Easter was a big day!

Hey, I hadn't posted in a little bit so thought I would while Levi is down for his afternoon nap. He's been getting out a lot since last week. It seems we've been somewhere new about everyday and he's not minded it at all. He loves getting out of the house and doesn't mind the car seat unless he's so sleepy he is fighting it. We took him to church his 1st time on Easter Sunday and he did great! Everyone at church was so glad to meet him and just happy he's finally home. After church we went to his Nana and Poppy's house (Steve's mom and step father) for dinner where he got to be with all Steve's family at one time. He had a blast playing and when we left there he was worn out. He took about a 3 hour nap after playing hard all afternoon. The bigger picture I posted is Levi in his Easter outfit. He looked gorgeous. We took a family picture on the church steps after church since it was his first church service and Easter. We've just enjoyed every minute of our sweet boy since he's been home. It seems like he's been with us forever. Like I said before, he's a perfect fit for our family.
Last week we met Isaac and Nancy for breakfast at IHOP. We enjoyed our visit together and we're planning for them to come over to our house tomorrow for a play date. Isaac will be glad to see his daddy tomorrow afternoon who will be returning from a work trip to Mexico for the past week. Pray for his safe return where his boy and mommy will be waiting for him at the airport. We thought that would be a good time for Levi and Isaac to play a little before they head to pick Eric up. It'll be interesting to see how they act aside from a restaurant setting together since they've not been together since Atlanta when we were waiting for immigration clearance. Nancy and I cannot wait until it's warm enough to take them to the park and get them outside to play. Levi is considering crawling but, hasn't made that last move to figure it out just yet. He is so close but, just not mastered it yet. Maybe seeing Isaac crawling tomorrow will help him figure it out. Steve is working on a picture site for our pictures of Levi to be posted all in one place. I will let everyone know when that is up and running and send you the invitation to visit the site. Until next time... Tracy (Levi's mom)

Update from the Bradley home

Hey all- just wanted to let everyone know all is well at home with Levi. If we could break him from biting we'd be great. His constipation has improved greatly since his meds have kicked in. I think we have everything flowing well (possibly a little too well) right now. But, better than the alternative and all that he had to go through a few days ago. He seems to be happy all the time now. His foster mom called tonight to talk to him on the phone. I couldn't understand her o course because she speaks no English. I put the phone to Levi's ear and he just listened and laughed. I am glad she could hear him playing and laughing and know he's happy. After she hung up, I called her back with our translator. She was relieved to know that both boys are adjusting well and happy with their new family and in their new home. I reassured her that all is well with them both. I haven't talked to Nancy much since we've been home but, we've both been so busy juggling everything around Levi and Isaac. Levi appears to have at least one more maybe two more teeth trying to come in and he's been wanting to chew on everything (including us as I already mentioned). We plan to go out tomorrow for several errands so... we''ll see how that goes. Although he's not minded the car seat much at all; as long as your moving. When you stop the car, he's ready to get out. We have no complains with how he's done though so far... he's been great. He is such a good, happy baby, we are blessed! Until next time, for those who are close enough, come see us. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Settling in at home~

Hey- just wanted to post an update and let everyone know that Levi is adjusting well and has bonded well with both Steve and I. He's had some family come by for two days to visit and done so well with them too. He's so loving it doesn't seem to be taking him long to warm up. He's just the sweetest thing and he amazes us everyday with new things that he's learning to do. He is certainly a daddy's boy that is for sure. It is so sweet to see him love on Steve especially in the mornings when he wakes up. He is happy most of the time unless he's sleepy and fighting it or needing to "poo". He is having a little trouble in that area so keep him in your prayers. He was seen today by the pediatrician for the first time and he was checked from head to toe. We were planning to wait until next week but, since he was having a real hard time with his bowels yesterday we went ahead and went in today. He had to have blood work and they did some more tests to make sure he is free from any parasite he may have picked up in Guatemala. She felt like he was well taken care of by his foster mom and a very healthy, happy baby. The doctor felt he should just go ahead and repeat his vaccinations so, he got 3 and another stick for the TB skin test. Needless to say he hated that place. He clapped and clapped when we were walking out the door. They changed his diet some too so we'll see if that helps too. So.. all in all we're good! Pray for Isaac as he gets put through all the same tests tomorrow afternoon for his first visit to the pediatrician. Until next time.. Blessings and thanks for all the emails and phone calls to welcome us home. - Tracy (Levi's mom)

Heading home from Guatemala!!

Hey all- just wanted to post and let you all know that we're headed home from Guatemala later today. I should already be in bed but, I have been busy packing our things and making sure I have everything I may need for Levi during our forst part of the flight which is 4 long hours from Guatemala to Atlanta. I am praying Levi will be ok on the flight and not get too upset about it.

Yesterday, we were able to take a tour to Antigua. We visited the Jade Factory, coffee plantation and old church and the market. It was great! We were able to see so much of the country just from the drive that we were so glad we went. Levi did great and was happy and playful all day. He's still doing great with the bonding and not had any troubles there so far.

After we returned from the tour, Levi and Isaac's foster mom came back by the hotel to drop off some documents. She was waiting to see them both but, Isaac had gone with Nancy and Eric to spend a few days in Antigua and then they came back to a different hotel. It was a hard decision to make and I said a prayer about it on the way back from Antigua that if we ran into her and she saw Levi then whatever happened would just have to be and we would deal with that. Well, that is what happened, she saw Steve carrying him in and was actually waiting there for us to return. She knew our tour returned at 3:30pm but, we were actually almost an hour late. She cried some and her son was with her and of course he was a little upset but, they seemed to be adjusting well as we are. Levi cried initially as if he was confused and a little scared. Steve calmed him quickly, I took him and handed him to her. It's like he hugged her, kissed her, she kissed him and then he turned to reach back for me, clinging as I got him hiding his face on my shoulder. It was like that was his goodbye... it broke my heart all over again but, I managed to hold it together and let it be at that. She brought us some Guatemalan gifts and things for the boys and was so happy to be able to give us some things to remember Guatemala by. Through the translator we told her we would call her and let her know how they were once we're home and we would send her some pictures over time. She said it was her prayer that when she saw him to say giidbye forever that her last memories of him would be that he was happy with his new family. She had total peace leaving knowing he would have a better life in the US.
Well, keep us in your prayers as we fly home today and we can't wait for you all to meet our sweet Guatemalan angel! He is awesome and we have enjoyed every minute of this pick up trip and this part of the adoption process as it has come to an end. Life is just beginning in the Bradley house I do believe. He has already brought us so much joy I know we can't even imagine what all he will bring us in the coming months/years. Love you all and thanks in advance for your prayers. Blessings- Tracy and Steve.... official parents in Guatemala

Update from Guatemala

Hey all- I had a minute and thoughtI would post an update. Levi had had a great day playing and been so happy. He has had us laughing all day. He finally has bonded with my mom and dad and is playing right along with them now too. He still wants us when he's sleepy but, that is ok. He had a bath again tonight and it went much better than last night. He splashed water all over the bathroom. He didn't get to get in the pool today because it has been warm out but so windy. He did pretty good in a stroller this evening but, being he's not been in one since I was here in January, he did well it just took him a minute. He's not used to going to bed early but, he played so hard for hours and he is just exhausted. we're not sure if he's down for the night or not but, hoping so. I am headed to bed just in case this turns out to be just a nap. I wanted to let everyone know though that he's been great today and been just like he's been with us all along. Dad is going a little stir crazy sitting here at the hotel all day everyday but, he's enjoying his bonding time all the same. He and my mom ventured out on the street today for a walk. Of course, his idea she was like me a little hesitant. Nancy, Eric and Isaac left this morning around 11am headed to Antigua for a few days. She called and said Isaac was fighting sleep really bad and cranky. hoping by now they are all snoozing! We won't see them again until we get to the airport on Tuesday. We are flying back to Atlanta on the same plane. It seems Levi and Isaac are possibly a little confused when they are around each other. It was almost like they didn't understand why we are all here together, I don't know just can't explain it. Anyway, hoping to continue to post about how well they are both doing until we head home in a few days. My concern is that thier foster mom wants to see them (she doesn't know Isaac is going to be at another hotel until we leave anyway) but, wants to come Monday afternoon to see Levi one more time before we leave for good. Initially we said ok but, now that he's done so well and our attorney's facilitator told us yesterday she didn't think it was best for Levi... I don't know what is the right thing to do. I so hate to do her that way after we agreed it was ok but, know that it truly probably isn't best. I feel so guilty denying her that one last look at him before we leave forever. However, I do have to think about what is best for Levi. Please pray about this with us as we have to be deciding what to tell her. She has to come back to the hotel either way to bring some documents I accidentally left in the duffle bag she brought his things in. The facilitator said she would tell her to leave those things at the front desk with the receptionist and all but, I don't know how well she took that or if she has already called to tell her that. I hate doing things through someone else too because you never know what she was told or how she took it. I guess the only thing I can do is have the hotel translator to call her myself tomorrow and tell her what we think is best. We are going on a tour Monday anyway but, she knew that and knew we wouldn't be back until the afternoon. I am not going to have to hide out from her but, just be honest with her what the agency thinks we should do. Until tomorrow.... - Tracy (Levi's mom)

Bonding in Guatemala~~

Hey all, although it's 4:45am and I am trying to see the keyboard in the dark I am going to try and update you on how Levi and Isaac are doing. We had our Embassy appointments yesterday and couldn't believe that there was no more to it than that. Steve and I were a little nervous and worried about it for nothing. It took a little while and it was at times a challenge to keep Levi entertained but, Steve handled that part and did a great job. Steve was physically exhausted afterwards and not able to do much of anything last night and yesterday evening. We just let him sleep all day and rest. It didn't help a lot as he is in quite a bit of pain from his joints and yes, of course Gout again. Bad timing for a Gout flare-up but, we're trying to manage it the best we can until we're home. Bless his heart we had to walk about 4 blocks from the parking lot to the Embassy and then waited in line forever before he ever got to sit down. He was about to die but, never complained once and carried Levi all the way. I could tell he was miserable but, knew he would do whatever it took to get that part over and have Levi's visa approved so we can bring him home. I saw this as a prime example of how people say.. you'll go through anything for your kids.
Anyway, Levi woke up smiling and happy after he slept all night (thank God for Benedryl, we rode out the crying for about an hour before we gave him half a dose.. we knew it was important that we all sleep well before having to be up and ready by 6:30am). The only person who got breakfast was Levi but, we survived. I thought for my first day being a full time mom we managed well. I had to wake him up and thought it would be a disaster but, he woke up happy like he did on our visits. He and Steve fell asleep in the waiting room at the US Embassy. Boy I wish they allowed cameras because that would have been a good picture moment. Levi was officially approved for his visa and they said our attorney could pick it up Monday afternoon after 3:30pm. We can't fly out until Tuesday. We met my mom and dad for breakfast after we returned to the hotel and changed clothes. Levi looked adorable in his little dress clothes. I however, forgot my dress shoes and had to wear casual clothes and that was embarrasing but, it worked all the same. Nancy, Eric and Isaac were there and all dressed up... what a cute family they make. Isaac is soooo attached to Eric. In the early afternoon, Eric decided to give Nancy and Isaac some bonding time alone by the pool. The weather was awesome! Nancy and Eric are going to return with a Guatemalan tan like they've been to the beach! Eric hung out with my mom and dad, Levi and I as we talked to them from the upper sundeck. As she pushed Isaac around in his stroller and had some one on one time with him it was the most I've seen her smile since I met her, she is so happy to have her son with her forever. We let Steve rest and sleep because he was done like I said earlier.
Levi bonded with my dad some which made for a priceless birthday present for him. It was a priceless moment for us all when he reached for dad on his own. He would smile and play with my mom but, not letting her get ahold of him just yet, not that she hasn't tried to bribe him with toys and food but, so far not yet. I think by the time they are around him today again, he'll give in and let her hold him. He wants to but, just is a little hesitant for some reason. My mom and dad have both done great to just let Levi take things slow and call the shots with that part. They haven't forced the issue at all and don't like to see him upset so, they are taking things slow too.
Dad has a terrible cough so keep him in your prayers. Levi is having some constipation issues and cried for about an hour last night with that (which we will be addressing full force once we're home) and Steve is hardly able to move from pain so, please remember them all in your prayers and hope these issues resolve and we're able to enjoy our last few days in Guatemala bonding and making some ground with Levi. Every bit of time that passes you can see a difference in him in that he's becoming more and more comfortable around us both so, we are pleased with the progress he's made. Oh, and blew my mind but, he stayed in a highchair for the first time last night at supper and was great!!! He didn't like it at first but, once we gave him some spoons to bang on the table and toys he was ok with it for the longest time. Today we tackle a stroller again and I am letting him feed himself breakfast from the high chair. Should make for some good video of the mess I know he's going to make. Hopefully, Steve will feel like going down to eat with us and get to see it too. He missed all his progress yesterday but, hopefully today will be a better day for him. Levi slept all night long without medication and is just started to toss and turn, he gets a bottle and goes back to sleep around 6am. He has so far been right on schedule with what the foster mom wrote down for us. His sleeping issue is that he won't let you lay him down at all for hours after he's asleep. We tried about 10 times (literally) before he finally whined until he gave up and stayed there on his back. He has to be touching you or he wakes up everytime. All through the night he will reach his hand or foot one out to see that your still there and no, a pillow doesn't work... tried that too. He decided that if he slept long ways in the bed last night that he could touch Steve with his feet and have me at his head and he's been that way aside from rolling back and forth from back to side all night. He finally stayed down at 11pm. I thought my body would shut down getting to bed so early, that is why I am wide awake this early online. Thanks for all your prayers, posts, and emails. Love you all- tracy (Levi's mom)

Headed to the Embassy appointment today

Hey, it's bright and early here in Guatemala. Well, I don't know how bright yet but, it sure is early. Man I'm not a morning person! I had to get up at 5am!!! I have myself ready and my older kid (just kidding..Steve) getting ready and one still in the bed. I am about to wake him up so, praying that he'll wake up smiling and not crying. He's going to hate this embassy appointment with all those strangers in close quarters and I am sure at least 20 other crying babies. Luckily, we're couple number 7 this morning and shouldn't be there all day. I will post later to let you know how it went and how he is doing today. After I posted last night he actually smiled at my mom. We took him down to their room and just hung out for about 15 minutes to let him at least be around them even though he's not interested yet. He doesn't know that is his key to many toys yet haha! Well, pray for us all today. Nancy and Eric will be there with Isaac too but, not until a little after 8. They are taking a cab to keep from having to leave when we do at 6:45am and wait. I don't blame them for that I am sure I would choose sleep over a taxi ride anyday. Love you all- Tracy (aka mommy)

Update from Guatemala

Hey all- I wanted to post real quick and let you all know that we made it here safe to pick up Levi and he is in his daddy's arms as we speak. He has had a pretty rough afternoon and been scared to death just like when Nancy and I came in January. He didn't want much to do with me at first but, he eventaully had no choice so, he gave in. He is finally warming up to Steve. He was just scared of him at first, which broke Steve's heart but, he was patient enough to just stay back until he was ready. He still won't let my mom and dad hold him yet but, he will. It may take a few days before he's ok with all of us together. We've been taking everything slow and letting him set the pace. We have our US Embassy appointment in the morning and I am sure he will be hating that. It would be nice if he slept through most or all of it. We are being picked up here at our hotel at 6:45am...too early!! Well, just pray for him tonight and pray that a bath and a bottle to follow will get the job done for him to rest tonight. Love to all and thanks for your prayers. Despite the crying and the adjustments we're making right now, the fact he's ours is great! His foster mom and her son today had a really hard time and they need to be remembered in your prayers as well. They both cried and cried. I promised to call her tomorrow and update her on how he did tonight. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Update on Nancy, Eric and Isaac

Hey, I just wanted to post and let everyone know that I have talked to Nancy since she arrived in Guatemala and got Isaac. She said he's taken well to Eric and the second time I talked to her he was curled up against his daddy taking a bottle going off to sleep. He did cry for the foster mom quite a bit but, seemed to be better after a little while with them. She says he loves food and they used that to their advantage and took him to the hotel restaurant for supper. As I talked to her the first time she said he was shoveling rice in with both hands. He has a head full of hair as she knew he would when she told them do not cut it no matter how long it got. They were able to spend about 2 hours with the foster mom this afternoon as she told them some things she does with him, his routine, what he likes and dislikes, etc.. Nancy seemed to have enjoyed that time getting to know the lady who has cared for her son a little better on a personal level.
Steve, mom and dad have been sleeping since this afternoon and here I sit and have been awake since Nancy called from Atlanta at 9 am this morning. I just cannot get to sleep. I am finally getting sleepy and it's 30 minutes until my alarm goes off for me to get ready to leave for Charlotte. I am hoping I can sleep in the truck on the way and on the flights to Guatemala. I just can't wait to get there and get my boy too. Pray for us as we head out and we'll post when we have him safe with us. We'll try and post everyday to keep everyone here at home up to date on how everyone is adjusting. Thanks in advance for all your prayers. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

She's half way there!

Hey all- Nancy and Eric just called me and they are boarding in Atlanta and are ok. She said she slept a little on the plane but, planned to try again on this longer flight. She sounded really tired but, so excited too. Will keep everyone posted as she calls me. She is half way there, only 4 hours until she arrives in Guatemala. Keep praying for them. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

She's off~~

Well, I went to the airport to surprise Nancy and Eric and see them off to Atlanta where they will connect onto Guatemala. I was the first one of the day at the airport and arrived at 3:45AM! They came shortly after and didn't even see me sitting there. They got out of her car with their luggage and I yelled across the parking lot and asked if she had room for me in that suitcase she was pulling that I was looking for a way to Guatemala. She was surprised that I was out so late, well early but, since I hadn't been to bed yet... I got to sit with her and chat about the boys until time for them to go through security. I watched them until they were out of site and said a little prayer for them all the way home. She was exhausted already so hoping she gets some sleep on the plane. Pray for them as they travel and I will update as I hear more from her later. She is planning to call me when she can.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

ON THE COUNTDOWN NOW!!!

Well, we're on the final stretch counting down now until we leave for Guatemala to get our boy!! Nancy is hopefully sleeping her last few hours before she heads to the airport (she is arriving a day ahead of us). She told me bye earlier on the phone but, she doesn't know I'll be at the airport when she and Eric get there this morning to see her off. I wouldn't miss it for the world! I am afriad to go to sleep, afraid I will cut the alarm off and miss it. In just 12 short hours she will have Isaac in her arms forever. This is the moment she has waited for, for over 20 years now.
I ahve so many different emotions right now I can hardly stand it. I am so happy to finally ahve this over with and this long, tough process ending. However, in my moments of joy and happiness I cannot get past having a heavy heart for the foster mom. I cannot even begin to imagine how she is feeling right now. Knowing it is her last night with Isaac and only one more with Levi has to be so hard for her. I know how my heart broke after just 5 days with Levi and there is no comparison in how she must feel. The thoughts of the boys being there together their last night too just kills me knowing how close they are bonded with each other. They don't even know their lives are about to be turned upside down again and changed forever. I have worry too that they will have the same trouble their first night as when Nancy and I went to visit in January. It was miserable for them looking around the room scared to death. It was so hard to see them go through that being so terrified of their surroundings and us. I am just praying that when we get there he remembers me and Isaac remembers Nancy enough to not be so scared this time.
Until I return from seeing Nancy off.... will update later on her flight and how things are going with Isaac as soon as I hear from her. Keep her in your prayers as she travels. With the wind her tonight I am sure that will make for some extra turbulence along the way. I wish I was going as she does but, for some reason it just didn't work out for us that way. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

5 days and 4 hours!!!!

But, who's counting right? We are! It is now 5 days and 4 hours until we get Levi in our arms forever! Nancy's is even better... she will have Isaac in her arms forever in 4 days! She is going a day ahead of us and will hopefully be settled by the time we arrive. I think all of the arrangements are made for the trip except the last minute things we can't do until time to leave. We now have all of our reservations confirmed and set. We will be leaving early, early morning on Thursday, March 6 and returning way up in the morning on Wednesday, March 12. It has been 5 months and 18 days since Steve last held his son so, needless to say he's a little anxious to get there too! We will keep you all updated as we are there and things progress via this blog and our posts. We are taking our laptop so, one of us will do our best to let you know we're there safe and have Levi once we get him. Please pray that all goes well with the trip and that there are no delays on our way. Our appointment to get Levi processed out of the country is Friday, march 7 at 7:15am so, we have no time for delays on the way down there. I am not a morning person at all but, I guess that morning I will be up before the sun is to get myself and Levi ready for the appointment. Having to all be fed, dry and dressed by 6:45am will be my true initiation I think. Makes me sleepy just thinking about it. well, until I know more..... Blessings-Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)