DNA is a Match

The DNA is a match. I found out from my agency earlier in the week. However, I wanted to save this post until I got my packet of information. In it was the birthmother's signature .... she has a beautiful name. Also the results from the DNA which were 99.9% affirmative. Last but certaintly not least... the pictures of them each sitting on their birthmothers lap. How strange that day must have been for everyone. How emotionaly hard for everyone involved. But it is done.
Looking at the polaroids was a surreal experience. I pray that she will have peace. I wish I could meet her. I would love to tell her that I will do my very best.
Now onto the future.... I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel..... we need :
*PA (from US embassy that they are cleared for passports into the US)
*then we go into PGN (fine tooth comb)
*Pink...our invitation from the US embassy to come get our girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DNA

The DNA is on it's way. We are all relieved that it is over with. Most likely that was the last time the girls will ever see their birthmother face to face. Such a bittersweet realization. I am so glad they have each other for this process. I can't wait till they can get their childhood back.

Family Court

We are: to.... through.... and past Family Court!!! Family court is when a Guatemalan social worker sits down with the Birthmother and verifies that she (the bmom) really wants to do this... They talk about the girls births and upbringing and what led to the choice to make an adoption plan. Then the birthmother signs off again. The social worker does go the fostermoms house and talks with her and the girls. She files her report with Family Court and it is approved to move further.
This is one of many things that will be in A Packet that we will receive (Sealed) at the US Embassy in Guatemala. We won't get to even open it ourselves.... that will be for immigration. However, once settled in at home we will file to get it....and all of our other documents.... mailed back to us.
As you can see that this is a nice sized chunk of progress! Hopefully soon we can have word on DNA.... and the third sign-off by their birthmother!!!

Freakin' Adorable!!!!!!!

The girls look cute, right? I am so happy that they are so healthy. As I was downloading and uploading their pictures I noticed what nice teeth they have... I know a lot of kids in Guatemala struggle with bad teeth... but it appears our girls have some nice pearly whites. I imagine it is because they weren't exposed to bottles and formula..as their birthmother breastfed them both well over a year. I also noticed that their ears are not pierced! We were happy to notice that... then all the girls can do it together as sisters....when they are old enough.
The things WeDon'tKnow still out weigh the things WeKnow.... hopefully that will change soon! Our DNA had been scheduled... when the results and veriification will arrive is anyones guess. We are sailing towards PGN. After PGN is our invite to come get our girls.... isn't that exciting!
If any of these terms are confusing to you; Use the links in the right hand column.... or don't and just keep smiling and nodding. We try to not get to caught up in timelines and details...it could make a person crazy! So far we hold out talking to our agency because it's so nice to find out you are further along then you dreamed.

Great Updates!

Tonight I received a medical report on little Teeny...and the emphasis on "little".... Back in December when she was seen by the doctor.... she was 18pounds and 29inches tall ....so that makes her smaller then Zim. She is soooo teeny. However at that time she was enduring acute bronchitis.... so hopefully that has been cleared up and she is on the mend. I guess that is why she looked healthier in the February pictures and even more spunky in the April photo update.



We finally got our I-7somethingorother and I faxed it right over to our agency. They will send it down to Guatemala and then we can get going with the DNA. That is fantastic. Once the DNA drama is over it would be a great idea to visit. The drama of it is; the girls will need to sit with their birthmother to have their cheeks swabbed.... for this DNA collection it is mandatory that each girl be seated upon the birthmother's lap. I hope my next update will be that DNA is done and a match (of course) and Tiny's medicals..... I love all this progress!



***p.s. Check out the live web cam at the bottom of this page... you can see a volcano near Guatemala City, in the background. Hopefully you have noticed the weather girl to the right. It's as close as I can get to being there.... for now!

Shoes

We recieved a nice group of update pictures this morning via email. The girls look healthy enough. Merci's shoes leave something to be desired. Yenifers hair is growing in nice and beautiful. More pictures to follow. The agency said we should receive a medical update next week.