Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Merry Christmas!

I know that I am a little late, but I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and all the best in 2008!  I tried to post from home but couldn't access the blog for some reason.  My computer was probably asking me to give a it a break!

Nothing new on the adoption.  I've emailed Marco today again to see if he's heard anything.  I'm hoping that PGN is back into the swing of things now for the last three days this week.  Some progress is better than none!  Continue the prayers and good thoughts!

We were supposed to webcam with Corelli and Rylan on Saturday but were not able to connect.  We had heard from several other sources there was some internet/phone issues going on.  I was a bit disappointed to not have seen him, but ok being that it wasn't long ago I was there!  Maybe sometime this weekend we'll connect.

Our Christmas was good!  Cameron of course made out with a car load (or huge truckload) of toys!  It seriously looks like Toys-R-Us backed up and just dumped it in our livingroom!  I keep reminding Cameron how lucky he is!  The one thing that I think is really important to instill in children is to be appreciative - and respectful.  At four years old (turning 5 in April) we struggle with that once in awhile now!  He was SO cute this Christmas though.  Everything was "cool" or "awesome".... and a big thanks came with almost everything!

Christmas Eve I was driving home alone (John and Cameron behind me in another vehicle) and I had my moment of missing Rylan....again....for another Christmas.  Once I got it out, I was better.  I thought of him often but with only good thoughts of what is to come in 2008!  For now, we put a lot of focus on Cameron as his world is about to change with the homecoming of his brother.... and what a wake up call that will be!  Cameron right now talks about Rylan more and more.  He references him ALL the time.  It is cute to see.  I hope the transition will be easy for both, but we are preparing for some difficulties.  I hope to take some serious time off work for both my boys.

I'll end with a short story.  Christmas Eve I was getting Cameron into our bed for the night (because Santa redid his bedroom in a "big boy" train room).  I looked out our bedroom window into the night and the dark woods and through the trees I saw a blinking red light (cell phone antenna tower).  I grabbed Cameron and pointed it out.  I said what do you think that is?  He mom - it's Santa and he's over Guatemala right now by Rylan!  So cute!!!!!

I'll share more later about other Christmas stories!
Posted by John and Karla at 17:16:27 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, December 20, 2007

No news...but feeling really good!

I have no idea why, but I am in a really good mood!  I don't like to say to much for a fear of jinxing the place we are at...but we are still with the 2nd reviewer and have not been kicked out!  With tomorrow being Friday and Christmas next week, much of Guatemala is shut down or for sure short staffed.  I sure hope we hear something.  Let me say that again.... I hope we hear that we get signed off without a kickout by the 2nd reviewer!

I'll give my timeline again for those of you curious.  This is our 4th week with the 2nd reviewer which is normal.  Did you hear that word - NORMAL?  Typically I never get us use that word!  Anyway, we know he reviewed our file last week Monday so I would think if we were going to kicked out he would have done it.  But you never know.  PGN and it's reviewers are so unpredictible and there really is no standard.  They do what they please.  I surely hope Marco can work some magic here!

So here it is.... the time line so far!

10/20/2006 - Signed with agency
***You'll notice MANY wasted months in here!***
3/07 - Submitted to Family Court
4/07 - DNA Authorization
5/07 - DNA Test Done/Family Court Done
7/07 - Issued Pre-approval from Family Court and US Embassy to proceed
***more delays and paperwork issues to correct***
10/08/07 - Submitted to PGN (like final court)
10/19/07 - Kicked out by 1st reviewer with 5 previos at once to fix
10/24/07 - File picked up by attorney
11/19/07 - Back in PGN finally
11/23/07 - Approved by 1st reviewer and moved to 2nd reviewer
-----------  - Approved by 2nd reviewer and moved for final signature
-----------  - Obtain final signature and Rylan is legally ours!

As you can see, we are getting closer.  Finally.  Instead of dwelling on what could've been, we are focusing on what will be.  After spending so many months with no movement at all on this adoption, even a previo isn't that devastating to me.  You see, at least it means progress.  Movement.  Meaning getting closer to completion.  Don't get me wrong, I don't want one!!!!  But you know what I mean, right?

Anyway, my spirits are high and I am very hopeful that we WILL move forward.  Tomorrow.  Let's wish, and hope, and pray! 
Posted by John and Karla at 19:34:25 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Sunday, December 16, 2007

No Verdict Yet and I'm Feeling Squirmy!

Friday Marco from Adoption Supervisors emailed me and said the 2nd reviewer (who has our file) had some vacation time on Friday afternoon.  Apparently he hadn't finished all the cases on his desk he was supposed too because we have no outcome yet!  We are certain that as of last week Monday he finished reviewing it.  We had hoped for results by this past Friday but now we are now told it will be tomorrow or Tuesday.  I will not complain about a couple more days.  Heck, in the scheme of the big picture I learned not to sweat this things!

So, a refresher for those you not familiar with the process.... if this reviewer issues a "previo" to us tomorrow or Tuesday because he found another error that he wants fixed, we will get kicked out of PGN (which is like their court system).  We'll need to fix whatever it is he wants and resubmit our file back to him.  This typically will push you back about 2-3 weeks depending on how difficult the error is.  Then of course extra time for him to get back to the file to recheck it.  With the holidays schedules are tight in Guatemala, so it could easily set us back a month or more in bringing Rylan home.

Now if he finds no errors and signs off on our file....well we could be on Senor Barrios' desk awaiting a FINAL signature which typically takes a couple weeks.  Once we have that signature, Rylan is LEGALLY ours under Guatemalan law!  This option just sounds all to easy to me and I know our luck!  I am however trying to stay positive, but keepin an open mind.  All I can say is that I am praying and practically begging God to please guide our case through this 2nd reviewer and onto Senor Barrios' desk this week!  The visit really perked up my spirits but it also made me want this child home more than ever!  We've fought our way through these past 14 months and there just has to be an end in sight.  A good end that is!

On another note, Guatemala passed legislation last week regarding Guatemalan Adoption!  This is extremely good news for us.  In-progress cases will be grandfathered in under the old law and will not have to conform to any new laws.  There is just one stiplulation.... it is that all in-progress cases be registered at a Central Authority (which has not be established yet).  We'll know more about this in the next month or so... but it is VERY good news for us. 

The very sad part of this new law is that it may make adoption very difficult for the children not matched with families yet, and especially the children not born yet.  I forsee a major disaster about to take place in Guatemala.  I'll write more on that later....

Anyway, keep those prayers coming.  In the midst of things we are managing to stay quite busy!  I can't believe how far behind I am this year.  We just got the tree up this past week.  I got a pretty good handle on shopping yesterday...but some more left to do.  I have nothing wrapped yet though.  Urgggg... this season just flies by!

And yes, one more mention before I sign off!  Sonja and Sean (the mom I went to Guatemala with in May and just last week) found out their case went from the 1st reviewer to the 2nd reviewer with NO previos!!!  I am SO excited for them.  They've been through the same traumatic experience as me (we shared the same agency).   I couldn't be more excited for them as they finally near the end also. 

Posted by John and Karla at 19:22:39 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, December 13, 2007

I Made it Home!

I made it back!  I realize that I have posted since Saturday, but we made it back just fine.  Everything went perfectly.  The shuttle to and from the airport, the flights, the hotel, the times Rylan was dropped off and picked up....everything was exactly on time!  I couldn't have asked for a better trip.  Thanks to Sean, Sonja, and Kayla for putting up with me and my wild child on this visit!  It was a pleasure to be with you all, and I couldn't have asked for better traveling complanions.  Did I mention to you all that we have an arranged marriage going between our kids already.  ADORABLE is all I can say.  They are just too cute for words.
Now down to business.  I'm on my way to work, so I need to be brief.  We received work from Adoption Supervisors on Monday that the 2nd reviewer finished our file.  We should know an outcome by Friday or Monday.  This meaning will he find and error he wants fixed.... or will he sign off and move us on?  
If we need to fix an error we'll get issued a "previo" or "kickout".  We'll need to fix whatever it is he wants, then resubmit our file.  This would set us a back additional time.  We don't want this!  I'm prepared for it because I know our luck.... but I am praying we have all those errors behind us now.
If he signs off on us and finds nothing to fix, we move on to the DIRECTORS DESK!  This meaning all we would be waiting for a final signature and Rylan would be legally our child in the Country of Guatemala!  The director takes approximately 2 weeks to review files before he signs them.  There is still a small chance of being kicked out at his level, but it is certainly reduced.
So, I ask everyone to have positive thoughts, pray with all your hearts, and give us the strength to finish this!!!!  Also, another quick piece of information.  Guatemala passed new legislation this week regarding adoption.  The outcome of the new law remains to be seen, but it does hold a strong grandfather clause for in-process adoption!  There are some issues that will need to be worked out but at least we know what it is they intend on doing now.  Being in limbo was very difficult and extremely stressful.
Have a great day everyone, and thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and concerns! 
Posted by John and Karla at 06:15:44 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Saturday, December 08, 2007

The day I never want to do again!

Today is a day that I never want to do again.  I never want to come here having to leave without him!  We looked out the window this morning over Guatemala City and I promised him the next time I was here, he was leaving with me.  That we would come back to visit though, as I always want him to know his roots.
Rylan has been such a good boy.  A complete pleasure!  He fell asleep with so easy last night laying in bed with me, and never woke until about 6:30am this morning. 
He is spunky, smart, and funny!  I've got his things all packed up now that he is napping.  We are meeting Sean, Sonja, and Kayla in the lobby at 2pm for lunch, then pictures.  We hope to get some good Christmas pics.  After that it will be time to come up and call daddy to so that he can see him one last time here with me.  We'll talk to the grandma and grandpa's too.  It is so hard turning him over again.  I don't feel quite as empty as I did when I left him in May.  Being in PGN has helped, so I can only hope we are on the home stretch.  It's like my sense of fight was ever dulled, being here has renewed it!  The visit was so nice and I'm sure it will help him with the adjustment of coming home.
Kayla is doing much better today with Sean and Sonja.  She is such a doll!  It has been so neat to be with them as they are together for the first time as family.  I'm going to post a few more pictures.  There are some of both kids.  I hope to have more after lunch this afternoon.
Did I say that I hate when Rylan is napping!?  I am so bored.  It is like I don't want to miss a minute with him, yet he needs his sleep.  Much like his big brother Cameron.  If he doesn't get it he turns into and unruly beast!
I've shed my tears now...so I hope I can hold it together downstairs later!  I have the peace of mind of knowing Rylan is in good hands without me... but there is nothing like being in the hands of your mom and dad.  
Ill write a little more later!  Keep us in your thoughts for safe travels back home.
Posted by John and Karla at 13:20:55 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, December 07, 2007

Pictures Posted!

Hi everyone, just a quick note to tell you I posted some pictures.  They are under "Rylan - Guatemala 2007".  I'll put more in there when I have time.  We are still doing fantastic!  Rylan has been taking a long nap - much needed since we've put on about 30 miles around the hotel today!  He is adorable, sweet, and ALL boy!  Just like his big brother Cameron.  Speaking of which, I miss him BAD!
Everything is great.  Rylan's lip is healing well.  He is spunky and into everything.  He is very friendly with everyone and just a really good boy.  Corelli has done a fantastic job with him!
Kayla has adjusted better today.  Just some crying off and on.  She does not like the hotel room, but rather to be kept busy.  She is a one woman show - and WAY too cute! 
I'll post more later!  Karla and Rylan
Posted by John and Karla at 14:02:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, December 06, 2007

WOW, what a day!

Let me start by saying that Rylan is absolutely the most adorable little guy!  Sean, Sonja, and I started stalking the lobby around 9:30am this morning for the kids.  Corelli and the associate from Adrian's office were exactly on time at 10am!  I turned around and saw Rylan stumbling and WALKING in the door in front of Corelli.  He walked right up to me and into my arms!  It was the BEST!  We then chatted for about 5 minutes, but the language barrier was hard.  We parted ways and the chase was on keeping up with Rylan!  He is into everything, and going everywhere!  Not 5 minutes later I see Corelli coming back in the door with Pamela!!!  We immediately went to each other and hugged - a lot!  We got someone at the front desk of the hotel to translate for us.  We were able to discuss Rylan's schedule more which was nice.  Things he likes and doens't like.  Corelli is definitately on here toes!  I think she told the assoicate from the Adoption Agency that she was going shopping or something - and here she had Pamela waiting outside to meet us.  She's the BEST too!  My kind of woman.
We'll get to spend more time together on pickup, but this was really nice.  I told her beautiful Rylan looks and how happy we are to have her.  About 10 minutes later they were on there way out.  Pamela cried as they left.  The part about these adoptions is that so many emotions are involved for us, the babies, the foster moms.... the longer they take, the harder the adjustment.  I'm very lucky to have a little boy who takes to me immediately.  Tonight getting him to bed was MUCH harder.  He sobbed this pitful cry.  Not loud, just sad.  We finally went for a walk and I think I have him figured out.  He is PARTY boy.  He likes movement, music, motion.  You have to see him in action.  I bet he put on 5 miles today already walking around.  He is sleeping now but didn't get his bottle before bed.  He refused it, so I'm expecting him to wake up at some point.  That means I out to get to bed too. 
I just want to say that it has been an amazing day and I am so glad to be here.  I miss home a lot.  I wish he were coming back with me.  I don't see Rylan having much for adjustment issues come time to leave Guatemala.  I can't wait to share new pictures!  You'll have to ignore his fat upper lip though.  He had an accident and fell.  His teeth cut into his lip inside his mouth and it is still swollen.  I have ointment to apply - but it looks like it hurts so much!  He's a trooper though!
Kayla had a rough start.  She came in crying very hard around 12:15 this afternoon.  Sean and Sonja had a difficult time calming her as the crying went on for a long time.  We left the lobby almost immediately so they could go back to the room to calm her.  I figured they wanted time to get her adjusted.  I went to their room around 5pm to find her upset yet.  We gave her some Tylenol as I know she is teething again.  Finally we put her in Rylan's stroller and down to the lobby we went.  We ordered pizza and ate out by the pool this evening.  She settled down quite a bit during that time and was like nothing ever happened.  I left them around 6:30pm because I called my family by webcam from our room.... she was starting to cry a bit then.  I hope she is doing ok now.  Again, hard adjustments but we hope this help them transition home to us.  It is very obvious that Kayla is spoiled rotten!  Sean and Sonja are of course happy about that - as she is well taken care of!!!  But it makes it harder for them too.  Tomorrow is another day!  This little girl is SO gorgeous.  I see a pre-arranged marriage in their future!
We'll post again tomorrow.  I miss Cameron tons and I wish he and John were here.
Posted by John and Karla at 21:12:30 | Permanent Link | Comments (4) |

Touchdown!

Hello from Guatemala!  Just a quick note to let you know that we made it - on time and perfect trip down!  I have one bag of lost luggage...but they hope to have it here today.  It had all Anna's stuff in it for her foster mom.  Don't worry Anna, there was a lot of luggage that didn't make our flight and a long line of people waiting.  They are bringing the bag to us here today, and I've arranged the delivery with Victor.
I'm getting ready to meet Sean and Sonja for breakfast, so then we can stalk the lobby for our babies!  I can't even put into words how excited (and nervous) I am to see Rylan! 
I was up until almost midnight trying to get the laptop working.  I finally did it!  So we'll webcam home to our family over the weekend.  I won't even tell you what I was doing wrong at first as it is SO dumb!
Anyway, just wanted to drop a note.  I'll post after we have Rylan and Kayla.
By the way - Guatemala is all decorated for Christmas!  You should see it.  Absolutely beautiful.  There is nothing like this place.

Posted by John and Karla at 07:16:00 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Here's to you Mr. Snowplow Driver!

Well, I leave my house tomorrow morning at about 5:15am and wouldn't you know it - we have a snow storm!  The plows were out tonight on my way home, so that was a huge relief.  I just hope it quits so they can get the highways cleared (and the airport runways too)!  We fly from Minneapolis to Dallas, then onto Guatemala.  We do have a longer layover in Dallas, so if our Minneapolis flight is a little late, we should be ok.  We get into Guatemala at 9pm.  I am so glad to be traveling with Sonja and Sean.  Sonja and I went in May together - and this time her husband will meet their daughter for the first time.  I'm excited to see that.  This trip won't be the same with Anna though!  And to Terri and Michelle - I hope one day I can meet you in person.  Who knows what the future holds, right?

The plan is that Rylan will be brought to me on Thursday morning at 10am.  Here in Wisconsin we are the same time zone as them.  I'll get to keep him with me the entire time at the Marriott Hotel, but will give him back Saturday at 5pm.  I fly home Sunday morning.  Please pray that Rylan adjusts to me well.  I worry that he might be scared.  I have enough toys to help ease the transition though... my suitcase could hardly fit my clothes and pj's!

Cameron will be well cared for by his dad and our family!  That always makes me feel so much better.  I'm excited to go, but once I have to give Rylan back you can't get me home fast enough.  I just pray that soon we'll make that final trip ,and Rylan will be right on my lap enjoying the flight home! 

As far as the adoption goes, we are still on the 2nd reviewers desk.  I'm still hopeful that maybe we'll hear something this week.  I will post on my blog while in Guatemala (at some point while Rylan is napping).  Probably Thursday afternoon.

Thanks for all the private emails, phone calls, and total show of support!  I really do appreciate it.  It is so nice to know that we are cared about, and thought about!  

Next time we talk, I'll have baby boy in my arms!  Yeah!!!!

 
Posted by John and Karla at 20:55:35 | Permanent Link | Comments (4) |

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Oh Yes, We Live in Wisconsin!

Winter is here!  We're having our first snowfall of the season, and it is a complete blizzard.  I had planned to go into work today, but never made it out our driveway.  I took one look out this morning and could literally see the snow coming from Minnesota.  It took about 20 minutes until it engulfed our house.  By 9:30am it was a white out!  It's been sleeting and raining as well.  The patio outside our house is glare ice.  Needless to say we've been in the house and haven't left since getting home Friday after work.  We typically are out and about, so sitting still isn't that easy for us.

I can tell you that I am very thankful it is coming now!  Let's just keep our fingers crossed that we have nice weather for our flight out on Wednesday.  I want to be on-time to get my little guy in Guatemala!  Getting home late isn't even a worry...  John and Cameron will be veggin' out snacking and doing things I say "no" to when I'm home.  They'd probably welcome an extra break from MOM! 

No real news to report otherwise.  Marco didn't email me with PGN news so I am assuming he has nothing to tell me.  I'll accept that as good news!  I do expect this week to hear more.  I just hope it is good, as that would be the icing on the cake in addition to see Rylan.  I just wish I could slip him in my suitcase on the way home.  I'm just hanging on to the hope that I'll be back soon for that final trip.
Posted by John and Karla at 20:55:39 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) |