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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)