The Kanakos Kiddos...........

Crisis in Guatemala

2010-06-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, all in a week - a volcano in Guatemala erupted and Agatha hit. Below are links that you can read about what is going on in Guatemala.

Kudos goes out to Target for stepping up to the plate and donating $25K to Guatemala Relief Efforts. Hmmm, can some please tell me why our President didn't step up to the plate and help out with Guatemala? He jumped right on board with Haiti - how about Guatemala???

Guatemala is Dear to out hearts - because that is our daughter and son's Birth Country. It's a tragedy what happened and the people in Guatemala can use your help. If you want to help out - you can donate to Mayan Families (link below) for a tax write off. You can also donate new/gently used clothes, shoes, toys, jackets, etc. to Journey of the Heart (link below).

Peter and Anna has packed up a lot of their toys and stuffed animals and mailed them to Journey of the Heart - for the kids in Guatemala. This weekend, Peter packed up his clothes that no longer fit him and they were mailed out this weekend to go to Guatemala. Peter was so excited knowing that he is helping.

www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/06/a_rough_week_for_guatemala.html

journey of the heart - http://www.heart4children.blogspot.com/

mayan families - http://www.mayanfamilies.org/

Please pray for the families in Guatemala during this time.
thanks for your support and it is truly appreciated.

Margaret.

Wow, how time flies!

2010-05-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I admit it - I have been a slacker. LOL. But with two little angels - who can blame me for not staying up to date with the Blog. Sorry there - I have to work on this - I know you heard it before - but this time I mean it. All the info here is soo important and I want Anna and Peter to know everything from their childhood.

I am still trying to figure out how to print the "blog" and put it into Anna's and Peter's Life Book. So, if anyone here knows how to do that - please let me know. thanks.

Okay, so we left off at Christmas. Christmas was spectacular! Anna and Peter are both old enough to know all about Santa - so that Magic of Christmas is there bright and early in the morning.

After Christmas we went upstate to do some Snowmobiling along with some Family Time. Aunt Donna and Cousin Rebecca joined us a couple of day for some snow fun. Peter is slowly getting use to the idea to drive his own lil snowmobile. I am guessing next year when he is 5 - we'll be worried about his driving, because I can see him being that Lil dear devil on his sled. Anna, she's a little tuffy - she'll be right there riding with her brother. Both kids love playing in the snow, regardless how cold it is. And trust me - it was cold. It was 0 degree F, and with the wind it was about -20 degrees F. The ski slope for tubing was cold "due to possible chance of frost bite". So you know it's cold for that to happen. New Years Eve we were upstate and Anna was sound asleep by 8pm, Peter was trying really hard to stay awake, but I can't complain because he managed to stay awake longer than Daddy. Mommy stayed awake to see the ball drop and then daddy woke up - after the fact. We also celebrated Kings Day/Little Christmas on January 6th. In Guatemala they celebrate Kings day by having special bread. Mommy found a great bakery that makes the bread and we got the bread from there. To celebrate to special holiday - we sent food/care package to Peter's foster family through this organization we found that provides this service to families in the U.S. that want to help out their children's birth families and/or foster families. Little Christmas (same day as king's day) is the day we undecorated out tree and put away all the Christmas Decorations.

February - we had lots of snow on long island and the kids enjoyed playing in it. We also went to the Daytona Races the week of Feb 13th. We spent the week at Daytona Beach. It really wasn't warm enough to spend a day at the beach, but the kids enjoyed going swimming in the outdoor heated pool. The kids were TROOPERS at the Daytona Races, they did great. The race was delayed to do accidents and then it was delayed a couple of hours, because the track had a HUGE hole in the track so they had to repair it to continue the race. Mommy was sooo proud of how well the kids did. When the sun went down at the race, it got really cold - and of cause we weren't dressed for that, because the race was suppose to be over about 5pm not after 9pm. Daytona race itself, didn't plan for this mishap because all the food vendors were out of food and beverages and the Nascar vendors were all sold out of clothes, so we couldn't even buy more clothes to layer the kids to keep warm. It was nice to get back to the resort to warm up and get some sleep. We also celebrated Anna's Gotcha day the end of February. Anna enjoyed her own ice cream with lots of whip cream.

March, April, & May - Anna was enjoying going to the YMCA (she's been going since Jan @ 21/2 years old). Anna loves the gym activities they do along with Arts and Crafts. Anna is the youngest in her class, but the best artist when it comes to doing crafts. Peter enjoys going to Preschool and went to Kindergarten orientation and can't wait to go. Peter is so excited about Kindergarten next year, I hope he is this excited after he finds out that the bus will be picking him up about 7:20 in the morning. Peter is doing really good with Karate - he has his orange belt now with a stripe on it. Peter will be needing another strip before he can be tested to get his purple belt.

Anna is a tuffy and is oh sooo stubborn. If Anna doesn't want to do something she won't - well, at least try to get away with not doing it. Every week we go and visit Grandma, because she loves to see us. But lately, Anna has been showing her true colors at Grandma's. Anna managed to be the talk of the family for weeks! One day we brought Wendy's (fast food like Mc Donald's) to grandma's for lunch. With the kids meals - they get a little frosty (milkshake). Anna took it upon herself to drink the frosty in Grandma's living room. Mommy told Anna that she can't drink the frosty in the living room, within a second she threw the cup to the floor and kicked it across the living room. And then proceeded to fold her arms across her chest and looked at mommy. Mommy looked at grandma to see her reaction, and then asked Anna to pick up the cup and throw it out. Anna said NO and proceeded to walk out of the living room with her arms still folded across her chest. So, mommy took Anna hand over hand and walked her to pick up the cup and walked her to the garbage can to throw it out. Anna did not voluntarily do this one bit. Anna was lucky that the frosty cup was empty, because it would of made a huge mess if it wasn't. Anna loves her brother, but sometimes can be a bit too much for Peter, where Peter needs a break from his baby sister. Anna is a good eater and loves her veggies and fruits. We have attempted to potty train her, but she just isn't ready. Anna still wakes up in the morning soaking wet, so the Ped. Dr says she is not ready, because she can't control her bladder yet. So, hopefully in a couple of weeks - we'll be able to try that again. Positively thinking.

Peter, is such a sweet boy. He has his moments, but luckily there are far and few apart. Peter hasn't napped in a long time and unfortunately it shows sometimes when he is overtired. Peter loves Nascar and enjoys playing with the cars. He is big with power rangers, bakugan, dinosaurs along with other toys boys like to play with. Sometimes, Peter tries to be mommy's little helper and will tell Anna when she is bad and how she should be acting to not get in trouble. Peter has changed his eating habits as he has gotten older. He isn't a big veggie eater, but he does love his Pasta with Parmesan cheese. Peter still loves strawberries and other fresh fruits. As for milk - Peter hasn't touched that since he gave up the bottle. We tried mixing milk with other things (Hershey syrup, instant carnation breakfast, etc), but Peter didn't want anything to do with it. Peter went to the Dentist to get his teeth checked and to get the paperwork filled out for Kindergarten. He has some cavities, but the dentist says that it is from when his birth mother was pregnant with him during the 3rd tri-mester - more then likely she was sick with a high temperatures and lacked nutrition. So, we are going to get Peter's teeth fixed, just to make sure they don't get any worse. Peter is doing great in school and soon will have his graduation from pre School. Peter loves having family time - where the family will watch a movie together, or play a board game together. if it was up to Peter - he would want family time everyday all day long. Peter is a mommy's boy, no doubt about that, but he is slowly growing up and has gone upstate with daddy for the weekend and had fun. When Peter returned from upstate, with daddy - he came running into the house to give mommy and big hug and let mommy know how much he missed her. Peter is the most lovable son around. He is forever say "i love you mom" out of the clear blue sky and for no reason. Anna is following Peter's steps when it comes to this and it just melts mommy's heart. Daddy still ask Peter and Anna where his "i love you" is, and mommy keeps on telling daddy - that he has to wait for it and it helps to show love to get it. Mommy is hoping one day - it'll catch on to daddy - so he can feel that unconditional love from two little angels.

June is coming upon us and Peter has graduation coming up and Anna will be finishing up her session with Gym/Art. Anna and Peter will be taking swimming lessons at Saf T Swim this summer.

This summer we have a lot of things planned - so you'll have to check back for all the fun things. Sometime soon, I hope to post pics - so everyone can see Anna and Peter.

Have a great summer!!!!

My kiddos are getting so Big!

2010-05-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

okay, the kiddos went to the Dr's this morning for some shots and to get weighed and measured and this is how they measured up.........

Anna - height - 34 1/2", weight - 28 pounds.

Peter - height - 42 1/2", weight - 42.5 pounds.

They are happy and healthy!

HO Ho ho, Santa is coming..........

2009-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so do you know Santa is coming in just 39 days. WOW!

About two weeks ago, mommy attempted to bring Anna and Peter to the photo studio to get their Christmas pictures done. Peter was very cooperative and eager to take them and be done with them. Anna on the other hand - had other things in mind. When we got to the studio, mommy had to get Anna dressed in her pretty Christmas dress - Anna was screaming "no, No, no" and tried to run away from the dress. After a few minutes, mommy managed to get the dress on Anna. Anna didn't want anything to do with Pictures - with or without her big Brother. The photographer managed to get some "okay" pictures - so mommy said that was fine. Mommy was happy that we got at least one "okay" one with the both of them together.

As for Anna's Pretty pretty dress, her big brother Peter picked the dress out when we went shopping at the mall. While walking through the store, this dress caught Peter's eye and he said "mommy, we have to get this dress for Anna, she would look really pretty in it for Christmas". Mommy agreed and purchased the dress. Mommy was so surprised that Peter thought of his baby sister and Christmas too. Peter was so excited about the dress, when we got home he had to show it to his sister.

Today, mommy was eager to try one more time - to get pictures of Anna while her big brother was at School. Mommy was very glad she did, because the pictures were priceless. The last picture (scroll down, its right above "Santa's hands") was so darling - it was too bad she wasn't looking forward, but this shows you just how pretty Anna looked in her dress. Yes I know, mommy has to do something with the hair, but mommy couldn't find a headband/piece to put in Anna's hair that matched the dress. All the hair accessories, clashed with the dress and besides, Anna looks darling with those curls, curls, curls.

I hope you enjoy the pictures................. we sure did.

Guatemala Needs YOUR Help..........

2009-09-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Thanks for coming back and checking out our blog. I have updates and pics to share with you, but at the moment there is more important things that need to take priority. Please read below. I have posted info about three wonderful organizations that could use your help.

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The following was sent to me via email from the Mayan Families - I can't even put into words how much this bothers me soo. This organiztion is Non Profit, so your donation will be Tax Deductible.

Dear Amigos of Mayan Families,
Many of you may be aware that Guatemala is facing a huge crisis. The President of Guatemala has called it "a calamity". The drought has caused severe food shortages and the cost of basic food items continues to rise daily.

According to Unicef almost half of Guatemala’s children are chronically malnourished—it has the sixth worst record in the world. In parts of rural Guatemala, where the population is overwhelmingly people of Mayan descent, child malnutrition reaches 80%.A diet of little more than tortillas does permanent damage.This is the only diet that many families have right now.
In Guatemala, which has some of the worst levels of chronic malnutrition, children have already started dying. In rural areas, thousands of families can no longer afford to eat. Malnutrition rates are rising among the very young, and the elderly. We have many mothers who are not eating, just surviving on a few tortillas a day so that they can give the food to their children.Children who suffer from chronic malnutrition are not in immediate danger of starvation,but they will face stunted growth and a diminished mental capacity. The children don’t look underweight — they just look tiny. Some have light hair, others have patches of hair missing,some are even bloated.

Families that before could afford to feed their children, are now struggling but the families that were already living without enough to eat are now facing daily hunger and the children are quickly becoming malnourished and sick.Daily, we have families coming to our door who have nothing to eat. The worst affected are single mothers whose wages were barely able to keep the family together before this crisis. Now, they just do not have enough to feed their children even the very basics.

Through your help ,Mayan Families currently feeds over 110 children everyday at our three pre-schools. These are children that have been identified as malnourished or are in danger of becoming malnourished.We have started a feeding program for the Elderly this week. Many of the elderly people do not have enough to eat and are becoming very malnourished and weak.We need your help to be able to continue to feed these people and the many more who need help.

This is a crisis situation and while we believe in long term solutions...right now ...people who are hungry cannot wait for crops that will grow during a severe drought or chickens that will lay eggs. They need help today.The biggest need and challenge facing the indigenous people of Guatemala this year and in the coming year will be the struggle to have enough to eat.

The United Nations children's fund, UNICEF, reports that Guatemala has the worst malnutrition problem in Latin America, even higher than the 35.2percent average in Africa!

October 1st is Children's Day in Guatemala. We traditionally celebrated this with a pinata and cake. This year, in the hopes of giving children food, we are asking for a small donation of $10 or more to be able to provide a child with a bag of corn and several pounds of beans to take home. Beans are sometimes the only protein the children will receive.We need food for general distribution.....this is for families that are in desperate situations, many of these will be single mothers.

A 100 lb bag of corn is $35US. This will supply a family of five with tortillas for two weeks .
A 100lb bag of black beans is $90 US.
A carton of 30 eggs is $5US.
A basket of food with a cooked chicken is $35 US.

To help a family get through this crisis , please consider donating today.Any donation of any size, to help feed a child and their Family will be greatly, greatly appreciated.We don't want to turn people away that we know can be helped. With your generous donation, we can help those who are in terrible situations and give them hope. If you would like to nominate your sponsored student to receive your gift of food, we would be very happy to do that.

TO DONATE:Please click on the link to visit our website and donate online at http://www.mayanfamilies.org/DonateOnline and put it in the General Donation area, "Where most needed".

You may also choose to send your donation in the form of a check. Please make it payable to Mayan Families and send to:
Mayan Families
P.O. Box 52
Claremont, N.C. 28610

We are asking you to join in our efforts to help the Guatemalan people by giving a tax-deductible donation.We hope that you will be able to help us with a donation of $25, $50 or more, this will feed a lot of children. However, any donation no matter how small is always welcomed and appreciated. We make every dollar count! We are asking that all contributions - personal, employee and corporate - be made as soon as possible.

You can make a difference right now, today!
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Sharon Smart-Poage
MAYAN FAMILIES
Tel: 619-550-2608

ABOUT US:Mayan Families is a small non-profit group working in the Highlands of Guatemala. We are a registered 501(c) (3) Non Profit Charity. Your donationis tax deductible. P.S. Please help spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to your community or posting it on your personal blog, web page and your social networks such as Facebook, My Space, Twitter, Hi5, Ning and any others that are appropriate.

Please follow Mayan Families on Blog:http://mayanfamilies-sharon.blogspot.com/Twitter:http://twitter.com/mayanfamilies Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1603632323&ref=name Ning :http://mayanfamiliessocialnetwork.ning.com/If you would like to give this gift in Honor of someone special, please send us an email to [mailto:dwight@mayanfamilies.org]dwight@mayanfamilies.org giving us the details and we will put them on our IN HONOR OF Blog.Mayan Families is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible.Thank you once again for supporting Mayan Families!

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This Next Organization - is doing a wonderful things for the children in Guatemala. Vanessa lives on the West Coast and she is doing a "Project Santa". You can learn more by going on her blog (see websites below) for the latest updates. Yesterday Peter and I spent the day cleaning out his room and packing up the toys and books he no longer plays with. These boxes are going to be shipped to Vanessa so another child in Guatemala can have as much fun playing with them as our son Peter did. This weekend, Anna and mommy will be cleaning out her room and doing the same with the toys and books she no longer plays with. With Christmas only being about 91 days away, maybe it's time for you to make some room and donate the old toys and books to the Children in Guatemala.

www.heart4children.blogspot.com (Guatemala missions info)

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This last organization that I want to tell you about - it very close to our family, because my niece and nephew started it and are determined to make a change. As I type this - they are doing a clothes drive for the children in Guatemala. And plan to ship a large container to Guatemala the middle of October. So, while you are packing away your family's summer clothes and taking out your family's winter clothes - whatever you are getting rid of please put in a box and donate it to this organization, so it can be shipped to Guatemala for those who are in need of it. You can go to their website to get updates on what is going on, please go to:
www.te-foundation.com. This organization is Non Profit, so your donation is Tax Deductible.

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I know some of you are probably thinking, why aren't we helping families in the U.S., and I'll give you the same answer I have given others. Here is the U.S. , one doesn't know how lucky they are to have food stamps, and WIC checks, and welfare assistance just to mention a few. In Guatemala they don't have food stamps or the option to collect welfare while things are tuff! Guatemala is Peter's and Anna's Birth Country - so you bet I am going to help their country anyway possible.

We want to Thank you from the TOP of our hearts for your help. Please spread the new so others know about this. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment - those are sent directly to me before being posted on the blog.

Thanks so much!
Margaret

Anna is officially Anna Maria.

2009-07-21T14:31:00.002-07:00

Anna's Birth name was Nancy, since we already had a Nancy in the family - we decided to name our daughter - Anna Maria (Anna after her grandmother in the U.S. and Maria after her Birth mother in Guatemala). So, we had to do some paperwork to make it happen. A few people asked why we re-adopted Anna - and there's a lot of reasons to do it. One is to change her name to her given name, and the other is to get a U.S. Birth Certificate, so in a few years when we have to sign her up for school - it will be an easy task, since she has a U.S. Birth Certificate, as well as all that other stuff you need a Birth Certificate for.

Since Anna came home on a R-3 Visa, the paperwork was a lot shorter - and we weren't required to appear in front of the judge to finalize the re-adoption. Mommy asked the woman if we can appear in front of the judge and the woman from the Adoption office, said for us to do that we would have to fill out the larger packet of paperwork. Then we decided that it would be fine to get her new Birth Certificate and we would just go out to lunch that day to celebrate. Well, a few days later mommy got a phone call from the adoption office and they said that we can appear in front of the Judge for Anna's Re -adoption. Mommy was so surprised and asked the woman how can that be, since we were originally told that wouldn't be an option. It turned out the Judge that did Peter's Re-adoption wanted to do Anna's too - he remembered us and our big family. So mommy was so excited she immediately said yes. Then the woman from the adoption office said - how about tomorrow? Mommy was like oh - that is tooo soon, because daddy wouldn't be able to take off from work that quick. So we picked a day (a Friday) after recess so everyone would be able to make it if they wanted to.

Aunt Carol, Aunt Jean, Aunt Karen/God Mother, Grandma, Pam and Emily all showed up for the re-adoption. Since it got over so quick and early - we all went out to breakfast (except for Pam and her daughter - that had another appt.)

It was such a nice day. It was especially nice that the Judge made an exception for us to be able to appear in court to make it complete.

Mommy thinks the Judge did this, only because he wanted to see how many grandchildren Grandma had now, because the Judge still has grandma beat by about 3 grandchildren. The Judge gave mommy his business address to keep in touch, because he would like to know how the family is doing. Mommy turned around and told the Judge that he just wanted to make sure he still had more grandchildren than my mother/grandma.

Mommy, who's my Grandpa?

2009-07-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Lately, that question has been asked A LOT from Peter. Mommy explained to Peter how he has a Grandpa in Guatemala, and his Grandpas in the U.S. are no longer living. But, Peter wanted a Grandpa. So mommy asked him how would he like to adopt a Grandpa? Peter's face lit up and was so excited over the thought of adopting a Grandpa. So, we took a few days to discuss who he wanted to adopt to be his and Anna's Grandpa. It was a hard decision, because mommy had to make sure that it would be someone who would want to be a "grandpa". So, we discussed our options and we talked about Joe being Grandpa. Then a few days went by with nothing said, then on the news they were talking about a "Joe" who was a hero, and Peter jumped up and said - Joe - that's my Grandpa's name. Then mommy knew - who Grandpa was going to be. Mommy typed up an adoption certificate to send to "Grandpa Joe". Peter and Anna signed it with their thumb prints. We all went to the post office and mailed it to Grandpa Joe. A couple of days later we got a phone call from Grandpa, who wanted to come over and visit. It was pretty tricky to plan the visit, since the kids were both napping when Grandpa called the first time, but the next day - Grandpa came over and had his Adoption Certificate with him and asked Peter about it. And Peter was soo happy to tell his Grandpa what the certificate was for, and Grandpa gave Peter a big hug and said he would love to be his Grandpa. Then Grandpa gave Anna a big hug too. Mommy thinks she even saw some tears in Grandpa's eyes. Peter was soooo excited that he finally had a Grandpa.

About a week later we went to go see Grandpa and Terry (grandpa's girlfriend) sing at a Restaurant. Peter was so excited to see his grandpa sing. Peter turned to mommy and said - you know what mom, my grandpa sings really good, he has a good voice. Peter is just so cute when his face lights up when he talks about things that make him happy.

Below is Grandpa's Adoption Certificate..............

Happy Birthday to Anna Maria

2009-07-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Anna Maria. Wow, how time flies. Anna turned 2 today. Yes, I know you are probably saying "oh those terrible twos". Well, when Anna turned 1 - she was in the "terrible 2 stage", now since she is 2 - I am expecting the "horrible 3 stages". But on a brighter note - she is a cutie pie, and she knows it too. She still does have that "Latin temper" going on, but we are hopeful that once she is able to express herself more clearly - that temper will disappear :) positively thinking of cause. LOL

This evening we had family over for "Anna's Ice Cream Parlor" Birthday Party. It was nice having the party in the evening, it made the day more relaxed and enjoyable. It was a great day and the weather couldn't be any better. It was fun. Anna's cousin's had fun in the sand box and playing on the jungle gym/swing set. We had the party in our backyard. Thanks goes out to Joel, Anna's God Father/Uncle for the tent, tables, and chairs, luckily the rain didn't come but it was nice to have for a bit of shade.

Muchos Gracias goes out to Anna's Birth mother who gave birth to Anna today, and decided to place Anna for adoption. We are ever so grateful for our wonderful daughter. This evening while everyone was singing Happy Birthday to Anna, mommy got a little choked up and teary eyed, when she thought of Anna's Birth Mom on this special day. Mommy helped Anna make a wish while cutting her Birthday Cake, and mommy made a wish too. Mommy hopes that one day, we will be able to have contact with Anna's & Peter's Birth mother, so she/they can know/see how their daughter/son is doing.

The party ended just in time, before all the mosquitoes came out. Instead of spending money on goodie bags, we decided to use that money and purchase food for a family in need in Guatemala - so they can eat for a couple of months, instead of going without. So, instead each child got a little bottle of ice cream cone bubbles with a note, letting them know why there wasn't any goodie bags today. The family thought that it was a wonderful idea. Once everyone left, we saw the large mess that was left to clean up, but we got it all cleaned up and packed away. Anna fell asleep before opening the gifts, so that will be put off until tomorrow.

Sunday, July 19th, 2009 - was another busy day - we had Anna's and Peter's Cousin's Christening to go to, then to a Christening Brunch. We came home for a short "nap time" and then we were off to another Party. Anna's & Peter's cousin Natalya's First Birthday Party was this afternoon. After that party we headed home, and Peter fell asleep in the truck while driving home and mommy carried him straight to his bed and he stayed asleep. Anna was awake and it wasn't bedtime yet, so we decided to open her gifts. Anna was so adorable opening her gifts, with a "sigh" each gift that was handed to her to open. She was so adorable opening her gifts. At Natalya's Birthday Party, her uncle and aunt gave Anna her gift, since they weren't at her party - Anna opened the box and she liked the dress so much - she started to undress herself to put on the new dress she just got - tags and all. LOL. Later on, Anna got her new dress wet - so she tried taking it off, to put something dry on, and we found out that the bloomer panties were still attached to the inside of her dress. So when Anna lifted her dress, you saw the panties hanging down from the inside of the dress - everyone broke out laughing at this cute sight. It was Anna's bedtime, but she wasn't ready to go to sleep quite yet, because she was busy playing with her toys she got as a birthday gift. But once mommy got her sippy ba ba (it use to be her bottle, but it has a sippy cap on it to make is a sippy cup, but that is what anna calls it) ready, Anna was all ready to get her jamies on and go to "nite nite".

It was a busy weekend, but a fun weekend with mommy's & daddy's families.

Here are some pictures of the great weekend...............

Hmmm, I love Ice Cream.............

Happy Birthday to me!

Anna's Ice Cream Parlor

It's my day, I can eat as much Ice Cream as I want.

Hey Mom, come give me a hug!

Gramdma and Me - having some Ice Cream

This was the little note, in the place of "goodie bags"

Peter the Chef - making his baby sister's birthday cake.

How time flies.....................

2009-06-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

well, I know I have been slacking here - but I do have my notes I just have to put them down on this blog. LOL. The only time I get on the computer these days is to check emails - and then it's usually time to hit the hay to get some sleep. My two little angels are keeping me on my toes during their waking hours. So I am going to try and catch up here. Please scroll all the way down until you are all caught up, because there are some interesting Happenings that went on over the past couple of weeks.

Peter and Anna are getting so big. It is amazing to see how each one is growing in so many different ways. Peter is on this kick now on "knock knock" jokes, and it's cute, because when we do the "knock knock" jokes - Anna is right there saying "knock, knock, ......knock, knock" Anna copies her brother to a "T". Peter always complains when Anna is copying him, he "doesn't like it". But mommy tries to explain to Peter that his baby sister loves him so much she wants to be like him, but Peter doesn't want to hear about it. When Peter has play dates - he'll go over to Anna and tell her (as if she knows what he is talking about at 19 months old) that "Emily is his friend, she needs to find her own". I think Peter is going to have his hands full when his baby sister gets bigger - mommy's bets are on Anna when she gets older. Peter loves his sister very much, and he protects her all the time. It so cute to see how they help out each other.

Peter is doing GREAT with the pottie training. Just those couple of accidents the first two days of going cold turkey right to underwear. But, since he gave up his diapers- he also gave up naps. Now, Peter only naps occasionally - depending on the day. If we have a busy morning, then Peter will nap in the afternoon, but if the day is relaxed - then he's good to go and stays up all day. On the days he doesn't take naps - you can tell just by his behavior. There is a difference in Peter's behavior when he naps and when he doesn't. Mommy always has to remind daddy when Peter didn't nap, because we usually have to have extra patience. Peter always manages to give up something at each milestone - when Peter gave up the bottle - he also gave up milk, and now when he gave up his diaper - he gave up naps. Peter has done great in Pre School and is very excited that this is the last week for pre school. During the summer we signed Peter up for swimming lessons, and he'll be going to camp for sports for one week with his pal Emily. Even though, Peter is only 3 (he'll be 4 in Sept.) he has been asking about where he is from. Mommy has always been honest with Peter and told him about his life - both in Guatemala and here in the U.S. And we even talk about how his baby sister Anna is from Guatemala too. We told Peter when he and Anna gets older - we'll be going back to Guatemala to visit so he can see where he was born, and hopefully meet the families that took such good care of him and Anna. A lot of people are surprised that Peter knows so much about his life and Guatemala, and you see it in his pride - even at 3 years old.

You know, thinking about that - I have a story to share. One day we were at a playground playing. Peter and Anna were having so much fun and the weather was sunny and nice. The park was crowded with kids all over (which was odd, because it was a school day & a lot of these kids should have been in school). Aunt Karen kept on eye on Anna, while mommy kept an eye on Peter. Mommy noticed this one kid (maybe 8/9 years old) kept on following Peter and cutting him off on the slides and ladders. It didn't seem to bother Peter - and he was having fun either way, so mommy just kept an eye on it. Then the kid got in front of Peter and turned around and said "your not American you don't belong here" - then before mommy can say a word or reach her hands out to snatch that kid right up - Peter turned around and said "Yes I am - get out of my way" & Peter pushed the kid out of his way. Oh my, mommy just wanted to clap her hands! Bravo Peter! The kid didn't have a thing to say - he looked dum founded. Mommy waited for the kid to do something or say something else to Peter but he didn't - he went his own way and left Peter alone. Mommy looked around to see if the kid's mother was here to go say something to her - but it was hard to tell, because all the women sitting on the benches were busy chatting on their phones - not even paying attention to their children. Then mommy decided that it wasn't worth getting into a confrontation with the rude parent in front of Peter & Anna. Unfortunately, even in the year 2009 with Obama as President, people are still like that. As for the kid - someone taught him that - that is not something you just learn on your own. It is such a shame. But Peter's mommy is so proud of him for doing what he did without any hesitation.

Anna - wow - she is definitely a girl. LOL. She's a toughie and she doesn't put up with much. Unfortunately, the few times we visited Grandma, she (grandma) got to see just how Anna can be. Grandma is already predicting that mommy will be busy going to school, because Anna will be in trouble and be in the Principal's office a lot. Hopefully this is just a phase, that will pass. Boys are definitely different than girls. When Anna really wants something, it is amazing how she can talk so clearly and ask for it. Anna will probably be pottie trained very soon, because I think she'll know she won't have to fight mommy during diaper changes, if she just does her pee pee & poo poo on the pottie. Anna HATES diaper changes. Anna also, learned a new trick with all her velcro shoes and sneakers. While Anna is walking - she'll bend down and undo the velcro then take a couple of more steps and say "OH OH" and start laughing because her shoes would fall off. So mommy would have to put the shoes back on, maybe a minute later - Anna would be doing the same thing.........."OH OH". So the other day, Anna got a new pair of sneakers - with SHOE LACES. Anna was soo upset over her new sneakers - she was trying with all her might to get them off, and she was trying really hard to untie the double not, to get the sneakers off, but she wasn't able to do it. So Anna will definitely be a shoelace girl for now on.

Anna & Peter amaze me with the things they do and the things they say every day - they always manage to put a smile on my face all the time. I just love being their mom. Peter is forever saying "I love you mom" - regardless where we are or what we are doing. Out of the clear blue sky, Peter will say "your the best mom in the whole wide world". I am the luckiest mom in the whole wide world - for having 2 wonderful children.

oh yeah, a few people have been asking about the fish - well, we still have 2 fish left. It's amazing how these two fish are still living. Their names are snoopy and woodstock.

Four Fish.....Three Fish........Two Fish.......

2009-06-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

sigh............................... okay, so the kids had their cousin Ryan's Birthday party yesterday and it was a Carnival Theme. And guess what the prize was? Yup - you guessed it - Gold Fish. So, instead of Peter just taking two home - one for him and one for Anna, he also had to take two more home for his older sisters. The fish were doing fine when we got home. Then last night, daddy woke up mommy to let her know a fish died. And this morning, daddy told mommy that another fish died. Now, keep in mind - mommy thought that daddy took care of the dead fish. This morning while daddy was getting ready for work - mommy and Peter was sitting at the kitchen table discussing what they were going to do today. Mommy looked at the jar where the fish were and noticed that there was still 2 live fish in the jar along with the 2 dead fish. So, mommy asked daddy if he was going to take care of the fish (of cause not to alarm Peter - mommy was spelling the words to daddy, so he can take care of the dead fish without Peter watching). Well, daddy being like most men - thought mommy would take care of it. LOL. So, with a few more words spelled out to daddy - he took care of the dead fish without Peter noticing. After daddy took care of the fish - he left quickly for work, knowing that Peter was asking about the fish. Peter saw that there were two fish missing, so in a very nice way - mommy explained how they were in fish heaven. Peter got upset over the two fish no longer being here, so mommy changed the subject to better and happier things. Throughout the day Peter kept on bringing up the "dead fish" - we even had a name for all 4 fish. Peter asked which fish died - so of cause mommy told him that Lucy and Woodstock (yes, after charlie brown) died, and Peter was happy about that, because those fish were for his older sisters, they weren't his fish. LOL. So now, it is almost midnight and Charlie and Snoopy are still living. Lets hope they are here tomorrow - otherwise, mommy will be making a trip to the fish store, but this time it will be for a Betta Fish - they are much hardier fish.

we'll keep you posted on the Charlie Brown story.

oh yeah, on a cuter note...............

Yesterday while driving to Ryan's Birthday Party (it was about an hour and 10 minute drive) - it looked like rain. So mommy was talking to daddy about how we need sunshine - so the party isn't indoors. Peter then said with a big smile on his face - "mom you already have sunshine, you have me". Oh my - it brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. Mommy then told Peter that he was so right - he is my sunshine! Then Daddy just looked at mommy in awww - that our son just came out and said that.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

To all the Grandmothers, moms, mamas, Godmothers, Foster mothers, etc. etc. etc. Happy Mother's Day! I am so Thankful for my two little Angels on this special day. I prayer that their Birth moms are safe and happy, and know that their little ones are doing very good. Because of Anna & Peter, everyday feels like Mother's Day! I am very Blessed to be their mom.

You may ask what is the difference on Mother's Day, well that is easy - this day Daddy gets to do stuff around the house, that mommy would normally be doing. Even though mommy gets to hear daddy with his sighs each job he completes. LOL. It just goes to show - Daddy can't handle "mommy's world". This morning we went out for Brunch with a few of mommy's family to celebrate Mother's Day, and grandma was there too. It was a nice brunch. Then we walked around town, and came home and daddy planted all the nice plants that him and the kids bought for mommy. This evening, Daddy will be BBQ-ing a nice dinner for the family. It'll be a nice peaceful day, since mommy has nothing to do.

I would like to share a poem with you, that my niece Kim found on line - while searching for a poem for the mother's who have babies in the NICU in Rochester where she works. It brought tears to my eyes just reading it................hope you like it............

Cross-Cultural Adoption
Author: Victoria Carrington

I don’t look like my mommy
People have started to say
I don’t look like my mommy
So I asked her why one day

“Some babies are so special,
They come in different ways
Some must wait for their babies
For days and days and days

Some babies come from close by
The Mom who had them could not stay
Other Mommies are waiting for them
For a baby they pray and pray and pray

Other babies are born in a far-away land
The mommy who had them no longer there
But some Mommies fly across the sea
A baby’s love to share

You may have a different skin color
Or a different kind of hair
But the love Mommy has for her baby
Will truly always be there

No matter how you or I look
One thing will always be true
You are my precious baby
And I will always love you!

The other day, we went to Hallmark to get cards for the special people in Anna's & Peter's life for Mother's Day. Kuddos goes out to Hallmark for having such a nice selection of Mother's Day cards written in Spanish. Even though, we are unable to send cards to Peter's & Anna's Birth moms, we got cards for their Foster moms along with a card for Jacqueline - Anna's Lawyer's wife - who had a big part in taking care of Anna while she was in Guatemala. We mailed out the cards with pictures of Anna & Peter for Mother's Day.

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!

Project Santa

2009-04-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
A Blog that I have been following is working on "Project Santa" (Christmas in Guatemala) and I thought I would help spread the word, because I am sure a lot of us have a lot of stuffed animals put away in the closet or the attic. This is a good way to clean out that closet and put a smile on a child's face in Guatemala. Read the info below for more details. I also included an email address where you can contact the person in charge directly. Please pass the word.

thanks,
Margaret.

2009 PROJECT SANTA
Would you like to be a child's Santa this year??? Here's your chance!! You can simply donate a new or gently used toy to a child in Guatemala this holiday season!! It's simple just gather the toy and ship it to me at P.O. Box 276 Des Allemands, LA 70030 if you're using regular postal service or to 146 Norman Ln. Des Allemands, LA 70030. Due to the high cost of shipping these items to Guatemala I'm asking that with each toy you also include a donation to help with the shipping expense. This is not meant to hinder those who would like to donate, but this is a vital part of Project Santa!!Want to save on shipping the item twice?? Simply click on the donate button and contribute to the Guatemala missions. This money wil go towards shipping and party expenses as well as helping ot make sure we gather enough toys for the children!! For more info on Project Santa, becoming a mission team volunteer, or to coordinate a shipping site from your home simply email me at vbayouangel@aol.com Thanks for all of your continued support!!

The BEST advice I can give about pottie training is...

2009-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

The best advice I can give any mother when it comes to pottie training, is WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE READY, AND FORGET ABOUT WHATEVER ANYBODY IS TELLING YOU - ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WITH YOUR OWN CHILD!

For the past year I have tried to put Peter on the pottie, I tried everything. I listened to every one's advice and pointers on how I should do it, but it just wasn't worth the fight to get Peter to sit on the pottie. I said forgetaboutit. Daddy was even giving mommy advice on how she should do it, but mommy never saw daddy step up to the plate to show her how it was done. So mommy told daddy, when Peter's ready then he'll be pottie trained. Over the past couple of years I have heard horror stories about how different parents pottie trained their child. I heard about the tantrums, the sleepless nights, the fed up points that so many mothers reached, or how some mothers stayed at home for a month with their child determined to get their child pottie trained before they reached 2 1/2. I was like - are you kidding me! I didn't want to be part of any of these horror stories. So I just left the pottie in the bathroom as a foot stool for Peter to brush his teeth and I left his Diego & Power Ranger underwear in the drawer for the day to come.

Well, on March 12th, that morning came where Peter told mommy that he wanted to wear underwear. Of course mommy was very surprised, but it was a very happy surprise. Mommy reminded Peter that he had school today, but it didn't matter - Peter wanted to wear underwear so mommy put underwear on him. It has been over a month - and Peter has just worn underwear - no pull up diapers, no diapers at bedtime or nap time - he wore underwear all the time. Peter only had a couple of accidents the first two days, and that was it.

This happy story I am happy to share, because since mommy waited for the "right time" - it has been a wonderful experience. We didn't have to stay home for a month to work on the pottie training. Peter never got upset those couple of times he did have an accident and mommy was cool throughout the whole thing. This is the way pottie training should be for both the child and the parent.

This is the way pottie training should be, forget about the age thing and being determined to "keep up with the Jones" and having your child pottie trained by the same age the rest of his peers were pottie trained. Let your child decide when he/she is ready - trust me - you'll be happy you did.

Good Luck!

Well, who would of thought........

2009-03-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Who would of thought that the family court would of called us up, to let us know for Anna's re-adoption we can appear in front of the judge. Mommy was so surprised to hear that over the phone, she had to ask the lady to repeat what she just said. And yup it was true - the woman on the other end of the phone said that the judge said if we and our family wanted to appear in front of him for the final signing of the re-adoption he would do it. Of course I had to question it, because just last week we were told that it wasn't possible since it was a re-adoption for an international adoption. But the same Judge who signed off on Peter's re-adoption paper work agreed to do the same for us for Anna and he welcomed us and our family into his court for the proceedings. I was so excited - because for Peter's it was such a nice thing that the court did and grandma (mom's mother) enjoyed seeing it done. So, mommy told the woman that they would love to come to court, and she said how about this Friday - hmmmm, mommy knew that wasn't going to work because Daddy was planning on being out of town working. So we scheduled it for the 17th of April - when mommy & daddy would be around along with grandma and other family and friends would have enough time to rearrange their schedule if they wanted to attend. So, Friday April 13th, 2009 Anna's re-adoption paperwork will be signed off by the same Judge who did our son Peter's re-adoption.

When daddy came home from work, mommy told him the good news and he was very surprised that they agreed to do it. It will be a nice day to have family and friends there to see this special event take place with our Daughter.

Special Thanks to the Judge who agreed to let us have this opportunity with our daughter.

It's been a GREAT 10 days!

2009-03-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well, 10 days ago - Peter wanted nothing to do with pull ups/diapers - he just wanted underwear. Well, it has been GREAT!!!! Thursday night he went to bed with underwear on under his pj's - and he woke up in the morning without having an accident....YIPPIE! Friday - was better with going on the potty. He would run to the potty, but would get himself a little wet and get the potty a little wet - missing the potty. But he was doing great, and did not want to give up. When daddy came home, we took Peter to the toy store for a gift - for doing such a great job with the potty training. Friday night was great, Peter woke up Saturday morning without having an accident. Saturday - Peter became the "holding king" and only went to the bathroom once all day. We went to Margaret's sister & husband's house for a St. Patrick's dinner and Peter told mommy he had to go potty, but mommy took Peter to the wrong bathroom, he needed his potty chair - so mommy ran to the other bathroom where Peter's potty chair was and we made it 1/2 way through. But this accident is mommy's fault because it was her who went to the wrong bathroom. LOL. Since Friday (9 days ago) Peter hasn't had any accidents!!!!! Mommy still has to remind Peter to hold snoopy (yes, we gave it a name - or should I say Peter named it) down so he doesn't get everything including Peter's pants wet. Peter has tried standing a couple of times, but "snoopy just isn't listening". LOL. Peter loves the potty chart (Lightning McQueen) - because when he gets 20 stickers - he gets to go to the Toy Store to get a toy. Today he told mommy that he wanted to get a fish instead of a toy, we'll have to see about that request. This evening, Peter thought he was a "big boy" and went to the bathroom by himself and also cleaned up the potty chair by himself also. Mommy walked into the bathroom, and had a lot of mess to clean up - since I didn't know if the pee actually made it into the toilet or not. Peter is just so happy over accomplishing going to the potty on his own.

As for Mommy, I am so happy that this potty training thing is going so smoothly. Over the past few years, I have been hearing "horror stories" about people potty training their child - I was like - wow, I hope my Peter isn't like that. Over the past few months, so many people (friends and family) have been telling me - you better get him potty trained, you have to stay home for weeks and potty train Peter, etc. etc. etc. But a few months ago, it wasn't worth the "fight" to put Peter on the potty, when he was not one bit ready. It was definitely worth the wait - to have a nice pleasant story to share about Peter's potty training.

As for Anna - I think she'll be potty trained before she is two, because she keeps on saying "pee pee" and she runs to the potty and sits on it, fully dressed, but she sits as if she is going. But I'll wait until she is ready - so it's a pleasant experience for everyone.

It just happened one morning........who would of guessed!

2009-03-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

You hear about it all the time ~ boys are the hardest to potty train......... you just have to wait until their ready. Well, it happened this morning and who would of guessed! Out of the clear blue sky, Peter wanted nothing to do with diapers or pull ups anymore.

This morning, just like any other Thursday, Mommy woke up Anna and Peter - to get them ready to start the day and have breakfast and take Peter to Pre School. Well, mommy was changing Peter and went to go put a pull up on (since he wasn't potty trained yet) and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear today. Mommy was soo surprised, and asked Peter what he said (mommy had to make sure she heard it right), and Peter said he wanted to wear underwear. Mommy asked Peter if he was sure, and Peter said yes. So, mommy got a pair of Peter's underwear out of his drawer (they were collecting a lot of dust sitting in his dresser drawer) and put them on him and got him dressed for school. Mommy was so happy, but at the same time a little worried - because Peter was going cold turkey - with no more diapers/pull ups. You have to understand - Peter didn't want anything to do with potty training and he was comfortable in wearing diapers all the time and wearing Pull ups to school (diapers weren't allowed). So, off to school we went. After dropping Peter off at school - mommy called daddy to tell him the great news - daddy was like "hmm, you did put a pull up on him also, right?" Mommy said no, Peter just wanted underwear. Now, mommy was worried even more - because "what would happen if Peter had an accident" "would the kids pick on him, or would the teachers protect Peter". Mommy then called up Pam O. to tell her the great news- and lets just say - she was on daddy's side about how I should of put a pull up also, just in case he had an accident. Well, it was tooo late to worry about this now, because mommy very well couldn't turn around the truck and go get Peter out of class to put a pull up on just in case. So mommy just had positive thoughts that Peter would do great in his underwear for the first time and will not have any accidents. 11:30am couldn't come soon enough - that was the time that mommy got to pick up Peter - he was fine and didn't have any accidents....YIPPIE!. As for the rest of the day - it went pretty good for Peter's first day in underwear - he had a couple of accidents, but that is expected. Luckily, daddy was out of town for work - so we didn't have to worry about where the accidents happened - whether it be the living room rug, or the leather sectional, or the cushion on the kitchen chair - everything was good and mommy cleaned it all up. Peter managed to make it to the potty to do 1/2 his poop in the potty and he was sooo soo excited about doing that in the potty. Once he was done with the bathroom, he had to call daddy and "tell him exciting news" it was so cute to see how Peter was so happy and telling his dad the "exciting news". This evening, Peter didn't want to wear a night time diaper, he wanted to wear his underwear and that "was final". So, mommy said okay - hey, if he had an accident it just had to be cleaned up - that's what they make wash machines and dryers for - right? right!

Anna on the other hand was fun with this transition - because she wanted in on the fun too and she wanted to sit on the potty when Peter was sitting on the potty. So while Peter was busy pulling down his pants, Anna squeezed in to sit on the potty. It was cute to see Anna do that, but mommy was trying to prevent more messes on the floor. We'll be going out to get another potty too, just so Anna has something to sit on to pretend she is going potty, while her big brother is going on the potty. Anna isn't ready yet to be potty trained, only because the first indication is usually them waking up with a dry diaper and Anna is far from that. But, I am sure Anna will be easy to potty train when the time comes, because her big brother is showing her pointers now.

So, keep your fingers crossed that the weekend goes good, especially since daddy will be home, and mommy really has no idea how daddy will remain positive with Peter having accidents. I guess we'll soon find out.

My little Peter is becoming a big boy! Wow, wouldn't it be great to be diaper free!

Anna's is in process of being re-adopted.........

2009-03-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, mommy was on the computer printing out the new forms to re-adopt Anna. We have been waiting a few months for the paperwork to be updated for international adoptions. When Peter was re-adopted there was a fat packet (about 1 1/2" thick) that had to be filed out by the adoptive parents. Along with that packet a home study had to be done along with both parents getting finger printed (again). Besides the cost it was very time consuming. When Anna came home, mommy called the re-adoption office to get the packet to start Anna's re-adoption. The woman explained to me that in a few months everything was going to change where international adoptions wouldn't have to do a home study or get finger printed again and they wouldn't have to fill out that large packet. Mommy was so excited to hear the news. The woman said it would take a few months, but they hoped to have it all set by the new year. She told me that it was my choice if I wanted to start the paper work now, or wait - of cause mommy chosed to wait - because she remembered all the work that went into re-adopting Peter. Mommy called back in January and they were still working on it. Mommy called them this past Friday to find out it was just completely done a few weeks ago and the new forms were on line. Mommy was sooo nicely surprised to find out that it was 2 forms that had to be filled out and 2 pages that required the parents signature and one of those pages had to be notarized. That was it - there was no fingerprinting and no home study that had to be done - it was a beautiful thing, until Mommy went to the re-adoption office with the "kitchen sink" ( all of Anna's adoption documents) with the forms. Luckily daddy came home early from work - so mommy was able to to this solo, which was a good thing, because something that was so simple - turned out that to be so simple. Lets just say Cruella De Vil was there and boy was she in a bad mood. Mommy knew as soon as the woman opened her mouth - it was not going to be a good thing. There was no hi, there was no how are you, or how may I help you - it was - I can not tell you how to fill out the form. I was like what? I understand the forms were just put on the computer, but there were a lot of blanks that the adoptive parents had to fill out - and who knew (except the people in the office) what exactly goes in the blanks - and keep in mind - these blanks were just big white areas - there were no lines - indicating where something should be written. So, mommy asked the woman what would go in the blanks and Cruella De Vil said that she couldn't tell me how to fill out the form, I would have to ask her questions. I asked her if she had a pen for me to borrow, because I managed to drop mine on the way up here - while she was going to get me a pen, she stopped in her tracks and asked if I had to last page notarize - I replied no. Cruella De Vil then said - well, you can't hand them in without them being notarized and asked if I still needed a pen - as if my request for a pen was making her job hard. I told her that I still wanted the pen and I explained that I didn't get the page notarized, because it said Deputy Clerk Notary - so I figured that had to be done here at the courts. Cruella De Vil "barked" no any notary can do it. So, despite Cruella De Vil rudeness, mommy was determined to get Anna's re-adoption paperwork done. While mommy was at the doorway (no desk, no table - just the bottom half of a door closed) filling out the paperwork with very little help from Cruella De Vil another woman told me that in the next building I could get the page notarized and get copies and bring it all back here - because they were open until 5pm. While mommy was filling out the paperwork, Cruella De Vil was looking through the original documents - telling me that I didn't have the correct paperwork and I must have other documents. I explained to the woman that I have the same paperwork that I had for my son when I re-adopted him 2 years ago. Then Cruella De Vil looked at the copies that I was suppose to have to hand in with the forms - and she enjoyed telling me that I had the wrong documents copied. Cruella De Vil then proceeded to mix the original documents with the copies and mommy kept on asking the woman not to mix the documents up, because it was hard to tell the difference from the originals and the copies, but Cruella De Vil seemed to not have cared. Keep in mind, that when mommy called this office last Friday and woman told me what copies I needed to hand in and mommy made sure those copies were made. So, mommy just took a deep breathe and was more determined to get this paperwork done and handed in today! Before going to get the paperwork notarized, mommy asked Cruella De Vil to check the paper work (keep in mind - we are talking about 2 short forms) to make sure it was correct before getting it notarized. She pointed out blanks (white areas) that needed to have something there, so Mommy made the corrections. Mommy then went over to the next building to find out that the notary in the courts left for the day, but was told that the law library should have a notary. Once there, a sweet elderly lady assisted me and notarized the page and was soo happy to know that we were re-adopting our daughter - it was so nice to be treated so kindly. In this same office mommy made the copies that she needed to hand in with the forms. Mommy went back to the re-adoption office to hand in the forms, luckily Cruella De Vil was not there - so it went smoothly. We should be hearing something in about a week.

I couldn't believe how today went - something that should have been a nice happy experience was a sad and aggravating moment. Something that should of only took about 10-15 minutes took over 1 & 1/2 hours. I am happy that this part is done, and hopefully the judge will be fine with the documents that were handed in. I was also told, that we do not have to come to court any more - the paperwork is mailed to our house, or we can pick it up. I was very surprised to hear this, because that was such a special day when we re-adopted Peter. But the woman said that since Anna came home with a R3 visa, she was already adopted and a US Citizen, so there was no reason to appear in court. I asked if it would be possible to have the option to appear in court if we wanted to, and the woman said that only way for that to happen was if we re-adopted Anna and do all that paper work (the 2" pkg., fingerprints again, and a homestudy - as if we were just starting the adoption) - and we really don't need to do that to celebrate this special day. I know with Peter's re-adoption grandma, family members and friends enjoyed this special day, but we decided that when we pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption we would go out to eat and celebrate the day. The woman said in about a week we should be getting a call to come and pick up the paperwork of Anna's re-adoption.

We'll keep you posted, when we hear something.

Happy Gotcha Day Peter...

2009-03-06T23:45:00.000-08:00

We can't believe it's been 3 years since Peter was put in our arms forever! On March 6th, 2006 we went to Guatemala to pick up our son. On March 13th, was Peter's Embassy appointment, when he became officially ours. On March 15th, we came home with our son at exactly 6 months old. Peter is such a blessing.

Today, Peter wanted to go out to Dinner for this special day - and the only place he wanted to go was the Chinese Buffet. He just loves the "all you can eat peel and eat shrimp" (mommy has to peel it for him, otherwise he would just eat the entire thing), and he loves to look at the big koi fish they have in a huge pool as soon as you walk in. Afterwards, we had his favorite- vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Peter has added so much love, happiness, and joy to our family! We are so blessed to have him as our son.

Our Adoption Story - During our adoption - Beth our coordinator from FTIA always asked me to write a story about our adoption and the friends we made during it for the FTIA website. Well, I never had the chance to do it 3 years ago - so I decided to do it now.

Juan Carlos (Peter) was born on September 15, 2005 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, a city known for pottery. He weighed 8.4 pounds and was 19.7 inches long. He was in private foster care in Guatemala City where he lived for 6 months with his foster mom (Sandra) & her family. There was another boy also in forster care with Peter with another agency, who had the same name. Sandra (the forster mother) decided to give Peter the nickname of "little coyote" - since both boys were named Juan. We asked about the nickname, and Sandra told us that Peter was so cute - he was a little coyote.

In the beginning of our adoption journey, FTIA our agency - had a yahoo group where other family members from all over the U.S. were able to chat with one another and give each other support. During our adoption journey we have met quite a few of the families on the yahoo group - whether in Guatemala or at the FTIA East Coast Picnic. It was nice meeting so many of them, since we shared the same bond - adopting our baby from Guatemala. To this day, I still go onto that Yahoo group - to give support to the families that are still waiting to bring their baby home.

The social worker who did our Home Study along with a couple of other families adopting from the same agency (FTIA) & Country (Guatemala) gave us their names and phone numbers. Their names were Pam O. adopting Emily & Cathy S. adopting Maria, who lived in the area. I called Pam and Cathy and we planned to meet for lunch. Emily's mom, Pam O. and I became very good friends. We kept in touch with Cathy via emails, because she was working full time. Pam was a stay at home mom, and I worked for my husband's business keeping the books in order - so I had a very flexible schedule. God placed us together and had the perfect plan in place long before we ever realized it. During our adoption we were calling each other everyday - giving each other support, we were emailing each other also everyday - for that "positive thinking pep talk." We had the same coordinator at FTIA, and we took turns who would call Beth in the morning and who would call her in the afternoon for some good news. Beth was our "booster shot" when things weren't looking like they were moving. I kept in touch with the foster family - which also helped a great deal during this adoption roller coaster. While our adoption was moving, Pam's adoption hit a couple of road blocks. But, Pam and I got the chance in February '06 to go to visit our babies in Guatemala for a week. At that time I was in PGN not knowing when we would get out - since the Dr. who delivered Peter was against adoptions and refused to give the necessary paperwork to our lawyer to proceed with the adoption. And Pam was stuck with some paperwork head ache, and she was getting very frustrated, that her case wasn't going anywhere. It was an amazing time of bonding with our babies that we will never forget. After that trip we were more determined to get our babies home. Shortly after returning home, we got that phone call that we were out of PGN - who would of figured - it felt like I just left Guatemala and we were heading right back to get our son (we came home the day before Valentine's day and was heading back to Guatemala on March 6th). It was hard to be soo happy, knowing that Pam was still waiting to move ahead in this crazy process of international adoption. But Pam O. was a trooper - she was very happy for us, and she continued to think "positive" that her daughter would be home right after us. Once Peter was home, Margaret kept on cheering for Pam and her family until their daughter came home a month later. It was nice to take this roller coaster ride with Pam O. - we had our happy moments, sad moments, and frustrated moments together and always had that shoulder there whenever it was needed. Sure we had our husband's, but hey just didn't understand everything that was going on and what was involved and what was taking place, like us - the moms!

It's been 3 years and Pam and I remain great friends - we've made friends for life with the O'Dea family. We look forward to many years of watching both our kids grow up. Peter and Emily are the best of Pals. We do plan play dates for the kids to play, lately it's not as many - with pre school and everything else going on, but we try to get the kids together often to play, especially since they are always asking about each other. We went on vacation to Alaska with the O'Dea's and that was fun and Emily and Peter just loved having their pal around all the time.

We also became good friends with Julie M. and her family. Julie also adopted with FTIA and was on the yahoo group. When we went to Guatemala to visit Peter the day after Christmas '05, Julie and her husband was doing the same thing from Buffalo, New York. We knew we would run into a few families at the Marriott as per the yahoo group - a few families were visiting the same time we were, but we didn't know it would be in the airport waiting for the shuttle to pick us up to take us to the Marriott. We noticed Julie having an empty stroller and she noticed us having an empty stroller - and at the same time we asked each other if we were adopting and what agency we were using. It was so weird how we were both from New York, using the same agency and being in Guatemala at the same time visiting our babies. We hit it off right there - it was just meant to be - for us to be friends. For the week we were in Guatemala we spent the entire time together with Macie and her parents Julie & Dave. We went sight seeing, went swimming in the pool, they came along for the drive to see our lawyer to give him a gift - that is when we found out that we had the same lawyer too. We did everything together and had a wonderful time. This was the trip where Margaret got an email from our lawyer at 11pm informing us about the Dr. who delivered Peter was not cooperating and refused to give our lawyer the paperwork to continue the adoption. Margaret was a wreck and poor Fabio - he was gentlemen in the business center who was there when I got the email and he translated it for me. Fabio was great - he gave me suggestions on what I should do and where I should go. If you remember I told you about Fabio when we picked up Anna because he picked up Peter's foster family to visit us while we were in Guatemala to bring Anna home. I remember calling Julie that night at 11pm in her room, just sobbing - she came right away to the business center to give support. At that point I knew I had to go to the U.S. Embassy first thing tomorrow morning and talk to them about what the Dr. was doing. Fabio suggested not to bring Peter, because he said it is very hectic there and it wasn't the place to bring a baby - so even though I only knew Julie for just a couple of days - I trusted her and asked her to watch Peter while we ran to the U. S. Embassy. After talking to our Country Coordinator - I went to our room to tell Kerry what was going on and what we needed to do - it wasn't something to discuss - it was something that a mother (me) needed to do for her son. The next morning we got up early and left Peter with Julie and Dave while we went to the U.S. Embassy - we found out that it was New Year's Eve and they were closed but the guards said that I can write a note and they would give it to them. So we stood there and wrote a note explaining the situation and gave it to the guards. We went back to the Marriott and met Julie and Dave in the lobby with our son and their daughter - and we had breakfast together. Then it was time to head home - Dave & Julie flew back to Buffalo, while we flew back to Long Island. After the trip, Julie and I kept in touch via emails, phone calls and texting - we all went back to Guatemala together for our pick up trip to bring our babies home - it was a great celebration.

Over the past 3 years, Julie and I still keep in touch via emails, texting, and phone calls. We have gone on vacations during school breaks, and during the summer. Just this past winter we all rented a house to play in the snow and go snowmobiling - it was a great time. Julie and her family lives in Buffalo - that isn't exactly in the neighborhood, so our get togethers/play dates
involve vacations. It's about a 10-12 hour road trip to get to Julie's, where Pam is about a 15-25 minute road trip.

You know, I sit here and I am amazed that I remember the above, as if it was yesterday. Just goes to show that good memories are never forgotten.

To Pam and Julie - Thanks!

Anna went to the Social Security office today to get her Social Security Card

2009-03-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not like mommy forgot - I was just waiting for Anna's re-adoption to be completed before applying for her Social Security Card (SS card). But last night our accountant reminded us that we couldn't claim Anna on our taxes without a SS card - so off to the SS office we went to get Anna her SS card. Mommy brought the entire kitchen sink (Anna's adoption documents), Anna and Peter and the double stroller and lots of snacks and toys. The SS office was very crowded (standing room only, iff that), but luckily we only had to wait 20 minutes for our number to be called. Once at the window - this was the long step. The woman at the counter was trying to tell me that I would have to wait until Anna's re-adoption was done before applying for her SS card. I explained to the woman that I called the 1-800 # last night and they said I would be able to get a SS card now for Anna, and once the re-adoption was finalized, then all I would have to do is come back in and do a name change. After about 20 minutes the woman went to the back office with my kitchen sink (all of Anna's adoption documents). The woman returned with the woman from the back office - who sat at the computer and made magic happened. During this time the woman who was originally helping me kept on telling the other woman (from the back room) that she shouldn't be able to do that, and she kept on making comments on what she was doing - but I guess this nice woman from the back room - had the magic to do it- so Anna was given a SS card. Yippie! Since it was past Anna's nap time - we grabbed a bite to eat on the way home at McDonald's before Anna fell asleep in the truck. We made it just in time, she just dosed off, but once she smelt the food she woke right up. lol

Once home, mommy was all set to get all of Anna's paperwork done once and for all. Mommy called up the Re-adoption office to see if they updated the requirements for international re-adoptions. It turned out that they did - and all the forms were on the computer. So, this is mommy's next project to work on. Mommy will get into the updates later on.

A Year Ago Today........

2009-03-03T21:52:00.001-08:00

Wow, A year ago today Anna Maria became our daughter officially! A year ago today we had our Embassy Appointment to make our adoption official. Below is what was written a year ago about our day.

Introducing the newest Member to the Kanakos Family

Well, it´s official. Anna is a Kanakos. Today we had our Embassy Appointment, and it was great!

Margaret woke up about 4am, because she couldn't sleep, then Kerry woke up at 4:30am, because he couldn't sleep either. Margaret woke Anna up about 5:15am to feed her, so she would have time to finish the bottle and get ready for her big day. Peter woke up about 6am, he was happy to know that Anna was going to become his baby sister officially today.

We got ready and headed down to the lobby at 6:40am. Jacqueline arrived shortly after to go the the Embassy with us.We got to the U.S. Embassy about 7:20am. Jacqueline pretty much did everything, we just waited for our name to be called. Mommy had a surprise for Anna´s big brother, and he was very happy to get Nascars and more cars from the ¨Cars¨ movie, it kept him entertained while waiting. We were called to go to window 10, and our adoption was approved, and we were told that Anna would become an American citizen once she entered the U.S. Then we had to wait for our name to be called again and we went to window 7, there she verified our paperwork, and asked if this was our first adoption, and we had Peter with us - and told the woman that we adopted Peter 2 years ago from this same place. The woman was happy to hear that, and she had all of Peter´s information on the computer. Then she asked if ¨Anna¨had any other siblings, and we told her that she had two older sisters. Then we had to raise our right hand, and Peter raised his too, to swear that all the information was correct and that we would treat ¨Anna¨ like any other American child. (hmmmm, I think that is what they said - I was just amazed that Anna was officially ours). We got done with everything about 10am, on the way out of the Embassy we saw Carolina - Anna´s foster mother, she was very happy to see us, it was a very nice surprise.

While Carolina was holding Anna, Peter kept on telling his dad to get Anna back, we had to remind Peter that Anna was coming home with us this time - not to worry. But, Peter was worrying, so to make Peter happy daddy took Anna back. Since everyone was hungry we dropped by a very nice restaurant to have a bite to eat before going back to the hotel.

Once back to the hotel, Margaret just had to show off how nice Anna looked in her dress. Anna and Peter did great being dressed up. They looked very nice, Peter is becoming such a little young man. Once back at the hotel, Daddy and Anna fell right to sleep, then Mommy and Peter played with his cars and watched a movie. Then Peter was getting tired, so Mommy and Peter took a nap too. Mommy woke up, along with Anna- so we left the boys in the room to finish their naps, and we came to the business center to post the great news.

Here is a pic of Anna Maria on that Wonderful Day....

Happy Gotcha Day Anna......

2009-02-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

A year ago today we had Anna Maria in our arms forever!

This is what was written a year ago on our blog.............This was a continuation of the blog once in Guatemala.

So, On 2-28 at 1:01 am Margaret posted that we were done packing, well, Margaret also forgot to tell you that she still had to put together the stroller that she took apart so she can wash everything, so it was clean for Guatemala. So instead Margaret pulled an all nighter, she didn´t get any sleep. Margaret was doing last minute things when the car service showed up at 3:10am to take us to the airport. LOL.

At 3:10am Thurs. 2-28 morning, the car service showed up to take us to the airport, and we managed to fit everything in the car. On the way to the airport, Peter got car sick, not sure why-but we would guess the driver ¨good driving¨. We made it to the airport and did I tell you I just love American Airlines......they gave us bulkhead seating for this flight and for our connecting flight to Guatemala. Usually you have to wait until you get to the gate to ask for bulkhead seating. The flight leaving JFK, was delayed by an hour - Margaret didn´t even know it, because as soon as we hoped on the plane and they started the engines, Margaret and Peter was out like a light. Then an hour later Margaret woke up to the pilot announcing that we were next to take off and he apologized for the delay.

In Miami, we had a 4 hour layover, which turned out to be a 3 hour lay over, since we got a late start. While in Miami, all Peter kept on saying was...See Anna, See Anna - so each time we had to remind him that we had to get on another plane to go see Anna. So it was nice to just relax, but wow - Margaret needed a couple more hours of sleep.

The flight to Guatemala wasn´t too bad, we were delayed about 45 minutes due to turbulence. Peter managed to sleep on both airplanes, nothing woke him up.

Jacqueline and her daughter were at the airport waiting for us, and Edwin and Anna and the foster family was waiting for us at the hotel. It was a nice surprise, walking into the hotel and seeing them waiting in the lobby for us.

Once at the hotel, after checking in. Everyone remembered Peter, and they all knew we´ve been there before. Margaret told them, that Howard was my cousin....LOL. We had a late lunch with Edwin, Jacqueline, Katherine their daughter, and Carolina the foster mother with her son Bryan and daughter Abigale. The pics are below of everyone. We gave gifts to the foster family and our Lawyer´s family for all that they have done for us. They will always be a part of our family forever. What a Great Gotcha Day!

Afterwards, we got settled into our room. Before the kiddos went to sleep, everyone took a walk down to the lobby to call Grandma, to let her know how everything was. Margaret had trouble getting the calling card to work, so she asked Howard how it worked, since she bought it at the Hotel´s gift shop. After a little while, we finally figured out how it worked-thanks Howard. Grandma was so happy to hear from us. Of course, Grandma´s house will be the first house Anna visits, when we get home. After the phone call we went back to the room, to get the kiddos ready for bed. Margaret also called up the front desk to get a DVD player for Peter, Howard said that we would not have to pay for it - Thanks Howard, it´s greatly appreciated. Once the kiddos were ready for bed, Margaret had every intention of going down to the business center to update her blog, but she layed on the bed and waited for Peter to fall asleep, only to find out that she fell asleep before anyone. Margaret woke up about 9:50pm, and it was too late to go to the business center, so she just went to bed.

Here is a pic of our Gotcha Day Celebration.....

The Hague and Guatemala - One Year Later

2009-02-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

It feels like just yesterday I was on this blog writing for everyone's support with the Adoptions in Guatemala, but it wasn't yesterday - it was a year ago that I wrote about the Hague. Below is a link to see how the Hague is doing one year later. It is just so sad, that all of this is happening. There are still families who are waiting for their angel(s) to come home, and don't even know if that will come true.

We are so Thankful, that we had such a great Lawyer (Mucho Gracias Edwin & Family) to help us get our Anna home. If we would have gone with the same agency that we adopted our son Peter with - we would probably be one of those families still waiting to bring her home, or worse - we could still be on that waiting list for a baby girl.

Please pray, or do whatever it is that you do - for those families that are still waiting to bring their angel(s) home. Please also pray that the Guatemala Government does what it promised a year ago, along with UNICEF.

http://jcics.org/Guatemala.pdf

thanks!

Happy Candlemas Day

2009-02-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

Remember that delicious Three Kings Day Bread that Peter made on Jan 6th. Well, the person (or people) who received the figurine on Kings Day in the bread, are suppose to host the party on Candlemas Day. Feb. 2nd is Candlemas Day. It turned out - that no one got the baby Jesus in the bread on that day - the bread was quite large and we had leftovers. So on the weekend of February 2nd we celebrated by having nachos and other food - that Anna and Peter likes to eat. Your suppose to have tamalas on this day, but mommy needs to work on her recipe for that. LOL. Next year, we will do better planning on making sure someone cuts the slice that has the baby Jesus in it. And hopefully by next year, mommy will be an expert with tamalas. Mommy even tried finding a place that makes them, but she had no luck.

Family Day

2009-01-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Today we went out as a family. Peter was very happy about going to Chuck E Cheese. It's been so long since he has been there. Anna had fun running around - she kept daddy on his toes. It is so nice going to Chuck E Cheese so early in the day, because nobody is there and you pretty much have the whole place to yourself. After Chuck E Cheese we went out to lunch, and then we went home. Peter and Anna were tired running around all morning, that both of them fell asleep.

Mommy finally gets a break...........

2009-01-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

well, since the kiddos are healthy - it's time for Mommy to take a break and for daddy to spend time with the kiddos. Mommy went out this afternoon with her sisters, nieces, and mom. It's a tradition - where we all go out and go to different "establishments" (restaurants/bars) to play Superbowl boxes. It was fun, but it was a long afternoon too. Mommy was planning on being home by about 7-8 o'clock, since we started this at 3pm - but mommy never made it home by then. Mommy carpooled with her sisters and mother - so she had to wait for everyone to be ready to leave. We even did dinner out - which was nice. But, mommy must be getting old or something, because boredom sunk in real quick and mommy was ready to go home after dinner. You have to keep in mind, that mommy was still working on catching up on her sleep - or lack of sleep with the kids being sick for the past couple of weeks. So, grandma (Margaret's mom) was finally ready to go home - YIPPIE! so was mommy.

Once home - mommy was very happy to see the kids, but was surprised that they weren't in bed yet - especially Anna since it was past her bedtime. Peter and Anna just kept on hugging mommy and Peter kept on saying that he loved me. It was so nice to be missed. As for Daddy he was crabby about mommy getting home so late (9:30pm), but instead of saying - "I appreciate everything you do" because he got to see first hand what is involved in watching the kids and doing the chores and cooking dinner, and keeping on top of diaper changes, etc. Daddy just remained crabby that mommy was gone for 7 hours - it wasn't the time I got in - it was how long daddy had to watch the kids for - thats what it really boils down too. Mommy just ignored daddy and got the kids ready for bed. Daddy will never admit it, but he knows doing Mommy's job is not easy at all.

The following day, daddy went out with the boys (his brother in laws) to play Superbowl boxes. Mommy and the kids had fun playing games and painting. Peter is such the artiste. Daddy came home after dinner, mommy was surprised to see him home so soon. But daddy said he was tired and wanted to come home.

We finally got out of the house............

2009-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

hey all, well the kids are all healthy - so we are out of here! LOL. Anna's butt is still healing, but Peter and Anna are healthy enough to get out of the house. We went to Grandma's and picked up lunch on the way. It's been a long time since Grandma saw Peter and Anna. Anna was soo excited to see Grandma. We left grandma's house just in time for naps - Peter and Anna fell asleep before just a few minutes after leaving Grandma's.

Anna definitely does not take anything from her brother. When Peter tries to take something away from Anna, she is right there holding onto it so he can't get it. But Anna does like doing the same things her brother does. We have to keep on reminding Peter not to do certain things, because Anna is going to do it too.

It's nice having my healthy kiddos back. Anna is back to her typical stubborn self and Peter is back to his "power ranger" self - getting into everything and climbing onto everything.

Wooo Hooo, Mark it on the Calendar..........

2009-01-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, who would of ever guessed - this evening was the first time that Daddy gave Anna a bath. Yup - it's hard to believe - Anna is 18 months old and Daddy finally gave her a bath BY HIMSELF. Mommy is definitely marking this on the calendar, because it'll probably be a LONG time before it happens again. Mommy went out this evening for Open House for Peter's pre school next school year. So Daddy couldn't talk his way out of it. When mommy came home - Daddy asked where we kept the baby towels and washcloths, because he didn't know where they were (hmmm, maybe if he did more baths he would know). So instead he used two dish towels. Hey, I am happy that he gave Anna a bath. OH trust me, when mommy went out this evening she took full advantage of it - and went to the library to get Peter some new DVD's to watch and even went to kohls and did some shopping - it was nice to get out of the house for a little break, since mommy has been home for the past couple of weeks with sick kiddos. But, daddy did miss mommy and called her to see where mommy was - so mommy said she was heading home after picking up Anna's other prescription - daddy was happy to hear that, because he thought I would of been home much sooner. LOL.

On a better note - the Ped. Dr. called mommy this evening to inform us that Peter's chest x-rays came out negative so he does not have pneumonia, and Anna's sonogram was negative also so her kidneys are functioning fine. We already knew this on Monday, because the technicians told us, but that was "unofficial" we had to wait for the Dr. to call us to confirm it. We also discussed the Amoxicillan that Anna was on both times when she got UTI, so the Dr. did confirm that some girls do get UTI for being on Amoxicillan, so in the future Anna will not be put on Amoxicillan again - just to prevent her from getting another UTI. Since Anna has been on Amoxicillan and now an a strong Antibiotic to clear up the UTI, she now has a yeast infection. Due to the yeast infection Anna's bottom is sooo soo red and sore - it looks soo soo painful. So her Dr. prescribed a cream to clear up the yeast infection. It'll be a very happy day when both of my kids are healthy again.

As for sleepless nights - it has gotten better. Anna still does get up and scream and cry, but mommy would check her diaper and it would be fine. So Anna is just crying/screaming because she wants to sleep with mommy like she has been for the past two weeks. So, now mommy has to break Anna of that habit - so she goes back to sleeping by herself in the crib. Peter's prescriptions (3 of them) are finally working - so he is not coughing as much where it sounds like he is going to get sick, so he has managed to sleep in his own bed by himself - unless if he has those "bad dreams about monsters" then he climbs in with mommy and daddy. Slowly, mommy is catching up on her lost sleep over the past weeks - and luckily (knock on wood) mommy is still healthy. As for Daddy - he knows he can never take NyQuil ever again. Sunday night daddy took NyQuil "because his sinuses were bothering him". Well, both kids were up most of that night screaming and crying and both needed mommy most of the night. Mommy tried waking up daddy to help - but he was not moving and the light in the bedroom didn't bother him one bit. Mommy was trying to keep Anna away from Peter - so she didn't get what he had too. But, since daddy was not helpful this night - mommy had no choice but to have both little ones sleep with her in Peter's bed - just so some of us can get some sleep. So, needless to say - Monday morning when Daddy woke up - Mommy told him that he didn't have that option when both kids are sick, because he needed to be a dad last night to help. Oh trust me, daddy knows that mommy was pist!, and he won't be doing that again. If mommy didn't know better - I would swear that daddy purposely did that, just to get a good night sleep, but daddy denies that.

I look back over the past couple of weeks - and I laugh when I think how mommy and the 2 kiddos managed to sleep all together in Peter's twin size bed - along with the Max (our dog) on a couple of occasions. I honestly have no idea how I managed to take care of both kids 24 hours a day with the very little sleep I got each day ( we are talking about an hour here and an hour there - very little sleep). Good thing for nap time - because on many occasions mommy took advantage of nap time too.

Well, we are almost at the end of the road where both kids should be healthy and cleared of all their ailments. It'll be happy to have my Active Happy kids back. :) It'll also be nice, to get out of the house with them too and have some fun. I know Peter is starting to get restless for being in the house for so long.

Thanks for following along while the kiddos were sick. I'll be happy when this is all past us.

So guess who is running a 104.2 temp now?

2009-01-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

You guessed it - Peter. Saturday night/Sunday morning, Mommy decided to catch up on her emails and groups on line - until about 2am when Peter was crying for his mom. Peter had dreams about monsters and couldn't get back to sleep. When mommy checked in on Peter he felt a little warm, but daddy thought it was from his room being so hot - like a sauna. So, mommy slept in Peter's room. Peter couldn't fall back to sleep, he kept tossing and turning. Then mommy felt how hot he was. Mommy took Peter's temp to find it at 104.2. Mommy immediately gave Peter motrin to bring the temp down, and then mommy woke up daddy to help give Peter a bath. At this time, Peter was like a sack of potatoes and was talking about a whole lot of nothing. - due to the temp being so high. Mommy gave Peter a bath to help bring the temp down. We managed to fall asleep about 6 am with Peter's temp lower.

Sunday, Peter and Anna continued to run temps, so mommy kept them on motrin or tylenol to keep the temp low. Luckily, Anna slept most of Saturday night - so mommy was able to take care of Peter. When Anna woke up at 6am Sunday morning - daddy watched her to mommy and Peter could sleep.

Since Anna was running a temp today, as per her Dr's request - she would be going on Monday to got a sonogram to get her kidneys checked - to make sure they were still functioning the correct way. Peter was coughing all day and was just miserable. So mommy knew he was going to the Dr's on Monday as well. Sunday afternoon we all had that needed nap - mommy was soo tired from being up for so many nights. Mommy felt like a new person after that great nap.

Sunday night - Peter had a hard time falling asleep with the constant cough - the poor little guy. Mommy stayed with Peter to make sure he was okay. Anna woke up screaming/crying during the night. Mommy went to change her diaper and check her temp. For once Anna was not running a temp, but her diaper did need changing. Mommy put Anna back in her crib to tend to Peter. A couple of times, mommy thought Peter was gong to get sick, but he didn't. Anna continued to cry/scream until about 2am - then she finally fell asleep. Peter was up most of the night coughing. Mommy tried holding Peter so he can get some sleep, but no luck. Mommy rubbed Peter's back - and he fell right to sleep until about 8am Monday Morning.

Monday morning the Dr's office opened up at 9am and mommy called them to see if there was an appointment open to bring Peter in. Mommy brought Peter in, and the Dr. told mommy that Peter has bronchitis and both ears were infected with all the fluid he has in him. So the Dr. prescribed 3 different meds for Peter to take. She also requested that Peter get a chest xray done to make sure it was not pneumonia. So, mommy and Peter headed back home, where daddy was watching Anna. We called and made appts. for both Anna to get her sonogram done and for Peter to get the chest X ray done. Anna was great getting the sonogram done, and the technician said that Anna's kidneys looked fine - she said that it was unofficial because she really isn't suppose to say anything. Peter was a little scared when he walked into the room to get the chest X Ray, but he got them done and the technician told us that if we wanted the results we just had to wait a few minutes and he would have them. So, I said okay - I'll wait for an answer. Peter's lungs were fine. YIPPIE!

We are very happy that both test came back negative - that is a relief. But, now Anna is still running a temp while on an antibiotic for her UTI - so it just might be a viral thing that she has - where no antibiotic will clear it up - only time will. Tomorrow when Anna's Dr. calls us with the official results, mommy is going to talk to the Dr. about the temp.

well, it's almost midnight Monday night - and I am exhausted. Both kiddos are sleeping and I need to take advantage of this time while they are sleeping to catch up on my sleep also.

good night. Hopefully in a couple of days - I'll have some great news for you - that the kids are Healthy.

Margaret

Finally got the results............

2009-01-17T22:24:00.001-08:00

Okay, so last night wasn't much better than the other nights. Anna definitely had a temp during the night, but mommy couldn't give her anything, because she was just given something for her temp 2 hours ago, so Anna was sweating the temp out. She was so uncomfortable, it just broke mommy's heart - because there was nothing else mommy could do, to make it go away. I even offered Anna another baba (bottle), but she didn't want that - and Anna never says no to baba or food. She woke up Peter, so Peter went to sleep with daddy. So mommy and Anna slept in Peter's bed - not to disturb daddy and peter sleeping. While Anna was sleeping she kept on tossing and turning, but she was so cute - the couple of times she did wake up - she looked at mommy and smiled and then put her head on mommy's shoulder and fell right back to sleep.

This morning mommy woke up, waiting for the Dr. to call to confirm the UTI or not. At 11am no phone call, so Mommy called the Dr. The Dr's office said that the results were "still pending" I was like what - they had the urine sample since Wed. So, mommy being mommy and determined to get answers, decided to call Quest herself. The lady who answered the phone was very nice, but told me what our Dr. told us. I asked the woman how much longer would the test take, she was not able to tell me. I explained to her that the results were for my 18 month old daughter who has been miserable for days. I told the woman, if it was for me - I would just suck it up and deal with it and wait until Monday for the results. The woman understood my concern but was not able to tell me when the results would be available. Well, about 10 minutes after mommy hung up from Quest, Anna's Dr. called to let us know that Anna definitely has UTI. She asked how was doing, I told her that Anna was still running a temp and was miserable and really hasn't had a good night sleep. The Dr. was concerned about the temp still being here, so she said if Anna has a temp tomorrow (Sunday) then she wanted Anna to go in and get a sonogram done to check her kidneys - just to be on the safe side. sigh - so that is where we are at now with Anna.

After getting off the phone with the Dr. Mommy googled UTI and infants and found out a lot of info. One thing mommy does know - is that Anna will not be put on Amoxicillin in the future, because that can cause UTI, and the last time Anna had UTI - she was also on Amoxicillin. I mentioned this to the Dr. and she agreed and said that she would make a note in Anna's folder about it.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers - even though I didn't ask yas. :) It's greatly appreciated. Anna's is a trooper - so this too will be soon behind her.

I'll keep you posted on what Monday brings.

Margaret/Mommmmm (as Anna would say)/Maaa Maaa (as Peter would say)

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine............."

2009-01-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know how many people like that song, but Anna loves it and it keeps her from screaming and crying. Last week (1/6) mommy brought Anna to the Dr's because mommy knew something was wrong with Anna. Well, mommy's ESP was right - Anna had infected sinuses and a badly infected throat. She has been on Amoxicillin since. The other day, mommy brought Anna back to the Dr's because she just wasn't herself and again, Mommy's ESP was right, but this time the Dr. requested that a urine sample be sent to Quest to be tested. Anna is on Amoxicillin but is still running a temp. so the Dr. thinks it might be a urinary tract infection (UTI), she said that is common with baby girls in diapers. Please keep in mind, that mommy is very good about changing Anna's diapers - especially since Anna has such sensitive skin - if she sits in urine for the littlest time, she'll break out with a rash. And when Anna does a poop, big brother enjoys ratting Anna house and lets everyone know that Anna pooped.

So, mommy got the urine sample (that was a fun experience LOL), and daddy dropped it off at Quest Wednesday morning before going to work. The past few nights Anna has been having a very hard time with being so uncomfortable. She would fall asleep then wake up screaming and crying. For you ladies out there, that have had UTI - you know how painful this is - even for the smallest little girl. Last night, nothing was calming Anna, she managed to keep the whole house awake. About 2am, Peter went into bed with daddy, so mommy and Anna took over Peter's bed. Even then Anna wouldn't calm down and fall asleep - so mommy started to sing..........."you are my sunshine, my only sunshine........" and Anna stopped crying/screaming and laid there and just listened to mommy sing. Trust me, for those of you who don't know me - I sing as good as I play the clarinet - horribly. LOL. So, Anna blinks kept on getting longer so Mommy stopped singing..........then ooops - big mistake - Anna started to scream/cry. So mommy kept on singing "you are my sunshine........." until Anna was sound asleep - which was bout 4am.

Well, today is Friday 1/16/2009 - Anna woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Mommy tried food, milk, snacks, etc. nothing was working. So mommy started singing that Brady Bunch song...........oh yes, remember the Brady Bunch - we always laughed at that show with "6 is enough".........where mommy's family had 18 is enough. So mommy started singing "Sunshine day........everybody singing...........sunshine day........" don't ask where that song came from - mommy just started to sing it. LOL But Anna loved it, and she calmed down and started to eat her breakfast. Today we were to find out the result of Anna's urine sample. Well, 4pm strolled around with no word. So mommy called Anna's Dr. to see what was going out - after several calls - the Dr. called mommy back to let us know that Quest did not have the results yet, but she would call me in the morning once she gets them. SIGH - I was like what. I explained to the Dr. how miserable Anna was and how she still had a steady temp - even being on Motrin and Tylenol. So the Dr. said she would call the pharmacist to get Anna another antibiotic to start treating the UTI tonight. The Dr. said she would call us tomorrow morning with the results, and if its not UTI, then Anna would have to go for other tests. Well, since mommy's ESP has been right so far - I am betting on it being UTI - and hopefully after a couple of days on a stronger antibiotic Anna will be back to her usual self.

Mommy hopes this is no indication how the winter will be, because the winter just started.

Hopefully tonight will be a good night for everyone to get some sleep.

Will You Pray for Abby...........

2009-01-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I wanted you to know about Abby.
She was adopted from Guatemala. At three years old, she was diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Certain genetic complications have put her chance of surviving the treatment at about 20%.
I am praying for her and her family. Would you pray for them too?
You can find more about Abby here, on her family blog: http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/2009/01/about-abby.html

This little girl is only 4yrs. old and is sick and weak from the chemo. So I am writing you to ask you to do whatever it is that you do for this little angel to make it through this - cross your fingers, make a wish, whatever it is that you do - please do it. God can work miracles and I am praying that she is one of his miracles that he heals. Just reading about Abby has brought tears to my eyes, I can't imagine how hard this must be for Abby and her family.

Thanks for your continued support - it has been greatly appreciated!

Margaret.

Happy Three Kings Day!

2009-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

wow, how time flies. This time last year - Peter and I were in Guatemala visiting Anna with the other mom's who were in the middle of adopting their little angels. We celebrated Three Kings Day with Edwin (our lawyer) and his wife Jacqueline and family. Peter had soo much fun playing with the other kids and feeding all of the family pets. So, to keep with the Guatemalan Tradition - we too celebrated Three Kings Day here in New York. We made the bread - and it came out great! (see pics and story below).

What is Three Kings Day.....

This is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the Three Kings who followed a bright star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ Child.

In the story of the Bible the Three Kings, named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, brought gifts to the new baby. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Three kings Day is also known as The Epiphany. In Spanish and in South America it is referred to as El Dia de los Reyes.

When is Three Kings Day Celebrated?

Three kings day is celebrated on January 6th. This is twelve days after Christmas, which represents the twelve days of Christmas.

Why on January 6th?

The Western Christian Church adopted December 25th as the day of the Feast of Christ's Birth. This change was how the twelve days of Christmas arose. The Eastern Christian Church recognizes January 6th as the celebration of the nativity. The physical birth of Jesus was kept on January 6th in Bethlehem.

What happens during the celebration of Three Kings Day?

On the twelve days before the Three Kings Day, the children dress up in kings outfits and the custom of star singers takes place. Children go from door to door holding a star and dressed like kings, singing carols and telling the biblical story of the Three Kings. The children receive sweets, treats, and money for this. They keep the treats, yet the money traditionally went to the unemployed craftsmen, yet today the money goes to the charities of the churches.

In some places there is a parade in which they celebrate three kings day, this occurs on January 6th and the proceeds still go to charities of the church. The parade takes the tradition of the star singers, yet some counties still celebrate both.

The night Before

On the might before three kings day, traditionally, there are prayers, blessed dried herbs would be burnt, and the aroma would fill the house with wonderful smells. Doorways are sprinkled with holy water and in some homes the head of the house would write with chalk above the doors C + M + B (the three kings names) and the year.

Children would put their shoes out and wake up early the next morning in hopes of finding gifts in their shoes. The aspect of shoes is similar to the American tradition of leaving cookies for Santa.

On Three Kings Day

On Three Kings Day the children open their presents and in some families, those who have tress, the Christmas tree is taken down. *

A popular tradition on Three Kings Day is serving the Rosca de Reyes - crown shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits to resemble jewels. Before baking, one or more tiny figures of babies - to symbolize the Baby Jesus - are hidden in the dough. Serving the Rosca de Reyes is a festive occasion celebrated with large groups of people, family and friends, gather to partake in the sweet bread. Each person cuts his or her own slice including the children.

As tradition goes, whoever gets a piece of the Rosca de Reyes containing a baby is obliged to host another party on or before February 2nd. This date is called El Dia de la Candelaria (or Candlemas), and this traditional Christian celebration, also known as the Presentation of the Christ Child, marks the official end of the Christmas Season.

Many families go to church on this day and prepare a large dinner before.

Who celebrates The Three Kings Day?

This is a tradition in many families and homes across Latin America. The traditions and celebrations vary throughout the cultures and communities, yet the story and the purpose stays the same throughout every culture.

* January 6th is also known as "Little Christmas" where all the Christmas Decorations would be taken down on this day. When I (mommy) grew up we celebrated Little Christmas and we never took down any Christmas decorations until January 6th.

What a fun day we had..............

Today Chef Peter made the Three Kings Day Bread and he did a wonderful job. We made it by stratch and Peter managed to make a mess of himself and the kitchen. This is a tradition that we will continue to have in our home - because we had so much fun and Anna had fun eating the bread. Next year Anna will be old enough to help with the baking.

Feliz Navidad & Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, how quickly Christmas came and went. This Christmas was soo very special. Peter knows who Santa is and this was Anna's First Christmas Home.

This year, we added a new "tradition" to our Family Christmas - "Elf on the Shelf". Peter just loved the little Elf, and next year Anna will be old enough to enjoy it also. The Elf on the Shelf is about this little elf that hangs around the house and goes back to the North Pole to report to Santa each day to let him know how the children are - if they've been bad or good. When the Elf returns to the house, he sits at a different spot - so when the children wake up they have to look for the elf. Peter enjoyed looking for the Elf and it was funny - Peter was especially good in the room where the Elf was watching him, so Mommy had to remind Peter that the elf knows what he is doing wherever he is.

Mommy had her family over Christmas eve for dinner & Dessert. In Guatemala on Christmas eve, they have big fire works go off, and then they open gifts. Since fire works are illegal in New York - mommy did the next best thing (it too is really illegal, but not a big thing) we lit sparklers outside in the front yard and song Christmas songs, then we went inside to open gifts and have dessert. The evening was fun.

The kids went to bed, so Santa can come. The next morning, Peter woke up early and climbed into mommy and daddy's bed - not noticing that Santa already came. Peter fell right back to sleep. When Peter woke up in the morning - he asked if he can relax and watch T.V. in our room, Mommy reminded Peter that he might want to check to see if Santa came. With that, Peter jumped out of bed and ran into the living room and his face just lit up! Mommy went to go get Anna - who was still sound asleep. Everyone gathered around the tree to open their gifts. Each gift Peter opened - had a "NO WAY" Mommy and daddy has no idea where those words came from, but it was sooo cute to see Peter open each gift with "NO WAY". Anna was happy with her baby doll and dragged that all over the living room. After the gifts were open, we had breakfast and then daddy got to work in putting some of the toys together so the kids can play with them. We got ready to start the Christmas day.

Mommy's family has a tradition - that starts off with everyone going to Grandma's house (mommy's mother's house) where gifts are received. Then we start going house to house to house to see everyone and their Christmas tree. It's a long day, but a fun day. At the last house is where we have our Christmas Dinner with most of mommy's family. On the way home, Peter and Anna fell asleep, and mommy was able to carry them right into their room's and put them to bed. Don't worry we didn't forget Daddy's side of the family - we got together with Daddy's side of the family on the Saturday before Christmas for brunch at our house.

Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year for Children. I can't wait until next year when both Peter and Anna are old enough to enjoy Santa and Christmas.

We want to wish everyone a Very Happy 2009.

Peter at 3 years 3 months old, he is getting so big!

Anna 17 months old - with Frosty.

One of her many Holiday dresses.

Oh Christmas Tree with all the gifts.

Daddy always wanted a train track around the Christmas Tree.

Anna enjoying her new toy at Grandma's house.

She loved this dress, it felt soo soft.

Anna was in awww with the Christmas lights and

she was so good in not touching the ornaments or lights.

Peter trying to peek in the bags for his gifts.

Grandma & Anna - on Christmas this was the best we

can get with Anna posing for the camera - she was on the go.

Peter & Anna at a Christmas Party

At the tree farm cutting down our tree,

Peter picked out the perfect tree.

ohhhh Prettttttyyyyyy!

At 17 months old ~Anna did just fine opening her gifts.

Feliz Navidad to All

The Family at a Christmas Party with Grandma

Holiday Events in Town.

Pictures, Pictures, and more Pictures..........Disney World - Florida

2009-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

"A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes".....

"This is Love & Happiness"........PRICELESS!

Cooling off at the Sprinkler Park

"If I sit on the sprinkler, it won't be able to get me in the face again"

" Hey, this is a cool fort"

"I Love Mickey!"

"Hey Mickey!"

"Power Ranger - Mystic Force"

Do the Pose.

"Oh Drats - it got me"

"Cheese"

" "We are having F...U...N..... FUN!"

"Mickey Mouse"

REMINISCING...........

2008-12-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

WOW, I just had to share these adorable pictures. I was just on the "old clunker" computer, because my sister needed pics for a Christmas gift she is working on for our mother - so I came across these pics.............it brings back such wonderful memories......... Hope you enjoy them as much as I.............

The following pics are of Peter when he turned one, just 2+ years ago.

The following pics are of Anna when she turned one, just 4 months ago.............

As you can tell by the pics, my kids are "all muscles" LOL. Peter was walking a week after his first birthday and Anna was walking when she turned 15 months old. I think it took Anna a little bit longer, due to her "muscles", being soo big. :) It's amazing how they both can be very loud too. It is so amazing to watch Peter and Anna grow up together. They are different in every way. Peter is your typical boy, and Anna is your "temper" little girl. I love them both with all my heart!

Update on our blog..........

2008-11-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

okay, so a few of you have been emailing me letting me know that you are no longer getting those emails telling you when I update the blog. I think that is because the "blogger.com" is under new management. I tried re-entering my email address on the link to be notified when the blog is updated, and it is no longer functioning. I will try and find another link that will inform you. Otherwise - just check back when you can.

I'll be posting pics soon (waiting for the CD from Disney) of our Disney Trip.

Wow, what milestones to accomplish...

2008-10-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, Anna is just over 15 months old - and she is walking around getting into everything. She is soo funny though, when she loses her balance and falls to the floor. When Anna falls to the floor she gets pist at herself for falling, because it's a lot harder for her to get up again to walk again. But, Anna is slowly learning how to titter totter to catch her balance before falling onto the floor. She has figured out how to move her toys closer to the couch so she can climb up onto the couch. I am sure her brother taught her a few things also, behind mommy's back.

As for Peter, he had a big question - "Where did Anna come from". Mommy was surprised that Peter asked that question out of the clear blue sky. So mommy told Peter that his sister came from the same place he did, and then Peter had this look on his face like "what". Mommy told Peter that Anna was adopted from Guatemala just like he was. Then Peter's reply was "oh, okay - that's cool". Peter is at that age now of asking questions and he wonders about a lot of things. But mommy likes when he ask questions, because that is a sign that he is learning.

We have two wonderful children that are growing up in so many different ways. Anna is definitely your little girl - that can be sooo stubborn at times and sweet as a button other times. Peter wants to know everything and he listens to what everyone is saying around him. Peter is your typical boy climbing on anything and getting into anything that he can. Peter is your typical 3 year old with "that selective hearing" also - and that drives daddy nuts. LOL.

It'll be interesting to see how the holidays go with these two little angels.

okay, so I have been slacking lately - but that is no excuse - so I am going to get you all caught up now with the 2 little kiddos

2008-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

So, let me catch everyone up here........Anna & Peter are doing great. Peter is patiently waiting for his baby sister to get bigger/older so he can really play with her. He keeps on thinking she is old enough to wrestle on the floor and play with. But mommy has her bets on Anna, when Anna gets bigger/older and starts walking - she is going to keep Peter in check.

The last weekend in August, mommy, Peter and Anna were playing. Mommy stood Anna up to walk to her big brother. Peter was soo excited, because Anna took 4 steps right into his arms. Since then, Anna gets really excited and the arms start flapping and she just loses her balance and falls on her behind.

Peter and Anna has been enjoying going to the library together to join in on classes with other kids their age. It is quite funny to watch how a 1 year old and a 3 year old act so different in a group setting.

Peter started pre school on Sept. 4th (it was with parents too), and then on Sept. 9th he went into the classroom like a trooper - my little boy is getting so big so quick. Peter goes to Pre School at the YMCA twice a week and is loving it. This week he is off from school, because he is sick - so he is home with his mom and sister. Peter was asking about going to school, but mommy had to explain to him how sick kids have to stay home so the other kids don't get sick too.

Peter celebrated his 3rd Birthday on September 15, 2008. We had a party at Chuck E Cheese (on Sat. the 13th) for all his cousins & friends - it turned out to be about 20 kids and 20 adults. The kids had fun and Peter enjoyed being able to get to play his games at Chuck E Cheese. The party was the Power Ranger Theme. Peter just loves those Power Rangers - I bet you can't guess what he is going to be for Halloween.

As for adventures...........We went to Disney World - yes, that is right - mommy, Anna, and Peter all went to Disney world and Aunt Karen joined us in the fun. Aunt Joann (mommy's oldest sister) planned her 60th Birthday party in Disney and at the last minute mommy decided to join in on the fun. Aunt Karen (daddy's sister) called mommy to see if she can come along - it tuned out to be a fun time. Daddy couldn't come, because he had to work. We went Sept. 25th until Sept. 30th with the entire family. Everyone in mommy's family was there, except for a hand full who couldn't make it. Anna and Peter had sooo soo much fun in Disney. It was hot in Florida, so after lunch we went back to the resort (Saratoga Springs) to swim in the pool and play in the sprinkler park and then we laid down for a nap. Once the kiddos woke up from a nap - we got ready to go out to dinner and then we hit a theme park that was open late that evening. We did quite a few character meals - and the kids really enjoyed them. Anna and Peter loved Chef Mickeys - where Mickey and his pals were. Anna was all over the characters giving them kisses and all. Peter had fun shopping with his Disney Dollars - and who would of guessed that he would buy a book at the Disney Store at Magic Kingdom - we read that book a few dozen times while in Disney.

Unfortunately, with all this fun in Disney World, and Anna and Peter being all over everything - they managed to bring home Cox Sackie with them - and that has not been enjoyable. Luckily - Anna is getting better and the blisters are healing on her body, Peter has it bad in his mouth and hopefully it won't spread to his body - positively thinking. I guess no matter how clean one might be with their child - there is always some germ just floating around.

So, I am going to attempt to update this blog weekly - yes, I know you read that before - but this time I am going to do my best on it. As for pics of Peter's Birthday party and Disney - hopefully this weekend I will be able to download them and add them to the blog.

A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes.............

Drum Roll Please...............here are the pics we've been waiting for.

2008-09-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

These pics are from our Alaska Trip, Anna's 1st Birthday and just everyday events - from June 26-Sept. 1, 2008. The pic of Peter on the Quad, that is when we went upstate to the Walton Fair and had a fun time. The cowboy pic, Peter is trying to get Anna's nose- that is one of his favorite games with his sister. The pic of Anna naked and she is sitting - she is sitting in the sink on the cruise ship, Mommy is trying to give her a bath. LOL - it was tight in that small sink. The stoller Peter is pushing Anna in, well that is Anna's baby doll stroller - just to give you an idea on her size.

Wow, what a busy 2 + weeks it's been

2008-08-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is almost over. Here is New York - it's still summer, because the kids don't go back to school until after Labor Day.

Peter's been going to school once a week at the YMCA, and surprisingly enough he loves it. He goes to gym class for 45 minutes and then he goes to art class for 45 minutes, and then mommy picks him up. Mommy signed him up for school during the summer - more for a separation thing, since Peter is with mommy 8 days a week :) In the beginning it was tough, because Peter didn't want to stay and would cry, but for the past few weeks - he has been such a big boy, he loves going to school. The past few weeks, he wanted to leave early, to make sure he was on time, meanwhile his school is 4 minutes away, but he would want to leave 45 minutes early. My little boy is growing up real quick. Peter will be going to preschool at the YMCA and he is very excited about that. Hopefully Sept. 9th, Peter will enjoy going to pre school.

As for Anna, she's been busy with play dates - she always goes on her brother's play dates, and she and Peter has been busy with play dates with their cousins. Peter and Anna went to Emily's house to go swimming in the pool. Peter was just fine hanging out on the steps of the pool, while Daddy was in the pool with Emily and Anna. Anna is just a water bug, who knows - maybe she'll be the next Olympic Swimmer to get 9 gold medals. Every week Peter had play dates with his pal Charlie - they go to school together, and they play along great, while Anna hangs out and watches what the boys do. We also went to Peter's cousin's house - Gianna's where they played in the little kiddie pool. Anna even went in the pool. Anna has become a very independent girl wanting to do things herself - well, while she was standing on the side of the kiddie pool - she didn't want help, so when she bent over - she went head first into the pool. She was so cute when she went into the pool, but she flipped right over and started to kick her legs and arms. Anna managed to go in head first a couple of times, she thought it was funny.

Last weekend, we went upstate to Uncle Jerry's cabin (Mommy's brother and his family). We went to the Walton Fair in Delaware County. Peter had so much fun, he didn't want to leave. Peter told mommy and daddy "I like upstate, I stay here". Mommy told Peter he could stay and come home with his cousins, but mommy and daddy and Anna were going home, then he didn't want to stay, he wanted to go home too. Peter enjoyed watching the monster trucks and the derby. Peter's cousins went on the Quads, but Peter didn't want to, he just wanted to pretend. So while everyone was out riding the Quads, Peter was sitting on one in the yard, pretending he was in the woods. Maybe next year - he'll be ready to do in the woods. We all had a fun time upstate.

Today we went to the White Post farm with mommy's cousins - it was fun, the kids had fun running around and feeding the animals. The weather was great, it wasn't hot. Peter wanted to have pizza, so we left the farm to have pizza. Now, once home - both kiddos are napping away.

Anna's One Year Old Doctor Appointment

2008-07-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Well, my little "porker" went to the Doctor's today for her 1 year old check up and shots. Anna weighs 21 pounds 6 ounces - please note this is PURE muscles. Her height is 27 1/4 inches and her head is 431/2 cm. Anna is in the 50% for weight and her height is in the 5%, but that's okay because she has a wonderful big brother to protect her. As for her teeth more are coming in, you can see them in the gums, we just got to wait for them to cut through the gums. Anna is such a happy baby, and she eats anything you give her. She does have her own personality, if she is pist off - trust me, she makes sure she tells you. She claps a lot, and she loves to laugh. If Anna's brother is doing something funny, Anna is right there cheering him on to do more. Anna also sings too, the other night while mommy was doing dishes, Anna was in her jumperoo - singing, lah, lah, lah, lah, lah..... - it was the cutest thing to hear. Anna waves bye, and she makes sure you know what she is doing, because she waves her hand and arm - full wave good bye. She gets around quickly when she crawls, and she holds onto furniture to walk around the room. Sometimes, when mommy goes and puts on her the floor, Anna will hold onto mommy's hands and stay standing, because she wants to walk around - she doesn't want to sit down. It's amazing how quick Anna is growing! She's no longer that little peanut that sat in my hand almost a year ago when we went to Guatemala to visit. The other day we went to go visit Grandma, and all Grandma kept on saying was - that she has to stay small for a little while longer - she is getting to big to quickly. Grandma just loves her grandchildren, especially when they give her those big wet kisses.

2008-07-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

We are Blessed!

2008-07-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, we were so lucky to have been Blessed with Anna Maria.

The other day it dawned on me, just how blessed we were to have Anna Maria in our family. If I listened to my husband and went with the same agency we used to adopt our son, Peter wouldn't have a baby sister to play with today. If we went with the agency, they wouldn't of put our name on the "waiting list for a baby girl" until they got our 171H form, we didn't get that until August 29, 2007. At that time the Agency had a 16-18 week wait for a baby girl. Well, remember last year, adoptions were put on hold and new ones couldn't be started. If we went with an agency, our name would have remained on that "waiting list" forever, until who knows when.

On August 29, 2007 when we received our 171H form, we already knew about Anna Maria and already visited her in Guatemala - Because I (mommy) being determined to complete our adoption before the Hague mess, talked daddy into doing the adoption independently with a lawyer in Guatemala. We are very blessed in having to talk to Bob T., who told us about this wonderful man, that he called his friend - who was a lawyer in Guatemala - that was trying to find homes for babies - so they can have forever families, before the Hague put a hold on adoptions. I always said there was a reason how I found Bob T. I came across Bob T. by doing a google search for independent adoptions in Guatemala and a yahoo group came up - so me being the "queen of adoption yahoo groups" checked it out and signed up for it. Bob T. emailed me and asked how I found the yahoo group, because he was quite surprised, because he just formed the yahoo group for Independent Adoptions in Guatemala. After talking to Bob T. the first time, I knew this was the way I wanted to go, but it took some (okay maybe A LOT) to convince my husband to go independently, instead of through an agency. I already knew the paper work, so I didn't need anyone to hold my hands. Bob T. and I spoke a couple of more times, and I was honest and told him that my husband isn't jumping on the boat with this one, because he doesn't want to take a chance with someone he doesn't know. So Bob T. suggested to go to Guatemala, and meet Edwin (the lawyer) and see our baby (she was due to be born in a couple of days), and then decide if we wanted to do it or not. That sounded like a great idea, so mommy suggested it to daddy and he thought that was a good idea too. Then a couple of days later we got an email from Bob T. telling us about this baby girl that was available for adoption and once he got the info he would forward it to us. Well, 2 days later Bob T. sent us an email and he even had pics attached. Well, the pics had me hook, line, and sinker. I called daddy who was working, and told him about the baby girl - and he was like "well, what do you want to do". LOL, he already knew what I wanted to do! We planned a trip to Guatemala the next week to see Edwin our lawyer and our daughter. Edwin had daddy at the airport! Daddy was so impressed with Edwin being at the airport to pick us up - with his family, and the foster mother and our daughter. The moment brought tears to my eyes, because I knew this was our path to take to get our daughter home. Wow, it's even bringing tears to my eyes now, because I remember this day, like it was yesterday!

If we had to do it all over again, I would definitely go independently with Edwin and his family. They are truly special people who have a heart and really do care about the children in Guatemala. We were lucky enough to adopt Edwin and his family into our family, they will always be a part of our family, and hopefully someday - they'll be able to make a trip to New York to meet the rest of their family.

Special Thanks! to Bob T. & his family, for everything they did. Not just with our family, but for all the children in Guatemala looking for families to call their own - Bob T. did his best to find as many families as he can to adopt them.

We are so truly Blessed! I am blessed, to have such a wonderful husband, who wanted to have a family with me, and be part of my family - even though it is unusually large (remember 16 brothers and sisters, 36 nieces and nephews, and 12 grand nieces and nephews).

2008-07-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today our little Anna is One!

2008-07-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

wow, time sure flew. I (mommy) can't believe that Anna is One. Anna is such a happy baby and has brought soo much joy into our family. Today, I thought about Anna's mom, because a year ago today, she was in labor giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, and she made her decision already to place this beautiful baby girl for adoption. I have some pics of Anna that I am going to send to Guatemala, so our lawyer can give them to Anna's Birth mom, so she knows just how loved her daughter is. Because of her, we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful little girl.

So at One year old - Anna talks a lot - as Peter would say, she has a lot of baby talk to say. Anna is very loud, she fits right in with the family. Anna also likes to babble to herself. Anna has 4 teeth now (two front on the top and two front on the bottom), and she looks so adorable when she smiles with those little teeth. Anna is quick in getting around - right now she is a hot rod on all fours. Anna is walking around the house holding onto furniture, and if there is no furniture to hold onto, she'll grab onto your pants leg so you can hold her hands to walk. On occassion, she'll turn and walk away from the furniture - thinking she can walk on her own - but she'll fall onto the floor and just pick herself up again. If you walk by her and she wants to get picked up she'll get your attention (by being loud) and hold out her hands for you to pick her up. It took a little bit for her dad to catch on that Anna wanted to be held, but he got the knick of it after awhile. She claps her hands and has so much fun clapping them, and she clucks her tongue and makes different sounds. She loves watching Max (the dog) and Peter plays, she just giggles and giggles while she watches them play.

One evening, mommy put Anna in the jumperoo, so mommy can get the dinner dishes cleaned up. Daddy was in the bedroom, and then mommy heard Anna. Mommy went into the living room and Anna was on the floor playing with hot wheel cars with her brother Peter. Mommy asked daddy if he took Anna out of the jumperoo and he said no. Then mommy saw a Big smile on Peter's face, so mommy asked Peter if he took Anna out of the jumperoo, and Peter said yes, because he wanted to play with her. It's nice to see that Peter wants to play with his sister, but we'll have to keep an extra eye on Peter to make sure no one gets hurt. Peter loves his baby sister a lot. When people joke about taking Anna home with them, Peter gets upset and tells them that she is his sister and they can't have her. When strangers come up to Anna to talk to her, Peter continues to be the Big Brother protecting her, and will step in between the person and Anna, to keep that person away from Anna. Peter also, has his moments where he tries to do his "power ranger moves" on Anna, so mommy or daddy always has to remind him that Anna is a baby right now. And we tell Peter when Anna is older, he'll be able to play with her a lot more. Personally my bets are on Anna, because she might be short, but she is heavy - she can sit on Peter to put him in his place. LOL

As for Anna's Birthday, this Sunday (7/20) we are having a BBQ (with Carvel ice cream cake for dessert) for Anna. Peter keeps on thinking that the party should be for him and Anna, but slowly (the more we explain it) he understands that he will have his party in a couple of months. Peter went shopping and got his sister birthday presents, and he did pretty good. He got her My 1st Tonka trucks, which are these cute rubber small trucks (5 of them) that Anna loves to play with, when Peter lets her play with them. Peter also got her a toy that attaches to the high chair, so she has something to play with while eating. And of course Peter had to get Anna a dirt bike with a driver on it - Anna hasn't had the chance to play with that, because Peter told Anna that she got enough of gifts, so Peter has been playing with it. It'll be interesting to see how the party goes with Peter and how many of Anna's gifts will become Peter's. Luckily, Peter does share - so Anna will be able to play with all her gifts.

Wonderful News for Barbara and Tom

2008-07-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Barbara and Tom (you remember them, from Rochester - they've been mentioned on this blog a few times) finally got the "pink slip" Tom will be traveling to Guatemala next week to bring their son Ben home! Yippie!

Mommy and Barbara are already planning on when to get together so the kids can meet.

We are soo happy that Ben is coming home!!!

Thanks to all of you, for your continued support and prayers.

We're home and finally back on Eastern Standard Time......

2008-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Well, On the night of June 26th, Mommy was up all night getting last minute stuff done, before we headed to the west coast to go on a cruise to Alaska. We packed up the car and the kids at 4am (6/27) and headed to the airport. The flight to Seattle was wonderful on American Airlines - (Yes, we are still boycotting Delta). We arrived on time to Seattle. We checked into the hotel with our tons of luggage - yes, mommy packed the kitchen sink and then some. Daddy got the cruise to Alaska as a Birthday gift, but he didn't know that there was another surprise coming. While in the hotel, mommy's cell phone kept on ringing - but mommy just pretended that it was Uncle Jack (Margaret's brother that lives in Seattle who we were meeting for dinner)- it was really Pam O and her family - coming along on the cruise with us. While in the hotel, someone knocked on the door and daddy answered the door - to see Pam and her family standing in the hall. Daddy was very surprised, he had no idea what they were doing in Seattle. Then Pam yelled - "surprise, we are going with ya's on the cruise". Daddy was soo happily surprised that they were coming too on the cruise. Peter was happy that his pal Emily was coming too. Once everyone got settled into the hotel, Uncle Jack showed up to go out to dinner. We all went to the Space Needle for dinner- the views were breathe taking. After dinner, we said good bye to uncle jack and headed back to the hotel to get some sleep before hopping on the NCL cruise boat. We left Seattle promptly at 4pm and headed on our cruise with Pam O's family. Our suite was nice, and we had a balcony which was nice just to sit and relax and still enjoy the view. Throughout the cruise we stopped at different ports and did different things. We had a great time on vacation with Pam O's family. During the cruise, Anna's top two teeth decided to make their appearance. Everyone on the boat just loved seeing Anna and Peter. Whatever Peter wanted, Peter got. If Peter wanted Strawberries (they were never on the menu) the wait staff would go and find him some - Peter was so excited that they were able to get him what he wanted. After our cruise, we parted ways with Pam's family. We went to spend a few days with Uncle Jack & Aunt Gale, and Pam and her family stayed in Downtown Seattle for two days, before they headed back home.

While at Uncle Jack's & Aunt Gale's, Peter just had so much fun at the house. Anna learned how to climb steps in Uncle Jack's house, and 2 years ago - that is the same place where Peter learned how to climb steps too. We did a little sight seeing while in Seattle. We went to the Flight Museum and we went to go see Mt. St. Helens - we all had fun. Peter didn't want to leave the flight museum, he was having fun being a pilot. We headed home on the red eye on Jet Blue - the kids slept the entire flight. Everyone who was sitting around us was getting a little worried about getting no sleep with two little ones next to them, but they were surprised that the kids didn't disturb them at all. Jet Blue was fantastic. Mommy paid $10 extra dollars for each of us to sit in the front of the plane that had more leg room - and it was definitely worth every penny.

Once home, luckily the kids went back to sleep - so mommy and daddy can try and catch up on their sleep. Mommy has a hard time sleeping on the plane with two little ones in her arms. It took a few days for the kids to get back on New York time. Peter and Anna was sleeping until noon (9am Seattle time) a couple of days, until mommy started to wake them up at 9am to get them back on New York time. Peter missed his Aunt Gale so he asked to call her, so we did and he left a message for her to call him back. Aunt Gale called Peter back and he knew right away who was on the phone.

We took lots of pics, I'll have to post them to share with all of you. That will have to be done at a later time, because I have to download them before I can put them on the blog. So check back soon for pics.

Peter and Mommy having fun at dinner at the Space Needle.

Anyone for a game of Chess?

Who wants to have a water fight?

Peter enjoying a nature walk. He saw a baby bear and Santa's dears too.

Anna hanging out with everyone.

Peter looking for Willy. He had so much fun looking for his pal (willy the whale).

Mommy doing a self portrait of the kiddos with mommy.

Mommy and Anna on a Sea Plane.

The entire family after the Sea Plane ride.

Peter the shuffle board king.

Exhausted after a day of fun! Aren't they the cutest!

Look I can stand and walk while I hold on to things...........

I just love bath time...............even if its in a small sink!

Peter and Anna playing with the Porsche, big brother is making sure Anna doesn't sit on it.

Peter having fun at Mt. St. Helens.

Peter having fun at the Air flight Museum. My future pilot.

Anna showing off her 2 front teeth.

Some good news!

2008-06-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that my pal Barbara from Rochester - got out of PGN!!!! - she's been mentioned on this blog a few times. That is great great news. Barbara and Tom are very excited that Ben will be coming home soon!

Thank you for your continued support.

Anna is 11 Months Old.........

2008-06-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, time sure flies when we're having fun. We can't beleive Anna is already 11 months old. Next month she's going to be One! Anna can't wait until she gets bigger so she can keep her big brother in place. I have my bets on Anna, because she definitely has more "muscles" on her bones. Anna gets very mad when Peter takes one of her toys - she starts screaming and if she is really upset she'll fall onto her back onto the floor and continue to scream. She can be very stubborn at times too, but we know mommy does not put up with that at all, so that is something she'll grow out of real soon. As for crawling - Anna is all over the place, but if she had a choice she prefers to stand and try to walk. She stands in her crib all the time, luckily she is short - so we don't have to worry about her climbing out of the crib yet. Anna only has 2 teeth still, we are waiting for more to come in so she can start chewing (instead of gumming) some real food. Anna loves her saltine crackers, cheerios, pasta, and ice cream. Anna eats quite well and also loves her formula. She waves by waving her whole arm and hand, and she is so excited when she clucks, she has the biggest smile on her face. When you ask Anna to clap - she looks at both hands and instead of clapping she'll start slapping the table/tray with both hands instead of clapping & laughs along too. As for toys - her favorite is her Jumperoo and her pink bun bun she loves to cuddle with at nap time and bed time. Margaret has to find more of those pink bun bun - just to make sure we have back ups. Anna also has her favorite soft blankie that she likes to hug too while going to sleep. Anna sleeps throughout the night, unless if she has a poopie - then she wakes up for a changing and she goes right back to sleep. She usually goes to bed about 9-9:30pm and wakes up about 12 hours later, unless her big brother misses her and he decides to wake her up. She has a great personality and is such a happy and easy going baby. Both Peter and Anna are two great kiddos, and we are so lucky that they are part of our family.

Happy Birthday Da Da......

2008-06-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Today Daddy turned 50 years old, yes that big five oh! We took him out for Dinner for his big day. This weekend we are having a small party for him. Daddy really dind't want to have a party, but mommy told him that we were going to have something for the big Five Oh! Daddy got a very nice Birthday gift, since he didn't want a big party - mom spent that mommy on a cruise to Alaska. Daddy always wanted to go to Alaska. So daddy, mommy, and Peter and Anna are all going. It should be a lot of fun.

June 7th, 2007 - we had a party for kerry for his 50th Birthday. Originally it was just suppose to be immediate family and no one else, but since when does mommy listen to daddy. Margaret (mommy) invited a few of daddy's frinds too to the party. Daddy was quite surprised when he saw his friends walking into the backyard.

Unfortunately, the days after Daddy's birthday weren't as fun. Both kids turned out to get sick. But after a week of sleepless nights and both kids being needy - they are both healthy and happy - just in time for our trip to Alaska.

Good news!

2008-05-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

hey all,
Got an email from Barbara from Rochester today, and the Birth Mom interview went fine and their case can proceed to complete their adoption. Thanks to everyone for their continued support in getting these children home.

Okay, We still need some more prayers........

2008-05-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I know a few of you are waiting for Anna's new pics and the latest on her being 10 months old. But, that is saved under my drafts - because I have a request for all of you....

Just wanted to give you an update on what is going on with the other families that are also adopting. Laurie and Emma are home with their little bundles of joy.

BUT - the reason for this post is to ask for your prayers, because my friends Barbara and Tom who live in Rochester - well - they are still in the middle of the mess. Right now PGN/CNA are interviewing the Birth mom's to make sure they wanted to place their baby for adoption. Unfortunately, PGN/CNA are putting the Birth moms through the "ringer" - and trying to make the Birth Mom's change their minds and keep their son/daughter. PGN/CNA are even going as far as threatening the Birth mom to be placed in jail if they don't take their baby back. My heart just aches for Barbara and Tom, because they have been put through enough. It took Barb and Tom awhile to start this adoption, because before their adoption with Guatemala - they had a very bad experience with an adoption where the agency was corrupt and they lost several thousand dollars. And now, when they thought they were at the end of the road, this mess happens. This Thursday at 10am (Guat time) PGN/CNA will be interviewing the Birth Mom to Ben (Barb & Tom's son). Barbara has asked me to say a "Novena in Honor of St. John Bosco" so Ben comes home and the interview with the Birth Mom goes easy for all involved. So, I am asking all my family, friends and blogger friends to help Barbara and Tom, by saying a Novena. (Below is the Novena), or just do whatever works for you. Ben is one of many babies stuck in this mess.

Also, please say a prayer, cross your fingers, whatever it is that works for you - for all the other families that are in this mess, trying to bring their son or daughter home. My heart just aches for all the families and the children in Guatemala, because they are being effected by what their Government is doing.

Thanks in advance for your continued support with this! I will keep you posted on how things go, I am sure everything will go fine and Ben will be home real soon. "Positively Thinking!"

Novena in Honor of St. John Bosco
Father and Teacher of the Young

In need of special help, I appeal with confidence to you, Saint John Bosco, for I require notonly spiritual graces, but also temporal ones, and particularly...

(add your personal intentions here)

May you, who on earth had such great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and who always had compassion for those who were suffering,obtain from Jesus and His Heavenly Mother the grace I now request, and also a sincere resignation to the Will of God.

(Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)

Anna is 10 months old...

2008-05-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe Anna is 10 months old already, soon she'll be one. She is such a happy baby and is just so content with everything. She still only has 2 teeth on the bottom, her Big Brother Peter noticed them, before anyone else. As for her size, well - lets just say we are having problems finding pants to fit around her thighs. Mommy usually has to try on a couple of pants before finding a pair that Anna is comfy in and she is able to move. Anna's cousin is going to be getting some nice pants, because her legs are like broom sticks. Anna is now trying to pull herself up. When Anna can't pull herself up, she starts to be very vocal and loud, because she can't stand. Now Anna is getting smart, because now she'll crawl over to her mom or dad and pull herself up on their pants legs. Once Anna gets herself up standing, she is soo happy and she makes sure everyone knows it. Anna would rather stand then crawl. Peter is such a big brother, he is patiently waiting for Anna to get bigger - so he can play "power rangers" with her. But, I got news for ya, I think Anna is going to be a challenge for Peter, because she might be short - but she is heavy. As for food, Anna is still on baby food since she don't have that many teeth, but she does like her pasta, saltine crackers, bagels and the crust tot he pizza, and lets not forget the Cheerios. Anna loves Cheerios she does the happy dance when she sees the box coming out of the cabinet. As for her words, Anna does say mmaaa and she is starting to wave hi and good bye. Peter is still working with Anna on clapping her hands - Anna puts her hands together but she doesn't quite clap them yet. Anna knows her mommy and daddy and her big brother, when they enter the room she starts doing the happy dance because she is so excited to see us. Anna likes to talk and just gabb about anything, she enjoys to watch her brother do his "power ranger" moves. As for the pets, Anna keeps a close eye on them. When the cat is walking by - Anna just watches her to see where and what she does. As for the dog, she does the same thing, but once the dog lays down - Anna is crawling really fast to get the dog - and she manages to crab Max (the dog) before he realizes it. Max is great with both Peter and Anna, it amazes me sometimes what he puts up with and doesn't do a thing back. As for sleeping, Anna is great! She naps the same time as her brother for about 3+ hours and at night time she is sleeping by 9pm and sleeps until about 9-9:30am n- unless Peter gets up before her, then he just has to wake her up. She usually sleeps through the night, unless she is soaked - then she wakes up for a diaper change - time to get night time diapers.

Anna and Peter are doing great! I am so glad they will have each other to grow up with! Below are pics of Anna and Peter.

Pics of Anna (10 months old) & Peter (2 years & 8 months old)

2008-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to Thank Peter's and Anna's birth mom for making the decision and for thinking of their child's best interest with the child's best hopes in mind, by placing them for adoption. Because of their decision - I am a mom!

I also want to Thank Sandra and Carolina, Peter's and Anna's foster mom, because they took such good care of my babies - because of their tender loving care - Peter and Anna are very happy and healthy babies.

Today was a nice day spent with the family. Daddy got up early and ran out of the house to get some things done, and managed to come back about 1 1/2 hours later. Meanwhile, mommy was up and got the kids ready for the day. Daddy made breakfast, and of course mommy was already up getting the kiddos ready for the day. Daddy asked mommy to sit on the bed, mommy thought a surprise was coming - but instead daddy handed mommy breakfast and said "here is your breakfast in bed". Mommy told Daddy that next time he has to be quicker and give breakfast to mommy before I get out of bed. LOL. Mommy got (well, it was ordered waiting for it to come in) a deluxe double stroller, where the back seat comes off to make it a sit and stand also. I wanted this, because the nice weather is here and we like taking lots of walks. Depending on what Peter wants to do, will decide if the back seat stays on or comes off. My little boy is growing up very quickly. We were rushing this morning to get the kids and ourselves ready to get out of the house by 9:30am to go to Southampton for mommy's nephew's Communion. We made it to the church just in time to get seats. After church we headed to mommy's brother's house in Sag Harbor for a party along with the rest of mommy's family. Peter had fun playing with all his cousins, and Anna had fun in the pack N play with her toys. After the party we headed home and both kids fell asleep in the truck. Once home mommy got to watch a movie with Peter (Anna was still napping) while daddy cooked dinner. Hey, it's was mother's day I was taking off this day regardless - it's my one day - where I can say it's mom's day off. LOL. After dinner the whole family sat and watched a movie and then we all got ready to go to bed.

It was a nice day! Tomorrow is another day where mommy can catch up on house chores.

Request for Prayers for the 3,000 babies waiting to come home.........

2008-05-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Well, today I was going to post Pics of Anna, because she has been home for 2 months. BUT, there are more important things going on with about 3 thousand babies/children in Guatemala waiting to come home to their family in the United States.

Even though Anna has been home, I still try and keep up to date on what is happening with Guatemala adoptions. I have friends and blogger friends still waiting to bring their son/daughter home. For the latest update, you can visit http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala.htm OR http://www.guatadopt.com/ It is so sad to think about all those babies/children being put on "hold", instead of coming home to their family. I can't imagine what the families are going through, more waiting, more of not knowing, more of guessing on what will happen. My prayers go out to all the children and families that were put on "hold" with their adoption.

I count my lucky stars, that Anna is home, because I think about what IFF that was us - what if we were put on "hold". Wow, you don't want to know - it brings tears to my eyes, just the thought of what IFF it was us. Unfortunately, the ladies who I went to Guatemala with back in January, some of the families were put on "hold". Martina came home last month with her daughter. My pal Barbara from Rochester, is on "hold", her case is in PGN, and our lawyer suggested that she plan a visit trip, because he doesn't know how long the "hold"/wait will be. Barbara hang in there, Ben will be home - "Have Faith" :) Besides, Peter and Anna are planning a play date when he does come home. On a happy note, Emma and Laurie are out of PGN and are waiting for their E Pink to let them know when their Embassy appointment is.

Please pray, cross your fingers, make a wish - do whatever works for you - that these babies come home to their families real soon. Also pray for all the other children in Guatemala that are in the orphanages with an uncertain future of ever having a family. Unfortunately adoptions world wide are being effected, and its hurting the child the most.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

KETCHUP, CATCH UP, CAUGHT UP!!!

2008-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

OKAY, I think I am all caught up here. LOL. I really have no reason why I wasn't up to date, except for the fact that I have a lot of things going on, besides the two kiddos. We were/are busy with the usual family stuff. I kept on thinking about updating the blog, but something always managed to come up. Hopefully from here on, I'll be more up to date. LOL.

Anna and Peter are so great to be around, they are my life. Life is so great with both of them. It'll be nice to see Peter and Anna grow up together, they will become best pals.

So just to update you more.............

April 26th, Anna's first tooth is finally breaking through the gum, on the bottom. Hopefully someone will realize it - because it is an Esposito tradition that whoever finds the first tooth has to buy that baby their first pair of walking shoes. As of today, no one saw it.............

April 30th, Anna went to the Dr's for shots. The blood work came back showing that she was missing shots, so she got three at this visit. She'll be going back in 4 weeks for more shots. Poor little porker, she was screaming soo loud when she got the 3 needles....OUCH. Anna's God mother came also, so she can leave the room with Peter when the Dr. gave Anna her shots. Peter doesn't like to see his sister get so upset - so it was best that he left the room. Thanks Aunt Karen. Anna weighs 19 1/2 pounds. Mommy knows just how "chubby" Anna is, because this morning we had a very hard time to find a pair of pants that fit around her thighs. Sweatpants are even tight around her thighs, but she is still mommy's "little porker".

May 2nd, Anna was trying real hard how to crawl without her belly hitting the floor. While on the floor she began to scream and her face was bright red, because she was on all fours.............her hands and toes, and she didn't know what to do, except fall to the floor. Then she finally figured out that she can move on her knees and her hands. Now Anna gets around quite quickly, daddy has to stay on his toes and watch Anna, because she is quick! Now since Anna discovered how much higher she is on her hands and knees, she now tries to reach up to grab on to things. I am sure soon she'll be pulling herself up on the crib and on the couch. She is definitely a mover.

Peter and Anna play along good, but when Peter is in his "power ranger" mood, he thinks Anna grew in those few minutes and he can wrestle with her on the floor, so mommy and daddy has to remind him that Anna is a baby. Peter can't wait for his baby sister to get bigger. I think we just might have a "tom boy" on our hands.

Below is a pic of Anna's room. I know way back when I talked about Anna's room, so here is the pic of that. All the walls are hand painted the winnie the pooh theme. Everytime I hold Anna and read her a book in her room, she always gazes around and looks at the walls as if it was her first time in the room - it is so cute to watch.

Trip to the Bronx Zoo with other families who adopted from Guatemala

2008-04-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Bronx Zoo with other families who also adopted from Guatemala. We are all on a "Guatemala Chat Group (GAFI)" that keeps in touch on everyday life. It was nice to get together with the families that I email. We spent the whole day at the Zoo and had lunch together. The kids had soo much fun. Peter made a friend, and on the way home he wanted to know when he could have a play date. Mommy had to explain to him that his new friend lived in Orange County and that was too far away to plan a play date. LOL. Afterwards, Pam and her family and us made a pit stop on the way home for dinner. It was a nice day and the Peter enjoyed seeing the animals. Daddy wasn't use to all the walking, he was happy to get home. Anna had fun hanging out in the stroller and napping, and Peter was your typical boy just running and running and of course playing in whatever dirt he can find.

Here are a few pics of our day...................

Today was Anna Maria's Christening

2008-04-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today we had Anna Maria's Christening at St. Mary's Church, and it was so nice! Our family and friends were there to celebrate this very special occasion. The Happy God Parents were Joel (Margaret's "baby Brother") and Karen (Kerry's sister). Anna wore Margaret's grand niece's (Morgan) flower girl dress that she wore at our Wedding. Anna looked so beautiful in the dress. The dress wasn't white - it was ivory with a gold sheen to it, but it didn't matter because she was adorable in it, and her wearing that dress had a lot more meaning to it (from our wedding) than any other dress bought at a store. The dress was hand made to look like Mommy's wedding dress, and it fit Anna perfectly as if it was meant for her to wear it on this special day. Anna's Godmother had the bonnet and head band to match the dress. Of course the Godmother had to get a "party dress" for Anna to wear at the luncheon, and that dress was absolutely adorable on her. Thanks Godmom!

Afterwards, we had a luncheon at Ruby Tuesday, and everyone had a nice time there. It was nice not having to do anything, we got to enjoy the party also. Big THANKS to Morgan for being in charge of the Arts & Crafts - Thanks so much! Also, special thanks go out to the Ruby staff at the Sayville Ruby Tuesday - for a great job! Super Thanks to Carl for allowing us to have it at Rubys! Thanks so much.

Here are pics of the day, hope you enjoy them!

Anna Maria's Christening Pics

2008-04-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Anna's First Month Home.............

2008-04-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Anna has been home for a month, and it feels like she's always been here....

2008-04-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

well, sorry for the delay getting this posted, but here it is.

Today Anna Maria has been home for a month, I can't believe it. It feels like she's always been here. As for the month, Peter really has been a great brother, and luckily has shown no signs of jealousy. I am so grateful that Peter loves his sister so much, because if he was jealous of her - mommy would have her hands full for sure. Mommy is doing pretty good with 2 kiddos in the house, along with a dog and a cat, and lets not forget daddy. Anna is getting around the living room quite quickly on her tummy, she is slowly trying to get on her knees and hands to see how that goes - by rocking back and forth. LOL. Peter thinks Anna is old enough to wrestle on the floor, like he does with his cousins, but mommy and daddy keep reminding Peter that Anna is just a baby. I think when Anna is old enough, Peter is going to have some competition in the wrestling ring. Anna is still mommy's "pork sausage", she is just sooo soo chubby and her legs are just sooo sooo fat with rolls, and rolls. The other day, mommy called Peter her "pork sausage" and Peter immediately turned around and said "mommy, I'm not your pork sausage - Anna is" and he began to laugh. Then Peter said, "I am your pumpkin".

Anna has adjusted quite well. In the beginning when we started to feed her cereal and fruit, she HATED it and would not swallow the food, which caused her to gag on it. But once she swallowed the food and realized how good it was, she ate it without fussing. At Bedtime, in the beginning it took Anna a couple of nights to get use to mommy holding her until she fell asleep. Anna has always been use to being put in the crib to fall asleep, but mommy wanted her to be able to fall asleep in her arms also. For about 3 nights Anna put up a big fuss about being held, she would cry and scream, and just not want to be held to fall asleep. But it paid off, now Anna falls asleep in mommy's arms at bedtime. Anna is a good sleeper just like her brother. Anna will go to bed about 9pm-ish and sleep until about 10am the next morning when her brother wakes her up. During the night she'll get up once for a diaper change and a bottle. In the car Anna likes to travel, and she enjoys having conversations with her brother while in the truck. Peter keeps mommy posted when Anna falls to sleep in the truck. Anna loves to take baths, and she loves getting her head wet. Anna is very vocal and loud just like her brother. And if you don't pay attention to her, she gets even louder until you pay attention. It is quite cute to see. As for going out to the stores and stuff, well - mommy travels with both the double stroller and the single stroller. Mommy gives Peter the choice if he wants to walk while Anna is in the stroller (single one), or if he wants to go in the stroller with Anna. Peter has always opted to ride in the stroller with Anna (in the double stroller). When we walk around town, Peter always keeps an eye on his baby sister to make sure she is safe, while cruising in the double stroller.

Everyone in the family just loves Anna, and she fits in our family perfectly. Mommy and Daddy's friends also love Anna. We are very happy that she is home. As for the paperwork and the wait and all of that stuff during the adoption process, I am honestly glad it is over, I don't miss it at all. Guatemala keeps on adding new laws and changes to the process as the other families are waiting to complete their adoptions - so I certainly don't miss any of it.

Please keep the other families who are waiting to bring their child home in your prayers.

Thanks to our family, friends and other bloggers for all your support throughout Anna's adoption, it is so greatly appreciated.

I will try and post pictures on Anna's first month home.

Great news!!!

2008-04-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Big Kuddos! go out to Edwin and all his hard work! He found Carlos's birth mom and the final paper was signed. So now Laurie and Alan, can complete their adoption, and bring their son home. Today Carlos turned 1, and Edwin's family had a nice Birthday party for him.

Thanks for your continued support!

Special Request and an Update....

2008-04-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

While things are going great with Peter and Anna, we still need to say a prayer, cross your fingers - whatever it is you do, because we still need the others babies/children to come home to their families.

Remember a couple of months ago, I told you about going to Guatemala to visit along with a few other women who were also adopting with Edwin. Well, they need our prayers along with the families who are adopting, and are waiting to bring their babies home. Please also pray for Edwin our lawyer along with his staff and family - so he can continue the hard work to bring the children home to their families. Our prayers go out to all the families that are in the middle of their adoptions, may your little one(s) come home real soon.

Just an update;

Martina is going to Guatemala on the 13th, to bring her daughter home. We are happy that Joseline is finally coming home. She entered PGN the same time we did, and got caught up in the Central Authority mess, before being allowed to re-enter PGN. But that is all behind her now, and her daughter is coming home. :)

Barbara, my pal from Rochester. Her family had to register with the Central Authority, and Edwin had to fix their previo (the reason why they got kicked out of PGN), before they were able to re-enter PGN. She is still in PGN, and hopefully she'll be getting her approval, so she can complete her adoption, and bring her son Ben home.

Laurie is out of PGN, but Edwin is searching for the Birth mom to get the last and final signature to complete their adoption. Edwin had to drive several hours to the Birth mom's town, only to find she was not there. So Edwin has been walking all over town looking for Carlos's Birth mom. Now the type of walking he is doing, is not like the type of walking we are doing here in the U.S. (cement sidewalks, etc.) Unfortunately, he is walking down washed away dirt roads (due to the heavy rains), that are now rivers and streams to get across town in search for Carlos's Birth mom. Margaret has been talking to Laurie often this week, giving her the positive thoughts to hang in there, Edwin will get the job done. Laurie has been waiting patiently for that email or call, telling her that the Birth mom was found and she signed the paperwork. This is a roller coaster ride, that Laurie will be happy to get off. I told Laurie she had "To have Faith in Him!". I know just how much it sucks, but I have confidence in Edwin in getting the job done. Hey, I don't know too many people in New York that would walk for Days and miles to search for someone. That goes to show just how much Edwin loves what he is doing - finding homes for children in need. So, please say an extra prayer for Edwin in finding the Birth mom, so Laurie and her husband Alan can complete their adoption and get Carlos home. Tomorrow is Carlos's first birthday - Edwin's family is going to have a nice party for him. Happy Birthday Carlos!

Emma and her husband are still hanging in there - in PGN. Hopefully they too will get their approval, so they can also complete their adoption. Emma lives in New Jersey, and hopefully when their daughter is home, we'll all be able to get together and meet.

And last but not least. Please say a prayer for all the children in Guatemala, who may never have a family. At the moment - Guatemala has closed their doors for new adoptions. Unfortunately the only people this is effecting are the children of Guatemala that don't have a family. The thought of this is soo sad.

Thank you in advance for all your prayers and good wishes!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it took awhile to post this, but I wasn't able to download my pics to my laptop, because I had no more space available to do it. So I had to clean up the hard drive, to make space, to download the pics on the lap top. So here it is.............. just a little bit of a warning here, it is long. But at the end - I just had to give special Thanks!

What a busy Easter week/weekend. There is something going on each day of the week in the Esposito-Kanakos house/family :)

Wednesday (3/19), after Peter's school/class, mommy was bringing the kiddos to see Grandma at her Home Extension meeting (it's where a whole bunch of elderly woman get together to do crafts and chat), so everyone there can see Anna & Peter. Grandma was soo happy to see her grandchildren, and her friends just loved the kids. We stayed for a little while to visit, before heading home.

Thursday (3/20), Daddy invited Anna, Peter, and mommy to lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Peter likes going to "Rubys". This was the first restaurant Anna has been too and she was GREAT! She was napping when we first got there, but big brother Peter had to wake her up. Anna enjoyed looking at all the TV's. Big brother Peter enjoyed showing off his baby sister. Next to us were a few elderly ladies having lunch, and when they left they stopped to talk to Anna and Peter. Peter asked mommy who they were? as if to question, why were they talking to him and Anna. It was cute.

Friday (3/21) we went to Chuck E Cheese. Peter just loves this place and we don't go that often. But, since he has been such a great big brother, mommy told Peter that we can go to Chuck E Cheese. Peter met his cousins there along with his pal Jen and her folks. Daddy even showed up at Chuck E Cheese, Peter was very surprised to see daddy. Anna had fun just sitting in the stroller checking out everything.

Saturday we decided to go out to Riverhead, to the Atlantis Marine World, so Peter can see Mombo (from the movie Happy Feet). We met Peter's cousin Rebecca, Sarah, and Aunt Donna at the aquarium. Daddy even came along to for this family outing. Peter and Anna had a great time. Guess we'll have to renew our membership there, since Peter enjoys it.

Saturday evening we headed to Grandma's house to decorate eggs, with Peter's sisters and his cousins and Aunts. We ordered out Pizza for dinner and then decorated eggs. Peter had a fun time experimenting with the dye and how white eggs turned all these different colors.

All day Saturday, we talked about the Easter Bunny and how he is bringing Easter baskets to good girls and boys. Mommy explained to Peter what takes place, and how he has to wake up tomorrow morning to look for his basket. Peter is finally getting old enough to sort of understand all these fun holidays.

Sunday (Easter) morning Peter woke up, and we wished each other a Happy Easter. Then Peter remembered that he had to look for his Easter Basket. He started looking throughout the whole house. Mommy told Peter that the Easter bunny his all the baskets in the living room. So Peter started looking in the living room. It was quite easy to find Anna's basket, then Peter needed a few hints, but he found it. He was sooo sooo happy that the Easter Bunny remembered to get him his "Shoprite" truck, and a few Nascar race cars. Then we had to get ready to go to church. We were early to church so we were able to get seats. The kiddos were great in Church, even though Peter wouldn't let Anna take her morning nap. Everyone around us loved the kids, and they were so amazed how Peter kept his tie on the entire time. To this day Margaret always has tears in her eyes at church, because we are so Thankful for having Anna and Peter part of our family. I (Margaret) don't think there has been a time when she went to church that tears didn't start - since Peter's been home - we are just so blessed. Anna was in her pretty dress for Easter and Peter wore a shirt and tie (of course the tie had "lightning McQueen" - from the Disney movie Cars), Peter just loved his tie and kept it on the entire time. After church we met daddy's side of the family at the Diner for Breakfast. After breakfast we headed home to "pack up the kitchen sink" before heading over to Grandma's house for Easter Dinner. Mommy's side of the family was at dinner, there was about 19 of us at Dinner, it was very nice. Once at Grandma's house, mommy asked Peter is he wanted to get changed, and he said "NO", he wanted to keep on his shirt and tie. Mommy changed Anna out of her dress, just so she would be comfortable while in her "jumparoo". After dinner the kiddos went outside to play lacrosse, and Peter managed to play with his cousins, while still wearing the shirt and tie. Then they decided it was time to climb the tree in Grandma's front yard, and there goes Peter climbing the tree in his shirt and tie. How many 2 1/2 years old do you know, that refuses to take off a shirt and tie, mommy was sooo sooo amazed that Peter kept on the tie. We had dessert, and then backed up the "kitchen sink" to head back home. At which point Peter agreed to take off the tie, but he kept on the dress shirt. While on the way home Peter fell asleep, and stayed asleep until the next morning at 8am. He had soo much fun with his cousins, taking a nap was not on his list of things to do.

It was a very nice Easter, it was busy - but nice since we got to see both of our families, and they got to see Anna and Peter. We are so Blessed to have Peter and Anna in our family! I give Thanks everyday, that we chose this path to bring Anna home. IFF we went with the same agency that we brought Peter home with, we wouldn't have a daughter - only because they had about a 16-18 week wait for a baby girl, and we wouldn't have been put on the list until August 29, 2007, and they stopped giving out referrals shortly after that due to the uncertainty in Guatemala. Big Kudos goes out to B. Turner - from "down south", who Margaret found while searching the Internet for "independent adoptions in Guatemala", he introduced us to Edwin (our lawyer in Guatemala), who introduced us to our Daughter! Edwin and his family will always remain a part of our family! Because of their dedication to their beliefs in helping the children in Guatemala, we have our daughter Anna home with us. Muchas Gracias!!! Our prayers will always include Peter and Anna's Birth moms, because they made such a great sacrifice so that their child could have a better life. I am sure it was a difficult decision to make as a mother. I can not imagine life without my two kiddos, they bring us so much joy and love everyday of our lives.

Thanks to all my blog buddies, friends, and family for all your support through this, it is greatly appreciated.

Even though Anna is home, I have decided to continue to update the blog, just so everyone can see how the family is doing. I am going to try to update it weekly, only because a lot of things do go on each week, and our little Anna and Peter are growing as they sleep. :)

Have a great Week,
Margaret.

Peter & Daddy checking out "Happy Feet", at the Atlantis Marine World.

Mombo and his mommy and daddy.

Anna just decorated her egg, and now she wants to eat it.

Peter having fun, dying the eggs.

Peter showing off his tie.

Anna showing off her pretty Easter Dress.

Peter playing in the yard with his cousins, and yes he still has the tie on.

Anna posing for the picture.

Peter playing lacrosse, and yes the tie is still on.

Anna & Peter posing for a picture.

Peter climbing the tree with his cousins, the tie is still on him.

Anna loves to get pictures taken of her.

Anna is glad to be out of her Easter Dress.

Anna is 8 months old

2008-03-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

wow, It's hard to believe my "little Porker" is 8 months old. It is too cute to watch her and Peter. Lately, it's been a race on who wakes up first, because that kiddo gets to wake up the other one sleeping. As I am typing this, Anna is in her jumperoo and her brother is sleeping, and Anna is just screaming and laughing away - and of course she has this big smile on her face, as if she knows what she is doing. LOL. Peter misses his sister when she naps, and he hounds mommy to wake up Anna, because "she wants to play". Today was the first day Peter actually let Anna sleep, but the first minute he heard her wake up on the monitor he ran into her room to say hello. Anna gets so excited when she sees her brother. Today we moved Anna to her own room to sleep in her own crib, and she loves it. It's funny to watch Anna and Peter talk to each other, they just get louder and louder as the conversation continues. Anna is such a happy good baby and so sweet, and Peter is such a helpful big brother.

Happy St. Patricks Day..........

2008-03-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend. The weekend started off on Saturday, with Peter and Anna going to Kiddi Kandids to get some pictures taken. Anna was great getting pictures. Peter didn't want to be bothered with pictures, but before leaving he did agree to get one picture. yippie! Once home, Peter's and Anna's cousins came to visit - The Kelley Boys. Peter had fun playing with his cousins. Anna got a cute denim skirt outfit (yes, finally some denim), that looks like it will fit her now, and big brother Peter got a hot wheel truck - that he absolutely loved. Peter likes this big brother thing, especially if it means he gets gifts too. Looks like mommy might have to go out and buy Anna some Denim jeans, because mommy doesn't think she'll like wearing dresses/skirts all the time. Later that day, Peter's Godfather and his family came by to see Anna and Peter. Pet enjoyed opening Anna's gifts, but got bored once he saw that it was more clothes. Peter had fun playing with Jen, while everyone enjoyed Anna and her cute personality.

Sunday, was a busy day. We went to Church with the kiddos, and they were great! Everyone around us, just loved the kids, and were so amazed how good they were. Then we headed off to the Easter Egg hunt at Aunt Carol and Uncle Anthony's house. Peter had fun collecting everyone else's eggs, and eating all the candy. Anna just hung out with Grandma while mommy helped Peter collect his eggs. Peter had soo much fun playing with all his cousins, luckily the rain held off = so the kids were able to run around outside. Then we went to Olan Mills for more family portraits with Katie and Kimberly, and we were able to get a picture of Peter with his baby sister. After pictures it was time for another party - this time it was St. Patty's dinner at Aunt Carol and Uncle Anthony's house. After dessert, it was time to go home. Both kiddos fell fast to sleep on the way home, and remained sleeping once home.

St. Patty's day weekend is always a special weekend for me (Margaret). Because 5 years ago, my husband met my entire family at St. Patty's Dinner, and then 2 years ago Peter met the entire family at St. Patty's Dinner, and this year Anna met mommy's family.

Below are a few pics of our weekend.

Peter found one of his eggs.

Anna & Grandma with the Easter Bunny

Anna sleeping after a day of Fun, Fun, Fun!

Anna has been home for a week, and it feels like months..........

2008-03-13T09:15:00.001-07:00

Anna has been home a week, and it feels like months because things are GREAT! Peter is a great big brother, and mommy is sooo soo happy that he has shown NO signs of jealousy! Peter has been very helpful with Anna, and it is sooo soo nice to see both of them play together. Over the past week, we have had a few visitors.

On Thurs. we went to Grandma's house to visit, and while there Aunt Jean was there to see Anna.

On Friday we just hung around the house and caught up on laundry.

Saturday Auntie Pam and Emily came over to visit and they brought a cool gift for Anna, and of course Big brother got a gift too. Emily wasn't too happy about her mom holding the baby.

Sunday, the family just hung out and played and napped.

Monday, Aunt Joann and Uncle Les and the Woolley Kids (cousins) came by to visit, and they got Anna very cute dresses to wear. Peter was soo happy to have "big" (his age) over to play.

Tuesday, cousin Christine and cuz Gianna came by to visit, and brought Anna a spring Dress. Then we took a walk around town. Margaret with the kiddos in the double stroller, which worked out great!

Wednesday, Peter had school at 9:30am, so Mommy had to get up early to get Anna up, so she can be fed breakfast before we left. We managed to get to school with time to spare. LOL. Everyone loved Anna, and Peter being a big brother - was protective to make sure nothing was going to happen to Anna.

Today, we are going to Grandma's house to visit, and to give her pictures of the kiddos so she can show them to her friends, who have been asking about Anna and Peter. After Grandma's we are then going to mommy's cousin's house to hang a welcome home sign. Today mommy's cousins are coming home with their daughter who they adopted from Russia, Alina is the same age as Peter.

On Monday, we started Anna on cereal, she did not like it one bit. So on Tues while walking around town, mommy bought baby food (fruit) to mix with it - Anna likes it much better mixed with fruit. As for Anna sleeping through the night, she has been great with that. She usually only gets up once for a diaper change and a sip of formula and then she goes right back to sleep. And she loves to sleep in. It is now 9:15am and Anna is still sleeping. Anna is definitely a talker, she just gabs and gabs and laughs.

As for today's date: This date two years ago, was our U.S. Embassy appointment to finalize Peter's adoption. How time flies!

Delta Airlines - GETS TWO THUMBS DOWN!

2008-03-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well, Delta Arilines, finally wrote us back. Toddi Ford, Claims Manager - requested us to accept his apology for the poor impression we received and give us (Delta) an early opportunity to regain your confidence.

Sorry Toddi - with your reply on how this situation was handled, you will not regain our confidence to fly Delta again. The only way, we will be flying Delta is if it is a HUGE savings - to compensate for the broken stroller and the damage suitcase.

Of course, Delta (Toddi) didn't even mention my new luggage that was damaged by his employees.

So, DELTA GETS TWO BIG THUMBS DOWN! We will not be flying them, unless the fare is sooo sooo cheap, that it will compensate us for the stroller and luggage. And lately, they have been the same price as other arilines, so Adios Delta!

Here are pictures from our Pick Up Trip!

2008-03-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

A busy night of doing laundry and taking care of Anna.............

2008-03-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

This morning, Margaret called Anna's Dr., because Anna has been "throwing up" her formula (the entire bottle) every time we fed her yesterday afternoon/evening (after our Dr. appointment). After talking to the Dr. he told us that it sounded like a case of reflux. So for now, Margaret is feeding Anna 2 ounces of formula every 1/2 hour, up to 6 ounces. So far so good. Margaret has been doing this all day and Anna has not vomited at all. In the beginning Anna wasn't too happy about only getting 2 ounces, but she is doing great on waiting that 1/2 hour for another 2 ounces. During the night Anna woke up for a diaper change and a bottle, but she only got 2 ounces, so after Anna went back to sleep she woke up about an hour later for more. LOL.

As long as Anna continues to show improvement, she will be started on rice cereal along with her formula - a little at a time - to make sure it stays down.

Anna continues to be a great happy baby. It is so cute to watch Anna and Peter talk.

First day home, and I am Loving it..... Still!

2008-03-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

Well, today was our first day home, and it went pretty good. Mommy woke up about 6am - had too much to get done while the kiddos were sleeping (ie. laundry). Peter woke up about 6:30am, ready to start his day. Peter usually sleeps until 9am, but I guess since he went to sleep early last night - he was ready to go today. Daddy woke up about 8am, and went to get bagels (yes, we missed them in Guatemala) before he went to work for a little bit. Anna stayed asleep until 9:45am. Mommy couldn't believe how late Anna slept for, even with Max (our dog) and Peter making noise.

The first house Anna visited was her Grandma's house (Margaret's mom) and grandma just loved Anna. Grandma couldn't get over how heavy/big Anna was and how beautiful she is. Anna was all smiles and giggles hanging out with grandma. Daddy joined us at Grandma's house for lunch. While there, Aunt Jean dropped by and she got to see Anna and hold Anna, before we left for our appointment.

After Grandma's house we brought Anna to the Dr's (International Adoption Ped. Dr.) to get checked out, she is a happy healthy baby girl. Mommy, Daddy, and Peter all went with Anna. Anna has a little cough, but the Dr. didn't have a concern for that, and said that it will go away in time. She is in the 50 percentile for weight, and the 5th percentile for head size and length. They attempted to take blood from Anna to have it test, but after sticking her one arm twice and getting nothing, they switched to the other arm, and on the 2nd stick with the needle there were able to get some blood, but not much. Hopefully it is enough for the test they have to run, so Anna doesn't have to go through that. While they were attempting to take the blood (took them an 1/2 hour) Anna was SCREAMING and crying the entire time. Poor little pumpkin.

After the Dr.'s we went home, to have some Dinner. Mommy started to cook dinner while Daddy gave Anna a bottle, but while Daddy was burping Anna she managed to spit up all over Daddy. LOL. So Daddy volunteered to do the cooking instead. While Daddy was cooking, mommy, Peter and Anna played on the floor. Then after dinner, Daddy played with the kiddos while Mommy cleaned up daddy's mess. Daddy is a good cook, but he knows how to make a mess.

This evening we celebrated Peter's "Gotcha Day". Two years ago today, we went to Guatemala to bring Peter home. He is such a great boy, and such a great big brother, he was helpful all day. It was Peter's choice on what he wanted for Dessert, since it was his day. Peter wanted to have ice cream with m & m's (which are his Favorite candy). He was soo happy to be able to have ice cream with M & M's.

After dessert, the kiddos got their pj's on and went to bed.

Peter showing Grandma his Big Brother T- Shirt.

Anna getting checked out from Dr. Lee, the International Adoption Dr.

Happy Gotcha Day, Peter!

Time to go home...........

2008-03-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

Today Margaret woke up about 4am, because Anna wanted a bottle and a diaper change, but once that was done - Anna wasn't ready to go back to sleep right away. We all woke up about 5:15, to get ready and to go have breakfast before heading to the airport. We said our good byes to everyone, and loaded up in the Hotel van to the airport. Kerry was a little worried, because the hotel van was not there at 7am to take us to the airport, it showed up about 10 minutes later, which really didn't matter because we got to the airport on time. Yes, Kerry worries about everything, and being on time is his biggest obsession.

The American Airline counter had no one on line, so we breezed right through. We asked, if bulkhead seating was available and it wasn't to Dallas, but it was available to Laguardia. So Margaret asked the counter person, if we can get as close to the front as possible heading to Dallas, and if we can book the bulkhead now, and he said of course. So we were happy about that. We headed to the gate, with plenty of time to spare. While sitting at the gate, Kerry checked the tickets, and realized that we were all sitting apart from each other. Hmmm, like Peter would sit by himself, I don't think so. LOL. So Kerry went back to the ticket counter to see if anything can be done, and they said we had to wait for the gate to open. Once the gate opened Kerry spoke to the person, and they said the flight was full. Kerry explained to them that Peter was a 2 year old boy, after some figuring out - they managed to get mommy and Peter together, and Kerry 2 rows ahead of us. Margaret wasn't too worried about that, because she knew once on the plane she can ask that person sitting with us if they would mind changing. The gentleman sitting with us, volunteered to switch seats with Kerry. So the Kanakos family got to sit all together. Unfortunately, Margaret had two boys fighting over the window seat. Have you ever saw a 50 year old and a 2 year old fight over who was going to sit by the window. But, mommy couldn't say a word about it, because we all knew that Daddy always gets the window seat. Note to self, next time - both boys will have their own window seat. LOL

Our lay over was in Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas - where Anna became a U.S. citizen once she entered the U.S. The Immigrations Dept. there was a breeze. They checked Anna's visa to make sure the pictured looked like her, and then we were on our way. We had a quick bite to eat, before getting on our next plane home.

The flight home, was fun- both kiddos were awake most of the time. Peter was over tired, and wanted to sit on Mommy's lap to nap - so Anna had to hang out with Daddy. We landed in Laguardia Airport about 8:30pm, and was greeted by Aunt Karen (Kerry's sister), her husband Uncle Mike, and cousin Danielle. They had a big sign, welcoming Anna home.

Once home (about 10:30pm), there were pink and white balloons and a welcome home sign on the house, that was put there by Emily and Ryan O'Dea. We became good friends with the O'Dea's during Peter's and Emily's adoption 2 years ago.

Once home, Peter was fast to sleep - so Mommy just put him straight to bed. Anna needed a changing, so Mommy changed her and put her to bed. Anna was giggling for a few minutes, and then was fast to sleep.

It's nice to be home with the kiddos.

Getting ready for Take Off, out of Guatemala City.

Cousin Danielle, Aunt Karen, & Uncle Mike met us at the airport.

The O'Dea family, left us a surprise at our house, Thanks!

Time to get ready to go home............

2008-03-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Today we just relaxed most of the day, while Margaret started to pack up everything. We were hoping to go home a little lighter, but you know that never happens.

We had lunch with Olivia and her family out by the pool side. We ordered in from Camparo's, and it was delicious. Peter was asking for a nap, so we ended the afternoon early to let Peter take a nap before dinner. Peter never took a nap, gotta love that 2 year old stage. LOL

This evening we had dinner with Edwin, Jacqueline and Katherine. It was very nice to see them before we left to come back home. Edwin was very happy, because another family got approved out of PGN, while another was resubmitted on the same day.

Peter had fun playing with Katherine before and after dinner. Peter had made a lot of new friends from Guatemala. It'll be interesting to see who gets his next art project that he makes in school.

After dinner, we went back to the room to finish packing and to get some sleep, since we had to get up at 5:30am the next morning.

Anna's Visa and paperwork.

The Kanakos Family and Sanchez Family.

Jacquelin & Katherine with Anna.

Introducing the newest Member to the Kanakos Family

2008-03-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well, it´s official. Anna is a Kanakos. Today we had our Embassy Appointment, and it was great! Margaret woke up about 4am, because she couldn´t sleep, then Kerry woke up at 4:30am, because he couldn´t sleep either. Margaret woke Anna up about 5:15am to feed her, so she would have time to finish the bottle and get ready for her big day. Peter woke up about 6am, he was happy to know that Anna was going to become his baby sister officially today. We got ready and headed down to the lobby at 6:40am. Jacqueline arrived shortly after to go the the Embassy with us.

We got to the U.S. Embassy about 7:20am. Jacqueline pretty much did everything, we just waited for our name to be called. Mommy had a surprise for Anna´s big brother, and he was very happy to get Nascars and more cars from the ¨Cars¨ movie, it kept him entertained while waiting. We were called to go to window 10, and our adoption was approved, and we were told that Anna would become an American citizen once she entered the U.S. Then we had to wait for our name to be called again and we went to window 7, there she verified our paperwork, and asked if this was our first adoption, and we had Peter with us - and told the woman that we adopted Peter 2 years ago from this same place. The woman was happy to hear that, and she had all of Peter´s information on the computer. Then she asked if ¨Anna¨had any other siblings, and we told her that she had two older sisters. Then we had to raise our right hand, and Peter raised his too, to swear that all the information was correct and that we would treat ¨Anna¨ like any other American child. (hmmmm, I think that is what they said - I was just amazed that Anna was officially ours).

We got done with everything about 10am, on the way out of the Embassy we saw Carolina - Anna´s foster mother, she was very happy to see us, it was a very nice surprise. While Carolina was holding Anna, Peter kept on telling his dad to get Anna back, we had to remind Peter that Anna was coming home withus this time - not to worry. But, Peter was worrying, so to make Peter happy daddy took Anna back. Since everyone was hungry we dropped by a very nice restaurant to have a bite to eat before going back to the hotel. Once back to the hotel, Margaret just had to show off how nice Anna looked in her dress. Anna and Peter did great being dressed up. They looked very nice, Peter is becoming such a little young man.

Once back at the hotel, Daddy and Anna fell right to sleep, then Mommy and Peter played with his cars and watched a movie. Then Peter was getting tired, so Mommy and Peter took a nap too. Mommy woke up, along with Anna- so we left the boys in the room to finish their naps, and we came to the business center to post the great news.

For all the Moms out there....

2008-03-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, all you moms are going to love this story.

Yesterday, Margaret (me) went to the business center to update the blog and check the emails, and to send pics to my mom´s ceiva frame. She left Kerry with 2 sleeping kids. Well, here in Guatemala the internet service is not all that quick. I had to download pics, before being able to use them and that took a long time. So it took about an hour and a half - to do everything.

Upon returning to the room, Kerry couldn´t believe how long I was gone for. Then he proceeded to talk about how Anna woke up crying and she woke up Peter and Peter started to cry because he didn´t nap long enough. Then he finally got Anna to stop crying and Peter fell back to sleep, but Anna had a poopie diaper and he had to change that and then she started crying for a bottle and there wasn´t a bottle made up, so he had to make it while holding Anna. I was trying so hard not to bust out laughing, but then I couldn´t hold it in anymore, I just had to laugh. Kerry didn´t like that I laughed, because it wasn´t fair. I asked him what he thought I did at 3am when Anna pooped her diaper and she wanted a bottle. Then he changed the story as if that wasn´t the issue, the issue was how long I was gone for. But if you notice, I have been gone for that long everyday to do what had to be done on the computer, but I guess the kids crying just got the best of him. Maybe now, he´ll like most dads will appreciate mommy more with everything they do while muli tasking. LOL.

I just had to share this story. Welcome to Mommy World! :)

Anna's First Play date...

2008-03-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

This evening, we decided to order in Pizza Hut for dinner, and had dinner with Oliva and Guy and their baby daughter Isabella. It was fun having dinner with the other family and talking about our adoption experience. While eating Isabella and Anna played on the bed, and was baby talking the entire time.

As you can tell by the pictures, Isabella has a lot of hair, and she is 11 1/2 months old.

Peter´s foster family came by to visit

2008-03-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today Peter´s foster family came to the hotel to visit. It was very nice to see Sandra and her family. Fabio drove them to the hotel and he stayed to translate for us. Thanks Fabio. Sandra brought gifts for Peter. Sandra couldn´t believe how big Peter was. Sandra´s son who was almost 4 years old, was only taller than Peter by about 2 inches. It was a very nice visit. Sandra was happy to know that we keep in touch with Marcie- Sandra had her baby in foster care a year after Peter. Margaret had gifts for Sandra and her family from Marcie´s family and our family. Sandra was very Thankful for the gifts. The kids had fun playing with Peter. We had lunch together and then we said our goodbyes. We have kept in touch with Sandra and her family for 2 years, and plan to continue staying in touch. It was sad to say our good byes. Two years ago and 4 days, Sandra said good bye to Peter when he was put in our arms forever. Fabio was very surprised, to hear that we have kept in touch for so long, and he was happy that we did. Fabio offered to email me for Sandra since she doesn´t have internet access. Sandra was very happy about his offer.

Below are a couple of Pics of Peter´s foster family.