No News Today About Pink!!

I was sooo hoping to hear something today, even though today was a bit premature to think we would hear something!

Hopefully tomorrow, Friday, will be the best call yet! I soooo hope they call and let us know when our embassy appointment is so we can go get our angel!

I miss her so much and just need to go get her. I know that it will happen, I was just hoping it would happen today! UUUUGGGGG!!!!!

Oh Well...tomorrow is another day! I hope to report good news then!

Some have been asking about Christmas in Guatemala. I found this description today of the holiday season in Guatemala. Enjoy!

"Fiestas and Foods in the Christmas Tradition" by Jack Houston. Condensed from the December 2002 issue of Revue,Guatemala’s English-language magazine. Posted on the St. Johns University-Guatemala list serve.

December 7— Guatemalans spend the day engaged in a frenzy of cleaning, clearing out trash and burning it in front of their houses. The annual tradition is said to purge the homes and souls from evil in preparation for Mary, Joseph and the promised Christ child. The climax comes as night falls with the “Burning of the Devil” (Quemado del Diablo). A wooden “prince of darkness” is ignited with fanfare and fireworks under the watchful eyes of the bomberos (firemen).

December 8— “Fiesta de la Concepción” celebrates the Angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary that she is pregnant with the Messiah. [A parent emailed this correction: "Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception is actually a celebration of Mary's conception without Original Sin."] It is a day for parish processions throughout the country and for setting up nativity scenes (nacimientos) in homes and public places. The favorite dessert on this holiday is crab apples (manzillas) prepared “en dulce.”

According to Catholic tradition, on December 12 the Virgin Mary appeared to a young boy in Mexico, Juan Diego (canonized as a saint 8/2002). On this day, commemorated as the “Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe,” children dress in Maya clothing and go to church for a blessing. As they depart, the boys and girls join a procession, following a small image of the Virgin Mary.

December 15 marks the beginning of nightly parish “Posadas,” reenactments of the journey to Bethlehem. Pilgrims accompany Mary and Joseph, singing carols, beating turtle drums and playing other typical Guatemalan instruments. They knock on doors seeking shelter but are turned away until they reach a designated house, where everyone is invited inside. As the holy couple is bedded down in solemn ceremony, the pilgrims scramble for refreshments. The journey continues to another house the next night.

On December 24, Catholics traditionally gather for midnight mass, beginning around 10 p.m. At midnight, Christmas Day is greeted with prayers, well wishes and a barrage of fireworks. Families head home for gift giving and traditional foods—and more fireworks. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner is tamales. Traditional fiestas and foods vary in the villages, but corn is a main ingredient. Tamales, tamalitos, chuchitos and other traditional foods are sold outside churches, on street corners and in restaurants. A fruit punch of papaya, pineapple, crab apple, prunes, raisins, cinnamon, clove and shredded coconut is served hot or cold when friends and family come to call. Hot chocolate is another holiday treat, as are buñuelos, fried puff pastry fritters in syrup made of molasses or brown sugar, anise and cinnamon.

The festivities continue on December 28, Holy Innocents Day, when the baby Jesus is kidnapped from the nacimiento by a family member.

Some gifts are exchanged on January 6, commemorating the arrival of the Wise Men, who presented gifts to baby Jesus.

Christmas festivities come to an end on February 2, Day of the “Virgen de Candelaria,” when the infant Jesus is returned and the nativities are put away for another year. By tradition, the baby Jesus brings toys to the children. "What did the baby Jesus bring you?” is a common question.

I received news today that the attorneys have the new birth certificate. Maria's new birth certificate now says her name is Maria Rene Richter....that has a nice ring to it don't you think??

Our adoption coordinator also said that the attorney is going to try to submit us to the US Embassy on Wednesday.

Here is an excerpt of an email I received that details the how the next couple of steps go. As you will notice our adoption agency is very careful not to give us unrealistic expectations for the steps to be done really fast...but they usually are completed well within the timeframes they state below.

The Birth Certificate is translated into English and a request for a new Guatemalan passport for the child is made. This normally takes about one week or so. While these items are being completed, the attorney will present all of the necessary documents for the issuance of a PINK SLIP from the US Embassy.

The Embassy has instituted a system in which in which the attorneys are issued numbers representing their “place in line.” This number issuance policy and the wait for getting into the Embassy to submit these documents has been taking up to one week. Once the documents have been submitted, it can take up to yet another week for the Pink slip to be issued.

You need to be aware there are rare cases in which the Embassy can issue an I-72 notice requesting more documentation or amended documents before the Pink Slip can be issued. The I-72 notice is issued when there is an unforeseen problem with a document, but this is a rare occurrence, probably five times out of 80 adoptions, but that does not make you feel any better if you fall in the "five."

Once the Guatemalan Passport is completed by the Embassy, your lawyer will arrange to pick up the Pink Slip - This is probably the most frustrating time of the process as it can and does vary for a multitude of reasons about how long this will take. Please be patient while you await the news that we have Pink Slip in hand. Your coordinator will call you as soon as we have the news. Try to remember the attorneys want you to arrive in Guatemala just as much as you want to, but there are often uncontrollable events that cause delays of as long as a day or two.

With the Pink Slip in hand, the Embassy gives the Attorney an appointment date for the Visa interview. The appointment is normally set around 10 days after the issuance of the PINK SLIP, however it could be a week longer. At this time we will know approximately when you will expect to travel and you will need to be getting ready for that confirmation to come soon as it more times then not, comes with very little notice.

It would certainly be nice to have PINK by the end of the week...whew! I can't believe I actually get to write that statement. If we do then we will probably travel next week to go get our Maria!! I will keep you updated!

28 Days Till Christmas!!

Hello All:

We haven't heard anything yet and it's starting to make me a little crazy. I guess all of the other steps in this process drove me crazy before we achieved them so why would this step be any different!! Hopefully we will hear something in the next week or so and can go get Maria and get her home before Christmas! I saw this poem posted on an online forum today and thought I would share it with you.

Legacy of an Adopted Child
Author Unknown

Once there were two women, who never knew each other.
One you do not remember; the other you call mother.
Two different lives shaped to make yours one.

One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.
The first gave you life and the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality; the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed for talent; the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.
One gave you up; it was all she could do.
The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me through your tears,
the age-old question through the years:
Heredity or Environment
which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling child, Neither.
Just two different kinds of LOVE.

You may remember that I posted about a family that has gone through the process neck and neck with us. They have always been about a week ahead of us. Well...they received their embassy appointment today. When you receive your US Embassy appointment (the very last thing you have to do before bringing your baby home) it actually is on a pink piece of paper, thus the term...getting PINK! Mateo and his family got PINK today. Their embassy appointment is on December 1st. Hopefully we aren't too far behind. Boy, does their family have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!! Congratulations, Kathleen, Mateo and family!!

I haven't posted much because I continue to think that each day I may hear some good news...as of today, nothing!

I am a bit disappointed. We haven't heard that Maria's birthmother signed off on the adoption for the last time, we haven't heard that the birth certificate with her forever name has been requested yet, we haven't heard that our paperwork has been submitted to the US Embassy for final approval and our appointment to be able to bring Maria home has been made yet.

Don't get me wrong, we are not way out of line as far as time goes yet. It usually takes about 30 days for the entire process. We are today on day 12. Hopefully everything will get done in the next 18 days and we will be right on track!!

I did have to exchange the tickets that we purchased to go down to Guatemala over Thanksgiving today. I had to make a huge guess as to the day that I thought we would probably go down...I chose December 10th...a Sunday. I hope that I'm not too far off on my calculations and we can keep these tickets without having to make another change.

On a more positive note...I hope that everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving! I will be cooking a turkey with all the trimmings this year for all to enjoy. Let's just hope that my mama taught me well and it turns out delectable!!


Happy Thanksgiving!! Please Make Sure And Give Thanks For All You Are Thankful For This Year!! I Know I Will!!

As you will notice, I have once again changed the intro music...Dave loves Cool and the Gang...I do to...But I thought this Barry Manilow?? song was an appropriate waiting song!

I will keep you updated, as soon as I know a travel date to get our Princess Maria...You will know!!!!!

Today's English to Spanish Word:

Disappointment

Decepción

My sister Amber told me that she was disappointed in me today. I have been neglecting my blogging duties. She said that she has been visiting the blog every day hoping to find a new English to Spanish Word and there hasn't been one. She's right...I have been very neglectful. (slapping my hands right now).

After the initial excitement of getting OUT of PGN and a day filled with many, many phone calls, emails and instant messages, Thursday was a whirlwind. Friday was filled with doing all of my duties that I didn't do on Thursday because I was too busy emailing, phoning and instant messaging. Saturday was Ambers bachelorette party. Let me tell you that I am waaayyy too old to do that anymore! Sunday it was all I could do to get off the couch! Monday and Tuesday was just plain neglectful...Sorry Amber...I will try to get better and not neglect the blog!

But on a more positive note, we received some new pictures tonight! Yea! Hopefully this is the last set of pictures we have to get from Guatemala! Here she is getting bigger and bigger and prettier and prettier!

Day 41 PGN--We Are Out!
Day 1 Maria is officially our Daughter!

We just got the call! We are out of PGN. Maria is officially our daughter!

I will post more later....can't really breathe right now!

Day 39 PGN
16 Days till we see Maria!

I received a medical update on Maria today. The medical updates aren't any more than her weight, length and the circumference of her head. They all look pretty normal and she is gaining weight so she seems pretty healthy.
Maria Rene Richter
10/13/06
17 pounds
65 cms. length
41 cms. head circumference
No word yet on our case. It's really starting to drive me batty....but there's nothing anyone can do about it, so we just sit and wait for the phone to ring. Please keep Dave, I and Maria in your prayers that we hear soon that we are out of PGN and that they haven't found a mistake in our paperwork that will delay our case. At this point, we can still hope that she will be home for Christmas...but time is starting to slip away and we may not make it. I guess I am really starting to feel the pressure of the adoption because today I just feel down. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the fact that it's not "if" Maria will be home, but "when" she will be home....I guess some days are just harder than others. Now that I have let out my frustration and depressive thoughts on you I will sign off. I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day!

Day 38 PGN

Todays English To Spanish Word

Election

Elección

Tomorrow...Tuesday, November 7th is election day in the United States.

There are many important Gubanatorial, Congressional, County Commission and City Council seats up for election. There are also very important constitutional amendments, referrals and state laws on the ballot.

Please Go Vote.

Stand Up and Be Counted.

This Is Your Chance To Make A Difference In A Country Where Your Vote Really Does Matter!

OK...Off The Soap Box Now...But Please Vote....Your Country Needs You!

I found this video on YouTube. This baby's laugh is infectious. I don't think anyone would be able to listen to this kid and not laugh! Enjoy!

Hahaha

Day 36 PGN
19 Days till we get to see Maria


Someone recently posted these statistics on one of the adoption forums I belong to. This is an analysis of the PGN OUTS for the month of October. As you can tell, almost everyone, including me, that is in PGN is obsessed with getting out of PGN. We are also obsessed with trying to analyze any information we can get our hands on about our case or anyone elses. It makes me feel a little better to know that statistically based on October...and if I remember right....the numbers for September were very similar....we are right on track to be getting out of PGN soon!

PGN Outs After KickOuts

4 weeks or less (34 days or less) – 5 (10.0%)
5 weeks (35-41 days) – 16 (32.0%)
6 weeks (42-48 days) - 12 (24.0%)
7 weeks (49-55 days) – 5 (10.0%)
8 weeks (56-62 days) – 5 (10.0%)
9 weeks (63-69 days) – 4 (8.0%)
10 weeks (70-76 days) – 2 (4.0%)
11 weeks (77-83 days) – 1 (2.0%)
12 weeks or more (84 days +) - 0

All Outs

4 weeks or less (34 days or less) – 6 (9.0%)
5 weeks (35-41 days) – 21 (31.3%)
6 weeks (42-48 days) - 17 (25.4%)
7 weeks (49-55 days) – 7 (10.4%)
8 weeks (56-62 days) – 5 (7.5%)
9 weeks (63-69 days) – 5 (7.5%)
10 weeks (70-76 days) – 5 (7.5%)
11 weeks (77-83 days) – 1 (1.5%)
12 weeks or more (84 days +) – 0


Other facts:
Of the 67 outs for October 50 or 74.6% were after at least one KO.
Of the 4 weeks or less 1 had no KO, 1 had 1 KO, 3 had 2 KOs and 1 had 3 KOs

Day 35 PGN

Awhile ago..June 22nd...I had found this poem somewhere...probably on one of the adoption forums I belong to and had saved in my notes section. At that point, I thought it was a great poem, but it didn't have much relevance to me or our situation. I'm not sure how I stumbled back upon it today....but I'm sure God knows!

Dear God,
Please bring my beautiful baby home to me soon,
I need to rock her 'neath the light of the moon,
I need to kiss her warm soft, sweet face,
I want to teach her of your love and grace.
She needs to know I'm her parent for keeps,
She needs to know I'll watch while she sleeps.
I know you've a plan, you're much wiser than I,
But I fear you've forgotten, as time passes by.
I'll watch for a sign and I'll know that you're there,
I'll pray for some news and remember you care.
Love,
-A Waiting Parent

Dear Waiting Parent,
You think that the process moves slowly, not surely,
I promise it's both, but change mustn't come early.
Your faith must be strong, open and steady,
Your baby will be here, but not till I'm ready.
I'll never forget you; I do have a plan,
Not easily understood by mere man.
While you are here waiting for news you can share,
A foster family waits for pain they must bear.
To your wonderful child, they must say good-bye,
You know, to them, time really does fly!
Think of them as you wait and prepare,
Pray for their strength; be grateful they're there.
I'm with them too, just as I am with you.
I know how it is to be far from your child,
I want to hold YOU and make all your fears mild.
Believe, little one, that the sun is my kiss,
Believe that you'll share so much more than you'll miss!
Your baby is coming home to you soon!
Hold her, kiss her, 'neath the light of My moon.
Love,
-God

Day 34 PGN

Todays English to Spanish Word:

Proclamation

Proclamación

November is National Adoption Month

Presidential Proclamation for 2006 National Adoption Month

2006 President's Proclamation
National Adoption Month, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

During National Adoption Month, we encourage the adoption of young people in need, and we honor the adoptive and foster families who have offered children a loving and supportive home.

The best of America is reflected in the many citizens who have adopted children as their own. Mothers and fathers are the most important influences in a child's life, and children with caring, involved parents can better realize the full promise of America. Parents help their children thrive by encouraging them to aim high, work hard, and make good choices that will lead to healthy, satisfying lives. On November 18, loving families across America will celebrate National Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions of children from foster care. This day will also raise awareness of the many children still waiting to be adopted and encourage more Americans to choose adoption.

My Administration is committed to helping place children with caring families. Through the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids project at www.adoptuskids.org, we are working to provide guidance and support for parents considering adoption. We are also offering tax credits to ease the financial burden on adoptive families, and we are providing funding to help strengthen State adoption services through the Adoption Incentives Program and the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program. Together, these efforts can help connect children with loving families and help provide greater hope and opportunity for America's children.

During National Adoption Month, we pay tribute to the parents who have opened their hearts and homes and helped provide love and stability for young people. By caring for the youngest members of our society, these families are helping our children grow into successful adults and building the future of our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2006 as National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities to honor adoptive families and to participate in efforts to find permanent homes for waiting children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Day 32 PGN

Today's English to Spanish Word:

November

Noviembre

Tomorrow is the first day of November. It is also All Saints Day, a national holiday in Guatemala, so all government offices will be closed. I guess we won't hear anything (if we hear anything this week??) until Thursday at the earliest. I know I am really getting my hopes up thinking that we will hear that we are out of PGN this week, but a girl can dream can't she! Oh well, November is full of promise....I can't imagine that we wouldn't get out of PGN before we visit during Thanksgiving, but if we don't, I can at least look forward to that weekend! Just in case you're curious, here are the translations for the rest of the calendar months.
January Enero
February Febrero
March Marzo
April Abril
May Mayo
June Junio
July Julio
August Agosto
September Septiembre
October Octubre
November Noviembre
December Diciembre

Mateo Is Coming Home!
I was just about to sign on late this afternoon and post a kind of bummed out post that I hadn't heard much good news this week....when I got a very hurried email from a friend of mine. She got out of PGN today!

I was so excited when I read her email, you would have thought I just received news that I was out! I am so happy for her, her family, and Mateo, her new son. When you are out of PGN your adoption is final...they just have to get a new birth certificate with his new last name and the names of his new mommy and daddy. Then they have to apply for a passport and a visa and next thing you know they will be on the plane to go get him.

Kathleen and I received our referrals (knowledge of who our babies were) on the same day, May 5, 2006. We have the same agency and the same attorney in Guatemala. We have corresponded almost daily since then. We have gone step by step together in the process. We were slowed down a bit with our 171 (approval to adopt an orphan from the US Immigration) so we have always been one week behind her.

Everyone please cross your fingers, toes, and your eyes (I have heard that is doubly effective) and pray that the trend continues and we get out of PGN next week!

At the bottom of Kathleens' emails she has a saying below her signature...it says...The Waiting Is The Hardest Part...Tom Petty
So Kathleen, Family and Mateo....Here is a little Tom Petty, Just for You!

Thanksgiving In Guatemala??

I asked our adoption coordinator about the possibility of visiting again and she said we could, so I have booked the air and hotel.

We will be spending Thanksgiving in Guatemala! I will miss all of the great food and spending time with my family...but I do work with them every day, so what is there really to miss?? Except of course the turkey!

My husband asked, What if we get out of PGN next week...won't Thanksgiving be about the time we would travel? I can only pray that's what happens. I would give my right foot to be out of PGN next week and have to change the dates on this set of tickets. I don't care how much the fee is...please let that be my worry! But if we don't get out of PGN in the next week or so, it will be December before we travel to bring Maria home for good, so at least now I have something to look forward to.

I know most of you are thinking...boy is she impatient! and I know that I am...I don't care! I really don't have much patience left and at least for the next few weeks I have something concrete to think about...Seeing Maria Again!

Yea! I'm gonna go look at my online reservations one more time...and just dream about being there!

Stephanie

Day 25 PGN

Today's English to Spanish Phrase:

I'm veering from my normal English to Spanish Word and jumping right into a Phrase, I hope it translates correctly!

Think Positive Thoughts

Piense Los Pensamientos Positivos

Friday will end 4 full weeks in PGN for us. Usually people hear something in the 4th, 5th or 6th week. Hopefully, we will hear the words, "You are out of PGN", but it's possible for us to hear, "You have been kicked out of PGN again". Please think positive thoughts for us for the next couple of weeks. We pray that we hear , "You are out of PGN".


















It only takes a single thought to move the world.

Day 23 PGN

Today's English to Spanish Word

Shower

Ducha

Yesterday and today we had bridal showers for my youngest sister Amber. On Saturday we went to Parker to Pat's Aunt's house and had a great time. Today the shower was at my house and I think everything turned out perfectly. Here are a few pictures.

Amber and Taryn



Amber and our sister in law-Nikki



Stephanie-Amber-Valerie-Nikki
P.S. I usually don't have a giant bag of toilet paper in the dining room. We played a game where there were teams of 5 persons who had to choose a model and then design a dress and headpiece out of toilet paper. It was a hoot!