Better Explanation

Paige asked for a better explanation of the timeline, so I hope this helps. Once our DNA arrives at the Embassy, they have 72 hours to issue an appointment. Once they issue the appointment, they seem to be at about 7-8 days out for the actual appointment. In other words, if we get an appointment (pink) on Monday, our appointment will probably be the next Monday. No matter what-- it's exciting! We are almost there!! Paige, does that help? Sorry I was unclear before.

DNA News

Our DNA is a match and on its way to the Embassy. It is scheduled to arrive tomorrow no later than 6 pm. We're assuming it won't be logged in until Thursday. But we're still a day ahead of what we expected. Please pray for a fast PINK!!! My friend Kyra is wearing pink every day until Gabi gets pink. We can feel the love, Ky!!!

Nana's Here!!!

Jane (aka Nana) arrived today right on time. I was able to take Gabi to the city, do some shopping at the Wal-Mart store and head to the airport just 5 minutes before she walked out the door. Gabi was very excited to see her Nana again. I was actually surprised how agreeable she was. Over the last few days she's been exhibiting some separation anxiety behaviors, so I wasn't sure what the reaction would be. All is well.

We have really just been hanging out this afternoon. We missed the art group because Gabi woke up from her nap too late to go. I really felt like the nap was important since she's teething and somewhat crabby. Sleep goes a long way in curing those woes.

No other news. We hope to hear about the DNA being shipped out tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

Report on 2nd DNA

Unfortunately, our DNA did not arrive at the lab in the US until Friday. It is not expected to leave their hands until Wednesday. This should put it at the Embassy on Thursday or Friday. We hope to get pink early the next week. Currently, appointments are only 7 days out from pink, so we're praying for that.

Gabi's Nana is arriving tomorrow for a visit. She'll be here until the 14th. This will surely keep us busy until our appointment. I'm praying the Edward arrives soon after to see his baby girl again. We're getting there, it's just a slow process. As if you needed me to tell you that.

Kristin and Reagan left this morning. They were flying on a buddy pass and I'm praying that they got on their flight. If not, they have to spend the night in the city. We had such a good time. Kristin and I got some much needed face-to-face time and we were able to enjoy our girls together. We want them to know each other so badly. I have no doubts. What a wonderful friend to come down here!

Reagan and Gabi

Hot Sunday

The morning started very hot as we took the 20-minute walk to brunch. By the time we arrived, I was sweating and not very lovely. But the food was great and the company even better. Gabi ate like a horse again and enjoyed some raspberries and blackberries, which are new to her.

We then went shopping for a few "necessities" in the market. We found a couple of table runners, toys and gifts for people back home. The girls were antsy, so we headed to the central park and let them play. Reagan found a boyfriend and they blew bubbles for a while. Gabi climbed on the benches.

It was at the central square that we had an altercation with a couple of young girls. These young ladies (probably 12 or 13 year olds) sell their wares in the square to tourists. The police run them off usually, but they typically manage to make their way around. Today, while I was playing with Gabi on the bench, one of them sat down and started talking to me. She wanted me to buy something for $1. I said no repeatedly and then agreed. It was actually something I wanted, but when I went to get the money she said, "It's $20." I didn't even have that much cash on me. And I didn't want it that bad. She kept after me, dropping the price from 20 to 15 to 12 to 10. When I said no, she got upset and said, "You stink!" Well, I laughed. I told her that she was the one that presented her goods for $1.

Kristin talked to these girls for a while and offered to buy them an ice cream instead of buying their stuff. They agreed and told her that they wanted to go to the expensive ice cream shop. I said no, primarily because I didn't want to get into a long drawn out affair. We were already worn out and still had errands to run. Instead, we bought an ice cream from one of the street vendors. They overcharged Kristin 5 times the normal price and were then going to give the money back to the girls. Kristin busted them and asked what the normal price was. The little boy working the ice cream stand fessed up and returned the money. Well, Kristin was hot!!! And I don't blame her. Anyway, we were aggravated by the negative response to a kind act. Oh well.

We finally got home after grocery shopping and picking up a toy for Gabi at the outdoor market. When you get home after walking around Antigua, you are dirty. You are generally hot and very, very dirty. There is a lot of dust and exhaust that circulates in this country. The air quality is terrible. And as you walk through town, it attaches to you like a parasite. You feel like you could peel the layer of filth right off of you. It's very odd that it doesn't seem to bother you as you go about your business. That's probably because everyone else is covered in that same layer of filth. It's lovely. Despite that, I still love it here very much. More every day, in fact.

Outdoor Adventures

Today Kristin and I took the girls on a couple of adventures. First, we had to repair the flat on my stroller. I would have a hard time figuring out where I would get an inner tube for a stroller in the States. Forget about solving this problem in Antigua, Guatemala. Lo and behold, Lorraine knew exactly where to go. She led me in the bowels of one of the markets to a man who found a tube for me and repaired. He didn't even charge me to fix it, just for the tube. Can you imagine my luck?

Then we headed over to Santa Rosa Apartments on the other side of town where several American families reside while fostering. It is a gated community with lots of yard space and socializing. We had lunch with some girls, played in the yard with the kids, celebrated an 8 year-old's birthday and enjoyed the sunshine.

Gabi had a rough time today because of her teeth. The discomfort makes her incredibly clingy. On top of that, I think she became overstimulated. She was crawling all over me. Finally, in order to settle her down, I took her away from the crowd and sang (yes, sang) to her and she was able to regroup. We then went to dinner with 8 moms and 8 kids. It was obnoxious for the other patrons, but lovely for us.

Reagan had a great time playing with the other kids. There were several just about her age and lots of toys for her to explore. The sunshine wore all of us out, especially since it was such a hot day, but we had such a good time.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Our morning started with an earthquake. I love it!!! Kristin and I were just sitting here. We looked at each other and said, "It's an earthquake." And then it was over. That's it. No drama here. I've never been in an earthquake before. Antigua is awesome!

Gabi cut a new tooth on top. She has two more coming in on the bottom. I distracted her today by taking her swimming. It's one of her favorite things. Reagan loved it too. The pool is perfect for little guys and they were both slap happy by the time we left. They both slept well as a result. And so did the mamas.

My computer is fixed!!!!! I don't think I can overstate how important my computer is to me. I feel like I've lost a limb when I don't have it. So when the little computer girl told me it was just the cord and fixed it, I almost kissed her on the mouth. Such happiness. Get ready for Blogamania!!

I'm more in love with this little monkey every day. She is absolutely precious. She's silly and smart and content and active and fearless. And she's just so much fun! When Nana gets here next week, she's not going to believe this girl.

Nothing Much to Report

The girls are taking a nap and I thought I'd post a couple more pictures. Today we're off to the pool with the crew of moms and kids. We've been out and about this morning airing up my stroller tire that went flat last night, buying antibiotics for my ongoing sinus infection and hitting the ATM. It's been warm here so the pool is a nice respite from the heat. My computer may be fixed later this morning, which would put me back on track in my life.





Reagan saw Gabi's bedhead this morning and said "Pretty." We thought that was a riot. Gabi is feeling so much better than a week ago. She's about to finish her antibiotics and the cough is much looser and productive. Thank goodness for that.

What's happening in Antigua?

Kristin and Reagan arrived today! I'm so excited to see them it's ridiculous! Reagan has grown so much and Gabi thinks Aunt Kristin is pretty swell. She was a little overwhelmed at first, but she's happy they're here.

Gabi cut another tooth on the top today. I could have sworn she had one coming in on the bottom and suddenly there was one on the top. She was a little fussy yesterday, but just needed some extra snuggling. No problem. She's so lovely.

Kristin is glad to be back in Antigua. She fostered her son, Ryker, here about 3 years ago and has very fond memories of the experience. I think it's a bit surreal that we're here together again. Ed and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends who have come so far to share this experience with us. Can you imagine Christy, Lucy, Kristin and Reagan coming so far to be with us? I just love it!!!

It sounds as if one of the moms here has decided to put together an art group for the kids. She is an art therapist and think it might be good support group time for the parents and fun time for the kids. I'm really excited to go to the first one this next week.





Ok, a few more pictures.