Santa

Last week we went to Macy's 8th floor auditorium to see the display and Santa. I was a little leary as to how Charli would react. But we went with my high school friend Juli, her husband Dan and their two kids. Emily and Louie saw Santa first and sat right on his lap. Charli got to see this. She didn't want to sit on his lap but she was truly fascinated with him. She giggles now when anyone says, "Ho, Ho, Ho".

I also wanted to pass on a really neat tidbit. Dan is a stay at home dad but also is a high school and college referee. His crew was selected to referee the Alonzo Alamo Stagg Bowl. This is the Division III Championship game. This is a real honor. If you happen to be near a TV this Saturday around 10:00AM you may catch him on ESPN2. I know I'll be watching while finishing the baking.

Only a week until Christmas. Wow, how the first 3 months with Charli have flown by. I am so thrilled to have her home for Christmas. I know there are still many of my on-line friends who have yet to bring their children home. Please keep them in your prayers.

sara

Finally baptism pix

 

Well, I finally got a collage of the baptism pix posted. You should be able to click on it to blow it up as well as each individual picture.

Thanksgiving came and went as a rather uneventful day. However, Eric was able to stay healthy and didn't catch anything from Charli. I did have a babysitter on Sunday 11/30 so I could help mom and dad with their big tree. Madison Davis came over and said that it went well except that Charli cried off and on for the last hour or so. She said it wasn't unbearable, but I'll find out for sure when I call her again :-)

I also had my first real "grown up" outing this weekend. On Saturday, Maureen, Jane, Dan, Sue, Mom and Dad and I went to Palomino and to see "Wicked". It was a real treat. I had my neighbor Darlene and her two boys watch Charli. The boys must have really played hard with Charli as I didn't hear a peep from her and she slept until 7:40AM!!!

This weekend I am hoping to attempt some holiday baking. We'll see how that goes. I'll keep you posted.

sara

Altered Thanksgiving

Well, our Thanksgiving has been up-ended as of today. Charli had her 15 month check up on Friday, November 14th. During that visit she got 4 shots. One of them was the chicken pox vaccine. And of course she had to react to it. Sunday night I noticed a few spots around her neck. By yesterday she has what appears to be a rash but is actually a very mild case of chicken pox. I didn't freak as well, I had them twice. But my next and most crucial thought was about Eric. He just finished his 6 months of chemo and he NEVER had chicken pox. I think he had the vaccine a few years ago but am not sure. My pediatrician suggested he call his oncologist. Fortunately, they were in Florida until today. Charli and I did not go to the office today. Eric (or Karen) did call the oncologist. Guess what??? This could be potentially fatal for Eric. I feel terrible. Our first holiday and we won't all be together. I know they all understand. But I still feel terrible. I guess I'd rather have it be this holiday rather than Christmas.

Well, I still have a lot of thank you notes to write so I better get to it.
sara

So far so good....

Charli has made it through two work weeks and we're starting number 3. She has also survived an action packed weekend, company, "Brew and View", baptism and a "Sip N See". I'd have to say with all of that she's actually doing very well. As for work, she doesn't always nap well, but today she went for 45 minutes. And after seeing the pediatrician on Friday, I'm not fretting over this. He said that since I'm averaging 11 hours at night, she may not be a big napper. So, I've decided to just let it be as it is.

I haven't gotten the baptism pix printed yet, but hope to this week. I have a ton of thank you's to write. I really need to get those done this week too. Why?? Well, traditionally I put up my Christmas tree before Thanksgiving as then I help my folks with theirs and the baking begins. I don't think I'll be doing the "flamingo" tree this year and a few of the glass and sentimental ornaments may not make it on the living room tree either. Oh, well, my life has changed. Most definitley for the better. Once I get the pix done, I'll post one or two.

sara

Halloween

The weather was beautiful and Charli seemed to enjoy her first Halloween. She went as Piglet as it was one of her wonderful hand-me-downs. I have to say she was a darling little Piglet. We went over to Jama and Papa's house to trick or treat. Then we went to Barker's in Hudson to see Maureen, Jane and Dan. (Sue wasn't there yet). Charli and I then wen t to a few neighbors houses here. It was sooo much fun to see her in the costume and having fun. By next year she'll really have it down.

As for napping/sleeping, it's going quite well. But tomorrow will be the real test. Tomorrow we go back to work. And I do mean "we". Charli will be coming with me to the office at least until the end of the year. I just don't think it would be fair to her to have to make another adjustment and besides, this was my bosses idea. Okay, so my boss is my dad. :-)

Aunt Jo is coming to town on Tuesday as Charli is being baptized on Sunday. I may not be able to update on the first week of work right away. With Aunt Jo in town, the baptism etc. it's going to be a crazy week. This should make for an interesting week. Feel free to say an extra prayer for us. I'll "talk" to you soon.

sara

Getting there

Last week went fairly well. Charli is now napping in her crib. She is sleeping anywhere from 40-60 minutes in her crib. Bedtime is going great. She is going to bed so well. She sleeps 10-12 hours a night!!! I must say she's a peach. It's hard to believe she's been with me nearly two months. She has come soooo far.

I have to share with all of you a picture from October 16, 2008. It was my dad's 69th birthday. Eric's family, me, Charli and my folks had lunch together and then we took the kids to a great park here in Hudson. Emma wanted my dad to swing with her. Well, here's photo proof that he's still a kid (at 69) Although you can't see her, Emma is on the swing next to him. It was an absolutely fabulous day. And I know my dad had fun. How could he not???!!!

This is also my last full week home. It just doesn't seem possible. But like I said she's been home nearly 2 months. Next week we'll be heading to the office far more regularly. The first two weeks will be kind of part-time and adjusting. It will be different.

sara

The struggle continues

Well, after the first day, she then cried for 40 minutes and slept for 30. The next two days she cried the entire hour. Yesterday was dad's birthday. We spent about 40 minutes outside at a playground with mom, dad, Emma, Jake and Karen. She was pooped. However, she still cried for nearly 30 minutes but then did sleep for almost an hour!!! Today, I went in to the office for a bit and met mom for lunch at Panera. Charli of course fell asleep in the car. (see the photo, this is a common site) She didn't take another nap. The real upside to all of this not napping, is that she is in bed and out by no later than 7:00PM. I'm begining to wonder if she's not going to be much of a napper. I know kids need their sleep, but there are some who just don't nap. I will continue to try. It's a good thing that bedtime is going well. And for the most part, she sleeps through the night. So for that I am very thankful. She's only been home for 6 weeks, I can't and don't expect her to have adjusted to everything. She's doing so well, that if this is my issue to deal with, I am truly blessed. (especially since I have heard that many of the people out of PGN waiting for BC's may wait as long as 3 months!!!! - my daughter is home.)

sara

Naps

Well, I started trying to set a nap schedule yesterday. I am using the tips from the book, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Weissbluth. My friend Juli loaned it to me. Granted some of it pertains to bringing home a newborn, but there's plenty of good advice. So, I've done a few soothing tricks and put her in her crib. Yesterday she cried for about 25 minutes and then slept for 45. Today she cried for nearly 40 minutes. I hope she sleeps for at least an hour. It's going to take all of this week for sure to get her accustomed to napping in her bed and not in my arms. The hardest part is listening to her cry. It tears me up. But I do know that I have to do this as I can't hold her when I go back to work or once she does finally go off to day care. If any of you have any other advice or tricks, feel free to share. As for bedtime, I do believe we have our routine down. I'm not saying there won't be nights where she wakes or fights going to bed, but it's working and she knows the routine. She even seems to want to go upstairs to rock (it's the getting in the crib she still would rather avoid). I then have to stop and think that it's been exactly 1 month today (10/13/08) that we have been home. She is such a good and happy baby. I can't imagine not having her home.

Well, I'm off to see what "work" related things I can get taken care of. Talk to you soon.

sara

Finally some new pix

 

Sorry for the delay. Here's a collage of pix of the first couple of weeks home. (thanks Juli for teaching me how to do this) Being a mom is absolutely wonderful. My only issue is figuring out how to get "my stuff" done. When I try to do anything on the computer, Charli wants to type too. And naps are still not happening unless held. (that will be next weeks project) So, my time is after she goes to bed. I usually get the dishes done, bottles filled and then sit down to do what I need to around 8:30PM-9:00PM. Needless to say things don't all get done in one night. And this may shock many of you who know me, but I don't mind!!! I am enjoying the fact that there's always tomorrow.

Charli is adjusting (other than sleep habits) very well. She is a true delight. She will be 14 months old in 11 days and to see her find excitement in the smallest of things is a lot of fun.

I will do my best to keep you posted on stuff, but I know you all understand that I am still adjusting to the parenthood thing.

Again, thanks for all your support.
sara

First Week

Well, we've been home a week now. Charli has been to see all of Jama's (my mom) bridge ladies, the water aerobics "posse", a trip to the doctor, out to the airport to meet my cousin Lisa and even in the pool. She's been a real trooper. Actually, she LOVES people.

The doctor appointment went well. She's 19.6 pounds and 29" long. She is now on whole milk and table food!!! I haven't found a food she doesn't like yet. As a matter of fact she can't get enough of any fruit I put in front of her.

Naps are still pretty difficult. She prefers to sleep while being held. As for bed time, I thought we had a routine down of a bottle, a little rocking and then off to bed. Well, now she doesn't want the bottle. And she still cries for a few minutes before falling to sleep. Last night she woke up at 3:30AM and the only way to settle her down was a bottle. Tonight I tried to give her a little cereal but she only ate a very small amount. And would NOT take a bottle. I am hoping it's enough to get her through the night. We'll see.

I have taken pictures during the last few days, but have yet to post any. I needed to get wireless set up here at home and I've now accomplished this. Of course, we are off to Iowa Thursday afternoon for a work thing. We won't be home until Sunday so, I don't know how much I'll get done before then. Oh, well, just another part of motherhood I'm adjusting to. :-)

sara

HOME!!!!

We did leave Guatemala on Saturday. Got to the airport around 10:30AM and landed in MSP at 10:30PM. Travelling is exhausting. Charli was a trooper. She slept on both legs of the flight. She also flirted with the customs officer in Atlanta and I do think he liked her.



We landed in MSP and were greeted by Tony and Dani Murillo, Juli Pelletier and then Eric and Karen showed up. It was very nice of them to be there so late at night. We finally got home around 12:30PM. Charli would NOT leave my side. Let's face it, it was a whole new environment AGAIN!!! She slept with me. (it was easier) Sunday we got up and mom came over to help me out so I could get a quick shower. Then we went to their house and ALL of Eric's family came over at some point. Amanda loved her, so did Doby. Emma and Jake got right down on the floor and played with her. They also spoke to her in Spanish. It was a great day. She did sleep in her crib after fussing for about 20 minutes. She didn't get up until 7:30AM today.



Today, she fought naps real hard. So, again, I asked mom to come over. After showering, we went to Woodbury as I needed to get gates. Mom's bridge group was playing in town as well. Of course Charli fell asleep in the car. But didn't nap again all day. She just fought going to bed again, but this time only fussed for 15 minutes. I guess it's getting better. I am going to spend more time this week working on establishing a schedule. Consider all she's been through, she's a very good baby with a sweet disposition.

Again, thanks for all the support and we hope to see you all soon.

sara

Coming Home???

Ken, Maureen and Jane spent over 3 hours at the airport and got the best option for us. We are set to leave Guatemala at 12:50PM and fly to Atlanta. From Atlanta we are on flight #1134 and are supposed to arrive at MSP at 11:06PM. I know many of you wanted to meet us at the airport but due to the time do not want you to feel obligated to be waiting for us. We will certainly be hosting a "Sip N See" in the coming months.

Of course depending on Ike, things could change. But we're pretty confident of getting out of here.

sara

HURRICANE IKE

Do NOT come to the airport on Friday, Septem,ber 12, 2008!!!!! We will NOT be there. Our flights our cancelled.

We are going to attempt to go back to the airport tomorrow to see if we can get out Saturday or Sunday!!! So far they have us confirmed out of here tomorrow going to Houston, sit thru the storm and then fly out Monday. Or they have us confirmed out on Tuesday. That's why we are going to go to the airport tomorrow. I will do my best to keep you all informed.

thanks.

Sara

Day 3 in Guatemala

Sorry I didn't get anything posted last night but the battery on my laptop died. And then today by the time we got home from touring the city and getting Charli to bed, it's after 11 in MN. Here's a quick recap of the last few days. Monday night was rough!!!! Charli didn't want to sleep other than ON me. She likes to lay on your chest to sleep. Part of this is from co-sleeping with the FM and part because I've discovered is she has what we call "tummy twisters" or gas. She is in sooo much pain until she toots or burbs and then she settles down. And then of course, we had to be up at 5:45AM to be ready for our 6:40AM pick up. We then spent 2 hours at the USE. Can I just say that process is a joke. You hurry up wait, attorney turns in more documents, pay the fee and wait some more. You are called in groups to stand in line (you must stand) and then go to door #10. When I went in there it was what I'd envision if you were to visit an inmate. The USE employees sit behind a glass wall and pass forms to me through the glass. They stamp it and then I go back to the "bull pen" to wait for my name to be called. Once it's called I must swear to the documents accurracy etc. Then that's it. Come back the next day (today) at 3:30 for the VISA.

Today we had hired Victor Estucay to take us on a tour of the City. He was fantastic. My dad got along famously with him. He's the guy in the pix with dad and Charli. He took me to the embassy for another round of waiting. But it's all done now. And she is ALL mine!!!!

Tomorrow we are headed to Antigua and again we will have Victor as our guide. I expect another fun filled day. Each passing night and day, Charlotte has settled down. She LOVES having 5 adults fawn all over her. Typical Wenzel girl - princess through and through. Dad had her mimicking him tonight. What a hoot. And the poor girl has only taken about 10 steps since we got her. Actually, she prefers it too. She's a real snuggle bug. Can't wait for you all to meet her. Now, I must head to bed.

sara

First Meeting

The foster family arrived at 9:30AM with Tania's sister Mara who happens to live in Seattle. She was able to translate for us. It was wonderful to meet the whole family. There was Rudy (dad), Tania (the mom), Rudy Jr, ( the hottie - only 2o though), Melanie (13) and their adopted son Michael (18mo). We spent about 1 1/2 hours before the attorney showed up (late). It was great for both families to see how much she is loved. They had her dressed like a princess. She's petite, big nearly black eyes with the longest lashes I've ever seen. She has black hair and it may just have some wave to it.

Tania also made a pink satin memory box for me to have. It has the outfit she came home from the hospital in, the first toy I sent her, one red shoe (Tania kept the other). I will say there was NOT a dry eye when they finally left. Rudy Sr. was walking out the door backwards filming the whole time. This is the last child they will be fostering due to the law changes down here.

After we brought her upstairs she took a bottle, fell asleep and when I went to move her she woke up. We had melt downs from about noon thru her tubbie until about 8:00PM (Guat time). She is now sitting here happy as can be.

Here are a couple of pix of our first moments.

BTW, it's only 9:00PM here, so this is not late to be posting (eric.....)

Wow....

I am still in shock and disbelief. Funny though my stress/migraine headache I've had since April doesn't seem to be around anymore. However the stomach doing cartwheels has intensified. I've wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember and now I'm just days away from meeting my daughter. I'm excited, scared, nervous you name it.

This was Eric's chemo week and as he left the office Thursday, he stopped by my door and laughed a little. (which is a good thing this week) He told me once again, "your life is going to change". Oh, I know that but like I told him it's not like I have some wild social life. I mean all you have to do is look at my blog. I tend to sit down to do entries around 10:30PM or later. Now that's a social life. :-) And yes, I will now be responsible for another person. I look forward to caring for her, teaching her, watching her grow and most importantly just loving her. I hope and pray I will be a good mom to her.

I'm sure as the hours tick by before I leave I'll get more nervous and excited. I guess this is "adoption labor". As I said before, I will be taking my laptop with me to post some pictures. Check back soon.

sara, "the mom"

PINK!!!!!

I got my PINK email today at 3:30PM!!! My appointment is for next Tuesday 9/9/08 at the USE in Guatemala City!!! I've booked the flight and the hotel. Maureen, Jane and Mom all came to the office to get this done right away. Mom stopped to pick up dad and we headed to Barker's for Burgers, fries and beers!!!

This is still very surreal. We leave Sunday 9/7 at 2:55PM on Continental and arrive in Guatemala at 9:00PM. Charlotte won't be brought to me until Monday. We'll do some sight seeing and shopping while we're down there. We will then fly home on Friday 9/12 arriving in MSP at 4:47 PM on Continental flight #CO2950. For those interested we will come down into luggage by door #1 and I believe it's baggage claim #14. (when looking at the front of the airport it is the farthest door on the right!!!- I'll verify all of this too)

As I know more and my brain starts to fully function, I'll pass it on.

sara

Waiting for PINK!!!

I stalked the FedEx and by 11:30AM CST it was updated to say that as of 10:24PM (Guatemala time) the package was delivered to the USE!!! Now I am waiting - NOT too patiently for my PINK slip. I am thinking it will be here tomorrow and therefore my appointment will be next Wednesday 9/10. However, those who got PINK today have appointments for next Monday 9/8. So, if I get it tomorrow it could be for Tuesday 9/9. I don't care, just send me that all important email.

But I did have a pleasant surprise in the mailbox tonight when I finally got home from Juli and Dan's house. I have my copy of the DNA report along with a polaroid of Charlotte. It is dated 8/18/08 (her first birthday) and can I just say, she's adorable. She still looks like a peanut but I can't wait to hold her!! What a treat tonight. I'll head off to bed now with a smile not just on my face but in my heart.

I hope to post soon(like tomorrow) that I'm PINK!!!

sara

Stalking FedEx

Where oh, where is my DNA???? Oh, there it is. On the FedEx truck in Guatemala City. So why then does FedEx not update their site very often???? I just checked (10:45PM) and the most recent tracking post is from 2:14PM that it was at the GT Facility. It had been cleared for delivery at 12:14PM.

At least I know it's there. I also emailed the USE. They have all of my file and it is in good order. They have my name, case number and know that the DNA, if not delivered today by 5:30 will be there right away Tuesday. Come on FedEx guy!!!!!

I think I'll have my "PINK" by Thursday 9/4 at the latest. And as usual, I'll keep you posted.

sara

DNA on it's Way

I emailed off and on today with Ines at Intelligenetics Lab in South Carolina. I wanted to see if she could use my FedEx or UPS account so that she could send it the fastest possible international overnight option available. She was able to do this. I also inquired of another adoptive parent from my agency. Her daughter's DNA was received at the lab one day after Charlotte's. I asked that if hers was done to please include it in the envelope as well. So, both of us are now stalking the same FedEx envelope. I did of course just check and it is en-route. It could arrive as fast as tomorrow afternoon. I am hoping and praying this is the case.

It is not usually the case that the DNA arrives at USE and they issue the "PINK" slip the same day.(on a rare occassion it has happened) PINK's are usually done the next business day or two. However, I of course have hit another snag - Labor Day. The USE will be closed on Monday. That's why I really want the DNA there tomorrow. If it doesn't get there until Tuesday the soonest I go PINK is Wednesday 9/3. Any way I look at it, I'm thinking that my appointment at the USE will be sometime between 9/9 -9/12. I am hoping for sooner rather than later. Of course, I'll keep you posted as things keep moving along!!!

She will be in my arms "forever" very soon.

sara

thankful

I emailed Ines at Intelligenetics Lab yesterday. When the DNA results are being shipped out she will give me the FedEx tracking number so I can become a FedEx stalker. However, today I had to take a moment to be thankful for just how far I am in this process. Below is an excerpt from an email I got today from my agencies forum moderator:

I have just been made aware of a very sad, frustrating, heartbreaking situation that may be impacting one of the members of this list: during a recent birth mother interview, a BM was pressured into reclaiming her child with the promise of financial aide until the child reaches 18 years of age. After the interview, the BM was shaking visably, so no telling what other tactics were used in the coersion!! Now, we all know the state of Guatemalan social services, that there is NO money of this kind to back up this promise, which underscores the evil behind it! The agency is currently trying to hire a panel of attys to fight this, but in the meantime, I'm asking for your prayers and support for this child - who has been torn from a loving foster home and is now in a state run orphanage awaiting judgement by the court of minors - and for the AP who must be in torment over this! If she is on this list (and I don't know that she is or is not), I hope she knows we all stand with her, support her, pray for her and this child, and know that "there, but by the grace of God, go I!

I know that my caseworker has all of the attorneys she works with aiding in this situation. I am very thankful I am well beyond this phase and that it is just days before I get my "pink" slip. Please keep this family in your prayers.

DNA at the lab

I got confirmation today from the lab, Intelligenetics, that they have received Charlotte's sample. It was being typed into the system as I was talking to Inez. They won't guarantee anything faster than a week, but I am hoping and praying that they are done with it by Friday and that it goes out no later than next Monday 8/25/08. The thing I have to remember and remind everyone is that "overnight" in the USA means overnight, but when dealing internationally, it means 1-3 business days. Please keep praying for me. I'd love to have one step of this process actually go FAST!!!! But I do know that I am that much closer to bringing her home.

Sara

Another step closer

I am in Ames, Iowa for a work function. I rode down with mom and dad and after checking into our hotel rooms, we went out to grab some dinner. As I was leaving the restaurant, my cell phone rang. It was my caseworker. She said, "I'm looking at a copy of a birth certificate that says, Leticia Wenzel." Oh, my God!!! It really is starting to slowly sink in. She also said she has my "orange" slip. Charlotte's DNA test is set for tomorrow morning at 8:30AM!!!! I can hardly believe this. It's been such a long time in coming. I am hoping and praying that the lab processes this in record breaking time - Can you blame me???

I promise I'll keep you posted as each new step is achieved. Thanks for your support.

sara

She's a Wenzel!!!!

My caseworker called me this afternoon to tell me that Rocorio (pronounced rose-are-ee-oh, she's my attorney's daughter) was just called to go to Mixco to pick up my file. She told me not to get too excited until she had it in her hands. Rocorio would call her later tonight to verify and she'd call me. Well at about 7:20PM she did call me back. She said, "you can scream." I said, "what?" And again she said, "you can scream. You have a birth certificate." I did. I am still in shock.

I spent nearly all of the last three hours on the phone. I called my mom, Eric, dad, Maureen and Jane and then Angie. It hasn't really sunk in yet. Angie said it didnt' for her either until she landed in Guatemala. No, I'm not leaving yet.

Here's what's next:
BC and passport are delivered to the USE tomorrow

Issued "orange" slip for 2nd DNA
this will probably be done by Thursday 8/14/08

DNA then goes to the lab that ran her first test for verification and is then sent back to the USE

USE gets 2nd DNA results and then issues "pink" slip
VISA appointment is on the "pink" slip usually scheduled 1 week later

So, I think we will be heading off to pick Charlotte up sometime the week of 8/25 or so. Again, I thank you for all the prayers, love and support. Bringing her home truly has been a journey I won't soon forget.

sara

All you can do is laugh

Seriously if there's something that can go wrong it does for me. My caseworker emailed me with an update. The new BC was NOT done today as the only person at the CR in Mixco (yes there is only one, just like there was only one at PGN) who signs off was out sick today!!!!! But on the positive side, my attorney has all the translations, except the BC done. Once she picks it up and hopefully that will be tomorrow morning, the BC can be translated right away and then it's off to the USE. So, what can I do but laugh?!? It's not funny but in a warped way, I guess it is. Here's to tomorrow and some GOOD news.

sara

Another bump in the road.....

I talked to my facilitator this morning. First there was the sudden and untimely death of a well known and respected attorney in Guatemala last week. That took my attorney and many others out of commission for a few days. And then the CR of Mixco issued a previo on my file. (I have no idea what it was for but I do know it was a small simple error). The previo has been corrected and was resubmitted yesterday afternoon. Supposedly if all goes well, the new BC should/could be picked up tomorrow. Then off to the Embassy for the DNA. This probably cost me about a week. Being in Guatemala for Charli's first birthday is going to be tough unless I want to go well ahead of my potential appointment. I'll know more once the BC is picked up and the DNA is actually done.

Eric happened to call in on his way home from a mini-vacation (much needed). He thinks that as far as this adoption goes, I've been pretty unlucky. In some ways maybe I have been. But in the grand scheme of international adoption it's been pretty fast. I really would like for one step of this process to go fast and smooth. Maybe the DNA will be that step.

Keep praying for us.

Nursery

Well, as promised, I am attaching some pix of the nursery. This one is of Emma the day she came over and helped paint the flowers. And this is one of "her" flowers. (I have a couple pix to hang but they are being framed and a butterfly from the ceiling along with the crib mobile.) But for the most part the nursery is ready. And if I do say so myself, I think it turned out pretty darn cute. Thanks Dad for helping with the paint and the crib. Thanks to Emma for her help. A big thanks to Carrie for the crib and another really big thanks to Juli for the bedding. What a lucky little girl Charlotte is to already have so many people who care about her.

sara

Crib won!!!

Okay, so I had said that I'd get some pix up this last weekend from the nursery. As you can see, that has not happened. Dad brought the crib over Friday afternoon while I was running errands. Saturday we went to watch Sue run the Lumberjack days 10 mile. Then off to breakfast and an afternoon in the pool. This was Eric's bad (chemo) weekend and mom and dad had the kids over for the day as they were leaving Sunday for Big Sky (work trip that they extended to make fun). So, then Eric and Karen came for dinner and I of course stayed. Needless to say the crib didn't get done. On Sunday afternoon dad came over and we attempted to put it together. You see, my folks have 2 cribs in their basement. One is theirs and one is my friend Carrie's that Eric and Karen borrowed and now I am borrowing. And Ken happened to bring parts to both to my house. Of course we didn't figure this out for about 3 hours!!! Yes, you could say, "the crib won"!!!

Well, today, he brought over the correct parts and I'll be damned. It went together in less than an hour!!!! :-) I have since been working on making the bed, hanging some small shelves and putting away things I didn't bother to as I just didn't want to deal with the notion of her not coming home. I PROMISE it will be done by this weekend and I will take some pictures to post. I have to say with the paint job Emma and I did along with the fabulous bedding from my friend Juli it's the cutest dang nursery ever.... Okay, I'm not too humble am I.

I should also be posting again tomorrow or Thursday as her BC and passport should be at the USE and then the 2nd DNA will be taken. WoooHooo.

thanks again for all the love and support.
sara

OUT - Approved!!!!!

Today has got to be one of the best days I've had in a LONG time. Many of you received a quick email to let you know that I am out of PGN but as promised, I will go into more detail as to what this really means and what's next.

Let me first back up and tell you about how this all came to be. Yesterday I had my really nervous stomach and didn't know what to expect. My friend Angie had her Embassy appointment in the morning so I thought maybe it was because of that. Who knows. Then today, I was anxious all day. I really wanted to hear some news. There were hardly any OUT-approveds on the forums I monitor. This was really bothering me. My neighbor and friend Darlene shot me an email this morning and said she knew I'd hear something today. I didn't think anything of it. By this afternoon, I was really anxious. I was wishing I could talk to someone - this is usually when in the past I'd call Angie. So, I tried to get some other work things taken care of. I began to look at the calendar and thought that if I don't get Out soon, I won't make it to Charlotte's first birthday. So, I decided to shoot my caseworker an email to this effect. I mentioned to her that if I wasn't out in the next 5 minutes (with smiley face) I probably wouldn't make it by her birthday and that I'd like to send her a gift. I asked if it was possible etc. Then I called one of our home offices to take care of some client customer service. After finally getting to a real person, my cell phone starts to ring. My cell rarely rings during the work day. I decided to see who was calling. It was my caseworker. I put the home office lady on hold!!!

My caseworker and I chit chatted about her drive home and the chance meeting. Then she said, "Are you sitting down?" I got nervous. She said, "you're out." I was waiting for her to say "with Previo" but she didn't!!! She said, "Sara, you are OUT-approved!!" I started to shake and my eyes filled up. She is now legally mine. If need be the US Government could step in and help me. I mentioned to my caseworker that I had just sent her an email about a birthday gift and she said yes I got it as I got your out. We laughed. I now had to tell my mom - she had to be first!!!

What's Next??
Well, the birth mother already signed off today (AGAIN) and my attorney has my file. It will now go to the Civil Registry of Mixco where her new birth certificate will be issued. She will be Leticia Wenzel, probably by Friday. After that is done, my file goes to the US Embassy (USE) for the 2nd DNA test - commonly referred to as "Orange". They will schedule this and send the sample to the same lab that did her first one in December. After the lab does the test, it goes back to the USE. Once the USE receives the results (if it's a match, which it will be) I will be issued a "PINK" slip. Now days it's actually an email but it once was printed on pink paper. The PINK slip is my scheduled appointment at the USE in Guatemala City. My estimation is that at the earliest I'll be going for a pick up trip the week of August 11 but more realistically the week of her birthday August 18!!!

I am soooo close now. I guess I better put the crib up this weekend. My 3 weeks will fly by and then life as I currently know it will come to a screeching halt. I can't wait....

Thanks again for all your love, support and prayers.

Sara and Charlotte
(I will post some pix this weekend of the nursery)

Another week and nothing new

Well, Charlotte turned 11 months yesterday. I had it in my heart that I would hear something, but it didn't happen. But maybe I did. Driving to my parents after work a "Moving Sale" sign caught my eye. The sign mentioned all kinds of furniture and for some reason, I felt I needed to check it out. I did. I had to smile as I pulled up to the house. Sitting in the driveway was a large truck with out of state plates. I just had a feeling I knew whose house I was at. You see my case worker/facilitator has been living out of state for most of the last year but had kept her house here as well. She had come to town this last week as she has decided it's time to sell this house and stay where she is at. Sure enough it was her house. I recognized her voice immediately. She and I had never met face to face. We've emailed, talked on the phone and sent text messages. It was an absolute delight to meet her. She is one heck of woman and I know she is doing all she can for my case. She's a real spit fire and I'm glad to have her working for me.

I also want to mention that my friend Angie who got her OUT-approved on 6/20/08 is leaving tomorrow morning 7/20/08 on her pick up trip. I am thrilled for her but a little sad as I had hoped I'd be going when she did or at least over lap her. But alas, that is nowhere near the case. Once I finally get my OUT-approved, it will be somewhere from 3-6 weeks before I travel. Making it before Charlotte's first birthday is going to be nip and tuck but it can happen. I have faith and I have ALL of you praying for us. :-)

As you can tell, yesterday and today were better days. I thank you all for your love and support. I know Charlotte will be home soon.

sara

The black hole of PGN

Today was my mom's birthday. I had thought that after getting through the birth mother interview on 5/20 I'd be out of PGN and possibley even enroute to GT. I had thought we may even celebrate mom's birthday there. Well, that too has now come and gone. Charlotte turns one in August(8/18) and now I am hanging on by a thread that she'll be home for her first birthday. It could happen. But will it??? I am sooo tired of the waiting game that PGN has me in. What more do they want from me?? What other stupid thing could they need to review??? I have missed soooo much of her first year. She should have been home by 8 months of age (10 at the oldest). I know that in the grand scheme of international adoption, this is still fairly timely, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. It is also very difficult to see on the chat forums that in the past 3 weeks, 50+ cases have been released from PGN. Why not me???

I'm sorry to be so negative, but I am sad. I really thought she'd be home by now. Not hearing anything is just so hard. Maybe, just maybe I will get to post some good news soon. Please keep us in your prayers.

sara

Waiting.....

I know that many of you check here to see if there's any new news. So, I thought it best to update you. I have NO news. My patience is running thin. Every nerve, emotion and fiber of my being is raw. I am hyper sensative to everything. Therefore, I must apologize to anyone I have upset lately. I am doing my best to hang on but it gets harder each day that I hear nothing. I sooooo want PGN to release my file. I really thought I would have gotten out last week and when that didn't happen I started to tell myself this was my week. Here it is Wednesday afternoon and nothing yet. The song, "Please release me" has been in my head all day. I find that rather humorous as I only know the chorus.

Well, I really do hope my next post will be something good. but until then Happy 4th to you. Have fun and be safe.

Back in

Well, supposedly my file has been resubmitted to PGN(no later than 6/19). And for some reason I am beyond nervous today. I don't know why. My stomach is doing flips. My brain can't stay focused. I guess in some way I am afraid of getting another previo. Maybe the emotions of the weekend are getting to me. My friend Sue ran Grandma's Marathon on Saturday. Maureen, Jane, Dan and I went up to Duluth to cheer her on. This was her first, and she says last, one. She finished it in 5:05:28, not at all bad for a first timer!!!! (this is me and Sue after she finished) Matter of fact I find it quite impressive. Or maybe it's got something to do with the fact my adoption friend, Angie got her OUT/approved on Friday. We have always been only days apart in each step of this process. So I think I'm "expecting" to get OUT soon. And I know all too well that in the international adoption world you can't expect anything. You know as soon as I do hear anything, I'll let you know.

sara

Resubmit ???

I know that my updated employment letter has been received in GT. According to my case worker it has been translated and gotten the necessary stamp. My file should have been re-submitted yesterday. There have been a LOT of people posting OUT's the last week or so. I am soooo hopeful that once I get back in it'll only be for a short stay :-)

As soon as I hear ANYTHING, I'll let you all know.

sara

Closer to re-submit

My updated employment letter has been authenticated at the Guatemalan Consulate in Chicago. It was overnighted to my facilitator yesterday. She is sending it off to my attorney this afternoon. Once my attorney has it tomorrow (6/11), it has to be translated and authenticated in GT. I should be re-submitted by the begining of next week at the latest. I am daydreaming of getting OUT- approved of PGN by Monday 6/23.

It's the next step that has me worried and concerned. Charlotte was born in Mixco. Birth certificates from there have been issued in as little as a few days to some are still waiting 4+ months later. :-( And now there is a centralized government agency Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAP). I am waiting to hear if I will have to go through this or not. I was hopeful that it would be better and faster but that has not been the case thus far.

There are days I don't know how much more I can take. Patience is a virtue but for me it is dwindling. Hopefully I will hear some solid good news soon.



sara

A good then BAD day

Well, my attorney did get my file re-submitted this morning. Yeah!!! But then guess what??? I got ANOTHER previo!!! Yes, you read that right. I was notified at 2:30PM.

This one is a tad more time consuming to fix. You see PGN now wants an updated employment letter. I know I work for my dad. That's not the hard part. You see he needs to sign this letter have it notarized and then it goes to the MN Sec. of State for an apostille (authentication of notary) and lastly to the Guatemalan Consulate in Chicago for authentication of the authentication. Fortunatley, Ken was already back in the cities from a conference in Brainerd and I just had him meet me at the bank for the notary. I then drove like a wild woman to the SoS office for the apostille. I am now putting it in an overnight envelope to a courier service in Chicago (consulate won't accept overnights) who can take it in for me and pick it up on MONDAY (6/9) She will then overnight it direct to my facilitator who will ship it to GT. I end up losing a whole week!!!! Needless to say, I am NOT happy but there's nothing I can do.

Please keep praying for us.

sara

Update

Wow, what a ride the last 24 hours have been. Shortly after I posted the pix yesterday, my facilitator called me to tell me that my file had been picked up at PGN for a previo. It was and is an unbelievable issue. You see, the BM has to show identification when she fills out her forms (the intial ones not during the recent interview) and then this is recorded in a book -- I envision some old dusty leatherbound book --- and a GOVERNMENT official then signs off in the book that the ID is current, correct etc. Well, the ID is current, correct etc., it is recorded in the book but the GOVERNMENT official forgot to sign off!!! :-( So, today at 11:00AM GT time my attorney had a meeting at PGN. I was just told it went very well. She was there for over an hour. She now has to write a letter explaining this and their meeting, have it notarized and then can submit it along with my file tomorrow. My file should go back to the 2nd reviewer, where it was when issued the previo, and he/she should now sign off. Once they sign off, it would then move for final signature!!!! This is as good of news as possible. Today is a very good day!!! I really and truly feel that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I know that many of you who read this are the same ones I sent a prayer request to earlier today. Again, I say thank you for the prayers. I know it is faith and prayer that has gotten me this far. And I do believe that prayer is what is moving my file right now. It means the world to me. THANK YOU!!!

Love Ya,
sara

New pix finally....

I got some new pictures Sunday via email. My attorney and her daughter took them in the foyer of her office. You can see just how much she's grown. It's kind of hard to look at them because she's been 6 months in my mind for soooo long. I am thrilled to see her growing and developing normally. You can also see that she's a petite little peanut. Her ears are pierced as is culturally the norm down there. And my sister-in-law Karen thinks she looks like she may have a devilish streak. I also love the fact that her foster mom is in a couple of the pictures as I will have those to show her. Now, if I can just get her home.

I took a big step this weekend and painted her room. My dad and I did the main/base coats on Friday. I had my 8 year old niece, Emma over Friday night to help. We painted the room like a flower garden. (it's kidish/cartoonish, the walls are blue down to about 2 foot off the ground and from the carpet up it's slime green grass. there are flowers and bugs too.) Emma will gladly tell you she painted 4 flowers and the wings of one butterfly. Now that the painting is done, I'll take a few more pix and maybe I'll post a couple so you can see it.

As for any news on the process, I don't have any particular news on my case. I do know that 50+ files were released last Thursday and Friday. Of those, only 10 were approved/done. The other 40 were issued a previo. I find that rather discouraging since we have all endured a month long stoppage along with birth mother interviews. I wonder, seriously, how much more scrutiny must these files endure?????

But for me, I'm happy, I have new pictures :-)

sara

A little more news

Today on one of the well respected sites pertaining to Guatemalan adoptions, there is a post that PGN is "planning" to release files as early as today. Now, I have not seen anyone post that they are OUT, but I am hopeful to see this in the next day or so. When I do, I will certainly pass this on as well. This will be a HUGE step in nearing the end. After I leave PGN, I would have to get the new BC and then the 2nd DNA test. And then, go get Charlotte!!!! I don't want to get too excited, but today, I feel as if I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. For now, that works.

sara

Some good news....

My agency emailed me this afternoon to tell me that the birth mother interview was completed yesterday and it went well!!! Yeah!!! I am thrilled to hear this news. However, I was also saddened by some news that they shared with me. Supposedly 6 children were taken from their FM's arms and sent to orphanages. The reason is that during the questioning, the BM agreed to the offer of monthly money, housing and medical aide from the government. (Imagine sitting across from 3-5 attorneys and not fully understanding the way they were questioning you?) I am hopeful that this will all be sorted out and that the children will get to go back to their FM's and then to their forever homes.

There is also a story posted on the chat forums I monitor from the Associate Press saying that 15 adoptions have been "annulled" for now. If there really is corruption, stolen children or some other tragedy, I want it fixed. If not, there are families who have waited a LONG time to bring these kids home. The US Government is saying that they can't get involved. That's not right. They were quick to take action when GT was working on an adoption law. Where are they now???

I have written to my Congressmen and Senators and I know many of you have as well. Thank you for that. I do believe that soon, someone will have to take notice and do something. Are we not supposed to be doing what is best for the children???

I am so happy for to know that I am one step closer to my forever family. Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers. And if all goes well, I will have some new photos soon.

Sara

Interview Scheduled

I received a call yesterday afternoon from my facilitator that my BM interview has been scheduled for Tuesday 5/20/08. I also received a verification email from the agency today and they said that they hope to report back to me on the 21st. Wow!!!! I am very excited that this is scheduled but I am also nervous.

What's next you ask??? Again, nothing is definitive but here's what the scuttlebutt about the future process is:
Once I complete the BM interview and she signs off AGAIN, they are saying that PGN will start to release files the first week of June. After that my file goes to the CR in Mixco. This has been a troubled spot but my facilitator informed me that my attorney has gotten BC's out of there in a fairly timely manner. And then it's off to the US Embassy for the 2nd DNA request, processing and then pick up. I am staying as positive as possible but am also cautious. I want her home before her 1st birthday (8/18/08) and I think that's a real possibility as long as no other BIG things happen.

But today is a good day and I am getting closer to having Charlotte home with me. Ooooh, I nearly forgot, I should have some new pix next week as well. Of course I'll post them as soon as I get them.

thanks.

More uncertainty.....

Since my last post, the new AG has requested interviews of the birth mothers!!! Yes, the BM's are to go to PGN along with the attorney, the FM and the baby. They are from what I've found out seated in front of a panel of PGN reviewers and members of the national adoption council (or whatever it's called). The claim is that they are necessary to make sure that the BM is the real BM and she really is relinquishing her child. The news posted is that the interviews seem to have gone okay. Of course the Guatemalan media is much like our own and has had a field day with this. The media has also reported on raids at a few hogars (orphanages). One was because they claim the woman, who happens to be the sister of a congressman in the opposition party, was harboring stolen children. The other that I know of is a hogar operated by an American woman. I don't know what is fact and what is fiction for sure.

As for Charlotte, she is still in private foster care. I have not heard that our BM interview has been scheduled. I know our attorney did have a couple last Thursday and Friday. I have not called PGN to check on anything. With the interviews going on, no one seems to be getting the same answer as to where their file is from day to day.

And me, I'm doing my best to hang in there. Mother's Day I thought would be tough but it was actually a nice day. Today on the other hand is not. Eric will be starting chemo in a couple of weeks and I am worried about him. My mom is worried about both of us, so of course that makes me concerned for her. And my fantasy timeline is blown to shreds. The latest one was that she'd be home the end of May. Now I'm hoping she's here for mom's birthday (7-11).

It is soooo frustrating to be caught in the middle of all of this and then see and have people tell me how they know someone who just brought a child home from Guatemala, their adoption only took 4-6 months. I've been in the frickin' PGN for 4 1/2 months!!!! Yes, I know that in the end I will have a wonderful daughter. And yes when this is done my case will have been done totally above board and legal. But at this particular minute that does NOT matter to me.

Sorry to rant but I am very sad, frustrated and working into anger. (funny one of my adoption friends is at the anger stage and I told her I'd probably be joining her soon, guess I am)

Sara

Last few days in review

Where do I start??? Last week on Thursday (4/24) President Colom fired Attorney General Bardillo and subsequently Sr. Barrios was fired. Adoptions were shut down. Those people who had files on Barrios' desk for signature and those at the window for pickup were pulled. Nothing was happening. Anxiety and fear were running rampant amongst the chat forums etc. I did my best not to log on over the weekend. It's not as if I could do anything but speculate anyway. Instead I took my frustration out on a carpet cleaning maching. :-) And then my furnace went and died on Sunday. At least it's not -30 anymore....

I knew that Monday (4/28) was going to be a fairly stressful day as my brother Eric had surgery in the afternoon. Actually he called my folks as they were heading to the hospital and they were taking him in an hour ahead of schedule. In the meantime, I was made aware of a meeting that was called by the new Attorney General Sr. Merlos and Sra. Flory De Leon (replacing Barrios). All attorneys and notaries were invited to attend. The chatter was that the attorneys had to present their cases and explain why they should be allowed to proceed. PROCEED??? You've got to be kidding me. I thought I was going to lose it, puke, or just plain pass out. The meeting was to start at 9:00AM. I sat on pins and needles all day between waiting for news from Guatemala and the hospital. By about 2:30PM we heard that the meeting in Guatemala went well, but no real solid information. And then about 4:15PM I heard that Eric was in recovery and that the surgery went very well.

My friend Angie who is also adopting from Guatemala and has one child already from there spoke to her contacts and phoned me Tuesday morning. The meeting did go well. Cases that were awaiting signature or pickup should be processed out by the end of next week. The AG said that the rest of us have been in PGN too long already and it is his plan to get us processed out. They are establishing a system for processing/reviewing cases. (wow a real system??!!) I am very hopeful that I will be out of PGN in the next few weeks. I am hoping that this "cleaning house" by the Colom administration will also affect the CR's so that birth certificates will start rolling out. I really don't think I can take another 4 month wait for no viable reason other than to hold me up.

I guess that catches everyone up on the latest goings on in my world. I can't wait for the day when I don't have to post these kind of things and instead can post the cute little antics of Charli. someday soon.........

Positive Attitude

Saturday my friends and sister-in-law threw me an absolutley lovely baby shower. It was really nice to see so many people all at once. The love and support was amazing.

On the inside, my stomach was doing flips. I was scared to death all weekend that the news I had gotten from PGN about 3rd reviewer meant I was going to get another previo. I think I did a fairly good job of hiding this from everyone. (at least I hope I did)

I decided on Monday that I had to know. It was my birthday and I woke up telling myself I was going to get good news. I called PGN and was told first reviewer. Now, I don't know if that means I went backwards -- some others seem to have done this lately or if that's where I've been all along. Either way, I don't care. I'm still in PGN!!!!! Since it was my birthday, I had planned to take the afternoon off and do a little shopping. My mom came with me and it was a really good day.

I'm doing my best to stay positive. I will keep thinking that I am going to get good news and maybe just maybe I'll get the notice that I am OUT sooner rather than later.

No real news

After the bad week last week, I was really hoping to have some good news to post. Many of you have no idea of what I am referring to. Well, Eric was given some not good news from his doctor on Monday 4/8 and then my folks had to put the family dog down on Friday 4/11. So, I figured things couldn't get any worse and on Monday 4/14 I called PGN. Now I am totally confused. Remember I mentioned there has been a lot of misinformation lately. Maybe that's what this is. Or maybe it's bad news but I am hanging on to being cautiously optimistic. I was told by Cristina (the only English speaking person at PGN) that I was with the 3rd reviewer. This means that my file is awaiting a signature. Don't rush off and get too excited. Sr. Barrios signs off on the files if they get a previo/KO just as he does if the file is complete and OUT. It's for this reason I was hesitant to even post this news. I may not know for another week or two what's happening. -- stress is a wonderful thing :-)

Maybe next week I'll have some more solid news. But then again I may not.

sara

Just more waiting

As many of you know, I monitor a few websites and chat/forums groups. I feel pretty confident about my resubmit to PGN. But I haven't decided if I want to call down there again or not. I've seen quite a bit of misinformation coming out of there. (the person we all used to ask for, Laura, has left PGN for a new job) However, on the other hand, some of the information is very encouraging. I have seen a few people who were submitted/resubmitted the same week as me who are now with the second reviewer. We have to go through two reviewers and then our files are presented to Sr. Barrios for signature and this is when I get to shout, "I'm OUT!!!" I'd love to think I too am with the 2nd reviewer but who knows. Maybe I'll try to call this week.

Another thing I've seen and am looking for confirmation on is the recent firings of more employees of the CR at Mixco. This could be good and bad. Guatemala is trying to eliminate the coruption which is of course a very good thing. But if the CR is short staffed that may slow things down just as much as the corruption did. Supposedly the government is in the process of instituting a central agency to handle ALL birth certificates. It is referred to on all the sites I watch as RENAP. (I have no idea what this stands for or at least I can't remember right now.) But I do know that this would be great. I am hopeful that this may be more operational in the next few weeks and then Charlotte's BC can be done so much faster than the potential 8 week wait some have had.

Well, as I know more, I'll keep you posted. And if I do call PGN this week, I'll post that too.

Thanks for checking in with us.

Sara

PGN Again!!!!

I got an email earlier this afternoon from my agency and my facilitator, Tracey, that I am back in PGN!!!! This is great news. The headache I've been harboring for the last week or so seems to be a little better. :-)

I am hoping that my stay in court will be a short one. But then I have to deal with the Civil Registry (CR) of Mixco. They have been kind of tempermental lately. Some people have been very blessed in getting out in less than two weeks and I've seen where others have taken 8 weeks or more.

Once I clear PGN, I'll be putting out the all points bulletin for prayer requests so I clear the CR as fast as possible.

I can see the end of the journey but there's a thick dense fog I need to clear before I reach it. But today is a good day and we're moving along!!!

sara

Here goes nothin'.....

Hello to all!!!

I finally decided it was time I got a blog going on my adoption process. I do my best to keep you all informed via email, phone or in person, but it is getting so difficult.

This was a rough week for me. My folks found out PeggySue has lymphoma (she's the dog for those of you not sure) And I found out that my case was NOT resubmitted to the PGN (the big nasty court) the week of 3/3/08 like I thought. I am still waiting for a definitive answer as to why. But the gist is that PGN requested some additional forms on the birth before I could be resubmitted. My file should be in by next week. I will stay on top of this to make sure it happens.

I am hanging on to the smallest of positives. I am trying to convince myself that these documents will be a blessing when I clear PGN and my file moves to the Civil Registry (CR) of Mixco, Guatemala. (fagain to keep you all updated, this the next step after PGN to get a new birth certificate with my last name added on) I am thinking maybe my stay in Mixco will be fairly quick. I've seen where some people have waited 3+ months for a BC from Mixco. I don't think I could handle that. :-)

Now that I've finally started this blog, I'll do my best to keep it updated so you too can follow my journey to bringing Charlotte Mary Leticia home forever!!!!

Sara