Last Full Day with My Girl

Today has been bittersweet. I tried so hard to enjoy every minute, but I knew that it would be my last afternoon to snuggle with her, my last evening to hold her during dinner and my last everything else. Fortunately, I do have one more morning with her. That's her happiest, easiest time. So I'm looking forward to a lot of smiles and lovin' in the morning.

Gabriella is such a funny girl. In one week's time, she has come out of her shell, shown that she knows me and my voice, adjusted to her infant seat AND gotten better about her bath. The biggest victory for me is that I was the one who was able to soothe her and she responded to my voice when she was upset. I feel so blessed to have been given this time with her. I will always be able to share with her that we knew her when she was just 8 weeks old. We saw her personality and knew exactly what she was doing. We are so in love with this tiny angel. God is very, very good!!!

Poor Reagan was so sick today. She started out with a fever and we gave her some Tylenol and she was much better within a half hour. We thought it was from teething. Kristin called and was able to get into the doctor. We're so glad she did because by the time they arrived at the doctor's office, Reagan was sii..iiick. It turns out that she had a reaction to a vaccine given to her a couple of days ago. They gave her some medicine and her 103 degree fever broke withing 45 minutes. We were so worried about her pitiful little self. But all is well and Kristin can leave knowing that she's ok.

We took some pictures of the girls together today. Reagan, at 9 months, is really tall. She just dwarfs Gabriella. She took control of the situation and told Gabriella what's what. It was pretty funny.

Birthday Bash

Reagan and Gabriella attended their first birthday bash. One of the little boys here, Andy, had his birthday last Saturday and they had a party for him today. They ordered a cake and we partied in the Baby Lounge. The older kids had the best time and Gabriella watched curiously from the bouncy seat. It is so fun to watch them all interact.




Kristin and I took the girls and went shopping. We got a couple of souvenirs for the kids. Gabriella had a wonderful afternoon. She loved hanging out in the Baby Lounge. She was so happy to check out the room and listen to all that was going on. When she gets fussy, she really benefits from a change of scenery. She even settles down when we enter the hallway. So she had an awesome afternoon and she loved the bouncy seat. That kept her happy for a while. Since she's trying to get acclimated to this new formula, her belly gets a little upset and she likes to be moving. Hence, happiness in the bouncy seat.

These girls are such little loves. They just get snuggled to pieces. Reagan is such a talker. We knew she was talking more than Ryker did at this age, but when you put her next to her same-aged peers, she's the most verbal. She's imitating sounds and loves to have a "conversation." It's very funny. She made a new friend in Sara today and they played for several hours together. We had a good day with the princesas.


Daddy, I miss you!!! I'm sending you hugs and kisses!

Just a Regular Day

Today was pretty uneventful. Kristin and Reagan got settled in, we went to the market for some essentials... diapers, formula and Gatorade. We sat by the pool and finally Gabriella's fussiness won out and she and I returned to the room for a much needed nap. It was just what the doctor ordered. She then went with Kristin, Reagan and me to dinner with our facilitator, Mariela. She came to the hotel with her daughter and we dined in one of the restaurants in the hotel. It was a lot of fun to get to show her our appreciation for her hard work.

Mariela is essentially the one who gets our children home. She works her tail off (literally) for a very meager salary. Her job is heart-wrenching, emotional, exhausting and incredibly rewarding. Mariela has been there for a lot of very difficult family moments and the really joyous ones. She is the quintessential go-to gal and she has a passion for what she does, which is evident in all of her actions. In short, we love her!!!

Gabi sat down and drank two bottles at dinner without missing a beat. I was amazed!!! She then took a nap, we returned to the room, and she took a bath. Bathtime has been pretty traumatic for little Gabi Sol. You can imagine what it's like to bathe a writhing, slippery, fragile being in a hotel sink... NOT good. Well, I heard this evening that the hotel actually has infant bathtubs. We requested and received one this evening. I must say it was much better than the other nights, but it's the only time that she cries that really upsets me. You know, babies cry. I know that, so I don't get freaked out when she cries or fusses. It's not that I'm insensitive. But babies have about 3 jobs. To eat, sleep, go to the bathroom and cry. Ok, that's four. But this awful, hysterical, ear-piercing, can't-catch-her-breath sobbing is a bit much. You'd think we'd pulled a limb or two off. I hate it. I've tried everything I can think of. It's just awful!

Here are a few pics from happier times today and the awful bath experience (this isn't the worst of it, I assure you)...


The girls sleeping in their Baby Bjorns



Watching the kids at the pool

MAKE IT STOP!!!!

Very Exciting Day

Gabriella Sol went on an adventure today. Let me start by saying how glad I am that I took the carseat with me. We went to the doctor and our facilitator's assistant, Mariela, drove us there. She drives a Toyota something from the early 80s probably. It is in horrible condition. It has no seatbelts in the backseat. So I wedged Gabi's seat in the best I could. Guat City traffic is crazy to say the least. So I just prayed we'd make it there. This is what we found out...

Gabriella is now 8 lb. 15 oz., 21 1/2 inches long with a head circumference of 37 cm. She has good hips, feet, and legs. Her abdomen was good and soft. Gabi's ears and spine were excellent. Her eyes tracked a colored object and light well. She has 3 Mongolian spots on her bottom and lower back. These are spots that look like bruises which are typical in Guatemalan children. Usually they disappear by age 3. The doctor was wonderful. He was thorough, professional, kind and very knowledgeable. He answered all of my questions patiently and extensively. Then he told me I have nice eyes (I'm not sure that's professional, but I'll take it). He educated me on several issues and I feel great about Gabi's pediatric medical care.

The other part of Gabi's adventure was meeting her Aunt Kristin and Reagan for the first time! Kristin was so excited to see her and Gabriella was very content in her arms. But then Reagan arrived and we got to ooh and aah over her. What a beautiful, sweet girl. I didn't get to spend much time with them today because of the doctor saga, but as we were sitting at dinner, it was as if no time had passed at all since we were last together.

Just a few snaps from our day...

Good Day

It's wonderful to be at the Marriott. Not only do we feel safe in this, um, less-than-safe city, but we are surrounded by families who are adopting. You can't go anywhere in the hotel without seeing other babies and their adoptive parents. Everyone willingly shares their stories and we've met some incredible people. Ironically, most of the couples are from the Midwest. Today we met a couple from Evansville, one from St. Louis, Wisconsin, and Ohio. It reminds of me of those first weeks in college when the questions were, "Where are you from? What's your major? What house are you pledging?" Instead, it's "How old is s/he? Where are you in the process? Who's your agency?" These people understand the process and don't need long-winded explanations of why we aren't taking her home NOW. It's actually quite a relief.

As for our gorgeous girl, she causes quite a stir. There are a couple of reasons, one is that she is young-- younger than many of the kids being visited and picked up. The other is her hair. Then they get a look at her face and they all tell us what a beautiful girl she is. We agree, of course. But all of these kids are beautiful. We just think Gabriella is the best-looking one. Naturally.

We feel really blessed because Gabi Sol is a good sleeper, gentle-tempered, a self-soother and a good eater. She has been so much fun today because she has been really interested in our faces. She just stares and coos. We had two long periods today that she just looked and talked to us. She's such fun and she can barely do anything yet. I wonder what she'll be like in 3 months.

Daddy leaves early tomorrow morning and my heart just breaks for him. I know he's sad and disappointed he can't stay longer. And he's soooo smitten it's ridiculous. Kristin gets here tomorrow afternoon and then I go with Gabi to her 2 month appointment. I'm sure we'll have good news. But I'm excited to meet the physician who is providing her care. That's all for now.

Sunday Times

Gabriells had a big night last night. She slept for 6 hours straight, to our delight. When she awakened for good this morning, she was very alert and happy. She's got such great facial expressions. We went to the market and into some shops and then sat by the pool and talked for a while. You wouldn't believe the tales she tells. She just gets more beautiful with every minute we spend with her. We can't believe that she's ours.

Finally a Family

Edward arrived this afternoon at about 3:15 p.m. Gabi and I were in the lobby waiting. She was immediately intrigued by this big man with the deep voice. She stared at him for the longest time. His voice seemed to soothe her. Edward couldn't believe his eyes. He was surprised by how tiny she is and cracked up by her hair. He thinks she's "gorgeous." I think those were his words. He wanted to talk to her immediately and kiss her sweet face. He told her the story of his trip to see her. She couldn't get enough. Ed thinks she's pretty funny. Gabi gave him her signature smirk and Edward no longer belongs to me. His heart is lost to another.

Here are just a few pics from today, including one of our family.

Waiting for Daddy

Gabriella and I had a fairly uneventful night. She was up twice for a bottle. The second one was at 3:10 and we stayed up until 6 a.m. (By the way, I know that no one is interested in her every move, but this blog is serving as my personal journal of this experience, so you'll just have to bear with me.) Then she was down until 8:45, which I greatly appreciated. I was able shower and get ready, pack her bag and head to breakfast in under an hour. I think that's pretty good for my first morning with my girl. We had breakfast together in the dining room and then took a stroll. She enjoyed a catnap and then woke up when we got back to the baby lounge.

The Marriott has put together this baby lounge that has a high chair, pack n play, bouncy seat, jumpin' jack and an activity gym. It has internet access, a changing station in the bathroom, microwave, and bottle cleaning area and comfy furniture for the adults. It's such a convenience. This is on the "Family Floor." The whole third floor is fitted with rooms that have removed the mini-bar and replaced it with a refrigerator. They bring a crib in for the baby and you're all set. It's awesome.

I think I got everything pretty organized for Edward's arrival. I have Gabi's stuff put away and mine as well. It's a little cooler here in the morning and evening, so I have to layer her up. Then in the afternoon it's warmer, but still pleasant. In order to keep her comfortable, she has to change clothes for the afternoon. I took some pictures of her this morning (of course) because she was so cute in her little hoodie. She's just waiting for her daddy. He should be here around 3.
Where's Daddy?


Gabriella is a bit fussy and I think it's because I am mixing new formula with her old stuff. Our American brands just have a lot more of the good stuff. I brought some to give to the foster mother, so I'm trying to get her used to it. We'll see.

Guatemalan Sunshine

I have just met the most incredible person in the world... our daughter. She is so sweet. I got to talk to Mariela, who is our attorney's assistant, and learn all about her schedule, how much she's eating, sleeping, etc. We had quite a conversation because our room wasn't ready. Then I brought her up to the room. I knew when we were in the lobby that she had a dirty diaper. So I went to change a pretty nasty diaper, got her all cleaned up and she peed on me before I could get the diaper on her. She also peed all over her onesie and cute dress that her foster mother had her in. She was then mad about that. But that just gave me the opportunity to look at her belly and sweet little legs and arms. She is precious.

Now, her hair is another issue. I assure you that you've never seen hair like this. She looks like Don King! And it's adorable. When I first got to the hotel, I went upstairs to email everyone while I waited for Gabriella and the room to be ready. When I came back down, I see this women walking through the huge lobby with a baby with crazy (I mean loony-bin crazy) hair. I briefly thought that it could be Gabriella, but surely not. Lo and behold, Mariela came over and asked me if I was Miss Austin. Well, I wasn't prepared for Gabriella to just be looking at me. After all of these years and months of waiting to know our child, here she was. Pretty as a picture, cute as a bug, you name it-- that's what she is. So I promptly took a picture of Mariela and Gabi and then pounced on her. I'm delirious.

It was pretty crazy trying to find everything that was so carefully packed, but I got her re-dressed and gave her a bottle and now she's down for a nap. So far, I think she might be a bit of a self-soother. I just need to say one more time, I'M IN LOVE! Here are the three pictures I managed before the camera broke. I finally got to see her beautiful dark-as-night eyes. She's just delicious.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

I've spent the afternoon with my friends, Christy and Lucy Deegan. Christy and Dave are hosting me on the eve of my departure. Christy is working from home, so I got little Lucy all to myself. She's 5 months old and she's changed so much in just 2 months. She's got this beautiful smile and personality. What fun! The truth is she loves me. I am a lot of fun. I have more facial expressions than I know what to do with and a lot of funny voices. All of that equals a party to Lucy. Dave got to join us for dinner just in time to get the tab.

I leave tomorrow morning at 5:40. I have to be at the airport at 4:10. Awesome. Not really excited about that part. But I'll have my monkey in my arms by 2:30 tomorrow afternoon. Can't even believe that we're at this point. Finally, we're parents... that's all I can say.

I'll be updating daily if not more with new pictures and everything. Thanks for all of the support. And to everyone I owe thank-you notes to, I'll get to it when I get home. I'm not ungrateful-- I promise. I'm just a little busy going to visit OUR DAUGHTER!!!!

School's Out!

I just went back to the school where I did my student teaching and participated in an IEP meeting for one of my favorite students. I guess I now feel like my student teaching is over. I'm so sad to not be able to go there everyday. The teachers are wonderful and my cooperating SLP, Debbie, is a wonderful, wonderful person. She's very wise, creative, loving, practical and experienced. I learned so much and saw firsthand what real commitment to this profession is all about. I feel very blessed to have had her as a mentor. The teachers I worked with were amazing too. Their patience, dedication and senses of humor were wonderful. They respect each other and work hard to provide these children with a stable, safe and fun school. I'll miss the kids too. They are such a riot. Thank you Washington Early Childhood. God Bless!!!!

T minus 3

We are 3 days away from meeting our daughter! I have to stop and think about that. Well, technically Edward is 4 days away. But I will meet her at approximately 2 p.m. at the hotel on Friday. Earlier today my house looked like a baby had exploded. It's still very messy, but if this is what it is like without the actual baby here, I can only imagine what it will be like when she is here.

I'm getting so excited. If there wasn't so much to do in preparation, I'd be full throttle crazy right now. Fortunately, there's laundry, cleaning house, shopping and packing to do. I've just about got her packed. I'm working on me now. Between the computer, cameras, clothes and carseat, I may not make it to the gate. The only errands left to run are getting the foster mother's gift and some snacks for the plane.

I thought my flight was direct. I have no idea where I got that notion. I have to go through Houston and that makes me nervous about getting my luggage there. All I can do is pray. At the very least, I have enough stuff to get her through the first 48 hours in my carry-on. I have to stop writing because I have about 412 things to do. Good night! Oh, and just in case you forgot who I was going to see, allow me to post a pic of my pretty little monkey...

Finishing and Beginning Things

This weekend my mother retired. She's been teaching for about 42 years. It wasn't always special education and it wasn't always children. There were years that she taught parents and regular education classrooms. She also coached basketball and any number of sports that Paige and I were involved in. So, this is it. She's been counting down since August. That might have something to do with the fact that she is going to nanny for us when Gabi gets home. She's barely excited. Congratulations Mom! (Mom-- Notice that I didn't re-hash any of the comments from the dinner. You're welcome.)

On Sunday afternoon, Liza, Paige, Natalie and Lisa gave me a baby shower. It was beautiful and so fun! Lisa is a designer of all things decorative and floral. She's a genius. She made the cutest centerpieces with ladybugs in them. The girls made wonderful food and basically, Gabriella was spoiled rotten. She received about 2 million dollars worth of clothes, toys, books and blankets. Everything is beautiful and I'm pretty excited to get her home so she can meet all of these people who love her so much.


Just a sampling... my Aunt Jana made her an adorable fleece ladybug blanket and pillow and found this funny ladybug chair. My cousin, Kim, brought her two mini-skirts and shorts. My mom (by Mom, I mean Paige) found all of this hand-painted ladybug stuff- a lamp, candle holders,and a tiny tray (presumably to serve the princess's bottle on). I say Paige found it because my mother couldn't buy something on Ebay if her life depended on it. But it was her idea! Gabriella's Nana brought her a crystal rattle with her name and birthday engraved on it. Linda Castillon traveled from St. Louis to join us. And the Sisters were there in big numbers. It was very humbling and I'm so grateful to the hostesses for thinking of us. Thank you girls. Love you!

Cute clothes...









How ridiculous is this chair? I love it!!!

Graduation and my first Mother's Day

It's official. I graduated with my M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Illinois yesterday. I am so relieved to be finished. All that is left is to finish my student teaching this week. It was great to see my classmates after such a long hiatus. They looked like they didn't have a care in the world... what a wonderful accomplishment for all of them.


I also got to celebrate my first Mother's Day. I have to say that it's exciting to get to acknowledge this holiday, but next year will be much, much better. Luckily, by the time Father's Day rolls around, Edward will have met his beautiful daughter. He will have held her, kissed her, fed her, and snuggled her while she's slept. That will be a real Father's Day. I can't wait.

El Fin!!!

I am GRADUATING!!! I finished my last final today. I think I did quite well. And, frankly, there isn't anything I can do about it now. So, there you go. I will walk on Saturday in my college graduation ceremony with my classmates and friends. I am so glad that I decided to go back to school to pursue this nagging interest. It has developed into such a passion and I'm very fortunate to have discovered it. Some people go their whole lives and never feel this way about their career.

I jokingly told Ed today that this was my last final exam until I decide to go back for my PhD. He firmly said that I will under no circumstances be returning for my PhD. That would just kill him. I've got news. He is in no danger!

Woohoo!!

My Favorite Labbies

Two days ago, friends from the lab I work in sent us beautiful flowers to show their support. They are absolutely gorgeous and they smell amazing. We can smell them as soon as we walk in the door. We're so appreciative to have so many people who show their concern and help us carry these difficult and share our joyful times. Thank you, Labbies (Laura, Mary-Kelsey, Lauren, Lauren, Carly, Ashley, Kelly, Lisa, Christine, Meg, Mary and Marcia)!!

Giddy in Chambana

We just received new pictures and a medical update today. Gabriella is 1 month 6 days old. She's gained 2 lbs. in a month. She is 51 cm long (20.08 in) and is in excellent health!!! We can't tell you how excited and relieved we are after the events of the last 6 weeks. We think she is beautiful and we believe that we made the right name choice. She looks like a Gabriella. I used to have dreams about a baby from Vietnam with stick'em up hair. She's not from Vietnam, but look at that hair! I guess sometimes dreams do come true.

Angel Watching Over Us

Yesterday, our sweet Karen Lorena passed away. She was very sick and just couldn't fight anymore. She was 2 months, 10 days old and we will always consider her our first child. We fell in love with her big, brown eyes and we prayed for her everyday to grow bigger and stronger. We asked God to care for her as He saw fit. His plan was to call her to His kingdom when she was still very tiny. We are sad that her time here was so painful, but very grateful that her pain has ended. We love you, Karen.


We know that Karen Lorena Pedro is now an angel watching over us. Thank you, God, for showing Your mercy to this precious little girl.