For my Guatemala adoption, each month I waited to receive a set of 3 pictures showing me the health and progress of my baby. That first month went by very fast. Of course, I cried when I opened up the next set of pictures. Alice looked well taken care of surrounded by colorful blankets and dressed in warm clothes. She had a little formula under her bottom lip. I wish I were there to just wipe that away and kiss her little face. By the end of the month though, time felt like it was moving so slowly. I wanted those next set of pictures. But really, I wanted my baby!
My friend Mary and her husband Patrick were in the middle of adopting their third child from the Philippines. She recommended I start buying Alice some small presents to help with the waiting. I bought crayons, a ball, and some books. Not very practical or age appropriate for a baby, but it was fun. I was thinking ahead.
I waited patiently for my case to enter the Family Court in Guatemala. It finally did on March 3, 2003. Alice’s next set of pictures arrived shortly after that and I cried at my desk…..again.
Her eyes were still closed.
Weight 9.06 lbs, Length 54 cm.
During this time, I found out information about Alice’s foster home. The name of the foster mother was Gloria. She had 4 children: 3 daughters ages 15, 12, and 9 years old and a son 19 years old. Gloria was taking care of another foster child, a little boy named Mauro. I was sure Alice was receiving a lot of attention from the older children. Alice probably loved having all those kids around.
The average Guatemala adoption at the time took 3 – 6 months. I was well on my way….or so I thought. Who knew I would wait another 9 ½ months and travel to Guatemala twice before I brought home my baby.
Finding Abilities 