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This is the story of my journey to bring Willow home from Guatemala. I am now mom to two daughters: Lily (5) who was born in China and Willow (2).

Monday, December 29, 2008

Feliz Navidad!

All offices are closed in Guatemala this week, so there will be no developments on the birth certificate until next week some time. Sandra sent an email this afternoon telling me that Willow had a happy Christmas and received many presents, was very happy, and is in a home filled with love and peace while she waits for me. Check out these big-girl pig tails: I sent this T-Shirt in her last care-package (I do believe she has my thighs):
That's right - kisses not biting:
What's interesting about this one, is that I had recently decided to bring Lily's doll stroller on our trip to Guatemala because I thought Willow would be old enough to LOVE pushing it around the hotel. Lily was about this age when we bought her stroller at the American Girl store in Chicago and she had a blast hauling her dolls all over in it - she still does actually. Anyway - now there's no doubt Willow will love her stroller. I sent this dress and the little purple mary janes down too. I think they're SO cute! I sent the pink, footless leggings to go with this dress, but I guess they didn't "get" my style.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Can't catch a break

I called Guatemala again today - the office where birth certificates are provided. I've talked to this woman there twice every week since our file was submitted. Today she gave me the sad news that there was an error in our file - LONG boring explanation omitted here - and it will have to be fixed and resubmitted before receiving the birth certificate. I have NO idea how much time this could cost. Who knows when the attorney will pick up the file or how complicated it could be to fix the error and then we wait the 15 days AGAIN after I'm resubmitted.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Birth Certificate in progress

The first step of the birth certificate is complete. I expect to wait 15 days for the next step to be completed. After 15 days (crossing all fingers and toes), when that final birth certificate step is complete, I expect to travel about 4 weeks later. I will only get 5-7 days notice to book my flight with exact dates. We are sooooo close!

Sandra emailed me the following video of Pili at the park. They say she is a dare-devil. Sandra wrote that she worries greatly about Pili's adjustment: she wants only to be with Veronica as if she knows their time together is nearing an end. She begs me in every email now to pray for Pili to adjust well. They all worry terribly for her initial sadness. So does Mommy - pray everyone. Pray!

If I knew how to rotate this, I would. Sorry. I've watched about a million times and my neck may never be the same!