For the Love of Savanna

I was out of PGN on 1/11/06 , a day I will NEVER forget. I learned today that the attorney did not request a new birth certificate (Savanna's last name will change to my last name) until 1/18/06. The average time to change the birth certificate, even though Savanna was born in Mixco which is near Guatemala City, is 8-10 business days. If her birth certificate is changed by 2/1/06, I can expect to travel to Guatemala 4-10 days later, around 2/5/06- 2/11/06. I will be travelling very close to Savanna's 6 month birthday, 2/9/06. I'm a bit disappointed that it's taking so long, but I'm out of Hell. It's only a matter of time... tick....tock....tick...tock.

I received a lot of great information from my travel meeting today. My Agency is very well organized. I got this great travel packet with a lot of information. I will share what I learned in hopes that it will help someone else.

 Hotel

If you are going to stay at the Marriott in Guatemala City, call ahead to let them know your flight information so a shuttle will be ready to pick you up at the airport. You can also rent strollers from the Marriott. The whole third floor at the Marriott is dedicated to families adopting from Guatemala. The hotel and rooms are "family friendly" and include cribs.

Airport

The Guatemalan airport is very small but very busy. There may be several Guatemalans who try to take your luggage from you. They are not trying to steal from you. They are trying to work for a tip. You can either give them money or kindly say, "no thank you".

Tips & Taxes

Bring an envelope full of  $1's and $5's for tipping. Also bring separate envelopes for your paperwork and money associated with each transaction such as, the meeting at the Embassy is $380 in USD or credit card. However, if the credit card swipping fails two times you must pay in cash, (NO traveller's checks will be accepted), $3 visitor tax, $30 travel fee, $100 escort fee. The visitor tax and travel fee are paid at the time of purchasing your ticket or at the airport. Hold on to your pay stubs because you may need them later.

Meet the Caregiver

In my case, Savanna's fostermom will bring her to the lobby of the Marriott the day after I arrive. I will have an undetermined amount of time to talk with her with a translator. I was advised to create a list of questions ahead of time as people often have a memory lapse when experiencing intense emotions. It is also customary to bring a gift(s) to the foster mother and her children.  

Embassy Appointment

You will need to bring your child(ren) that you are adopting to the U.S. Embassy appointment. You will be permitted to bring one small bag with you.  It will be thoroughly searched. You cannot bring any electronic device with you. The process will go something like this...you will go to Window 4 to fill out visa paperwork (I think this is when you have to pay $380 USD)... then you will be called for a brief  interview (about 5 minutes) at which time you will be asked a few questions about why you want to adopt a child... you will be called to "swear in"... then you go back to the Marriott. (I will have an escort handling all the paperwork and guiding me each step of the way).  At 3:30 p.m. the next day,  the escort will take me to pick up the Visa after which time I will be free to fly home.

Buying Plane Ticket

When flying back to America/Europe, all chidren must be ticketed whether they are taking a seat or not. Tickets should be in the child's Guatemalan name, the name that appears on their passport. 

Bag Searches

Expect multiple bag searches when you arrive on U.S. soil. For this reason try to pack lightly. You may also have to show an employment verification letter and tax information at the Immigration booth. If you gave tax information at the Embassy in Guatemala you won't have to worry about presenting it to Immigration in the U.S.

Family Transition Time

You should expect a rough month ahead as you and your baby adjust to life together. Both of your will be experiencing many "firsts" together. Many parents second guess their decision to adopt during this  time. I was advised not to wash Savanna's blanket, stuffed animal, or clothes she wore at our first meeting because the smell and textures are familiar to her and will comfort her when she is distressed.

Illness

Expect your child to get a cold or have a respiratory problem while you are in Guatemala. Forced air or air conditioning in the hotels, air ports, planes make them sick. Recommended medications are: Tylenol (Infant) or Tempra, Pediacare, hydrocortisone, oragel, diaper rash ointment, Benadryl, diaper rash ointment. Ask your doctor for antibiotics for an ear infection. Other medical supplies: thermometer, q-tips, nasal aspirator, medicine measuring spoon/dropper, cotton balls, baby nail clippers, baby sunscreen, and baby oil or lotion.

For babies taking formula, buy the formula in Guatemala. The formula in the US is different even though it is the same brand. Babies can experience digestive pain from a change in diet. Bring an extra can of formula from Guatemala home with you and  gradually introduce the U.S. formula by mixing the Guatemalan and U.S. formulas together.

Guatemalan babies typically have Mongolian Spots (dark markings that look like bruises on their  backs). It's a good idea to let family and friends know about the spots so they do not think you are abusing your beloved child. The spots are normal and go away in time.

For those who have travelled before me, have I missed anything?

Yay, I finally have Savanna's 5 mo update. As of 1/6/06 she weighs 13.12 lbs, her head circumference is 15.74 inches. Savanna has graduated to solid food-- a little bit of chicken, strained vegetables, fruit, rice cereal, and canned baby food. She still drinks Similc Advance.

Savanna still likes to play with the crackling, crunchy sounding teething cloth I sent her. She continues to like to listen to music and be sung to (I am gonna have to take voice lessons quick. I can't sing  or carry a tune for the life of me!). Savanna likes to play with other children too.

Savanna's health is nothing short of PERFECT!

My little Savanna, after all these long months, I will finally be able to meet you in a few weeks. I am very nervous about our meeting. As a matter of fact, I feel a sense of sadness for you and for your foster mommy. I have little doubt she loves you. I can see it in her face when she holds you. How could she not love you, precious one? She has taken care of all of your needs for the last 5 1/2 months. She has provided you with a sense of security, has comforted you when you were sad and angry. She's been there to share your first smile, your first tantrum, your first taste of solid food, your first everything. Undoubtedly,  your foster mom will miss you terribly. She will cry when it's time to say "good-bye". I will feel her pain.  I will also feel joy as I have waited a very long time for this moment. I will feel for you too as she places your body in my arms. I will feel overwhelmed with happy emotions. You will likely be confused and frightened. You have never seen me, never heard my voice, seen a picture, had a single thought about me. I will smell different, look different, speak a different language from any person that you have known. You may feel sad, a deep sense of loss, grief at a time when I experience joy.  I will be sensitive to your needs, my love. I, too, will do my best to comfort you, allow you to cling to me or distance yourself from me when you need to. I won't wash your Guatemalan blanket for a while so you can keep all the familiar smells you love nearby.  I will rock you, sing to you, hold you close, wipe your tears, and kiss your sweet cheeks.  I will be your rock. Hopefully, it won't take you long before you will know that you can trust me, feel I am your safe haven, and begin to experience the depth of my love for you.

I love you now and always,

Mom

I didn't get Savanna's 5 month update today, so no news to share on that front. I did get her pictures though. She changes her facial expressions a lot in what, presumably, is a very short time frame. I also can't believe how much she's grown. It blows my mind. I hope I can raise her to be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

I don't know if the birth certificate was changed to my last name, if the Adoption Decree was completed, how close the attorney is to getting passport pictures or the request for PINK.  I hope to find out more information on Monday.

I have a "travel meeting" on 1/23. I think I will be told  the specifics related to the trip when "Queen S" is picked up and brought home to her castle.

This week-end I will work on getting my income tax information in order so that when the "PINK" call  comes I won't have to worry about completing this dreaded task before, or shortly after,  Savanna's arrival.  Next week, after work, I'll start packing for the trip, whenever that might be.

I am so very happy for Barb & Jeff from "Wingnut Journey". Carlton is home forever (well, maybe not forever, but for a very long time!). Congratulations!

Lisa & Frank from "Dominic's Countdown" just came home from an awesome visit with Dominic. They are still in PGN but hopefully will be out shortly!

Please go to Julie's, "Tales From the Stirrups", and vote for baby Dylan. He needs all the "10" votes he can get. Right now he's in second place. You owe me one for this one Julie (smile).  I sure hope he wins!

I completed Savanna's toy chest last week-end and was certain she would have plenty of room for extra toys. Where did all these toys come from?!

The toy chest is really an album crate that I bought online. I stained it to match the dark colored furniture in the family room. The sides of the crate have openings which will make it  easy  to move from place to place. This was a very easy craft project.

The doll to the right side of the picture was made by my sister, Karen. The material is very soft. Karen was hoping to buy a darker fabric for the skin tone but the store didn't have it. I just love this doll! Isn't Karen special? She's just a really good person. She's 10 years older than I am and has always been so kind and thoughtful towards me (I'll do a post about her in the near future). Y'all would be surprised about what she has accomplished in life. I am very proud of her. Thank you, Sis. I love you.

I shall post Savanna's 5 month pictures and medical update tomorrow.

My dear co-worker Julie C., also known as "Shine" has been helping me with my Spanish. In October, I asked her to write these sentences in Spanish so when I meet Savanna I can talk to her in the language that is most familiar to her. I have been working feverishly  these past few weeks to memorize the following sentences. I'm getting there although my pronunciation is pitiful.

I love you = Te amo, Te adoro, Te quiero

I love your big brown eyes = me encantan tus ojos morenos

You are the love of my life = Tu eres el amor de mi vida

You are a beautiful baby girl = Tu eres el bebe mas hermosa en todo el mundo

I am so lucky to have you in my life = Tengo tanto suerte para tenerse en mi vida

You are precious = Tue eres preciosa

I love your smile = Me encanta tu sonrisa

I thank God for the day that you were born = Cada dia digo gracias a Dios pro el dia que nacio.

I am so grateful for Julie's help. She has also translated the letters to Savanna's foster mother over the past several months (I'm hoping she will help translate the letter I write to Ramona too). Shine, I will forever be grateful for your kind, generous heart.

WOW Savanna, your mom was listed #3 in Best of  International Adoption Blogs at  http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/blogging  in the "Africa and Latin America" categories. Dylan's mom from "Tales of the Stirrups", and Gabe's mom at "Boy Makes Three" are listed too. Kristin, from "The Unmarked Path" was #1.  And Sster from "Boomerfic" is listed in the "Domestic Adoption" category. Way to go girlfriends!

I clicked on  "Guatemala Adoption" and quess where it took me? Right here! Amazing.

I have to say that I was more than shocked and equally as humbled to see this site listed. I feel very honored.

Thank you.

Congratulations to all my bloggin' buddies who made "Best of Blogs" too!

I'm OUT, I'm OUT, I'm OUT of Hell, oops, I mean PGN. I'm so excited I can hardly type. My whole body is shaking with complete joy. Tears are rolling down my face.

I am now Savanna's momma forever. It finally happened!

So what are the next steps? The birth certificate has to be changed to my last name (hee haw! I just can't control myself right now I'm so over the top with joy!). Next, Savanna will be issued a passport, meet with a US Embassy doctor, and I will get a call that says, "you now have the PINK SLIP". When I get the "Pink" call I can travel to pick Savanna up,  and bring her to her castle where she will be QUEEN forever. I will also have to meet with someone at the Embassy.

Thank you for all of your kind words of support. I have really needed them. What a roller coaster ride, but what joy to look forward to.

Yippeeeeee, Yippeeee, Glory Hallelujah!!!!

Love to the WHOLE WORLD,

Betsy

Happy 5 month old birthday Savanna. I can't wait to get your update and pictures around the 20th of this month.

Well, your 'ol mom went right over the edge yesterday. She got what would have been a nice letter from Kerry at the adoption agency except she mentioned my "case being right on track" and that I could expect to "pick you up between Feb. and April". Well, I lost it. I cried, and cried. I sent a letter to Kerry and the director of the agency. It wasn't very nice but it did state my feelings. I should have talked to your Granny before I sent the email as she is a voice of reason and can calm my most turbulent storms.

The director said she would call me later this week after reviewing my file. She alluded to my not being behind schedule. I think being in PGN for 43 days is behind schedule. (If you substract 10 for the holidays, I've still been in PGN for 33 days). I know the paperwork hasn't been "kicked out" and I'm "near the end", but how much longer is it going to take?! I really wish I knew specific information about what is taking so long. Did my case get lost? Is the attorney really doing all that she can? (I was told that she is).

I haven't slept well the past two nights and now have a migraine. All I want to do is bring you home so we can start our lives together. My heart aches to be with you.

This has got to be the most frustrating experience I've ever had and with so much at stake.

Savanna, I hope you will never doubt my love for you.

Love,

Your cranky Mom

**Pray that I get out of PGN this week**

I didn't get the "Out" call but I did get some really good news.

I can write a letter to Ramona and send it to the attorney in Guatemala when the adoption process is over. I am really happy about this. I hope Ramona will feel less emotional pain if we are able to remain in contact. It is only fair that she know about me, my family, my values. Right now she doesn't know anything and I am saddened by this.

The adoption agency  routinely sends yearly updates (letters, pictures, etc.) to the attorney who fowards them to the birthmoms. I can send more letters and pictures more often if I want to. Very good. I feel a sense of relief. I really do believe this is in Savanna's best interest.  I also want to remain in contact with Savanna's foster mother. It will make it easier when I take Savanna to Guatemala for visits if we have remained "connected" however loosely that might be.  I will keep up with my end of my commitment come rain or shine!

Oh, and more good news. I will get a cursory report of why Ramona couldn't care for Savanna shortly. The better news is that I will get a full report when I pick Savanna up.

So, today is a GOOD day! (Even though I've been in PGN for 40 days now!) 

Feeling hopeful in general, happy for Barb and Mildred who are packing as they can pick their babies up within the next 2 weeks.  Congratulations! A big hug for both of you!

I spoke to Kerry, the gal at the adoption agency today. Well, the good news is there is no problem to date with my paperwork in PGN. Is that suppose to make me feel better!? Of course I contained myself and didn't SCREAM at her (she's a very nice person).  Oh, and I was told, "being in PGN for 39 days really isn't that long because it was closed for 2 weeks".  And I said, LORD LOVE A DUCK!! I sure did! Well, I said a few other things too. After I composed myself and took a very long breath, I asked very sweetly (thinking I might get the answer I wanted), "how much longer do you think I'll be in PGN?".  Kerry, "I don't know but you are at the tail end".

DOES ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING?!!!

Again, I composed my sweet self, and asked about getting a report regarding why Ramona, (Savanna's birthmom), relinquished her parental rights.  Kerry will look into that and see if it is a possiblity. She will also find out if I can send a letter to Ramona and see if she would like me to keep in contact with her once I bring Savanna home.  The Agency has a policy not to have contact until the adoption process is over. Fine by me, just find out what Ramona would like!

I was told that the attorney can't move things any faster once it is in PGN.

So, the update really wasn't much of an update.......

I am trying to take a Zen approach now... nonattachment, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe.