Dominic's Homecoming Countdown

In our latest set of pictures, we finally get to see Dominic with his eyes open! We think he looks pretty content. He must be . . . at least eating-wise because he has gained almost 2 pounds in a month! He is up to 8.14 lbs. He is a bit longer,too . . . now he is 52 centimeters. His physical says that he does not have any mental, physical or health problems. Every time we see new pictures, we want to bring him home even more. I wish we could "pause" him until the paper work in done so that he wouldn't grow at all until we could get him. I know . . . wishful thinking! As long is he is staying healthy and being loved by his foster mom, we will be happy.
The DNA test has not been done yet. It should take place on Monday along with the social worker interview. His birth mother needs to sign off 4 times: to transfer custody to the attorney and request that child be placed for adoption,for an interview with a social worker from Family Court, before a physician for DNA sample collection and for her final signature on the adoption deed before the notarial attorney. Let's hope that all goes well Monday and that she is able to sign off. I can't imagine how it must feel to give your baby away forever. I know it wouldn't ease the pain, but I wish that we could meet her so she would know how much we already love this little boy. Let's also hope that the DNA is a perfect match . . . Thanks for thinking of us! We'll write the next time something exciting happens. Enjoy these new pictures and have a happy Halloween! Enjoy the extra hour of sleep this weekend, too :)

Normally, I don't make Frank take my picture while I am holding a paper, but this one is pretty important. We FINALLY received our immigration approval on Friday. Thank goodness! After waiting and waiting and waiting, it arrived in our mailbox. A.F. Megan received her copy on Friday as well and she immediately sent it on to Guatemala (I think it was Fed-Exed this time!).
Needless to say, we are relieved. Now process round 2 begins. This is the part that should take 4 to 6 months. The next big event will be DNA testing. Our documents will go to Family Court and on to PGN. PGN, from what I have read, will be the tough part. If they don't like the way something looks, we will need to have the document done again and sent back. Keep your fingers crossed that things go smoothly for us! F
That is about all that is new right now. A.F. Megan heard from lawyer Carla that Dominic is just fine after Hurricane Stan and that he is doing great! We can't wait to get another batch of pictures! Keep us in your thoughts!

I don't think Dominic enjoyed this last physical . . . he looks pretty cranky! I know that I am a little bit cranky now, too! The good news is . . . Dossier #1 was found and is now in Guatemala with Carla the lawyer. That is excellent! Of course, we only found this out AFTER Aimee and I spent a day driving to Harrisburg. We did have a fun time, though, and time with a great friend is NEVER wasted time! We ended up getting a $400 refund back, too. That covered getting Dossier #2 certified.
The bad news is that we still don't have our immigration approval. Every day that passes without it frustrates me more and more. Supposedly it was processed on Friday. I am really hoping that it arrives by the end of this week.
That is about it for an update right now. I wish that we had more to report. When this LAST piece of the puzzle arrives in Guatemala, and our documents start to go through the adoption process there, I think we will all be a little less cranky. Thanks for reading! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry :) Please send your thoughts and prayers out to the people of Guatemala. Many villages have been devastated by Hurricane Stan and the country is in a state of emergency. Hopefully, the little man is doing OK! We haven't heard otherwise . .