Dominic's Homecoming Countdown

As many of our loyal fans know, we spent some serious time waiting for our immigration approval. Technically, you should have it before you accept your referral. We were worried about major law changes in Guatemala so we accepted our approval while we were waiting for it. And we waited, and waited, and waited . . . it took about a month longer than expected. I have gotten it through my head that things from immigration take a long time. So when we were told that we would receive Dominic's certificate of citizenship 45 days after returning from Guatemala, I laughed and starting looking for the phone number I would need to call when it didn't show up. Well, well, well . . . guess what DID show up today, much earlier than expected! We have Dominic's certificate :) He is 100% a United States citizen! His little picture is on it . . . very cute! We are in the process of having his first and middle names changed through orphans court. Supposedly in PA we can change his name through the county court system. We should be able to order a PA birth certificate with his new name in 4 weeks. Of course, I have my doubts but we'll see. Once we have his new birth certificate, we will have his first and middle names changed on his certificate of citizenship. Ah, yes . . . I don't think that this paper chase will ever end.

Dominic is doing great. He is starting to take naps at the same time everyday, which is a beautiful thing. He loves hearing himself make noises. We were out and about today. He decided to test out all of the different screaming noises he could at Bed Bath and Beyond. I thought it was funny. So did one cashier. No one else was amused. He is starting to make different sounds and I have heard the letter "M." I am REALLY working on "Mama" or "Mommy" with him. When I say either to him, he laughs hysterically. I don't know why but I am glad that I can entertain him so easily. After seeing and hearing about all the fun Carlton and Dylan have in their Jumperoos, we brought one home for him. He LOVES it . . . I'll take some pictures soon! Have a great day!

We are feeling VERY loved tonight! My co-workers had a beautiful baby shower for us! Dominic had the chance to meet everyone and he adored the attention! He went from loving arms to loving arms without a peep. He did get a little cranky toward the end but I was impressed because he only napped for an hour the entire day. He giggled, grinned and gurgled for almost 6 hours! It was so nice to see my colleagues and get to talk to everyone. I am very blessed to work with the kindest and most supportive people in the world. From the moment we made our adoption intentions known, we received nothing but support, prayers and love! There were tons of little babies at the shower but I still think Dominic is the tiniest! He has lots of fun, as you can see in the picture. He had a chance to flirt with the pretty girl babies and see how the big boys play. We were truly showered with so many beautiful gifts. Dominic has an entire library of books now! It was really a wonderful afternoon. By the way, if you are looking for a good baby book, make sure that you read "Love You Forever" by yourself BEFORE you try to read it to a baby! I BALLED MY EYES OUT! It is SUCH a beautiful book and it is perfect for ANY person, child or parent. I think I am being emotional for now :)

Congratulations to little Miss M . . . she has learned how to crawl! Savanna is doing great too; Betsy is trying to get her into a crib to sleep instead of on her mommy's tummy!. Erinberry has her paperwork together and just needs her immigration approval; that referral will be here before you know it! Carlton won a battle with bananas while his dad wasn't looking. Dylan had a very, very bad fever but I think he is doing better now. And those two Tots are all over the place too! My burning question . . . are Dennise and Brad home with Kylie? If anyone knows, please let ME know (Betsy is wondering too!)

Hi everyone! It's me, Lisa and Frank's favorite feline. I need to vent for a minute. I don't know about this new guy. He came into my house and took over my crib. He sleeps in it all night! I tried to cover it with cat hair to keep him out of it but his mommy just washes the sheets. He has so many more toys than I do and his are bigger. I tried to take some of them and hide them with my toys but his drool made them way too slippery. The thing that really drives me nuts is when Lisa puts him in my Pack n' Play when she needs to go to the bathroom or wash dishes. He HATES the Pack n' Play . . . he just screams and screams when he is in it! He did take ONE nap in it though; check out the picture. I tried to give him the evil eye to wake him up but it didn't work. And what's with all the milk he is getting? Lisa KNOWS that I LOVE milk. Not only does he get tons of it, but she feeds it right to his mouth! I am getting used to all the noises he makes. It drives me nuts when he cries. I cry all the time and I don't get what I want . . .why does it work for him? Well, I feel better now that I got that off my chest. I need to go exercise . . . for whatever reason, Lisa has been giving my TONS of treats. I'm thinking that she feels a little guilty . . . hey, that works for me!

This little guy is much happier now that he is healthy and home! We are getting into a routine and all is well. He is as happy as a clam! You would never think that he left the home he was in for over 6 months. Formula is probably his favorite thing right now; he has been eating like CRAZY! I guess that he is making up for lost time. Honestly, he is really only cranky and crying when he is hungry. He has been eating a little bit of baby food but he REALLY loves his Grandmom's mashed potatoes. I brought home some Rita's last night and he whined until he got some. From there we moved on to YoBaby yogurt and he really liked that. He has had lots of visitors. He spent the day with his Nana on Friday and we were at his Grandmom and PopPop's for Palm Sunday dinner. I would say that his favorite toy right now is his exersaucer. He loves it. He also loves throwing things on the ground so that we need to pick them up! I took him for his first pictures today; they will be SO cute!

I never had the chance to write too much about Guatemala. Frank and I had the chance to visit Antigua Guatemala. It was amazing and definitely a highlight of
the trip. Our tourguide was recommended by our agency and he was FANTASTIC. We had a private tour of the amazing place. If you are traveling to Guatemala and you have the time, please try to see Antigua. If you would like the name of our tour guide, let me know. His website is www.mayabalam.com. It was an experience that I will never forget! Dominic was a great world traveler, considering how sick he was and that we had not clue :) We shared our flight from Miami to Philadelphia with Janet Reno; she let us take her picture with Frank and Dominic. It was very cool!

That is about it for now . . . I need to clean up while the Prince continues his nap! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and kind thoughts :)

We came home from the hospital Tuesday night and we are all healthy . . . finally! I just had Dominic at the pediatrician office for a post-hospital check up and he is doing just fine! He actually gained 5 ounces while he was sick! This poor baby has slept in 4 different places over the last week and a half. I feel terrible for him! He is in a good mood today and taking a nap right now. He finally feels well enough to go in his exer-saucer . . . I think that the diaper rash was really bugging him! Anyway, we are all getting used to each other and trying to get a routine together. I am so glad to have us all home :)

Our little Dominic received a nasty present to welcome him home . . . the rotavirus. He's been in the hospital since Saturday morning. He has been quite a trooper considering how bad he feels. I had the same thing while we were in Guatemala. Frank got it Saturday night and Grandmom has it now. Grandmom took came to the ER with us to help on Saturday. Grandpop took Frank home from the hospital yesterday. Nana and Grandpa spent the afternoon with Dominic and me in the hospital yesterday. Frank is with him now and I am taking aquick break. Please pray that he feels better soon. I really want to bring him home FOR GOOD. He LOVES flirting with all the nurses and they are absolutely loving him back. Thanks for your prayers!