It is amazing to me that Kennedy has been with us for almost a year. I have been remembering the emotions I was going through last year at this time. Wow...I survived! Kennedy is amazing. I love hearing her laugh and watching her dance to ANY type of music. She loves to watch Sesame Street and Elmo is her favorite character. As we are preparing for Easter, I can't help but be reminded of what was happening in our lives last Easter. We were anxiously waiting for PINK. On April 18th we will celebrate Kennedy's Gotcha Day. I am so excited to be celebrating, however, I can't help but think of the children "left behind". Please pray that adoptions are soon opened again in Guatemala and abandoned and/or orphaned children can be placed in loving homes. In honor of Kennedy's Gotcha Day we are inviting friends to make a donation to http://savesemillas.org/ which is an orphange in Antigua that is caring for children who are waiting to go to their forever homes. Our friends Gary and Ellora started the foundation and we support them 100%.
I will try to be a better blogger and update more often. And even include pictures with the next update...I promise!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Surprise - An Actual Update!
Okay - I got the message loud and clear - people are demanding a blog update. Don't think I haven't thought about it. I have composed hundreds of entries in my head - some funny - some heartfelt...even tried to type a few of them but something always got in the way. Kennedy needing my attention, our computer going off-line, etc., etc. Well now that I am out of excuses and Kennedy is sound asleep upstairs (oops, need to turn on the baby monitor!) I thought this was a good time to catch everyone up on our family. Here goes...
We arrived smoothly in Guatemala on Friday, April 18, 2008. We got to our hotel and there was already a message for us waiting from our attorney, Paco. We got settled into our apartment style hotel suite and I took the opportunity to get a shower and freshen up. After we were there for only a few short hours (guess who is awake and screaming...see I don't make this stuff up - wait, all is quiet again...false alarm.) we went down stairs to meet Paco and the Foster Mom...and Kennedy. Just remembering those feelings makes me cry. I was so excited and couldn't wait for Brit to meet Kennedy and my mom and Brit's mom were both there with us. We sat in the hotel lobby just waiting. Every time we heard someone entering the hotel I would stand up in anticipation. Finally, Paco arrived...but no Kennedy. "She'll be here soon," he promised. We went over some documents at my request, but he knew I wasn't in the right state of mind to focus on paper work. About 15 minutes later, the Foster Mom and Kennedy arrived. I of course started crying and jumped up to great her. I said hello to Kennedy first and told her how much I missed her. I hugged Foster Mom and just kept saying "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!" I scooped up Kennedy and introduced her to her father. I left him hold her right away - I knew from experience that holding her for the first time was all you imagined it would be and more. We hugged Foster Mom and thanked her again. She did not speak any English, but we both looked at each other and just knew what our hearts were feeling. I could only imagine how difficult this would be for her. She reached up to Kennedy as Brit was holding her, but her hand behind her head to hold it, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and turned away and left just as quickly has she arrived. I think she was over come with emotion and needed a quick exit. Paco told us previously that Foster Mom (isn't that terrible, I don't even know her name) would return with Paco on Sunday when we were going to meet to go over documents. She never returned, we never saw her again - but I will never forget her and will always be grateful for her time spent raising Kennedy. After a few short photos we retired up to our room and all took turns holding Kennedy. We cried together, laughed together, and most importantly, made Kennedy smile. I don't recall one moment that she was ever "strange" with us. We all just wanted to jump on a plane and go home right away! We had what we came for and we couldn't wait to introduce her to the rest of the family. That night she slept in a pack in play beside our bed. She didn't wake up once. I however, kept waking up to check on her...and just to watch her sleep. By the next day Kennedy "left her hair down" and we were introduced to her squeals of glee. She hits this high pitch note that I, a trained Soprano 1 singer, could never touch! We spent a day shopping in Antigua and Monday was our embassy appointment - it went smoothly. That night we went back to Antigua to have dinner with Gary and Ellora who we met during our February visit trip. We got to spend time sharing our adventure with them and visit with their three precious little one, Julia, Leo, and Lorenzo. During our trip, we went shopping in Guatemala City and traveled over to the Westin to meet other mom's and babies from Carol's adoption group who were picking up their little bundles of joy too! We picked up Kennedy's VISA on Tuesday (after 3PM) so we left Wednesday afternoon to return home. Kennedy did awesome on the flight. As we were walking through the airport in Charlotte, we were pushing her in an umbrella stroller. So many people stopped us to say, "I thought that was a baby doll you were pushing!" My internal response was...what 30-something year-old couple would push a fake baby through an airport?!?!? I didn't realize just how often we would hear that phrase. ANY TIME we are in public, we are bound to hear, "She looks just like a baby doll!" and "Look at all that hair!".
We arrived in Harrisburg just before Midnight. Brit carried Kennedy off the plane. We were seated in the back, so we were one of the last ones off. As we walked down the corridor, I was again filled with anticipation. I knew my Mamma, sister-in-law Alicia, and stepfather Mike were going to be waiting for us. As we turned the corner, there they were, standing with balloons and a "Welcome Home Kennedy" sign. I dreamed and prayed for this moment, and just started crying with joy. Mamma held her, then Alicia held her and carried her to baggage claim.
We got home pretty late. As we were approaching our house I saw this light. Immediately I thought..oh my goodness, someone wrecked into our front light post and knocked it over. Then as we got closer I realized it was a spot light shining on a yard full of pink flamingos. Our front porch was covered in streamer and a big "Welcome Home Kennedy" sign was on our front door. I cried again that night as I put Kennedy to sleep in her crib. There were many tears shed in her room along this journey. All of those tears were leading up to this moment, putting my daughter to sleep in her room, in our home, words can't describe how GOOD that felt.
Well, it is Midnight and Brit is home from work. I promise to add some photos and fill you in on our Welcome Home Party/Baby Shower, Kennedy's baptism, our trip to Myrtle Beach, and our new life as a family.
We arrived smoothly in Guatemala on Friday, April 18, 2008. We got to our hotel and there was already a message for us waiting from our attorney, Paco. We got settled into our apartment style hotel suite and I took the opportunity to get a shower and freshen up. After we were there for only a few short hours (guess who is awake and screaming...see I don't make this stuff up - wait, all is quiet again...false alarm.) we went down stairs to meet Paco and the Foster Mom...and Kennedy. Just remembering those feelings makes me cry. I was so excited and couldn't wait for Brit to meet Kennedy and my mom and Brit's mom were both there with us. We sat in the hotel lobby just waiting. Every time we heard someone entering the hotel I would stand up in anticipation. Finally, Paco arrived...but no Kennedy. "She'll be here soon," he promised. We went over some documents at my request, but he knew I wasn't in the right state of mind to focus on paper work. About 15 minutes later, the Foster Mom and Kennedy arrived. I of course started crying and jumped up to great her. I said hello to Kennedy first and told her how much I missed her. I hugged Foster Mom and just kept saying "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!" I scooped up Kennedy and introduced her to her father. I left him hold her right away - I knew from experience that holding her for the first time was all you imagined it would be and more. We hugged Foster Mom and thanked her again. She did not speak any English, but we both looked at each other and just knew what our hearts were feeling. I could only imagine how difficult this would be for her. She reached up to Kennedy as Brit was holding her, but her hand behind her head to hold it, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and turned away and left just as quickly has she arrived. I think she was over come with emotion and needed a quick exit. Paco told us previously that Foster Mom (isn't that terrible, I don't even know her name) would return with Paco on Sunday when we were going to meet to go over documents. She never returned, we never saw her again - but I will never forget her and will always be grateful for her time spent raising Kennedy. After a few short photos we retired up to our room and all took turns holding Kennedy. We cried together, laughed together, and most importantly, made Kennedy smile. I don't recall one moment that she was ever "strange" with us. We all just wanted to jump on a plane and go home right away! We had what we came for and we couldn't wait to introduce her to the rest of the family. That night she slept in a pack in play beside our bed. She didn't wake up once. I however, kept waking up to check on her...and just to watch her sleep. By the next day Kennedy "left her hair down" and we were introduced to her squeals of glee. She hits this high pitch note that I, a trained Soprano 1 singer, could never touch! We spent a day shopping in Antigua and Monday was our embassy appointment - it went smoothly. That night we went back to Antigua to have dinner with Gary and Ellora who we met during our February visit trip. We got to spend time sharing our adventure with them and visit with their three precious little one, Julia, Leo, and Lorenzo. During our trip, we went shopping in Guatemala City and traveled over to the Westin to meet other mom's and babies from Carol's adoption group who were picking up their little bundles of joy too! We picked up Kennedy's VISA on Tuesday (after 3PM) so we left Wednesday afternoon to return home. Kennedy did awesome on the flight. As we were walking through the airport in Charlotte, we were pushing her in an umbrella stroller. So many people stopped us to say, "I thought that was a baby doll you were pushing!" My internal response was...what 30-something year-old couple would push a fake baby through an airport?!?!? I didn't realize just how often we would hear that phrase. ANY TIME we are in public, we are bound to hear, "She looks just like a baby doll!" and "Look at all that hair!".
We arrived in Harrisburg just before Midnight. Brit carried Kennedy off the plane. We were seated in the back, so we were one of the last ones off. As we walked down the corridor, I was again filled with anticipation. I knew my Mamma, sister-in-law Alicia, and stepfather Mike were going to be waiting for us. As we turned the corner, there they were, standing with balloons and a "Welcome Home Kennedy" sign. I dreamed and prayed for this moment, and just started crying with joy. Mamma held her, then Alicia held her and carried her to baggage claim.
We got home pretty late. As we were approaching our house I saw this light. Immediately I thought..oh my goodness, someone wrecked into our front light post and knocked it over. Then as we got closer I realized it was a spot light shining on a yard full of pink flamingos. Our front porch was covered in streamer and a big "Welcome Home Kennedy" sign was on our front door. I cried again that night as I put Kennedy to sleep in her crib. There were many tears shed in her room along this journey. All of those tears were leading up to this moment, putting my daughter to sleep in her room, in our home, words can't describe how GOOD that felt.
Well, it is Midnight and Brit is home from work. I promise to add some photos and fill you in on our Welcome Home Party/Baby Shower, Kennedy's baptism, our trip to Myrtle Beach, and our new life as a family.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Who can focus on work?
How can I focus on anything other than "Kennedy is coming home!". I have this list of things constantly running through my head. I started keeping a notepad with me at all times so when I think of something to take along to Guatemala, I jot it down so I don't forget. I think we are set with all of Kennedy's things be packed. I can't forget to get the stroller out of the car.....see another item for my list! I have pretty much planned out my wardrobe in my head, but I haven't actually packed anything for me yet. And so it begins...life where others needs will always come before mine.
Brit and I went to celebrate Kennedy's homecoming on Saturday night at Casa Sanchez, a Mexican restaurant in Selinsgrove. It is not quite Guatemala, but - hey - they border Guatemala! We had a nice time and ran into my second cousin and her soon to be husband. It was nice seeing them in person again and being able to share well wishes with one another.
On Sunday we had an interesting "invitation making" session at my house. Printing off invites for Kennedy's home coming party/baby shower. My mom, aunt Trudy, Mama, and I had fun trying to assemble the invites. Some how we got it all taken care of. Now we just need to get everyone's addresses to actually send them out!
Well, today is Monday. This means I only have three more days until we are with Kennedy forever! (Or as Brit puts it, "Three days and a wake up.") On any given week, Fridays can never seem to get here fast enough. This week, I want it to come at warp speed!
Brit and I went to celebrate Kennedy's homecoming on Saturday night at Casa Sanchez, a Mexican restaurant in Selinsgrove. It is not quite Guatemala, but - hey - they border Guatemala! We had a nice time and ran into my second cousin and her soon to be husband. It was nice seeing them in person again and being able to share well wishes with one another.
On Sunday we had an interesting "invitation making" session at my house. Printing off invites for Kennedy's home coming party/baby shower. My mom, aunt Trudy, Mama, and I had fun trying to assemble the invites. Some how we got it all taken care of. Now we just need to get everyone's addresses to actually send them out!
Well, today is Monday. This means I only have three more days until we are with Kennedy forever! (Or as Brit puts it, "Three days and a wake up.") On any given week, Fridays can never seem to get here fast enough. This week, I want it to come at warp speed!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
My Water Broke!
I could smell PINK…it was in the air. We finally got a response to an email today. The embassy confirmed that they received everything and that I should get an email within the next two days telling us we are PINK. Brit and I stopped at the grocery store to pick up items to make for supper. A s we walked right into the bakery section it was PINK-A-PA-LOOZA! They had all of these cakes, cookies, cup cakes, etc. decorated in PINK icing. I looked at Brit and said, "This is a sign from God. We are getting one of those cakes!" When we got home, Brit called the Embassy. The woman he spoke with confirmed what the email had told us. She said they are currently scheduling appointments for4/21/08. We then both felt a little relief and finished making supper. It was a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l day today so we decided to make beef shish-ka-bobs on the grill. After we were finished eating, I checked me email again. I yelled for Brit who was still in the kitchen…we got something! There is was…our “PINK” email had arrived! It is called a “Pink Slip” because before they started emailing you with an appointment date, they would give the information to your attorney on a bright pink piece of paper.
We immediately started calling everyone to share our news! Our appointment is 4/21/08. We are making travel arrangements and will be arriving in Guatemala City on 4/18 and will be returning home 4/23. This week was so difficult. I cried so much waiting for this email to arrive. After all, we thought we would have received this email on Monday - at the latest! When I was talking with my cousin Heidi she asked, “So did you just burst into tears when you got the email?” At first I couldn’t remember and then I said, “No. I was just so happy I started smiling and laughing!” I was just “cried out” from the emotionally exhausting week. Mamma stopped in and we grabbed a bottle of champagne out of the fridge and had a toast to Kennedy Marguerite. Tomorrow night we are going out to dinner somewhere to celebrate!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. As always, we NEVER could have gotten through this without you!
We immediately started calling everyone to share our news! Our appointment is 4/21/08. We are making travel arrangements and will be arriving in Guatemala City on 4/18 and will be returning home 4/23. This week was so difficult. I cried so much waiting for this email to arrive. After all, we thought we would have received this email on Monday - at the latest! When I was talking with my cousin Heidi she asked, “So did you just burst into tears when you got the email?” At first I couldn’t remember and then I said, “No. I was just so happy I started smiling and laughing!” I was just “cried out” from the emotionally exhausting week. Mamma stopped in and we grabbed a bottle of champagne out of the fridge and had a toast to Kennedy Marguerite. Tomorrow night we are going out to dinner somewhere to celebrate!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. As always, we NEVER could have gotten through this without you!
I’m Going Nucking Futs!
I feel like I am trapped in some type of Adoption Purgatory. Caught between two worlds – adoption in process and home forever! Am I being punished for something? I did want to learn more Spanish before our pick up trip. Hablo Espanol! Hablo Espanol! I am screaming at the top of my lungs and no one can hear me.
I have emailed the embassy twice at two different email addresses and…nothing. When I press the “send” button I actually think I hear crickets chirping in the background. (You know…like on cartoons.) Do they even have crickets in Guatemala?
Many people have been offering us parenting advice. A lot have said, “Just wait, she’ll test your patience even more when you get her home.” Maybe that is why we are going through this now. Kennedy is preparing us for these future dialogues:
“But the puppy likes to eat it.”
“That is what all the other girls are wearing.”
“He is only two years older then I am.”
“But you have a tattoo!”
Hmm…come to think of it. Maybe this is the easy part. Brit is being more productive then I am. He is calling both of our Senators’ offices. The lab that processes the DNA results is also sending another copy of the results to the Embassy. Let’s hope today is the day we get out of the Adoption Purgatory!
I have emailed the embassy twice at two different email addresses and…nothing. When I press the “send” button I actually think I hear crickets chirping in the background. (You know…like on cartoons.) Do they even have crickets in Guatemala?
Many people have been offering us parenting advice. A lot have said, “Just wait, she’ll test your patience even more when you get her home.” Maybe that is why we are going through this now. Kennedy is preparing us for these future dialogues:
“But the puppy likes to eat it.”
“That is what all the other girls are wearing.”
“He is only two years older then I am.”
“But you have a tattoo!”
Hmm…come to think of it. Maybe this is the easy part. Brit is being more productive then I am. He is calling both of our Senators’ offices. The lab that processes the DNA results is also sending another copy of the results to the Embassy. Let’s hope today is the day we get out of the Adoption Purgatory!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
I am on the ledge...
The Internet is not all that it is cracked up to be. I did a little searching and found on one adoption sight a few families that had 2nd DNA taken a day after ours and they already have their embassy appointment. I know I should be happy for them, their babies will be home forever next week. I just can't help but feel sorry for myself, Brit, and Kennedy. Why is this part of the process taking so long? It just feels like it is never going to happen. I am in a funk. I am just not myself. I feel so withdrawn and distant. I just spoke with Brit on the phone. I didn't even feel like talking...I just wanted to hear his voice. Will our PINK ever come?!?!?!?!?
Monday, April 7, 2008
Still Waiting...
We are still waiting on word about our embassy appointment. I really hope I find out today. I really started getting anxious last Thursday. I have an obsession with my email...I have to check it all the time. I try to wait an hour before I check it again, but I am rarely able to wait that long.
We received the lab results in the mail on Saturday. We were in Pittsburgh, so we didn't actually open them until we returned on Sunday. When Brit went for the mail, he came in and said, "We got something from Lab Corp". "Open them quick", I exclaimed. "There will be a photo of Kennedy inside!" Sure enough, there was a Polaroid of Kennedy from the day they took the DNA test (3/24/08). "Oh my goodness...look at that hair," I giggled. To my amazement, she has even more hair. It was pulled up on top of her head in two pigtails. She was sitting up on an exam table with her foster mother holding onto her little hand to support/stabilize her. She is wearing one of the little outfits we had sent down previously.
I looked up into Brit's eyes and we were both renewed with excitement. We will find out this week when she is coming home.....maybe even yet today! I need a date soon, or I am going to go mad.
I need to share that a dear friend, an advocate for children, and a champion of their education passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008. Dixie Hunter, who I served on the Juniata County School Board with, lost her battle with lung cancer. She was someone I looked up to and was a true mentor to me. We met when I was only 24 years old. She taught me so much. She will be missed by so many. Please keep her family in your prayers. She leaves behind a husband, sisters, and parents who loved her dearly.
We received the lab results in the mail on Saturday. We were in Pittsburgh, so we didn't actually open them until we returned on Sunday. When Brit went for the mail, he came in and said, "We got something from Lab Corp". "Open them quick", I exclaimed. "There will be a photo of Kennedy inside!" Sure enough, there was a Polaroid of Kennedy from the day they took the DNA test (3/24/08). "Oh my goodness...look at that hair," I giggled. To my amazement, she has even more hair. It was pulled up on top of her head in two pigtails. She was sitting up on an exam table with her foster mother holding onto her little hand to support/stabilize her. She is wearing one of the little outfits we had sent down previously.
I looked up into Brit's eyes and we were both renewed with excitement. We will find out this week when she is coming home.....maybe even yet today! I need a date soon, or I am going to go mad.
I need to share that a dear friend, an advocate for children, and a champion of their education passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008. Dixie Hunter, who I served on the Juniata County School Board with, lost her battle with lung cancer. She was someone I looked up to and was a true mentor to me. We met when I was only 24 years old. She taught me so much. She will be missed by so many. Please keep her family in your prayers. She leaves behind a husband, sisters, and parents who loved her dearly.
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