Monday, March 31, 2008


New medical update for Ella ! She ended up being sick with an upper respiratory infection the week after we were there for our visit (bless her heart) and was treated with some mucolytics and antibiotics. She's weighing in at a whopping 16 pounds , 12 ounces! I've got to stop buying clothes now...because the ones I have bought more than likely, will not fit her by the time we have her home! She's doing so good and we are so thankful to have such a wonderful foster family caring for her!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

PA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh my gosh !!!!!!!!!! I am still shaking !! We just received some GREAT news !! We received what's called Pre-approval from the USEmbassy in Guatemala to bring Ella home ! This means that our file will now move into what's called PGN. ( Procuradoria General de la Nacion ). Our file will stay there for (if we're lucky) 8 weeks and then...we bring her home !! Holy Cow !!!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008






On Sunday afternoon, we ventured outside the hotel with some good 'online' friends; Devin, Amy and Sam Cridlebaugh. They share the same agency/attorney as us and Amy and I have been supporting each other for months now via emails and phone calls ! It was so nice to finally meet them in person and we are sending lots of well wishes their way as they are flying home to Colorado today with Sam !!


On Monday morning, the foster mother asked if it would be ok if they had Ella's ears pierced ! The translator proceeded to tell me that it was custom in Guatemala to have the babies ears pierced at birth...but with an adoption, they wait first to ask the mother. It was really funny...because I had been wanting to have her ears pierced soon after she comes homes ...so this works out great for us !

I have added a short video clip of Ella in her sweet cherry dress bought by Mamaw Linda ....so be sure to watch that ! I will add some pics of the boys tomorrow and then, I'll be off the computer for awhile as I have some assignments to work on for school next week. I will finish up in 8 weeks ! Praise the Lord ! Continue to pray for us as these next steps in the adoption finalize and I'll keep everyone posted on any big news !

Ella

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

We're home !






It was so hard to say good bye to my sweet girl...but at the same time, there is not an ounce of doubt in my mind that this kid is being taken VERY good care of...so I'm ok ! I know that in just a short time, Ella will be home forever ! I will update over the next few days with snapshots of our trip so be sure to check back often ! Thank you to everyone for ALL the emails and comments of well wishes for Ella !

Saturday, March 8, 2008

We are having a great time ! Ella is doing remarkably well considering we are complete strangers to her! She has been so good and smiles constantly. She fell asleep last night around 7:30 or 8:00 and woke up around 3 am for a snack and back to sleep until 8:00 am !!!!!! She did so good.
Carter & Cole : You are going to LOVE your little sister ! I just can't wait for you all to see her. We had a great breakfast this morning downstairs which included pancakes, fruit, banana juice, REALLY good coffee. They have the cutest little gift shops with all kinds of handmade Guatemalan dolls, and weaved items. Right up my alley ! The Foster mother and her family were so, so nice ! It is so obvious that they love this little girl so much, and I know when we come back to get Ella it will be so hard for them to say bye. I am hoping that Ella and I will be able to come back every so often to visit her country and foster family one day ! Enjoy the photos !

Hola !





Friday, March 7, 2008

We're here !!!!!!!!






Goodness ! What a day ! We had a good flight and are exhausted ...so I'll write more tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures of Ella and Guatemala !