Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Okay, an update is LONG overdue and I apologize! We have been home 2 full weeks and it is WONDERFUL. The flight home was completely uneventful. We left the hotel at 11am and arrived home at 8pm (7pm Guat time) and the babies, niether of them, fussed a single moment of the day. They were just fabulous: napping, eating and giggling when awake.

Something amazing has occured because it seems with child #3 and 4 there is no adjustment period. We are tired but no more than we always have been. I think our 4 year olds, with their full of life and spirited personalities, wear us out much more than the babies. Aaron is just a delight. He smiles a lot, has started babbling. His first week home, he sat up for about 1 minute - unassisted. He is still waking up 1 to 2 times per night for feedings and I was pretty sure that I had read that by now it would be 1 time per night. So, either he is still very hungry, not grown out of that yet or I am doing something wrong. We'll work it out soon enough though. Kya and Autumn have adjusted fantastic and I truly beleive it's because of our visits down to Guatemala. They love the babies and there has been no jealousy or new behavorial issues. They have truly been wonderful big sisters to the babies. The only fits the big girls seem to have is when the babies go down for naps. Then they cheer when the babies wake up.

Aaron had is first U.S doctors appointment already which was also his 6 month check up and he did wonderful. He is on target and doing well.

This is the end of this blog. Time to say goodbye to the adoption websites and start an at-home forumn. Within the month I will send out a link to the new location.

Thank you for your prayers, for joining us on this most amazing miracle to bring these babies home!

Enjoy the photos.


Our last night in Guatemala


Aaron's plane ride home!


Meeting his Meema and Aunt Hope as big sister Kya delights in his homecoming.


First night home, first family dinner (Thanks to Dawn's mom!!!)


The kids are ready for bed, their first night home. Their Aunt Hope and Uncle Joel are spending the night as well.


Aaron's first nap at home on day two. What a sweet baby boy! We are so blessed.


The babies are sharing a room. This is Aaron's side.


First bath at home.


Sweet baby boy in his new exer-saucer. He loves it!


First Sunday home. All our children - all ready for Church! What a blessing!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Embassy Day

Our Embassy Appointment was at 7:15am. We left the hotel around 6:30 and were back about 10:15. Aaron's application to become a permanent US Citizen was approved today! His IR3 Visa will be ready tomorrow. Woo Hoo!!!!!

Today we had a late breakfast, long nap, a little shopping and an early dinner. Dale and I also called back home and spoke to our two 4yr olds today, Kya & Autumn. We miss them SOOOOO much! It's never the same without them around. They add such joy to all our memories and we look forward to getting home to them. We are trying to make the most of our final days here and make some memories with our new babies in their birth country. Here are some pictures of our day.


Bath Time for Aaron



Happy Embassy Day my beautiful baby boy!


So happy having bananas


Hangin' out at McCafe (McDonald's coffee shop - so nice!) No Starbuck's here. Starbuck's doesn't compare to Guatemalan coffee.



Doing a little shopping for Kya & Autumn

Sunday, January 6, 2008

GOTCHA! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!

WE HAVE OUR SON! Aaron Gabriel is officially and legally our son. He was placed in our arms forever and ever in the lobby of our hotel in Guatemala City at 2:30pm, January 6, 2008. Today Aaron also turned 6 months old. We are overwhelmed with emotions. We are thanking Jesus for our son, our miracle.




We would also like to thank and remember the woman who cared for him the first 6 months of his life, Mirna, His foster mother. Thank you Mirna for loving our son as your own.