1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him

Levi

Levi

Our Adoption Story

Levi was born on April 21, 2007 in Chinautla, Guatemala, a small town known for pottery. He weighed 6.7 pounds and was 19.7 inches long. He was in private foster care in Guatemala City where he lived for 10 1/2 months with his foster mom, her son and daughter and Isaac, his foster brother. Throughout our difficult adoption journey, Isaac's mom, Nancy and I became very good friends. God placed our boys together and had the perfect plan in place long before we ever realized it. When I was undecided on an adoption agency, I joined an online forum where Nancy provided me with information about her agency and recommended them to us. We decided to sign with the same agency and I emailed Nancy back to let her know. Over a few months we emailed back and forth to learn we were both from TN and lived only 30 minutes apart... we thought wow, it's a small world. Little did we know a few months later we'd both get referrals, earlier than we expected, of 2 beautiful Guatemalan angels. When they turned 2 months old our agency called and decided it was time to tell us that they were in the same foster home together and had been since they were 1 day old. We were amazed they were together. Even more so, God amazed us once again when we learned shortly after that they were born on the same day and were from the same town... no longer a coincidence that was for sure. We were being told by the foster mom how attached they were and acted like brothers. But, Nancy and I got the chance in January '08 to go to visit them and see it for ourselves. It was an amazing time of bonding with our boys that we will never forget. After that trip it seemed when one of us would reach a roadblock in the crazy process of international adoption the other would be delayed with something else. We stayed right together until the very day we picked them both up. We had our US Embassy appts the same day and we flew home through Atlanta on the same flight on March 11, 2008 when they both entered the US as citizens! It was an awesome time for us in the Atlanta Airport when we rec'd the congrats they were official! We've made friends for life with Nancy, Eric, and with Isaac's extended families. We look forward to many years of watching them both grow up so close together. Over the past year, as we went through battle after battle to bring our boys home, Nancy and I both would never think of one without the other in our endless prayers to keep them safe, happy and healthy until they could be home with their forever families. We're finally parents and it's what we've both waited for, for so many years.. our families are finally complete!!!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

New picture posted

Hola~~just wanted to share a picture we sent that the foster mother's son took while Levi was in the hospital. I cropped it to cut out the IV he had in his right hand here. Bless his heart! She is doing great with the pictures though. She is enjoying the new camera she rec'd from Nancy and I for Christmas. Both boys look like they are happy at least. We miss them so much and it seems the wait gets longer everyday being near the end of the process. Looking forward to kissing that sweet little face though. Until next time- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Update on Levi

Hey, hope everyone had a good Christmas. I posted a new picture I rec'd from the foster mom on Christmas Eve. She had taken a few of Levi and of Isaac and sent them to us with the camera Nancy and I sent her. He is on his way home from the hospital here and in the cab I believe. You can tell by his eyes he'd been a little sickly but, he's back to his old self she reports so, that is great news. Should get some new pictures from their 8 month checkup soon. But, I'll be posting many new ones from our trip. Just 16 days! - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve update about Levi

Hey, wanted to post that I got to call the foster mom and wish Levi a Merry Christmas on the phone last night. I have to work today (Christmas Eve part of the day so, we called a little early). He listened to me talking and was trying to suck on the phone, how funny! His foster mom said she would take a lot of pictures of both he and Isaac today and tomorrow as their first Christmas pictures for their baby books. She said she had prayed for God to allow he one Christmas with them and that her prayers had been answered. She was sorry that we were saddened that we were not with them on their first but, that we'd have them for many, many more and for the rest of their lives. She is becoming sad too because she feels her time is soon coming to an end with both boys as they will be coming to the US to their forever families. She will miss them terribly. She is very attached to them both and it breaks my heart from every aspect of this whole process. I am depressed because I am not with him but, so understand her too. I know God knows what is best for them both and has it all in his plan when they are to come home and all the details are worked out already so, we have to just trust in Him that we'll be with them soon. As for now, I am packed almost for my trip even though it's about 17-18 days away. I have him so many things already I don't know if I can hold anymore in my bags. I am so dreading leaving Steve behind although I know he'll be fine but, I do not like being away from him and never have been for 15 yrs. It'll be hard to leave him here and then leave Levi again in Guatemala. I hope Nancy knows what a cryer she has on her hands when it's time to walk away and get back on that plane. Christmas just isn't the same this year, no need to even put up a tree. I just knew Levi would be home but, as I was sad on Thanksgiving as it came and went, it seems Christmas will do the same while he continues to wait for us in Guatemala. Merry Christmas to you all and keep praying he's home soon. I think back that this time last year we sat my mom and dad down to tell them we were planning to try to adopt. Little did we know a while year later, here we'd be waiting for a son. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Friday, December 21, 2007

Levi discharged from hospital

Hey, wanted to post to let everyone know Levi got to come home from the hospital yesterday evening. He's able to keep down formula now and eating better. As much as he ate before he got sick, he's probably starving to death or thinks he is anyway. Just relieved to know he's back at the foster mother's house with Isaac and his foster family. I understand Isaac was glad to see them both. Bless his heart, he's probably wondered where in the world they went. Nancy and I are getting more and more excited about our trip to see them and Steve is getting his webcam set up so he can hook up the next best way to see us both from Guatemala. Keep Nancy and I in your prayers as we made it another week in PGN. She will be at her 8 week mark the day after Christmas and what a present it would be for her to hear she is awaiting final sign off and out with no more kickouts. I would love to hear the same news but, don't expect to just yet as we are only 4 weeks in today of the average 8 week stay in PGN. At least we're half way again but, wishing we'd both get out of there. Then they'd at least be ours once the birth mother signs that last and final time. We may have to wait a little longer before we clear to go get them but, we'd be the parents listed on their birth certificates and it would be final. Keep praying, it's all we have at this point. Will keep you all posted if there are changes or updates. Hard to believe our babies are 8 months old today.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me.....

Hey, I cannot believe I forgot to post this too. But, my sweet husband and my wonderful mom and dad are all giving me the best Christmas and Birthday present ever. I am going to Guatemala to see my baby!! Nancy and I are venturing there on our own. After much reservation (since I have not been without Steve but one night and that was only because they wouldn't let me into ICU with him in about 15 years and especially since Levi's been sick, I have the opportunity to go for a short visit and check things out with him for myself. I feel so bad for Steve knowing he wants to see him too but, it's just too expensive for us both to make the trip knowing we'll be headed back soon for pickup. He's not a selfish person so he insisted I go ahead and make the trip with Nancy. Of course, I'll be nervous but, with a lot of of planning I think we have figured the safest and easiest route for the trip. We'll continue to plan every detail to keep the husbands' posted and aware of what is going on with us every step of the way. I'm sure we'll post on the blog while we're there or Steve will one for updates. We've called PGN this week and are still with the second reviewer in the process, which means no kick outs so far to date. The Guatemalan Congress did vote in the grandfathering for the in process cases but, we're still waiting for the fine details about the law changes from our attorney once they know the specifics for each case and how each one will be effected if at all. Will keep everyone posted on that too here on the blog. I am going to commit to try and post more regular and not get behind like I have been. Thanks for all the prayers for the adoption and for Levi as he's been ill and through this whole crazy process.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Levi hospital update

Hey, wanted to let everyone know I got a report on Levi this morning and he's going home tomorrow if he's able to keep formula down this afternoon. They just discontinued his IV this morning. The foster mom reports she and Levi were both able to sleep better last night since he's starting to feel much better. He slept all night and was smiling and playful like his old self this morning. The foster mom is very relived to see him playing and feeling better after several days of this. Will keep you posted as I know more. Just thanking the Lord he's feeling better and home soon. I am sure Isaac is missing them both and wondering where in the world they have gone to.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Levi hospitalized, please pray!

Hey, I am sorry for the delays once again in my posting here. Just when you think life can't get much busier or more chaotic.... oh but yes. I rec'd a call from Levi's foster mother in a panic, crying and very upset on the phone. We had a translator call her back and she was upset and afraid because Levi was sick. Due to safety reasons for foster babies (especially those with American adoptive parents), she has taken him to a private hospital and he's been admitted. Initially, all we knew was that he had a fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Now we have had the chance to speak to the doctor and talk to her again with a translator, we know Levi has Rotavirus. It is an intestinal virus causing all the symptoms he has and it has caused him to become very dehydrated. He's getting IV fluids and supposed to start eating something by mouth tonight. I will post when I know more. He doesn't have the fever now but, is still pretty miserable. The foster mom has stayed with him day and night since he went in and doesn't plan to leave him until he's discharged. Issac luckily hasn't had any symptoms yet and praying he doesn't. Although it's contagious the doctor feels like he was treated and away from him soon enough that he likely won't get it. The foster mother's daughters are caring for him at home while Levi is in the hospital. She gets a report on him from them everyday to let her know he's missing them and a little restless but, still happy and on the go. That is good to know in all this mess. Two sick babies would be bad for us all. Nancy has of course been right there through all this with us and got the Erwin/Jonesborough prayer chain going strong. Steve and I have lost many hours of sleep worrying over him but, praying that God sees everyone involved through yet another mess. He just needs to be home soon with us where we know first hand what is going on and what he needs. Keep him in your prayers because on top of all this, he's cutting 2 teeth and miserable with that too. Until I know more, pray he's well soon and back to his happy, playful self. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Pray for a good outcome today!

Hey, finally they tell us Congress is holding a special session to vote on the final reading of the amended Ortega Law today. This vote will specify what they plan to do about the in process cases and letting us continue under the old law. Nancy and I are very concerned about what they will decide but, we also know God is in control of our cases and will see Levi and Isaac home soon. Nancy got good news yesterday that she is still on the 2nd reviewers desk. Although she would have liked to hear that she was awaiting final sign off, she is still in PGN so..that is promising for her. She is bringing Isaac home soon and should be in her last days in PGN. She has survived 6 weeks of an average 8 week stay in PGN as of tomorrow (Wednesday). I tried to call but, late in the afternoon and they just hang up on you at that point in the day. I may try back today if I can get the chance at work to make the call. It makes you so nervous everytime just waiting to hear where they say you are. Will post an update when we know more. They have postponed this week after week so, hopefully today they'll come to some agreement in the best interest of the Guatemalan children currently already assigned to families like our own. Lord, help us to hang on just a little while longer. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

No votes again.

Hey, no voting took place yesterday as was reported would take place. From last we heard, next week on the 14th. I'll believe it when I see it. Don't know what to think or believe anymore at this point. Levi to go to the pediatrician today so, we're expecting new pictures again this week. Will post of course when I get them. Keep praying, something has to unfold, good or bad and we're claiming good... in the next few weeks. Their time is running out for December 31st deadline. Will keep blog posted here with updates. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Monday, December 3, 2007

Prayer needed now more than ever!!!!

Hey, I promised I would post with any news I rec'd about the law changes so here goes. Yesterday there were updates about the amendments we've been waiting for now for months to allow in process cases to continue under the old laws in which we started this adoption. Last week, we got some promising news that the in process cases would be "grandfathered" in under the old laws. To fall under the old, our attorney would have 30 days from December 31st (original deadline to be complete or adoptions stopped or delayed) to register our case to show we're still in court process and requesting we continue under the original law. They would register us with what they are calling a Central Authority. This Central Authority was "made up" by the current corrupt President who allegedly stated he wanted to stop all adoptions to the US but, who turned around and made a public statement he never intended them to stop just be revamped to prevent corruption... go figure but, that is another debate in itself. He's being replaced because his term has ended as of January anyway. He's trying to make a grand exit and supposedly been offered personal funds if he can make that happen. Anyway, we felt good about that statement last week because we have faith in our attorney and agency that they would get whatever forms we need registered done in the allotted time frame.
HOWEVER, yesterday it was posted that there is a lot left unanswered by the Guatemalan government with this issue of Central Authority. ***note... I am trying to break this mess down and make it less confusing to those who don't follow this as religiously as we do to understand so.. bear with me here on the long post to do so*** First, they say it's unconstitutional for President Berger to even appoint a Central Authority in the first place. They say he does not have the legal power to form such group. Second, there is no up and running Central Authority as of today. Everyone knows that Guatemala can't get anything up and running in 28 days, no government as far as that goes. Therefore, the new concern is if there is no Central Authority, how can we register there within 30 days from December 31st? GOOD QUESTION!! The recent updates/posts suggest they have found away around the grandfathering of old cases by the Central Authority registering requirement knowing full well in advance it can't happen. Then it would be sorry you missed the cut off and your now under the new laws and following the new requirements.
What is so disappointing here is that the US (our very own voted in representatives) would sit back and not only allow this to happen to us, citizens of this "land of opportunity" as the US has recently been called. The US has added to the pressure by threats of not issuing visas, etc.. instead of supporting the prospective adoptive parents that live here! 98% of Guatemalan adopted babies come to the US. 98%! What makes it worse when you think it couldn't get any worse, is that Congress is finished with sessions (just like the US does) and have added additional sessions to convene the "first 2 weeks of December" to vote on this amendment/proposed new law. There has to be a vote of 1o5 for the Central Authority to be established and made up. 90 of the Congressman were not re-elected in November's election. therefore, the doubt they will show up for the added sessions (apparently, they aren't required to or don't care because they are out anyway) next week to even vote. So, basically the new law won't work in our favor unless they do something else.
All in all... what is boils down to is this.... no Central Authority exists.. no registration can take place... new laws stop adoptions until at least April when the Hague takes effect, as with the US as well or 4,000 babies (or what don't come home in the next 3 weeks of that 4,000) never have the opportunity for better lives with their already chosen families here in the US... adoptions stop, foster mom's can't keep the babies for free... new babies are killed by their own family because they can't feed them, they're left in public places, abandoned and die. In case you weren't aware already from previous posts, Guatemala has no welfare system for children so, they can't just sit home and get a check every month to provide food and shelter for them like the US does. They dig through a trash dump site bigger than Bristol to find what they can to eat and live amongst it under the rubble. Don't mean to be so graphic or sound harsh but, it's all fact and the way it is. I don't know of a thing that can be done except to call you all to please pray for this all to be resolved. I have faith that God has given Levi parents and us a son, He placed us together. All that was HIS will for our family and He won't fail us now. I just so need you all to believe that with me whole hearted. I have to do that to keep my sanity. I know my family supports me (whether they tell me or not) but, if it weren't for Nancy, Isaac's mom through all this I don't know what I would do.. I'd never make it; without being heavily medicated or without psychiatric treatment at least, she is just in this too and we HAVE to stick together on a daily basis to make it through all this. Keep them both in your prayers, Levi and Isaac. I wouldn't pray for one without the other at this point. Issac has a good chance at being through the court part by Dec 31st. Not home, but through PGN. I don't know where that would leave them being out and final but, not with a visa by the US yet but, it would be a good thing to say the least. Nancy is 5 weeks in as of this Wednesday and there is an average 8 week stay in PGN if she gets no more kickouts. I am believing they won't so.. pray for the good of it all. Will keep you posted as I hear anything else. We believe this is to finalize (if no further delays) in early January so, we need something major to happen with these law changes/voting next week. I know you all probably get tired of hearing about the debate and politics of this whole thing, me too but, I have a son waiting for me and I have to keep pressing on a keep jumping when they say jump. Been through so many hoops I'm just tired and worn out and need this to be over. While I am on it, what's a few more line to this huge post? ... for those who have and do regularly question (not being rude just no other way to put that) is this worth the risk of losing the money, or all worth it with the potential for such heartache, etc.. we've heard it all believe me. Yes, this won't even be a faint memory once Levi is home. And answer to your own questions... is there a $$$ amount you can place on your child? Nope, don't think so... same here. Many of my family and friends have never been without children. But, compare it to your own, it's the same thing. We've just had to watch ours grow up in someone else's arms, thousands of miles away for the first almost year of his life, that's the only difference. You'd fight til death for your kids, same here...no difference. Love and Blessings-
Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Thursday, November 29, 2007

New Picture

Hey, just wanted to post the new picture we rec'd yesterday with a caregiver report done by the social worker in Guatemala on Levi's progress. She just checks in on the babies and how they are doing with their foster family. She reports Levi is sleeping through the night for the most part unless he happens to wake up for an occasional bottle. He is eating 8 oz of formula every 3 hours still!!! He is eating more solid food and likes fruits and vegetables. He still loves to be held but, is sitting up by himself and that he loves any kind of music which makes his daddy happy of course. He should be going this week for a checkup with the pediatrician and we will get his measurements then. I rec'd some but found they were way off from last months visit to the doctor so I think they are incorrect. We will get more pictures when he sees the doctor as we have been every month. Isaac is growing well too and is cute as ever! Thanks for all your prayers for him last week. I am happy to report Nancy was able to find out that he is better from his respiratory infection and back on the go in the walker. Seems we're learning that Levi is a clinger and Isaac is very mobile. Although, we miss them terribly and it's getting harder everyday, it is comforting to know they are happy and playful and being well taken care of by their foster mother. We couldn't be more blessed not to have to worry about whether they are hungry or lacking medical care when they need it and issues like that on top of the worry this whole process brings us already. Praying that the amendments are passed this week (as they are to vote from what we understand, today in the Guatemalan Congressional session). This amendment is to some recent passed laws stating adoptions would be stopped January 1st. They are to be grandfathering in the ones who are already in process under the "old" laws. Praying this all goes well for the children's best interest in the end. There are approx. 4000 babies currently in process already assigned to families all across the U.S. Until I have more updates, pray... Tracy (aka... Levi's mommy)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Postings comments to blog

Wanted to let you know if you post a comment to this blog and you don't see it show up immediately, don't worry because Steve and I have it now set up to get them before they post to the site to approve them. Unfortunately, we rec'd some spam posting yesterday and it had links for a "not so clean and nice" site. We didn't want to see that happen again so, we now have to approve them before they show up, just to be safe and keep the trash off our baby's site. Since I am posting, keep Isaac in your prayers. He is sick with an upper respiratory infection. Until I know more... same as always... just pray.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

WE'RE IN!!!!!

Finally, I am able to post that we are back in PGN (the court) process from our October kickouts. Now we wait again but, at least we're moving again. We rec'd the email this morning from our agency so, I assume we went back in on Friday. I will confirm the date just for the sake of a timeline. We do start back with the first reviewer but, it goes back to the same one who we were assigned to at the beginning. Hopefully, he/she didn't find a reason to kick it out before they will sign it and pass it on to the 2nd. There are 2 reviewers and a final sign off person. At that point, you get submitted for your 2nd DNA and travel date to pick him up is rec'd. Along with the new birth certificate that will make him a BRADLEY! We're on the down hill now just keep praying him home. Without a miracle, and we believe in miracles, Christmas isn't happening but, we just need to keep praying for the amendments to be made to the laws there. Congress did meet on the 14th of this month as planned but, voting for adoption issues never happened that day. We only rec'd word that they were to reconvene and vote "soon". Once they put those laws into place we'll sit a little more comfortable having this run past December 31st. Will keep you posted as always with any updates. I am expecting new pictures soon because he's due for his 7 month checkup now. Until then.....pray, pray, pray!!! - Tracy (aka...Levi's mommy)

Friday, November 23, 2007

Still waiting!

Hey,
Just wanted to post and let everyone know we've not heard a thing about getting back into PGN. I know they did not take time off for Thanksgiving so, hoping to hear from the agency on Monday when they return to thier office. Our attorney hoped to ahve us back in by today or by the first of next week. Last Sunday afternoon, we had the opportunity to call Levi's foster mom with the help of a translator. Levi was playing and laughing and she held the phone to him so he could hear me talking to him. We were able to talk to her longer than we ever have and although emotional once I got off the phone, great to get the chance to talk to her instead of email and of course to hear Levi happy and playful. She said he had been sick with stomach problems the night before and was up all night. She had planned to take him to the doctor to be checked Monday morning. I was supposed to get an email on Tuesday but, haven't yet. My email has been down off and on for the past few days so, I don't know if I may have missed it or not.
As for Thanksgiving, we had a better day than I expected. It was hard because everyone had convinced me Levi would be home by then and that I needed to believe it. I did that and when he wasn't here it left me just disappointed in the end. I know it wasn't meant to be that way so, we wait and try to be patient and have faith. We are planning to send Levi and his foster family some gifts fro Christmas. still no word about Nancy's case for Isaac either so, maybe they'll hear they are out soon with no more kick outs. Keep us all in your prayers. - Tracy

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Finally moving again in Guatemala!

Hey, just wanted to post and let everyone know I rec'd an email from our agency today that the document we were waiting to come in made it back to TN, finally!! It is now back in the hands of our attorney in Guatemala as of this past Thursday the 15th. Now we wait again but, hopefully just a few more days and we're back in the PGN race again...moving at least not stuck in the mail somewhere. From the attorney, as I already posted, it will be translated and then registered that it's back in country with the Office of Foreign Affairs and get yet another seal. The attorney can then resubmit us back in. I will for sure post when that happens. Keep praying no more kick outs!!! The average time running right now is about 8 weeks from beginning of PGN until the end if you have no kick outs. Again that is average without the factors we have to consider with 2 holidays falling within our 8 weeks. Of course, it has happened that it's much quicker so, there is always hope. We'll keep praying and believing we're on the home stretch again. Some of you have emailed and asked about the Congressional Session that was supposed to be held to vote in the grandfather took place but, they didn't get to the votes on adoptions yet. I was told in another email from the agency today that she expects to update me with more next week. She may know they are planning to meet again for the voting. If the grandfather clause is passed and we're believing it will be, we'll be sitting a little more secure that even if more delays come with PGN he's still coming home as planned under the current laws with no further requirements to finalize his adoption. He should go back to the pediatrician and we'll get new pictures soon. It seems like that is coming so often now, guess it's where we are waiting and know he's a month older each set we get. Wednesday, Levi and Isaac will be 7 months old. Please pray for them both to get through this soon!! Nancy hasn't heard any more news so, we're assuming no news is good news and still in there somewhere... praying no more kick outs there either. Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!!!!!! Love and Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Update

Just wanted to post an update since I haven’t in awhile. First of all, we had our baby shower and it went great! My mom, April and Morgan did a great job with all the food and decorating. We got a lot of nice things and his closet is now full of clothes and waiting for him. We have his room all done except for a few minor things. Having all the shower stuff there did make me a little depressed for a few days but, I am just trying to stay focused that the wait will all be worth it soon. Then last weekend we had the benefit dinner/singing (our last fundraiser I hope). It also went very well and we had a lot of people donate extra money above and beyond their ticket cost which was an answer to prayer. God is so good… just let me tell you. Sandy felt like God told her last week to put a flyer about our benefit dinner in her neighbors mailbox and after that (to make a long story short), she got a note back in hers that said she (the neighbor) had left us a donation under Sandy’s door mat. She and her husband donated $1000 towards our adoption benefit!! We ended up having enough to pay off some agency fees we have had due since September and just not had the extra money to pay them. We’ve just been praying for God to make a way for us to get the money we need and he did just that. We do still need quite a bit to pick him up for the country fees (you pay the rest of once we’re out of PGN) but, it’ll come. Tuesday our agency rec’d the document we’ve been waiting nearly a month to get back from having all the seals placed. This should resolve the kick out we rec’d from the court (PGN). The agency sent it overnight but, it really takes 2 days to get there from TN. Our attorney in Guatemala should get it today (Thursday) and then it will be translated, get another seal from the Office of Foreign Affairs and then we can be resubmitted back into PGN. We do start back with the first reviewer we had when we first went in but, hopefully since that person is not who issued the kick out then, he or she will sign it and send it onto the 2nd reviewer quickly. It would be nice to be one of those random files that gets resubmitted and right out but, they are few and far between. Keep on praying for our case and for Levi and Isaac to get home soon. Nancy called PGN this week and after her resubmit from kick out too, she is with the 2nd reviewer again. Our baby will be 7 months old next week on the 21st and we want him home!!!!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Still waiting for resubmit

Hey, just wanted to post an update with all the info I have right now. I have been tracking our paperwork from having all the seals placed so that we are able to go back into PGN (Guatemalan court). Today it finally arrived back at our agency in TN. It has been to Nashville and Atlanta in less than a week so, that was pretty fast. My agency social worker said once she gets it she will overnight it to Guatemala. Our attorney will then take it to be translated into Spanish. Depending on how long the translation takes we should be resubmitted back into court process soon. The Presidential election is on Monday and today is a holiday in Guatemala. Therefore, PGN is closed from today until next Tuesday. Basically, we'll lose a week longer but, having to be translated it should all work out either way. Surely by the time they're back open at PGN we'll be ready for the attorney to resubmit us back in. We do have to start over with the review process, with the first one again. Hoping and praying we don't have anymore delays once we're back in. We need a miracle and some prayers answered to have him home by the end of this year. They do vote on the amendment on Nov 14th after the election on Monday is over. If this is passed by Congress we'll feel better knowing they plan to allow our cases to proceed without further requirements under the new laws effective Jan 1st. Please pray that this is over soon. Also, Nancy, Isaac's mom got bad news today... they rec'd a kickout as well. They were with the second reviewer and we thought they were headed for Barrios' desk (the final sign off director)soon and on their way out of PGN. But, they needed a new medical report from Isaac's pediatrician. She is expecting to be back in as soon as they reopen from the holiday and election as well. Keep us all in your prayers.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Kickout confirmed!

Hey, just wanted to let you all know that we did indeed receive a kickout from the Guatemalan court system on Oct 17Th. They had to have it signed off and get through all the channels before it was available to be picked up my attorney there. She went to the court today and picked it up and you'll never believe what the error in the paperwork was! When we had our homestudy done by the social worker, we told her we wished to adopt a baby girl from Guatemala. Well, since we didn't accept a girl but, we accepted Levi, we had to complete an affidavit that was notarized, etc.. basically stating that we chose a boy on our own free will with much consideration and feel that was what is best for our family and things like that. Bad part being that we had to have it notarized here and then get the county seal, Secretary of State seal in Nashville, and then the Guatemalan Consulate's seal in Atlanta. Atlanta will then send the paper onto our agency to overnight back to the attorney. After she gets it back she will take it and resubmit it back into the courts. Also, we start our time over from the 1st reviewer on up since we had the KO. If you get the KO then you have to be submitted back into the process from the beginning. The near month we had behind is just lost time. We cannot afford too much delay with this if he is to be home this year. Praying that God allows it to sail right on through the rest of the process. Love- Tracy **(aka Levi's mommy)

6 Month report

Hey, wanted to post that we got a report from the social worker in Guatemala today on Levi. He is still eating very well. He takes 6 oz of formula with cereal every 2 hrs!! He doesn't like being placed in a walker but, prefers to be held. He is sleeping all night now and wakes up at 6am every morning. His foster mom reports that he is trying to say his first words and sitting up by himself. Those 2 things I don't know about but, just reporting to you what I rec'd. He is to go to the pediatrician the first week of November so we'll see how much he weighs then and get a few more pictures. We called our agency today about the kickout from last week and in turn they called the attorney in Guatemala and they have not been informed of the KO that PGN says we have rec'd. I don't know what to think about it and there is nothing our agency can do until they locate the file and see if we have one or not. Until then we continue to pray that whatever the hold up is they get things moving again. We are losing time with our file just sitting if we do indeed have a KO. If not, then praise the Lord and we need it to continue to move forward. We want so bad for this to just be over. It's literally driving me nuts worrying everyday about something new with the process. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

6 months old today!

Hey, just thought I'd post although no updates yet. I am just blah today I guess. Levi turned 6 months old today. Time seems to fly by when you think of all we have missed the first 6 months of his life. But, then in another sense it crawls by when you think of the day in and day out we wait for the slightest bit of news that we're still moving forward in the process. I guess I could look at it like we're one day closer to bringing him home but, it's hard to when you don't know when that will be. Having to watch him grow through pictures and get updates of all the new things he learns knowing I'm missing so much just stinks in every way. I have to try and stay focused though that God is in control here but, it's hard I'm still human. Yes, I have faith God can and will but, that doesn't make me miss him any less. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Previo (kickout) rec'd from PGN

Hey, just wanted to post and let you all know we rec'd an update yesterday from our case in PGN (Guatemalan court process). I called last week to check on the status and was told I was on Barrios' desk(the last person to sign off, the big dog). I was so excited and still am, don't get me wrong, to have gone from 1st reviewer to Barrios' desk for final sign off in 5 days. The lady who gives us updates told me to call yesterday on Friday to check the status again. I called yesterday morning and was informed we had a previo (a kickout issued by Barrios). Although it's funny how you can make it through your agency holding your file for 2 weeks from the time we got pre-approval status for his Visa to "review it to make sure it didn't have errors", through 2 more reviewing attorneys and get no kickouts but, he finds something in the end. However, most cases do get at least one kickout and it's nothing to panic about according to the director of our agency. She said that our attorney goes everyday to check on her case status and she knows the day of a kickout so they can get it corrected and back in as soon as possible. Since this was issued on the 17th (Wednesday) and my agency says they've heard nothing and no news is good news, Nancy seems to think that maybe it was so minor of an error or some copy of something was just missing that they could quickly correct it and get it resubmitted without alarming me or calling our agency to tell them even. I so hope that is the case. I feel like if they are there everyday then they know about it. I do have faith in my agency and attorney so far (although, I know we don't get every detail if they feel it's not necessary too). So, what to do? I plan to call back next week and confirm that it was picked up and hopefully will be told it's already been resubmitted and back in. Good thing here is we don't go back to the 1st reviewer and start over, we go back to Barrios' desk and start back where we left off. As far as where in his stack, that I am not sure about but, plan to post on the forum and see if anyone knows that for sure. Of course, nothing is for sure there. There is no standard even flow and all cases are different. It's hard to compare to anyone else we just grasp at any hope we can. I do not think it was a coincidence though that the fasting and praying was called for yesterday and many of my own family and friends joined us in this as well to have us learn the same day we're doing all the praying we get a kickout. It's just the devil. There was supposed to be a statement made from Guatemala's president who wants to stop adoptions in January. However, no statement can be found or confirmed as of this posting. We're not sure if he postponed it or what happened there we just have bot heard a thing from that. Maybe he was going to make a negative statement and our prayers kept him thinking on it who knows? I just have to stay focused and know that God is still in control and He knew we were facing this in our case long before Barrios did. He's still got our timeline when it's in His will for Levi to come home. We can only pray it's still before Christmas and we're not effected by the new laws changing things up for Guatemala. Rumor has it that on Nov 14th they will pass an amendment to the new "Ortega law" that President Berger was all for. The amendment the US and several other parties have asked for was to allow in process cases fall under the old law in which we entered our cases and contracts under so, we can bring home our babies with no added delays. Until I know more, as always, please keep us in your prayers and continue to believe with us that all is still well and this is minor.
We appreciate all your prayers and support to keep us sane through all this. Especially to Nancy who keeps me sane through all this to give me my (daily lately) talks to hang in there and keeps telling me we're still OK and to keep my chin up. I told her to keep telling me that and I might make it. Good thing to report for them is that she is now rolling in PGN also and made it through the 1st reviewer with no kickout. She was on the 2nd reviewers desk as of last week. Praise the Lord for them, finally after the craziness with their social worker having to have charges pressed against her to get her to release her reports for their case and several others she was holding. But, Nancy is a prayer warrior too and we're bound and determined to pray our boys home. Through a translator we had the chance to call the foster mom and check on both Levi and Isaac Thursday night. She reports they are both well and growing. She says Isaac is happy and playful, on the go... (go think his mommy has a farm for him to run on huh? ha ha) and Levi is layed back still sleeping and eating (too much I'm sure). They are both eating vegetables now and loving real food. Nancy and I went this week and bought the foster mom a digital camera so she could get some more frequent pictures of Levi and Isaac and hopefully some video clips. Sorry for the long posts, just trying to keep you all up to date on how this crazy process works.
With love and blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Saturday, October 6, 2007

WE ARE IN PGN!!!!

Hey, we wanted to let everyone know we are officially in PGN (this is the final court stage of the process). Our agency confirmed a few days ago we entered on Friday, Sept 28 and were assigned to a reviewer. From what was explained to me by the agency, there are 3 stages of this court process. The first stage consists of a panel of 12 reviewers and they review your adoption file for any missing documents or errors and if you need something fixed you'll receive a kick out as they call it. If this happens (which is not uncommon at all and most people do get a kick out for one reason or another depending on the reviewer), the attorney will be notified immediately to have it corrected and resubmitted. When the resubmit happens you basically start back at the beginning. The one bad part here is this.. if you get a kick out and it's say at the beginning of your file, they don't look any further for more errors or missing documents. therefore, if by chance there were something missing beyond that document you would in turn receive another kick out and this can for some be what seems like a never ending process. Since our particular attorney's office held our file from September 13 until the 28th for "review to check for errors to prevent a kick out one can only hope they caught anything that would have been wrong before we entered. Anyway, if nothing needs correcting, you'll move to the 2nd reviewer panel and this consists of 3 people. Your assigned to one of the three and they say this is where most of your wait takes place. I am assuming since there is only 3 in this stage processing the same number of cases as the 12 did in the 1st reviewer stage. Once you clear the 2nd reviewer, you move to the last sign off by the "big dog", he's like our attorney general and he signs all the adoption cases to finalize it all. I have never gotten whether each stage looks for something different or what but, you can receive a kick out from any of the 3 stages. We know as we have said over and over though, this adoption is covered in prayer and we're on God's timing when we'll be done with this long viscous process. When they warned that adoption is not for the faint at heart boy, were they not kidding about that. Some days we miss Levi so bad it's unbearable. The simplest thing can remind you of him and it's just terrible. Leaving him there and coming home was by far the hardest thing we've ever had to do. That is saying a lot in all that we've been through. Please keep us in your prayers and continue to believe he's home by Christmas. We'll keep you all updated here on his blog with any news we get.
We do still need anyone who hasn't signed the petitions online to please do so now. If you need the link to sign please email me and I'll forward it to you. We are all still in the process of contacting our Representatives i.e. Senators and Congressman to have them pressure the government in Guatemala to allow any in progress cases continue under the old laws we entered in agreement under and not the new ones they are passing now stating adoptions will stop January 1, 2008. We're believing that they'll be an amendment made to the new "Ortega law" that was passed this past week stating there would be no "grandfathering in" of cases not completed by December 31st. We as adoptive parents have bound together to be heard all across the country. there are currently 5,000 pending cases in different stages. If they are not allowed to continue (but, we're praying and believing they will proceed) those 5,000 plus children would end up in the streets begging for food because they currently have no welfare system there to support them. BUT--- God is bigger than the Guatemalan government and can shake that country like never before and bring them all home by December 31st.
One last and very important request, please say a special prayer for our friends, Nancy and Eric McGee. They are Isaac's parents, Levi's foster brother's parents currently in process too. They have had the worst time trying to gather a much needed and required document to allow their case to enter the court stage (PGN). That document was their social worker report. Apparently, after more run around than we care to mention at this point, been informed this particular social worker is holding and refusing to release several reports from different attorneys processing adoptions in Guatemala. That group of attorneys have joined together and learned she has done this to several cases and they are in the process of filing formal charges against her on Monday. Hopefully, this will be a speedy process forcing her through the court to supply these reports. That is all they are waiting for to enter PGN and be assigned a reviewer. Eric and Nancy received their pre approval a month ago and have now lost these precious days waiting for this report. In a time where everyday counts and we're working against the clock to meet the December 31st deadline before all the proposed changes take effect, this happening was not in good timing for sure. HOWEVER, they are yet another couple of praying parents and believe this is all in God's timing and that this must be happening for a reason. I'm sure they'll never know why but, let's just pray for Nancy's strength through all this because her heart is as broken as mine missing her baby too. Every passing day she has waited has taken it's toll on her mentally, physically and certainly brought her under spiritual attack by the enemy too. Please pray for both our boys that they'll be home soon and this mess will all be behind us.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Teeth!!

Just wanted to post that we rec'd a progress report this week from Guatemala and Levi has 2 teeth coming in (we knew they were close when we were on our trip 2 weeks ago). He has started eating vegetables, cereal, black beans and rice (yes, I know I wasn't happy about that one either), and soups. I was a little panicked when I read all the different foods he'd had since we were just there for our visit and he wasn't on anything except for formula. He goes back to the doctor next week, we're anxious to see how many pounds the the new foods will pack on ha ha! We have had contact by email with his foster mom with a translator twice this week so, we feel good about having somewhat open communication with her now (aside from the language barrier) to keep up with all Levi's milestones. She has been showing him pictures of us in a baby photo album we sent him and letting him hear our voices on the stories we recorded so he'll remember us. We miss him so much! We can't wait for the call to make some travel arrangements back to Guatemala. Until we hear more from him, Tracy (aka mommy)

Friday, September 28, 2007

IN NEED OF YOUR PRAYERS!!

Hey, I just wanted to post that we need all of you, our friends and family to continue to lift our adoption up in prayer more now than ever before. This week the State Dept issued warnings that after December 31st due to laws changing in Guatemala, they would no longer be grandfathering in any cases still pending under the old laws but, be stopping all intercontry adoptions to the US at that time. We are in the last leg of this long and difficult journye and are still joined together believing God will have Levi safe and home by Christmas but, we're "in the flesh" a little and also aware of the current uncertainty in that country. The Guatemalan President currently in office announced yesterday that he would be stopping all adoptions to the US on January 1, 2008. Those of us in the adoption world are certainly going to fight with everything we have in us that this is not allowed to happen by our government. We were issued an apporval that stated we could adopt back in May after we rec'd the referral of Levi and we entered into a contract expecting them to honor what they have promised us all along. We know as I have said over and over that God is in control of our timeline and our adoption. He's had a hand in this since long before we ever knew we'd take this long journey to finding Levi. He's waiting for us in Guatemala where his foster mom shows him pictures of us and plays our voices for him on a voice recorder everyday to be sure he knows we'll be back for him. We need your help praying and signing the petitions we forward you and most of all contacting any representative you can on our behalf and for all the 5,000 babies already referred to their forever families through adoption and currently in process. Please email us if you would be willing to simply sign and mail a copy of letters we have already prepared to your representatives in Congress, who are at this point our voices to the Guatemalan government to allow us to complete our adoptions under the laws we started the process with. I will keep you posted here as we learn more about the current situation. Until then, join me in believing and claiming in Jesus' name Levi will be home before this deadline is even a factor for us. We love you all and appreciate all you do to keep us sane during one of the hardest things we've ever encountered, adoption. They told us in the beginning, adoption is not for the faint at heart and I believe that now more than ever. I have trouble lately focusing on anything except for getting our son home and having this all behind us. God didn't bring us from Steve being in a wheelchair this time last year to where we are now to let something happen now. we just have to turn it over to Him and "Stand Still". **For this child I have prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him 1 Samuel 1:27**

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Update/Prayer Request

Hey, just wanted to post and ask everyone to keep Nancy, Isaac's mom and dad in your prayers as they left this morning to go to Guatemala for another visit trip. This time they were taking the grandmothers to meet Isaac. They were excited to be going back but, we need to cover them in prayer as they travel today. I sent Levi some new outfits and a baby photo album of us so he hopefully will not forget us until we go back for pick up. I rec'd an email from Tammy, our agency director this morning and she is going to let me know when our case if officially in PGN. We're waiting for the social worker's report to be picked up to be included before we can be officially submitted into the last stage of the process. Pray for a quick submit and a quick exit. Hope by Christmas, that is our prayer. Thanks for all your support and prayer as we head into the last leg of this long difficult journey.- Tracy (aka Mommy)

Friday, September 14, 2007

WE HAVE PA!!!

Hey, just wanted to post and let everyone know we rec'd our pre-approval for Levi's visa from the US Embassy last night. This couldn't have come at a better time since we are still broken hearted about having to leave Guatemala from our visit trip just a few days ago without him. That was by far the hardest thing either one of us has ever had to do. We miss him so much we just can't stand the thought right now. God has blessed us once again in moving us forward in this process into the final stage. Our friend Nancy has also moved ahead one step closer to bringing Isaac home too. My heart does go out to their foster mother if she loses them both at the same time or close together she too will be broken hearted. We are praying hard everyday for them both and claiming they'll be home for their first Christmas. We know God is in control as I have said many times over so, we'll continue to trust in Him to lead the way. We hold our faith in God not any government official in Guatemala. Until we hear again, keep us in your prayers. This final stage is unpredictable as to how long it will take but, we have God on our side and know this adoption is covered in prayer right now more than ever. We're overjoyed today just to know we're one step closer to getting back on that plane to bring him home for good.- Tracy (aka mommy)

Thursday, September 13, 2007

WE'RE HOME!

Hey, just wanted to post and let everyone know we made it home safely from our visit trip early this morning. First of all, for those of you I promised I would try and post everyday while we were there, I apologize for only posting once that we made it OK. I was just so busy and consumed with being a mommy I couldn't find the time to do it. We had a great trip and were so thankful for the memories we'll hold forever of the time we were able to spend with him bonding. He is just simply perfect for us and it seemed like everything fit perfectly for the 3 of us as a family. He is a wonderful baby and he is just so happy all the time it's amazing. He goes to sleep smiling and wakes up smiling. He never cries unless he's wet (which he absolutely hates) or hungry. Otherwise, he's all smiles all the time. He amazed us how smart he was at 4 months to mimic what we would do and to try and push his diaper off if it got wet. He also loves cartoons but, we found it hilarious that he doesn't watch commercials! He and daddy have that in common- ha ha! We were just in awe of him and things were just great! We had a really hard time leaving him there though. It was by far the hardest thing either one of us have ever had to go through. I know it's nothing any other adoptive parent hasn't been through on their trip but, we never knew it would have been as bad as it was. We were not prepared for the overwhelming emotions we felt walking away. We have to have faith in the Lord that he'll bring him home on His timing and will continue to be in control of our adoption. We are so blessed that we cannot thank Him enough for what He's already done for us. Please keep us in your prayers and Levi and his foster family. His foster mother seems to love him too and we are thankful she shows him so much love until we can bring him home forever. Keep my friend Nancy in your prayers too as she goes to visit Isaac, Levi's foster brother this coming week. We're hoping for our pre-approval from the embassy this week or next. Nancy rec'd hers last week so, we should be close behind her. Praying for a speedy trip through the final stage of this process, PGN once we have that approval. Lots of love and thanks- Tracy (aka mommy)

Saturday, September 8, 2007

HOLA FROM GUATEMALA!!

Sorry I didn't get the chance to post like I said I would try to once we got here. We had a great flight and were so nervous to get off the plane once we got here and I don't know where the time went from there (well, I have a good idea). We had a horrible airport experience that scared me to death. But, man did Steve step up to the plate and took full control of the situation. Thank God because I was about to lose it and I am sure it was starting to show after a few minutes. We had some mix up with our escort/translator meeting us there when we landed. She said she was given the wrong time for pick up (we think what happened had something to do with the time difference) We were pointed out (literally) and they talked about us being lost. We were put in quite a bit of danger being there without her. After we had paid 4 different people tips to push around our luggage looking for our sign "Bradley" we paid the last teenage boy a tip to chase down the Marriott shuttle as it went by. We hadn't made prior arrangements for the shuttle but, he drove us to the hotel. That drive with him was an experience in itself but, luckily we made it without an accident. I have a feeling had he hit someone or something he would have backed up and went on anyway. He was in one of the large vans and went over top a stack of bricks at the airport construction site like we were in a SUV. He killed the engine from hitting it so hard but, he never slowed down. He came right across it, grabbed another gear and started back blowing his horn and cutting through traffic. I have ridden in a taxi in Mexico which I thought was crazy but, this guy topped that. Anyway, we got to the Marriott and called her and she said Levi would be to us soon. We paced and finally got the call she was downstairs. we were beyond nervous but, as soon as we rounded the corner it was a bur from then on. He is absolutely wonderful. He is a happy baby and never cries unless he's wet (which he hates), hungry or needs something. Otherwise, he's playful, all smiles. He was just in awe of Steve's voice from the very first words he spoke to him. Every time Steve spoke he'd smile. We noticed last night too when you mention Isaac's name he starts kicking and laughing and breathing fast... he gets so excited. Isaac is my friend Nancy's baby, their foster brothers. We are so glad we got to make this trip because we'll treasure the memories forever. It has been awesome for us both. I knew Steve was going to be a good daddy but, he's amazed me too. He's catered to Levi and I since she brought him to us. I haven't made the first bottle. he's doing great and I think he's enjoyed every second of it. Well, until I get the chance to post again, I better get in bed. Levi gets a bottle every 3 hours so.. I'm catching naps when he does. He's been a little congested with a cold I guess. He's got a little cough off and on but, if he gets worse we'll take him to the doctor before we leave. Keep us all in your prayers and maybe say an extra special one for me to have the strength to make it through giving him back to his foster mom on Wednesday. Reality is starting to set in that this is just temporary and we do have to leave without him in a few days. I cannot maintain composure at the slightest thought of it right now so, I don't know what the next few days are going to hold. I really am trying to prepare but, will have to rely on prayer to get me through it. Until next time, love and blessings- Tracy (aka..mommy)

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Waiting.......Waiting.......

Less than 2 days until we leave for Guatemala City to meet our son, Levi. I find myself just staring off into space wondering what he will be like. How will he react to us? Will he cry for the foster mom who has taken care of him since his birth? Will he feel the love that we already have for him? If he cries, will I be able to comfort him? The questions keep piling up and I only have a couple of days left until the answers come.

I hope that you all will keep us in your prayers, but most of all, that you will keep Levi in your prayers. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be taken from the family you have known since birth and given to a couple of strangers for a week.

God touch this baby boy and his foster family. Let him feel that he is safe and loved at all times. Keep him from danger and work all of this out according to Your Will, Amen.

I Love You Son,
Daddy

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Anxiously awaiting trip to Guatemala

Well, as you can see we're officially on the countdown until we leave for our visit trip to Guatemala. We are very excited to be going to meet him for the first time. We're pretty nervous too because of all the chaos going on in Guatemala right now. We'll be prayed up and ready to go though in just 2 weeks. We're enjoying every minute of getting all his things together we'll need to care for him while we're there. Unlike some other countries, Levi will get to stay with us from the time we arrive in country until we're ready to leave to come home. I don't even want to think of having to hand him back and come home without him but, unfortunately that is part of the process and hopefully we'll be going back real soon to bring him home for good. We're nearly half way with the expected time frame for our pre-approval. After PA, we move into the last part of the adoption, which can be speedy or drag out. For our family and friends who have been following our process through this blog site, we'll be posting daily during our trip since we won't be doing much calling internationally. We'll try and post some pictures from there of our trip provided the hotel Internet service is adequate to do so. We'll be revolving around his schedule so, we'll post when he lets us- haha! Keep us in your prayers as we travel and pray that he's not too upset to be away from his foster mom and in different surroundings for a few days.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Update

Just wanted to post an update and keep everyone informed of what's going on with the adoption. We found out yesterday we're in Family Court and awaiting PA, which is pre-approval for Levi's Visa to come to the US. They are taking about 45-60 days to complete the PA and then we enter the last phase, PGN. PGN to them is like our Attorney General who signs off the final decree and says we're clear to travel to bring him home. Some make it smoothly through PGN, some don't and it takes awhile. We're praying for smooth sailing the rest of the way and we're done soon. We're still hopeful to have him home by Christmas. The Lord allowed my dad to meet up with a guy who came through his work that so generously donated us some frequent flier miles to allow us to make the trip to meet Levi. We'll be leaving Sept 7th and coming back on Sept 12. We get to keep him with us 24-7 while we're there. The hard part will be handing him back to his foster mom at the end of the trip and walking away to catch our plane home. It's nothing all the other adoptive parents haven't gone through and it'll be worth the time we get to spend with him bonding, just Steve and I. We're counting down the days until take off!! My friend Nancy, Isaac's mom, just came back from her visit trip and they asked the foster mom to bring Levi with her for them to meet him. Nancy got some pictures of our boys together and was able to hold Levi, that made me feel better too. Isaac and Levi have surely bonded by now and will grow up with a story of their own to tell. We learned not long ago the foster mom has them sleeping in the same bed too. Certainly not a coincidence how Nancy and I met and then learned over time that Levi and Isaac were born the same day, same hospital and have the same foster mom. We used to joke about our boys crossing paths somewhere in Guatemala but, we found out later on it was much more than that. It gives us both comfort to know they're together. I'll keep the blog posted with any updates as we wait. until then, keep us in yous prayers.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Blessed

What a beautiful grandson I have!! The Lord has answered our prayers and has blessed our family beyond measure.We are so thankful for little Levi and can't wait until he comes home. I am going to cover him with hugs and kisses and hold him ever so close. I pray the Lord will watch over him and keep him safe. I love you sweet baby boy, Levi. Mamaw

DNA MATCH!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know we got the results we've been waiting for from DNA testing (Levi and birth mother) and they were a confirmed match. We should get the paper results in the mail tomorrow and it'll include a photo of them together at the time of testing. It will be the first time I've gotten to see her photo. The next step is to have the results logged in at the US Embassy and await approval from Guatemalan govt for the adoption to proceed. This process takes 45-60 days. After that we'll enter our final stage of the process. We're still hopeful he can be home for his first Christmas. I'll have new photos to post this week so... we'll see how much he's changed in just a month. Until tomorrow. Praise the Lord for answering another prayer today for positive DNA results.- Tracy

Thursday, July 19, 2007

DNA

DNA has been done so we're now waiting for the results, they tell us 2 weeks but, I know many have been getting them sooner. Praying for a match and to have one more step behind us. We're working on plans for a visit trip in September and of course still pressing on with the fundraising. At the time of my post, my friend Nancy should be touching down in Guatemala. She is on her visit trip to meet her baby, Isaac. He is with Levi in the same foster home and she has promised to try and get a glance at Levi for us if nothing else. Hopefully, she make it out with a picture or 2 of he and Isaac together. Boy do we have some stories to tell them. Until, I know more, we'll keep praying. - Tracy (A.K.A. Levi's mommy)

Monday, July 9, 2007

Waiting for DNA

Well, our credit card was charged Saturday, July 7th for the DNA so, hopefully his birth mother will make it in soon for them to have it drawn. We're anxiously awaiting the results. If all is well, and we're believing it will be, we can go visit him soon. We can't wait to just be able to hold him and see him in person and check him out from head to toe! He'll be sick of seeing a camera by the time we leave I am sure.- Tracy (Mommy)

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Levi Bradley... You are so handsome. I can't wait to give you a great big hug! Your great aunt Barbara loves you. hurry home.

1st Post

That baby is Sooooo Cute!

That's My Son :)