What's happin' with the Morris-Seales family?

No nibbles yet....

2009-05-04T18:15:00.004-05:00

With last week being Derby week and all we didn't expect much interest in the house. It amazes me how a town can shut down (as large as Lou) so tightly over one sporting event! Schools were closed, government offices were closed, the public Libraries were closed, many businesses were closed, I guess if I were involved in the festivities I would understand better???

Oh well. Meredith is great we are 98% potty trained!!!! I can't believe it, we only wear a pull up at bedtime. So Aunt Lib if you are reading this before I email you don't buy anymore pull up, YYIIPPPEEEE!!!!! She so excited!!!!

Meredith Planting flowers

Merla and Mommy

Know anyone that would like to buy this house

2009-04-24T18:30:00.002-05:00

We listed our house last night. So if anyone knows of someone moving to the Louisville area here is our MLS number 1236227.

Meredith is so excited we are all going to the zoo tomorrow. Mamaw, Papaw, CaCa and Baby Bake are all coming up to go too. Meredith said it will be wonerful (wonderful).

Forever Family Day

2009-04-19T18:09:00.013-05:00

We celebrated Forever Family Day yesterday by going the Newport Aquarium. Meredith Loved it!!!! I was afraid she would get scared with the sharks and fish swimming over and under us, but she was amazed. After the Aquarium we went back to Florence Y'all to eat at Noodles and Company. I saw it on an episode of Unwrapped on the Food Network. It was really good especially for someone like me who LOVES NOODLES!!!!

After lunch we went to the Florence Mall to Build a Bear, Meredith's other favorite. She made a pink pony that she said it reminds her of a "My Little Pony" that Papaw bought for her.

Todd and I also finished painting the upstairs bathroom one more thing we can cross of our very long to do list before we can put our house up for sale. The last major project is to put the "shoe" molding in the three bedrooms and to finish my kitchen floor.

Here are some pics from yesterday.

OOK at that frog.

This is so fun!!

Making Fishy face.

Mommy I so excited.

I think every Mall should have one of theses!!!!!

Gotcha Day 2009

2009-04-17T17:42:00.007-05:00

I can't believe that its been 2 years since my mom, my sister, and I traveled to Guatemala to bring home our precious little girl. We are celebrating Gotcha day this year with a trip to the Newport Aquarium. Meredith is very excited to see the fishy's and pingins (Penguins).
Here are a few pictures from Easter weekend, I will post more from tomorrow's trip on Sunday.

Meredith is coloring her first Easter Eggs.

Meredith on Easter morning seeing what the Easter Bunny left her.

How did all that fit in that bucket?

The duck was not in there it was from a trip to Walmart with Mamaw and Papaw a couple weeks ago, it goes everywhere Meredith does.

Here is Meredith at Mamaw's on Easter Sunday. You can see a little bit of baby Blake and CaCa in the background. This is the dress that Aunt Ib gave here she loves it.

New Bed and a New Roof

2009-03-09T18:28:00.003-05:00

We finally had an insurance adjuster come out and look at our damage. They agreed we needed a new roof so today the guys put one on.

The gutters will be taken care of this week too, weather permitting.

We've also bought Meredith a new bed. She loves her new bed!

2009-02-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

Well how has everyone been doing? We are great. Still waiting on our house to get fixed, but we are chugging right along. Todd and I ripped up another room of carpet over the weekend so we now have zero wall to wall carpet upstairs. And I must say the rooms look bigger!!!

We can also tell that Meredith is not coughing or her nose running as much either now that the carpet is gone.

The big huge pine tree in the back yard is coming down next week before it falls on anyone so that will be nice.

We still don't know if the insurance company is going to replace our roof or just repair the hole, sure would be nice to know something!!!!

Meredith is doing great! She is talking so much and she puts facial expression with some of the things she says that make it so cute. We are doing 2 allergy shots a week now and I think they are working. Today is Friday so she will come up talking about Tumblebus, she loves that bus.

Here are a couple of pictures of Meredith from this weekend.

More Damage!!!!

2009-02-01T13:42:00.002-05:00

We thought we were going to get out of this ice storm with just tree damage. Boy were we wrong! Yesterday the temps got about freezing so the ice started to melt. But our gutters were still full of ice so the added weight from the ice on the roof melting caused the guttering on the back of the house to come crashing down. Here are some pictures...

Anyone have a chainsaw and want to come over for a party?

2009-01-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

Boy do we need one, a chainsaw that is, this snow/ice storm has been awful. Meredith and I are stuck at home for the third day in a row!!! Todd went to work today but I didn't have him try to get my car out before he left. I went out to start the car and move it down the drive way but it is stuck and won't budge. I chipped away at the ice under the tires for about an hour and said forget it. I'll try to work from home some today and maybe go in this weekend. Todd will be taking us to work and school tomorrow.

There are 240,000 homes here in Jefferson County with no electricity. We are very lucky!!!

We took Meredith out to play in the snow yesterday and she loved it, she didn't want to come back in!!!

Meredith trying to make a snow angel.

Throwing snow balls at mommy.

Yes before anyone asks Meredith was dressed very, very warmly!!! She has on 2 pair of pants, 2 pairs of socks, undershirt, long sleeve t-shirt, hooded jacket, winter coat, "carf" (scarf), hat, and her "globs" (gloves)

Here are some pics from yesterday.

This is the power line that feeds into our house. It still looks like that today, I hope a big truck or bus doesn't come down the street it will know it down.

This is Meredith wanting to go down and play on her swing and playhouse.

But this is why she couldn't. This tree is in a neighbours yard and it is bare on one side now. Only the side facing us has branches now, I hope they cut it down!!!

And this too. You can't even see her play house, it's under there somewhere. Part of this tree is laying on the neighbours garage too. It's time for the tree to come down. What's left of that is.

Winter Wonderland my foot!!! I don't like snow it is too hard to drive on and my car isn't the best on snow and ice or it may be the driver? I don't know.

Snow Day!!!!

2009-01-27T17:58:00.001-05:00

This is a post from last March when we had our big snow. Enjoy this clip of Meredith.

Meredith out playing in the snow a little while ago.

Bad weather here today.

2009-01-27T17:37:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from outside today. We woke up to 4-6 inches of snow on the ground, and it is now freezing rain. They are calling for at least an inch of ice then more snow by morning.

Todd and I stayed home and Meredith's school was closed today as was most of Louisville. And as of right now it isn't looking too good for tomorrow.

We did venture out today to take me to the doctor. I've had a cold for the past week and a half and I finally went to the DR. They only could get one doctor in today and they were taking patients in as they came, which was nice I didn't have to wait that long. I was discouraged by the way our streets up here were not cleared off. I understand the neighborhoods are last priority but it didn't look like Bardstown Road had been touched today!!!

So we made it to the DR I have a double ear infection WOOOHOOO!!!

We then went to Wal-Mart and got my meds. We planned to eat at the McDonalds in Walmart but they were closed because of the weather. So we ventured up Bardstown Road to another McDonalds that was open. And we got our first RedBox movies. So Meredith has been watching movies after nap time and watching the ice fall.

Here are a few pictures from today.

This is Todd doing his impression of Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel.

Our backyard

My poor ice covered car.

This is Todd standing on the snow/ice. It is so frozen you don't sink down in the snow.

Pictures from the past few months...

2009-01-27T17:32:00.002-05:00

Meredith surveying the gifts Santa Left.

Meredith's first piece of chewing gum. She told Mamaw that she didn't "ike" it was hot.

Mamaw, Papaw, Blake and Meredith in their Red Farmall Tractor shirts.

New Blog started today

2009-01-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

I have moved our blog to a new listing. As you can see in the address line it is now Morris-SealesFamily.blogspot.com
Let me know if the coloring is hard to read.

Sorry for any confusion, please save this link in your favorites.

http://www.morris-sealesfamily.blogspot.com/

Has it really been that long since I updated my blog!!!!

2009-01-23T21:08:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't updated this blog since September, what is wrong with me???? I know I have a very active 2 year old that I spend all my free time with! :)

Life here in the Morris-Seales house is busy as always. Meredith is growing up so fast it is hard to believe.
We are 90% potty trained which is awesome!!! Meredith has taken off on that one all on her own. She is doing very well with her preschool, they keep telling us that Meredith is one of the smartest kiddos they have. Which we know is true by some of the things she comes up with to say!!!!

We are getting close to 2 important date in the next few months. Baby Blake will turn 1 March 21st, and Meredith will have been home with for 2 years in April. Lots of celebrations are headed our way.

I have made it one of my New Years Resolutions to manage my time more wisely, well as you can see I've broken that one already, here it is the 23rd of January and I'm just now getting around to updating our site. Oh well maybe I'll start that resolution today....

I will go through the pictures we've taken over the last few months and I will post new pictures this weekend.

Pictures from the past month.

2008-09-26T19:30:00.002-05:00

Meredith at the Louisville Zoo Royal Tea Party.

Meredith and Mamaw at the Zoo for the Royal Tea Party.

Our very own Snow White!

Family Dinner at Sulpher Wells

Meredith and her Baby Bake (Blake)

Meredith helping papaw plant flowers.

Meredith eating funnel cake at the KY state Fair.

Meredith loved watching the baby pigs.

Oh baby bake with yummy cereal all over his face!!!

Latest News On Meredith

2008-08-10T15:36:00.006-05:00

Thought I would post an update for everyone that checks our blog. I haven't posted in several weeks.

Meredith is growing like a weed. And talking more and more everyday. She is learning her numbers at school in English and Spanish, and so far is doing really good.

She loves playing outside in the back yard where she has a play house, castle, and swing set. Our back yard looks like a playground. She can even say Guatemala. While shopping at Walmart we found bananas that were imported from Guatemala and now she wants a Guatemala nana to eat.

We are at the start of Todd's busiest season with the State Fair starting this Thursday so we spent he last Saturday off for a couple of months at the Louisville Zoo. Meredith loves the animals, I've attached some of the pictures from yesterday.

We are planning a trip to the Fair on Tuesday the 19th so she can see some cows, horses, & piggy's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEREDITH!!!!!!!!

2008-06-21T19:34:00.004-05:00

Wow today was Meredith's 2nd birthday, I can't believe how big she is getting. I think I should appolgize to all my blog followers for not keeping this up as I should I will try to do better from now on. Meredith is doing great!!! She is talking and running around everywhere these days. She love her pre-school and playing with all her little friends there. I have included some pictures from today's party.

One year ago today!!!!

2008-04-13T17:41:00.006-05:00

This was Me, my mom and sister Becky one year ago today. Taking off in a jet plane bound for Guatemala. It is hard to believe that it has been one year, Meredith has grown so much in this last year.

April 2007

April 2008

I can't believe it's April already!!!!

2008-04-01T17:58:00.004-05:00

We just set up our appointment with our social worker for our last post placement visit. I can't believe it's been a year already!!!!
This past Saturday we went to the Kentucky Latin Family Connection outing at Kazoing (Party place that has a room full of the bouncy things)
Here are a few pictures from this weekend.

Mommy and Meredith going down the big slide.

Meredith inside the bouncy castle.

The children making Easter Carpets.

Look out Dancing with the stars here comes Meredith and Daddy!

Blake Morris Wooley

2008-03-22T19:23:00.006-05:00

Was born on March 21st at 3:11 am. He weighed in over 7lbs and is very CUTE!!!!

Enjoy the pictures.

What a cutie!!!

Blake and Aunt Veronica

Mamaw, Papaw, Meredith, & Blake

Mamaw with Meredith and Blake.

New pictures from today.

2008-03-15T19:33:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures from today at Mamaw's and Papaw's.

Mommy and Meredith

Up close and personal

Meredith watching her favorite movie Shrek.

Another Snow Day!!

2008-03-08T14:36:00.006-05:00

Well after last nights video it started to snow again. Todd shoveled off the driveway last night and this morning it had another 6 inches of snow on it!
It was so deep we couldn't get the front door open.
Here are a few pictures from this morning.

Meredith's Redneck Sled.

IT'S COLD!!!!!

That's right almost 10 inches as of this morning, and it was still snowing.

Mommy's car was clean when she got home yesterday!!

Mommy's other car is almost buried.

Daddy shoveling the snow for the third time in one day.

Daddy wear your gloves.

Mommy being stupid making a snow angel.

Mommy's snow angel

The snow is as tall a Gizmo. He hates going out in it. He has to hop around like a rabbit.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!

2008-02-14T21:34:00.003-05:00

Meredith with her first piece of Valentines candy.

Messy eater!

Hey wait a minute that's mommy's box of Chocolates.

Cheese!

Eating McDonalds

2008-01-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

Meredith LOVES McDonalds or as Aunt Becca called it when she was little "Donkles"

2008-01-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

2008-01-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Meredith at play

2008-01-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

Press Play >

Meredith the QT

2007-12-19T19:43:00.001-05:00

Here are some recent pictures of Meredith. We went to see Playhouse Disney on Sunday and Meredith loved it!!!!

Meredith vacuuming the floor with her new toy hoover, from Uncle Ralph and Aunt Helen.

Meredith learning the Cow Pasture Shuffle.

Hello to everyone!!!!

2007-12-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Sorry the post haven't been as regular as they should have been, I've been traveling a lot for my new job. Thankfully that is over for a while!!!!!

I took Meredith to have her Christmas pictures this weekend, and they turned out OK, she cried some, she just didn't want to be there. Below are a couple of the best pics.

Meredith is trying to talk more these days, we pick up new words just about everyday.

I've also uploaded some pictures from the last couple of weeks with my new camera (which I LOVE)

Bad hair day and cheesy face all in one.

2 posts in one day...oh my

2007-11-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

Hold your hats folks, I'm actually updating the blog!!!!!

Today we have 2 entries.

Todd was off today for Veterans Day and he went over to visit.

The show is in town this week giving a home make over to the Hughes Family.

This family has a really special story. The son, Patrick was born without eyes and could not straighten his arms and legs. He plays trumpet for the UofL marching band and his dad pushes him on the field during performances.

Anyway here are some pics from Todd's adventure.

This is one of the shows designers Equardo, he came over during filming takes to have photo's made.

Now for the second entry. We have been visiting Southeast Christian Church for the past couple of weeks and here is Meredith waiting to go yesterday in her very cute romper.

Be sure to visit the Baby Wooley Site too.

http://babywooley.blogspot.com/

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T18:39:00.001-05:00

Yes Yes I know it has been a long time since I posted!!!!!

2007-10-07T18:11:00.001-05:00

And I'm sorry to all those out there in blog land that follow our page. Things have been really busy the last month or so. The new job is going great, very busy after the merger and everything.

Meredith is doing great, we just had our 6 month post placement meeting with the social worker. I can't believe that Meredith has been home 6 months.

Meredith started walking last Friday, I have included a few pictures at the bottom.

Last weekend was papaw's 60th birthday party and we had a fish fry down at the farm. Meredith had a good time running around the yard.

Mamaw and Meredith(with her purse) asking Papaw for her allowance.

The Morris, Seales, Wooley family.

The first day we got to put Meredith's hair up in PonyTails.

Meredith sliding down the slide at the Morris Reunion, she loves to slide and swing!!!

What's up with Meredith???

2007-09-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

I'm really slacking when it comes to posting to the blog. The new job is great, but very busy, so when I get home I don't have much time for blogging, just cooking, cleaning, and of course playing with Meredith.

Todd and I have started making a list of the words and gestures Meredith does now.

She can say:
Juice which is for anything to drink

Shoes

Dog

Dada

Papaw

Mom

Gizzy

And she can point to what she wants.

You can ask her where her nose, toes, shirt, and pants are and she gets them right every time.

She isn't walking yet, but is standing alone for a few seconds, so it will be anytime now.

And you can say something is stinky and she grabs her nose.

Here is a couple pictures from last weekend.

Meredith's 1st Funnel Cake

2007-08-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Meredith eating her first Funnel Cake last week at the KY State Fair.

I got a bib that said this on Friday....

2007-08-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

Ok what could this mean?? It came from Becky so I at first thought it was for Meredith to wear. But the note inside the package said:

"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Your baby sister is going to be a mommie just like YOU!!!"

That's right Becky is pregnant YYYYIIIIPPPPEEEEE a playmate for Meredith!

What a great surprise!!! The baby is due on April 9th one day before Becky's birthday, maybe she can hold out for a few more hours and they can share the same birthday.

Apparently Becky thinks she is having a boy according to some Chinese ring test or something, I don't know. I think she should find out what she is having so we can start shopping, but she doesn't want to know PPPOOOHHH!!!

I think the suspense will finally get to her and she will find out.

MOMMY GOT A NEW JOB!!!!

2007-08-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

The call finally came, I have been waiting for this call for 3 weeks now. But being a new company there were a lot of details that had to be ironed out before they could offically hire new employees.

I'm very excited about my new job, even though it is a lot like the current one I have. Plus they have tuition reimburstment so I can finish up my MBA without having to pay for it, YIIPPEE

Plus we are looking into purchasing another vehicle. So anyone that has recommendations please post a comment. I'm looking at possible a Mini Van or Mid size sedan.
Anyone own a Kia Sedona?

More fun for Meredith.

2007-08-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures from Meredith's weekend at the family farm.

Meredith and Papaw mowing grass.

Meredith loves her piano.

ALL SMILES!!

More pictures from my weekend at mamaw's.

2007-07-23T10:42:00.001-05:00

Biker Babe in training.

See mom Papaw lets me drive.....

Pictures from Meredith's weekend at Mamaw's

2007-07-23T07:46:00.000-05:00

Meredith's first Engine & Tractor Show

Meredith and Papaw sitting on Meredith's Great Great Grandpa's tractor.

Papaw why aren't we moving???

Aunt Becca took more pictures that I will post later.

Has it really been 3 months????

2007-07-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

That's the question I've been asking myself the past couple of days. It is hard to believe that we brought Meredith home 3 months ago, man how time flies.
So you may be asking what's new with the Seales family. Well, I went back to work in the office full time on July 4th, it sucks by the way, I never knew how nice it was to work in my PJ's. Todd is gearing up for his busy season, State Fair, Quartet Convention, Rodeo, & Farm Machinery Show. Busy busy busy, oh well we like the paycheck he brings home.
Meredith started going to the daycare last week and it has been challenging, but each day is getting better. She hasn't cried when we dropped her off the last few days. She is now crawling and boy o boy can she MOVE! She can also pull herself up to stand, so we know it will only be a matter of time before she is off and running. She can say dada, mama, dora, pizza, who is it, and dog.

Well that's all I have for now, it's almost time to quit for the day.

I promise new pictures very soon!!

Days 2 and 3 at the daycare...

2007-07-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

Day two went pretty good. She didn't cry when Todd dropped her off, but when she saw me there to pick her up she started crying. Not sure if she just realized we were gone or that she didn't want to leave?
She also came home on day 2 with a cold. I aggravated Todd all night counting the times Meredith sneezed. I got up to 25 and quit. I don't know if Meredith had sneezed 25 times since we brought her home.
Needless to say the sleep was in limited supply that night because her nose was stuffy and she couldn't breath when she laid down.

Day 3 Meredith got up with a nose running like a faucet. We were afraid that they wouldn't let her stay if they saw she was sick, but they did. I handed her off to Ms. Liz and she cried and reached for me. But as soon as I walked away she was fine. I picked her up during nap time and she was the only one not napping. She still couldn't breath out of her nose when she laid down.
We got home and took some medicine and she went to bed at 7:30 and slept off and on for the rest of the night.

Todd dropped her off today and he said she cried when he handed her over but was fine after he left her sight.

So we'll see how she feels today when I go pick her up.....stay tuned....

My first day at daycare....

2007-07-09T15:33:00.000-05:00

Today was Meredith's first day at daycare. Todd and I both went to drop her off and as soon as we got to her room Ms. Liz took her and Meredith turned to me and Todd and gave us the cheesy face, as to say you can leave now.

That was 7:45 am.

Todd and I headed off to work just waiting for our cell phones to ring being the daycare telling us to come and get her. But as we wait the call never came. I finally couldn't wait any longer and at 9:53am I called to check on her. The director said that she hadn't cried at all and she ran to the room to look in on her and she just started crying because someone took her block.

At 1:00pm I leave work so that I can pick up Meredith sparing her from a full day her first day. I got to the daycare and Meredith is asleep on her cot. Ms. Liz asked me to come back at 2 because that is when nap time is over. So off I head to the house to load the dishwasher and eat some lunch.

At 2:00pm I returned and there she sat all smiles and ready for snack time.

Ms. Liz said she ate really good and had some difficulty with the sippy cups. We knew this would be a problem because Meredith only likes cups with straws. So I've been given special permission to bring Meredith's sippy cup from home. But other than that everything went great. Now as for tomorrow, it all my be different when she realizes that we are leaving her again. We'll just have to wait and see.

Here is Meredith getting ready for her first day of daycare. Thanks Aunt Lib for this really cute outfit.

We didn't win but we sure had fun!!!!

2007-07-03T09:37:00.001-05:00

This past week was the Taylor County Fair, my home town. Saturday night was the Miss & Mr Toddler pageant. Aunt Becky, great aunt Lib, and I have been running all over Louisville, E-town, and Bowling Green looking for an outfit to wear. We finally decided on a very cute capri outfit and off we went to the pageant.

Meredith was contestant #10, even though we didn't win we still had a great time, beside she is our little princess anyway!

Mom are you sure this bow matches my outfit?

Aunt Becky is it our turn yet?

Meredith scoping out the competition.

Uncle Brian are you ready to go to the Reds game?

My new favorite picture.

2007-06-28T09:07:00.000-05:00

Holly took this picture a few weeks ago when we went to the zoo.

I've also added a new slide show with some of our recent pictures.

Let's Celebrate!!!!

2007-06-26T07:43:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was very busy. Meredith had 2 parties this weekend, one in Campbellsville and one here in Louisville. Here are a few pictures:

Hey everyone welcome to my birthday party!!!

Mamaw are you sure that cake is just for me?

I'm not sure this is how a lady is supposed to eat cake?

Mom said it was OK we can even make the same face!!!!

Uh Oh here comes daddy I better eat fast!!!

I bet you can't play the piano and maracas at the same time.

Is there something you wanted mom, I'm practicing on my piano.

Giddy up zebra!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

Yiippee today is Meredith's 1st birthday. A lot of people say the first year goes so fast, but for us it went extremely slow. All the waiting seemed to make time stand still.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY baby girl, we love you.

Strawberries, Mini Blinds and Gas Grills

2007-06-12T18:01:00.000-05:00

Yeah I know that's a silly title, but I didn't know what else to name it.

As many if not all of you know June in the Seales house is BIRTHDAY month. We all celebrate our birthdays in June, mine was the 9th, Todd's is tomorrow the 13th, and Meredith's is next week on the 21st. So we just party all month.

For my birthday Todd and I spent the day doing whatever "I" wanted to do hehehehe. After we met Meredith's chauffeur we headed to Huber's Orchard to pick Strawberries. We had a fun time, we love going to Hubers to pick Strawberries, Apples, and Peaches!!! After we left the orchard we went to Caesars Riverboat and played the one armed bandit for a little while. Don't worry I only lost $8. We were more interested in eating the buffet, but it wasn't as good as it was in the past, so that was kind of a dud. Later that night we went to the movies to see Shrek the Third, that is one funny movie.

As my birthday was coming to an end we decided that we needed to hang new mini blinds in the bedrooms to make them darker. It is so hard to sleep in there during the summer when the sun comes up at 6!!! So we bought one and tried it out and guess what the room is also cooler now and the AC isn't running as much, whhhooohoooo save money.

Tomorrow is Todd's birthday but we won't get to do much. He has to work and I do too. So well just wait till Sunday and celebrate both his birthday and Fathers Day.

And Meredith's birthday is next Thursday, we are having her parties next Saturday and Sunday, I can't wait it will be so much fun!!!

Gifts:

What did I get from Todd and Meredith for my b-day??? "see below"

What did Meredith and I get Todd? "see below"

What did we get Meredith? That's a secret, you'll have to wait till after the parties to find out.

Here are a few pictures from the past week.

Daddy right after his big surprise!!! OH he was so surprised!!! I said hey why don't we grill out tonight, so he went out with the lighter ready to light it up and there sat a new grill!!!

My beautiful new ring!!! Kinda blurry I know. It is a birthstone ring lucky me we all have the same birthstone hehehehehe.

OK mom let's do laudry.

Gizzy your not supposed to be in the tub!!!

Trip to the Zoo

2007-06-04T20:16:00.001-05:00

Meredith and I went to the Zoo today with Holly and Brooke. We had a great time. Meredith seemed to really enjoy looking at the animals. This trip was much better than our first trip on "Earth Day" there were far less people to navigate around today.

Here are a few pictures from today.

WOW Mom look at that Tiger!!!!

Mom did you see that BIG TURTLE??????

WOW we get to see the baby Elephant finally!!!

Mom do we really have to leave???

Meredith's first trip to Sunday School

2007-06-03T12:15:00.000-05:00

We decided to try Sunday School again today. The last time we tried to go, Meredith got up with a 102 fever. But today she was great. We signed her in, took our pager and "parent sticker" (it's a 2 part sticker that has a number on it, we wear one half and Meredith wears the other half on her back, no one can pick up Meredith without the other half). We hung around her room for a few minutes and after we saw that she was content playing we slipped out. Apparently she never missed us, the ladies in the nursery said she didn't cry one time, WHHHOOHHOOOO!!!!!

When it was time to pick her up we went back to her room and there she was just a scooting around on the floor and when she saw us she gave us that big cheese.

Here are a couple of pictures, one is before we left and she was ready to go, and the other one is after, I'd say she had a good time playing with the others, she is pooped out!

Before Sunday School, anxious to go.

After Sunday School, oh I played to much, I need a nap.

Cheeessy Face!!!

2007-05-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictues from this weekend. Meredith and I went to Campbellsville Saturday evening and got home last night. We had a very nice weekend. We went to the park and played on the swings for a while and had lots of visitors while we were there. We also had an "Open House" at Grandma Seales house on Saturday afternoon, so it has been a full weekend.

Update on the "big girl bed"

2007-05-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

We put the bed up on Saturday and that night after rocking Meredith to sleep we laid her down in her new bed. All was well for exactly 1 hour. She slept and didn't make a sound. But at 11 pm she woke up screaming and Todd laid with his had on the bed for the next few hours. Around 4 am Meredith sat up in the bed screaming her head off and for good reason. I went to pick her up and she was burning up. I ran for the thermometer and sure enough she had a big fever, 102. Off I head for the baby Tylenol, (now here's just a thought, if a DR recommends that you give an infant Tylenol, why in the world does every bottle of medication say under 24 months consult a doctor?)

Anyway back to the story. I read on the bottle of Tylenol (not the one I bought in Guatemala, trying to figure out Spanish at 4 am didn't go so well.) and we gave her a small dose and it worked almost instantly. What a relief.

We kept a check on the fever for the rest of the day Sunday and it would spike up every 6 hours or so.

We did not make it to church, the nursery won't let her stay if she has had a fever 24 hours or less prior to drop off. So we laid around all day. Everything is fine now, she is just a little congested, but the DR said don't worry about it, just watch it to make sure it doesn't get worse.

OK so maybe my little girl is growing up

2007-05-19T20:22:00.000-05:00

faster than we would like thank you very much. But in an effort to help mommy and daddy sleep we bought the toodler bed today. We set it up in our room in hopes that Meredith with sleep in it. She seems to have a phobia about any bed with big rails or tall sides like the pack and play. You can lay her down in one of those sound asleep but as soon as her back hits the mattress she is wide awake and screaming. She'll sleep just fine in the bed with me or Todd or on a pallet on the floor. So we thought we would give this a try. One other reason was she decided she wanted off the bed this morning and off she tumbled. She thought it was funny so mommy and daddy thought we better do something before she made a game out of falling off the bed. Her new bed is 10 inches from the floor so that's not as bad as our bed.

Here is a picture of the new bed, we put it right next to ours so we are all sleeping in the same room. Our bedroom is nothing but beds now, oh well. What ever it takes to make Meredith comfortable.

We are also making our first trip to church service tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the first time we have left Meredith with anyone other than family. I hope the nursery staff is ready, I have a feeling my pager will be going off 10 minutes after we leave her. We'll see.

Meredith's 2 Boo-Boo's

2007-05-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

One band aid was a Crayon the other was Spongebob.

Well lets just say that today was a very upsetting day. We had an appointment with our second pediatrician yesterday and we feel much better about this one. He said that Meredith looked very healthy and was progressing very nicely. He did order lab work, but no where near as many test as the first doctor wanted to do. And we will not be repeating vaccinations unless the test show that they didn't take, unlike the first doctor who wanted to start that day with brand new shots without even waiting for the results. Our new doctor also said that Meredith can start eating table food as long as it is closely supervised, don't want her getting choked.

Thank you Mary for recommending this doctor, it might be a little bit out of our way but it is well worth the drive.

Now to today's events. We first made a stop at the Probate Court office, our court date is this Thursday to legally change Meredith's name. We submitted all our documents and paid the court cost, all I have to do is show up Thursday and appear in front of the judge and Meredith will have her new name. I've just found out that this is step one of nine that I have to go through before this who process is done. Once we get the name change order I can apply for a KY birth certificate and SS #. One day we will tell Meredith all about this long journey we have been on the past year.

After our stop at the Hall of Justice today we headed down to Kosair's Children's Hospital for the dreaded lab work. I'm no sure who dreaded it more, Meredith or me!!!!
We waited for about an hour and then it was our turn, I'm so glad that Todd went with me, I had to leave the room I was crying so hard and so was Meredith. They had to stick her in both arms to draw 5 vials, yes 5 vials of blood. It took the nurses about 10 minutes to get all they needed, they said that Meredith has deep veins.

It took a few minutes to get Meredith calmed down once we left the lab, but she finally relaxed when she say we were headed to McDonald's!!!!
Her daddy said that after all that trauma she deserved a Happy Meal and Ice Cream Sundae!
So Meredith ate pieces of her chicken McNuggets and a few bites of my Sundae and the whole ordeal was forgotten, for Meredith anyway. The way she was screaming today took me back to April 13th in Guatemala City when they dropped her off at the hotel. She screamed the same way that night and it breaks your heart to hear her like that.

But all is better now, she just got out of the tub and I think her and Todd are watching Veggie Tales or something.

I'm so glad that today's trip is OVER!!!

We broke ground today....

2007-05-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

On our new pool!!!! I hope it doesn't take too much water to fill up.

This is the second post for the day be sure to look at the one below.

¡Día feliz de las madres!!!!

2007-05-10T11:53:00.000-05:00

Or in English. Happy Mothers Day. Meredith wanted to do a tribute entry to all the important mama's in her life.

Of course me, Mamaw Morris, Nana Seales and her Nannie Santos in Guatemala.

Plus all the other great women in her life. Sunday is our day!!!! Or as in Guatemala today May 10th is Mothers Day.

Meredith says "Mom you have got to be kidding!!!!"

Things are getting better!!!!

2007-05-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

Meredith is finally becoming a daddy's girl. She is letting Todd take care of her now and I even got to leave yesterday for 3 hours!!!!

I promise that there will be new pictures in the near future. We have decided not to go to a photographer till her 1st birthday which is a little over a month from now. So "mom's photography" will have to do for now.

I was cleaning Meredith's room this afternoon and I put her in her crib to play and look what happened......Could it be? Meredith sleeping in her crib????

Here is another picture I took this morning. This pretty yellow dress arrived in the mail the other day from another Guata Mama in Nancy KY. Thanks Amy!!!!

Meredith's big party

2007-04-30T20:03:00.000-05:00

On Saturday April 28th. Meredith had a big welcome to Kentucky party. My aunt Lib held this great party for us, Thanks again for everything Aunt Lib!!!!!

This was also Meredith's longest car ride and she slept the whole way so we think she likes to ride.

We are still having issues with Meredith allowing Todd to care for her. I'm trying to get a schedule going so I can long onto work and get some work done, but it hasn't happened yet.

Today we went down to the Chow Wagon, her Daycare, and to the park to swing. She loves to swing, I'll post pictures of that later, but here are a few pictures from the party on Saturday.

Meredith just tried to crawl!!!! How exciting!!!!!

What have we been up to this week????

2007-04-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

Let's start with Sunday. You can definitely tell that Todd and I are first time parents. We went to the Zoo on Sunday and it was Earth Day. Admission was only $1 each, so we figured if we didn't get to stay too long we wouldn't have spent a whole lot of money. Well neither of us was ready for the crowd. We chugged along anyway and stayed about 2 hours. Meredith took it in stride just riding around in her stroller looking at the people more than the animals. I keep asking myself, what is the world could be going through her mind right now?

I'm sure she is wondering where all the Spanish speaking people went and the honking hours and fast drivers!!!!

Monday we went to the mall and Toy's R Us. Meredith was the perfect angel at both she loves to ride around in the truck and her stroller.

My mom came back on Tuesday to help me out, which I am very thankful for. Meredith still will not let Todd do anything for her, which is hard on me sometimes. We are hoping it gets better so that I can get some work done next week. My dad also came on Tuesday and he cleaned up the front yard while Todd mowed the back.

Meredith, myself, and my mom went out shopping again on Wednesday. We went to O'Charley's for lunch and Meredith spent most of her time eavesdropping on the guys conversation at the next table, what a flirt. Then it was off to Valu City and the Jefferson Mall.

Meredith is kinda stuffed up right now in her nose. It really bugs her at night and she won't sleep by herself in her crib or pack and play, so we are sharing a bed in the basement. She will head to the doctor next week for the first time here in the states. Plus next week we are going to the derby parade if it doesn't rain, Mickey Mouse is the grand Marshall this year!!!!

Home 2 days

2007-04-20T21:09:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are doing great!!!! Meredith is adjusting nicely. Last night she slept 12 hours, then took another 2 hour nap. She has played and laughed all day, we went outside and raked some grass and she just sit there and took it all in. She is eating very well, we have put her on 2% milk, she will not have anything to do with formula and she loved Juicy Juice.

We have been asked when will be ready for visitors and with the way that Meredith has adjusted to her new surrounding we have decided to let anyone come over that wants too. We are playing everything by ear and taking clues from her. She will let us know if she doesn't want to go to someone. Just give us a call.

It is finally over!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

We have just gotten back from the Embassy and our appointment went fine. We are back in the room after stopping off to get some breakfast before the buffet closed.

I was only asked a couple questions: Do you have her room ready? What is it decorated in? Is her daddy at home getting the house ready? Have you visited the baby before this pick up trip? Just simple questions, oh one more are you happy with you agency and attorney's, I said yes through gritted teeth.

Meredith is now passed out on the floor, she has had an eventful morning and we are so glad that everything is over. We will received Meredith's immigrant VISA tomorrow at 4PM and we will be free to leave the country. We are resting up right now and we will then head out to do some shopping.

We can't wait to get back to Kentucky, I know Todd is beside himself with missing us. I can't wait for him to see is beautiful baby girl, she is a real charmer. She is flirting with the waiters and the guys at the Embassy.

Hola from Guatemala!!!!

2007-04-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Yes Yes I know it has been three days, but they have been very eventful days.
We got here on Friday about 11:30 local time, got checked into the very nice Westin hotel.
Meredith arrived at 3:30 that day. This was a very emotional time for everyone and there were lots of tears shed.
Once we got Meredith back up to the room the screaming began. She screamed for 4 hours straight. We were dealing with some serious seperation issues. We finally got her to sleep but only laying on one of us. At about 1:30 she was awake and in a better mood and wanted to play. After a quick bottle she was back off to sleep but only laying on top of us.

We have figured out she does not like bottles, only likes to drink out of cups and glasses. Loves soda and whip cream. Hey what it takes to make her happy is what we will do. Formula is another thing she will not take, hates it. So we have been giving her skim milk.

Yesterday we went to the pool she didn't like that much but we will try again later today and tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Embassy appointment we will be leaving the hotel about 6:30 am via taxi, this should be fun...

We went back to the mall today and bought a few cute outfits and soda, man on man Soda is VERY expensive here in the hotel. We bought 2 six packs last night in on of the shops and it cost $20, but they sure taste good!!!

OK OK so what you all have been waiting for here are a few pictures from the last 3 days. I'll try to create a new slide show so keep checking the bottom of the blog page.

The time is almost here.

2007-04-10T07:32:00.000-05:00

YES YES YES. Finally! I am having so much trouble concentrating on my work, but I have to get it done. Yesterday we installed the car seat in the truck, well we think we installed it correctly, I guess we will find out next week. Tonight I plan to unpack and repack our suitcases just to make sure I have everything.

Poor Rebecca is having such a hard time down there in Guatemala. She had a really bad day yesterday trying to get Zachary's final paperwork ready. Yesterday was the final doctors appointment to get medical clearance to leave the country and no one from the agency or FM showed up to take her. So she had non of Zach's docmuments and she didn't know where the doctors office was!!! After some stern words with the attorney's office they finally worked it out.

She finally arrived only a little late and guess who showed up for her final appointment too???

Meredith passed her medical exam too and the doctor congratulated Marina on being such a wonderful Foster Mom. Meredith now weighs 20lbs.

We got a surprise in the mail today.....

2007-03-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

There was a package from the agency and I figured it was more paperwork. But to my surprise it was 4 disposable cameras from our fostermom. The pictures were of Meredith before we visited and through Christmas.
Apparently I didn't leave enough cameras oh well she'll be home in two weeks anyway.

I have added a slide show at the bottom of this page. Scroll down to the bottom and check out the pictures. Some are old and some are from today's surprise.

ENJOY!!!!

Lists, Lists, and more Lists

2007-03-28T18:27:00.000-05:00

That's what my days are consisting of these days. List of things I need to pack, lists of things I need to buy, List of chores I need to do around the house, List of sites to see and gifts I want to buy while in Guatemala, and lists of task I need to finish at work before I leave.

I'm proud to say that I've crossed of several items this week from my chores list.
I have the adoption announcements ready to mail, the lawn service is coming Saturday to clean up the yard, and you can actually see the floor in Meredith's room. I'm almost finished packing mine and Meredith's suitcases. It's kinda hard to pack the stuff you use everyday...

WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET THERE!!!!! HOLD ON MEREDITH MOMMY IS COMING!!!!!!

¡Guatemala aquí venimos!!!

2007-03-23T15:31:00.000-05:00

Guatemala Here we come!!!

After much Internet research and many hours on the phone. I have booked our itinerary.

We leave Louisville on Friday April 13th.
Our Embassy appointment is April 16th at 7:15 am, we are number 13.
We fly home on Wednesday April 18th.

We will be staying at the Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City.

A riddle for you.....

2007-03-22T17:58:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you mix red and white??????

PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YYYYYAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOO

Our appt is 04/16/07 at 7:15 am

We will probably be home the 18th or 19th. I'm working out the details as we speak.
Aunt Lib I think the pink ribbons worked today.

Rebecca also go her appt today and hers is 04/17/07, kinda bummed that we won't be a the embassy together, but we will be a the hotel together.

I'm taking this from Rebecca's blog...

2007-03-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

since we are in the same boat.

I NEED PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE OH PLEASE let me have PINK!!!!

Meredith is 9 months old today and we want her HOME!!!!
They keep telling us Thursday, Thursday, Thursday.

I sure wish it was Thursday.

NO PINK TODAY!!!!

2007-03-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

What else can I say. Apparently the US Embassy is taking an extra look at every ones file now due to the recent incident that happened with a baby being smuggled in. So our attorney was told to come back next Thursday and pick up the pink slip.
We don't know what to say, except we are devastated that we have yet another week to endure before we know when Meredtih can come home.

Anyone want to ready about this incident you can go to: www.guatadopt.com

We are now in the hands of the US Government

2007-03-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

We were submitted yesterday (Tuesday) for PINK. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.
There is some confusion as to when the Embassy will be open/closed to Americans and Guatemalans. So I emailed the Embassy this morning and I plan to call down there later today. Our attorney is suppose to go back to the Embassy tomorrow at 3:45pm (5:45 our time) and pick up any Pink slips that are waiting. We hope it is ours and Rebecca's.

It really looks like our appointment will be the 2nd week of April which is what I expected. I'm hoping that it will be the 9th or 10th so we can travel down to partake in the Easter festivities.

We will be staying at the Marriott again. The Pool and Restaurant are both open now.

Stay tuned for travel updates......

Have Passport will travel.....

2007-03-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

That's right. Meredith applied for her passport today. It will be ready to pick up Monday morning.
There is a bit of confusion as to if the US Embassy is open to Guatemalans on Monday so it looks like Tuesday we will be submitted to the embassy for PINK!!!!!!!
It takes 48 hours for the embassy to release the pink slip. So hopefully by Thursday we will know the date of our appointment. YYYIIIPPEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Once we have a definite date we will decide when we want to head down. I'm getting so antsy that I don't know how much longer I can wait. So we might head down a few days early and take in the sites.

It's offical. Meredith is now a Seales!!!!!

2007-03-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

The civil registry held their promise our birth certificate was just picked up. So now on to the next step. What is the next step you ask???? Well as we speak they are submitting the birth certificate to be translated into English this should be ready to pick up tomorrow afternoon or Monday morning. Then they have to apply for Meredith's passport which could take 24-72 hours to return. Then it is on to the embassy to wait for PINK!!!!
Keep in mind all those crazy days the embassy is closed in the next 2 weeks. So we could find out our appointment next week or the following week. I still feel like we won't travel till after Easter. But hoping for a awesome surprise.

Oh Rebecca got her birth certificate too today, so Zachary is now officially a Steen. As it appears right now we will get to be in Guatemala together!!!

COME ON PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep it's Tuesday, time for an update.

2007-03-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

We did indeed hear from the agency today. The Civil Registry said that our birth certificate will be ready on the 8th. So keep your fingers crossed. I also received a copy of the final adoption decree today, so we can apply for the State Employee grant, wwwooohoooo!!!

The attorney said that if the Civil Registry holds true to what they say about the 8th she will submit us to the Embassy for pink on the 13th. Why the delay? Well the US Embassy is closed several days in the next 2 weeks. March 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23. Some of those days the embassy is just CLOSED to everyone regarding adoptions, other days the embassy is only closed to Guatemalans, ie Fridays. So just because I've listed these days above doesn't mean that we won't find out our Pink appt that week. The Embassy will still inform families of their pink appointments they just won't have any on these days. Confusing huh??? Welcome to the wonderful world of International Adoption.

So in summary Meredith will officially be a Seales on Thursday if the birth certificate come back.

And we could find out when our appointment is sometime next week, with travel the last week in March (possibly)

Here is a picture that Philip took on his recent trip.

The people in this photo are: Philip, one of our attorney's, and of course Meredith. We are unsure who the other baby is..

More good news today!!!

2007-03-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Just heard from the agency that we were submitted to the Civil Registry yesterday. What that means is that we have applied for Meredith's birth certificate to be amended. This could take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. Looks like right now we won't travel till 1st or 2nd week of April. We are playing beat the clock right now, the 1st week of April is Holy Week and they tend to take several days off that week. So we may get to celebrate Becky's birthday in Guatemala.

We'll keep you posted.

What happens next???

2007-02-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

That is the million dollar question. Our attorney is submitting our case to the civil registry on Monday or Tuesday. This is the agency that will update Meredith's birth certificate with Morris Seales or just Seales for her last name. In many Hispanic countries the baby is given the mother maiden name and the fathers last name. So we'll just have to wait and see when we received the paperwork. Right now it is taking 10 working days to get the new birth certificate.

Then the attorney will apply for Meredith's passport and that usually takes a few hours, and Meredith will have one last doctor's appointment with an US embassy approved doctor. Once the Dr appt is over and the passport is picked up, everything must be translated back into English.

The final adoption decree, passport, and Dr report are submitted to the US Embassy and right now they are taking 6 working days to set the appointment. So we are really looking at the last week in March as our pick up date. There is a huge bankers convention in Guatemala March 18-21 so the embassy won't schedule any appointments those days.

Here is one of the very blurry pictures from this week's medical update.

Don't worry much better pictures will be posted very soon.

OK I MUST TELL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

WE ARE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES YES YES YES YES YES
We are officially out of PGN. Meredith is legally our's.
We don't have all the details yet, but they said we would be traveling in 6-8 weeks, although it should be much sooner.

I can't believe that this day has finally come.
Thanks to everyone for their support.

Week 9 and waiting

2007-02-21T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yep we've passed week 9 in PGN as of today. 64 days and no word, all I can say is "what the hell????!!!!" Pardon my french, but I can see the end of my rope clearly now, haha.

We did receive a medical update and very blurry pictures today, (I won't post those they are awful). Our Advocate is out this week, he traveled to Guatemala for a convention so the other advocate sent out the medical today. Meredith is 18.4lbs and 27 inches tall. What I could tell from the pictures her hair is growing back finally.

I asked about our PGN status and the response I got was :"As far as I know you are still in PGN it has been taking 8 weeks to get out."
Now before you all start filling up my comment box I know this is contradictory to everything we've been told to date and the fact that we just passed week 9 solidifies that the left hand is not talking to the right.
I will post any further updates I receive. Still hoping that this is our week to get out of PGN.

Jet set weekend...

2007-02-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, I sure did.
This weekend was girls weekend out. I flew to St. Louis and spent the weekend with Rebecca and Bethany. We had a wonderful time, shopping, eating, scrabble, eating, playing, oh and more eating.
Thank you very much Fred and Bethany for letting us invade your house for the weekend. Also thanks Bethany for showing me the business.

Today was a GREAT day for Rebecca. When she got home today she got "the call" from Philip and she is out of PGN as of today. YYYYIIIPPPPEEEE Rebecca. Hurry up and go get Zachary!!!

Todd and I are also hoping that this is our week to get out of PGN too, fingers crossed...

Another weekly update.

2007-02-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

And again it said absolutely NOTHING!!!!
According to the attorney our case is still in PGN waiting for approval.
So I guess that's it for this week, what else can I say, except this waiting is killing me!

Another busy weekend.

2007-02-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday folks. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Today is day 55 in the PGN black hole. We are hopeful that we will hear something this week.

This weekend for me was Phase 2 of the bathroom makeover. Mom came up on Saturday and we did a little shopping and them we worked on the bathroom till 1:30 in the morning. Got back up yesterday morning and started working again. I'm happy to say that the bathroom is 95% done. There is some touch ups needed on the paint and as you can see by the pictures there is no outer shower curtain or rugs. That's where you guys come in....

I CAN'T DECIDE ON A SHOWER CURTAIN!!!!!!!

So here is one that we have come across, you tell me if you think it will look good in the new and improved bathroom. Or if you have any other ideas just email me a picture.

We've made it past the 7 week mark....

2007-02-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

how many more to go??? That's the million dollar question. We are just sitting and wondering when will we get out. We are still hoping and praying for a previo free stay in PGN. I find myself hitting the send/receive button on my email every couple of minutes, and ever time my cell phone rings my heart drops. This waiting is almost unbearable.
But everyone tells me that NO news is GOOD news where PGN is concerned.

On a down note, my friend Keely found out yesterday that she received a previo on Friday for something totally ridiculous. But thankfully she went right back in that day.

As for our weekly update, it was the same as it has been for 7 weeks. We are still in PGN waiting for approval.

Isn't this cute????

2007-02-05T20:05:00.000-05:00

This rocking chair has been around for a long time. It was my moms when she was young and some of her sisters used it too. Then it was there for me and Rebecca. So in preparations for Meredith's homecoming mom made new cushions for it. I think it is adorable.

The first picture is of my mom sitting in the rocking chair. The second picture is of me sitting in the same rocking chair, wearing my bibbed overalls, and yes that is a tobacco pipe in my mouth. I would say that I was 3 or 4 years old in that picture.

Also I've had several people ask for a sneek peek of the new and improved bathroom. Well I'm not done, but the walls are painted, next I'll move onto the trim. Todd and I went to Bed Bath & Beyond yesterday and we found the shower curtain and rugs we like. So if anyone has those great Bed Bath & Beyond coupons they aren't using please send them my way.

What's in store for the weekend??????

2007-02-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

Well I've made it through my rather crappy week. But as many people have said it is time to move on and not dwell on what happened. Easier said than done, but I will do my best. So I had planned on doing some major house cleaning after we got out of PGN, because I know once we get home there will be lots of visitors and I will not have time to clean. Since my PGN dream was busted this week I decided to go ahead and start on my list. So what is on this weeks agenda???? BATHROOM MAKEOVER!!!!! Take a look at this sad Ocean blue bathroom, OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!! I can't believe that Todd and I put up with it for a year and a half. So the time has come to bid the ocean bathroom GOODBYE!!!! When asking Todd what color he would like me to paint this room he said anything but PINK. hehehe We already have 2 pink rooms in our house so I figured I'd spare him a pink bathroom. But that's all I'm saying for now, you'll just have to wait till the after pictures.

One good thing did come out of this weeks updates. Rebecca is indeed on the directors desk and she "should" get out sometime in the coming week. YYYIIIPPPPEEE!!!!! Zachary will be coming home. He's a cutie and we've already decided that he and Meredith are to be married when they are old enough. I think we agreed that 30 was old enough hehehehe. We caught them holding hands when we were down in Guatemala.
I have added links to their newly formed blogs in the sidebar to the right.

Welcome Home Dane Mateo!!!!!

2007-02-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

I just got home from the airport to welcome Mary and Dane home. There was probably 25 people there eagerly awaiting their arrival. I know I've sat at work and watched her flights all day. From what I heard Dane only cried when they were landing, probably the difference in air pressure. But anyway here are a few pictures for you all to enjoy.

ONE DAY (hopfully soon)THIS WILL BE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well we thought we had good news to report....

2007-01-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

But we don't. Here is what happened today. Tuesday is normally update day. And this morning when we got our weekly update it said: Good morning. According to Cinthya's weekly report your case has hit the Director's desk. I hope to have the date when it did by week's end.

Well we were jumping for joy. I cried for the better part of an hour so relieved that this journey was almost over. We called everyone and told them that the wait had an end in very near sight.

I started asking a couple questions about what happens next, how long do you think we will sit on his desk, etc...
My advocate seemed dumbfounded with why I thought I was so close to being out, my case was still with a reviewer, what was I talking about.

I then read to him the above statement that he sent to me and he says "Oh that was for another family that is not your update, I'm sorry." I hit the floor and the roof, I curtly said I can not and will not talk to you right now and hung up. Who in their right mind would tell a familiy that they are almost out of PGN knowing how long and painful the wait is, when they are not even close? We have had our problems in the past with this agency but nothing compares to this. We are currently trying to talk with the agency director.

So this weeks update is the same as the previous 6 weeks. Our case is in PGN and is waiting approval.

What do you think?

2007-01-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

What do you think of my first attempt at making hairbows? I think this one is pretty cute. I've started shopping for hairbows for Meredith (well if her hair ever grows back), and on ebay they are selling for $6-$10 each. And this bow in the stores would cost $12. I made this one for about $2.

I've got mom working on them too. Maybe we can put them on ebay too and make some money???
Don't pay any attention to the date stamped on the picture, I had it set incorrectly.

Don't forget to check out the newest pictures of Meredith, scroll down and check them out.

My oh my what could it be???

2007-01-27T21:07:00.000-05:00

I got mail yesterday. I love getting presents in the mail.

We've changed Secret Blog Pals again and this is from my new Secret Blog Pal. Which reminds me I need to find something to send to mine.

What oh What is in that box???

It's CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!! The biggest Chocolate bar I've ever seen. It is solid Milk Chocolate shipped straight from Hershey's. I Love Chocolate.

Thank you Thank you from Secret Blog Pal.

Don't forget to check out the new pictures of Meredith, just scroll down to the next blog entry.

It's Picture Day!!!!!!!!!!! YYYYIIIPPPPEEEE!!!!!

2007-01-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Todd and I live for picture day. Meredith went to the doctor on the 19th. She received one shot, weighs 18lbs, and is 26.77 inches tall.

We are amazed to see how she has changed from one month to the next. And this month is no exception. We can really tell by these pictures that her little personality is starting to show through. We miss her so much and we can't wait to bring her home. As of today we have been in PGN for 37 days so far so good no Previos. Keeping our fingers crossed for a quick release from PGN.

One of the Guatemama's is flying down on Sunday to bring her little guy home, so I'll be joining her family at the airport to welcome little Dane home next week. Safe travels Mary.

Here are the 4 pictures we received today from the agency.

Well I'm begining to sound like a broken record.

2007-01-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

This weeks update just came in and yes it said the same thing as last weeks.
There was an added comment this week that said the average time to get out of PGN is about 3 months. Well I've been following several families on the message boards and they are getting out long before 3 months. It appears right now that Mr. PGN is signing off on cases submitted 11/27-11/30. As of today we have been in 5 weeks.
But we will just have to wait and be patient a little long.
We did not receive the medical update yet this week. It should be in sometime this week.

As for how we are holding up. I'm ready to change my title to GM-TOW (Guatemala Mama-Tired of Waiting)

Another weekly update.

2007-01-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

As we've heard for the past 4 weeks. Our case is still in PGN waiting for final approval. So we just sit and wait some more.

We should receive a medical update and new pictures this week.

Weekly Update

2007-01-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

Well as expected our weekly update told us nothing. It said that our case is still in PGN waiting for final approval, blah blah blah.
So we just sit and wait. We are both trying to stay busy with work, and I'm catching up on my reading and scrapbooking.
On a side note I've started a pretty strict diet last week and so far so good, I've lost 7lbs. Yahoo for me.

We are expecting another medical update next week. It is hard to believe that Meredith is almost 7 months old.
I have one friend that is currently waiting for her pink slip, it should be in any day now. She will be taking down clothes for Meredith.

Well I guess that's it for now, I promise to post any new updates as soon as I get them.

Now what??

2006-12-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is a question I am getting a lot here lately. Or what is PGN? For those people who are not involved in the Guatemala adoption process it all sounds like a bunch of jiberish.
I've done some research on the internet and found the following explainations for the remainder of our process. I hope that this will help. Todd and I have made it so far in the process and the past six months seem to have flown by, but now we have to wait some more. But just knowing that we are in this final stage is somewhat of a releif, even though we still can't see the end of the tunnel we are starting to see a small light leading the way.

PGN
After your case exits Family Court and you have U.S. Embassy pre-approval, it will be submitted to Procuraduria General De La Nacion (PGN). PGN is tasked with ensuring that the requirements for adoption under Guatemalan law are met. As part of this process, your case will be submitted to a PGN reviewer for a determination as to whether all legal requirements have been met. Your reviewer will examine all of the documents that you submitted as part of your dossier, additional documents submitted by your Guatemalan attorney, the social worker's report and the U.S. Embassy visa pre-approval. If the reviewer determines that all of the documents are in order, the reviewer will sign off on the file and forward it for final approval. When final approval is granted, your case exits PGN. Shortly after your case exits PGN and the final paperwork is completed, the Guatemalan adoption process ends and you are legally the parent of a new son or daughter!

Immigration Process
At this point in the process your Guatemalan attorney will apply for your child's new birth certificate. The new birth certificate will contain your child's first and middle names (as given at birth) and your family's last name(s). You may not change your child's first and middle names as part of the Guatemalan adoption process. Name changes may be accomplished after you return to the United States. Once your attorney has the amended birth certificate, he/she will apply for your child's Guatemalan passport. Your child will travel to the United States using his/her Guatemalan passport and a visa issued by the U.S. Embassy.

The Guatemalan attorney will then submit all of the documents to the U.S. Embassy for issuance of the "pink slip". The pink slip is an invitation (printed on pink paper) to the adopting family to come to the U.S. Embassy for a final interview and issuance of your child's visa to immigrate to the United States. Once the pink slip is issued, your child will be taken to an Embassy approved physician for a visa physical examination. The examination may not be scheduled until after the pink slip has been issued.

At this point, the adopting parents and the newly adopted child go to the U.S. Embassy for the final interview and issuance of the visa. The family may leave Guatemala and travel to the United States at any time after the visa is issued.

We are IN!!!

2006-12-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

I just got the call from the agency. We are officially in PGN with a log in date of today 12/20/06. So we now sit and wait some more but we are getting really close. Let's all pray for a nice reviewer and hope that after the Christmas/New Year holiday they come back ready to work work work, and release cases everyday.

We also need to pray for no Previos or kick outs. My friend Rebecca received a kick out this week for a document filed in the wrong place in her file, this is a very minor kick out and she is already back in PGN.
Another one of my friends got out of PGN last week after being in 11 1/2 weeks she had one kick out just like Rebecca. So if that's how long it is taking it looks like March or April will be Meredith's homecoming, although no one really know it's in the hand of our PGN reviewer and the PGN director.

Medical update and picture day!!!!

2006-12-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

We just received the monthly medial update and pictures.

Meredith is now 16.4 lbs and 25.5 inches tall.

I think we've had a hair cut too wow wee that's short.

Hopefully later today I can update the blog again we are supposed to enter PGN today!!!

Thank you very much secret blog pal!!!!!

2006-12-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

I love it when the mail man delivers something other than bills haha.

I've signed up to have a secret blog pal and I got a gift in the mail today from mine.

I sure wish I was in her state right now, she's from Florida, my favorite place to vacation.

Anyway here is what I got yyyiipppeeee!!!!

A set of stamps for the scrapbooker in me.

A reminder with a goal to bring Meredith home, I totally agree Valentines day would be great.

A CD with loads of music for Meredith, it has my fav "The wheels on the bus", LOVE THAT ONE.

And a frame ornament with a picture of our angel for our tree.

Thank you so much for my gifts I truly love each and everyone one. It has really brightened my day.

OK OK we are not the Scrooges after all.

2006-12-05T22:05:00.000-05:00

We kinda got in the Christmas mood today. We decided to put the tree up and wrap some presents. So here is a couple of pictures.

I heard back from the agency today and the Guatemala attorney did get our documents yesterday and took them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now it will take about 3 weeks for them to be processed, then we can enter PGN. We are hoping and praying for a short stay in PGN, but no one really knows how long we will be in this final stage.

I just keep telling myself this is the last major step before Meredith can come home, and so what if we miss the first Christmas there will be others and I know Marina will take lots of pictures for me. We do know that Meredith did get her ears pierced about a week ago, can't wait to see those.

Well I guess that's it for now, I'm working on some photo albums to take with us to Aunt Lib's this weekend.

Another update

2006-12-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

Ok so the updates are getting farther and farther apart. Yes the lack of communication is very hard!! But Todd and I are taking one day at a time.

Rebecca and I did the yearly ritual of shopping on Black Friday!!! WHHHOOO was that fun, what time was it Rebecca, 4 am when we got to Wal-Mart. Oh well we got everything we went for. Santa Claus has already dropped off a lot of goodies for Meredith.

Todd and I are kinda feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge this year. We are debating on when or if we will put a tree up this year. If we knew that Meredith was coming home in January I would put it up now and just leave it up. But we have no idea as to when she will be coming home so if we do put up the tree we will probably put it up in her room and just leave it in there until she comes home. Who knows we may be having Christmas at Valentines day or even Easter.

As for our case I sent out the authenticated documents via Fedex on Thursday. I just tracked the package and it was delivered down in Guatemala this morning. I've already put my call in to Philip to get on the horn and find out when they will be taking the new documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Once the new forms are registered they can submit our case to PGN which right now the registering part is taking 2-3 weeks. SO we might make it into PGN by the end of the year??? We'll have to wait and see.

We did send down a few things to Meredith for Christmas so hopefully Marina will take pictures of her wearing her Christmas outfit and wearing her new earrings.

Here is the latest info we have on Meredith, by the picture we can tell she is really growing.
She now weighs 15.8lbs and is 24.8 inches tall.

WHAT A CUTIE!!!!!

OK the saga continues

2006-11-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

We did hear from the agency today and we do have to send in a 3rd Power of Attorney, well this one is a modification explanation to the first 2. We did learn today that the problem with the first POA had nothing to do with the line not being long enough as we were told. In fact they had written Meredith's given name incorrectly. If they had taken the time to explain this issue in the second POA we completed, we would not be in this mess right now.
So we all know how long it takes to get a document authenticated here in the US, 3 weeks.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!

Well that is if the agency handles the document for us, I've decided to take matters into my own hands and I will be heading to the county clerks office tomorrow, the Secretary of States office on Thursday and sending out the POA via FEDEX to the Guatemalan Embassy in Washington DC Thursday afternoon. I've already called the Embassy and talked to the head lady and she said that she would turn it around in 24-48 hours.

Our attorney tried everything she could in order to avoid having to involve us with this, but PGN has reviewed the letter I was sent today and agree that it will fix the problem. So what else can we do. We just want her HOME!

Ok here's what happening or better yet, what's not happening.....

2006-11-13T11:57:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted much about our case since we returned from Guatemala. Reason being we haven't had good news to report.

During our visit we received daily updates from the attorney's office. One day something was said about a letter needed for PGN explaining why we had two POA's in our file. But she wasn't too sure about this and the attorney was on vacation the week we were down there. So when we get home we got in contact with our state side advocate and he say that the attorney went to submit our case into PGN and they immediately kicked it out due to the two power of attorney's in our file. This is the first time our attorney has been asked to complete this letter so we get to be the guinea pigs. This all happened two weeks ago today, we were told that the letter would be written and authenticated by today. Well yesterday we received a call from our advocates supervisor and she said that the letter has been written and it is being reviewed by the US Embassy and PGN, once they say it is ok she will submit it for authentications so it can become a legal document.

So it doesn't look like we will be in PGN for another 2 weeks. We have been paper ready to enter PGN for 4 weeks now, add another 2 weeks onto that and we could have been in and out of PGN under normal circumstances. So that's all we have to report now, this is very hard being so close yet so far from the end. We are still hoping for a January come home date, but that is just our estimate, the agency says we will be lucky is she is home by end of April. We do not believe this statement, along with several other things we have been told by them. (That's all I'll say about them right now.)

So as Todd and I are doing, everyone pray real hard that we get a nice PGN review and we are in and out really quick.

Here is our timeline thus far:

Signed with agency 04/27/06
Completed Homestudy and Dossier 06/15/06
It's a Girl 06/21/06
Accepted Referral and sent in POA 06/27/06
Dossier to GUA 07/27/06
Re-do POA line not long enough 08/16/06
Application for DNA authorization 08/23/06
DNA authorizaton granted 09/01/06
DNA test performed 09/07/06
Social Worker Interview 09/07/06
DNA is a match 09/15/06
Social Worker Report 10/09/06
Pre-approval received 10/13/06
Amazing visit trip 10/22-10/26
Waiting to enter PGN for 4 weeks now (PGN requesting letter explaining why 2 POA exsist in our case file)

Medical Update 10/18/06

2006-11-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest medical update on Meredith. She now weighs 14lbs and is 24 inches tall. The doctors appointment was on 10/18/06, but we are not sure what day these pictures were taken.

One of these pictures she does not look like a happy camper, but the other 2 are good.

Day three

2006-10-25T09:39:00.000-05:00

Daddy's has a new tv watching buddy

2006-10-24T15:01:00.000-05:00