A Big Thank You!

A big thank you to my doctor for passing on her little boy's adorable clothes! (Don't I have the BEST doctor?!) She gave us a huge box and bag full of things I can't wait to see Cohen in.




I love these swimming trunks and think they will be perfect for Cohen's first trip to the beach!


Nothing cuter than a little boy in overalls. And look at these shoes!

Ready to Stand!

What a great song for those of us who need a little encouragement! I know Cohen will be home one day and I might as well be brave as I wait.

Apartment Hunting...

Yes, I am ready to start searching for an apartment... in Guatemala! No, for us this is not financially possible, but if I win the lotto... Our agency sent us some information today explaining that because of some unethical adoption practices by some facilitators in Guatemala, the US Embassy would be "scrutinizing" over adoption paperwork before issuing visas for our babies. Funny, I thought they already spent enough time "scrutinizing" over our paperwork!

This news breaks my heart! A process that takes entirely too long is now going to take longer and there is nothing we can do. I know that this decision has been made to ultimately protect children in Guatemala from being kidnapped and smuggled into the US, but I also know that our attorney and her staff in Guatemala are doing everything by the book. Here's the site with the latest news:

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3147.html

So... Who wants to share an apartment in Antigua with me? I am going to start hunting and dreaming!!!

The Latest...

I was trying to hold out and not post again until we received Cohen's latest pictures, but I just got an email from our agency that said we would probably not be getting the pictures today. (Our attorney's assistant had a death in the family.) So, I know I keep saying this, but we really do expect new pictures any day now!!!! :)

Last Friday we received a copy of the DNA testing along with two pictures of Cohen and his birthmother. These are going to be special pictures just for Cohen when he is older. How can I describe his birthmother? Of course she looks sad as she holds the son she is not able to raise, but she also looks hopeful because of the life she knows he will have here in America. Our agency gives us the opportunity to meet the birthmother if that is something we want to do and the attorney feels like the birthmother can handle that. We decided that we would like to meet her because we know that Cohen is one day going to want every little detail about her that we can give him. Our attorney's response to whether or not she thought we should meet Cohen's birthmother -- YES!

Now, more about Cohen: He is a CHUNK! He will fit right in around here. Robby and I were both very chubby babies. His foster mom had him dressed in denim overalls and a little striped shirt. So cute! Remember all that hair? He lost it! I can't wait to show off his new pictures. He has those cheeks you just want to squeeze!

Some days are harder than others

To say there are ups and downs throughout the journey of adoption is a major understatement. One day I find myself jumping up and down over a cheek swab and the next day I can't seem to get rid of that lump in my throat that tells me I just need to have a good cry. So today (after my good cry) I found myself curled up in a rocking chair in Cohen's semi-empty room writing in my journal.

You worry that toys are scattered everywhere
I cry at the sight of unopened toys in his room
You feel overwhelmed about your endless laundry
I find another outfit that is now too small for him to wear
You have a headache from all the noise and commotion
I have never heard him laugh or coo or cry
Your back hurts from picking them up for the thousandth time
My arms are painfully empty
You plan a birthday celebration
I mark the passing of yet another year
You say "Enjoy your freedom."
I say "Cherish your children."

It's a Match!!!!

First of all -- we received the DNA results and it's a match!!!! Whew! Robby was not worried about this, but with international adoption, you never know. So I am so happy to get the great news from our agency today. We will eventually get a picture of Cohen with his birthmother that was taken the day that they took the cheek swabs, but haven't gotten that yet.

We also found out today that Cohen won't go in for his check-up until the 15th, which means we won't get any new pictures until sometime after the 15th. Our adoption worker does not work on Friday's and the following Monday is President's Day, so all I know is we will be getting some soon. (I guess I can stop checking my email every time I walk past the computer, huh?)

I saw the cutest baby things on another Guatemala blog (she found them at cafepress.com and there are so many other cute ones I did not post) and had to show some of my favorites. Of course I think Cohen needs all of these, but I will try not to go too crazy... Let me know what your favorites are!

Cohen's Quilt

My mom is working on the quilt for Cohen's room. She brought it over on Saturday to show us her progress and we LOVE it! It is going to look so cute in his room!

Yesterday I went to a S t a m p i n ' U p party and ordered some things so that I can make Cohen's adoption announcements. The cards are going to have a pirate's map in the background and say, "Our treasure has finally arrived!" I can't wait to get started on them -- anything to help keep me busy and feeling productive!

Still Waiting

Yes, we are still waiting for new pictures of Cohen and even Bailey is growing a little impatient. We did hear that the lab in North Carolina received the cheek swabs, so in 7-10 days we should hopefully have a DNA match!

Funny story about our three-year-old niece Elizabeth:

"Mommy, what's that?"

"That's a present for baby Cohen."

"Is he at Robby and Lori's?"

"No, he is still in Guatemala."

"Can't we just sneak down there and get him?!" (My thoughts exactly!)

"I wish we could."

BRRRRRR!!!!!

For those of you who haven't met our puppies (well, they are three and four, but still puppies to me) here's Boo and Bailey. Boo is the cuddly Maltese and Bailey is our sweet little rescue dog. They are both excited about the snow and have already enjoyed playing in it.

Robby and I signed up to take a Spanish class, which we thought would be helpful when we travel. Our class is a small group made up of adoptive parents with children from Latin America. Our first class is supposed to be tonight, but it may get cancelled because of the weather. Of course Robby is all for braving the roads -- he is ready to see how the new Jeep handles the snow. It could be an interesting night...

My husband...

is the best! Today he put up blinds in Cohen's room and shampooed the carpet. Precious!

No big news about family court or DNA, but the attorney's office in Guatemala did answer some of our questions. We found out that Cohen is sleeping in his own crib -- Yea!!! There is another foster child, a baby girl, in the home as well as the foster mom's two grandchildren. I am so happy that Cohen has children close by. I am sure he loves the entertainment of watching a three-year-old and a five-year-old run around.

We are crossing our fingers for new pictures this week!!!!