Look what showed up in my inbox today...

Who knew that four pony tails could look so cute?!

When Spencer and I opened the pictures together, we both got in a good laugh. He said, "Mommy, that's funny. She has four pony tails!" He's been carrying his very own copy of the picture since.

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A medical update arrived along with the pictures. Little Mia is still little at 18.3 lbs., but healthy.

A day in the life of...

Just because we love our dentist so much, Spence and I plopped our booties in the chair. Is it just me, or does teeth cleaning time make you feel vunerable?

Since I was in the area, I brought along some top quality used books to sell at the second-hand bookstore. I didn't count, but I had over 10, maybe even 15. So, I had this plan to use the money to buy a nice book or two for the kiddos. Ah, how thoughtful, huh?

We waited around the store for a bit reading from some of our prospective purchases. Then I heard the blessed voice over the intercom, "Heather, we have your offer ready." That's gotta be good! The gal behind the desk smiled, and I was just happy to see all the books I brought to sell in the "keeper" pile.

But you know what the "fabulous" offer was.....$12.00!!

Although it didn't show, I was not a happy camper. When I said, "Great!", what I really meant to say was, "Ugh, do you realize how much I paid for those puppies?" C'est la vie.

Thankfully, I never shared my plan with Spencer, so no disappointment there. Instead we headed to the town square and enjoyed the farmer's market. We laughed, danced to the music, ate yummy ice cream, and completely forgot that I'd been "taken" by the bookstore. Good day.

Just because...

This passage of scripture was read at church this morning and I felt so encouraged by it, thought you might too!

Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

That can't be comfortable!

We had a long, but good day yesterday. Even without a nap, Spencer was wide-eyed until after 10p.m. This was how I found him when I went in to tuck him in for a second time.

Oh, you might be wondering why he's wearing clothes to bed. I think my child is a genius. A few weeks ago I told him no cartoons in the morning until he's completely dressed. We'd been battling every morning and enough was enough. A few days later he decided to nix the pajamas and wanted to wear his "regular" clothes to bed. At first I protested, but I realized it wasn't a battle worth fighting. Now, it's like magic! The little guy wakes up ready for the day. And I am certainly relieved I never wasted money on summer pajamies.

Making progress

Late yesterday afternoon, we received our first update. Yes, already!

"Case came out of PGN approved on June 18th. Power of Attorney has been registered. Adoption deed has been issued and is in signature. Case entering Civil Registry of Guatemala City June 22nd."

And from our social worker: "So, your case went to the Civil Registry today. And because the adoption deed is complete, you are now Mia's legal guardians. Congratulations!"

I looked at my blog entry from the 18th (date of approval unbeknownst to me) and had myself a little chuckle!

Now back to that story I promised to tell...

Alfonso and I were on our way back home after spending two days in the city. It was an eighth anniversary celebration as much as a much needed break. This whole process was beginning to wear on us, especially the missus.

Just as we exited the freeway, Alfonso's cell phone rang. As he answered, immediately I recognized the area code. At this point I knew this was THE news we had waited for. Of course, I tried my very best to read his body language and studied his face for any sort of sign. He gave me a little nod and a smile...I took a deep breath. I shoulda counted the number of times I heard him say, "Wow". Our little guy was at home waiting for us and that was the best news to deliver. He danced around and exclaimed, "Yeah, Mia's coming home". Oh boy, do we feel like dancing ourselves.

And so we wait a bit more, but this wait isn't as open-ended as the other. We expect to travel to pick-up Mia in approximately 6-8 weeks. Can you believe it?
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If you would, please say a prayer for our fellow PGN waiters. At last count, our board had 24 members who'd certainly love to cancel membership.

Mia is FINALLY coming home!

Forgive me for shouting, but we're OUT! We got the call from our social worker at 1 p.m. and my hands still won't stop shakin'.

I'll report more later.

On cloud nine!

Ten fingers=ten weeks

Today marks 10 weeks in PGN.

I had my root canal and crown today in honor of this anniversary to remind myself there may very well be worse torture! Not really....

Lord, we know you hear our cry and you're faithful despite our unfaithfulness and doubt.

Happy Father's Day!

Dad, Alfonso,

We're two lucky duckies.

Love,
Heather and Spencer

Hold Fast, Mercy Me

To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope

Hold Fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast

Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope

You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes

These words are not my own, but speak the truth I need to cling to. This morning I caught just a brief part of the Dove awards, completely by accident. I've heard this song many times before...this time I was brought to tears.

I love this: "What I've learned in my life one thing greater than my strife is His Grasp".

Lord, please help those of us who feel so stuck and discouraged. May we be encouraged to know the strife this life brings is only temporary.

Mommy meltdown

Today was the first day I've shed sad tears in a long time. This wait is really getting to me. I was so hopeful a few days ago, but now I feel so hopeless. A mixed bag of emotions that's for sure.

One of my best buddies just happened to call this afternoon. Immediately she sensed I was "off". Boy, she knows me too well. The tears I'd been holding back started to flow. She asked if she could pray for me and thankfully she didn't wait for my answer. I just didn't want to say "yes", but knew I couldn't say "no". Have you too experienced this?

There's nothing like an honest prayer. I mean, God already knows what's heavy on your heart you might as well just speak the truth, eh? Certainly the truth was spoken today. All my emotions, even the really ugly ones, are again laid at His feet. I'm beyond blessed to have a group of friends who intercede on my behalf. Truly.

Another milestone

Today, Mia turns 11 months old. Of course this was a marker we hoped to reach along with her, but there's still reason to celebrate. I thank God for Mia's continued health and happiness. The last video we received was proof of that. It is beyond obvious...that little girl is loved to pieces! I can take comfort in that for sure.

The snow boots be goners!

Sometimes, Spencer digs through his closet and finds items he deems "treasure". These treasure hunts usually occur during his daily "quiet time". Let me tell you something, hunting for treasure is anything but quiet!

A few months ago Spencer found an old pair of black snow boots. He unveiled his finding and was so proud. I had to stifle my laughter when I realized the boots were on the wrong feet and two sizes too small. Apparently, there's a bit of extra space for those thick socks you're suppose to wear....in...the...snow. Given the choice, Spencer continued to wear the boots out and about. I was almost certain someone would feel most sorry for our poor son and leave a pair of sandals on our porch, but all we got was giggles.

Our mellow spring weather is no more. We've been experiencing full blown summer for the last week now and the snow boots needed to go. C'mon, who in world wants to wear (fake) fur lined boots in 100 degree weather? My son, that's who! That is until he got two nice big fat blisters on his little feet.

Aw, now we don't have to figure out how to lose 'em!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Eight years...pretty big deal if you ask me!

Stalking the poor mailman

Yeah, starting tomorrow, I'll be watching the mailbox like a hawk. Our Social Worker notified us on Friday that a new video of Mia is on it's way. We're very excited as the last video showed so much of her personality....well, as much as you can squeeze into a three minute tape anyway! We'll take it!

Why must we live so stinkin' far away from Michigan?!
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Update:
We watched the video and once again we're left impressed with how much her personality is blossoming. The quality (both audio and visual) isn't so great, but we did manage to pick-up snippets here and there. Apparently, at 10-months Mia is taking a few steps on her own....where's my sad face emoticon?!

She's a total cutie!

Wading through my loss

Sure, I can only remember bits and pieces of the story, but the fact that I can even remember a moment of second grade should be surprising enough. Maybe you'll recognize the story and fill me in.

A class field trip is planned. This lucky group of kiddos were to embark on the trip of a lifetime: time travel. If I remember correctly, the gaggle of children went back to the time of the dinosaurs. You'd think there would have to be a whole manual of rules for a trip like this, but only one sticks out: Do not let your toesies leave the marked trail.

Rules were made to be broken, were they not? Of course, at least one of the children on the trip that day tested the boundaries and in the process a little bug was smashed. Seems innocent enough, right? Wrong. Upon their return to the present time, it was soon discovered that the English language as they knew it had completely been altered. A true domino effect.

I feel like this is a metaphor for my own life. I lost my mom in October of 1990. Her passing was unexpected and as death always is, tragic. A few days later, my maternal grandfather passed away. I lost two people so dear in one week. My path was forever changed and from that point on, I have have always viewed life as fragile.

It was a little over a year ago when I spoke to that monotone voice from the parole office. Between my sobs I could hear the tink-tink-tink of the keyboard recording my thoughts. Unlike the kids on that filed trip, I have no reference point. I don't know how things should have been...could have been. Its impossible to explain a loss I don't fully grasp myself. The only coherent words I could manage to squeeze out were, "My life will just never be the same". I'm not so sure that justice even exists. "Justice" will never make my life whole.

Sometimes I feel like I'm back at square one as I process my loss. At this point, I've lived more of my life without a mother, why should it still hurt so bad? Really, I know the answer. I wish she was here to experience life with me, together. But alas, I'm left wondering....wondering what kind of relationship we'd have, what kind of grandma she'd be, how she would view the choices of my life.

And at the end of all this wondering, I have my rock that is Christ. He's been strong enough to hold my hand even when it was on Him I placed the blame.

Home again, home again, jigged jig

We spent the last week in Illinois and Missouri with my uncle. It was so odd crossing the stateline as I would normally cross the street, but St. Louis, MO and Illinois certainly provided us with some wonderful sights. We braved the arch despite the dizzying height and cramped "elevator", toured the fabulous and free St. Louis Zoo, visited Grafton and Alton, IL where the rivers meet, and last but certainly not least, watched the Cardinals play (and win!) the Reds. Oh, and as any good vacation provides, we are now the proud owners of a skinner wallet and tighter pants! Alfonso was a little eager to get his trusty watch back on California time and pulled the pin with a little too much umph. He's since discovered his watch isn't so trusty and will remain on Central time until further notice.

After a long weather related lay over in Colorado, I'm so glad to plant my feet on California soil. Alright, so maybe it's really brown berber carpet, but its gonna have to do. I'm tired!

The girl's got a ponytail!

Gettin' the bows ready!