Starting Over...

We are excited to announce that we accepted a referral for a little girl yesterday. She is absolutely darling and pretty funny. Her pictures show a very sleepy girl who couldn't be bothered to wake up and join the party. These pics are from her first doctor's visit at 3 days. We've never seen such a little peanut with so much hair. And she's sticking her tongue out at us. How rude!

Anyway, she was born on March 27 in Escuintla and was 5 lb. 9 oz. We think she's adorable. She should be going back for her one month appointment either tomorrow or early next week. We'll get more pictures and medical information then. As for what we know now, she's as healthy as can be. Our trip to visit in a month is still on. We can't wait to meet her. I'll have to take a suitcase full of hairbows for her.
One last tidbit, her foster mother is Ryker's foster mother's best friend. I know that's a lot to digest, but Kristin and Josh have met her several times and assure us that our baby girl couldn't be in better hands.

I know one of the questions we've been asked is what her name will be. Will we keep it the same or what? We've talked and talked about it and looked and looked at her and we definitely think she looks like a Gabriella. And I have loved the name Sol since we met Sol Green. I believe that she will be the sunshine of our lives, if how we feel about her today is any indication. So, there it is... Gabriella Sol. We can't wait to hold you.

We're very grateful for everyone's support. This has been a difficult time and we know that God's plan is in action. We will bring our daughter home. And we ask that as you pray for us, you also include our sweet Karen Lorena. She is in such a scary place. May God keep her safe and warm. And may she know how much we love her today and will always love her.

Sad News

We are devastated to report that we lost our referral for baby Gabriella today. Sadly, her medical status was very precarious. We and the agency agreed that this is the best thing for both her and us. This situation is a known risk in any adoption. That doesn't really make us feel any better. We are grateful that we found out before we actually met her, as that would have been even more difficult. We love her and will continue to pray for her.

All in God's plan. What more can you say? Because this is such a painful subject, we would really appreciate if we were not bombarded with questions. Just know that we will be matched with the baby who is supposed to be ours. We appreciate how excited everyone has been for us. We hope to have an announcement very soon. Until then, God bless...

A Little Blurb on Baby

We received Gabriella's birth certificate earlier this week. She was 5 lbs. 8 oz. when was born and delivered at home. Her mother and grandfather were listed. But the father was not. I'm not complaining about what WASN'T there. In most countries, you never have the luxury of knowing who your child's biological parents are. So I feel very lucky that Gabriella will have that information.

Supposedly, we are being submitted for DNA authorization tomorrow morning. We'll see how that goes...

Our little Reagan turned 8 months on the 15th and she's in PGN. We're hoping she has a speedy stay and can get home by the end of June. She is so beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on her. She and her mom, KW, will be staying with Gabriella and me when we visit at the end of May. Cannot wait!

Not the Best of Luck

Let me give you a snippet of the drama that has ensued in my life over the past week. First, I awakened on Good Friday with severe back spasms that left me horizontal until 5 pm. Thank goodness for muscle relaxers. Ed left for Singapore on Tuesday. While he dined with the President of Singapore (seriously), I went to celebrate Gabriella with some fellow students/friends. When we returned to our building on campus, I ran into the restroom. Next thing you know, I turned around in the stall and my key flew into the toilet as it was already flushing. Down the drain! Of course, it wasn't just a key, it was the electronic keyless entry type. That'll cost me a pretty penny. When I called the dealership to ask that they order me a new one, the service manager couldn't stop laughing.

The evening continued along that line when my friends had to drive me home to get Ed's key and we discovered that the dog had diarrhea in AND around the kennel. I threw her in the shower, while my friend cleaned up the kennel. The dog bed had to be pitched. While I was showing the girls some of the stuff in the nursery, I hear the front screen door open. Izzy had run off in 30 degree weather after just having a bath. By now, I was about 3 hours behind my schedule for the day. Luckily, she returned when she realized how cold it was outside.

And finally, I ended this stellar week with the onset of a cold... oh joy!!! When it rains it pours. I missed my dear friend's going away party in Mt.V. and feel like a big loser. But geez, something's gotta give.

BUT, my friend Karli is pregnant with her second bebe. I'm so excited that her Madeline will be a big sister. There are a lot of babies in the making right now!

In adoption news, we received some info about the birth mother. The preliminary interviews with her and the family revealed that they are all every supportive of this adoption. That's a relief. And we should be submitted for DNA approval this week. That's all I got...

April Showers

We hope everyone had a happy Easter. We did. We spent Saturday in Effingpatch with Ed's family. A baby shower was given for Gabriella by my sister-in-law and it was beautiful! We had delicious food and NO games (which I was very grateful for), but lots of fun. Most of the guests were from Ed's side of the family, as well as my mom and our Effingham crew of friends. We were so spoiled and it was really fun to celebrate Gabriella with such important people in our lives. Edward was especially moved by how genuinely happy everyone seemed for us.



Later in the day, the rest of the family joined us for Easter dinner. The kids had an egg hunt in the basement (to avoid the winter climate outside) and enjoyed a prize or two-- candy and cold, hard cash! Griffin was easily distracted by a single egg with a piece of candy in it. No need to spend all of his energy racing around like those crazy, big kids... while big brother, Spencer, burned off his chocolate buzz performing for the adults.

Well, Gabi Sol is a little closer to having all of her creature comforts. A sampling of her loot:
- a pack 'n play
- an exersaucer
- a high chair
- a music box for all of her special treasures with her mom's teething ring and baby ring, books and brag book photo album
- a cake made out of diapers, a bottle of champagne (for mom and dad) and outfits galore
- Leap Frog musical table
- special shoes from her friend, Emma
- beautiful smocked dress with organza bow and winter dress with rhinestone tights
- a gardening pot with toys and shopping money
- lots of summery outfits (capris, bubble romper, and dress) including a swimsuit with matching skirt and sunglasses for next summer and toy for her carseat
- beautiful blankets and toys that any little girl would dream of
- a picture frame plate and keepsake ceramic booty with Gabi's picture
- a basket with a funny book, a bathtub, cozy blanket and bibs
- and a very special handpicked bear from her cousin Emmie



Can you say SPOILED ROTTEN? Gifts are wonderful and we are so appreciative, but more than anything, we feel so blessed that so many people love Gabriella already. What a lucky little girl!

In other news, my friend Kathy and her husband have decided to adopt through the foster care system-- so excited for them! My friend, Meagan, is pregnant with her third child and due in October. And I passed my Praxis exam and Illinois Certification tests!!! That's a lot of good news in one week. Let's hope it keeps comin'...