Baby Rachel Carlisa

Lets pay catch up & 2 years ago today..

2009-12-03T21:00:00.006-05:00

know its been quite along time since my last post & I know this for 2 reasons.. 1 b/c I know that date & 2 b/c Sam reminds me just about every day that its been months since I last posted, so lets play catch up...

Nothing out of the ordinary has been happening.. Halloween was a HUGE BUST!!!! . Rachel picked out her costume in early Sept & I might add that its very cute.. & thats all she talked out was wearing her witch costume & how she was going trick or treating.. well the day came & ohhh boy is all i have to say.. She was teething & would not put her costume at all.. NO WITCH COSTUME, NO TRICK OR TREATING!!!!! is what I heard about 50 times that day... at least I do have one pic of her the day we tried on her costume, well theres always next year..

October was baseball playoff season in my house.. I am a HUGE Yankee fan, no needless to say I was quite happy with the world series finish this year. Ive turned Rachel into a fan too.. heres the outfit Kristi sent her.. look how cute...
Rach is talking talking talking.... shes speaking in complete sentences now & some of the things that come out of her mouth are a riot.. I was constantly yelling at the tv during the baseball playoff's so one day Rachel said to me... "mommy, thats a bad word & dont say it again". my response was WOW, now I'm getting orders from my 2 year old..
Last night she told me that she wanted jello & I told her that I didnt have any so she looked at me & told me "call Bati, she has some in the fridge". She's got a mean temper,and is soooooooo not a girly girl, she would rather play with trucks & animals, shes got no use for dolls.. but she's really a sweet little girl.

I was off from work on election day so I dedcided to take Rachel for her christmas pics.. yep, another nitemare. We went to Target( where I always go for pics, they are cheap & take good shots) well.. Rachel wasnt having it, so after an attempted bribery that didnt work & about 30 minutes of trying to get 1 shot, we left... Needless to say Iwas aggravated so I called Kiddie Kandids to see if they have an available appt. Rachel was already dressed to I figured what the hell right? So we went & they did manage to get a few shots but I cost me like 200.00 dollars & I got hardly any pics.. well theres always next year right? UGH!!

We had a few Guattot get togethers this month, one with Patty & her son Antonio & one with Debbie & her Daughter Marissa. Next week we are planning a christmas guatot get together, there will be 4 families, so that should be nice..

Thanksgivng turned out well, we were at my house with about 15 people.. It was nice to spend the day with family & not be sick..

Today it is 2 years that I met Rachel for the first time.. OMG, she was sooooooooo tiny. I cant believe its been 2 years already... I look back at the pics from my trip & I remember like it was yesterday..Joanna & Myla were there when I arrived & I even got to meet Marla. The next day Kristi arrived to meet Elli (rachels best friend) We had so much fun with the girls.. Kristi is such a good friend & I miss her.. Here are a few pics from my trip..

The pics are arranged weird & I dont know why lol

The Yankeeeeeeeeeeeees WIN!!!!

My First visit trip 12/2007

Two years ago today & a Guattot get together

2009-09-26T20:52:00.015-04:00

Two years ago today, my life changed forever. I got an email from Carol saying she needed to speak with me ASAP. The whole adoption process became "REAL" to me in an instant. She told me that she had a referral for a baby girl for me. I was so not expecting it & she really caught me off guard. I cant even describe how I was feeling. Excited, Thrilled, Nervous.. ect ect.. All those things & more. These are the pics she sent me & I instantly in my heart became a mom.

Today we went apple picking & had lunch with 2 other Guatot families & their children & grand children.. We had a great day, the weather was perfect. When we went this time last year we were SWEATING!!!! it was sooooo hot, so the cool weather is a welcomed change for me. Rachel got to see her boyfriend Ryan.. she loves him to death & he just adores her. I have pics of the kids but there are no pics of Patty & her husband (not sure how that happened) Shes giovanni7460 on the boards & Dee is Dancemuffin. This has defintely got to be a yearly routine.

mollie, ryan rach, giovanni adrianna & antonio (i think i got the right order

Me & Dee

rach, ryan adrianna, & mollie

Rachel & Ryan

Bati & Rach

Dee & Ryan

Giovanni

ryan in the tree

Mollie ryan rachel & kellie

Mollie Rachel & Kellie

Rachel's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-09-21T20:56:00.031-04:00

We had Rachel's 2nd birthday party on Saturday & what a day it was. The weather couldnt have been better, it was 72 degrees & low humidity. We had about 45 peope in the yard & it really worked out well. This year Rachel understood that the party was for her, she doesnt truly get it, but she got it more than last year. We kept telling her that her party was coming up & thats all she kept saying was birthday cake & baloons. As you may or may not know Rachel's favorite food is cake cake cake... When Sam brought the cake in earlier in the day, she looked at it & said,"cut cake now, eat it". Wait till you see the pics of the cake.. It was amazing.. I cant believe that my baby girl is 2 already. Thank god that I wasnt really hoping for a girly girl, beacuse that Rachel is not. She doesnt mind dresses & like her pocketbooks but thats it. She has no use for dolls what so ever, she pushes them away, its really funny to watch. Case in point, she was behind the shed with my friends daughter playing, so I peeked in on them & I said Rach, what are you doing, her answer of course, "I digging dirt", then she looked up at me covered in dirt & said " I eatin dirt mommy". I just laughed, what a mess she was, really gross LOL... It doesnt really matter though, she had fun at her party & thats all I cared about.. Enjoy the pics

The Yard

This was Rach on her actual birthday chowing down on a piece of cake

Sam & his mom cutting the cake

Rach & Donna

Matt, Georgie & Steph

Me & Vikki

Aunt Mariann & Uncle Jim

Vikki & Victor

Mackenzie (vikki & Victors daughter)

My 2 brother in laws, Mike & Mike

My mom & Flo

My partner in crime Maria & her boys.. Kyle & Tyler

Anne & Al

Sam, his sister Barb, brother in law Mike & Rach

The three of us

Papa Badi & Rach

Maria, Maria, Me & Steph

Al, Nick, Rose & Dom

Dylan

John, Jonathan & Tracey

Uncle Bob, Aunt Fran, Michelle & Flo

Rick Donna & Fran

Lianna, Melissa, Katelyn & Rach. (my friend Maria's 3 girls)

My mother in law Rose, sister in law Diane & nephew Thomas

Digging in the dirt with Melissa

Enjoying her 3rd piece of cake

The ice cream cone cake or as rach says I frean cone

My baby girl is 2!!!

2009-09-10T08:42:00.004-04:00

I can hardly believe it.... Rachel is 2 years old today.. Where in the world did the time go.. I remember this time 2 years ago when I was gathering all of my paperwork, dealing with the morons at my home study agency trying to get everything sent to Carol & waiting on pins & needles for a referral... those feelings are still so vivid in my mind. They say after time you forget all the stress & anticipation, but I can still feel it. I cant imagime my life without my sweet chunko Rachel..
I would post pics but my computer at work wont allow me to do it ... BUMMER!!!
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY GIRL!!!!!

2009-08-26T11:08:00.003-04:00

What a great weekend I had with Kristi, Elli & her frind Lou Ann visiting..She was only here for a few days so we were running all weekend, & it was FANTASIC!!!. I havent seen her in almost 2 years, since we visited the girls in Guatemala.
Our weekend went something like this... They arrived Thurs afternoon, they checked in to the hotel & off to my house to let the girls play & we ate & ate.. After dinner we went to visit sam at the firehouse & off to Tartufo for dessert & cappucino.
Friday morning.. off to Taget for pics of the girls & they were both B-R-A-T-S!!!! to say the least, but we got 2 or 3 decent ones so WHATEVER!!!..
After the pics, my mom took both girls & the three ladies were off to NYC for the day. We did a guided tour (the best way to see the most stuff)after the tour we spend a bit of time in Times Square.. seeing it all lit up is so cool, especially seeing it with someone who has never been there..
Sat morning I picked Kristi up at 730 to head to Hoboken to Carlo's Bakery where the show, the cake boss is filmed.. I dont watch the show but Kristi does & she was soooo excited. She has pics with the staff & an autograph & pics with Buddy (he's the main guy).
Then we all headed in the minivan to Annette's house for the day..like Ive said before.. we all had a blast... Its really hard to put into words how wonderful the day really was. This has got to be an annual event, which means Kristi will just have to come back next year... We also found out that Maria, our Guatemalan laywer may be joining us a next year's event.. How cool would that be???
All the kids got a long so well, only a few little issues & one meltdown, hey thats ok.. there were 8 kids all under 3 yrs old & not one of them had a nap.. so I think all in all it was the PERFECT DAY!!! Sam did have a little accident though.. goes something like this.. I was sitting in the house & all of a sudden I see sam jumping in the bounce house, & the first thing I said was " by the time he gets out he'll be hurt" I was sooo right. When he dove in the house he caught his hand on the net & it bent backwards & so it goes.. big kid!!!! I do regret not getting any pics of the guys.. they were all huddled around the grill watching Tim work...
After we got home we just hung out at my house for a while, then I took the girls to a few Sopranos shoot locations so Kristi could take pics for her husband & off to pack they went..
Sunday morning, I dropped them off at the airport & had to say goodbye... that stunk, but the memories & pics I have our weekend will last a lifetime..

Make a Smilebox slideshow

"THE GET TOGETHER AT ANNETTE"S HOUSE"

2009-08-23T21:36:00.027-04:00

What a day!!!! I cant even begin to put into words what a FABULOUS day we had at the Maron's house.. She is definetly the hostess with the mostest, she surprised us all with a bounce house for the kids,notice I say kids... you'll see a few pics down why the kids had to be stressed in that sentence ... i want to thank her again for having us all over.. for me.. the best party is just chillin & relaxing.. no pressure just a great time. Everyone brought somwthing & we just wung it... I still cant believe that there were 7 of Carol's kids in one house at the same time.. they all looked so adorable sporting their shirts that said.. I am a Guatemalan Miracle, in honor of Carol....
WOW.. I am still in shock.. but here are a few pics ofthe day.. I had such a great weekend with Kristi visitng. Its a weird but awesome feeling to be with someone visiting times square for the first time even though I was viciously ill ( thats a story for another day )I hope she had as much fun as I did.. I'll post pics of that tomorrow..

& in other rach news.. on thursday 8/20/09 rach did pee pee on the potty for the 1st time.. probably just a fluke but we have to start somewhere right?

Rachel & Chloe

Sam & Elli

This was Sam on sunday.... after he decided to play in the bounce house like a big kid... he said that he didnt care that he got hurt b/c he had fun doing it

Kennedy

Rachel & Lallie

Reagan munching on her popcorn

Monica & Elianna

Annette surprised us with a bounce house.. it was a HIT!!!

They may not all be looking, but all 7 kids are there with their t-shirts that say... We are Guatemalan Miracles

All the moms.. from left to right.. jenny, annette, me, barb, kristi, deb & dani

Jade & Sky

All 7 of the kids playing at the water table

A long overdue post

2009-08-19T11:14:00.003-04:00

I know its been a while since my last post, & this time I actually have pictures.. I took Rachel last night for her birthday pics & surprise surprise she didnt cooperate AGAIN... I'm not even sure why it still surprises me. I did get a few decent ones so that will have to do.

A few weeks ago we attended GAFE (guatemalan adoptive family event) right here in nj. Its a bi annual event, & we really enjoyed ourselves. There were over 300 people coming from as far as CA & puerto rico. We met old friends there & made some new friends. We'll definetly go back in 2011. (WOW 2011)...

I was in California with my mom for a few days & we had a BLAST!!! . I miss my friends sooo much.. Every time they move, they get further & further away from NJ.

Tomorrow, Kristi & Elli are coming to town... we will be heading to Ny on friday & to Annett's house on Sat where 7 of Carol's families will be.. I cant wait!!!!!!!!!

Rachel's birthday is almost here & my plan was cake, just cake.. YEAH RITE, that didnt work out so well again!! I am having about 30 people over to celebrate with us. I can hardly believe that she's almost 2... She's talking up a storm, she is a repeating machine & can even put 3 words together.. shes always jibber jabbing about something or another.

Happy Birthday Kristi!!!! & Happy 2nd birthday Lallie!!! she'll be 2 tomorrow...

enjoy the pics...

a quick update

2009-07-17T12:56:00.003-04:00

I will apologize in advance for the lack of pics in this post... just a quick update.. Rachel has been doing great with her speech therapy, she says soooo many words that I stopped counting. She can put two words together & has become a parrot.now is when we really have to watch LOL..

In other news, next weekend I am going to a guatot weekend (as I call it) but its a Guatemalan adoptive family event, & its right here in NJ, about 40 minutes from home. There are about 300 people attending & from what ive heard from others, its a gathering worth attending. It must be, b/c there are people from all over the country that come. Kevin from Guataopt will be there & for my nonadoptive friends, he's the guy that if you have any questions about the going's on in Guatemala he's the one to call. (at least thats my opinion)

The last weekend of the month me & my mom are going to California from thurs-sunday. My friends moved out there a few months ago. They are in thousand oaks(outside LA). Rachel will be staying home with sam & grandma Rose. I cant wait to see my friends, I miss them so much...

Other exciting news!!! my friend Kristi her daughter Elli & her friend Luann are coming to visit from Illinois. She is my friend who also adopted a little girl from Guatemala. I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited. I have not seen her since dec 07 when we both took our first visit trip to Guatemala. Ive talked to her just about everyday & cant wait to see her again. We will be taking a tour of Nyc on friday & Sat we'll be heading to Pennsylvania to meet with other Carol families. If all works out there will be 7 carol families in one room... I cant wait to take pictures pictures & more pictures...

& last but not least... my bathroom will be done next week..WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO. Its been a long few weeks. Its the last thing I wanted to do before I get ready to sell. It was yucky pink (pepto bismol) & black. I cant wait to get my house back in order. I kinda stinks at 3am when I have to trek to the basement bathroom when there is one right next door, but it will be worth it in the end. That I will post pics of as soon as its done..

Guat tot get together with the Maron Family

2009-07-01T14:09:00.004-04:00

Last weekend Annette, her mom Lorraine, Chloe & Marla (lallie) came to visit us... The weather outside was MISERBLE to say the least but we had such a good time catching up.. we just sat around ate, had coffee & watched the girls.. I cant think of anything better than to spend time with friends & our family.. I cant wait till our next visit, I miss them already... here are a few pics of our day

Guat tot get together with Marissa & her family

2009-07-01T13:53:00.003-04:00

I am really behind with posting lately.. Here are a few pictures from our day with the Horner Family at my house. It was actually sunny out, not that we've had many of those days, but the kids played outside & they had so much fun It was nice catching up with Marissa & her mom & dad..Lucky for us we only live about an hour from each other.. I think its great that Rachel will have other Guattots in her life as she grows up, thats something that is very important to me.

Words , Words & More Words

2009-06-02T14:44:00.003-04:00

Rachel started Early Intervention a few weeks ago & its going great. After her intitial evalutaion I noticed that she was talking more & more but the EI services can only help her.. She doesnt really put 2 words together yet, although last night when the lights flickered inthe house & the TV was rebooting she did manage to say TV on? Here are a bunch of words that she is sayinng, again just to have a record of milestones for her...

Here are some of the names of my family & friends that Rach can say Mary, Jim, Steph, Matt, Rosie, Donna, Johnny, Michelle, Kara , Fran, Sam (her Daddy) Yep, she calls him Sam.. Gianna, (her speech therapist) Gabby, Nick, Georgie, Vikki, Mackie, Jazz (the dog) Arthur (the bird) Munch & Tee (my cat's names)

Some of the shows she watches that she really likes… Elmo, Gabba, Maggie, Beast, Max

Here are a bunch of words that she says too.. TV/Tv on. Duck, Good, stuck, sticky, powder, morning, sheep, cake, wet, watch, pots (to cook with) flower, froggie, chip(potato chips) side (for outside) beach, bubbles, hands, feet, toes, work, home, please, phone, chair, soup, cook, baby, baba, fish, whale, beach, sleep

So she's getting there.. everyday I see more & more improvement..

Oh BTW have I told you that Rachel has OCD? yeah!! already, thats another post.. stay tuned

OMG!!! Rachel said it....

2009-05-09T20:48:00.003-04:00

talk about the best Mother's Day gift ever, Rachel called me mommy today. She always knew who I was & if you asked her where mommy was, she would point at me & say there, but today she looked at me & said mommy.... I think I'll always remember this Mother's Day the most... Sam asked me what I wanted to do tomorrow & my answer.... clean the garage.. thats what would make me happy..

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOM'S OUT THERE!!!

Early Intervention

2009-05-06T13:59:00.004-04:00

About a month ago I had Rachel evaluated by the Early Intervention agency for her speech, (or lack there of). It turns out that she is eligible for speech services. It's a great thing, they come to the house & the cost isnt so much. They started this past weekend. My thinking, it can only help her. She says a few things.. I am listing them here becausee one day I'm sure she'll ask "when did I start talking" & I will have the blog to reference.. I cant lose it this way LOL...

Her favorite word of course is DaDa or Da dee... she calls my mother Ba,, not sure where that came from, but thats her name. She knows I'm her mama but she doesnt say it.. here are some others.. & after her intital eval, she began to say a few new things.I just think she needs that push.

dog,cat,bird,ball,hot,hat,bat,no,no way, no touch, stop(wonder where shes heard those)brat(which I call the cat) book,apple,&juice,up,down,sit, bee,set-go & poop.

She's really good at her animal sounds.. she can identify almost everything in her books but she just doesnt say them yet.. she can make the dog, cat, sheep,snake,horse,cow,monkey,bee & lion.

I am just hoping the speeech therapy begins to work soon..

Gotcha Day celebration...

2009-04-25T21:00:00.019-04:00

Inspiration for the cake

The cake

Uncle Al

cake at the house

The 2 Grndma's

at dinner

Rachel's godmother Donna

mama & dada

My parents

my brother John & sister in law Michelle

Grandma Rose

The Infante Family

Me & Rach

It's hard to believe that one year ago today Rachel became a U.S. citizen when we landed in Houston. We traveled all day & she was a great traveler.. When we got to the luggage area to meet my mom, aunt & uncle Rachel began to cry uncontrollably & this lasted for about 4 hours. I remember it like it was yesterday... today we calebrated gotcha/homecoming day with dinner & cake at the house. I wanted to keep with the Guatemala theme cake, it isnt what i wanted but it looked good anyway. Dinnner was with Rachel's grandparents & godparents..& them we had cake at the house.. I also had a food basket& dinner sent to Telma, Rach's foster mother on Tuesday, it was a year that she gave Rachel to us forever. Here are some pics.. i realize everything is backwards but oh well...

Happy First Gotcha Day!!!!

2009-04-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

Today is Rachel’s 1st Gotcha day.. what else could I say but OMG!!!! Where has the time gone.. I remember so well getting to the Westin to get ready for her arrival… We got into the room & about 30 minutes later we got the call that my baby girl was downstairs.. I just couldn’t believe that this time she was coming home with us FOREVER!!!! Telma (Rachel’s foster mother) looked so sad , I really felt for her, the baby she’d been caring for for all of these months was now leaving her. When we were in the elevator going back to the room, I just kept thinking WOW.. this is really happening…

To start of Rachel’s celebration, I used a service in Guatemala, not forgot in Guat & am having dinner sent to the foster family. They were a big part of Rachel’s life & I just wanted to show my appreciation.
Our celebration will happen this Saturday, the day we all came home..I am taking Rachel’s grandparents & Godparents to dinner & then having cake at my house afterward. I am really excited about her cake, it has a Guatemala theme… pictures this weekend..

Then

Now

happy first gotcha day Marla

2009-04-18T20:56:00.004-04:00

Yesterday March 17th was Marla's(aka Lallie) first Gotcha Day. This is the day that Marla was given to the Maron family forever... Being that Annette doesnt blog anymore(hint hint) I told her that I had to post these pics.. I cant believe its been a year already that we were in Guatemala together... they are all so cute I cant decide which is my favorite.

HAPPY 1st GOTACH DAY SWEET LALLIE... we miss you !!!!!

Its Official...............

2009-04-14T14:29:00.002-04:00

Chunk is now legally Rachel Carlisa. We had our court date for her legal name change yesterday. Rachel didnt even have to be there & it took all of 10 minutes. now we have to wait for the final judgement & then I can get moving with changing all of her paperwork to say Rachel.. I am ALMOST done with adoption paperwork..

Rachel's first Easter was good, nice & quiet. her basket consisted of books & puzzles, so if you ask her what the Easter bunny brought her, she says boops (aka books). The night before Easter, I told her that we had to leave carrots out for the Easter bunny, so I gave her the carrot to put on the dish, & in true Rachel fashion.. she popped the carrot in her mouth.. she figured, hey its food, so its for me. I didnt want her to have raw carrots so I had to pry it out of her mouth.

In other news, Rachel has the snotty nose this week, its the first time shes showed any kind of being sick since her birthday, shes not cranky at all but HATES to have her nose wiped. Last week we had an "incident" rach dislocated her elbow.. I was swinging her & then she threw herself back so I grabbed her & so it goes..
I felt so bad for her, she was just laying on my going ooooooouuuuuuuch!!!
the next day we took her to the doctor & she was fine.. poor baby.

I had her evaluated by Early Intervention for speech therapy & they willl be starting in a few weeks, she says a few words & does lots of her animal sounds but shes not talking real well., but her new favorite word is STOP!!!!, especially when shes having her diaper changed.
pics soon

One Year Ago Today......

2009-03-27T14:17:00.002-04:00

I got the call that we were OUT of PGN... here is my post from last year...

Well heres how the story goes.... major meltdown yesterday.. (annette can attest to that one) today I called PGN like 100 times (so cant wait for the phone bill) & I finally got through to Laura who told me that my file was ready to be picked up, but she couldnt tell me if I was approved or kicked out... so I called carol & left her a message.. I waited & waited what seemed like forever & she told me the GREAT NEWS!!!!! our file was approved by PGN....

1 Year later.... I remember that day like it was yesterday, I was really in a bad place the weeks before we got the wonderful news, there was doom & gloom news coming out of Guatemala regarding adoptions & I couldnt wait to get my baby home. I told Sam that if we were out by the following week, I was going back to visit.. People have asked me what was the best most exciting part of the adoption process, (of course bringing Rachel home) but the process itself.. for me it was the OUT call.I was at work when carol called me back & I remember my heart pounding out of my chest when I answered.. her voice sounded off so right away I just assumed that we were kicked out & not OUT OUT.. I couldnt have been more wrong.. I just remember crying & crying & crying... I hung up with Carol & starting making my calls.. its was the BEST feeling.. & here were are 1 year later, WOW, where has the time gone??

2009-03-16T19:54:00.002-04:00

.Here are a few of Rachel's Easter pictures, she cooperated to an extent, when she was DONE she was DONE, we did get a few good shots.. all the girls in the studio know how tempermental she cn be..

On a few side notes, I got a call from our lawyer today & our hearing for Rachel's legal name change is on April 11th... I cant wait to be done with all the paperwork.. now I have to get all her documents changed to her legal name..

Last weekend I decided to try out a mommy & me gymnastics class, lets just say that I am so glad I didnt have to pay for it. It was 45 minutes long & boy was it a LOOONG 45 minutes. Rachel is waaaaay to young, I'll try again whwn shes 2. I wish I had her on video, it was a sight boy... at her age following directons is not one of her strong suits.. I decided on music class, lets see how that goes.. stay tuned

Our day with the Maron Family

2009-03-08T19:40:00.016-04:00

Yesterday we spent the day with the Maron's (Annette, Tim, Chloe & Lallie). We had such a great time. This time both the girls are walking. It was such gorgeous day outside so they played in the yard.. Chloe was a bit under the weather because her mean mommy(LOL) wont let her have a puppy... She did manage to perk up enough to play the piano for me, i feel so special, b/c Annette told me that she doesnt play for many people. I think we all need to pressure Annette into saying yes to the pup. It was such a relaxing day of lunch,& dessert of course.. & just playing with the girls. The men were watching sports & drinking beer of course.. Isnt it great to spend a fantastic day with friends? Thats exactly what we did. I am so glad that we live close enough together that the girls can grow up as friends. Here are pics from the day, I realized when we left that there were no pics of Tim. Sorry Tim

My absolute favorite!!!

having a grand old time

the girls playing with shadow

cruisin the driveway

the sweet faced Lallie

Rachel rooting around the yard

Sam with the swwet Lallie

the 4 of us having a Great time together

Sam & Chloe

Annette with Rachel

Me with the sweet Lallie

Rachel was passed out on the way home from all the fun she had

pictures

2009-02-22T10:03:00.004-05:00

here are some pics of Rachel's playdate with Marissa, they didnt come out so good, but thats ok, they had a great time with each other

Bad Blogger Award & some sad news

2009-02-15T10:27:00.004-05:00

This is what my friend Kristi said I'm getting.. Other than my Valentine's post I havent posted in a while. There really hasnt been much going on till the past week. Last weekend we went to our friends house so Rachel & Marissa could play, Marissa is also a Guatot.

On a sad note, my grandfather passed away on Feb 11th. He was almost 90 but was suffering so he's in a better place. So tomorrow morning me & my mom are off to Florida. My dad has been there for a few weeks already. This is the first time Rachel is going to be without me & my mom, she;s staying home with her Dada & grandma Rose. She'll miss my mother the most, that for sure. I'm leaving the cold to go to 80 degrees, I jus wish it was for a good reason..

pics soon

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T20:15:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Not that we celebrate this hallmark holiday very much but last Valentine's day will forever be one for the books.. After a cancelled flight on the 13th & engine trouble on the morning of the 14th we made it to Guatemala for our 2nd visit with Rachel. This all happened after running through Houston airport, just making our connection & a MISERABLE ILLNESS for me & my mom , but I wouldnt change it for the world. Here are a few pics from our 2nd visit with my sweetheart Rachel..

Rachel lovin Elmo

2009-01-19T19:51:00.001-05:00

This is Rachel christmas morning loving her Elmo that grandma gave her, we were playing with my new video camera so forgive all the background talking.. Ive had a hard time posting videos through blogger so I figured I 'd try this way..

Make a Smilebox slideshow

what a wonderful christmas it was!!!!!

2008-12-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

what a huge difference from last year..last xmas we were STUCK in PGN & miserable, this year , while Rachel had no clue what was going on it didnt mattter she was HOME with us.. we knew what a miracle it was that she was home with us to celebrate the holidays.. Christmas Eve we went to Sam's brothers house as we do every year, we had a nice relaxing night. Rachel was asleep in the car in about 5 seconds & she slept till after 9am Christmas day.

Christmas morning we opened presents at my house, Rachel had fun ripping the paper. In the afternoon we went to my Aunt's house to celebrate with my family. It was a great day... ps, I have enough Dora stuff to open a store LOL

here are some pics... video soon when I can figure it all out

A picture of the Dora video that steph got with Rachel's pic throughout the story

Dylan giving BIG HUGS!!

Rach & Dylan hiding under the table

My brother John & sister in law Michelle

My cousin Steph & her fiance MAtt

My cousin michelle & her kids.. Georgie, Dylan & brittany

All dressed & ready to go

Sitting in the new Dora chair

Checking out Elmo

Christmas morning in the wagon my brother & sister in law got Rachel

Daddy being silly on christmas eve

Us & sams brother Michael & his wife Diane

Grandpa

Grandma

The light of Rachel's life.. her Dada

Rachel & Grandma Rose

Our christmas family photo

Merry Christmas

2008-12-14T17:16:00.012-05:00

I cant belive that christmas is almost here & the best part is that Rachel is home to celebrate it with us.. She'll be home 8 months on christmas day!!!! I put up my charlie brown tree a few weeks ago.. I haven't had a tree up in mamy many years b/c of the cat & this year I didnt put up the big tree b/c of Rachel & the cat..I'm all done with my shopping & everone keeps asking what I bought for Rachel.. gotta tell ya not much at all.. only a few things...I could wrap up the stuff in her room & she wouldn't know the difference... there are many more years that I can spoil her at christmas where she'll understand what new toys are..

Today there was a Guatot christmas party about 30 minutes from home. there were about 100 people, it was really nice & the kids had a blast. there are a few pics but they didnt come out so good.. getting all the kids to look up was not easy.. my thing, they are all in the shot.
PS... Rachel's hair is not always in her eyes, she wouldnt keep her bow in... poor thing, she looks a mess..

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Rach & her Dada

Antonio, mollie, kellie & Rachel

Just had to throw one of my cutie in there

Anjoli & Rachel

My charlie brown tree

Marissa

Santa's little helper

Even the cat is in the holday spirit

1 year ago today.....

2008-12-04T09:12:00.007-05:00

held my daughter for the first time.. I remember like it was yesterday, we were at the airport at 3am waiting & waiting in line. I couldnt wait to get to Guatemala to see my peanut.. 4 sets of pics & a video were absolutely wonderful but I just wanted to see Rachel in person.. I also met joanna & myla on my first day & kristi elli & sara the next day.. I had talked to these women so many times it was nice to meet them in person. we even got to see sweet Marla... After we checked in we were in the room when the phone rang.. it was Joanna saying that she saw Rachel in the lobby.. of course we all went running to see her.. Imagine my surprise when I saw her but she was with a different foster mother.. I was concerned, but just wanted to hold my baby....
we had a wonderful first visit.. here are some pics...

We have a walker

2008-12-02T21:00:00.004-05:00

Here is my princess walking FINALLY!!! she still crawls b/c its much faster that way still.. I was starting to get worried shes almost 15 months old..but here she is.....

Not the Thanksgiving I had hoped for....

2008-12-02T11:39:00.007-05:00

I was so looking foward to Rachel's first holiday at home.. All week I couldnt wait for Thanksgiving food & having my family over. Well my family did come over for dinner, about 15 people but I was in bed with a fever, the flu & some sort of stomach funk.. I felt like I did whwn I was sick in Guatemala Lets just say.. thank god for my mom.. here are a few pics from the day.. At least I got to eat leftovers on friday..

My Dad & Rachel

Christmas pictures X2

2008-11-25T20:52:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I took Rachel to the mall & who was there? Santa Claus!!! It was Nov 6th.. santa was ready for pictures & there was no line... thats what I'm talking about!!! Well Rachel wasnt too thrilled with the big guy but of course I bought the picture anyway..she has that mean baby face like Juanita on desperate housewives has...

Then on Nov 17th I decided to bring Rachel for her christmas pics, well out of all the pics they took there wasnt one that was the least bit decent.. here we go with the juanita face again.... that Thursday we tried again & hot damn we got some good shots.. and here they are...

One step at a time

2008-11-24T19:40:00.002-05:00

On Thursday Nov 21st Rachel took 2 steps WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO... I know its much easier when kids arent walking but Jeez!!! shes 14 1/2 months already... she was so excited that she took steps.. she was clapping away.. I figured another month she'll be on the go, just in time for christmas... christmas pics soo

A gift from my friend Kristi

2008-11-13T19:28:00.003-05:00

here is the gift that my friend Kristi sent me for my birthday, its hanging proud in my dining room. She happens to think that I dont like it but its beautifully framed & has Rachel's name & the date of her christening. Ive gotten so many complimemts on it.. Its kinda strange to see me & sam hanging there.. other than our wedding pic all the other photos are of Rachel, other family & friends.. not many of us..
so thank you kristi...
Like ive said many many times before, this adoption process has brought many other things into my life other than Rachel.. the friends that ive made along the way.. Kristi is one of them, I would have never made it through the misery of the adoption process had it not been for her... so thank you!!!!! she is a lifelong friend thats for sure.. I just wish we lived closer, but we will see each other again real soon...

Prayers needed

2008-11-11T11:32:00.002-05:00

Today I am asking for your prayers.... On the right side of my blog there are the faces of 2 little girls.. Bella & Abby.. These precious little angels have both been diagnosed with cancer. I cant even imagine what they are going through, in reading their stories I am amazed at the strength that these 2 families have....

please take a look & keep them in your prayers.... t

14 months old...

2008-11-11T11:16:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Rachel turned 14 months old....Shes still not walking yet but really cruising especially with her baby carriage. My Aunt from florida came to visit for a few days.. It was so nice seeing her again.. here are a few pics

Happy Birthday Dada

2008-11-05T21:09:00.002-05:00

Today is Sam's birthday.... even though hes home with strept throat, it was a great day anyway.. it's his first birthday as a daddy!!!!! Rachel is a daddy's/grandma girl.. Here's a pic of the two of them that I relly love.. it shows just how much Rachel loves her Dada

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T10:00:00.005-04:00

happy halloween!!!! yesterday was Rachel's first halloween home!!!! she was dressed as a pink poodle.. she looked too cute!! hanging out with sam & my girl.. yep, trick or treating, yeah not so much.. We just brought her to the neighbors house so they could see her.. they all tried to give us candy but I told them.. rachel cant eat it & we dont need it.. After that we went to Friday's for dinner... here are a few pics

new photo shoot

2008-10-21T13:52:00.003-04:00

Here is Rachel's latest photo.. thanks Annette for lending me the tutu.. As usual Rachel wasnt too cooperative

A picture parade

2008-10-16T21:22:00.008-04:00

Here are just a few pics from the pat few days... I took Rachel yesterday for pictures in her tutu (thanks Annette) & she stood up without holding on for the first time.. She wasnt very cooperative asusual with getting her pics taken but we did get a few good shots.. they are even using one of them for the studio..
First merry go round ride

Walking Dora

My little Fire girl

Rob & Liam one of Rachel's many boyfriends

festivities at Daddy's firehouse to start off national fire prevention week

Always with a Dora character in hand

my first birthday with Rachel

2008-10-16T21:13:00.005-04:00

well its the big one... 35!!! It moves me into the next box... you know how when you fill out surveys & they ask your age, well 35 is now the next box..not to thrilled about moving into the next box LOL... Me, Rachel & my parents went out to dinner to celebrate.. Sam is at the firehouse so we'll go out over the weekend..I am thrilled that Rachel is home with me to celebrate, there are so many families still waiting to bring home their children, I am one of the lucky ones. & what better way to enjoy my birthday than with my family

Friends are the best

2008-10-12T20:30:00.020-04:00

Throughout this adoption process I have made so many wonderful friends.. friends who have been there for me while I sat & waitied for Rachel to finally come home. I truely coud not have done this without them, they were there for me when I was at my wits ends & absoutely DONE with this whole crappy process, they completly understood what I was going through. Makingthese friends has been a blessing, there are so many wonderful women that I have met & had it not been for Rachel & the adoption process we would have never crossed paths...

Yesterday, me Rachel & my mom went to go see Annette, Tim, Chloe, Marla & Lorraine (Annette's mom). We had a great afternoon together...Let me back track a bit.. Annette & I were in the same boat, we were stuck in PGN together & we both got caught up in the Central Authority BS... We talked several times a day, we had become.. what sholud I say? hmmm disgruntled postal employees... We were just so sick & tired of being stuck in PGN, we referred to ourselves as QB & QB2 the queen bithces.. without her I would have been in trouble.. the day beforeI got out I had a MAJOR MELTDOWN & she was there for me.. I will be forever grateful for that..

I remember the night I found out that Rachel's file was at the PGN window to be picked up (at this point I didnt know if I was OUT or KO'd) I called her house & Tim answered.. I heard annette in the background saying.. Is she happy or sad? After the nigjht before she probalby didnt want to talk to me if I was upset..

Back to our visit... Lets just say, I cant wait to get together again.. we had such a great afternoon of relaxing, eating & catching up. The girls played & they were way too cute. I was lucky enough to hear Chloe play the piano, she plays beautifully, thank you so much, we really enjoyed hearing you play. We sat around & talked all afternoon. Tim was making Rachel laugh & laugh.. Marla was sleeping at the time, we knew that wasnt happening for Rachel.. it was a perfect visit.. here are some pics of our day.. go ahead Annette you can steal them...

The five of us in Guatemala

The four of us now, Chloe went to her friends house

Friends are the best

Rachel Annette & Tim... Marla was napping.. what a novel idea

Chloe loving her lil sis

Annette & her mom

girls who are DONE with the camera

Chloe & Rachel

me & sweet cheeks Marla

the girls having a great time together

5 minutes into our car ride home

A bad hair day...

2008-10-09T07:40:00.005-04:00

with a little help from grandma, my poor baby had a BAD HAIR DAY... .. I guess gram was bored that morning... thank god she didnt take her out of the house looking like a wreck.. LOL

Another Guat Tot get-together

2008-10-06T18:53:00.007-04:00

Ryan, Rachel & my mom

Kelly, Molly, Giovanni & Antonio

Molly & Rachel

I know I'm a bit late in posting these pics but being that I got the bad blogger award toiday from Kristi, I figured that I should get moving..

2 weeks ago we met 2 other Guat Tot families for apple/pumpkin picking & then for lunch. We all had a great time. Rachel was the youngest baby so she really didnt know what was flying but I had a good time.. These are the families that got together for a pool party over the summer.. these women & their families are really fun. I'm so glad that Rachel will have friends that have their adoption in common..

Throughout this experience I have made so many new friends!

Where did the time go?

2008-09-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

I can hardly belive that a whole year has gone by since we received Rachel's referral. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was on the phone with Debbie another Guat mom to be when I rec'd an email from carol saying that I needed to call her ASAP. Of course I thought it was bad news, b/c there was an Oct. referral deadline looming over everyone's head & at this point we didnt have our I171h approval nor had we had our fingerprints done.

I couldnt have been more wrong, Carol said that she had a referral of a baby girl named Marjorie & that she would send the pictures & medical in a few minutes, she was driving her granddaughter to a school play. In the meantime I ran downstairs to tell sam that we got a referral, I was so crazy excited & he had no idea what was going on, When she called me back a few minutes later I asked her.. Is the baby healthy? & does she had a lot of hair?

Then I waited for the email, & there she was, my daughter the peanut(wow how things change in a year) LOL. I couldnt believe how small she was, I just wondered if she was healthy, thats the only thing that mattered to me.

I called my mom who of course came running back over to see her granddaughter. After I just looked & looked at her pics a thousand times I made a few phone calls to my close friends & family & sent them the pics so they could see my rachel.. I sent the pics to Kristi who had dial up internet, it took about 2 hours for the pics to download.. she even made her kids stay up late than usual to see the pics of Rachel. Needless to say I was on the phone & the computer half the night.

This past year has been truly agonzing at times due to all of the uncertainty regarding the completion of our adoption.. some days seemed to linger on so bad that days felt like weeks. make no mistake adoption is a grueling heart wreching experience but I wouldnt change it for the world. I cant imagine Rachel not in our lives (even as she screaming her head off right now b/c she doesnt want to sleep) LOL.

On the other hand this past year has flown by, I feel like it was yesterday that we were in Guatemala picking Rachel up. Its been 5 months already that shes home & boy time has really flown by.....

Look at me then...

& Look at me now!!

more pics

2008-09-14T11:46:00.001-04:00

Rachel on her birthday with a 104.1 fever

Rachel wearing the Dress that Elli sent her

Rachel loving her cake

Jill & brian

Dom & Rose

Rachel's Party

2008-09-14T08:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Rachel's birthday party.. Poor Rachel was MISERABLE to say the least.. We were at the doctor's office in the morning for a rash that she broke out with on Friday night. The doctor I spoke to on Friday night thought that she was allergic to pennicilin (thank god she's not). It turned out to be rosieola.. In the doc's office she was fever, ear, throat infection free, well that didnt last long. After we got home she had a 101.5 fever. So needless to say Rachel really didnt enjoy her party, I felt so sorry for her.. she was very clingy, she wanted me sam or grandma.

It looked like rain all day but thank god the ran held off.. I would have been S.O.L. if it rained, 50 people in my house NOT!!!! We had a few tents in the yard.. I ordered pizza, & my mother & mother in law did some cooking.. all real easy, got knows I'm sooooooooo not the entertainer, my idea id to have a party out..

By the end of the night Rachel was feeling better especially after she dug into her cake, she LOVED that.. I called Telma (rachels FM) in Guatemala to say hello & she how she was doing.. It was nice to get to talk to her again.

Rachel fell asleep in my arms, she was exhausted but all in all it wasa great day of celebrating with my family & friends.

Here are a few pics..my camera is among the missing at the moment...

Lights out!!!

Dave, Jess & sam

Maria, Katelyn & Melissa

Vikki, Victor & Mackenzie

My mother in law, Siter in law Diane & nephew Thomas

Tracey & Jonathan

Aunt Mar & family

Aunt Mariann

My brother John, & his wife michelle.=. me, sam & my parents

My partner in crime Maria & her boys.. Tyler & Kyle

Rachel's Godmother Donna... Fran & Rick

My niece & nephews, Brittany Georgie & Dylan

Fred, Kate, Rob & young

My mom & her sisters Mariann & Franny

Rachel's cake which I love

a not so happy Rachel

Rachel & sams mom

singing happy birthday

My baby girl is 1 today

2008-09-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is 1 today.. I remember like it was yesterday when carol called & sent me her birth pictures.. what a peanut she was, well not anymore thats for sure. During the process of bringing Rachel home I wasnt even sure that she would be home for this day & holy cow shes been home for 4+ months.

For the past few weeks Ive been say "it's your birthday soon" & she'd clap away, my plan was to have a little cake tonite with us & my parents but thats not happening.. Rachel is so sick... We took her to the doctor yesterday & she had a 104.0 fever, double ear infection & a throat infection. I thought there was a rule that you cant be sick on your birthday. As sick as she is shes not even crying. I took a few pictures that are truely pathetic, I'll post them later b/c I'm at work....

Its still so hard to beieve that a year has gone by & I am so lucky that Rachel is home with us to celebrate.

Rachel's First Word ...

2008-09-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

&it's not Mama... it's Dora.. yep Dora..She says Dada & Daddy but I dont think shes knows that Sam is Dada. Now Dora on the other hand.. she certaintly knows who that is.. This all happened on Sept 2nd. I'm amazed that I remembered to document the day, you think I would have been doing this all along but I'm ashamed to say that I havent. I know around when Rachel did this or that but not exact dates.

In other Rachel news, shes really on the go.. for about all of July & half of August she did the army crawl & boy was she fast... about the middle of August, she got the hang of it.. Shes been pulling herself up & walking along the table & couchees since late july.. The steps are her favorite of course. She just got the hand of going from crawling to sitting about 2 weeks ago, that came last.

Party news... well her birthday is Wednesday & we;ll have a cake for her but her party that I wasnt having in on Sat the 13th, we are having about 50 people & I put onthe invitation "No Gifts Please" so we'll see how that works out.. I just had 170 people at her christening & I dont want my family & friends to think that I'm having a birthday party just for the gifts.. I am glad that we will be celebrating my baby's big day with family & close friends.. Of course there will be loads of pics from her party

4 months & a lost cow

2008-08-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

Ive been told by my friend Kristi that a needed a new blog post so here it goes... we are home 4 months today, HOLY COW!!! I cant believe how fast the time went, I certaintly cant imagine my life without my super sweet chunko..

The lost cow you ask? we ll it goes something like this... iwas talking to kristi today & she was telling me how one of her cows got loose & was roaming the town.. people were starting to cal her & tell her that they found her cow.. my first thought was.. never in my life did I think I would have this conversation with anyone.. we started to laugh, just goes to show you that when I started the adoption process I thought the end result would be Rachel coming home, I never thought that I would have made life long friends, so in the end we are winners all around..

Here are pics from earlier tonite of Rachel & the doll that Kristi sent her for her christening/wedding.. The one outfit is of her wedding dress & the other dress are the colors that are native to the village where Rachel was born
Thank you so much...

Tomorrow is the day!!!

2008-08-17T20:55:00.000-04:00

On Monday morning I will be returning to work, lets just say that I am less than thrilled to be leaving Rachel... In the 4 months that she is home, Ive only left her twice for the day, & it was miserable...
Tomorrow should be interesting to say the least....

I tried.. I really did!!!

2008-08-15T21:42:00.000-04:00

So remember in my last post I said that I was only having cake & coffee for Rachel's Birthday... well.... its now 50 people at my house on the 13th, it just got out of control real fast,not even sure how it all happened I even toyed with the idea of having it at a hall, as my friends know, I'm not much of an entertainer LOL.. I am excited about my sweethearts big day & cant wait to celebrate it with family & friends...

11 months old

2008-08-13T20:58:00.000-04:00

I cant belive that my little girl is 11 months old already, allright, I'm a few days late..We went to the doctor yesterday & shes a whopping 21 pounds... SUPER CHUNKO!!!!!.. shes on the move crawling all around... she was doing the army crawl for a while & let me tell you, she is FAST!!! especially when shes chasing the cats.. she's pulling herself up & walking along the table & couches..
I'll bring my princess for 1 year old pics in the next few weeks, I am just having cake & coffee for her bday, after having 170 people at her christening i'm done with the big parties

Florida pics

2008-08-09T19:25:00.000-04:00

We are home from a wonderful trip to see my grandparents in florida, we flew down, & were there for about a week I'd never make it more than 2 hours in a car (maybe we can visit liz & xadie in atlanta another time)
I wanted my grandparents & my great uncle to meet Rachel before I went back to work. My Aunts friend lent me all the baby stuff I needed whick made for an easy traveling expreience..Here are a few pics from the trip

Rachel, grandma, & her Great Great Uncle

Rachel & her Great Aunt Kara

Rachel & Grandpa

Rachel in the pool... she's a water baby

Uncle Tee

Gram

A guat tot get together

2008-08-09T19:15:00.000-04:00

Today I went to a friend house (who I met on the boards ) for a pool party. There were 5 guat tots & several other children. Dee was nice enough to have everyone over for a great afternoon.. Here are some pics from the day, its going to be nice for Rachel to have these friends growing up. Rachels adoption has brough so many wonderful peoplre into my life
Antonio

Giovanni

Gabrielle

Rachel & Molly

Off to Florida

2008-07-26T17:37:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, me Rachel & Grandma are headed to Florida to see my grandparents for a week.. They are getting older & are anxious to meet Rachel. My grandfather is not well, so before I go back to work, I need to go & see them... Looking foward to getting away for a few days.. Lots of pics to come

A OK from the nuerologist

2008-07-26T17:27:00.000-04:00

I brought Rachel to the neurologist on Wed... an appt that I waited 2 months for, it was just for an evaluation. Poor baby had an EEG, she screamed & eventually cried herself to sleep but the doctor said that shes perfectly healthy.. THANK GOD!!!!

The reveal

2008-07-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

I thought it was time for a makeover.... TADA here it is..... my friend Jaimee has done it again, she has created the new design for Rachel's blog...She is extremely creative & talented...
I absolutely love the new design...

Its Finally complete

2008-07-08T11:18:00.000-04:00

Rachel's room is finally done.. I waited 12 weeks for the wood letters abouve her crib, thats longer than I waited for her furniture that came from another country..

pics of my aunt & uncle visit trip & the christening

2008-07-06T11:50:00.000-04:00

More Christening pics.....

2008-07-06T11:46:00.001-04:00

Rachel's Christening

2008-07-04T20:17:00.000-04:00

last Sunday was Rachel's Christening... It was really beautiful, it was a private ceremony (which I wanted) & afterward we had a reception for about 170 people. Like my friend Kristi calls it.. Rachel's wedding. I bought her dress in Guatemala when I was on our pick up trip, my lawyer Maria took me to a dress shop. pictures don't do the dress any justice. Its all hand made, really beautiful.

I wanted to do something special for her even though she wont remember a thing, but its a miracle that shes actually home with us so huge is what I had in mind.. It was a sit down dinner with a dessert table along with a chocolate fountain... ( I know lots of ladies who would want to take that home )

Rachel was so good all day not even a peep out of her, at 930 at night she was still roaring to go.. The outfit that I changed her into at the party was from a couple we met in Guatemala on your 2nd visit trip.. They are still waiting to get out of PGN, they were the nicest people & I hope to see them again real soon.
Thanks Rachel & Travis

It was a great week all around, my Aunt Kara & Uncle Eric who live in Florida stayed with us for the week, this was the first time they met Rachel, we all had a lot of fun.

l

WAY BEHIND!!!!

2008-06-17T20:42:00.000-04:00

Hello all... there has been alot going on here the past few weeks... lets start off with saying that Rachel STILL does not sleep through the nite...her napping is getting better but the nights are still so unpredictable, its ok for now but shes needs to start sleeping before I go back to work.. Rachel is now sleeping in a crib YAHOOOO!!!!! for that. The furniture finally came in about 2 weeks ago, I haven't posted pics yet b/c I am still waiting for the letters for her wall that have been ordered since April 1st (come on now) & the rocker/glider/recliner was delivered & its teal not the light green I ordered, so they are making the switch on Thursday, as soon as her room is done I will post pictures of it... I LOVE IT!!!!

We spent fathers day at my Aunts house, it was hot & she has the built in pool, Rachel had fun in the sun (with sunblock of course)

2 weeks ago me Rachel & my mom got together with Barb& jade & her family.. we had a great time, there are some pictures, I'm upset that I didn't get any pictures of Barb's daughter Skylar.. just an excuse to get together again

yesterday we got together with another family that I met through the adoption process. her name is Deb & her daughter is Marrissa, they live about an hour from me.. the girls had a play date, it was fun

Tonite.. Rachel fed herself for the first time.. it was mac & cheese.. I was so excited I know she was wondering what in the world was going on.. now I need to try & get to to crawl....(somehow I don't think shes going to, lets just say she pleasantly plump & I think she may have a problem getting around.. she has the crawling backwards down.. shes a whopping 18 pounds

Tomorrow we go to an infectious disease doctor just as a consult to take a look at her bloodwork.

Rachel's christening is in 2 weeks..there are about 170 people, I cant wait to see my princess in the dress.. I bought it from a dress shop in Guatemala..

Barb's dog Hart

Sweet Jade

Barb & the Girls

Rachel & Marrissa

Hanging in the pool

How fitting is this????????

Check out my CHUNKO LEGS!!!

Me & Daddy on Father's day

Rachel & Stephanie

Mommy's Favorite

one rough day!!!!

2008-06-05T13:32:00.000-04:00

On tuesday I planned on taking Rachel for more blood work.. they didnt get enough the first time UGH!!! but what I didnt plan for was the accident in the morning. rachel was sitting in her boppy pillow & I was right there with her, she reached foward for a toy & I didnt react fast enough & BAM!!!! right on her face... my poor baby was bleeding, I felt so horrible.. this was the result, thank god the swelling was gone in a few hours...

rachel has gone back to getting up every 2 hours at night, she was doing so good there for a while now its back to how it was when we first got home!!!! I hope she get s this sleeping thing down pat before I go back to work!!!

picture parade

2008-05-29T20:44:00.000-04:00

here are a few pictures....

5 weeks already

2008-05-29T20:31:00.000-04:00

well, Rachel took a two hour nap today.. HOLY COW!!!!!!! shes never done that before.. the past two nights she even slept all night.. i'm getting spoiled, lets hope it lasts.
She's eating much better & has become quite the chunker.. other than for a bottle shes not a crier or a moaner (THANK GOD).. he knew not to send me a whiny kid

Rachels furniture is in the country lets hope its delivered next week YAHOOOOOOOOO for that.. its only been months now, but thats what I get for waiting till the last minute, now I just hope that she sleeps in her crib.. what a novel idea!!!!
Her glider/rocker/recliner was delivered... yeah WRONG COLOR.. its TEAL not the celery green I ordered, so we have this one till the new one arrives

We went to Sears for pics on Wednesday... she was really good, here are few of the shots.

I cant believe we are home for 5 weeks already.. I thank god everyday that Rachel is home with us & not caught up in the latest BULL in Guatemala, my hearts go out to all the families who are waiting for their babies to come home..

update

2008-05-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my 3rd baby shower.. yep you read right, this one was for my mom's friends & the ladies that we met on our trip to maine.. Its was really nice.. Rachels closet is filled from one end to the other, I mean packed from one end to the other & this was before yesterdays shower, luckily I got mostly gift certificates so I can buy fall & winter clothes.. Her furniture wont be here till the of June, GREAT!!! Rachel is sleeping better, like 5 or 6 hours at a time but last nite she was all out of sorts & up ALOT, I guess with all the fuss yesterday. hopefully tonite will be better..
Rachel is sitting up pretty good she does fall over a bit, but she is getting up & rocking on her hands & knees, not to bad for never having been on her stomach, the eating thing is going better... kinda annoyed that she was never given food at 6 months like she was supposed to & like I was told she was, but thats ok, she's healthy thats all that matters...

Rachel & Jonathan

Rachel eating.. YIPEE!!

Rachel with Brittany & Dyaln

A quick update

2008-05-12T13:11:00.000-04:00

well Rachel finally learned that its ok to nap.. she took her first nap on friday that was longer than 10 minutes.. Friday nite & sat nite she slept all the way through WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO or so I thought... last nite it was every 2 hours all night long.. at least she didnt scream bloody murder like the past 2 weeks..

Shes still in the pack n play so someone else in my house figured, hey if noone is using the crib, I might as well..

On thursday we had our 1st PP visit. it went well. didnt know she was coming till 245pm & she came at 330. we tried to set up our appt & she said is it ok if I come now? Whatever!!! at least thats over with..

All of rachels bloodwork is coming back great..

here are some pics...

2008-05-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Its been a week already

2008-05-03T20:40:00.000-04:00

WOW... this week has gone by soooooooo fast.... we came home early saturday morning & the revolving door started sat nite.. It was great though having everyone here, everyone was just so excited to see Rachel in person... shes so good with people, as we all know she LOVES to be held.. shes such a happy baby until its time for bed, then the exorcist comes alive... last nite she actually slept for 5 straight hours, how excited was I? 2 times a night, no biggie, 6 & 7 times a night is going to kill me LOL

we went to the doctor on friday & my poor princess had to have blood work.. it was miserable for all of us... she was screaming so loud & they coulnt find a vain in her chunky little arms... thank god thats over...

here are some pics from the week

Chunk has a new name.....

2008-04-28T10:48:00.000-04:00

DRAMA QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! even the doctor called her that the other day..My princess has a mean temper...she's fine till its time for bed, then the crazy girl arrives...the screams are uncontrollable for hours.. shes never once slept in a crib, I know the FF loved her deeply but IMHO babies need to sleep in a crib...

its been a crazy weekend... we got home friday nite- early sat morning & poor rachel was sooooo sick... she did wonderful on both flights, she didnt cry once.. by the time we got to the luggage carosel she began to cry uncontrollably & it didnt stop for 4 hours.. sam & my uncle were out at the store at 2am buying suposotories, by 330am me & my mom we out the door to the hospital when she calmed down...she finaaly went to bed at 5am & was up at 7, with only a 30min nap all day on sat...

We had lots of company all weekend, everyone wanted to meet rachel, & i'm not feeling so well... feel much better than yesterday.. i thought i was getting the flu.. guess the not eating, traveling finally caught up with me...

We walked in to the house on friday to a big welcome home sign for my mom & a dozen pink roses with baloons from kristi & her family... they were beautiful...

more pics later

alex

I'm soooo ready to get the hell outta here!!!!

2008-04-24T18:37:00.000-04:00

Today Maria took me shopping for Rachels Christening dress, its hand made and beautiful.. I wanted something from her birth country. We also went to the supermarket for bottles, Rachel hates the ones I brought for her, & for a snot sucker.. my princess is sick... Sam stayed with rachel at the hotel & hung out by the pool..

We also got Rachels passport & visa.... We can go home!!!!!!!!!!

On monday I decided to eat something little, so not a good idea, since then ive eaten only toast & breakfast bars along with the pills I got before I left.

Our flight leaves tomorrow at 1230 & we dont get home till midnite... my mom, dad , aunt & uncle will be there to meet us...

more soon.......

alex

Embassy Day

2008-04-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

today was our embassy appt.. we had to be downstairs at 630am..our appt was 715 & we were back at the hotel by 10am.. It reminded me of the DMV with all the windows.. they call your name & you go in this tiny room & they ask a few questions then u wait some more & they call u up to a window and ask a few more questions, you sign & swear that all the info is true & off you go.. tomorrow we will go pick up Rachels visa..

I always wondered about the other foster child that was with Rachel, I new he(or so I though a he)was 4 years old & themla had to give hin up yesterday.. We get on th bus to go to the embassy & i was talking to the other family & the little girl in the car was named anna...all of a sudden she started calling marjories(Rachel) name, she recognized her... she was the other child in thelma';s house... how freaky is that.. there is a pic of her..

Annette & michelle are both leaving today.. Annette is goin home... ( I'm WAY JEALOUS)& michelle is going to antigua... it was so nice being here with friends..
I cant belive its really over!!!! I just cant wait to get home...

updates & pics

2008-04-22T22:49:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics of the day.. I'm not feeling so well, stomach funk AGAIN!!!! though not as bas as the last time.. Rachel has a wicked cough & didnt sleep so well.. We hung out by the pool today with annette, michelle & jennie... its been great spending time w/ annette.. michelle is a friend who I met on my last visit trip, today was her son maxs 6th birthday, so we had a party by the pool..Jennie & her family are also carol girls, shes here picking up her daughter Kennedy..

At dinner the foster family came & had dinner with us, thelma came with her 2 children, needless to say it was very sad, she had to give up her other foster chilfd who she had for 3 years.. she told me that she hasnt slept since Rachel has left.. remenber I said that her last name is orozco, well her son is alex & her husband is samuel.. just found that to be funny...

luckily for us Rachel doesnt seem to have any seperation anxiety, her face lit up when she saw the FF tonite, just makes me feel good to know who much she was loved by them..

Well tomorow is Embassy day, we have to be un the lobby of the hotel at 630 am

will post more tomorrow
alex

Rachel is here!!!!

2008-04-21T21:53:00.000-04:00

right after I posted that we were here, the phone rang, it was miriam to say that Rachel was downstairs.. it was 3pm. I wasnt expecting her till 5pm, so it was a wonderful surprise... the give back was sad for thelma.. she told me that she has to give back her other foster child tomorrow, I really feel for her..She told me how much her father loved Rachel, I told her that I would send pics b/c they do not have internet access..

On to Rachel... ohhhhhh boy, shes not the chunk anymore, shes superchunk!!!! I cant blieve how big she she has gotten since my last visit...We went & sat by the pool w/ annette, marla tim & chloe, it was so nice ti finally meet her!!!!

We are here!!!!!!!

2008-04-21T16:36:00.001-04:00

all went well with the airport & such... very uneventful... Rachel will be coming in a few hours.. I cant wait.. I still dont believe that we never have to give her back!!!!! in the mean time I'll be going to find annette.. we were on the same plane from houston with my friend michelle & her sons... she going to live here until her daughter mairanda is ready to come home....

more later
alex

We are half way there

2008-04-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

hello all...

We are in houston waiting our connection... we actually left on time, so there is a 3 hour lay over here.. thats ok though, I didnt want to chance being late & missing our connection , the last trip, me & my mom were running to make our next flight..

thats all for now... stay tuned for pics

alex

Getting it together... not really

2008-04-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Well.
its Sunday & I now have to pack for myself.. this in itself is a MAJOR PROJECT to say the least.. I love to travel but HATE to pack.. On Wednesday I went into work & told them that it was my last day , so I've had a few days to get it together.

On Friday I thought I was going out with my friends Maria & Barb from work, well I got to Maria's house & there was a surprise shower for me with my friends from work.. I was truely surprised.. There was also a shower at my house last week that my mom gave me for my family, Rachel has a closet full of clothes, everything else is just everywhere.. remember I have no furniture...

Thats all for now... I need to get a move on.. will post as soon as I can...

alex

We are PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-15T19:07:00.000-04:00

what that means is that Rachel is coming home next week.... the pink reference is the color of the slip that the lawyer used to get,now its all done by email, so its an epink... we leave on monday & return on friday... I still cant believe shes coming home... the best part other thn bringing rachel home of course is that I get to meet annette & jennie... i talk to annette everyday, shes the 1st person I called... sam pulled in the driveway & saw me jumping up & down... he certaintly knew why...

gotta go.. theres a million things to do

alex

DNA has arrived

2008-04-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

Rachel's DNA has arrived at the USE... it was delivered at 10:30 am.. now we wait for PINK.. I also got the picture from labcorp.. my princess is sitting up... I'm sad I missed it for te first time but thats ok.. she'll be home soon!!!!

DNA is on its way!!!!!

2008-04-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

found out today that Rachel's DNA is on its way back to the USE (US embassy).. once it arrives there, they do whatever it is that they do & then issue us our pink slip which gives us our appt date to pick Rachel up & take her home for good... heres hoping that we know by the end of next week when we have to travel... CANT BELIEVE ITS ALMOST OVER!!!!

DNA

2008-04-07T13:39:00.000-04:00

I rec'd an email from Pat at labcorp in North Carolina. Rachel's DNA has arrived!!! This test is taken to compare it to her birth mothers DNA AGAIN...just to make sure she is same child from the 1st DNA comparison..... OF COURSE SHE IS, WHO COULD MISTAKE THE CHUNK FOR ANYONE ELSE.... Once the test is done it will get srnt to the US Embassy & they will email me when my appt date it.... ITS ALMOST OVER!!!!! STILL SO HARD TO BELIEVE IT SOMETIMES!!!

2nd DNA test

2008-04-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

I just found out that Rachel's 2nd DNA test was taken today...YIPEE!!!! & YAHOOOOOOO!!! It should be at labcorp in North Carolina early next week..They tell you that it takes 5-10 days, but my friend Annette had hers done in 3 days... Congrats to her!!! Once the results get sent back to the US Embassy a few days later they email us to tell us when we have our embassy appt...

WE ARE ORANGE!!!!

2008-04-03T12:46:00.000-04:00

I wore my orange shirt for a reason today.... we are officially ORANGE!!!! this means that the authorization for the 2nd DNA test has been given.. YAHOO!!!! I am hopeful that the test will be done tomorrow... In about 3 weeks I will have a travel date.... I am sooooooo excited

new pics

2008-04-02T20:03:00.001-04:00

I was shocked last nite to get these pictures from carol, usually after you get out of PGN you usually dont get anymore doctor updates.. I think I figured out what Rachel is going to be.... a SUMU WRESTLER!!!!!

new passport

2008-04-02T07:48:00.000-04:00

got a message from carol yesterday that maria received Rachels new passport.. YAHOO!!! we are almot done... After this we'll get the authorization for the 2nd DNA test, after thats done we receive our "pink" slip which gives us our appt to p/u Rachel.... Wont be long now....

There is a new Infante...

2008-03-31T20:16:00.000-04:00

We are officially Rachel's parents... Her new birth certificate was issued on Friday with her new name.. legally her name is Marjorie Infante. remeber, Marjorie was the name that her birth mother gave her. Once she gets home we will legally change her name.. Her birth mother signed off for the fourth & final time.. SHES OURS!!!!!

Rachels Furniture

2008-03-30T21:14:00.000-04:00

here are pictures of Rachels furniture, this is the style but the color I got is chocolate..

a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8EQ9ZhpgCoY/R_A7paxr9OI/AAAAAAAAANM/FWct85kmtZk/s1600-h/rays+crib.jpg">

Shopping, Shopping & more Shopping

2008-03-29T16:56:00.000-04:00

today I had a mission..... order bedding, furniture & go register at babies r us... We did just that.. As you all know, I have nothing for Rachel, you'd never know that we have a baby coming in a few weeks, me & my crazy superstition. The bedding will be here in about 5 weeks, the furniture, well thats another story.. it wont be here for about 10 weeks, so needless to say, Rachel wont have furniture when she gets home.. herea re a few pics of Rachel's bedding

WE ARE OUT OF PGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

Well heres how the story goes.... major meltdown yesterday.. (annette can attest to that one) today I called PGN like 100 times (so cant wait for the phone bill) & I finally got through to Laura who told me that my file was ready to be picked up, but she couldnt tell me if I was approved or kicked out... so I called carol & left her a message.. I waited & waited what seemed like forever & she told me the GREAT NEWS!!!!! our file was approved by PGN....

basically what this means is that Rachel wil be home in about 6 weeks.. I am beyond THRILLED to say the least... tomorrow maria will get her new birth certificate & then her passport with her new last name, then a second DNA test is done, then we get our embassy appt....

well ohhhhh boy.. do I have a million things to do.... unfortunately I'm at work, but I feel like leaving to go get a drink....
MY CHUNK IS COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

updates soon
alex

A Prayer

2008-03-19T19:46:00.000-04:00

my friend sent this to me, thought I would share..

Prayer for a Couple Adopting a Child

We have waited for so long
for this child of choice.

Bless us
with an abundance of your love
that we may be good parents,
that we may create a home of blessing,
that we may encourage this child
to the fullness of his/her potential.

Bless our child, O God.
Give her security in our family,
the joy of laughter in our home,
and the courage to face
the challenges ahead.
Let our child know the love
we feel so deeply for her,
and let this love be a strength
to confront the opportunities of life.
Amen.

NEWS!!!!!!

2008-03-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

well, it was about 6pm & I was sitting at my desk at work when the phone rang, it was Carol... I was sooooo afraid to answer b/c I assumed it was bad news(that we got KO'd again).. she had to hear the reservation in my voice & she sounded different so I really thought we were doomed... I was wrong.. she told me that my file was on Mr. Barrios' desk, hes the man that gives the final ok.. carol hopes that we are OUT by the end of the week.. I hope so too because the entire country shuts down for Holy Week ( thats a good deal)

Basically what this means is that if we are Out by the end of the week Rachel could be home by the end of April.. WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OH BOY do I have a lot of things to do.... order furniture, order bedding, paint room, buy a car seat ect ect.. the list goes on & on & work my butt off with overtime till my family leave..

OH YEAH!!! I guess I'd better tell work that I wont be in for a while..

6 months today

2008-03-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

today my baby girl is 6 months old.. I just hope that my case is moving in the right direction & I hope i'm off the dead man's desk... aka reviewer #1... I must be getting over how sick I was in Guatemala, because I'm sittng at my desk thinking how bad I want to go back & visit Rachel... I miss her terribly & I just hope that shes home real soon...

new pictures

2008-03-07T13:49:00.000-05:00

today carol sent me new pictures of chunk... & boy is she getting big. Unfortuntely we are still with the 1st reviewer, personally I think he's dead at his desk... just my opinion there. Ive been in PGN for 3 weeks today, the usual stay is about 8 weeks.. we'll probably be in for 80 weeks, lets just hope we dont get kicked out again..

it always great getting new pictures but it makes it harder everyday to see how big she getting & knowing that she isnt home yet.. unless I move to Guatemala & foster Rachel myself.. YEAH RIGHT!!

Lets hope for some movement next week, i soooooooooooooo want to be done with this & have Rachel home..

my favorite pic...

2008-02-19T21:37:00.001-05:00

More pics

2008-02-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

sick doesn't even begin to say what we were

2008-02-18T16:21:00.000-05:00

would you all like to hear my nitemare.... i posted on friday that i had some type of stomach funk so i didnt eat anything all day friday or saturday.. finally sat nite we decided to go out to eat.. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! me & my mom both had the runs & were throwing up. thank god rachel slept till 9am on sunday..we almost changed our flight to stay another day b/c how were we getting on a plane in this condition? . I didnt even get to enjoy my last morning with her... dont worry my story gets better... we get to the airport & are checking in with the other 200 people when i began to feel REALLY SICK!!! i went & sat in a wheelchair & then it hit me.. I was going to pass out, so i went & sat on the floor & passed out in the Guat airport of all places, it couldnt have been in the United States right? NOOOOOOOOO.. So from Guat to Houston to Newark I was in a wheelchair the entire time.. the only good thing is that you go right to the front of the line LOL...
& on top of all this my mom almost passed out as well & we were delayed in Guat of course

i am just sooooooooooo glad to be home even with the construction going on in my house.. i do have more pics.. maybe later or tomorrow

2008-02-16T16:45:00.001-05:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

were back in!!!! & more pics

2008-02-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics from today... We are back in PGN.. YAHOOOO, now our case can get moving again..Rachel rolled over today from her stomach to her back.. I have some sort of stomach funk, not feeling well today.. More pics tomorrow

we are here... FINALLY

2008-02-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

well, we made it, barely.. after engine trouble in newark, we got to houston & RAN!!! through the terminal to make the connection.. forget this layover stuff...

rachel is just sooooooooo cute & fat.... I love it.... her ears were pierced this week & shes sporting her jade earrings from grandma.. here are a few pics of her 1st
valentines day.... shes showing off the bows that annette & joanna sent her, & the sneakers tights & sunglasses that Kristi sent her

flight cancelled

2008-02-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

At 2:00 am I found out that my flight was cancelled.. This si the first time all year that we've had snow all year.. UN FREKIN REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could have left from JFK or Lagurdia later this afternoon but who knows if they would have been cancelled too..

We are leaving tomorrow morning & returning on Sunday nite, so much for a direct flight on Saturday.. pray that our flight leave on time tomorrow so we dont miss our connection!!!!

alex

This one is for you Sue!!!

2008-02-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today was the funeral for a dear friend of mine who died at the age of 50.. WAY TO YOUNG!!!!.. she was fine a few weeks ago & now shes gone.. I talk about her because she had a hand in the great news we received today from carol... I know it was beacause of Maria's hard work (our guatemalan lawyer) that I can smile today, but I rec'd this news at Sue's funeral & it made me cry happy tears & Sue wouldnt want anything else but for us to all be happy & remember all the good times we had.. On such a hard day for Sue's family they even told me that they cant wait to see Rachel when she comes home.. They are all so excited for me..

Now, the great news, we were officially registered with the new Central Authority today.. This had to be done by tomorrow or basically Rachel was never coming home.. Maria was on line all night to get all of our cases registered.. We are hoping to be back in PGN by the end of the week.. What a way to end my trip, with our case actually moving again, its been a month now with NOTHING!!!! Lets hope PGN pushes through these cases quickly so Rachel can come home soon..

Me & my mom are leaving Wednesday morning to see CHUNK, I can hardly wait to have her back in my arms. & yes ladies I will have the laptop & I will post pics as soon as I can.. she will have all of her outfits & the gifts that she got from the other mommies that are waiting for their babies too!!!!

please pray that all of us get to bring home our little ones real soon...