Levi Douglas Bradley: Just 3 days, 15 hrs and 19 minutes... but, who is counting?

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!!!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Just 3 days, 15 hrs and 19 minutes... but, who is counting?

Well, our trip is just right around the corner and I cannot believe how fast it's passed since we made the reservations. Nancy is so excited and anxious she is wearing Isaac's clothes out packing and repacking~ha ha! I have been pretty much packed for over a week since summer clothes are all we're taking, well besides all the toys and baby stuff!! We'll think about you all that are wearing your coats and sweaters while we're soaking up the sun with our babies by the pool in 75 degree weather and shorts (just had to rub that part in a little while I am at it). No, really pray for me that I don't need to be heavily medicated to walk away from Steve Thursday night to get on that plane and leave him behind. I know some of you are making fun of me right now but, for those of you who know us well, know that this is BIG for us both and very hard! He says I need this and so does Levi, which I think is so sweet that he feels that way. Pray that Levi will be OK with me and not cry the whole time, same with Isaac with Nancy. I know he probably thinks the foster mom is his mommy but, I at least want him to feel loved by me while I am there, we can work on the mommy change over later. My time is short with him but, IF he naps or I have a free minute, I will try and post updates on how things are going from Guatemala. Thanks in advance for all your prayers and support. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

3 comments:

Unknown said...: I hope you have a great trip. I am looking forward to seeing you, and can't wait to meet Levi in August!!; January 7, 2008 at 10:58:00 PM EST
Gail said...: You are going to have a wonderful time!
Gail; January 8, 2008 at 8:19:00 AM EST
Our Girls said...: I did not realize you are leaving in a day or so.. HOW exciting! It will be a great Visit trip and it will be great for both of you. Hard to leave, but knowing that the next time you see him, will be bringing him home for good! Can't wait to hear about the whole trip and new photos! Havea great time @ the pool in the warmth.... Here in Minnesota, it is COLD, so I am Jeoulous! :); January 8, 2008 at 7:20:00 PM EST