Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Yesterday's post...
Concerning yesterdays post, I went a bit longer than usual. I was up for 32 hours without sleep. I'll do that sometimes. It's amazing what you can get done when you don't sleep. Come to think of it I did forget to say a few things yesterday...
Monday, June 09, 2008
Emma's Homecoming anniversary: He Said
The Call: This was the part of the adoption that drove me the most insane. We had already received one previo so waiting for the call to let us know that we had exited PGN made my "spidey sense" all the more intense. Every time Tera called me when I was at the airport or at work or if there was a message on the answering machine I would get this sick feeling in my gut. And when the eight week mark had approached I was hovering around the phone waiting for "the call". So of course the call came when I was in the garage goofing off. Tera called out the back door to the garage and said "Guess what?" I began to cry immediately. I'm not ashamed. I was so waiting for this call. All Tera and I wanted was to be with Emma. And this was the call that told us that it was going to be ok.
Emma's rotavirus, our family reunited and our stay at the Westin: Tera had left for Guatemala about a month or so prior to my departure for Guatemala. We felt it would help Emma's transition if Tera and Emma were together as soon as possible. So Tera and Emma moved to Antigua while I remained at home in Minneapolis preparing the house and tying up loose ends. I missed them terribly but we were able to see each other often via Skype. Things were going well until Emma became very ill with Rota virus. This really was really hard for Tera and I felt so bad that I couldn't be there for her and Emma. Emma's health had deteriorated so quickly but Tera was on her toes and handled it like a seasoned veteran. Way to go T! Sadly, Emma did end up in the hospital but to the credit of a couple of "angels" in Tera's corner she was able to provide everything that Emma needed so that her recovery was as fast as possible. Thanks to those who helped Tera and Emma. We decided that it would be best that Tera and Emma go back to Guatemala city as soon as Emma was well enough to go. The girls arrived on a Friday and I arrived that following Sunday. I was so excited to see them both. Tera and Emma happened to be in the lobby when I arrived at the hotel. Emma looked tired. She had a harrowing week and I could tell. But she looked beautiful nonetheless. I could tell Tera was exasperated. I immediately began to make sure to take over everything that I could so Tera could kick back and enjoy her stay. One night we stayed in, ordered pizza and caught up all the events in Guatemala and back home. About 3am that next morning I woke up feeling not so great. I thought nothing of it. Lack of sleep, maybe not enough water. So much had happened in a few days so maybe it was beginning to catch up with me so I headed back to bed. We woke up at around 7 that morning and headed for the sacred Westin breakfast buffet. I couldn't eat a thing. I just sat there with no appetite. I felt drained. It was as if I never went to bed. I couldn't stand for more than 10 minutes, all I wanted to do is lay down, and it kept getting worse. Much to Tera's frustration I slept most of the afternoon. I would be frustrated if I were her. Here I was sleeping the entire first day I am there. I was supposed to take over take over so Tera could let her hair down and relax after a most hectic week. But something wasn't right. And at about 5pm that night it was obvious. VERY obvious. So I began to "purge my soul" for the next 3 hours or so. It got to the point where there were discussions with our agency about whether or not I would be able to even make it to our Embassy date. I couldn't believe it. Months of paperwork, politics, PGN and a ton of other stuff I can't think of right now and I might not make it to the appointment that I had longed for for months. I was determined to go. So Tera being of sober mind (and sick of being the only one who isn't sick along with being the family nurse by default) she had the front desk call for a doctor. To make a long story short. One shot, one black out, one bump on my head, one last "purging" and a healthy dose of cipro and I was well enough to go with Tera and Emma to our appointment at the US Embassy. The remaining days in Guatemala were so sweet. We just hung out as a family taking in all that had happened and that we were together as a family.
Our departure and arrival home: This part went really well. It was a bit of a tornado as far as the running around but it was very sobering for me. We were leaving Guatemala with Emma. For the first time we didn't leave Guatemala alone. I was so relieved but kinda sad at the same time. Much of my feelings about that day are still unprocessed and probably a bit private for now. I hope that you will understand. Sometimes there are no words. Emma slept for most of the flight. The flight was long...12 hours from beginning to end. We arrived at our gate at almost midnight on the night of June 9th. Much of our family was there to meet us. It was surreal. Everyone was so nice. I think that I seemed a bit aloof. Maybe even despondent. I just needed to stand aside and quietly take it all in. I felt like crying. It was a mountain of feelings for me to feel that day. It was an awesome day. Tera had experienced way more on this trip than I did. I couldn't imagine what was going on in her mind when we arrived at the airport. But I did have a clue. I could see it in her eyes. Though very tired I knew she was full of joy. We got home and laid Emma in her crib at about 3am. I can't remember falling asleep. I'm sure it happened at light speed or close to it.
The "Day After" and some "Then & Now": One again I am at a loss for words. I fall asleep at 3 in the morning and then 4 hours later I am awakened by the beautiful sound of a baby's voice in the next room. Surreal. It was an awesome day. Very family oriented.
I can't think of our lives without Emma. She is such a blessing from the Lord. The last year has quickly disappeared. So much has happened.
Emma has drawn things from deep within me that only Daddy's little Girl could do. I find myself often reflecting about what Tera and I have experienced up to this point and there is so much ahead of us. We are grateful. We are blessed. I admit that I allowed fear to overwhelm me at times. I feared the things that many families that are currently in process are going through. In relative terms Emma's adoption went fairly smooth. Sadly there are those who have and are still experiencing massive woes throughout. Please do not forget these families and the children whose lives are at stake. Till next week. Adios.
Emma's rotavirus, our family reunited and our stay at the Westin: Tera had left for Guatemala about a month or so prior to my departure for Guatemala. We felt it would help Emma's transition if Tera and Emma were together as soon as possible. So Tera and Emma moved to Antigua while I remained at home in Minneapolis preparing the house and tying up loose ends. I missed them terribly but we were able to see each other often via Skype. Things were going well until Emma became very ill with Rota virus. This really was really hard for Tera and I felt so bad that I couldn't be there for her and Emma. Emma's health had deteriorated so quickly but Tera was on her toes and handled it like a seasoned veteran. Way to go T! Sadly, Emma did end up in the hospital but to the credit of a couple of "angels" in Tera's corner she was able to provide everything that Emma needed so that her recovery was as fast as possible. Thanks to those who helped Tera and Emma. We decided that it would be best that Tera and Emma go back to Guatemala city as soon as Emma was well enough to go. The girls arrived on a Friday and I arrived that following Sunday. I was so excited to see them both. Tera and Emma happened to be in the lobby when I arrived at the hotel. Emma looked tired. She had a harrowing week and I could tell. But she looked beautiful nonetheless. I could tell Tera was exasperated. I immediately began to make sure to take over everything that I could so Tera could kick back and enjoy her stay. One night we stayed in, ordered pizza and caught up all the events in Guatemala and back home. About 3am that next morning I woke up feeling not so great. I thought nothing of it. Lack of sleep, maybe not enough water. So much had happened in a few days so maybe it was beginning to catch up with me so I headed back to bed. We woke up at around 7 that morning and headed for the sacred Westin breakfast buffet. I couldn't eat a thing. I just sat there with no appetite. I felt drained. It was as if I never went to bed. I couldn't stand for more than 10 minutes, all I wanted to do is lay down, and it kept getting worse. Much to Tera's frustration I slept most of the afternoon. I would be frustrated if I were her. Here I was sleeping the entire first day I am there. I was supposed to take over take over so Tera could let her hair down and relax after a most hectic week. But something wasn't right. And at about 5pm that night it was obvious. VERY obvious. So I began to "purge my soul" for the next 3 hours or so. It got to the point where there were discussions with our agency about whether or not I would be able to even make it to our Embassy date. I couldn't believe it. Months of paperwork, politics, PGN and a ton of other stuff I can't think of right now and I might not make it to the appointment that I had longed for for months. I was determined to go. So Tera being of sober mind (and sick of being the only one who isn't sick along with being the family nurse by default) she had the front desk call for a doctor. To make a long story short. One shot, one black out, one bump on my head, one last "purging" and a healthy dose of cipro and I was well enough to go with Tera and Emma to our appointment at the US Embassy. The remaining days in Guatemala were so sweet. We just hung out as a family taking in all that had happened and that we were together as a family.
Our departure and arrival home: This part went really well. It was a bit of a tornado as far as the running around but it was very sobering for me. We were leaving Guatemala with Emma. For the first time we didn't leave Guatemala alone. I was so relieved but kinda sad at the same time. Much of my feelings about that day are still unprocessed and probably a bit private for now. I hope that you will understand. Sometimes there are no words. Emma slept for most of the flight. The flight was long...12 hours from beginning to end. We arrived at our gate at almost midnight on the night of June 9th. Much of our family was there to meet us. It was surreal. Everyone was so nice. I think that I seemed a bit aloof. Maybe even despondent. I just needed to stand aside and quietly take it all in. I felt like crying. It was a mountain of feelings for me to feel that day. It was an awesome day. Tera had experienced way more on this trip than I did. I couldn't imagine what was going on in her mind when we arrived at the airport. But I did have a clue. I could see it in her eyes. Though very tired I knew she was full of joy. We got home and laid Emma in her crib at about 3am. I can't remember falling asleep. I'm sure it happened at light speed or close to it.
The "Day After" and some "Then & Now": One again I am at a loss for words. I fall asleep at 3 in the morning and then 4 hours later I am awakened by the beautiful sound of a baby's voice in the next room. Surreal. It was an awesome day. Very family oriented.
I can't think of our lives without Emma. She is such a blessing from the Lord. The last year has quickly disappeared. So much has happened.
Emma has drawn things from deep within me that only Daddy's little Girl could do. I find myself often reflecting about what Tera and I have experienced up to this point and there is so much ahead of us. We are grateful. We are blessed. I admit that I allowed fear to overwhelm me at times. I feared the things that many families that are currently in process are going through. In relative terms Emma's adoption went fairly smooth. Sadly there are those who have and are still experiencing massive woes throughout. Please do not forget these families and the children whose lives are at stake. Till next week. Adios.
Monday, June 02, 2008
lame post
We are sitting in our newly (mostly) finished family room watching the movie Juno that I got from a local RedBox. We are in for a week of rain and I have plenty of odds and ends to do so that is the plan. Nothing too big... pretty quiet... but busy at the same time. No big whoop. Speaking of big, here are a couple pictures of things that are big. Big iPod earbuds and a big cow.
Monday, May 26, 2008
I'm back...and I'm glad I don't live in Sierra Leone
Think of what it would be like to pay over $18 for just one gallon of gas...sheesh.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_usage_and_pricing
I'm back after a month of slacking off... I am gonna try to do a once a week thing so lets see how that goes. Briefly, things have been well. As the summer approaches things at work are slowing down so I am trying to get more things done around the home. Emma and Tera are doing well as you can see over at Tera's blog.
A year ago Tera and Emma were together in Antigua and I was back home in Minnesota waiting for our embassy date to be issued so that I would join them both. It surreal to know that our daughter has been here at home with us for almost a year now.
Now for a walk down memory lane: Here is a pic of Emma from Feb.07 when she was still with her foster family in Guatemala. See you next week.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_usage_and_pricing
I'm back after a month of slacking off... I am gonna try to do a once a week thing so lets see how that goes. Briefly, things have been well. As the summer approaches things at work are slowing down so I am trying to get more things done around the home. Emma and Tera are doing well as you can see over at Tera's blog.
A year ago Tera and Emma were together in Antigua and I was back home in Minnesota waiting for our embassy date to be issued so that I would join them both. It surreal to know that our daughter has been here at home with us for almost a year now.
Now for a walk down memory lane: Here is a pic of Emma from Feb.07 when she was still with her foster family in Guatemala. See you next week.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Why I haven' blogged and why I love Minnesota...
I haven't blogged for various reasons. Mainly because I am lazy. I have been busy doing projects so when I sit down I just wanna surf the web or stare into space. There is quite a bit to talk about so I will get blog sooner than later.
On another note this is why I love Minnesota. I grilled for dinner today. I think it hit the high 70's a couple times this week. Great huh? There is snow in the forecast for Friday. Nice. I'm ready for the warmer weather but I do like the variety.
On another note this is why I love Minnesota. I grilled for dinner today. I think it hit the high 70's a couple times this week. Great huh? There is snow in the forecast for Friday. Nice. I'm ready for the warmer weather but I do like the variety.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Bucket Head
I'm watching Munich right now. The events that this movie is based on occurred a year before I was born. I knew about the massacre in Munich but not the operations that were carried out by Israel afterwards. I am enjoying the movie but the topic is not for the faint of heart. I would recommend it but it's not for young children.
I have been busy...as usual. My friend Shane came over this week to help me with a bit of a flooring dilemma that has plagued me for some time. I have to say that it turned out to be a success. Thanks Shane. You get a gold star by your name. I started painting our basement so that should be done fairly soon along with the unscheduled bathroom updating I had to begin a couple weeks ago (long story).
Emma is another story. She has never been one to wear a hat. If I put a hat on her head she will normally take it off and toss it aside. But not anymore. I discovered that if you get the right hat then she will readily accept it.
Disclaimer: This is not a real KFC bucket. Thus no grease. It was a toy bucket that had toy pieces of chicken and biscuits and stuff.
Exhibit A:
Need I say that this little angel has won my heart?
J
I have been busy...as usual. My friend Shane came over this week to help me with a bit of a flooring dilemma that has plagued me for some time. I have to say that it turned out to be a success. Thanks Shane. You get a gold star by your name. I started painting our basement so that should be done fairly soon along with the unscheduled bathroom updating I had to begin a couple weeks ago (long story).
Emma is another story. She has never been one to wear a hat. If I put a hat on her head she will normally take it off and toss it aside. But not anymore. I discovered that if you get the right hat then she will readily accept it.
Disclaimer: This is not a real KFC bucket. Thus no grease. It was a toy bucket that had toy pieces of chicken and biscuits and stuff.
Exhibit A:
Need I say that this little angel has won my heart?J
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Great news...an update...and my latest favorite pic
Great news: The wait is over. After being in Antigua for over a year Cheri and Eliana have come home with Gary.
I have read Cheri's blog for quite some time and it is surreal to read that they are stateside. While Guatemalan adoptions are sometimes met with problems Cheri and Gary were plagued with them...again and again. Their homecoming was long overdue. Visit www.sunflowersandladybugs, click on their blog and give them a big congrats and welcome them home.
Update: I have been working on our many home projects lately. Some scheduled, some unexpected and some long overdue. I must admit that I am lacking in the skills department when it comes to home improvement and with that Tera has been ever patient with me. I am learning slowly, but learning nonetheless. Emma is growing by leaps and bounds. She is picking up more words and getting into things like never before. Quite the strong personality this little one has.
Fave pic: Tera took this shot of Emma a couple of weeks ago. I think this picture really shows how much she has grown.
J
I have read Cheri's blog for quite some time and it is surreal to read that they are stateside. While Guatemalan adoptions are sometimes met with problems Cheri and Gary were plagued with them...again and again. Their homecoming was long overdue. Visit www.sunflowersandladybugs, click on their blog and give them a big congrats and welcome them home.
Update: I have been working on our many home projects lately. Some scheduled, some unexpected and some long overdue. I must admit that I am lacking in the skills department when it comes to home improvement and with that Tera has been ever patient with me. I am learning slowly, but learning nonetheless. Emma is growing by leaps and bounds. She is picking up more words and getting into things like never before. Quite the strong personality this little one has.
Fave pic: Tera took this shot of Emma a couple of weeks ago. I think this picture really shows how much she has grown.
J
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
I'm still here...
just a bit busy and tired as well. I'll get to posting sometime early next week. Thanks for stopping by.
j
j
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tricia would be proud...
I have eaten 3 chocolate cupcakes today and I won't say how many I have had this week. All thanks to Tera's brother who has been on a baking kick the last couple of weeks. I need to go on a diet.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Today is February 7th...
I'm at Panera waiting for my vehicle to get it's oil changed. It's a balmy 25 degrees outside but it does look like we will be heading into another deep freeze this weekend with our low somewhere in the -15 degree range. Lovely Minnesota.
It has been mighty busy on the Emma front this week. She has begun to stack her blocks which is a joy to watch. Her speech has excelled as well. For example, when we say "Ready, Set...." she says "GO!" or actually more like "GDAHH!!!" but she does say "GDAHH" right on time. Also she says "Hi Daddy/ Papa". Aaand...when I ask where my ear is she finds it and then yanks on it till I say ouch. Oh Emma, that's my girl.
Changing gears, Recently our friends Tricia and family http://ourguatemalanbaby.blogspot.com have sponsored a child in Panajachel, Guatemala. This sponsorship enables her to have the needed supplies to attend school. Tera, Emma and I have also chosen to sponsor Caterina Debora. This is her picture:
Since adopting Emma we have an obvious heartfelt connection with the people and culture of Guatemala. We hope that organizations like Mayan Families http://mayanfamilies.org/ will be able to continue programs like these so that the people of Guatemala will have a better quality of life. Please consider sponsoring a child through Mayan Families. The resources that we provide on our end will provide so much for them in the long run. Visit their website at http://mayanfamilies.org/ and take a look at the work they are doing in Guatemala and consider donating or sponsoring a child.
It has been mighty busy on the Emma front this week. She has begun to stack her blocks which is a joy to watch. Her speech has excelled as well. For example, when we say "Ready, Set...." she says "GO!" or actually more like "GDAHH!!!" but she does say "GDAHH" right on time. Also she says "Hi Daddy/ Papa". Aaand...when I ask where my ear is she finds it and then yanks on it till I say ouch. Oh Emma, that's my girl.
Changing gears, Recently our friends Tricia and family http://ourguatemalanbaby.blogspot.com have sponsored a child in Panajachel, Guatemala. This sponsorship enables her to have the needed supplies to attend school. Tera, Emma and I have also chosen to sponsor Caterina Debora. This is her picture:
Since adopting Emma we have an obvious heartfelt connection with the people and culture of Guatemala. We hope that organizations like Mayan Families http://mayanfamilies.org/ will be able to continue programs like these so that the people of Guatemala will have a better quality of life. Please consider sponsoring a child through Mayan Families. The resources that we provide on our end will provide so much for them in the long run. Visit their website at http://mayanfamilies.org/ and take a look at the work they are doing in Guatemala and consider donating or sponsoring a child.
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