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It has been 3 weeks since we came home with our little princess, Christina, and life has never been better. Words cannot describe the happiness and love we feel since becoming a family. She is our life.
Our trip to Guatemala went very well. We left on April 18th and stayed until the 22nd at the Marriott, which is a wonderful hotel with a staff that was accommodating to all our needs. The first day we arrived, after checking into our suite, we called Andrea, FTIA's representative in Guatemala, to tell her we were ready to set up a time to meet our daughter and her foster family.
It was very exciting knowing that we would be meeting our daughter for the first time and holding her in our arms. It was absolutely amazing when we first saw her foster family come through those doors towards us. We looked into her eyes as she was placed into our arms and knew that she was our daughter and would be forever. She had on an adorable white frilly dress with white shoes and her beautiful hair was in pig tails. It was a very emotional experience holding her that first time and we all cried and cried.
It was obvious that she had been well taken care of by her foster family and that they loved her very much. After all the introductions, we invited them to have dinner with us and were able to learn more about each other and our daughter. Over dinner, the foster mother asked me if she could hold her and without hesitation, I said yes, because I knew that it probably would be the last time she would be with her. Again, I felt the tears streaming down my face as I watched Gladys holding her and crying. Her daughters also wanted to hold her and they cried too. It was difficult saying goodbye to them but we told them that we would keep in touch by sending photos and letters.
The first night was very difficult for Christina and for us. She was now in an unfamiliar place. She cried until 3 a.m. We tried to do everything we could to comfort her and it broke our hearts seeing her this way. She didn't like the crib and at 3 a.m. finally fell asleep (from exhaustion) between us. The following day was better and we could see that she was getting to know us and feeling more comfortable. It was funny because since we came home, if it's just the two of us (Daddy has to work), I cannot leave the room without her looking for me and in her own way letting me know she doesn't like it. We have bonded so much and she knows I am her mommy and she gets very excited when her father comes home at the end of the day.
Christina has a wonderful disposition and already her personality is developing. She is a beautiful baby who loves attention, not only from us, but also from whoever will give it to her. She loves to be held and played with and since getting home, she has had visitors practically every day.
On May 2nd, we had a "Welcome Home" party for her and it turned out to be a beautiful day with our family and friends. I am sure she was held by at least 30 people that day and I know she loved every minute of it. She also received beautiful gifts from everyone.
It had been a long road for us and we waited a long time for her arrival, but it had also been a long wait for everyone else too who also waited with us. I thank God all the time for our families and many wonderful friends who have embraced her into their lives as we have into ours. She is 7 months old today and it amazes us what she has learned to do already. She can now roll on her tummy and back (I never find her in the same position I placed her in the night before). She can stand for a very long time and she balances herself very well. It looks as if she'll be walking sooner rather than later. She will sit on her own and play with her toys. The first week back home, her two bottom teeth grew and she is now teething like crazy and will grab onto anything she can. She also loves her daily baths and doesn't cry at all when the shampoo is running down her face.
Her pediatrician says that she is very healthy and seems to be advanced for her age. On her first visit, we had her ears pierced (she didn't like that at all), but she looks adorable with her diamond earrings that a very good friend of ours gave to her.
She loves her stroller and being outdoors every day. At home, she usually plays in her walker, play pen or on her gym mat, but what she loves even more is being held by us. She sleeps through the night and is also content playing in her crib awhile upon waking.
Our agency, Families Thru International Adoption (Chris, Salome, Erin, and Linda) were especially supportive, patient and helpful every step of the way. We would like to thank everyone for being there emotionally and physically for us to complete our adoption of Christina.
We thank GOD all the time for bringing our precious daughter to us.
Alice & George
