Our Last Day With Paula

It was very sad giving Paula back to her Foster Mother on our last day in Guatemala, but we refused to say "goodbye". Instead we said "Mommy and Daddy love you and are coming back for you real soon!"

A few people have wondered if it was a good idea to visit, knowing we would be sad to leave her, but we are very happy that we did visit and that we got to experience everything that we did. Each day we had with her was precious and our memories will keep us going until we can bring her home with us forever!

Mommy Stop Changing My Clothes!

Here 's Paula in her PJ's

Paula's Third Valentine Outfit

Paula is trying to help mommy decide what she wants to order at the Italian restaurant they went to for dinner.

Paula fell asleep before the bread and appetizer came.

Our Little Angel

Valentine Outfit Number 2

Aren't I adorable!
Mommy and Me enjoying the pool. I like chewing on my fingers and even though mommy and daddy bought teethers for me, you would never know it!


Paul, Jennie trying to get Paula to smile, and Paula

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from Jennie, Paul, and Paula who are sitting in the Family Room at the Westin in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

This is my Grandma's Valentine Outfit-this was outfit #1 on Valentine's Day!

Tired, But Happy Family

This photo was taken of Paul, Paula and I in the hotel lobby. That's the Guatemalan flag we're standing next to.

Mama's turn to feed Paula

There's no better feeling than holding your baby while you feed her! I have to say though that I can understand the desire >not< to want their bottles...man that formula stinks! But she's healthy, so it must be good for her :) Our foster mother has said she drinks 5 oz every 3 hours until her bedtime at 9pm and then at 3am she drinks another 5 oz of formula. So far the 3am feedings aren't bad...it's just another chance for us to hold her and realize how lucky we are to have her!

Daddy Feeding Me For the First Time

Here I Am with my Daddy getting my first bottle,boy it was yummy!!!!!

My Favorite Toy

This is my Favorite Toy when i am crying and being cranky. See how good it works - I am a happy camper here.

Family Time at the Westin

Those are two photos taken of us the first day with our daughter Paula. It was taken in the Family Room at the Westin. If you notice the rattle in Paul's hand, it's a Chime Rattle that Paula's grandma gave to us to use to entertain Paula with. Thank goodness for that rattle, as it distracts Paula while she is being changed!

Our First Day With Our Daughter

Here's the group who came to bring Paula to us. From Left to Right we have Andrea, our in-country coordinator, her son Diego, our Foster Mother Vilma and her son Leonardo, Jennie and Paul holding Paula. It was a great drop-off and we are lucky to have Vilma in our lives.

Greetings from Guatemala

Hi everyone! It is day 5 in Guatemala and day 4 with our daughter. The transition between our wonderful Foster Mother Vilma and us went beautifully. We wish we had asked how she liked to be fed, but that was the only thing we didn't think to ask. Vilma, Andrea (from FTIA) and her husband Rafael met us in the lobby on Sunday morning to help us with the transition. It's a good thing, since Vilma does not speak English and we speak little to no Spanish (un poco.)

We are enjoying our visit to our daughter, Paula, in Guatemala. We are staying at the Westin Camino Real and are very glad we chose that hotel! They have a family room on the"family floor" which allows us to socialize, while the babies/toddlers play. That room has been a blessing for us first time parents! Paul and I both have talked to the various moms and dads and have been given advice and helpful hints.

Paula is an angel, even when she cries. She is teething and at 3 1/2 months has her first tooth! We can't believe we have been lucky enough to experience this milestone. She also took a while to drink her formula. We learned through trial and error that she drinks her formula while on her back with us holding the bottle for her. She also burps like a truck driver!

That's our report for today. We'll write more as time permits (she really likes to be held, which makes it hard to get online.)

TTYL,
Jennie and Paul