Levi Douglas Bradley

Finally officially Levi..

2009-03-20T10:12:00.002-04:00

Hey, just wanted to post that we had our readoption hearing yesterday and the judge finally signed off on the paperwork to obtain a new Tennessee birth certificate for Levi and change his name officially to Levi. There were a few road blocks for us in that we had other issues like the fact Steve had signed some of the paperwork before he passed away but, then wasn't here to appear for the hearing and unable to sign the final decree. We had to write and rewrite our documents 4 times until we got it like the judge thought was best on Levi's behalf to indicate we still wanted Steve listed as his father, etc.. and about his passing unexpectedly before we got this done. Which... was my fault for putting it off. Steve reminded me daily we needed to change his name "before something happened", just another confirmation that he was getting things in order for me in the end.
Levi came home Juan Jose which was his birth name although he had our last name changed before we brought him home. Steve and I had decided to follow his heritage of having 4 names like they do in Guatemala and add Elias into his name. Elias was his foster mom's son there and Levi was very attached to him before we brought him home as was Elias to Levi. Readoption was not something we HAD to do but that we chose to do. He came home a US citizen already but we wanted him to enter school and play sports, etc.. with a TN birth certificate like everyone else has. We were already listed as his parents on the Guatemalan one. It was for sure a day we're glad is behind us and can't wait to get the new birth certificate from Nashville so we can get him his passport. Until next time.. Blessings from our family to yours!- Tracy (aka Levi's momma)

Happy 'Gotcha Day' to Levi and Isaac!!

2009-03-06T16:45:00.003-05:00

Hey all- just wanted to post and say it's been a year today that Levi was officially handed over to us in Guatemala and we didn't have to give him back.. ever! Nancy and Eric arrived one day before us (thanks to me booking the wrong flight number) in Guatemala so Isaac's 'gotcha day' was yesterday. Nancy and Isaac spent it with Levi and I in Pigeon Forge and I cannot thank her enough for being with me on our 1st and sacrificing time with Eric, not spending their day as a family. Today has been a bittersweet day for me without Steve. I wish he were here to celebrate with us but, I know he'd want more than anything for me to show Levi a great time of fun and just make sure he's happy on "his day". I decided we would spend our 1st gotcha day in Pigeon Forge because Steve loved it here. He would rather come here than the beach for a week.. he just always loved it here. As I sit and watched Levi and Isaac running and playing today and holding hands, happy as can be it makes all we went through to get them home so worth it... of course it's worth it any day but, today is just special for them and they don't even know the impact yet. I pray they will have a life long friendship and feel as blessed being our sons as we are to be their moms. They are certainly like family to us and always will be. God knew what he was doing when he placed them together in Guatemala and close to each other in the US.. it's just awesome every time you think about it...what a story they have. Levi is my pride and joy and the reason I get out of bed everyday. I couldn't make it without him and God knew way before I did that it would all work out like it did. God knew losing Steve I would need Levi to lean on and he is my strength everyday! He even worked out the details and made Levi love music just like Steve and shoes just like me! haha! All joking aside he does things all the time that remind me of Steve and I know that may sound crazy but, it's so true. Steve's family even says they feel closer to Steve through Levi even though he's adopted, that maybe it's the love they knew he had for his son from day 1. Anyway, we took the boys to the indoor water park this morning and they loved it. We got them out for a snack and decided to come back to the room to feed them since they were dry. After they watched the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie and ate, they wrestled and played together (at times a little too rough..they both all boy that's for sure!) they crashed for a now 3 hr nap!!! Levi just 2 and a half. He will never sleep again tonight. I tried everything to get to sleep just for a few minutes and just couldn't, I had too much on my mind I guess. So, here I sit waiting for the sleeping beauties to get up and probably head back to the indoor water park again before we call it a day. Tomorrow, I think Nancy and I are going to shop for the boys some summer clothes and I would imagine there will be a to me from me gift in there somewhere for myself haha! We'll head home tomorrow afternoon in time to get the boys settled for church on Sunday morning. It's been a nice few days to relax and just enjoy them that is for sure. What better way to relax? Free coffee, a housekeeper who empties the trash and brings in fresh towels everyday and 2 boys entertaining each other running wild! haha! Until next time... we are blessed and Praise the Lord for our 2 beautiful Guatemalan boys on their special day!

Hard to believe it's almost been a year!

2009-03-01T05:36:00.003-05:00

Wow.. it's hard to believe that this time last year we were so excited packing and getting ready for our pick up trip to go bring our boy home forever. This coming week will be what us adoptive parents call 'gotcha day'. It's the day we go him and knew we never had to give him back.. when it was official we could bring him home to the US. Thinking back we've been through so much this past year but, at times it seems like it was yesterday we were there seeing his country and trying to capture as many pictures for him as we could in such a short time. Bringing him home to meet our family after nearly a year of waiting for him was priceless. Usually, for 'gotcha day' the adoptive parent lets the child decide what to do for the day and it's just "their day" every year. When he's older and can choose himself he will but, this year.. I chose. Nancy, being the great friend she is, is taking her time away from being with her family on this day to spend it with me and Levi. She knows (I'm sure) that it'll be a bittersweet day for me. I'll be missing Steve more I'm sure because he can't be here to share it with us..Levi's 1st Gotcha Day! But, it's his day and I'll go out of my way to be sure he has a special day. Nancy and I are taking the boys to Pigeon Forge to a new indoor water park that aunt Becky tells us is awesome. We're getting away for 2 nights just to spend time with the boys with no distractions...just time with them. I cannot thank Nancy enough for going with us and missing her own family time just to be with us. We all came home on the same day so of course it's Isaac's gotcha day too!! The boys have brought us more joy than we ever dreamed of and being their moms has been what we waited for, for so long! I love everything about it from the time outs, the kisses every morning (which by the way is the best!) the good and the bad... I wouldn't trade it for the world! Until our trip... we will try and get over colds so we will have a better time!- Levi's mommy

Recap of 2008

2009-01-01T12:05:00.002-05:00

Well, since I have not kept this blog up and not posted since Levi was off the bottle in July... here goes. Since July, he learned to walk on his own in late August after months of holding on and not wanting to try it on his own. He's got a mouth full of teeth which he still uses to bite but, nowhere near like when he came home. He "forgets" sometimes when he's excited playing and will bite a quick chunk out of you and knows immediately it was a bad choice. Steve stayed sick most of the summer and was in and out of the hospital with the E-Coli continuing to come back and he had the skin grafts that were done in the early summer that were doing great on his arm and leg. Went went for our followup home study visit in mid August in Pigeon Forge which was supposed to be a short first family trip together. Our first night there, Steve fell and busted his knee open at the Apple Barn Restaurant on their uneven sidewalk and had to be taken to UT Trauma Center. Prior to that he was doing so well and off the walker and just enjoying being away from home with his son. The fall was a major set back and things were downhill from there with him. He ended up in the hospital in Oct again and this time never made it back home to us. We miss him more than words could ever say and our lives have been literally turned upside down without him. As for me, Steve was all I knew and I am lost without him. Levi had a hard time initially and things have settled for him now. Although people told me he would never remember him after a few weeks of being without him thankfully, that wasn't true. He was still hollering for him after/during his bath until about a month ago. He still talks to "dad" on his play phone pretending and says his name when he sees his pictures. I am now carrying Steve's cell phone and he even knows it was his when you ask him who it belongs to. I know he will never remember specific memories of him over time and when he is older he will say he never got to know him but, it does my heart good every time I hear him say "dad" to know he still has some memories if only temporary. I promised Steve I would raise Levi just as we had discussed we would and I am so thankful that we had these in depth conversations to know what he would have wanted for his son and what his long term goals were for him so that I can carry that through. Levi was dedicated at our church the week of Christmas and it was a special day for him. His 1st Christmas, although depressing without Steve here with us to share it, was a good one for him and he got tons of new clothes and toys from everybody. Coming up for us in 2009... I am starting to think about Levi's 2nd birthday and what/when that'll be. We are still attending the Guatemalan group that have lots of nice outings planned (mainly in the summer). We have "gotcha day" which is in March for Levi. That is what people who have adopted call the day we got them in our arms as our own and everything was official. You make it your adopted child's special day and do something that is fun and all about them for the day. When he's old enough we were going to let him pick what we did for the day. For now, I hope to take him somewhere fun and maybe get away since it'll be another hard "1st" for me without Steve. We're going to the Sesame Street Live show in a few weeks with Isaac so I know that'll be a big hit with him too. Isaac and Nancy spent the night last night and the boys had a blast chasing each other and playing together as usual. I will try to keep my posts more up to date in case there is anyone out there who actually still reads our blog. Have a blessed New Year and keep us in your prayers.- Tracy and Levi

2008-10-05T11:38:00.001-04:00

Bottle free!!

2008-07-16T05:24:00.003-04:00

Well, Levi is doing great now without hos bottle. I cannot believe that things went so smooth coming off it all at once and just not bringing it out again. I am so proud of him. Now if potty training comes as easy we'll be doing good. We went and bought a potty just to sit him on it off and on and let him get used to the whole idea of it. When he's ready we'll do that but, I personally think he's still too young to get the whole idea of it even if he hates being wet and pulls at his diaper when he is. He does grab his diaper when you ask if he's wet and sometimes goes to get one when he is but, I think it'll still be a little bit before he's ready for the potty... we'll see. Nancy, Eric and Isaac are still at the beach and although Eric has swimmers' ear and has been to the doctor twice I think they are having a good first vacation as a family. The new picture of Isaac here is one she posted on his blog from the beach. I miss them and can't wait till they are home and we can get together and I can see him walking! He finally turned loose and took off by himself walking now!! I am excited for them and can't wait to see him walk. I know his mamaw Kay can't wait either. I bet this has been a long 2 weeks for her and Doug with Isaac being gone. Headed to bed soon. I have been on a cleaning spree while Steve and Levi are snoring! I have to do this while Levi is asleep but, I am getting tired being that it's 5:30am! I took a nap and got back up to clean while he is asleep. I get more done that way. - Tracy

Coming off the bottle!

2008-07-13T04:16:00.002-04:00

Hey all, it's been a little while since I last posted but, we've been so busy with Steve being in the hospital and work that I haven't found the time to update the blog. Anyway, the only thing that is really new is that a week ago today Levi had only taken a few ounces of milk for the whole day from his bottle. He pretty much had his sippy cup all day instead. When I realized that last Sunday afternoon, I thought I would try just the sippy only on Monday, even for naps. He did fine. Therefore, I decided we would just take it all together and see how things went. If they got too bad I would give it back and try again later. However, he didn't really do that bad just at naptime and bedtime mainly. We just had to start wearing him down so he would go to sleep easier since he wouldn't have the security of his bottle at bedtime. He has been almost a full week bottle free today. We are so proud of him that he's done this well. In this past week there has been a few times where I know he was wanting it bad and I felt so sorry for him but, I think if he's come this far it's too late to give it back now.We went and bought a potty so we're ready when he is for that one. He will pull at the front of his diaper if you ask him if he's wet so, maybe soon he'll be ready. Until then... Tracy , aka "Levi's mom"

Play date yesterday with Guatemala group

2008-06-29T08:31:00.003-04:00

Hey, I know I haven't posted in awhile but, I have been so busy and Steve finally got to come home Friday after being in the hospital since April 5th. Levi is so excited that daddy is back home and he is just all over him and dropped me once again.I'm now just the diaper changer, feeder, bather and bottle maker once again. No really, I don't mind daddy needs some extra bonding time again with him and is loving every minute of it.
Yesterday, Levi and I joined Nancy, Isaac and Eric attending a local group Nancy was somewhat involved with before Isaac came home for other couples who have Guatemalan/adopted children. They get together several times a year just to stay in touch and have play dates for the kids. I think it's real important as they all grow up to know where they came from and that there are many other kids also from Guatemala who live near them. I plan to stay in touch with this group and try and take Levi to all their events. The gathering yesterday was at Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport. They have a new playground that was awesome and the kids loved it. They had a good turnout but, it was so hot! Those poor dark skinned, black headed kids were all sweatin' like crazy! Levi had a good time though and as far as I know that was his first time on a swing and he loved it.
Once it cooled off some outside I let him get in his new baby pool he got from his daddy and I for his birthday. He had the best time playing and splashing the water. Later in the evening Levi, daddy and I took a long nap together. It was nice!! Levi was so excited that we were all 3 there laying in the bed for a nap. He'd roll back and forth kissing daddy then kissing me. The past 2 nights have been so peaceful for him that he has slept through his morning bottles and barely moved through the night. He used to be so restless every night but, it is like he knows everything is back to normal (well we're working on normal but, better) like before Steve got sick. Nice to be home and try and get straightened out with Levi's routine again. Blessings- Levi's mommy

Steve's 1st Father's Day

2008-06-16T22:28:00.007-04:00

Well, Sunday went pretty well for Steve's 1st Father's Day. I had everything planned out of what Levi and I were going to do for the day. First, we went to the hospital early enough for us to watch the church service with him. His sister, Becky had our web cam there and we tried to watch it live via web cam but, the hospital Internet is a little slower than the church high speed Internet (at least that was what I figured it was) and it was a little choppy at times. After we watched the service, I had cooked a roast that Steve had been asking me to make so we ate... well. I had a truck load of stuff to carry into the hospital. We gave him his gifts and Levi played and played there getting into everything! He went from pushing all the buttons on Steve's bed to playing with his remote... like I said into everything. We finally left to come home and Steve got to nap and we came home to take one too. Levi slept for 2 hrs and of course I did too... it was nice. All in all we had a pretty good day spending time with daddy and then just resting and I spent some extra time home with Levi, which has been hard to do lately with Steve being in the hospital. We just can't wait for him to get back home to us and things get back to normal. - Levi's mommy

My bonding time cut short!

2008-06-08T05:07:00.002-04:00

Well, today is it! My bonding time has been cut short and it's unfortunately time for me to return to work and it's all too soon. I feel like I haven't had any time to bond with Levi at times and then at others I feel like we've done well to bond as much as we have. I feel like he's always been with us and he's just a perfect fit for our family. I am returning to work tomorrow and although I am away from him everyday to see and take care of Steve while he's still in the hospital I could still come home back and forth whenever I wanted and now I am back to work on a set schedule again and back to reality. I hope he will not forget me and not want anything to do with me after he's with my mom for 13 hours a day for the next 2 before I am off for a few. The ONLY good thing about working 12 hr shifts is that I only have a 3 day work week and not a Monday through Friday schedule. Going back to Monday through Friday would kill me. Hoping today we can fit in some one on one with him and we can do something together just me and him. I have decided on at least one day off a week I would like to do something special with him and not just sit around the house. Hopefully his daddy will be home with us soon and we can get back on a normal schedule and bond again as a family. Until then... we press on and make this schedule work for at least a few more weeks. Steve has now been in the hospital for 2 months and counting. We miss him being home with us and can't wait until he's back! Pray that I can make it a 12 hour shift tomorrow and get in a few good hours with Levi before I start all over on Tuesday. I'll be worn out my first few days back as I have not been used to being on my feet for 12 since I was doing home health before. I know it'll be nice being back once I am there but, leaving Levi will never get easier I don't think. I could easily be content being a stay at home mom! I love nursing but, I love being Levi's mom even more. Blessings...Levi's mommy

Levi's 1st haircut!

2008-06-03T22:24:00.002-04:00

Today my baby got his first haircut and he was such a big boy! He did so well! I was so proud of him that he sat still and even on the little booster and had it cut and she used the clippers and he didn't cry not one tear! After the haircut, which is so cute, Levi and I had some time together eating Chinese where he had a blast squealing and playing enjoying it as much as I did. Steve was so sweet to want us to spend that time together today knowing I have to go back to work next week and have less than a week home with him. After the haircut, Chinese food and a nap on the way we went to see daddy in the hospital where he played well with Steve again today. He's missed him so much! Then I got a workout taking him into Walmart when he was wired up. He had birthday money left to spend so we cruised the toy department. Lately he has been very attached to a baby Glow worm that we have named "Glowie". She has become the second most important "woman" in his life to me right now and he has to have her to go to sleep every night. Well, guess what he saw in the toy department...her sisters haha! He had melt down thinking they were HER! It was cute but tragic for him that we weren't taking all of them home. Bless it! Well, he crashed in the car after blowing kisses to strangers all through the checkout. All in all we had one of the best days we have had together since he has been with us. I hope to have another mommy and Levi day again soon if not before I return to work on one of my days off soon. I want to take him to the park and see how he likes a baby swing. Maybe we will go with Nancy and Isaac soon to the park for a play date. Until there is more to post.. Blessings

Catching up

2008-06-02T14:45:00.002-04:00

Hey all- I have been so busy with Steve being in the hospital coming up on 2 months this week and Levi crawling now and into everything that I am constantly chasing him to keep him out of things. I have just been running back and forth between Levi and Steve to manage everything. I go back to work, unfortunately, a week from today and will have even more to do then. I am transferring back to the hospital and will actually be working on the floor where Steve is right now in the hospital. I am ready to get back to work but not ready by any means to leave Levi for that long everyday. I do have to leave him everyday with my mom and dad or other family to watch him while I visit Steve but, it'll be even worse for the 12 hr shift three days a week. It'll be different knowing I am going to be away from him for that many hours of the day. I am sure I am not going through anything any other working parent hasn't been through, just stinks. I will miss him so much while I am working I know. I will also miss my patient I had in home health but, my circumstances right now do not allow for any extra travel time to get to work (I was driving quite a ways in home health from my house to my patients' house) plus Steve just wanted me to be closer to home and close to him while he's so sick and in the hospital. Long story short, it will all work out. The Lord is doing awesome work in Steve's life and with his healing arm and leg. He has come so far but, is so ready to come home to Levi and I. He misses us as bad as we miss him being there. Until I have more to post... we're all blessed and making it one day at a time. Blessings- Levi's mommy

A day to be thankful

2008-05-17T11:42:00.002-04:00

I don't have the time to post much anymore but, I did want to post today that I am so thankful that Levi and Isaac are home. There is just so much going on in Guatemala with adoptions that are pending. I still get all the posts by email and read them as I have time and to read some of the things the adoptive parents,the birth mothers and especially the children who are waiting or "caught up in the system" are having to go through right now... just makes us thankful! On mornings like this one when Levi rolls over and kisses your cheek as soon as he opens his eyes... it makes it all so worth all we went through to get him here. But too, you remember when you were still waiting and the heavy burden the mothers waiting now have on them. Until there is more... just happy to be Levi's mom and have all that behind us now. Please say a prayer for those still waiting and that the babies get home to their forever families soon. Blessings- Tracy (Levi's mommy)

My Mother's Day

2008-05-14T20:13:00.002-04:00

Hey all- sorry I haven't had the time to post much lately with Steve in the hospital still and Levi on the go more I don't get much computer time right now. I just thought I would tell you a little about my first Mother's Day and how it went. It was a better day than I expected it to turn out to be. Steve was adamant that I take Levi to church myself on MD so, I did that because I promised him I would. He said it meant a lot to him for me to go so I did. Levi woke up so loving and sweet almost like he knew that I was going to need his hugs and kisses to make it through the day without Steve there to share it with us. We went to church where he had a blast as usual. He loves going to church and is becoming very social there as if he's always been there. He likes the attention he still gets from everybody. After church my dad wanted to take me and my mom to eat and we had a nice meal with Levi (who started grabbing at everyone who got within his reach ?? something new I guess.) After church and lunch, I headed to the hospital to see Steve and he had his sister to arrange a gift from him that he picked out while he was in the Rehab Hospital. He bought me the prettiest necklace and matching earrings and it was such a surprise. It meant a lot that he would make such an effort from ICU to beat it all. In the shape he was in he was still thinking about it being my day and trying to make it a special one. He is so sweet!! I got a good one that is for sure! I spent some time with Steve and then made it home in time to give Levi his bedtime bottle and rock him to sleep. So, all in all it was a nice day. I even came home from church to a huge bunch of flowers in an outdoor pot that my aunt and uncle and cousin brought by since it was my first Mother's Day. That was thoughtful of them and a big surprise too. The flowers were beautiful. Mom and dad made an extra effort to make it special too and they let Levi write with a pen in a card for me. I will cherish his little scribbled pen marks forever. He used the flowers she had as a weapon I think, he knocked off half the blooms within 2 seconds of having them to hand to me. Again, so sweet I guess that is the joys of having a rough little boy instead of a prissy girl-haha! Getting beat half to death with your Mother's Day flowers before they make it to a vase just makes for more memories I guess. I had a nice outfit from mom, dad and Levi too which was also nice of them to think of me. Until there is more to update... keep praying for Levi's daddy to be home with us again soon. Things just aren't the same without him there and we miss him a lot. Blessings- Tracy

First official Mother's Day

2008-05-11T00:52:00.002-04:00

Well, today marks my first official Mother's Day and of course it's not going to turn out quite like I pictured it with Steve in the hospital. I thought I would be going to church with my husband and we would spend the day together as a family for my 1st. Steve is disappointed he couldn't be the one to take me to church on my first MD. But, he can't help it, he didn't choose to be in ICU sick. I was planning to skip church all together since he couldn't be with me but, he insisted that I take Levi and us go on to church together today. I promised him I would go since he was begging. I just didn't want to go without him. I plan to have myself or Becky record the service whichever one of us doesn't have Levi keeping him occupied. Steve is wanting to watch the church service at the hospital sometime in the afternoon. My dad wants to take me and my mom to eat after church so, I guess that is my plans for the special day. Although, it won't be near as special as I pictured it would be, I am still very thankful that Levi is home with us now and that in itself makes for a happy day. He is such a joy to us all!
With all that is going on in Guatemala and for some of the adoptive mothers who are still waiting my heart goes out to them today too. I know what it was like for us last year as we waited for Levi not knowing when he'd be home with us. They have it even worse now for the pending cases, they are facing more trouble and delays everyday. For them today will weigh heavy on their hearts and minds not knowing when and if they will bring home their babies.
As for Nancy she is so excited to be sharing her special day with Isaac and like myself just the proud new mom with one cute Guatemalan boy! I got to see him yesterday for just a minute and he is just the cutest thing! He is cuter every time I see him and just the sweetest thing!
Until next time... Tracy (aka Levi's mom)

Levi's Welcome home party

2008-04-23T17:33:00.002-04:00

Hey, I wanted to post and let everyone know about Levi's welcome home/1st birthday party. We have sent out some invitations by mail and some by email. However, I accidentally sent the emailed ones from the draft Steve did for me yesterday from the hospital on the laptop. I didn't realize he wasn't finished and I sent out like 60-65 invitations by email before I got the first call asking why I was having a party on a Thursday? Well, I am NOT.. it was supposed to be Saturday, May 3rd not the 1st on Thursday!! I sent a corrected invitation to all the people who I had sent the wrong one to, I think. Anyway... your all invited to come join us in celebrating Levi's homecoming and his US Citizenship and the fact that he just turned one this week. I look forward to those of you meeting him who have not had the chance to yet. He is the sweetest thing! He got to see his daddy in the hospital today and spend some time with him outside which he enjoyed. He didn't care too much for the grass but, he seemed to like being outside in the sun. Until I have more to update.... Blessings- Tracy (aka "mama")

My baby is 1!!

2008-04-22T03:14:00.002-04:00

Hey, I just wanted to post that Levi had a good day yesterday for his first birthday. We went to the hospital and spent time with daddy where he played hard with him and got so sleepy. Then he came back to mamaw and papaw's house where he had cake again and opened some presents. We haven't given him ours yet but, plan to at his party hopefully next weekend. Nancy said Isaac had a good day too. They celebrated with him by taking him for Mexican food and letting him eat one of his favorites rice and beans. Levi started whole milk today and did great on it so far.
Although it was awesome waking up right beside him and being able to kiss his sweet little face and just watch him sleep this morning, one of the first things that crossed my mind in thinking of Levi's birthday was his birth mom. I couldn't help but wonder if yesterday she remembered a year ago she had him and gave him up... the ultimate sacrifice for him to have a better life full of opportunities? Even though it is so natural now that he's home and he is a perfect fit to make our family complete... I think of her sometimes and wonder how much Levi crosses her mind? If she misses him and wonders what he's look like now? I guess that is just natural to wonder all those unanswered questions about her. I just pray she has peace and that God lets her know in His own way that Levi is well and loved so much. I would love the opportunity to just tell her we will always love him more than anything and promise to take being his parents very serious. - Tracy (aka "mama")

More cake today!

2008-04-20T18:39:00.003-04:00

Today after Steve's family went to church they all decided to come by the hospital and surprise Steve with cake, a present and an Elmo balloon for Levi. Steve was a little upset that he was going to be in the hospital for Levi's first birthday and it was a nice surprise for him to get to see Levi tear into some more cake today. He had a mess but, not like he did yesterday at Isaac's birthday party. I'm not sure what but, I will be doing something for him at home tomorrow. He got presents from both sets of Isaac's grandparents yesterday so, he will get those tomorrow too I guess. We had planned a big welcome home party for all the extended family we have who still have not gotten to meet him but, since Steve is in the hospital we have postponed that for a few weeks until daddy's home to enjoy that too. Papaw is going to just re-do the invitations and we'll have it in a few weeks. After Levi got all sugared up again on cake today he was headed back to church tonight with his aunt Becky. Praying that daddy gets to come back home to us this week sometime and we will try and get back on a schedule again and get things settled down some for him before I head back to work. I got the pictures posted today we've taken recently so enjoy~ Tracy (aka "mama")

Isaac's party

2008-04-20T00:23:00.002-04:00

Well, today we went to Isaac's 1st birthday party at his house. We had a really good time getting to meet more of Isaac's family. He and Levi were both worn out from all the eating and playing they did. He got so many new things Eric and Nancy are going to have lots of fun putting things together and buying batteries. Isaac is just surrounded with so many people who love him and they were all so nice to us when they met Levi. They told me how they prayed for him to come home and just loved on him like he was family too... such nice people. We are blessed to have met them all and have them in our life as Levi and Isaac grow up. I took so many pictures I had a tough time choosing some new ones for this page. Levi and Isaac got into so much cake I had to give Levi a complete bath in their tub before we could leave! Aunt Nancy let him get into the cake and he made a real mess at her house in Isaac's highchair. Isaac will hold up one finger to tell you he will be 1 yr old it is the cutest thing ever! Well, other than that Levi is still not crawling but, scoots and has the position to crawl down it's juts getting him to move in it... but, he will eventually I know. He says several words now... mama, dada, bye, hi, Elmo, shoes, teeth, Nana, and bite. I think that covered all he is saying right now. He will still go backwards in a walker. He will do patty cake. Since Steve is in the hospital still, Levi is going to church with his aunt Becky tomorrow. Last time she took him... I heard he had a blast and the more they clapped the more he liked it. - Tracy

Enjoyed our visit with Isaac-

2008-04-04T00:25:00.002-04:00

Hey, we had our visit from Nancy and Isaac and we enjoyed having them come by our house for a few hours on Tuesday. They had lunch with Levi and I and they played for a little while before both boys started getting sleepy and a little fussy. We tried to get some pictures of them but, i am not sure we got many good ones because they weren't in the mood for a photo session, maybe next time. We hope to have the boys meet again for another play date before I go back to work just 3 short weeks from today. I don't even want to think about that. I don't mind work just hate the thoughts of being away from Levi for three 12 hr shifts a week. Plus, I work 4o minutes away so, I work a 12 hr day then it takes another hour to get home. By the time I get home it's nearly bedtime for Levi. I guess we'll have to adjust just like every other mom who works long hours with kids.
Steve has been working for days on a photo site for our pictures to be uploaded to. It is turning out nice for us to be able to share our pictures (because we take plenty of them) with our family and friends. We no longer have the time to email them to everyone so, Steve thought this would work out better for everyone to see them whenever they want.
Today, we had a day out with mamaw and we went shopping for a play pen and found one that Levi just loves playing in. He had a big day and went to see some friends who have been our prayer partners through this adoption process so, he got lots of love and kisses today (as always). We tried to call the foster mom but, just couldn't get the phone to connect.. we will try again maybe tomorrow. We are planning to go see Nana's friends are her work tomorrow so we have another full day planned to be out and about in the car. He does so well in the car seat and just likes to be out and about. He doesn't seem to mind it at all. He is such a good baby. Until next time- Tracy (aka "momma")

Easter was a big day!

2008-03-31T17:53:00.003-04:00

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

2008-03-16T19:41:00.003-04:00

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~

2008-03-13T19:38:00.003-04:00

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!!

2008-03-11T02:37:00.003-04:00

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

2008-03-08T22:37:00.002-05:00

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~~

2008-03-08T05:45:00.003-05:00

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

2008-03-07T07:05:00.002-05:00

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

2008-03-06T22:32:00.002-05:00

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

2008-03-05T22:09:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-03-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

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~~

2008-03-05T05:46:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2008-03-05T00:26:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

2008-03-01T08:45:00.002-05:00

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)

New Picture

2008-02-27T18:59:00.005-05:00

Hey, wanted to post a picture that Levi's foster mom sent us in email. He is sitting on a toy she bought for Isaac to push and walk behind. He is walking holding onto something. Nancy is praying he doesn't get brave enough to let go in the next 7 days and take his first steps without her there. If he had a clue he could and had thought about it he would have already. We're talking about the same adventurous little boy that is climbing out of a walker. Too funny!! She and Eric are going to have their hands full. As far as them being sick with a bad cold, Isaac is over it and better, Levi is just with a mild cough now so thanks for all your prayers. We're packed and ready to go pretty much except for a few last minute things the day before. Still praying for all the money we need for the trip but, we know and believe that the Lord will make a way. He hasn't brought us this far to not carry us through to the end. Will keep you posted on anything new before we leave.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

So ready to leave for Guatemala!!!

2008-02-24T04:14:00.002-05:00

Well, I am pretty much packed and just waiting watching time drag on until we go get Levi. Since Nancy talked to the foster mom the other night and I learned Levi had been sick again and been the doctor... I can't sleep much at all. I am pretty much exhausted but, when I lay down I can't sleep. My mind is just going in a hundred different directions. I tried to wear down today by packing but, not much good. I did get everything together and all the baby things I'll need at home to be ready for him. It all hit home when I was getting his things together tonight that I still can't believe we're finally just a few days from bringing home our boy! I need to get him home and checked by his pediatrician because he's been sick so much. The flight is set and we're waiting for confirmation on our hotel then we'll have it all planned out I think. Praying this week passes fast and that Levi is feeling better since the antibiotics. Will call and check on him tomorrow. Blessings- Tracy B.

GOING FOR PICK UP!!!

2008-02-22T23:41:00.002-05:00

HEY ALL--- HE'S COMING HOME!!! I am just a little excited! Steve and I wanted to let you know that we have our appointment at the US Embassy on March 7th to go pick up Levi. We will be leaving on March 6th and will not be able to return home until March 11th. Because our opponent fell on a Friday we are stuck there over the weekend. Levi's visa to leave the country will not be ready until after 3:30pm on Monday. Therefore, our flight will be on Tuesday morning. We'll be bringing him back this time and not having to walk away leaving him behind.
However, we will be leaving behind what has come to be a part of our existence for nearly a year now. We will be heartbroken for the foster mom as she will be losing both Levi and Isaac at the same time pretty much. And, our thoughts and prayers will be with all the Guatemalan children who never find the same opportunities that Levi and Isaac will have here in the US. Nancy is actually going to be getting Isaac the day before on the 5th. Her Embassy appointment is the same day on the 7th. That is dad's birthday and he and mom are going to Guatemala with us so, what better present than a grandson? I was there this year on my birthday and there was no better preset than that let me tell ya! Anyway, we have our flight booked and are working on the hotel reservations now. Nancy is waiting for confirmation where she booked hers but, as of now unless something changes, we will be on the same flight back (Guatemala to Charlotte). She will be flying back into Tri Cities but, we'll be driving back from Charlotte. At least we will be able to take a picture of Levi and Isaac (unless they are really upset from the flight) of their feet touching US soil for the first time and doing so together... priceless. We've seen many pictures like that other adoptive parents have taken and it is so cute! Please do keep Levi in your prayers but, he was taken to the doctor today and given a shot for "a cold" that he wasn't able to shake?? He and Isaac were sick but, Isaac is over it and Levi can't get over it according to the foster mom when Nancy called her tonight with a translator. Nancy said she didn't sound too bad right now so, hopefully she is ok that her time is getting closer everyday. Bless her heart she told her too she has no prospects for a job right now after she isn't fostering right now. She says nobody will hire her due to her age. Pray for that and for Levi. Also, us as always that we make it through all this. Love and blessings- Tracy (AKA

Come on pink!!

2008-02-15T13:32:00.002-05:00

Hey, wanted to post an update that our 2nd DNA results was just delivered by Fedex to the US Embassy a few hours ago. Nancy's was too and a few others from our yahoo adoption forum. We're bound to have our appts at the same time with at least some of them. Anyway, we're now going to be hovering over Steve's laptop awaiting our travel date. Typically, you get your appt for pick up emailed to you the day after your results arrive. However, today is Friday so, they're of course like any other government office not there on Saturdays. AND, Monday is a holiday... President's Day. So, they will not be back in the office until Tuesday. Nancy and I are still hopeful and praying that they have mercy on us and give everyone an appt before they leave today knowing they ahve a 3 day weekend ahead. That is probably nothing but wishful thinking but, stranger things have happened. Will for sure post as soon as I get the travel date and know when to book our flight. Do pray that the funds come through for that because these last fees we sent wiped up out. We have been checking on flights since the DNA was done to see what kind of prices are out there right now and they literally doubled since the first of the week. I am not sure if that is because of Spring Break coming up or what but, we're hoping and praying to get some good rates when we book. God didn't bring us this far through all of this for us not to have the money to go get him that is for sure. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

2nd DNA done!!

2008-02-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

Hey, just wanted to let you know that we got the call yesterday that Levi (and Isaac's) 2nd DNA has been completed and the results sent out headed back to Guatemala by Fedex. They are scheduled to arrive by 6pm today. After the US Embassy gets it logged back in they will issue our appt for pick up. We're finally almost done! This will be the last step of this long difficult process. Steve and I are just so ready to go get Levi and bring him home. My mom and dad are still planning to go with us for pickup (if we can swing 4 plane tickets now, for some reason they shot up yesterday to double what we were looking at). They just want to be able to have the experience of seeing Guatemala and knowing about where he's from. Of course, they can't wait so, if that get them to see him sooner they are all about that part too.
Issac and Levi will be most likely leaving the foster mom at the same time unless for some reason our appt times get seperated at the Embassy. But, even so they should be back to back if nothing else. We've just prayed that if it's God's will for us to leave together with them , then let it be. Nancy and I are about to go crazy with this waiting part. Knowing they have been legally ours for a few weeks makes it a little harder with the waiting! We've both been "nesting" (so they say that is what it is we're doing) and cleaning their rooms, washing their clothes, and just finishing those last minute thigs before we don't have the time to spare for such. Eric got to hear Isaac saying dada on the phone last week so, he is just beside himself too (and of course rubbing it in a little to Nancy haha). Levi is getting in the walker better now and going backwards only so far... too funny! Will keep you all posted on when we're traveling. Until then, keep us in your prayers and keep the foster mom in mind too. She is sad but, knows this has to be. She says she is so thankful to know they are both going to keep in touch and be so close and that we love them so much. She is thankful they will have opportunities in life through this adoption. Will keep you posted. Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Long overdue update...

2008-02-09T00:17:00.001-05:00

Hey, sorry for the delay on posting any updates. I am happy to post that we are still moving ahead (pretty quickly now) and we'll be bringing Levi home soon!! Nancy called the foster mom last night and she seems to be coping better than when I spoke with her last Sunday evening, still very sad but, sounded better. Both boys have their Guatemalan passports and have had the second DNA sample taken as of Thursday. We can assume that the specimen was sent already to Burlington, NC where Labcorp will process the results. They only have to compare it to the 1st test done at the beginning of our process to confirm he is the same child leaving the country, just an added step from the US to ensure he's legal. When I rec'd the authorization request for me to sign the other day it was great to see his name as "Bradley" now and us listed as his parents. We're still amazed and so excited that this will all be over soon and he'll be home.
Yesterday, Nancy adn I took a few hours to unwind and shop for the boys a little. We had a good time and enjoyed just getting some down time. Continue to pray we hear this coming week that the results are back to the Embassy and we get our travel date. Once we get that date, we'll be hard to tolerate until we actually leave, we'll be so excited we'll drive everyone around us nuts! As of right now, they are together again in the process and as of right now we'll be in Guatemala at the same time. Will keep you posted with any news. I will try and do better this week momma Nancy about posting (she's been about to get me for being so behind haha). - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy!!!)

Special thanks!

2008-02-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Hey, today I thought I would post a little different type of update today. Today, I just want to reflect back and give thanks. First, of course, I would not post being thankful without saying we will never be able to thank the Lord enough for all the blessings He has given us during this adoption journey. He has blessed us over and over in this whole process and for that we owe Him everything. Several years ago when we had failed fertility treatments and thought life just wasn't fair little did we know God had a plan already in place to have Levi mkae our family complete. Looking back at all the things He borught us thorugh to get us to this point has been simply amazibg as well. Steve's physical condition was full of one problem after another and the Lord brought him through it all to come out healthier than he's been in years and actually feeling able to care for Levi full time while I work. Of course, month after month in the hospital we coldn't see the bigger picture then either.
Although our families have all supported us through this journey, without Nancy I would have lost my mind through all of this. She has been there for me bascially from day 1 and picked me up when I needed picking up. We've laughed togethr, cried together, prayed for one another (a lot!). We've known the same hurts over and over from not being able to have children on our own to going through the adoption process together. Nobody knows unless you've been there what it feels like to have to walk away leaving part of your heart in Guatemala after those visit trips and we even got to share that part. Just some more ways the Lord has blessed us on this journey. We have shared so much in this process and it is very important to us both to have Levi and Isaac remain close as they grow up and know where they come from. You have to keep in mind they act and think they are brothers I am sure. They have been together since they were 1 day old and only been apart when each of us visited and when Levi was in the hospital. We knew they were close but, didn't get the real impact of it all until we saw them together on our trip and boy was it something to see... priceless! Levi and Isaac both are so loved already! Levi has even gained a mamaw Kay along the way! Kay is Nancy's mom, Isaac's mamaw, and like my mom she is a prayer warrior! We're blessed to ahve come to know her along the way too, she is the sweetest lady!
Anyway, just wanted to thank the Lord today for ALL the blesssings He's sent our way through this process. Of course, I could never thank everyone of you personally for all the prayers, gifts and emails that have brought me this far but, please know we are so appreciative for it all. My own parents have done more than I could repay them for but, they know from the bottom of my heart how much it has meant to Steve and I both. Basically, they made all this possible with the Lord's blessings on them too this past year. Although this sounds like some farwell post, it is NOT. I am not done by a long shot just reflecting today that is all. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Birth Certificate Update

2008-01-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Hey, just wanted to post that my attorney met with the mayor or his representative yesterday about getting Levi's birth certificate. He was told to come back in 5 business days and he'd let him have it. Hoping and praying he walks out with it next Monday. After that happens, they will take our file and go to the US Embassy and request approval slip for "orange", which is his 2nd DNA test. He will be taken by the foster mom into the lab for his mouth to be swabbed for this test. It is sent to Burlington, NC for the results just like the first one he and his birth mom had done. It takes about 7-10 days for the results to get back to the US Embassy from here. Once they are back there the Embassy will send Steve an email with our appointment and we'll know a date when we are to go pick him up. We really are close once they get the birth certificate in hand but, yet we seem so far away too. I would have to say I am a little anxious and nervous about the rest of the process but, I don't know why. I guess it's first time mom/parent syndrome I don't know. Because I know from here until we travel is simply paperwork. He's defiantly the same baby so, no worries with DNA or anything so, I don't know. I am so ready for this all to be over and have him home I know that. We're going this weekend car seat shopping so, that will be exciting to keep us busy until next week. Please pray that the attorney walks out with both mine and Nancy's birth certificates on Monday!! Wouldn't it be awesome if we got our pick appt (the Embassy appt) the same day? Even close where we could bring them home together? We were talking about that, we think they'd do so much better being together on the plane than alone. Praying if that is God's will then it'll be. Thanks in advance as always for your support and prayers.- Tracy (officially Levi's mommy)

GOOD NEWS- WE'RE OFFICIAL!

2008-01-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

Hey, just wanted to post so really good news for a change! We are officially Levi's parents as of yesterday! His birth mom has been in and signed off for the final time. Our attorney reported to our agency yesterday that she submitted our file for the dreaded wait to get the new birth certificate from the town where he was born.
Sad thing is, the mayor here is supposedly corrupt and doesn't like adoptions, Americans,etc.. He has been holding the birth certificates for several weeks (8-9 weeks and as many as 12 weeks) and not issuing them without the adoptive parents flying to Guatemala to get it in person. Many posters on a forum Nancy and I belong to say that he holds out for bribes to release it any sooner. Nancy has been waiting 3 weeks as of yesterday to get Isaac's new bc and is very frustrated with the whole waiting game to get it issued. The birth certificate has to be issued before they can submit for the 2nd DNA and then for your Embassy appt to go get them. It is simply ridiculous that we pay out A LOT of money to the attorney for this to be over as quick as possible and to get them home as infants not as toddlers and then your hung up in the system from one man holding so much power over a bc... one piece of paper.
The agency said that basically now after mine was submitted since then their firm I assume has had 2 more submitted there needing bc's. The total being 4 now, she said that would make them "stay on top of it more and work harder to get them all out than they were." That is part of Nancy's frustration I am sure. She was the first one submitted and they would have already been "working hard" to get hers regardless if they have 4 waiting now! She and Eric are planning to go to Guatemala and get it themselves if possible. They are at least going to try. She has some contacts there who plan to go with them to translate and hopefully walk away with it in hand. Please pray for their safety, both our bc issues and continue to pray for Levi and Isaac that they will be out of this mess and home soon where they belong! Thanks as always for your prayers and support. They just turned 9 months old, we've pulled our time I think and it's time for this to be over and start our families. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

WE ARE OUT OF PGN!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

2008-01-23T05:12:00.000-05:00

We are finally out of PGN!!! I called on Monday to check on the status of our case and spoke with Laura, the English speaking girl we get for status checks and she said we had been approved that I needed to call my agency. I called them and they said they would check with the attorney and get back with me to confirm if we were indeed out or not. I didn't hear back from them so, I assumed our file wasn't picked up yet. The social worker from our agency called me yesterday at work to confirm the attorney did pick up my file on Monday and she had it in hand with my approval. We were out as of Friday, January 18th. The social worker from the agency said the attorney had called the birth mom to come in and do her final sign off. after she does it's official... Levi is our son legally. Pleas pray that she gets in there and gets signed off so the attorney can get us registered with the civil registry where we get the birth certificate from and then we wait for that. Here is where the mayor is holding the new birth certificates because apparently he doesn't like Americans or adoptions or something because he's causing unnecessary delays with releasing them. Nancy has been researching this and talked to several couples who have waited and waited and are having to actually fly to Guatemala and meet with him just to get it released. He's held some up to like 8-12 weeks. We won't wait that long before we go get ours but, we pray that it doesn't have to come to that. We'll make it our prayer that he will just release them and let us come get ours boys soon. Nancy and Eric will have been waiting for Isaac's new bc 3 weeks this coming Friday and she will be talking to our agency to see what their game plan is from there about getting it for them. She is not willing to wait much longer though because she can try and get it herself a lot sooner. It's crazy to waste even more time waiting and waiting if you truly can walk in, wait for an appt with the mayor and walk out with it. Rumor has it he likes bribes and he's out to get some money from this but, he can expect no money from us for it we have to stay legal here and need no trouble with the case at this point. We've come too far to mess things up now. I don't know what they could do if anything since he's legally already your son at that point but, basically I guess I'll see what comes about with Nancy's and go from there since she is 3 weeks ahead of us on this issue.
Once they get the birth certificate they can submit you for orange, which is the authorization for the second required DNA test. They will just take him in and swab his mouth I think. It just has to match the first one he had done with his birth mom and we aren't worried about him being the same baby we took as our referral, etc.. for those of us who get monthly pictures and updates and have been to visit this is a useless but required step by the US to ensure they are issuing a visa for the same baby that the case started with. Luckily, this has been a pretty steady part of the process. It goes to Labcorp from Burlington, NC so we'll be able to track that somewhat too and know when the results make it back to the US Embassy. Once they get the results we'll wait for an appointment... which is your pink slip to travel. The appointment or "pink" is for you to go in and pay for his visa so he can leave the country. Adoptive parents getting travel dates right now are running like the first few weeks of February. I know we're ready to have this behind us and get him home and start our family. We've waited as long as it takes to have a baby and it shouldn't take longer than that to get this done.
All in all we praise the Lord for this wonderful news and know that I will be posting when and if I hear when the birth mom comes and signs off. The attorney feels like this isn't a big step (the birth mom's signing) so, generally they don't call our agency when this takes place unless they just happen to think to mention it's been done according to the agency social worker. I on the other hand think it's major since that is what makes everything final and him legally our son. Of course, part of our hearts have been in Guatemala since we first saw his pictures and we accepted the referral and especially after meeting him for the first time back in September. In our eyes he's been our son since May but, legally speaking. Praying for a speedy sign off and for the birth mom to have peace and closure with the decision she has made to allow us to become Levi's parents. We'll always take that responsibility very serious and be proud to be his mommy and daddy. We could never thank her enough for the ultimate sacrifice she made to allow him to have a better life full of opportunities. Once she is done with her part with the sign off, I pray that the attorney would allow me to write her a letter and have it translated. I don't know if it'll ever even make it to her or not but, I feel like I owe it to her to at least try to let her know how blessed we are that Levi will make our family complete. Continue to pray that these last few steps are behind us quickly so we can get our boy home!! Thanks for all your prayers and support so far. We know without God none of this would have been possible! Will keep you posted with updates as I know more. Love and Blessings- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

No news today just missing my boy!

2008-01-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

I haven't heard a thing new about our case but, still waiting to hear something from the agency that we're out of PGN. I am hoping and praying this is our week. Someone on the yahoo forum got out from a November 21st resubmit. We're a November 23rd resubmit so hopefully they are at least working on cases right around the same date. Generally your in PGN for about 8 weeks sometimes a little longer (can be less but, that is rare). Most cases when you go in on like 23rd of November he usually signs close to the 23rd of January. Please keep us in your prayers this week especially that we get out of PGN with no more kickouts. We're getting to the point where we can hardly stand the waiting anymore. It is driving us crazy we just want him home so bad. I am really missing him today and so is Steve. If he'd just spent a few days with him too then I think he would really be crazy from the waiting and from missing him. It was so hard on Steve to see him on the webcam and not be with him it liked to have killed him. Anyway, hopefully soon we'll be able to both be with him and welcome him to his new home with his new family. Until then we have to wait it out and pray hard. Thanks in advance for your support and prayers. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Still w/2nd reviewer~PGN

2008-01-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post that we're still with the 2nd reviewer as of today when I called PGN. The good thing is there is rumor that Laura at PGN, the girl who we talk to that speaks English, her computer is a little behind with your actual case status. People on the web forum we're on are saying that she seems to be like 7 days behind with her information according to when some of their agencies are calling them with their outs. One can only hope that we're actually on Barrios' desk (he is like our attorney general who does the final sign off). Nancy never heard that she was on his desk but, called Dec 26th to learn she was with the 2nd reviewer and she got the call from our agency she was out 8 days later. Which would make the information she is about a week behind seem like more of a possibility. Who knows?? We saw a case that was resubmitted on 11/21 who got out today so, we're praying we're right behind them with a 11/23 resubmit date into PGN after our kickout. We are just so ready to get PGN behind us so they can call the birth mom to come sign for the final time. Once we know he is officially ours then we'll sit a little more comfortable. We'll still have the birth certificate issue in front of us to face but, we are ready to get to that step which would be one step closest to having him home. Just keep praying we're out soon. Will keep everyone posted here if we get any updates. I have posted some new pictures as I guess you would see before reading this post. He's just the sweetest thing! - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Leaving our babies in Guatemala~

2008-01-15T08:28:00.001-05:00

Well, Nancy and I have arrived in Daytona Beach, Fl after our wonderful visit with the boys in Guatemala. Despite a really rough first night, the rest of the trip turned out to be abosultey wonderful! We had to however, walk away and leave them behind once again. It just broke our hearts to hand them back over to the foster mom and leave there without them again. I am just heartbroken and miss him so much already. Bless his heart, he was so confused when he saw the foster mother back there in the lobby to pick him up. He would look at her and then look at me, he didn't know what to think about it. What made it even worse was when I handed him back to her he started to cry and reach for me to take him back. Of course I did and that broke my heart even more to think he wanted me back. He's very attached to her so after just 3 days I was totally shocked to see him do that. Steve was right... he could tell just how much I love him and it did my heart good to know he could really feel that love in such a short time being with me. Hopefully, he'll remember me when I go back and we're praying it's soon. I couldn't get through to PGN before we left so, I didn't get an update on our case before we left. I'll try again today and hoping to hear some good news. Boy, could I use some right now. We have had the worst night last night getting to Daytona. First of all, we get from Atlanta to Orlando and find that 2 of our bags didn't make it there with us. After we stood forever in baggage to make the claim, we headed to get our rental car. Well, Budget wouldn't let us rent on a prepaid credit card. I had confirmed my reservation 3 times and they instructed me specifically what to do. The guy didn't care at all about the fact that we were stranded again in Orlando International. Nancy refused to spend another night in that airport floor sleeping! We finally found another car rental place (local no name place) who didn't even ask for anything except $100 deposit and handed us the keys. We were grateful for them to just make it easy to send us on our way. We rented a GPS (@Steve's request) to get us there the easiest way from Orlando to Daytona. Well, "Susie" which is what we named her right off, must have been as tired as we were because she wasn't working for us. She has us in some neighborhood in Orlando (a good neighborhood luckily), telling us to turn where there wasn't roads, stay in right lane when it was a 2 lane, exit when there wasn't an exit (it was a 2 lane side road not an interstate to even have an exit). Nancy finally jerked her right off the windshield and started with her own directions. She is familiar with the area but, we had to get back to an interstate she knew. Basically, we drove around in Orlando because it was 2am or after when we made it to our room in Daytona. We kept waiting to eat and saying we were going to stop and by 2am we realized we hadn't eaten since breakfast in Guatemala. We ended up having a donut from the 7-11 store. This morning has unfortunately not started off well either. We have to return the rental car to a different airport than we fly out of. We've had trouble finding transportation that isn't $125 per person one way. We finally found a taxi to get us back to the airport we're flying from so, we'll see. Nancy said she thought this trouble was God's way of keeping our minds off leaving the boys. If it was well, it worked. We've not had time to dwell but, it's still there and we're still heartbroken. Must be the motherly instinct because every so often when I look at the clock, I'll think now it's time for his bottle, he should be taking his nap now, or what he should be doing at that time of day. Man, I just miss him so bad I can't stand it. I just want him home & for all this to be over. Please keep us in your prayers that our court process is over soon. I'll post pics from home by tomorrow. Thanks in advance for all your prayers & support. Love and blessings-Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Pray as I have to leave behind my son... AGAIN!

2008-01-14T02:48:00.000-05:00

Hey all, I couldn't sleep so I thought I would post on the blog. I am sick from something. Hoping it's just my nerves and not something I have eaten here in Guatemala. I am having a hard time dealing with things tonight (well, this morning now). Poor Steve, bless his heart he's the only one who will talk to me about it in the middle of the night. He had his laptop set up on the bed so he'd hear me send him a message if I couldn't sleep. That meant a lot because it makes me feel some better to talk to him because he knows first hand what we're facing having to leave in just a few short hours. My heart is just breaking to have to walk away from Levi again. It's so hard not knowing when you'll see him again and what you'll miss while your gone this time. He on the other hand will be going back to all he knows, his foster family. He probably won't remember me when we return to get him and we'll have to watch him hurt over missing his foster mom again. Hoping and praying for some good news when I call PGN when they open. I am planning to call before we leave Guatemala just to know where we are there. Pray for us as we head out tomorrow around 1:49pm (I think that is right) Guatemala time. We have a short layover in Atlanta before we are back in Florida for the night. We couldn't get a connecting flight so we're staying over night in Daytona to unwind and regroup before we fly home on Tuesday afternoon. Pray for me as I leave Levi, it'll just kill me I know. Love and Blessings from Guatemala.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Update from Guatemala

2008-01-13T00:59:00.000-05:00

Hey, sorry I didn't get to post like I said I'd try and do but, things haven't gone entirely as planned the whole trip to allow me time to post anything. Our flight was a little early getting to Orlando so we ended up spending the night even longer than we had planned. We slept where ever we didn't get run off and waited to catch the next flight. When we arrived in Guatemala, the foster mom was already waiting for us at the hotel with Levi and Isaac. They were very upset all night Friday night and I mean they screamed all night long. Isaac went to bed like at 2 something in the morning and Levi at 4:30am! When they weren't asleep they were pitiful looking for the foster mom and crying, well screaming. Things got so bad Friday night we had decided we weren't putting them through that anymore and we were calling for the foster mom to come back and get them. It wold have been different if we were here for pick up trips and knew we could ride it out til things improved but, we were trying to settle them with 2 strangers for just a few days to have to go back to her and do this again later. They were so pitiful we were heartbroken for them both. Luckily, we have praying parents and husbands and it got us through ti. We know that is all that did. They settled and went to sleep and when they woke up things weren't great but, better. By today, they're both great and it's like they've always been with us. Of course, this is our last night and that is starting to set in for me. Nancy said that she thought knowing she was out of PGN would make it easier to leave but, she was wrong. She is feeling just like she did before having to leave her last 2 trips, it stinks!! Well, just pray for us as we have to leave. I know it'll be harder than the last time I know. He's just I know we've already missed so many things with him it just kills me to think about it. I do miss Steve so much but, the time has flown by for me a whole lot quicker I am sure than for him. He looks so sad and so tired when we talk by webcam. I don't think he's getting much rest but, he wouldn't tell me if he wasn't. Better go get some things packed before Levi is up from his nap. I just can't get over what a good day it's been with him. Make it even harder I think to leave, who knows, it's bad either way. Praying when I call PGN either tomorrow or Tuesday I am out or told by Laura to call back a certain day! If I were out and the birth mom signs I will feel a while lot better having to wait to come back. Love and Blessings from Guatemala- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Heading to Guatemala~Pray for us as we travel

2008-01-10T01:58:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post that later tonight we'll be headed to the airport for our trip to Guatemala to see Levi and Isaac. Nancy and I are flying out of Tri Cities to Orlando, Atlanta, then to Guatemala. We'll arrive there in Guatemala City Friday at 12:39pm Guatemala time. They are one hour behind us (EST). The foster mother will be bringing the boys to meet us at our hotel around 1:30pm. We have to make every minute count because we only have a few days with them but, we'll try and post on our blogs if we have the chance. If not, his daddy can post some updates to let everyone at home know we're ok. Please pray for us that our boys will be at peace with us, knowing we love them and not miss the family they have known for so long too bad while they're with us, for our safety as we travel to and from the airport but, mainly while we have the boys out taking them to the pediatrician with the adoption attorney's escort. It is the weekend that all the "extra people" start coming in for the Presidential Inauguration on Monday, the day we leave. I can imagine things will be a little chaotic (traffic, security, all the extra people attending, etc..) Steve and I both are dreading being apart after all these years of never being apart in 15 yrs. It has really set in now fr both of us and I can't and won't even try to explain how bad this part of the whole trip is for us both. Call it crazy if you want but, we're just closer than the average couple and we spend every minute together most of the time and don't mind it a bit so far. I'll miss him like crazy! I'll be connecting with him by webcam and he'll be able to see his son the next best way. He's thought this is what I needed to do since the beginning was to go see Levi and see for myself that he's ok and bond with him as much as I can while I am there. Just pray for us all. Will keep you posted. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

Nancy is officially Isaac's mom today!!

2008-01-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hey, just wanted to post and let you all know that I just rec'd a call from Nancy that she is officially Isaac's mom today. She rec'd the call that Isaac's birth mother had come in to sign off the final time and the attorney was hand carrying her documents to the mayor of Chinautla today also. She is so relived to have this part behind her and know that he is officially her son! How exciting for her family! There is nothing now that can keep her from getting him and she now calls the shots where he's concerned. The attorney has assured her she will push all that she needs to for the new birth certificate and get it asap. She can then proceed with the loose end things that have to be done for him to leave the country. The big thing from here is the birth certificate to be able to obtain his visa. Keep them in your prayers and us too as we await these same calls that we're out of PGN. We technically have a few more weeks to go (Friday will be 7 weeks of expected 8 as I posted before) if we run the average 8 week stay and receive no more kickouts. Thanks for all of my family and friends who have lifted Nancy and Isaac up in prayer for their case. Prayer does change things and he'll be home soon!! I couldn't be happier for her and Eric, today is their day to celebrate!!- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

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

2008-01-07T22:30:00.000-05:00

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)

Nancy is OUT of PGN!!!!! One step closer to Isaac!

2008-01-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

Hey, just wanted to post some good news! Nancy got the call that she is OUT of PGN!! She found out this afternoon. She is just more than happy and praising the Lord today! She truly does give Him all the glory for this and knows without Him she wouldn't be this far. We both have a lot to be thankful for. Some of the adoptive parents weren't far enough along to have been grandfathered in under the old law as we were. I am sure when she gets to Guatemala and holds him in her arms this time she'll be looking at him in a whole new way. Before she called him her son and hoped and prayed he soon would be but, now she can say "this is MY son" and know it's finally real. Steve and I am so happy for her. I know she will continue to pray for Levi and hopefully we're soon to follow. It is good to know that although PGN has posted signs at the window where cases are brought by attorneys to submit, they are taking no more new cases at this time until the new law details are settled and established, the cases that are still there are still being reviewed and moving. Also, thanks to Nancy being persistent with our agency, the attorney over our cases in Guatemala is going to be talking to us about the birth certificate issues I mentioned in my previous post and what she has in place to do about the delays. As always, please just pray we're out too soon and that things continue to move to have them both home soon. As you pray today too, stop just a moment and say an extra prayer for all the children of Guatemala who won't have the opportunities Levi and Isaac will have because they'll be caught up in a corrupt government that has system set up to care for them but, want to stop/delay adoptions. Also, for our boys' foster mom, she will be without a job once Levi and Isaac come home. She has 2 children of her own and the small amount she gets for fostering them is her only source of income until when and if they ever have foster homes again. As of right now, unless things change , that is part of the new laws, no more private foster care. She is a fine lady and deserves so much more. Thanks in advance for all your prayers and support. Congrats again Nancy and Eric, praying your sweet boy is home with you all soon. - Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

The latest news from Guatemala

2008-01-02T21:32:00.000-05:00

Well, not much to post about our case specifically other than we called PGN and we're still with the 2nd reviewer. If we make it until this Friday, we'll be in 6 weeks of the average 8 week stay in PGN. However, with the holidays (we assume) Nancy should have been out last Wednesday. She hasn't called yet this week so, she doesn't know where her file is at to date. Pray we both hear something soon. I feel like that is all I ever post but, it's all we have is prayer and just hoping this is all over soon. We're a little over 8 days away from seeing our boys and the stress is just building for me. I hate, hate, hate leaving Steve here!!! It's starting to set in but, he keeps telling me he'll be fine. I know he is a big boy and can take care of himself but, it won't keep me from worrying. It would help if I didn't have to add to it all that his laptop crashed and is down completely until it can be serviced. We have to figure out an alternative plan because that is the only way we have for him to see Levi on his live webcam. We had already worked the bugs out and had it installed and working good until it crashed the other night...not good! HP is sending for it this week but, it won't make it back before we leave next Thursday night. Nancy and I have arrangements with the attorney's facilitator to pick us up on Saturday morning in at our hotel and take both boys to the pediatrician they see monthly (until they are out of PGN then they start seeing the US Embassy panel of doctors). We are meeting him at the request of our agency since both boys have been sick pretty often for the past few months. Boy, will that be an early morning and our initiation I guess. We have to have both babies up, awake, bathed, dressed, ourselves dressed and ready to be downstairs to meet her to take us there by 8:20am!! That is am!! Man do I hope they sleep good and not stay up all night since it's their first night with us Friday night. If we're up all night they'll be really excited to see the doctor I am sure. The newest thing for us to worry about is the town where Levi and Isaac were both born has a corrupt mayor. He's against adoptions and stalls making the new birth certificate. The babies have to have the new bc before they can have their Embassy appt for their Visa to exit the country. They have to have that step done before they can have their 2nd DNA test done, etc.. Basically, you can't move until the new bc is obtained. He has been stalling the new issued bc for some time now (so we've learned from our own research this week about it) and the average wait has been anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks in addition to the 6 or so the agency/attorney takes to have him ready to leave Guatemala. We're looking at being closer to his first birthday. It doesn't seem at all fair and we're just hoping and praying we can also get with the attorney while on our trip and see if she has a plan in place for this situation before we are faced with it. We'll see. Praying something or someone can make him speed up. What makes tit so bad is that they are our legal children after PGN and the final birth mother sign off. But, without the new bc listing us as his parents and giving him our last name, he can't get a Visa meaning he can't leave the country without it. It's always one hurdle after another. Praying for some answers soon to all this mess. Will keep you posted.- Tracy (aka Levi's mommy)

New picture posted

2007-12-29T04:28:00.001-05:00

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

2007-12-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-24T00:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-21T13:50:00.000-05:00

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.....

2007-12-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-18T19:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-11T00:04:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-12-05T02:01:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2007-12-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

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)

New Picture

2007-11-29T03:49:00.000-05:00

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)

Postings comments to blog

2007-11-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

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)

WE'RE IN!!!!!

2007-11-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

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)

Still waiting!

2007-11-23T21:42:00.000-05:00

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

Finally moving again in Guatemala!

2007-11-18T00:08:00.001-05:00

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)

Update

2007-11-16T20:49:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

Still waiting for resubmit

2007-11-01T01:01:00.000-04:00

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)

Kickout confirmed!

2007-10-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-25T01:59:00.001-04:00

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)

6 months old today!

2007-10-21T01:18:00.000-04:00

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)

Previo (kickout) rec'd from PGN

2007-10-20T05:55:00.000-04:00

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)

WE ARE IN PGN!!!!

2007-10-06T07:09:00.000-04:00

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)

Teeth!!

2007-09-29T02:01:00.000-04:00

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)

IN NEED OF YOUR PRAYERS!!

2007-09-28T07:46:00.000-04:00

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**

Update/Prayer Request

2007-09-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

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)

WE HAVE PA!!!

2007-09-14T13:17:00.000-04:00

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)

WE'RE HOME!

2007-09-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

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)

HOLA FROM GUATEMALA!!

2007-09-08T10:26:00.000-04:00

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)

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

2007-09-05T13:53:00.000-04:00

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

Anxiously awaiting trip to Guatemala

2007-08-23T00:46:00.000-04:00

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.

Update

2007-08-06T11:06:00.000-04:00

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.

Blessed

2007-07-27T14:53:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2007-07-27T00:16:00.000-04:00

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

DNA

2007-07-19T12:10:00.001-04:00

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)

Waiting for DNA

2007-07-09T22:04:00.000-04:00

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)

2007-07-05T13:10:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-05T00:29:00.001-04:00

That baby is Sooooo Cute!

That's My Son :)