Fly Home Ladybug

Happy Gotcha Day!

2010-02-25T11:17:00.009-06:00

I know I don't post that often anymore, but today is a special day. 2 years ago today a beautiful little girl was placed in our arms forever....

Alot has changed in 2 years......

But the attitude remains the same!!!

We love you sooo much Corynn!!!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-28T13:34:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas & will have a Happy New Year! I will post pictures soon!

"Dr. Corynn"

2009-10-14T10:40:00.003-05:00

Corynn has been on an "I'm a doctor" kick lately (which I'm promoting fully!) The other day we went to Collin's orthodontist appt & the wonderful employees there made Corynn's day...Collin was such a good sport!

Summer come...summer gone

2009-08-15T15:00:00.006-05:00

wow, that was the FASTEST summer ever! We were busy from day one so I understand how it flew.
From Disney in May...

Baseball in June, & July....

sadly, my father passing away in July...

I miss you

and the kids just having plan old summer fun...

Adios Summer 2009!!!

Almost summer!

2009-05-06T13:41:00.005-05:00

Not sure if anyone checks in on here anymore, but these pictures are too cute/funny not to post. Everyone's doing great! The boys can't wait for summer, & we leave for Disney in 16 days!! Can NOT wait! Corynn is talking so much & we crack up all the time at the things she says...today as we were backing out of the inspection sticker station she told the woman doing the stickers,"bye lady, have a good day!" LOL!
This is what the kids do when mommy's at work & daddy's in charge...

From muddy maven to pretty princess....

pictures

2009-03-27T11:22:00.004-05:00

I've tried to post pictures with comments 2 times before, but blogger kept giving me error messages, hopefully third times a charm....sorry, no commentary with the pics this time (it takes to much time to just have it all not post in the end!) sooo, these are pictures from Corynn's 2nd b-day, & just some other random pics, enjoy! We also celebrated our 1st gotta day anniversary on Feb. 25th, but I'll have to post those pics later.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-01-04T22:08:00.003-06:00

Happy 2nd birthday Corynn!!! We had a great day, with a spacewalk (Corynn language: jumpy jumpy) A pony (porsey) & a "hay" ride pulled by the 4 wheeler (vroom vroom!) It was hard not to remember this time last year when she was not with us & we didn't know when she would be...what a difference a year makes. Will post pics tomorrow...

White..ish Christmas

2008-12-11T06:33:00.005-06:00

It's snowing in Louisiana!!!!
It's supposed to go away when the sun comes up, but look at this!!!

Two hours later....

What a difference 2 hours makes...
Before..

After....

Happy Holidays

2008-11-22T20:45:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

So Close....

2008-11-09T15:47:00.014-06:00

The most important game of LSUs season. Alabama. The only one I cared about this year. And we lost it in over time!! Grrrr!! We got 'em in their home field last year, they got us in ours this year...can't wait 'til next year!

We got a sweet motorhome spot for the game & were able to tailgate before & after the game. We had a blast!

Playing beat the Bama Elephant...

Mike the Tiger

And just b/c I think it's funny. Corynn's new "hat"

Trick or Treat...

2008-11-04T13:51:00.004-06:00

We trick or treated a week early b/c I had to work Halloween night. Our favorite holiday campground was having a Halloween weekend the weekend before so we got to trick or treat there.
Surprising as this is to many, Corynn was not a ladybug this year :-) The child is a Minnie Mouse addict! She could not be anything or one but Minnie

Pictures :-)

2008-10-15T20:13:00.009-05:00

Yes, this is actually a new post...I was beginning to get tired of seeing that "we're okay" LOL.
first, here are some pics from the hurricane...this is Corynn keeping herself entertained while we lived in our camper for alittle over a week

Our home after Gustav..lots of debris, still some clean up going on, but nothing unmanagable.

That rocking chair WAS on the porch!

Corynn is getting so big & talking so much now...she says & does the funniest things. You know when she is doing something she is not supposed to be doing now because she thinks when she closes her eyes that if she can't see us we can't see her either!! LOL! so whenever she passes by me now with her eyes closed I know she's up to something (usually has paper in her mouth)
She loves animals & her favorite is horses...or as she calls them "porsey" We think it's a cross b/t horsey & pony. Here she is riding her swinging "porsey"

Corynn loves my sister (her "Nonnie") & I just got around to framing Nonnie's senior picture...which corynn promptly took off the hall table & gave it it's rightful place on a pillow in front of her while she watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

The weather has been so great that I took Corynn to the zoo last week...

The giraffe got really close!

She LOVED the choo choo

We're okay...

2008-09-06T21:56:00.005-05:00

Gustav gave us a beating, but it could have been much worse for us. I work with quite a few people whose homes are destroyed, so David & I count ourselves very lucky. We did have 3 trees fall in our yard (all on our fence) & ALOT of debris to clean up, we just got power back on a few hours ago (Thank you Lord!!!) We were worried b/c they were telling us it could be 4-6 WEEKS before we got it back on. Now we must re-stock for IKE (BLAH!!) Praying it downgrades. I'll post some pics later, thanks for all of your prayers & emails.

Just pictures...

2008-08-25T06:45:00.006-05:00

Edited to add: Carol, you commented about wanting to get the kids together (that would be great!) but your blog is set to private. email me at larnstudent@yahoo.com

Busy busy around here with school starting back. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure...

Warming up for 2....

2008-07-31T15:09:00.008-05:00

I've been telling everyone that since Corynn turned 18 months it's like she's gotten her attiTUDE in...whew! She is in to EVERYthing & knows how to throw a tantrum

I'm sure most moms will know what I'm talking about when I say bathroom time is rarely your own with a little one...when I want a nice relaxing bubble bath now I either have to have a 1 year old peering over the tub at me, or endure her banging on the door crying "maaawhmaaawh!!" When I got out of the shower the other day Corynn was on the other side, like this....

She has a major love of shoes...or as she calls them, shwooos...& loves to try on any pair that is left around the house...

When we were in Destin the beach & sand were "yuck yuck" to her at first...then she loved it & wanted to stay in the water. After one trip in the water we came out, but Corynn wanted to stay in, when we told her no this is what she did....

When mom takes my shoes off I improvise...

I spoke to soon a few weeks ago & told someone that our stairs aren't a problem at all with Corynn...she doesn't even pay attention to them. Now she treats them like her own personal play area, she piles toys on them, which was fine when she only sat on the bottom step & played, but now she's trying to progress upwards.
How could you not smile & want to kiss all over this face?

Destin...

2008-07-24T16:22:00.004-05:00

We had a great time! Having an 18 month old with you (whose decided that she's actually 2..I'll post the tantrum pics later) was a challenge...but it was fun seeing her experience the beach for the first time!

1 year ago today....

2008-07-12T17:30:00.005-05:00

we held Corynn for the first time.

It feels like yesterday & it feels like we've had you with us forever at the same time.

My Baby Humps...

2008-07-06T16:15:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th! This was Corynn's 1st Independence Day as an American. We went camping, BBQed & had a great time!

Random pictures...

love these....

Corynn found some old sunglasses of Cameron's & did not want to take them off! She looked like Velma from Scooby Doo!

Summer Happenings

2008-06-17T14:54:00.015-05:00

Sorry it's taken me a while to make a new post...been a little busy. I went back to work 3 weeks ago :( & even though I love my job & told everyone that I was looking forward to going back, I still teared up that first night. The boys are out of school for the summer...whew! 3 kids running around expecting me to be the summer activities director is wearing thin, but it's good spending time with them....though at times I start looking at my calender & counting the days until school is back in LOL. Corynn's doing great, enjoying all the time with her big brothers, running around to baseball games & b-day parties.
Corynn & her GBFF (guatemala best friend forever), Bellaboo, hanging out at their brothers baseball games

Hanging by the pool at a pool party

Collin turned 12 a few weeks ago (eeek! I have a 12 year old!) & he decided he wanted to have another paint ball party for his birthday...

Cam got shot in the head!

worn out from all the paint ball!

Hey GBFF, want to come hang out at my place? Heard your mom's foot hurts pretty bad! Ouch!! We need that trip to Blue Bayou soon...

Going swimming!

Can you believe this is the same girl who 3 months ago acted like we were placing her in acid when she had to take a bath!?

Kevin or Debbie (Hannah's parents), if you're reading this please email me larnstudent@yahoo.com

Just Chillin....

2008-05-16T08:14:00.012-05:00

Layed back enjoying Backyardigans & a cold bottle of milk in the morning...

wearing pink for Shiloh...who will be home with her forever family next week!! Congratulations Jennifer & Filipe

Corynn has been sick since last weekend with a virus, thankfully she's better now, but whew, when she is sick sleep is not an option. What I'm about to show you is a little scary & my daughter may very well not like me one day for showing it, but I feel I must so you can get the full effect no sleep had on her. This picture was taken the morning of day 5 of the virus...

don't worry the blue lips are not from a lack of oxygen, just blue ring pop from the night before that wouldn't come off.

All better!

Horsey needs her bottle of OJ...

No more pictures please...
Edited to Add: If you have been following http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/ like I have, then you know that Gwyneth is home!!!

Congratulations Tricia & Nathan!!

Day of Prayer

2008-05-08T06:25:00.002-05:00

Today has been declared The National Day of Prayer for the Orphans of Guatemala. Adoptions have been suspended for atleast the next month. This means that ALL cases in PGN have been halted. No one's case will be released. I know that a month doesn't seem that long, but believe me, when you are waiting for your child to come home it is an eternity. My heart goes out to all of the families still waiting to bring their children home.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24474665/

Like Redneck Disneyworld! :-)

2008-04-30T20:36:00.015-05:00

Thanks to my wonderful mom & stepdad we were able to go to our first nascar race in Talladega, Alabama. David usually likes to catch the races on tv...his dads a big fan, & I usually like to catch the last 5 laps, but actually being there right next to the track has made me a big time fan. It was soooo fun! Because my stepdad wasn't feeling well they decided to give us not only their tickets, but their infield, frontrunners passes...which means our RV was parked right up against the fence to turn 4...it was awesome! We brought all the kiddos of course, Corynn survived the 6 1/2 hour trip & is now, along with her mother, a Dale Jr. fan...he's our nascar boyfriend. We decided to make this a yearly trip b/c we enjoyed it sooo much.

Best place to watch the race...on top of the motor home of course :)

I was worried that Corynn would be freaked out by the loudness of the cars, but our little fan LOVED it & would wave to the cars when they zoomed by!

I was a little concerned when we finally got there & found out we were camping next to this....yes, that is a slide, & no thats not a firemen's pole

but they turned out to be the greatest neighbors & let the boys slide down the slide.
one of the ladies there loved Corynn & told me that she & her husband have been interested in adopting internationally for a long time & were so happy to meet a family that has done it.

The kids enjoying the Talladaga, Nascar Kid Fun Zone...

I told the boys not to get on the track....

heeheee...

We set out Corynn's pool, but all she'd do is walk up & put her hand in the water...& watch her two big brothers "swim" in it....

see ya next year!

Random pics...

2008-04-17T11:27:00.011-05:00

This is a balloon that was tied to the banister in our foyer when we came home from Guat that was untied that day & went to the ceiling...it's still there.

Mommy's little helper...

We went to the New Orleans Zoo last weekend & had a great time.
This is an attempt to take a picture of the kids together...Collin & Cam couldn't stop pushing each other off the elephant statue long enough, so this is the pic of the kids "together" :) ah boys

this is a goat that was in the petting zoo ...we called him "hill billy"

Blowing kisses..

Confessions of a CF husband....

2008-04-07T20:24:00.002-05:00

Please send up thoughts & prayers for this family http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
I've been following the blog for some time now, they are an amazing family.

NKOTB!!

2008-04-04T10:03:00.003-05:00

Okay, don't laugh, this is totally not Corynn related, but New Kids on the Block are reuniting!!!! I had heard the rumors, but they were on the Today show this morning & will be performing on the show on the 16th!! Yes, I was a total blockhead....I will now be digging out my NKOTB pillow case...& sleeping bag...& overly large buttons. AHHHHHHH!!!! Screaming fan girl again!! Corynn's room will now be changed from ladybugs to NKOTB posters!!! Just kidding. :)

Pictures!!

2008-03-30T20:34:00.016-05:00

Happy belated Easter! We had a great one...we spent the whole weekend, plus some camping. The campground we stayed at had Easter activities for the kids all weekend. Corynn did great with the Easter egg hunt, she held Collin's hand & would walk around picking up eggs & putting them in her basket...she was a pro!

playing with pine cones

Easter Bunny!

Egg hunt! Yes I'm a bare foot country girl!! My cute little size 3 sandals kept coming off.

You're my hero..

I fell down & mommy's taking pictures!!! But isn't my Easter basket sooo cute!! Thanks Ms. Kim!

Cam's basket...I like his eggs more..106 of them, & each one had candy inside :0

All that Easter fun wore me out!

I'm awake for more fun!

Coloring eggs...

Kareoke rocker

Kayaking

It's windy!

Tigers rule!!

Miss Independent

2008-03-19T11:31:00.013-05:00

Whew!! busy busy busy!!! I forgot what it was like to have a 1 year old in the house!! I feel like passing out from exhaustion most nights just from chasing her around..lol...& I'm a complete night person! She's wanting to do alot of things on her own now, from eating to walking around without anyone...except when she wants to get somewhere fast then she'll happily take your finger & run! She still loves her grits in the morning, but we're having some issues with other foods. So far she loves ramen noodles, peanut butter crackers, & Gerber puffs (aka baby crack.) She will NOT try anything else!! Peaches..throws them down. Green beans..throws them down. Cheese...mushes it, then throws it down! (as I type this she is making a nice cheese mush.) The dog is very happy. Any suggestive food ideas would be very welcome!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!
Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure :)

my daddy put on my diaper :) velcro can be a tricky sucker!

mommy put up the blocker to the stairs.

maybe I can get up there this way...

people have commented that they look alike :)

Can I make it on peanut butter crackers alone mom, b/c they sure are yummy!

I'm off to wash cheese out of Corynn's hair :)

Bathing Breakthrough & more...

2008-03-12T08:47:00.010-05:00

After reading a fellow bloggers (Melissa & Sunbeam) bath time troubles & their success with the duck inflatable tub, I figured why not? She was too upset to even notice the duck the first night, but last night, atlast! After a few minutes of tears & screaming she realized she could spash in the water & bath time was fun after that! I didn't take any pictures for fear of shocking her with flash back into hating the tub, but I did get after bath pics :)

We took our first camping trip last weekend as a family of five. Everyone did great, a few minor sleeping issues, but that was expected. The weather was a little cold so Corynn didn't get to explore the campground much, but here's one picture by the lake with Collin :)

And these pics are from yesterday. We were playing in her room, & I had to leave the room for less than 2 minutes to throw something away & this is what I come back to...
before...

and after....

Did I mention how much she LOVES grits?

And last, but not least, here is the famous Guatemalan baby eye roll!

Had to post these..

2008-03-06T20:48:00.005-06:00

because they're too cute not to!!

these crack me up b/c here they are playing sweetly together with one of Corynn's push toys...

and then...the pics a little blurry b/c of the action, but look at the attiTUDE on this girl b/c her brother took her toy...LOL

Antigua tour pics..

2008-03-05T20:35:00.008-06:00

After we had our Embassy appt last Wednesday & picked up Corynn's visa Thursday we were soooo ready to get on the plane & head home, but I had added an extra day to our trip so we could tour Antigua & I'm so glad that we did. It was so beautiful & we can say that we got to see some of Corynn's heritage & we bought gifts in the market to give to Corynn as she gets older. Our tour guide was wonderful! His name is Victor http://www.getaroundguatemala.blogspot.com/ & we could not have chosen a better guide. We felt very safe with Victor, he took us to some great tourist attractions (The Jade Factory, The Coffee Plantation, the market, & Hotel Casa Santo Domingo) & also gave a very detailed & interesting background of Guatemala. He also provided a carseat for Corynn..she did great!

Coffee plantation worker raking all of the coffee beans so they can dry out & then eventually head to Starbucks :)

Pictures!!

2008-03-05T15:52:00.010-06:00

2nd attempt at this post...
Sorry for the delays in post & pics, we've been having internet issues. Corynn is doing great, it's amazing how well she is transitioning.
First meal as an American citizen..McDonalds cheesburger in the Houston airport..well, the bun with cheese on it..

Collin & Cam waiting at the airport...

Playing in her room...

Cam & Corynn eating breakfast together.

Cam's been alittle jealous, but still loves her. Yesterday he asked me to sit in the front seat of the car & I said, you don't want to sit in the back with Corynn? & he said, nah, I'm used to her now...lol!
We took her to the Dr today for a check up & poor baby had to get 4 shots (!!) I think I cried more..& I give these to babies for a living!!

We're home!!

2008-03-01T22:12:00.004-06:00

We made it home at 3:45pm to a group of excited family & friends waiting in the airport. The flights were long & tiresome, but Corynn did great. It was the most amazing feeling today sitting her down in her room & watching her play with her toys with her brothers. They are in awe of her...I give them two days, then we'll start hearing the complaints :) No, really they have been the most wonderful big brothers. Contrary to what the doctor in Guatemala said, Corynn is not walking on her own yet & loves to hold hands with her brothers & cruise around the house. I promise to post pictures once we're settled. Right now I'm going to peek in on her sleeping in her crib :)

Bumper baby!

2008-02-28T12:42:00.003-06:00

Happy Embassy Day!!

2008-02-27T11:45:00.008-06:00

Yay!! We did it! Corynn will be issued a Visa tomorrow & officially become a US citizen when we land in Houston Saturday!! We had a great night last night...still hates the bath, & we tried bubbles too Aunt Terri, but she was too upset to notice! She went to sleep at 9:30 & we had to wake her up at 6:30 this morning to get ready for our appointment (!!) hopefully this last!

Here daddy, let me read the Readers Digest to you.

Haha momma, daddy fell for it! Here's the Readers Digest!

Bumper cars

2008-02-26T17:27:00.005-06:00

We found something that Corynn really likes. The walker. The hotel has one for public use..yes I wiped it down before we put her in it :) She loves it...she runs at top speed picks up her feet & slams into the closest object she can find! It's hilarious! I'm trying to figure out how to post a video of her doing it, but for now here are pics of speed racer!

watch your toes momma, I'm coming through!

Eat my dust..

More pictures

2008-02-26T09:43:00.005-06:00

A little bit of a rough night last night, which is understandable. She does not like to take a bath...as soon as her toes hit the water she went balistic!! She passed out at 7 from the long day, but woke up at 9:30 & thought it was party time!! Finally after walking around for 3 hours she went to sleep until 6:30...and she's napping now.

I sent this hippo to her for Christmas & the foster mom said it's her favorite toy..she's calls it Nene

She's here!!!

2008-02-25T16:33:00.003-06:00

I prepared myself for the worst. With our visit in July she arrived a few hours late & cried almost the whole 1st night, so I prepared myself that after almost 8 months from our visit she wouldn't like us. Dave & I arrived & were expecting them to bring her b/t 3 to 5, so at 2 we decided to tour the hotel. As soon as I step out the door David said the phone was ringing...it was the front desk telling us our baby is here. When we got downstairs I saw the foster mother holding Corynn...she told Corynn there is your momma & handed her to me. Corynn put her head on my shoulder & stayed like that for a while. It's been perfect so far. I promise to post more later I just wanted to let you all know that she is FINALLY with us & to give you a few pics :)

Here's my toy momma

We're here!

2008-02-25T13:41:00.002-06:00

We made it to Guatemala & are now waiting for Corynn to arrive! The hotel is beautiful & there seems to be a good many other adopting families here. A little nervous right now with anticipation. I promise to download pictures as soon as we take some & get settled...'cause I know that's what you're all waiting for!

Today is our last Thursday without Corynn!

2008-02-21T14:30:00.006-06:00

& Guess what I got today :)

and I'm trying not to get emotional about it (who am I kidding..it's me) but she's walking :( not that I'm not happy that she's achieved a great milestone, but it's just another 1st we missed.

& once again I teared up when I realized this is the last update & pictures that we will have to receive from someone else *tear*

3 1/2 days left!!!!!!

Slowest 6 days EVER!!

2008-02-17T00:00:00.003-06:00

We've made it through 6 days since we found out our embassy date & EIGHT more to go until we leave for Guat!! How can 8 days seem like FOOOOR-EVVVVERRRR? I'm at work feeding, holding, & rocking babies & all I can think as I rock them is that in 8 more days I'll be holding & rocking Corynn!!! E-I-G-H-T days...or 7 days 23 hours & 51 minutes as my countdown says....not helping.

I wish I knew how to change the font color b/c if I could...

2008-02-11T16:58:00.001-06:00

This subject line would be PINK!!!!!!!! We have pink!!!!! Our embassy is appointment is Wednesday, February 27th at 7:15am with visa pick up the next day!!!!! I'm off to make our flight arrangements!!!! Corynn will be in our arms forever on Monday, Feb. 25th!!!!! I can't believe I'm finally typing this.

Fedex stalker

2008-02-07T23:05:00.000-06:00

After stalking fedex all night at work & then when I woke up today I'm happy to report that Corynn's DNA results arrived at the US Embassy today at 3:40 pm!!! (By the way the results were a match...so the baby we'll be bringing home in a few short weeks is definatly our Corynn!! LOL) Now we wait for the embassy to email us & let us know when our appointment is!!!! I've only checked my email about 50 times...although I know that they're not open at 11pm at night, I still can't help but check. I've heard they don't give Pink on Friday..& then others say they do...no matter, I'll be continuously checking my email anyway!!

Pink here we come!!!

2008-02-06T15:00:00.000-06:00

Just got off the phone with the lab that did Corynn's 2nd DNA test & the results are complete & on their way to the US Embassy in Guatemala as I type!! I'll be stalking fedex now! "Pink" is on it's way!!!!

Pink aka notice of embassy appointment. Color of paper the appointment date is printed on is pink.

Nesting. Yay!

2008-02-02T21:52:00.000-06:00

The nesting faze has hit, thank the Lord, my house sooo needs it!! My kitchen floors are sparkling, I made David hang up the kitchen window valences I bought in JUNE (!), I cleaned the OVEN (!!) We bought the last baby item we needed (high chair)...looks great in the kitchen! Tomorrow we hit the livingroom, our bedroom & the boys tackle their rooms on Monday & Tuesday (yes, it's a 2 day job...lucky for them they're off school for Mardi Gras.)
David & I have been thinking alot about Corynn's foster family lately & the grief that they & Corynn will be going through when we bring her home. These wonderful people have been her mom & dad for the 1st year of her life, they're all she's known..she doesn't understand that they are her foster family & she has a forever family waiting for her. I keep remembering having to give her back to her fm after our visit trip in July & how upset I was..the fm told me that in a few months she would be in my place. Of course I cried harder, but in reality it will be much worse for her, I grieved for a child that I had gotten to know through pictures & spent 5 days with...she has raised her for over a year. Please keep them in your thoughts & prayers.

DNA is at the lab!!!

2008-01-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

Corynn's DNA arrived at the lab today!! They said it should be done by next Wednesday & then on to the US Embassy!!! So we should know when our Embassy appointment is by either late next week or early the following week!!!! Anyone want to guess when you think our appointment will be?

Orange!

2008-01-25T13:39:00.000-06:00

Just got an email from our agency that all of our documents have been translated back to english & we now have authorization to get Corynn's 2nd DNA test done! Or in adoption lingo "orange" for the color paper the authorization is on. Things are really moving along now!!!!!!!!

Passport? Check!!

2008-01-22T16:46:00.000-06:00

Corynn has a passport!!!! Our agency just scanned me a copy of it & she's smiling as big as day in the picture & wearing the Christmas dress I sent!! It sure feels good to be excited again!!

Corynn now has our last name!!!

2008-01-21T17:15:00.000-06:00

Our agency just emailed us that after 13 weeks we finally have Corynn's new birth certificate!!!! She's coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a few more weeks of waiting!!!

Dateline NBC

2008-01-19T23:16:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to send out a heads up to family & friends that Dateline is running an episode tomorrow night about Guatemalan adoption, with the majority of focus on illegal adoptions that happen in Guat. I know many of you will have us in mind if you watch this episode simply because we are adopting from Guatemala, but please remember that our adoption is legal & we have gone through all of the proper steps & approvals to bring Corynn home. We did not "buy" Corynn, we did pay adoption fees, but these pay for our attorney, agency, foster care, dr. visits & immunizations. I've also heard that part of the episode is about Guatemalan children who are kidnapped & sold into adoption, Corynn was not kidnapped, her birthmother has been interviewed by a social worker to make sure she understands what she is doing & this is what she wants, & she has had to sign off on the adoption 4 times throughout the process. She has not been paid to do this. We have had to have DNA test done to prove that it is Corynn's birthmother & not someone off the street trying to sell her & will have to get a 2nd DNA test done (once we get the birth certificate) to prove Corynn is the same baby & was not switched. Unfortunatly there are bad people in the adoption community who are out to make money, but this can be said for any country. I hope that Dateline portrays a fair & accurate look into all aspects of Guatemalan adoption but I fear that their main agenda to bring in ratings will be "baby trafficing"

New pictures!

2008-01-15T15:42:00.000-06:00

Although I would much rather be seeing my daughter in person, here are some great pictures our agency just sent us.

New blog header

2008-01-10T08:37:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to my talented friend Season for making a new header for my blog!! Season is a graphic design student & you can browse her portfolio & resume here http://www.srggraphics.com

Not good news...

2008-01-03T15:38:00.000-06:00

I just got a phone call from our agency & our Guatemala facilitator. As soon as I saw my agency's # I got excited...this was it...we have Corynn's bc. The first thing
she said after she said hello was "it's not good news." She
connected me to our facilitator who told me that after 10 weeks of
waiting for the Mixco City CR to give us Corynn's bc they have
decided that they need more documents in our file before they
can "approve" us to give us her
bc. AFTER 10 WEEKS!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!! 10WEEKS!!!!! !!!! for a birth
certificate that should take no more than 2 weeks!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
We've been kicked out of the freakin civil registry!!!! ! our
facilitator said that our attorney is getting the documents together & we will be
resubmitted tomorrow (he didn't know what documents were needed) but
then the secretary at the CR told him it would take 30 days to
review it again & then 8 days before the bc could be picked up. 38
more days for a birth certificate! !!!! and that's IF Mixco is being
honest & it is really going to be 38 days....it could be another
freakin 10 weeks for all anyone knows!!!! I asked him what if in 30
days they decide more documents are needed & he said that they are
getting everything they've requested & that SHOULD be it. He did say
that he would be going there everyday to put pressure on them to
review it faster...that is my only comfort right now in this whole
mess. Corynn turns 1 tomorrow. All I can ask right now is for
prayers & support.

Jodie

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T11:01:00.001-06:00

Edited to add: No knew news about Corynn's birth certificate. We are still waiting, with an undetermined amount of time that we have to wait. It is 9 weeks today that we have been waiting for a piece of paper that should have taken 1-2 weeks to have. I pray that the new year brings good news & she will be home with us soon.

More Signs??

2007-12-20T08:11:00.000-06:00

I have really been feeling like we will be getting the birth certificate soon. A few months ago I found a precious moments doll for Corynn on an online adoption centric store that I loved..you can see why

well, the other day I was in the mall doing some Christmas shopping & came across the cutest ladybug outfit..of course I had to get it...it's adorable!! I put it in Corynn's closet then looked around her room and looked at the doll...this is the outfit I bought
The outfit is the same as the doll has on & I didn't even realize it!!
Then today I went to Cameron's school to bring his teachers their Christmas gifts & above one of the teachers on his halls door was ladybugs!! Okay, pretty neat you say, well then I get home & scan my DVR to see what was on "Adoption Story" today & it's a Guatemalan episode (!!) & the family stayed at the same hotel David & I did for our visit trip (!!) The San Carlos. I pray I pray I pray that we hear good news soon!!!

2007-12-12T17:01:00.001-06:00

Bc

2007-12-12T13:49:00.000-06:00

our attorney went back to the Mixco CR yesterday & still no birth certificate or any idea about when we'll get it. I promise to let everyone know when we finally get the bc..trust me I'll be shouting it from the rooftops! We're at the point now that we've almost been waiting longer for the bc then to get out of PGN! Trying to be patient & have strength through all of this. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
I was also trying to post a new slideshow, but couldn't get it to work. I'll try again later.

Shower

2007-12-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

Family & friends threw me a wonderful baby shower Sunday after noon & then my work fam threw me one too! Corynn's room now looks like a tissue paper factory exploded :)
she'll be ready for the LSU championship game!

This is the cake from my work shower...I didn't want to cut it!!

& another sign. This may only look like a picture of me holding a bottle, but if you look closely there is a ladybug in the bottle (well vented.) A nurse I work with found it right before the shower! & saved it for me. The weird thing was it had what looked like an extra set of wings & someone said that means Corynn will be flying home soon! :)

Corynn's room after...and this is with more than half of the presents put away!!

more new pictures!

2007-12-04T15:04:00.000-06:00

How stinkin cute is this baby?! I can't wait to see her again in person & not just pictures. No news yet on operation birth certificate. Also, Corynn is 11 months old today. Happy 11 months sweet baby!

no christmas homecoming for us

2007-11-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

Our agency mistaked our case with someone elses & our attorney will not be going until Monday or Tuesday to see if our bc is ready instead of tomorrow. I emailed them back to ask if there is any hope that Corynn will be home for Christmas & was told probably not.

Come back Friday...

2007-11-28T19:32:00.000-06:00

That is what my attorney was told by the Mixco Civil Registry. Very Frustrated right now...why won't they just give us the birth certificate?!

New pictures!!!

2007-11-25T11:37:00.000-06:00

Well, we haven't heard if we have Corynn's birth certificate yet, but we did receive some new pictures. Look how big she is getting!! & look at all those teeth!

thoughts & prayers please

2007-11-21T07:52:00.000-06:00

special request for extra thoughts & prayers today :) Our attorney went to the civil registry last week to get Corynn's new birth certificate & was told that it would be ready on the 21st. Please pray that when he goes back today it is ready for pick up & they do not tell him to come back next week (which sometimes happens.) I probably will not find out any news of the bc until next week b/c of the holidays. We are leaving to go camping today & I will not be bringing my computer so I can focus on spending time with the boys the whole time. I hope everyone has a great and Happy Thanksgiving & eats lots of good food! :)

and, we wait.

2007-11-14T21:32:00.001-06:00

Well, I just thought being released from PGN would take us off the roller coaster ride that is adoption...but it seems we're getting an extra loop. After getting out of PGN we are supposed to get Corynn's new birth certificate that will now have our last name on it...well, her birth certificate is coming from a city called Mixco. Mixco seems to be having some trouble issuing birth certificates...we've read many different reasons as to why. It seems that people are waiting 6+ weeks just to get the bc!! It should not take this long! Getting Corynn home can not move forward without this very important step. Please please please continue to keep us in your prayers & all of the other families waiting to bring their children home.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

2007-11-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

LSU beat BAMA 41 to 34..what a nail biter!! Take that Saban!!

sorry AP, Allie, & Bamagirl :( Bama did play a really good game.

The call...

2007-10-30T21:46:00.001-05:00

Today was another test in patience. After clicking the "refresh" button over & over to see if there were any "outs" posted on the net & talking to David who was no help with me being patient! (love ya hon) David told me to call PGN...atleast we'll know something, even if it is bad. So, I go tearing through the livingroom again searching for the paper with PGNs # on it, when my cell phone rings. Me: "hello" Caller: "Jodie, this is Sandy with DeC (adoption agency)." Me: "Hi." DeC: "How are you today?" Me: Okay. DeC: Well, your day just got even better, because your daughter is coming home!! Me: "LOL!! Are you SERIOUS?!" Could not stop laughing & crying!! I'm so glad that I got this call. I've been on cloud nine ever since & I don't think I'll be coming down for awhile. I also just got back from the airport where I got to see my friend Amanda & her husband Jeff walk through the terminal entrance holding their daughter Bella. What a great moment. & I got to know that it will soon be me & David walking through those doors with Corynn in our arms!!!

We are OUT of PGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-30T16:28:00.000-05:00

We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!! We are out!! We are out!!!We are out!!!! We are out!!! We are out!!!
My agency just called me!!!!! I'll post the whole story tonight!!!!

Do you believe in signs?

2007-10-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

I do. When I was praying about starting this adoption I asked God for a sign. He gave me one in the form of a ladybug. You see if I ever had a daughter I wanted to do her room in ladybugs, & when I was praying for this sign & researching adoption on the net I found a book called "Little Miss Ladybug", about a ladybug that gets an orphaned baby girl from a foreign country & brings her to her forever family. After finding that book I saw ladybugs everywhere...real & not real. That was my sign.
Today has been a difficult day in patience for me. Something or Someone has been telling me not to call PGN...to be patient. So reading about all of the PGN outs, kickouts, & being on Barrios desk that are on the adoption boards has been difficult..at one point I was tearing through my livingroom trying to find the paper that I wrote PGN's phone # & our case # on...didn't find it. I finally sat down, took a deep breath & told myself this is part of my test in patience. So I went to the kitchen to finish cooking dinner when my younger son Cam walked up & said, "mom, there's a ladybug on your shoulder." There was a real ladybug sitting on my shoulder. I believe in signs :) Please continue to pray that we hear good news soon, & that Corynn will be home with us very soon.

Good news good news good news!!!

2007-10-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Looks like I may need to donate more blood! (see previous post)

from guatadopt.com)

Guatemala Adoption Information and News

October 17, 2007
Grandfathering in cases....the intent is "official"
President Berger publicly confirmed the intent to grandfather
current cases (I assume this means the 3700 cases that are
REGISTERED). The Guatemalan press reported this with a statement by
Berger:

"I have never said that I want to stop adoptions. What my government
wants is full respect for the legislation that is about to be
approved and full compliance with the Hague (Convention)" . The
Guatemalan Press also reported the following:

Congressman Rolando Morales, one of the proponents of the new
legislation, said that the intention with the pending adoptions is a
full review to verify the identity of the woman that is
relinquishing the rights on the child, that she is the natural
mother, and that the child is given for adoption without coercion,
and verify that the child was not abducted (stolen babies). Morales
also mentioned that the final version of the new Adoption Law which
will be published in the following weeks will not affect the almost
3,700 processes in the pipeline.

These changes (even if they delay the process a few days) are in the
best interest of everyone in the process, specifically our main
concern, the children.

From Guatadopt:
As we have said before, we believe that the instability of the
situation and the new law (where the ammendments are still unclear),
prompted the Department of State (US) to issue strong warnings.

From our discussions with Guatemalan officials, we are reassured
that they are supporting the good faith agreements made with
adoptive families.

While legally this is good news, we hold fast that starting the
process at this time is risky. In our opinion, there is an increase
in unethical practices in order to get an adoption started
and "grandfathered". Obviously, these are limited to the
unscrupulous providers that have soured adoptions worldwide. We do
not know to what extent that further investigations will impact the
timelines. While we support the need for these investigations, we
hope that the implementation will be appropriate and reasonable.

As a side note: The Guatemalan Embassy has been bombarded with calls
and emails. Guatadopt.com would like to request that you ease up a
bit. They need to do their jobs as well.

We will update as we know more.

Still in...

2007-10-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

So I called PGN today..6 weeks down & still in....praying that the next time I call in 2 weeks they will say we're done with PGN.
In other news, Joint Council amended their post from Monday to add this statement from President Berger
http://www.jcics.org/Berger%20Statement.pdf
some okay, some bad I guess.
Now I'm off to donate blood...yes, I did bargain that if there was good news today I would do a good deed.

Edited to add:
Roseann tagged me...thanks Roseann ;)-

JOBS I HAVE HAD
Pet Shop
Retail
Secretary
Nurse Tech
Nurse

PLACES I'VE LIVED
Louisiana

FOODS I LOVE
Chinese, Sushi, Greek, Chinese :)

PLACES THAT I WOULD RATHER BE:
On a flight back to the US with my daughter

TV SHOWS I WATCH
Grey's Anatomy
Biggest Loser
Ugly Betty

BOOKS I LOVE
"Something Borrowed" "Something Blue"

I AM TAGGING
Courtney

Joint Council update

2007-10-15T20:47:00.000-05:00

Joint Council has posted a new update http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala_5000_Update.pdf
& it looks like the president of Guatemala is still against allowing in process adoptions to continue. The amendment to the Ortega law, which was supposed to be read last Tuesday was postponed, we thought until November, but it looks like it may happen as early as this Friday. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts & prayers, & I will continue to update my blog as we get information. I still believe she will be home soon.

The good with the bad...

2007-10-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

Corynn is 9 months old today :) Happy 9 months!
My bit of good news is that I called PGN yesterday; we have been in for 4 weeks & we are still in & are still with the 2nd reviewer...praying we continue on with no kick outs. (For those of you just joining us :) A kick out would put my paperwork right back at the beginning of the whole PGN 8 to 12 week process...not good!)
and the bad..

The Ortego Law was approved yesterday in Guatemala and that is NOT a good thing. On Tuesday, October 9th, there will be the 4th and final reading. At this time, they will decide what amendments are going to be allowed for current adoptions. Here is an explanation that I found on my friend Amanda's blog who found it on her friend Krystal's blog:

"The Guatemalan Congress has passed the Ortega Law. Birthmothers currently have the right to relinquish their child for adoption, to know who will care for the child during the process, and to know that the child is going to America. This law takes those rights away. Also, unless an amendment is passed, this law says that our adoption is now null and void. This law also says that the home in which Corynn is currently receiving care, will no longer receive any funding from adoptions --it is currently 100% funded by adoption fees. The law provides no place for them or the thousands of children in this situation to go. The implementation date has not been set, but it could be as soon as 30 days. There is still hope for the amendment, that the Children's Committee is working on, to allow our adoption to be processed under the law in which it was initiated, but this is a huge knock against us and other in-process families."

Right now I'm trying very hard to stay positive...most of the time it's difficult to do. I just can not fathom not having Corynn home with us ever. I'm okay not having her home by Christmas like I originally hoped...I'm even okay not having her home until the middle of next year!! I'm not okay with the possibility that we may never see her again.
To all my readers, please please keep every family that is waiting to bring their child home from Guatemala in your thoughts & prayers. This is a very scary time for all of us. We may not have given physical birth to these children, but I assure you, we have been in labor for a long time. We have held these precious children, fed them, taken care of them... fallen head-over-heels in love with them, and then had to leave them to continue on with our daily lives here, with our only comfort being that they would be with us again soon. They are our children, and it is just too hard to go down without a fight.

Please take time to read & sign

2007-10-02T07:56:00.001-05:00

I've been waiting to post this until David & I were able to talk our parents about what is going on in Guatemala right now. Please take the time to read the info that the US Department of State has posted & then take a minute to sign the petition. There is a very real possibility that our adoption will not be completed by the end of the year & this will effect us & the thousands of other children/parents waiting. Thank you so much for your thoughts & prayers

Department of State Warning:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3825.html

Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

**bangs head on wall** I can't get them to link...please type the address in :) thanks

Design Challenge

2007-09-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

Some of you know that I've recently been working on Corynn's room. Almost got it done, but there is one large wall that I couldn't figure out what to do with...until now. I need pictures of Guatemala to get it rolling..so, any of you that have pictures taken from trips of scenes in Guatemala and you don't mind sharing, please email them to me at larnstudent@yahoo.com
I'd really really appreciate it!!! & I will show the finished product when I'm done!

We are in PGN!!

2007-09-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

Yes!!! As of yesterday! Now hopefully in 8 weeks I will be making a post titled "We are OUT of PGN!!" Keep the prayers coming!!

slideshow :)

2007-09-05T06:07:00.000-05:00

Happy 8 months Corynn!

2007-09-04T05:50:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Felix

2007-09-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

Please pray for all of the families in Guatemala & in surrounding areas. Please pray that they are kept safe. Hopefully this hurricane will die down before coming through their area.

No PGN...maybe next week.

2007-08-31T18:21:00.000-05:00

I just got an email from my agency that our attorney apparently just found a mistake on the social worker paper work (from Family court.) They had to correct it before putting the case into PGN. They are hoping to have the case in on Monday. sigh. David's sitting here calmly watching some auto show on TLC & I want to pull my hair out! Well, I'm going to try & enjoy the weekend...we have some projects to get done around the house that we've been putting off. It'll be okay...it's just that Christmas is getting closer & closer & it's starting to feel like we won't have her home by then.

What it all means...

2007-08-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

I've had a few family members & friends ask what all the adoption lingo means, here is a little bit of an outline of what we have left to go through in the process, and a few definitions :) (I borrowed much of this explination from my agency's yahoo group)

The attorney submits the adoption case file and a petition for approval (PA) of the adoption to a notarial officer of the Procuraduria General de la Nacion (PGN.) A PGN notary reviews all documents in the case file and, at his/her discretion, may independently investigate one or more aspects of the case. PGN may reject the file (issue a previo/kick out) any number of times for a wide variety of reasons that range from serious (e.g., irregularities in the birth mother’s or child’s identity documents) to minor (e.g., minor spelling errors, expired notary seals). The attorney for the birth mother and adoptive family corrects the problem and resubmits the case to PGN. Ultimately, the PGN typically concurs with the Family Court’s recommendation and issues its approval for the adoption to proceed. WITHOUT any previos/kickout PGN should take about 8 weeks.
ADOPTION DECREE. The attorney then prepares the final adoption Protocolo or deed, and meets with the birth mother for her to sign her final consent to the child’s adoption. The executed Protocolo is filed with the Archivo de Protocolo. At this point, the child is legally the child of the adoptive parent(s) under Guatemalan law.
CIVIL REGISTRY AND PASSPORT. The attorney presents the required documents to record the adoption at the Civil Registry where the child’s birth was recorded, and requests that a new birth certificate be issued to reflect the adoption, and to change the child’s surname to that of the adoptive family. The attorney then takes all documents including the new birth certificate and applies for the child’s Guatemalan passport. The child is again fingerprinted to affirm his/her identity. There has also been a 2nd DNA test added
US EMBASSY – FINAL APPROVAL AND VISA. The attorney presents the case file with the child’s passport and new birth certificate to the US Embassy. The Embassy again evaluates the file and, if all documentation is in order, issues a “Final Document Approval” or pink slip. After the attorney receives this approval, the adoptive parents and child appear at the US Embassy for final verification, and an embassy official then issues a visa for the child’s entry into the US.

Soooo...seems like alot. But we are still praying to have Corynn home by Christmas..though at times it seems impossible to me. Hopefully we will go into to PGN & have a reviewer who has a kind heart & won't pick through our file for ridiculous reasons to give us a previo/kick out.

PGN? Maybe...maybe not.

2007-08-28T20:01:00.000-05:00

I emailed our agency yesterday to find out if we've been submitted to PGN yet & received a response today that our attorney is saying either today or tomorrow & our agency asked them to let us know for sure when it happens. Please let it be soon..then the real wait can begin.

Dr. Visit, New pics, & Prayers needed!

2007-08-22T21:04:00.001-05:00

You know I hate when other blogging momma's don't post for awhile :) pot..kettle. Anywhoo...Corynn was brought to the doctor yesterday so they could have an updated medical report in her file for PGN...turns out she has a respiratory infection & fever & will need some medicine :( I really wish she was here with me right now so I could hold her & wipe her nose & rock her to sleep. I wish I was the one giving her her medicine & checking her temperature. I just have to keep telling myself that I will have many years of taking care of her & doing all these things. We're still waiting to go into PGN, I'm praying we'll be entered by the end of the week...we'll see. I got two new pictures of Corynn at the doctors office, one with her foster mom holding her. We are so blessed & lucky to have such a nice foster family who love her so much...that is the only part of bringing Corynn home that I'm not looking forward too is breaking their hearts. The little onesie & jeans she has on are clothes we left from our trip...Dave loves that she is wearing this onesie!

Thanks so much to everyone for continually praying for us, I'd like to ask that you also keep these two special families in your prayers as well: my friend Amanda & her daughter Bella, & Amanda's friend Jane & her son Lucas . Amanda has had an unimaginable amount of set backs in bringing her beautiful daughter home...please pray that whatever forces are blocking the completion of her adoption & bringing Bella home are broken & that Bella will be home with her family VERY soon.

I do not know Jane, but she is a friend of Amanda's who also needs prayers in bringing her son Lucas home. The picture below is of her daughter and son. Karly just got released from the judge and will be coming home soon. The little boy in the picture is named Lucas and he had an abandonment hearing today. The judge does not want to issue a COA and wants him moved to another hogar (orphanage). This would mean that Jane would lose her son. Please pray specifically for God to move on the judge's heart and have him reconsider his decision.

Hooray Hooray!!! We have PA!!!!

2007-08-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

We have pre-approval!!! Next stop PGN!! My agency said it would probably be about a week or two until we are submitted because they need to bring Corynn to the doctor so she will have an updated medical report in her file.

Some good news!!!

2007-08-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

Well I emailed the Embassy yesterday & received a response back today that they have received our case & it is being reviewed now & I should be receiving an email soon! I also found out today that we ARE out of family court!! YES!! I needed some good news!! Thanks to everyone who has emailed me or left comments...your thoughts, prayers, & support are greatly appreciated!

Business or Calender??

2007-08-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

I called the lab today & found out that the DNA was received by the embassy on June 5th, which would put us at day 63 of waiting. So I called my agency to find out if they knew what the hold up is & I was told that it's 60 business days (???!!!!) That can't be right b/c there are other blogging familys that I know that were a week or two ahead of me getting DNA & already have PA. I feel like I just hit a wall. I've been sitting here crying b/c I don't know what to do...I don't know how to get in touch with the Embassy to find out for myself, if anyone here knows please email me, I'd really appreciate it.

Jodie
larnstudent@yahoo.com

more trip pictures

2007-08-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

Today was a hard day...for multiple reasons. My purse & wallet were stolen (I didn't think it was possible to love a purse so much, but I did :( (my husband gave them to me for my birthday a few weeks ago...he went shopping & picked them out all by himself & completely surprised me with them, so they had a little bit of sentamental value...multiple items of value (to me) were in it, luckily with a minor headache most of it can be replaced...I hope.) so I thought I'd post some more pictures of Corynn for me to stare at, & our family & friends can enjoy too! ;)

Happy 7 months Corynn!

2007-08-04T12:22:00.000-05:00

Today Corynn is 7 months old. I have a magazine that I found at work that goes through the first 12 months of baby's life & tells what they should be doing...having a hard time looking at it now b/c we're missing alot of first...but I know that she'll be with us for a lot of other first. Still no word on preapproval, I think I may call the lab on Monday b/c I don't know exactly what date the DNA results were entered with the Embassy...I'm just guesstimating that it was around June 11th b/c we got the results in the mail on June 9th (weekend), so we would be on day 54. I still have no idea if we are out of family court...I really hope so b/c I would hate to have preapproval & find out we can't get into PGN yet b/c we're still not done with family court!!

We'll have a herd of 7/8 year olds decending on us this evening for Cam's birthday sleep over & then Laser tag party tomorrow...pray. LOL!

A movie with a message

2007-08-02T20:28:00.000-05:00

Today is my younger son Cameron's b-day...he turned 8 years old. We went to Barnes & Noble (it's like crack to a book worm like me) & brought Cameron's friend Jake...also known as Amanda's son :) with us. On a whim we decided to meet up with Amanda & go to the movies to see Evan Almighty. I loved it. I recommend it highly...especially to family's that are or have been in the long frustrating rollercoster that is adoption. It had a great message (with perfect timing) that we may not always agree with, like, or understand God's plan in our life, but He knows what He's doing.

Happy Birthday to my wild & crazy kid:

Almost back to school time....

2007-07-25T08:09:00.001-05:00

Haven't posted in a while, been alittle busy since we got back from Guat. I was finally able to unpack Corynn's suitcase yesterday, it was hard, but I keep praying that it won't be too long until we are able to be with her again...hopefully for good. The boys start back to school in a few weeks! Hard to believe how fast the summer has flown by! Collin will start Jr. High! I tell my friends that I don't feel old b/c of my age, I feel old b/c of my KIDS age!

For those of you that have ask about the monogrammed clothes & bibs Corynn is wearing in some of the pictures, I bought them at a little boutique close to my home called KidAdorable. I don't think they have a website, but I'm going by there today to show them our trip pictures & I'll find out. Thank you everyone for all of your kind comments here & prayers. I'm sorry I'm not good at replying back, but I just wanted to let you all know how much they are appreciated! Keep up the praying!

Jodie

I left a piece of my heart in Guatemala

2007-07-17T18:13:00.000-05:00

I expected giving Corynn back to the foster mother yesterday was going to be painful, but I never could have prepared myself for how painful it was. To make it worse, our facilitator had told us that they would be there at 5:30 to get her & they didn't show up until 7:30...not that I didn't want to spend more time with Corynn, but I had prepared myself for 5:30, & it's the kind of thing you really want to get over with so you can go back to your hotel room & have a mini breakdown. David & I made sure that when we came down to bring her, the hotel staff was in our room getting the crib, baby tub, & stroller out of there so we wouldn't have to see them when we came back without her. Corynn's foster family was great, & told me that they would be sobbing like me when it's time for us to bring her home (they said it would be very soon...which even though they have no say so, it comforted me.)
I would do this experience all over again if I had the chance, even knowing how much I am hurting right now.

On a brighter note, we met some other familys visiting & picking up while we were there! (Hey Jim!! & Tyonia & John!!) Jim, that 4th piece of pizza did me in!

And also the best news of all!!! ISABELLA CLAIRE IS COMING HOME!!!
Amanda, I'm so happy for you & your family!!
http://bellaboonews-jajbs.blogspot.com/
it's been a long time coming!! Perfect timing too Amanda, b/c I really need some retail therapy right now!!

Worth the wait...

2007-07-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

Well tonight is our last night with Corynn, we have to give her back to her foster mom tomorrow at 5:30. Although I'm sitting here tearing up while looking at her sleeping, & I know I will lose a big piece of my heart tomorrow, I wouldn't trade this time we've been able to have with her. I also have faith that she will be back with us soon, this time forever. I'm comforted in the fact that she seems to have a very nice foster family who love her & who will take good care of her & keep her safe until that time comes.

This is what I think about you having to wait a long time for me momma!

Fun at the San Carlos

2007-07-14T15:29:00.000-05:00

2007-07-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

thanks for letting me borrow your Bumbo Bella!

2007-07-13T17:39:00.000-05:00

Pictures!!

2007-07-13T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here's what ya'll have been waiting for!!

This picture is from 3am this morning...check out the hair:

Fell back to sleep at 5am..

woke up again at 6am...

Before my bath...

after my bath...ready for my debute!

We're here!!

2007-07-13T07:09:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Guatemala yesterday afternoon. It's beautiful here! Corynn arrived a fews hours later than she was supposed...it was past her bedtime, & being given to two strangers who you don't understand did not make her happy! She's better now & has been cooing and ahhhing at David & I all morning...3am to be exact :) LOL. Her hair is hilarious, it's wild! I promise to download pictures later today!

3 HOURS!!!!

2007-07-11T20:51:00.001-05:00

Until we leave! Do you think I'm going to get much sleep tonight? Oh. my. gosh!!! I'm so excited/nerveous!! We just got home from my birthday dinner with family & friends & had the most wonderful time! This birthday is going to be hard to top next year!! We actually had to weigh our suitcases b/c I've packed so much stuff...Corynn's is the heaviest! LOL!
edited because I really do know how to spell...I'm just to excited!! :)

2 days 8 hours & 30 minutes....

2007-07-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

....until we are on our way to Guatemala!!

!!!!!!! Just like typing it out!!!!!!!

Happy 4th!! & happy 6 months to Corynn!!

2007-07-04T22:17:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone!! Hope it was enjoyable! I got lucky today & was supposed to work all day until 7pm...they drew a name to see who would be able to leave at 1 & out of like 30 people my name was picked!! YIPPEE!! So I joined my family & friends for BBQ & fireworks! Today is also Corynn's 6 month birthday!! & in one week I'll be counting down the hours b/c we'll be leaving for Guatemala the next day for our visit!!! No news right now on our wait...still waiting on pre-approval. I am getting alittle nervous about our trip...it's funny how you never really notice all the guatemala or visit trip horror stories until right before your going there! Why people think now is a good time to send emails to me about riots, etc. I don't know, I'm a born worrier anyway!!! So everyone just pray that we have a really safe & uneventful trip...just great quality time with our precious baby!

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ETA: I found a great new blog of a fellow Guatemama who has giveaways (YAY! fun free stuff!!!) Email her at Sa3@aol.com to be invited to her blog & enter to win!!

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Guatemama blogging buddies

2007-06-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda...in person...who is in the process of bringing her beautiful daughter Bella home from Guatemala. I've been following her blog for a long time now (having issues getting it to link, but if you click on "Amanda & Bella" on my Guatemama/daddy blog roll it will get you there!)
& we recently figured out that we both live in the same city! Small world! So today we got together for alittle shopping at one of my favorite boutiques...where I spent way too much money... & bought Corynn two cute little dresses & bows! This is one of them:

the other one was sent off to be monogrammed, it's precious..LSU colors with little ribbons that tie at the shoulders.
Amanda & I were also sucked into purchasing the latest thing for our boys called webkinz (shrugs) This is why I'm posting this message later than I wanted b/c the webkinz are little stuffed animals that have a life on the web. The boys can feed it, bathe it, take it to the doctor, even clothe it!! Cameron asked me if he could wake up super early in the morning so he can play with it again (!!)

After shopping we went & ate at Chili's...yum! Our boys became fast friends & I'm so glad Amanda & I have met, it seems like we have a lot in common.

Next week we tackle Blue Bayou Water Park!! But there will be NO pictures of me in a bathing suit...sorry, it's for your own good!

DNA, PA, PGN oh my!

2007-06-18T21:35:00.001-05:00

Nothing new on the adoption front...still waiting to find out if we are officially waiting for pre-approval yet. Counting down the days until our trip & packing & repacking Corynn's suitcase. Very excited about the trip & a little nervous about the unknown. We did receive our DNA results in the mail with a picture of Corynn with her birthmother...it is very sad to look at. I pull the picture out often & look into her eyes & wonder what she is thinking...is she trying to send me a message? How will I present this picture to Corynn? Should I frame it & keep it in her room...should I put it in a special box for her to pull out whenever she wants to look at it?

On a different subject, I've decided to give up all fried foods until we bring Corynn home. Being from Louisiana this is BIG. No fried fish or shrimp! I just got done reading the blog of a lady who gave up Dr. Pepper during their wait, & she was out of PGN in 4 weeks (!!) Hopefully it doesn't push me over the edge ;) I'm already hormonal!!