/c I wasn't sure how it was going to go.
She is getting along with Lola. I think it is good there is another girl her age here to distract her. So far Karla has said:
Mommy
Lola
Tia (aunt in Spanish) when referring to Carey (I didn't teach her that, but I'm not correcting her either. :)
Daddy - while on Skype last night with Jason
baby
vamos ("go" in spanish)
pacha (bottle in spanish)
gracios (thank you in spanish)
she "roars" like a lion
mas (more in spanish)
ma (mine)
She is drinking from a sippy cup and with a straw - something she wasn't doing 5 months ago.
She has eaten for me - something she didn't do on the first day of both of our visit trips. This morning for breakfast she ate fried plaintains (her favorite this morning), strawberries, apple pieces, some black beans, and some other fruit that I can't remember right now.
She has been asleep for over an hour. When she wakes up we'll have lunch. I'm kind of hoping it is soon because I'm hungry. :)
It was so nice yesterday when the foster family brought Karla to the hotel. Carey, Lola, and some other great friends, Diana, Jorge, Marlin and baby Richard were with me while I waited for Karla to arrive. That is always so stressful - waiting for her to arrive. Diana called Heidy to see why they weren't at the hotel yet. Turns out their taxi had a flat tire and that is why they were running late. Then when Karla came I just enjoyed Karla while Diana took lots of pictures and translated for me and Heidy. Diana took pictures from the hotel lobby all the way up to our room which I thought was great.
It was SO hard for Heidy to say goodbye to Karla. I couldn't watch as they left because I started crying for them. I know how difficult it is to leave Karla!! They are probably going to come here on Friday to hang out at the pool. I saw on the weather that it is supposed to rain the next few days though.
Karla is waking up. Please pray for her. She has been congested since Monday. Seems like everytime I see her she is congested....allergies maybe? They definitely run in the family. :) Anyway, she wakes up coughing pretty hard. I don't know if I should take her to the doctor or not. She doesn't have a fever (I brought a thermometer this time).
Gotta go...
Updated Pictures
Please use this Flickr Collection to view pictures now.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78311331@N00/collections/72157608020743838/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78311331@N00/collections/72157608020743838/
Wednesday
It is hard to believe it is Wednesday already!
We are still doing really well! Karla has been happy and smiling. She slept ALL night! We are having so much fun. I will write more when I'm not playing.
Oh, she is saying words - English and Spanish. It is awesome! I will list them soon.
Gotta call and pester Pablo. We should be able to go get the DNA test today....but I don't know.
We are still doing really well! Karla has been happy and smiling. She slept ALL night! We are having so much fun. I will write more when I'm not playing.
Oh, she is saying words - English and Spanish. It is awesome! I will list them soon.
Gotta call and pester Pablo. We should be able to go get the DNA test today....but I don't know.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Love!
I'm in love!!!
So far we are doing GREAT!!!
I will post more pictures tonight. Karla is so cute, talkative and getting along with Lola.
So far we are doing GREAT!!!
I will post more pictures tonight. Karla is so cute, talkative and getting along with Lola.
forgot
I forgot to mention last night (I can't believe it) that Karla has her passport. Heidy had to wait over an hour for the attorney but he finally showed up (on the 4th try) with all of the correct paperwork. I just called Pablo who talks to our attorney for us. He said we may be able to go for the second DNA test today or tomorrow!!! Things are moving!!! :)
I think I uploaded yesterday's pictures to flickr. Jason will you check and then post the site? We are supposed to have some visitors (friends of Carey's) come over in about 20 minutes and I have to shower and get dressed!
I have to go get a SIM card for my phone, rearrange the room a little bit, and be ready for KARLA and Heidy by 3!
More later....if I'm not playing with Karla. :)
I think I uploaded yesterday's pictures to flickr. Jason will you check and then post the site? We are supposed to have some visitors (friends of Carey's) come over in about 20 minutes and I have to shower and get dressed!
I have to go get a SIM card for my phone, rearrange the room a little bit, and be ready for KARLA and Heidy by 3!
More later....if I'm not playing with Karla. :)
I'm here!!!
I made it to Guatemala! I got up at 2:45 a.m. and it is now 10:21 (or 12:21 YOUR time) so I am quite tired. What a day! I will write more about it later and post pictures - because I know that is what you are waiting for.
I couldn't believe how much Karla had grown in the 5 months since I have seen her. Has it really been that long? It was a day of many emotions - happy and sad. Mostly happy though. I think I spent about 2 hours with Karla. She remembered me and let me hold her for the first 20 minutes. I thought that was great for an almost-2-year-old. She hugged me and smiled at me a lot. I took a picture of Jason, as well as some other toys...the picture is what she carried around the most. :)
I went to the foster family's home and it was so nice to be welcomed there and see where Karla spends a lot of time. However, it was stressful for Heidy, Karla's foster mother - and when I saw her upset, I cried too. After emotional conversation we decided that Heidy will bring Karla here to the hotel tomorrow and she will just stay with me after that. Heidy and her family will come to visit once next week and then when Jason is here. We think this is in the best interest of Karla as well as myself and Heidy.
Please pray for me to know what Karla needs during this transition period. It is obvious she has been very loved by her foster family.
I will sign off for now. I'm so tired the computer looks blurry.
More tomorrow (when Karla will be united with me forever).....Good night!
I couldn't believe how much Karla had grown in the 5 months since I have seen her. Has it really been that long? It was a day of many emotions - happy and sad. Mostly happy though. I think I spent about 2 hours with Karla. She remembered me and let me hold her for the first 20 minutes. I thought that was great for an almost-2-year-old. She hugged me and smiled at me a lot. I took a picture of Jason, as well as some other toys...the picture is what she carried around the most. :)
I went to the foster family's home and it was so nice to be welcomed there and see where Karla spends a lot of time. However, it was stressful for Heidy, Karla's foster mother - and when I saw her upset, I cried too. After emotional conversation we decided that Heidy will bring Karla here to the hotel tomorrow and she will just stay with me after that. Heidy and her family will come to visit once next week and then when Jason is here. We think this is in the best interest of Karla as well as myself and Heidy.
Please pray for me to know what Karla needs during this transition period. It is obvious she has been very loved by her foster family.
I will sign off for now. I'm so tired the computer looks blurry.
More tomorrow (when Karla will be united with me forever).....Good night!
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