New picture posted

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

Update on Levi

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

Christmas Eve update about Levi

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

Levi discharged from hospital

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

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

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