Our first blog...

.....never thought we would have a blog. This is Pat writing right now--most of the time it will be Lee Anne. We have set this up so friends/family can see pictures and read about what life is like for Lee Anne and Erick while they are here in Antigua, Guatemala. Also, this is for Erick, for when he is older and wants to read about his life when he was about to turn one. Speaking of, Erick will celebrate his one year birthday on February 7.

Quick summary of the past few days: We arrived Wed., Jan. 30 to Guatemala City. We stayed at the Grand Tikal Futura Hotel(which I highly recommend). Erick and his foster parents arrived on time at 7:00 but the social worker wouldn't arrive for another 1 1/2 hours(typical in Guatemala). We watched Erick's foster parents interact with Erick for about an hour and a half from the ninth floor veranda waiting for the social worker. That hour and a half seemed like 10 hours. We could hardly wait to get him into our arms. Erick was VERY well taken care of by his foster parents. To them we will forever be grateful. When the social worker arrived at approximately 8:30 we talked with them for about an hour asking them our long list of questions of things to know about Erick(foods he eats, sleep schedule, etc.). When they left Erick cried for about an hour but then went to sleep with a bottle. He only woke up once, looked around, noticed he was sleeping with strangers, cried, got another bottle, and went back to sleep.

He woke up the next day happy as a lark and very playful. He didn't cry all day and we played and laughed and just got to know each other better. This still feels like a dream. I can't describe what this feels like after so many years of wanting children.

On Friday we were picked up at the hotel and left for Antigua. On the way we made our first trip to Hyper Pais(owned by Wal-Mart). Let's just say I felt like we were on Candid Camera....exploding diapers, juggling active kid while picking up numerous items, trying to talk to someone who knows no English about which Pack and Play is the sturdiest, etc. etc. only to get to the checkout and have our credit card rejected(after an hour of shopping). Well, long-story short, we got our merchandise and headed to Antigua.

Antigua....not joking must be one of the most beautiful cities/towns in the world. Pictures on the internet don't do it justice.

Casa Bella...this is where Lee Anne and Erick will be living. You can see photos of this beautiful home on the internet at www.casabella112.com.

There are three other women living here with their children waiting to bring their children home. Heather, from Colorado has been here 5 months, Leslie from California 3 months, and Angie from London has been here a little over two months. We couldn't have ordered three better roommates for Lee Anne and Erick.

Well, that's it for now. This first blog has been long enough. I'll get pictues on here hopefully today or tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. We are very blessed to have so many friends and family that love and care for us so much.