Happy New Year!

So sorry about the venting in the last post. Our friends and family have been so wonderful through this whole experience and we let a few little comments bring us down. We are so thankful for all of you! Above are a few photos from Christmas. I loved having our nieces and nephews over to make gingerbread houses. Cohen is going to love playing with his cousins!

We have never been so excited to bring in the New Year before. 2007 means the year that we will finally become parents! 2007 is the year that Cohen will come home to us! 2007 will be a year full of firsts -- Cohen's first steps, first words, and first brithday. We look forward to sharing all of these firsts with you!

Thoughtless Comments

We knew that adopting a child from another country would not always be easy. We had been warned that even a simple trip to the grocery could turn into 20 Questions with strangers in the grocery line. What we were not prepared for were the thoughtless questions and comments that would come from those closer to us. Most people have only the best intentions when asking us questions and I realize that not everyone knows the best way to phrase their questions. So we try not to be overly sensitive when others mention Cohen's "real mother" or focus on "how much we're paying." I found a website with comments from other adoptive families that I thought was helpful. Thought I would share just a little from this site.

"Our 19-month-old adopted daughter is from Asia and she doesn't look like us. We love her with all our hearts, as we do our biological son. Our problem is people who ask things like 'Is she really yours?' and 'What country did you get her from?' and, the real winner, 'How much did you pay for her?' I don't want this to happen when she gets older and understands what people are saying. What can I do to stop their rude questions?"

"Our daughter is Hispanic; my husband is a red-head and I'm a blonde. The truth is that I welcome questions because we're so grateful for the way God has blessed us by making us a family. Each time someone asks, it's an opportunity to share God's grace and mercy. Also, nine times out of ten, the persons asking are trying to adopt themselves and they want to be as prepared as possible. It used to really bother me when people would say things like, "Well, maybe when she grows up she won't be so dark." My husband had to point out to me that these were their awkward attempts to make US feel better about our lack of resemblance. We don't care about looking alike or not, but it seems to be something others think is important. God has not blessed everyone with a heart for adoption. Only those of us who have adopted truly understand the parent-child relationship that goes beyond genetics. We never shy away from questions because we don't want our daughter to ever think we're ashamed. Every adoptive parent is in some way an ambassador for adoption--even if it's uncomfortable. Just pray for an extra dose of God's mercy and grace before you respond to questions."
-- MrsJ

"I'm a Caucasian woman with a Caucasian husband, and we have two adopted children from China. We've gotten our fair share of remarks, but I see a big difference between people who are rude and people who are just don't know any better. In the latter case, I feel it's my job to do a little bit of educating. After all, if not me, who? If not now, when? So when people ask me how much I 'paid' for my daughters (and yes, I have been asked that question, many times), I simply explain that you don't pay for a child, but that there are governmental fees in both America and China. I think it's important for me to be a good role model for my daughters in how to deal with these intrusive questions politely and with dignity. They won't always have me around to answer for them, but the questions will be there."
— Lisa

Our Cutie Pie!

Since we both took this week off, we decided to paint Cohen's room today. While taking a break in between the first and second coat of paint, we happened to check our e-mail and found a wonderful surprise -- more pictures of Cohen! He went to the doctor on December 20th for a check-up. He now weighs 10.8 pounds and is almost 21 inches long. How cute is he! I love the one that looks like he is about to sneeze!

Merry Christmas, Cohen!

Even though Cohen is still in Guatemala, our family couldn't resist buying him a few Christmas presents. Thank you everyone! We can't wait until next Christmas when Cohen gets to tear into his presents on his own!

Matching Grant Awarded!

When we decided to move forward with Cohen's adoption, we sent Love Basket the majority of the adoption fees. However, we still need the remaining $5,000 for adoption costs when Cohen's adoption is finalized. We can see how God is making this adoption possible through the generosity of our friends and family. Last week we found out that we are receiving a matching grant through Life International! How perfect that this grant is the exact amount that we needed! Life International will partner with our church to match up to $2,500 that is donated for Cohen's adoption from now until March 1, 2007. Donations will be tax deductible and 100% will go toward Cohen's adoption costs. Life International does not take anything out for administrative costs. To read more about this non-profit Christian ministry, click on Life International below.

Life International

Cohen's Latest Picture

What a great day for us -- we received a new picture of Cohen! It looks like his foster parents are taking great care of him. They have him dressed in a sweet little white sweater. Someone explained to us that even though it is always warm in Guatemala, they like to bundle up their babies.

Disappointing news...

We received two disappointing emails from Love Basket today. The first message informed us that one of our Embassy documents had a mistake (Cohen's last name was incorrect and since it is still a Spanish last name we did not pick up on it) and we need to correct it and send it to Guatemala. The second message explained that the attorney is very busy and she will do her best to send us an updated medical report along with pictures before Christmas, but that might not be possible.

So, to take my mind off my frustration and prepare for my visit with a client from Guatemala, I found some Spanish children's song online. To listen, click below:

Spanish Children's Songs

Anxiously awaiting an update...

We were hoping that Cohen would have a doctor's visit this past week and we would receive an update, but no news or pictures yet. Keep checking back since we are hopeful that we will get an update any day now. We are so anxious to see how he has changed since his newborn pictures!

Our friend Holly shared with us some information about the non-profit organization her mother started to help women and children in Guatemala. You can read more about her organization by clicking on the link below. Make sure you see the picture of Holly's daughter Sarah -- she is such a cutie!

Feed The Dream

Better Days

Now that all the work on our side of the adoption is finished, all we can do is wait. Although our agency tries to give us an estimated amount of time until we can hold our baby (six months -- maybe longer) there are still so many details that have to be taken care of by so many different people. Our Christmas wish for this year is "better days."

Better Days
Goo Goo Dolls

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again