For those of you wondering if we made it home - we did and on time!!! The Houston airport was almost completely empty when our plane landed. The tarmac had no planes sitting on it because most airlines had already flown theirs out to other places. McDonald's and a lot of other shops in the airport were closed because they had sent their employees home to prepare for evacuation. Our flight was the last Continental flight out of the Houston airport - we made it just in time!
From the time we got off the plane, went through Customs, took Edison through Immigration and got to our gate at Houston took 25 minutes!!!! Amazing! I know all of you fellow adoptive moms who have waited for a couple of hours will not believe me - but that is how "not" busy the Houston airport was. Paul estimated their may have been 400 people in the airport and Houston is normally very busy.
I'm still having trouble with my camera. I cannot find my USB cord and for some reason, my computer is not reading my SD card. I know you are all anxious to see pictures - as am I to show them to you!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
No Time to Blog - out the door to Guatemala...
3:00 a.m. Tuesday morning
We will have Edison forever in 12 hours!!!
We will have Edison forever in 12 hours!!!
Your room is ready!!!
Well, my back is hurting from moving furniture and I owe my sister (Aunt Lea) many thanks for helping me get everything in order! Edison's room is adorable and I am so happy that Paul and I made the decision to move the washer and dryer back into its original spot (a closet in the bathroom), even though we had to give up our wonderful large laundry room.To the left is a photo of his comforter. Thanks to Meme and Poppy (Paul's mom and dad) for buying the bedding. It is Kids Line brand, title "Country Side" and can be found at Babies R Us. I decided to use the comforter as a wall hanging because it is just so cute! It was also very handy to hide the closet system we had installed in the room several years ago to make our "laundry room" more functional. I kept most of the closet system/shelving units in place, this way, I can keep lots of Edison's toys up and out of the way.
Over to the right is Edison's crib. My friend, Dylan, is so excited that Edison is going to get to sleep in his baby bed! Thank you Shannon (Dylan's mom), for offering Dylan's crib to us for Edison's use. It is a beautiful crib. Now, if we can get him to sleep in it... Well, if he doesn't that will be okay. He can snuggle in between me and Paul, just like Kensley and Emily did so many times.
The blue afghan laying in the crib was made especially for Edison by his Nannie (my mom). It matches his room perfectly. You will also see he already has a small collection of stuffed toys.
I really hope that Edison is a snuggly little boy. He was when we saw him 6 months ago - wow! six months ago - that is a long time when you are talking about a baby because they change so much in the first 2 years of life. Anyway, the glider rocker and matching stool is in his room and ready to rock. I also have a small collection of CDs of children's songs, lullabies and Spanish lullabies.
The rocker may not look very comfortable because it doesn't have a cushion - but do not let that fool you. It is one of the most comfortable seats in our house. Even when not rocking babies, I enjoy sitting in it and so do others. You will see in the background how I have utilized the shelving system to hold some of his toys. I only need a few more things to comlete the room, electric plug covers for his safety and a changing pad to place on the changing table. I think once we have those things - we will completely be ready!
These two photos show another wall of his room. The first is a close-up of the top of his chest (his lamp, some jumbo farm animals and a farm puzzle). I really hope he likes a farm because this will always be a part of his life. The next photo is another use of the closet system. Some of his clothes, all of his blankets, bibs, sheets, etc. are so cute, I thought I should just keep them on display! There is a closet in his room but it is being used for other purposes - this will have to do for now. I am extremely pleased with how his little bedroom turned out. Now he has a place in our home to call his own! Now, we just need to get him here!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"Specimen Received" ...
No, Edison is not the Specimen! In the fax tray this morning was a form indicating that Edison's DNA specimen has been received by LabCorp. We now wait for LabCorp to confirm that Edison is the same child we began this process with. One step closer to bringing him home!
Now, once again - we wait...............................................
Now, once again - we wait...............................................
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Passport...
Here is a copy of the cover of Eddy's Guatemalan passport.
Everything will be submitted to the US Embassy tomorrow. From that point we will wait for DNA authorization, DNA draw, DNA results and finally, the "pink slip".
Oh, the joys of a Paper Pregnancy!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Birth Certificate - see it for yourself!!!!!
After waiting 2 months for something that normally takes 2 weeks, I have a copy of Eddy Alejandro's birth certificate in my hand. We are so excited. I just pray that things will now speed up as we have gotten caught in every single delay possible up to this point. I still can't believe it.I had no clue it would come today although today is a great day - my Sister's birthday. I was praying our attorney would have it by Friday because I knew I would be really upset if she didn't. This morning, when I came into the office, there was a big yellow DHL Box sitting in front of my office door. On it was hand-written: Attn: Dana Underwood - Extremely Urgent! I knew it was from someone in the office but had no clue until I opened it. Inside was one lonely piece of paper and the first words I saw were "Eddy Alejandro". I knew then what it was. I screamed and Maria asked, "What, is there a rat in that box?" I went in and thanked Philip over and over again. Everyone in the office is so excited for us. Did I mention that I still can't believe it?
I e-mailed it to Paul as a surprise - only to find out he is not in the office. He called just a few minutes after I sent it and I thought he was calling to talk about it. I quickly realized he had not seen it so I told him. His response - "Good Deal!" I know it doesn't sound like much but those are the words he uses when he is excited about something. He doesn't get too excited about anything. Calm under pressure - that's what makes him a good cop!
Anyway - we are both thrilled and cannot wait to travel! Love to all...
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Monday, August 11, 2008
Another letter to Edison...
Dear Edison,
While I do not have solid proof, I was told yesterday that there is a birth certificate in Guatemala City with your name listed as Eddy Alejandro Underwood. This is so exciting for us because it means Paul and I have a son!!!
In the midst of all my joy, I thought of what this means for you.
We are thrilled to have you as our son and to give you our last name - Underwood! The sad thing for you is that you have lost your original identity as a Godinez-Sazo. In Latin American culture, people are given two surnames (or last names). The first name is your father’s name followed by your mother’s name. Your last name, however, was a little different because your birthmother did not list your biological father when you were born. Instead, you were given the same surnames of your birthmother. Godinez was your grandfather’s last name and Sazo was your grandmother’s last name.
Also on your birth certificate, your biological mother’s name (Jemmy Sulema Godinez-Sazo) was replaced with my name (Dana Woods Underwood). While Jemmy will always be your birthmother – I will forever be your mommy! I know that your birthmother loved you very much. In Guatemala, most people are very poor and it is hard to make money and care for a family. Since your birthmother was not married, it would have been more difficult for her to raise you and impossible to give you all you needed to grow up healthy, happy and strong. She knew that by allowing you to be adopted by a couple in the United States that you would be given many opportunities that do not exist in your birth country.
You did gain something with this birth certificate – the blank where your father is listed is no longer empty. While we will probably never know who your birthfather is, you now have a Daddy! His name is Paul Kendall Underwood. He is a law enforcement officer who enjoys hunting and riding horses in his spare time. I know he is going to be a wonderful daddy because I have seen him in action. I hope you will enjoy the outdoors as much as he does and that you all will be very close. Of course, if you don’t like to hunt or ride horses, I am sure you will be able to find many things to enjoy doing together.
One other thing you gained is two big sisters! Emily is the oldest. She loves little kids and you and her are going to be best buddies. Emily is almost 14 years older than you. Even with the huge age difference, I still think you all will be very close. Emily’s favorite thing to do is text message her friends, talk on the phone and to surf the internet. If you hang around with her very much, you should be technologically savvy in no time. Kensley is about 10 years older than you. She loves to be outdoors. Her favorite things are soccer, horse riding, biking and hunting. When she is inside, she doesn’t like a lot of commotion. While I think you all will get along pretty good – she is going to need her space. There may be times when she doesn’t want you to bother her things or come into her room – but she won’t be mean about it. She will love you and can teach you a lot of things about soccer, riding horses and how to be quiet in the woods.
Having told you about your new sisters, I cannot leave out the fact that you also have a biological brother. He is one year older than you and you have the same birthmother in Guatemala. It is extremely hard to raise a child alone and knowing the economic conditions in Guatemala, it would have been hard to provide food, shelter and clothing for two children as an unmarried mom. As far as I know, your biological brother lives with your birthmother somewhere in Guatemala, possibly Escuintla. On the relinquishment papers your birthmother signed, she indicated that she had a one year old son at home and could not provide for two children. I know this is sad for you. My prayer is that you will one day be able to locate your brother and get to know him. I am grateful that your mother chose adoption as an option, instead of abortion, so that you could become a part of our family.
The last thing I want to talk about is your name. Your birthmother named you while you were still in the hospital. She chose the name Eddy Alejandro. The name Eddy is a shortened form of Edward or Eduardo (in Spanish). “Eddy” means “protector”. It can also be a shortened version of “Edward” meaning “wealthy guardian”. The name Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, meaning “protector of men or of mankind.” I wanted you to have a strong name. Paul and I finally decided on the name Edison which means “son of Edward” which will have the same meaning as your original name. We decided to keep Alejandro as your middle name so you will always have a connection to your spanish-speaking homeland. By giving you this name, we are honoring the name your birthmother gave you. We have altered it so that you can have a "grown-up name" when you get older, if you so choose. Maybe someday you can find out why your birthmother chose the names she gave you as I am sure you will wonder about this in the future. I hope you will grow up to be a protector of mankind, as your name implies. Being a wealthy guardian wouldn't be so bad either!
After you arrive home in the USA, Paul and I will go to District Court and file a Petition for Name Change. We will indicate that we want your official name to be Edison Alejandro Underwood. “Eddy” is the name you have been called from birth and there are still many people who are going to call you “Eddy” after you move into our home. Your dad calls you Eddy. I always refer to you as Edison. When you get older, the choice will be yours.
Welcome to our family, Mr. Edison Alejandro Underwood!
With much love and many kisses,
Mama (Dana Renee’ Woods Underwood)
While I do not have solid proof, I was told yesterday that there is a birth certificate in Guatemala City with your name listed as Eddy Alejandro Underwood. This is so exciting for us because it means Paul and I have a son!!!
In the midst of all my joy, I thought of what this means for you.
We are thrilled to have you as our son and to give you our last name - Underwood! The sad thing for you is that you have lost your original identity as a Godinez-Sazo. In Latin American culture, people are given two surnames (or last names). The first name is your father’s name followed by your mother’s name. Your last name, however, was a little different because your birthmother did not list your biological father when you were born. Instead, you were given the same surnames of your birthmother. Godinez was your grandfather’s last name and Sazo was your grandmother’s last name.
Also on your birth certificate, your biological mother’s name (Jemmy Sulema Godinez-Sazo) was replaced with my name (Dana Woods Underwood). While Jemmy will always be your birthmother – I will forever be your mommy! I know that your birthmother loved you very much. In Guatemala, most people are very poor and it is hard to make money and care for a family. Since your birthmother was not married, it would have been more difficult for her to raise you and impossible to give you all you needed to grow up healthy, happy and strong. She knew that by allowing you to be adopted by a couple in the United States that you would be given many opportunities that do not exist in your birth country.
You did gain something with this birth certificate – the blank where your father is listed is no longer empty. While we will probably never know who your birthfather is, you now have a Daddy! His name is Paul Kendall Underwood. He is a law enforcement officer who enjoys hunting and riding horses in his spare time. I know he is going to be a wonderful daddy because I have seen him in action. I hope you will enjoy the outdoors as much as he does and that you all will be very close. Of course, if you don’t like to hunt or ride horses, I am sure you will be able to find many things to enjoy doing together.
One other thing you gained is two big sisters! Emily is the oldest. She loves little kids and you and her are going to be best buddies. Emily is almost 14 years older than you. Even with the huge age difference, I still think you all will be very close. Emily’s favorite thing to do is text message her friends, talk on the phone and to surf the internet. If you hang around with her very much, you should be technologically savvy in no time. Kensley is about 10 years older than you. She loves to be outdoors. Her favorite things are soccer, horse riding, biking and hunting. When she is inside, she doesn’t like a lot of commotion. While I think you all will get along pretty good – she is going to need her space. There may be times when she doesn’t want you to bother her things or come into her room – but she won’t be mean about it. She will love you and can teach you a lot of things about soccer, riding horses and how to be quiet in the woods.
Having told you about your new sisters, I cannot leave out the fact that you also have a biological brother. He is one year older than you and you have the same birthmother in Guatemala. It is extremely hard to raise a child alone and knowing the economic conditions in Guatemala, it would have been hard to provide food, shelter and clothing for two children as an unmarried mom. As far as I know, your biological brother lives with your birthmother somewhere in Guatemala, possibly Escuintla. On the relinquishment papers your birthmother signed, she indicated that she had a one year old son at home and could not provide for two children. I know this is sad for you. My prayer is that you will one day be able to locate your brother and get to know him. I am grateful that your mother chose adoption as an option, instead of abortion, so that you could become a part of our family.
The last thing I want to talk about is your name. Your birthmother named you while you were still in the hospital. She chose the name Eddy Alejandro. The name Eddy is a shortened form of Edward or Eduardo (in Spanish). “Eddy” means “protector”. It can also be a shortened version of “Edward” meaning “wealthy guardian”. The name Alejandro is the Spanish form of Alexander, meaning “protector of men or of mankind.” I wanted you to have a strong name. Paul and I finally decided on the name Edison which means “son of Edward” which will have the same meaning as your original name. We decided to keep Alejandro as your middle name so you will always have a connection to your spanish-speaking homeland. By giving you this name, we are honoring the name your birthmother gave you. We have altered it so that you can have a "grown-up name" when you get older, if you so choose. Maybe someday you can find out why your birthmother chose the names she gave you as I am sure you will wonder about this in the future. I hope you will grow up to be a protector of mankind, as your name implies. Being a wealthy guardian wouldn't be so bad either!
After you arrive home in the USA, Paul and I will go to District Court and file a Petition for Name Change. We will indicate that we want your official name to be Edison Alejandro Underwood. “Eddy” is the name you have been called from birth and there are still many people who are going to call you “Eddy” after you move into our home. Your dad calls you Eddy. I always refer to you as Edison. When you get older, the choice will be yours.
Welcome to our family, Mr. Edison Alejandro Underwood!
With much love and many kisses,
Mama (Dana Renee’ Woods Underwood)
Friday, August 8, 2008
RENAP Update...
Okay - my caseworker came into my office today and said, "I have some news. I don't know if you will be happy or more p***ed off." I said, "Well, give it to me - any news is better than no news." He proceeded to tell me that Eddy's birth certificate has been registered with RENAP and he is officially an Underwood! "YAY!" I say, "Does this mean we can add him onto our insurance policy?" My caseworker smiles and says "BUT" and then I think - Oh, yeah, he did say I might get upset with this news. I brace myself for the worst and he states that they have it but they won't print it until it has been registered for 10 days - WHAT????
I read another person's blog who is in the same spot we are in. She likened the situation to the Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi. Each day, our attorney goes into RENAP to ask for the birth certificate. They go in and the Nazi says, "RENAP say no Birth Certificate for You TODAY". The same blog gave me hope because her attorney, like ours, continues to go every day to ask for it. Finally, her attorney went in today and they said, "RENAP say you can have birth certificate today!" She assumes her attorney did everything just right today - she had the right clothes, a good smell, the right facial expression and they finally allowed her to have the soup!
Once we finally receive the Birth Certificate we hope to travel in 3 to 4 weeks - with that said, I have placed a voting poll on this blog. You can help me determine when you think Mr. Edison may come home - your guess is as good as ours. I hope to write another letter to Edison this weekend, so be sure to check back. Otherwise, I probably will not add anything new until I hear that someone has his long-awaited birth certificate in their hands!
Until next time...
I read another person's blog who is in the same spot we are in. She likened the situation to the Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi. Each day, our attorney goes into RENAP to ask for the birth certificate. They go in and the Nazi says, "RENAP say no Birth Certificate for You TODAY". The same blog gave me hope because her attorney, like ours, continues to go every day to ask for it. Finally, her attorney went in today and they said, "RENAP say you can have birth certificate today!" She assumes her attorney did everything just right today - she had the right clothes, a good smell, the right facial expression and they finally allowed her to have the soup!
Once we finally receive the Birth Certificate we hope to travel in 3 to 4 weeks - with that said, I have placed a voting poll on this blog. You can help me determine when you think Mr. Edison may come home - your guess is as good as ours. I hope to write another letter to Edison this weekend, so be sure to check back. Otherwise, I probably will not add anything new until I hear that someone has his long-awaited birth certificate in their hands!
Until next time...
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Dear Edison,
I had hoped you would be a part of our family by now, however, we continue to wait for your new birth certificate to be issued in Guatemala City. Your new birth certificate will have your new last name, Eddy Alejandro Underwood. Paul will be listed as your father and Dana will be listed as your mother. We really need this piece of paper so that we can apply for your passport and get our embassy appointment so you can finally join us in your new home!
Slowly but surely, we are making changes in our house to make room for you. Several years ago, thinking we would never need a 4th bedroom, we turned the extra bedroom into a wonderful, large laundry room. We pulled up the carpet and replaced it with tile, we moved the washer and dryer out of the tiny closet in the bathroom and re-installed them into the new and improved laundry room. We also installed adjustable shelving on all four walls to accommodate everyone’s clothes. You see, the closets in our house are not very big and we knew by doing this, we could have a lot more room. It has been really handy because when the clothes are dry we just place them on hangers and hang them in each person’s area. While I have thoroughly enjoyed this large laundry room, I am happily giving it up to make room for you!!
Your Meme (Paul’s mom), bought you a new bedding set. It is adorable! It has a big red barn, a tractor, a cow, a horse, a sheep, and some ducks on it. I think you will really like it. My friend, Shannon, let me borrow the crib her son, Dylan, slept in. It is a beautiful crib. Dylan is so excited that you are going to sleep in his bed! He cannot wait to meet you and asks about you all the time. Dylan is going to start 1st grade and he gave you some very nice toys that he no longer plays with – a Leap Frog Tad that speaks in English and Spanish and also a Diego backpack. You have many new things waiting on you because your Aunt Lea and Cousin Jamie gave me a shower. You got lots of toys and clothes. You also got diapers, bibs, and sippy cups.
Papa and Nannie bought you a cushy stroller that will be perfect when we go for walks. It even has a place where I can plug my iPod and we can listen to music as we stroll along. We may have to dance!! Nannie crocheted a beautiful blue afghan just for you and she has bought you some bi-lingual story books. I know you are not used to sitting in a car seat, but this will be something you must do when you come to the USA. All babies and little boys and girls must be strapped into a car seat when they ride in a car. Emily and Kensley both did this and it is something you will have to do as well, especially since your dad is a law enforcement officer! Well, the main reason is because it will keep you safe and we would make you ride in one even if he wasn’t associated with the police! Anyway, Meme and Poppy bought you a very comfortable car seat that I think you will like. It will be placed in the middle of the back seat. That way, when we travel as a family, you will be in between your big sisters. This will also place you right in front of the DVD screen!!! How fun.
I just wanted you to know that I think of you constantly and I am so anxious for you to come home. There are lots of people waiting to meet you. You will have your very own bedroom (although you can sleep with me and dad for awhile if you feel more safe). You have two big sisters who are thrilled that you are joining our family. You have lots of love, hugs and kisses waiting for you. We hope to shower it all on you VERY soon…
I love you, Mommy
I had hoped you would be a part of our family by now, however, we continue to wait for your new birth certificate to be issued in Guatemala City. Your new birth certificate will have your new last name, Eddy Alejandro Underwood. Paul will be listed as your father and Dana will be listed as your mother. We really need this piece of paper so that we can apply for your passport and get our embassy appointment so you can finally join us in your new home!
Slowly but surely, we are making changes in our house to make room for you. Several years ago, thinking we would never need a 4th bedroom, we turned the extra bedroom into a wonderful, large laundry room. We pulled up the carpet and replaced it with tile, we moved the washer and dryer out of the tiny closet in the bathroom and re-installed them into the new and improved laundry room. We also installed adjustable shelving on all four walls to accommodate everyone’s clothes. You see, the closets in our house are not very big and we knew by doing this, we could have a lot more room. It has been really handy because when the clothes are dry we just place them on hangers and hang them in each person’s area. While I have thoroughly enjoyed this large laundry room, I am happily giving it up to make room for you!!
Your Meme (Paul’s mom), bought you a new bedding set. It is adorable! It has a big red barn, a tractor, a cow, a horse, a sheep, and some ducks on it. I think you will really like it. My friend, Shannon, let me borrow the crib her son, Dylan, slept in. It is a beautiful crib. Dylan is so excited that you are going to sleep in his bed! He cannot wait to meet you and asks about you all the time. Dylan is going to start 1st grade and he gave you some very nice toys that he no longer plays with – a Leap Frog Tad that speaks in English and Spanish and also a Diego backpack. You have many new things waiting on you because your Aunt Lea and Cousin Jamie gave me a shower. You got lots of toys and clothes. You also got diapers, bibs, and sippy cups.
Papa and Nannie bought you a cushy stroller that will be perfect when we go for walks. It even has a place where I can plug my iPod and we can listen to music as we stroll along. We may have to dance!! Nannie crocheted a beautiful blue afghan just for you and she has bought you some bi-lingual story books. I know you are not used to sitting in a car seat, but this will be something you must do when you come to the USA. All babies and little boys and girls must be strapped into a car seat when they ride in a car. Emily and Kensley both did this and it is something you will have to do as well, especially since your dad is a law enforcement officer! Well, the main reason is because it will keep you safe and we would make you ride in one even if he wasn’t associated with the police! Anyway, Meme and Poppy bought you a very comfortable car seat that I think you will like. It will be placed in the middle of the back seat. That way, when we travel as a family, you will be in between your big sisters. This will also place you right in front of the DVD screen!!! How fun.
I just wanted you to know that I think of you constantly and I am so anxious for you to come home. There are lots of people waiting to meet you. You will have your very own bedroom (although you can sleep with me and dad for awhile if you feel more safe). You have two big sisters who are thrilled that you are joining our family. You have lots of love, hugs and kisses waiting for you. We hope to shower it all on you VERY soon…
I love you, Mommy
Friday, August 1, 2008
Still no birth certificate...
Well, it's August 1st. I was just told that the birth certificate was not ready and that it will not be for 10 more business days. I told myself that I was not going to get my hopes up - but, I did. This is so discouraging! I haven't told the girls but they are here at work with me and you can tell I've been crying, so I will have to tell them soon. They are both in other offices on the computer right now. I called Paul and I just cried and cried.
There are so many more things coming into play right now with our schedules. The week that we may now possibly travel is Kensley's 5th grade trip to Washington, D.C. Paul and I both flew with Emily to D.C. and had always promised Kensley we would do the same. We knew we couldn't leave Edison with anyone so soon so it was decided that Paul would go with Kensley this time. They originally planned to fly but with us having to pay the final adoption costs and not being able to buy our plane tickets to Guatemala until the week before we have to be there as altered our budget so that Paul had decided he and Kensley would ride the bus.
We were also planning to go somewhere on Fall Break with ALL of our children. We can't bring him all the way from Guatemala, show him our house and his room, and then load up, strap him in a car seat (which he is not used to) for 14 hours to drive to some strange house in Florida!!!!
And then - we also have Emily's 15th birthday on October 2nd.
God, I know you can perform miracles and I would love to experience one!
There are so many more things coming into play right now with our schedules. The week that we may now possibly travel is Kensley's 5th grade trip to Washington, D.C. Paul and I both flew with Emily to D.C. and had always promised Kensley we would do the same. We knew we couldn't leave Edison with anyone so soon so it was decided that Paul would go with Kensley this time. They originally planned to fly but with us having to pay the final adoption costs and not being able to buy our plane tickets to Guatemala until the week before we have to be there as altered our budget so that Paul had decided he and Kensley would ride the bus.
We were also planning to go somewhere on Fall Break with ALL of our children. We can't bring him all the way from Guatemala, show him our house and his room, and then load up, strap him in a car seat (which he is not used to) for 14 hours to drive to some strange house in Florida!!!!
And then - we also have Emily's 15th birthday on October 2nd.
God, I know you can perform miracles and I would love to experience one!
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We've been waiting how long ? ? ?
From the day we filled out our application for adoption (9/11/2007) to the day we picked up Edison's visa to come to the United States (9/11/2008) took exactly one year! Of my three pregnancies - this paper pregnancy was the longest and most stressful.
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