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