Our family in the adoption process is not close enough to pick up time for us to let out a sigh of relief, but nonetheless there was progress in their adoption since my last blog. Although the final vote on the new adoption legislation has not taken place, it is not looking too encouraging for families still in process, but I can promise you that this family will not give up or despait.

Now let’s find out what is new!

1. It has been over two weeks since the last time I blogged about your adoption process. I understand that you've received the DNA results. Would you like to tell us about that and how long it took?

Getting the DNA results actually took me by surprise because we hadn't been notified that the test had been performed. We got authorization on 11/16, the test was performed on 11/19 and we got the results on 12/3.

2. Did you receive the photo of the birth mother with the baby? What were your thoughts when you looked at the photo?

We did receive one picture. It's a Polaroid so the quality isn't the best. The birth mother has a sweet smile on her face. I don't see the sadness in her eyes that I thought I would see. At this point I can only hope that her expression is telling me she is at peace with the decision she has made.

3. What kind of information is your agency giving you on the dynamics in Guatemala right now?

Our agency is very good about sharing facts with us when they become available, but right now there's just not much to share. We're all just waiting to see what will happen.

4. Are you receiving photos and measurements on a regular basis?

Yes. We just received new photos and should be receiving updated measurements in a couple of weeks. We'll continue to receive updates every 4 to 6 weeks until we bring our little one home.

5. If someone would like to send a parcel, how would you recommend doing it and what would you send?

We have the option of sending packages with other traveling families through our agency. That is of course the most economical way, but there is a size restriction. The package is limited to whatever you can fit inside a gallon size zip lock bag. I sent a package using King Express a couple of weeks ago. It was (in my opinion) very expensive. The box was a 14" square and was 11" deep. It weighed just over 13lbs and cost me $11 to ship by UPS to King Express and then $168 to ship from there to Guatemala. The positive thing about using King Express is they cover the taxes so the foster mother isn't responsible for that fee and they deliver the package to her door. We sent down some clothes, onesies, light weight blankets, pacifiers, a small tape player with our recorded voices talking and singing to the baby and plenty of batteries for the tape player. We also sent a photo book with pictures of our family with labels explaining who everyone is so the foster mother can share it with our baby. We sent a Bath and Body gift set for the foster mother, some small toys for the baby and four disposable cameras.

And so our family continues to hope and wait as their file is moved through the adoption process in Guatemala, no doubt gathering strength from the photos of their beautiful little girl. I’ll be updating you on their progress in a couple weeks.

All the best to EVERYONE in the process right now.

Here's their Timeline:

Agency receives completed dossier: 7/09/07
Family gets referral: 10/11/07
File Enters Family Court: 11/13//07
DNA authorization from the US Embassy: 11/16/07
DNA done: 11/19/07
DNA results: 12/03/07

photo credit