All in His perfect timing

Santa came to town!!!

2008-12-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Well, he came to daycare...

She wouldn't let Santa out of her sight.

When asked if she wanted to see Santa, the answer was "NO!"

KYA'S FIRST...

2008-12-22T08:40:00.001-08:00

HAIRCUT!!!!

Given by Mommy...

This was also Kya's "18 month" b-day!

She was so good. She say still the whole time with that silly smirk on her face...lol.

And...Kya's first POTTY!!!

We bought the potty thinking we would just set it out and let her get used to it. Well, she got used to it pretty quick! "My Big Girl!"

Getting ready for Christmas!!!

2008-12-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

"The Christmas Parade"

Kya loved it! Waving at every person who passes is her favorite thing to do!

I tried to get a few good pictures in front of the tree. They wouldn't stray still for more then two seconds, so I gave Kya a doggy treat to hold and they both sat there staring at it. LOL...it worked.

DECORATING OUR TREE!

Molly and Kya were amazed when Philip plugged in the lights.

Kya was concentrating so hard on getting the ornaments to stay on the tree...She also liked twisting the bulbs on and off.

GETTING KYA'S EARS PEIRCED

We tried to get a close up of Kya's earrings, but she wasn't very happy with us.

She had no idea what was going on at this point. She cried for a few seconds then got over it once the lady gave her another sucker.

PICKING A TREE...

"How about this one!"

"Pick me Daddy...I'm way cuter!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-22T07:13:00.001-08:00

We had a great first Thanksgiving with Kya. Here are a couple pics of her in her Thanksgiving shirt. (I had a matching one but you'll just have to imagine it...haha)

We have so much to be thankful for!

Picture Time!!!

2008-11-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

"THE COFFEE NAPPER"
I realized things were too quiet a few minutes ago and found a little caffeine addict stealing my coffee! She downed the whole cup before I even took the picture!

"ummmmmm...told you they gave me coffee in Guatemala! I've been having withdrawals."

"I love books a million...just like mommy!"

Here's Kya and daddy shopping at Dillard's. She's looking at me like, "Okay mom, where here to shop for me. So back off."

Kya's cake! Kya had a welcome home party/shower at my sister's house Sunday. It was great! Thanks everybody!!!

Baby Dedication. I love how she's looking at Pastor Kevin.

Update!

2008-11-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I know I've been neglecting the blog. Kya is still doing great! The first week flew by, then she had an ear and viral infection the second week. She's feeling much better now!

Kya has such a great personality. We are having so much fun with her. I still have trouble believing she's finally here, but at the same time, I can't imagine life without her.

We are on cloud 9 !!!!!!!

2008-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Kya is adjusting so well. She is saying Mama and Dada. Last night when I stood her up in my lap after changing her diaper, she gave me a huge hug and kisses. The good kind of kisses, like she really meant it. Now I get them almost every time I change her. We've had a ton of visitors and Kya loves the company. Thank you everyone for stopping by and for the toys and food. We appreciate it!

Here are a few pictures from the last couple days...

Guess where our daughter is right now...

2008-10-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Asleep in our bed. It's the best feeling in the world to know that I can see, hear, and touch her just by walking down the hall.

We had a great trip home. Kya was an angel. When we pulled up in our drive, there were balloons and a big welcome home sign from Kya's grandparents! We had lots of company. Kya took to everyone. She loved when new people arrived and was so excited to show them her room! She was full of laughs and energy. I couldn't have asked for a better day!!!

Here is Kya before take off. She kept waving out the window saying "adios".

Here she is trying to climb up the seat to look out the window.

Day two...

2008-10-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Kya is doing great! I can't believe how well she's adjusting! I'm so glad we visited before. It's made a huge difference. We took a walk to a store down the road and played outside at the hotel. We just got back from dinner at La Estancia. Kya refused to take a nap earlier and instead went through Gina´s lugguge. She had a blast, it was too cute! She was very ready to go to sleep when we got back to the hotel. Kya and I have friends coming tomorrow! We traveled together on our May visit and their little girl is Kya´s age. I can´t wait for them to play. Here are a few pictures from today!

WE HAVE KYA!!!!!!!

2008-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

The foster family arrived with her around 3:00. We visited with them, took pictures and said our good-byes. We feel so blessed to have had such a loving family take care of our daughter for us.

Kya did very well. She has mini breakdowns every so often, but we expect that for awhile. She is walking and running on her own. She ate a ton of food and talked to everyone who walked by. After we had dinner, she went right out. She's sound asleep right now holding her brush and snuggling with her glow worm. I can't believe we get to finally bring her home! We feel like the luckiest two people in the world right now!

Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!

Here's Kya right now...sleeping with her worm! Hehe...

Here is Kya in the process of throwing Mr. Lamb off the high chair, pulling out her bow, and fussing at us for not feeding her fast enough. Hmmm...seems like she's adjusting just fine...

Kya and Aunt Gina...

My happy girl!!!

EVERYTHING'S SET

2008-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

We are ready to go!!! I didn't realize how much I had left to do. I still have to get some of her legal documents together but everything else is ready!

I also didn't realize that I had very few clothes that will fit Kya! Most of what I have is 12 months and it falls off of her. So last night I made a quick run to target and Wal Mart and picked up a few clothes in her size. (At least I think it's her size) It's been 2 months since we've seen her and she might have grown. We will find out TOMORROW!!!

Gina (my sister) is traveling with us! I am making arrangements for a driver (and friend) to take us all to Antigua Tuesday!!! I have been told that it is beautiful and it's on the list for "must see" places to go before you die. LOL! We might also take Kya to the Zoo Wednesday. It's not far from our hotel. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is a HUGE deal for us to actually take Kya somewhere other than the hotel restaurant! I can't wait!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!! Kya will be in our arms tomorrow and we won't ever have to give her back!

Okay...I have to go organize her closet now. Be on the look out for lots of pictures!!! I won't forget the card reader this time. Even if I do, Gina is bringing her laptop and camera.

WE ARE PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our appt is Tuesday at 7:15am!!! OUR LITTLE GIRL WILL BE HOME NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!

Turn off the oven cause we...are...DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!

Now I have a bazillion calls and emails to make!!! And a lot of packing to do!

Here's a picture of Kya pretty in PINK when we went on our 1st visit! Her onesie says it all!!!

Waiting for pink.......

2008-10-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

The results are at the USE. We are hoping to hear from them tonight or tomorrow. I'm about to wear the refresh button OUT! I still can't believe we are at this point. We could be leaving in just 6 days to go get Kya! It's so unreal!

I've seen some people get pink as late as 7:00pm, so be on the look-out!

Also...I want to give a "shout out" to the Claunch's for my PINK roses this morning! I was very supprised. It took me ALL DAY to figure out that they were pink as in "PINK"...LOL! You know me...

We're Stalking Fedex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

We got an email from the lab saying the results are a match and will arrive at the embassy tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! They gave me a tracking # so I will know exactly when it arrives!!!

So...since the embassy is closed tomorrow and Monday, we hope to be pink Tuesday!!!

AHHHH!!!! We are so close!!! I'm so excited I'm gonna go swing on the tire now...lol!

2008-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

I just emailed the lab to ask if they could let me know when the test is completed. It should be finished tomorrow or Friday and at the embassy by Monday the 13th. The US Embassy will be closed Monday, so we don't expect to be "pink" until Tuesday or Wednesday (the 14th or 15th). I've explained it before, but for those of you not in the process, "pink" is what we call it when we get our embassy appointment date. It's actually sent in an email now, but it used to be issued on a pink sheet of paper. "pink"...

Just to let you know...

There is now a tire swing in my back yard. Philip wasted no time. As soon as he saw Kya in that video, there it was, hanging from an Oak. It looks like daddy's girl won't even have to ask for anything...it will just appear. Lol...I can't say anything, I was the one letting her pull leaves off the plants at the hotel bc I couldn't tell her no. (i'm sure they can't wait to see us again...hehe)

I'll keep you updated.

DNA is at the LAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!

The results should be done and at the embassy by Monday the 13th.

AHHHH!!!!! KYA WILL BE HOME THIS MONTH! Wow...my mind can't even process that right now!

Waiting for DNA sample to arrive at the lab...

2008-09-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

It was supposed to get there yesterday, but the nice lady at the lab emailed me today saying it's not there yet. Hopefully it got there this evening. She is going to let me know when it does. I think this means we will be traveling the week of the 20th instead of the 13th.

Video from Kya's foster family...

2008-09-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just LOOK at my baby!!! She is so beautiful! And so not a baby anymore! I'm guessing this was taken behind their house. I think that is the back wall of the house in the background.

The DNA test is DONE!!! And on it's way to the lab!

2008-09-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

That's it!!!! It's all over now! The DNA was the last part of the process that my agency/attorney had a hand in. The lab should get the specimen today or Monday, then it takes about 5 business days to process. The lab then overnights the result to the US embassy in Guatemala City, and they will email us (PINK!) day or two later telling us when to come pick Kya up!!! It looks like we will be traveling the week of October 13th!!!

COME ON PINK!!!!!!!!

No DNA yet...

2008-09-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Someone was sent out to pick up Kya and Magda (Kya's foster mother) yesterday, but Magda was sick and couldn't travel...:( So they are going to try to do the test today. I hope Magda is feeling better. I probably won't have any info until tomorrow.

So, I guess it's back to decorating. I'm gluing tiny jewels to something in Kya's room and they are getting EVERYWHERE. I keep sweeping, but they just roll away and I can't find them. Philip is going to love finding them stuck to the bottom of his feet when he gets home..LOL. I'm also making curtains and painting a few pictures for the living room. The paintings are very..."original"...haha.

We have DNA authorization!!!

2008-09-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

It is possible that the test could be done today! Our agency is waiting on a receipt from the lab, then they can bring Kya to get the test done! I hope it happens today, every extra day feels SO LONG.

We are almost finished with Kya's room. We're also doing some work to the Kitchen and living room. Then after that, I'm moving to the bathroom. I can't stop! Once We get started on one room, it makes the others look bad.

I'll post plenty of pictures once we're done.

KYA HAS HER PASSPORT!!!

2008-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

The attorney got Kya's passport today! That means there's only one more step left and that's the final DNA test. This test is required by the US to make sure no baby switching is done during the adoptions. Don't worry...We are sure Kya is the same baby we've seen on every visit. It may take a couple weeks to get the test done, but once the results are sent to the US embassy in Guatemala, we will get an email telling us to come for our appointment and bring her home!!! I'm guessing we will be flying out on October 20th! It could be even earlier! This feels so unreal to be almost finished with this long and emotional process. I can't even emagine what life will be like without this adoption being somewhere in my mind 24/7.

I post as soon as I find something out about the DNA test!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, GUATEMALA!

2008-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is guatemala's Independence day. Guatemala has a very intersting history. Here's a short version...

The first proof of human settlers in Guatemala goes back to 10,000 BC, although there is some evidence that put this date at 18,000 BC. For much of that time, the civilization that developed there flourished, with little to no contact with cultures from outside of Mesoamerica. The Maya civilization dominated the region for nearly 2000 years before the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, although most of the Great Classic Maya cities of the Petén region of Guatemala's northern lowlands were abandoned by the year 1000 AD. The states of the central highlands, however, were still flourishing until the arrival of the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, who subjugated the native states, beginning in 1523.

Guatemala remained a Spanish colony for nearly 300 years, before gaining its independence in 1821. It was then a part of the Mexican Empire until becoming fully independent in the 1840s. Since then, Guatemala's history has been divided into periods of democratic rule and periods of civil war and military juntas. Most recently, Guatemala emerged from a 36-year civil war, reestablishing a representative government in 1996.

WE HAVE KYA"S BIRTH CERTIFICATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Kya officially has our last name!!! WOW...this is HUGE!!!

The attorney is getting her passport Tuesday and he should be scheduling her 2nd DNA test. I'm guessing we'll leave in 3 weeks! I have some serious work to do on her room.

Update...

2008-09-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

The attorney sent someone out today to get the BC. Hopefully they can get it in one day. I've heard that once the paperwork is submitted, they have to go back the next day to get the birth certificate. So, I'm thinking it's still going to be a few days. At least we have RENAP approval!!! I'm glad to be finished with them!

Good news...I think...

2008-09-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm not going to get too excited yet. Not until we have the BC for sure, but we got word today that the BC has been approved by RENAP and the attorney is going to bring it to Jutiapa (Kya's city of birth) and get it tomorrow! I'll post when I find out for sure.

PICTURES!!!

2008-09-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

It looks like she might be walking on her own now! My baby is growing up!

Still no BC...

2008-09-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

We're still waiting. It seems like it's taking forever. The crazy thing is...I feel really good about everything. Either I'm handling this really well, or I've finally lost it. I couldn't tell you. When people go crazy, they usually don't know it right?...Haha!

Seriously though...every day we get a little closer to bringing her home. So I can't complain...

I need to get this girl a purse!!!

2008-08-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Olympic Gold!!!

2008-08-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-boo

2008-08-19T21:01:00.001-07:00

PICTURES!!!!!!!

2008-08-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

We hunted down this man at the hotel who happened to have a cord that fit our camera! So...enjoy!

Silly Mommy!

Ummm....Debbie, pick up the phone.

Sleepy Girl...and sleepy daddy too

Trying to look all sweet...

The real Kya...This one cracks me up!

NEWS: Some Bad...Some Good...

2008-08-17T12:17:00.002-07:00

Lets start with the bad...

We weren´t able to get Kya´s BC. Actually, we found out that her BC wasn´t even applied for untill 5 weeks after we were out of PGN!

The Good News...

When we went to RENAP, we found out that our file was missing a few documents. This could have held us up for months! So we hunted down the people who could find them for us, and brought them to RENAP. Luis, our translator (he is the BEST!) talked to the people in charge at RENAP and they told him they are going to do their best to have the BC ready Friday. (But it could take 8-10 days.) I´m just glad that we know why this has taken so long. It seems like no one has even been checking on our file, so it was definately worth us going, even if we came back without her BC.

LETS COVER a little of EVERYTHING...

2008-08-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

About KYA...

Well, we gave Kya back to Magda this morning. Kya was excited to see Magda so that made us feel a little better. We had a great visit! Kya has such a sweet personality. She is taking steps by herself, and is very active. I think she will do great when we bring her home. We can´t wait for everyone at home to meet her!

Now to talk about some legal stuff...

We came here only expecting to visit and return home. We were praying that we would get an email while we´re here saying that the attorney has the BC, but that hasn´t happened. Actually, it might be a few more months before he gets it. No one has an idea how long it might be.

The GOOD NEWS...

While we were waiting for Kya to get here Thursday evening, we talked to about 4 or 5 people who went to RENAP and got the BC themselves!!! They told us that they will hand it over to us much quicker than the attorney. (I don´t know why...maybe bc we are her legal gaurdians.) The problem is that we need our file number to get the BC. So we did A LOT of research, called everyone who might be able to help us, and somehow by the grace of God, got in touch with someone who says they will give us the file number in the morning. And it gets better...we have a contact here who was able to supply us with a driver and translator!!! WOW...things couldn´t have come together better if we planned it!!!!

I won´t know anything until tomorrow. Someone is calling us with the file number at 7:30am and the driver will be here at 8:00am to take us to RENAP. (It´s right down the road.) Then if it still needs approval, we will drive to the town she was born in (2hours away) and get the approval, drive it back here and get it to the attorney.

PLEASE be praying that this all continues to work in our favor...

A VERY LONG DAY! BUT ALL IS WELL...

2008-08-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

We didn´t get Kya untill 6pm!!! And believe me we were not happy at all! It seems like no one even knew we were comming today. Even though I sent MANY emails confiming it. I´m not supprised...

On top of that, I didn´t bring the card reader for my camera, so I can´t post pictures:( What was I thinking!?! So I guess you all will have to wait untill Monday...Sorry...

On a happy note!!! Kya is wonderful! She is having a rough time adjusting, but is doing way better than she did the last time. She has gained weight, her hair is thicker, & she is supper smart! All signs that she is getting the care she needs!She has been sitting on a blanket with me on the floor feeding all her dolls, stuffed animals, mommy & daddy snacks. Its too cute! I can´t wait to post pictures so you can see how much she´s grown & how beautiful she is.

Julia

ALL PACKED & READY TO GO!!!!!

2008-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at this time we will be in Guatemala with Kya! I don't think we'll get any sleep tonight. We are excited to see how much she's changed. I'll post as soon as I can tomorrow evening.

BTW...We heard from our agency today. They said that the attorney has no idea when the BC will be ready. We are trying to see if we can meet with RENAP while we're in Guatemala to get the BC ourselves. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow.

We have to be getting closer...today makes 8 weeks waiting on the BC!!!

We're going to see Kya!!!

2008-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

We are so excited! I was hoping she would be home by now, but it's looking like another month or longer. So...we'll settle with a short visit instead...I'm not complaining, I'll be happy to see her sweet face again! Philip is even more excited than me. He hasn't seen her in 7 months! Thursday can't come soon enough.

This is going to be a special trip bc it's the 1st time we'll be with her knowing she is really ours & will be coming home soon! It will be so great to just enjoy spending time with her w/o worrying about PGN & kick outs & all the other things that could go wrong.

Next week will probably be crazy, but I will post tons of pictures once we're in Guatemala with Kya.

Time to start packing!!! You know how that goes...I'll be packing every night this week. I love packing all her sweet little dresses! Can you tell I'm excited?

UMM....Where's my BC?????

2008-08-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

The attorney was told to come back again. I can't believe they are making this so difficult. Actually that's what our attorney said. "They are difficult"...Smart guy...lol. Right now we are trying to stay positive & keep our patience. It has to come soon. It's been 7 weeks since the request was made.

We had decided that I would fly to Guatemala after the BC was issued & Philip would meet us for the embassy appt a couple weeks later. Then the three of us would fly home together. But with the BC taking so long, we are thinking about flying down for a short visit instead. We'll see what happens in the next few days. If I could leave tomorrow, I would. I'll keep you updated.

OK ...so my "Fantasy Time Line" is a bit off...

2008-07-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

We got word from our agency today that the BC was not ready last week! The attorney was told to come back AGAIN this Friday. I think these people are giving him a hard time on purpose! In the end, the only person this is going to hurt is Kya. Every extra week she spends away from us is just going to make her transition harder. I'm praying that the people who work at the RENAP office will grow a heart and hand over that BC this week...Amen!!!!

I guess I won't have news untill Monday or Tuesday...Another whole week!!! Well, I'll be keeping myself busy getting her room finished.

2008-07-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well, we received 2 emails in the last 2 weeks. Both weeks the attorney was told to come pick up the Birth Certificate that week. It didn't happen. The last email said that he was supposedly picking up the BC on the 23rd or 24th. So, I hope we hear some great news tomorrow!

I'm gonna amuse myself & play "fantacy timeline"! Here I go...
(remember, THIS IS NOT FOR REAL!!! It's only me guessing and hoping!)

7/24...BC
7/25...passport
7/31...2nd DNA test
8/08...results to embassy
8/11...embassy issues PINK (our embassy appt date)
8/16...Travel to Guatemala to bring Kya home!!!

It will most likely take longer, but I can hope!

Here's some video from my May visit trip in Guatemala...

2008-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

One Year Ago Today...

2008-07-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

We accepted the referral of a tiny little baby girl! I can't believe it's been a year! I remember the day so well...we had just lost our 1st referral the day before, our agency called and told us we needed to be matched with another baby before the new Guatemala adoption laws began. We looked through the available children list, and there she was! She was the only available baby on the list, so we new she was meant to be ours. The last two years have been such an emotional roller coaster! One day getting disappointing news, then the next being excited about planning a visit...One day being upset over a kick out, the next forgetting all the bad things while in Guatemala seeing her for the 1st time...one day leaving her with a complete stranger and getting on a plane not knowing when we'd see her again, then finding out that she's finally coming home! Wow...I can't even put it into words. I know many of you reading this know the feeling all too well. This has been such an amazing experience for us, and I can't believe we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Here is a picture of Kya the first time we saw her face...Check out the "double chin"!

2008-07-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from our agency. The attorney says he is hoping the birth certificate will be ready this week! I hope he's right. If we get the BC this week, we might be picking Kya up next month!!! If it doesn't come this week...next week will be nice too. This sounds much better than the 4+ weeks I thought it would be taking!

Some news...

2008-07-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

The paperwork to get Kya's birth certificate was submitted on June 18th. I was thinking it would take 4 weeks to get. But today I got an email from our agency saying that the attorney may need some more paperwork. If I had to guess...this means he might have to resubmit it again and...another 3 or 4 weeks. Yep...I thought all the resubmitting would be over once we were out of PGN, but here we go again. We are just so overjoyed that she is ours and we've decided we can handle a few extra weeks:) But if I dissapear for a few days...you can find me at La Casa Grande in Guatemala City...JK. I wish! So for now, just like we have for the past 2 years, we wait... We are so close!!!

Here are a couple new pictures of Kya. I got them this week! I love the new "comb over". When I got these, I couldn't stop giggling. She's such a sweetie!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYA ALEJANDRA!!!

2008-06-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe you are a year old baby girl! We are so excited to be bringing you home in a couple months! I wish we could spend this special day with you.

Here are some pictures and a video from the early birthday party we had for Kya a few weeks ago. I made the dress and bow. And yes...they spelled her name wrong on the cake. Enjoy!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!

2008-06-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's definately a happy one here! Now that I have time, let me tell you about our week.

I called PGN Tuesday expecting to hear that we were still with the 2nd reviewer. The lady who answered said, "The case is finished review." I asked her if we were approved or had a Previo (kick out). She said, "Yes, a previo." I was very disappointed, but like I have said before, we know she will come home in God's timming, NOT ours. I emailed our agency to confirm the news. They said not to be supprised if we are because the majority of cases are getting kick outs. Then while I was working Thursday morning, I got a call from our agency. My heart dropped when I saw the caller ID. I knew they wouldn't call to tell me about a KO (they normally email me) I ran to the back of the building and answered the phone. She said that our attorney went to PGN to pick up our "rejected" file, but instead it said APPROVED!!! I was basically yelling in her ear "WHAT...WHAT...ARE YOU SURE? DID YOU SAY APPROVED?!!!" I must have asked her 5 times before it sunk in. I waited untill I was off work, picked up a fathers day card, and wrote inside, "We are OUT of PGN!!! KYA IS COMMING HOME!!!". Then I went to Philip's work and gave him the card. (he was outside with some of his co-workers.) He opened it up, looked at me and said, "No...are you sure?" I said yes and he literally got on his knees. I think everyone who was there thought something bad happened.

We are both so shocked right now. We thought we would be waiting another 8-10 months for Kya to come home. I know that God is doing this for Kya. She needs medical attention and the conditions she's living in are not helping. Now we are waiting for her birth certificate. It could take 4-6 weeks to get. Then we will bring her home about 2-4 weeks after that. So 6-10 weeks!!!! I cannot believe I actually know she will be home in 6-10 weeks!!!

2008-06-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

KYA IS OUT OF PGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I finally get to say it!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! KYA IS COMMING HOME!!!!!!! Our agency called yesterday with the news. We should be traveling to get her around Aug or Sept!!!!! I feel like a thousand pounds have been lifted of my shoulders!

New Pictures!!!

2008-06-05T10:42:00.001-07:00

She looks so happy!

2008-06-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

PGN is releasing files again! This is GREAT news!

Hopefully we will hear something soon.

Here are a couple pictures to celebrate!

Day Two...

2008-05-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

Kya woke up with a smile this morning...I was so releived! She does okay unless she thinks you are leaving her. She is very small for her age. She is still in some 3-6 month clothes. She is also very thin so I'm sending some vitamins with her foster mother when she comes to pick her up.

Here are some pictures from this morning...enjoy!

I´m here!!!

2008-05-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Kya is beautiful. She is a little upset about being away from the foster mother. Heres a couple pics for now!

THE INTERVIEW IS DONE!!!

2008-05-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

I just heard from our agency and they said the interview is over and the birth mother did very well! I am so glad!!! Now I can go see my girl with this burden lifted!!!

They do not know when PGN will start to approve or release cases. I am praying that it is soon!

Thank you Lord for answering our prayers!!!

Please Pray!!!

2008-05-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

PGN has decided to do interviews with all the birth mothers of the children who are in process. There were 25 interviews done Thursday and more on Friday. From what I've heard, they've all gone pretty well.

We were informed yesterday that our interview will be on Monday. The agency said that the hard part is locating her on such short notice. The mother, attorney, foster mother, and baby will be present at the interview. If all goes well, there is a very big chance we will be approved and OUT of PGN for good next week!!!

As you can imagine, I'm very nervous about this. Especially about the mother seeing Kya. I couldn't imagine having to go through what she will on Monday. I am praying that everything goes smooth and we can bring her home soon. I am also praying for the birth mother, that she will have comfort in her decision.

It would be great to visit Kya knowing she was legally ours!!!

Please keep us, Kya, and her birth mother in your prayers! Also pray that the people conducting the interviews will treat these women with respect. (As they have NOT done in the past)

Just got News!!!

2008-04-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

There is a parent who is a member of a forum I belong to. She got to attend the meeting at PGN. First off, let me explain that one of the main concerns that PGN has is about illegal adoptions. Where the child is stolen or where the attorney pays someone off to approve a case quickly. In the middle of the corruption are the legal cases that get held up because of these people taking advantage of the system. At the meeting the attorneys told PGN that they realize that some cases involved corruption but ALL cases should NOT be delayed due to other attys who are KNOWN TO BE CORRUPT. The heads of PGN agreed that these attys who are corrupt are known so, and they will do the following:

Criminal charges will be filed against those attys that they know are corrupt. That investigation will be separate from the in process files getting completed.

This way those corrupt attys, no longer make it difficult for those legitimate cases to get approved.

They said that cases will be approved in a timely manner for now on.

Investigations will be done on cases that existed the PGN very quickly.

So far this sounds VERY GOOD!!!!!

MEETING AT PGN

2008-04-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

The President of Guatemala replaced the guy who signs cases OUT of PGN and now PGN is at a standstill! There is a meeting at PGN going on right now! There are all kinds of rumors flying around. One is that they will be auditing cases at PGN (which may take forever!), and the other is that the audit will be of the reviewers at PGN and once they get the new staff trained, things will speed up! I am praying for the last one. This is a very BIG deal! I will post soon as I hear something.

I AM GOING TO VISIT KYA!!!

2008-04-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

We discussed it and feel that one of us needs to go spend some time with Kya. She will be one in June and it looks like we won't be bringing her home before then. I will be traveling May 17th-20th. I'm meeting a friend who will also be visiting her daughter. I've already started to pack and repack, and pack again. (And the packing will continue untill the day before I fly out.)

I am so excided!

Here's the news...

2008-04-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

A lot is going on right now.

#1---I called 2 days ago and we are still with the 2nd reviewer. At least we aren't kicked out!

#2---The President of Guatemala appointed a new Attorney General (the guy who is over PGN). But he has filed an appeal to the Constitutional Court to keep the position. Even though this man does not sign our OUT, he is the boss of the guy that approves cases in PGN. There are rumors that this new battle at PGN will slow things down. But who knows, maybe they will get there act together and speed things up! That's what I'm hoping for.

#3---For some INSANE reason, I for get to get the extension on our I171H! Which is the approval we need to bring a foreign baby into the country! It expires on May 3rd and we cannot get a new one! I have been a madwoman getting everything we need together to make this happen. I have written a leter to the USCIS requesting the extension. Written multiple senators asking for them to pull any weight they can for us, and they have! Then yesterday, an officer from INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) called me to give me a heads up that we will need an updated homestudy (even though ours does not expire for 6 months). So I contacted our social worker and she got the updated home study together while I was on the phone! I was able to get an appointment at the USCIS on Thursday (tomorrow). I am bringing everything I need to request the extension to them in person. Wow that was close! God is on our side!!!

PGN Status...

2008-04-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

I called PGN again last Friday and was told that we went to the 1st reviewer on 3/27. I don't think it's possible to move backwards in PGN, so someone must have made a mistake. So, I called back Monday 4/14, and was told that we are with the 2nd reviewer. I'm just going to stay possitive and hope they have the right info.

I'm guessing we have another 3 weeks in PGN before we hear if we're out.

Praying hard for an OUT!!!

NEW PICTURES!!!

2008-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

She is so beautiful! And so grown up! I can't tell you how exciting it is to see her sweet face.

I called PGN today...

2008-04-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

There is a new lady answering the phone at PGN. She told me we have been on the 2nd reviewer's desk since 3/27! I hope this info is correct!!!

And I have an update!...Kya's foster mother emailed me last week! She says that Kya is doing great, has 2 teeth, and is trying to walk! She tried to send a picture but it wouldn't go through.. :( Oh well...she should be getting the package any day and she can use the camera we sent to send us pictures then!

WE ARE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Finally!!! After almost 2 months!

NOW LET US OUT!!!

Not in PGN yet...but I finally have news!!!

2008-03-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our agency emailed us yesterday. The attorney finally has the new document he's been waiting for. Now all he has to do is resubmit us back into PGN. They didn't say when we would be resubmitted, but I'm hoping this week.

Cases are still being approved pretty fast...around 4 weeks right now. That's way better than the 8 weeks they normaly take. Lets pray they keep it up!

2008-03-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

We heard from the agency today. The attorney said he should have the document he has been waiting for tomorrow. So hopefully we will be resubmitted this week or next! PGN seems to be approving cases in 2-3 weeks! I hope they keep it up.

KYA in action!!!

2008-03-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

2008-03-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have crammed this box with so much stuff!!! The only thing I'm missing is batteries for the camera...Oh well...

Here's a picture...not including diapers and camera.

2008-02-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

Not resubmitted to PGN yet...The attorney is going to submit the file as soon as it is ready. Not sure how long this will take but hopefully we will hear something this week.

While we're waiting...
I'm putting together a package to send to KYA!!! It's a fun way to get my mind off of all the legal stuff. So far, I have diapers, a couple toys, baby wash, lotion, sippy cup & a few outfits. I'm gonna add bibs, socks, bottles, tylenol, & other baby meds. I want to make it as easy as possible for Magda to take care of Kya...from what I hear, diapers and formula are the only things provided for her.

2008-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

On the bright side (yes...there's a bright side...lol) there are MANY rummors that pgn will be speeding up. The last bunch of cases that were approved were only in pgn for 5 or 6 weeks! I hope it gets even shorter!

2008-02-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

We found out that our case was not approved by pgn. It received a kick out. The attorney is going to resubmit the case as soon as he gets it corrected. Hopefully we will not receive any more KO's.

So it looks like we have at least a few more months before Kya comes home, but we are not discouraged. This is all just part of our "labor pains". Thanks for the support!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2008-02-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

Some Scripture I've been holding onto...

2008-02-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Here are some of my favorite pics of Kya.

2008-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

No news yet...

2008-02-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

The attorney is saying he went to pgn & they are working on finding the Resolution. I'm trying hard not to panic over this...We are praying they have it Monday and can start the paperwork to bring Kya home to us SOON!

Thank you everyone who is keeping us in your prayers!

2008-02-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to say anything untill we found out if we are approved or kicked out...but I'll go ahead and explain what's going on...

I called PGN Tuesday and was told that we are signed and approved. Then I called agency to confirm. Agency said they will get in touch with the attorney and let us know for sure. Yesterday we didn't hear much.

The attorney e-mailed today saying that the resolution (a sheet of paper in the file that shows if the case was approved or kicked out.) states that the case has been kicked out...but here's the kicker...the kick out is for another baby!

Apparently, PGN put the wrong paper in our file!!! He says he is going to pgn to get it worked out and will let us know as soon as he learns if we are approved or not.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that we were approved!!!!

2008-02-06T12:42:00.001-08:00

For everyone who's waiting for me to post if we are OUT or not...I do have some info on our case, but our agency for some reason is having a time confirming everything with our attorney. They e-mailed us and said the attorney is going to PGN today to check on our case. I think I already have the answer but I'll wait to post untill I know for sure. Keep everything crossed and the prayers comming...

2008-02-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

I called PGN today and was told we are waiting on final signiture!!! It can be for Approval or KO. I asked when I should call back and she said Tuesday.

So, as you already guessed, I will call Monday! Keep the prayers comming!!!

2008-01-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

Ohhh! It's getting so close! There are a lot of cases getting OUT of PGN that were submitted the week before us. I've also seen a few from the same week as us!!! Everyone, please pray that we are approved by PGN soon. The way things are going, I believe we will hear something next week. We need your prayers more than ever right now.

Thanks for the support!

2008-01-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

Nope. Still with the 2nd reviewer. But that's okay, hopefully we will be with the final reviewer by the end of this week or beginning of next!

2008-01-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a medical update and picture from our agency. She went to the Doctor the Saturday before we visited. We got the update while we were in Guatemala. The medical said she weighs 14 lbs. It also said that she had a respiratory infection and fever. It explains a lot b/c she was very congested while we were there. She also ran a little fever one night.

It's getting close!!!!

2008-01-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

I've seen a few cases getting OUT of PGN with an early December submit date! We are December 14th. I'm guessing we will hear something not this week, but next. I thought I would be panicking by now, but I feel very good about everything. I truly believe this is all in God's hands. I have faith that he is going to bring her home to us soon, but if not...I know it's all in His timing...

I'm gonna call PGN in the morning. Maybe we'll be with the final reviewer.

I had to post this!!!

2008-01-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

Update...

2008-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

I called PGN this morning and we are still with the second reviewer. For everyone who has absolutly no idea what I'm talking about...Our case is in PGN right now. Once we are out of PGN, the birth mother signs the final papers and Kya will be legally ours. There are 3 stages to PGN...on average you are with the 1st reviewer about one week...the 2nd reviewer around 6 weeks...and with the final reviewer about 1 week then you are signed and approved (out)!!! So 8 weeks of trying not to go out of your mind! At any point, our case can be kicked out (rejected). Most of the time it takes the full 8 weeks before they let you know you have been KO. If the case is kicked out, it would have to be picked up by the attorney corrected and resubmitted for another 8 weeks! Very frustrating, but all we can do is wait.

So we have been in PGN since December 14th. We should have about 2 1/2 weeks left! Please everyone be praying that we will be approved with no kick outs. We will travel to bring her home 4-6 weeks after approval.

Kya's 1st Christmas...

2008-01-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know we're late, but I couldn't just not post Christmas pictures!

My happy little Christmas Girl...

"I don't know about this"...

Okay...So the Christmas hat was a bad idea.

Kya & Daddy...

2008-01-09T11:51:00.001-08:00

I love it when you feed me Daddy...

Daddy can you please get me out of this stroller...PLEASE...

Thank you....

Daddy did my hair...

I love my Daddy!

and I love to chew on his face...

TIGER PRIDE!!!

2008-01-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

We were going to wait until we were back home to watch the game...but we couldn´t help ourselves. We saw the score on the news this morning. Go Tigers. Kya was excited too.

I asked for a big smile and this is what I got!

My serious pose...miss priss!

Introducing.....Miss Kya Alejandra

2008-01-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the hotel around 2pm and Kya was brought to us around 4pm. She is so stinkin cute! And tiny! She has a great personality and has been smiling since she got here. I will be sure to add more pictures tomorrow.

2008-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we will hold our baby girl for the first time!!! I am still packing and repacking baby stuff. I have tons of clothes and toys and diapers and anything else I could squeeze into our suitcases! I can't wait to post pictures of her tomorrow! Make sure to keep looking for them on here. I'll try to post some every day, but it's gonna be hard to while we're trying to spoil a little girl rotten.

Philip insisted that we all have on LSU shirts Monday for the game. So I ran to find one for myself and one in a 3-6 month size. I'm happy to say that I have them folded safely in my suitcase. Now all we have to do is find a sports channel for the States.

Geoux Tigers!!!

2007-12-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

I put out everything we're bring to Guatemala for the baby. Of corse, I've gotten more since this picture. I hope we have room for our clothes!

PGN update...

We heard from the agency last week , they said that we are finally in PGN. (for real this time) So I naturally called PGN myself to be sure.....they told me we were submitted on December 14th! YEAH!!! So I figured it out...we should be approved around February 11th. If we are, we will possibly go get her around Easter.

2007-12-25T16:35:00.000-08:00

Me and one very spoiled dogie!!!

We had a very busy Christmas...It was great!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bad news...

2007-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Where do I start...I'll just make a long story short. We called PGN on December 3rd and were told we are approved and OUT of PGN. Then found out from our agency that we are not out...we were never even in PGN. Our case was mixed up with another one and sitting on someone's desk collecting dust for 2 months!!!

Our attorney sorted it out and we are waiting to be submitted to PGN, hopefully this or next week. I hope we are approved quickly...

I've had time to calm down and focus on our visit trip in January. I am still very excited about meeting our babygirl for the first time!

We are going to visit!!!!!

2007-11-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

We are planning a visit trip in January. I am so excited! I can't wait to see her live and in person! We are going to celebrate her first Christmas with her. I know it will be on the late side, but she won't know any better. I'm so excited!!! I have almost everything ready to be packed and I can't wait to hit the after sales for her Christmas dress.

Did I say I'm excited?

BTW...Maybe our visit trip will actually be our pick up trip!!!!!!Please...Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

We are still in PGN. I am so close to having a nervous breakdown! This Friday makes 8 weeks in PGN. That means we will be finding out sometime between now and early next week if we are OUT of PGN or Kicked Out of PGN!

I read that 5 people from our agency got OUT today! All submitted close to our date!

Finally...NEW PICTURES!!!

2007-11-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

It looks like her hair is filling in a little. My poor baby needs a bow. lol

I love her little lips...I could just eat them up.

We also received a medical update from October. She weighed 11 lbs at 4 months old!

She must be a tinny little Peanut!

2007-11-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

I have some good news!!! I've been calling and e-mailing our agency every week since we received PA on October 2nd. Their response is always the same, "No news" or "Your case is still in Family Court". Well, I emailed them a little over a week ago and they sent me an e-mail saying they received word from our attorney that we have been OUT of Family Court and IN PGN since October 5th!!!!!!! We went in to PGN 3 days after we received PA! Of course I didn't want to get too excited b/c it seemed like someone got the wrong info, but the lady from our agency assured me that it is true! So this Friday makes 6 weeks IN PGN. We should hear if we are approved on week 8. If we are not approved we have to get whatever the problem is fixed, get submitted back into PGN, and wait another 8 weeks. Please let us get approved!

2007-10-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

No news is not always good news...

I just received an e-mail from our agency saying there is no news yet. We are still waiting to exit Family Court.

COME ON FAMILY COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WANT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!!

2007-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have PA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the E-mail yesterday! On day 19!!! WOW, that's way better than the 9+ weeks we waited last time! Now we just have to get out of Family court and it's on to PGN.

2007-10-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

We are on day 18 waiting for PA. I was expecting 4 to 6 more weeks but I have alittle more hope now. This past weekend there were many PA's issued...some 20 to 30 days into the wait, and even a 17 and 12 day wait!!! I pray that we will hear something this week or next week.

Our agency told us that we should be out of Family court by the middle or end of October. That means that if we get PA soon, we could be submitted into PGN by the end of October or begining if November.

We should be receiving a medical update of our baby soon. I would love to know how she's growing. (and a few new pictures would be a nice supprise!)

WE HAVE DNA RESULTS...99.99% MATCH!!!

2007-09-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is great news, but my heart is just breaking for her birth mom. She is holding her baby so close in the picture and she has the most bitter sweet look on her face. Like she is heartbroken, but wants to look happy in the only pic her baby will ever see of her. I just can't stop looking at her. She is so beautiful...

On a happier note...time to wait on PA!!! Last time we waited a total of 63 or 64 days. If things keep moving like they are, we hope to have it in 45-50 days! I hope things continue to speed up.

MORE PICS...

2007-09-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help it... I guess I'm in a picture posting mood! These are from the second set of pictures we received from our agency. She was about 6 weeks old. They are my favorite!

No DNA yet. But.....

2007-09-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we didn't get DNA results this week. But the good news is.....we have new pictures! This is the 4th set of pictures we've received since her referral in July. Our agency is doing a great job of keeping us up to date so far.

I also want to mention the elections that are taking place in Guatemala today. Please keep them in your prayers.