Another milestone, another exhausting day

As I posted earlier, "Gina" came through and got the documents submitted to the US Embassy. Woohoo!

My day with Lisbeth was a struggle at times. But there were many highlights too!

The morning was slow going. I just could not wake up. I felt like I had hit a wall. Another day waiting to see if "Gina" would show up on schedule!

We did finally get up and down to breakfast. The plan was to go to the Museo Ixchel (the textile museum on the campus of the University of Francisco Marroquin), have a little lunch, nap, and then meet "Gina" at 1:30.

The university, like the Jardin Botanico, is another oasis in this sprawling metropolis. It sits in a lush valley with rich flora everywhere. I forgot how steep a valley it is. Walking down a long, steep hill with a stroller is quite a challenge I tell you.

After the long downward climb, we made it to the museum -- although the elevator was out and the museum is on the top two floors of the building.

It's a small place whose purpose is to preserve and honor the rich textile traditions and history of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. It has a lot of dioramas, so it is more interesting to kids then some places.

We stayed for maybe 1/2 hour or 45 minutes - including going to the store. L ran around on the plaza outside for a little bit. Then I thought we would stroll a bit through the campus and maybe eat at the campus cafe - which I saw signs for but could not find. (Found the bookstore, however. Books are much cheaper here than at the malls.)

It was getting to lunch time, L was getting cranky, and there was no way I was going to walk up the steep hill. So we got a taxi at the taxi stand there and headed back towards home.

We lunched at San Martin (again!) because I just needed something easy & close - steak quesadilla for me, mini pizza (or "eet-sa" as she says it) for L.

I was trying to get L to nap for a bit before "Gina" was supposed to show at 1:30. Well guess what? She was early again -- by more than 30 minutes. So L had no nap! (Read more about "Gina's" visit in my earlier post)

Once she left, I raced upstairs to e-mail the scanned "orange slip" and our credit card info to the lab (which is in the US) that is going to process the 2nd DNA sample. The woman there sent me the receipt back in like 15 minutes. She will also fax to the lab tomorrow, but I printed a copy to take with me as well.

So we're all set for tomorrow. However, with no nap the afternoon & evening were a little rocky for L and I.

While I was on the computer updating the blog and e-mailing with the lab, L played pretty well by herself. But she wanted to be with me on the computer, so we had to play a game on Sesame Street's Web site.

Then she was just getting wound up, so I decided we just had to get out. To go where? I had no idea.

On the way to nowhere, she fell asleep in the stroller. So I decided I would take advantage of the break and get a gelato at, where else, the Fontabella Plaza. It was 10 minutes of sweet peace I tell you!

She started to stir, so I started walking again. This time I decided we would by some bread at this bakery called Olid. On the way there, my friend Kristen called. It was really nice to chat -- I went around the same block about 3 times while talking to her b/c it is impossible to cross the street here while talking on a phone & pushing a stroller!

What was funny (or not), was that she asked if things weren't more difficult then this blog lets on. You know, I try to be truthful, but I also want to stay positive. But I have to be honest, there are moments nearly every day that are just so difficult.

After we got back from the bakery and into the evening, there were a few of those moments. I had to put L in her first time out. She was playing with her puzzle pieces, pretending to wash them (I guess like dishes) in the box the puzzles came in. Then she threw a couple. I told her no. She threw a couple of more. I told her no again. Then, third time meant time out.

I don't know how to say "time out" in Spanish, but I made her sit for about a minute while she whimpered and wailed.

But you know, after that things were good for some time. Then, dinner time....

I wanted to just order room service because there was no food in the apartment (except bread and rice). I called at 5:30, they said the kitchen didn't open until 6. I called at 6:05, then 6:10. No answer. I couldn't wait any longer b/c the later dinner is, the later bedtime is.

So we went out again, this time to Taco Contento. I got the food to go. Dinner was another struggle. L decided it was more fun to play with her tortilla and chicken rather than eat it. I finally got her to eat a little bit, but she was done.

So then bath time -- I had to pull her out of the bath screaming because she didn't want to get out.

Then bedtime -- well that wasn't so bad. Just about 30 to 40 minutes later than I had wished. Especially since she didn't really have a nap and especially since we have to get up early for this DNA test.

All I can say is, once tomorrow is over I will be SO happy! It's really the last thing I have to rely on "Gina" for. When we go to the Embassy, it can must be Glenn, me and L. We have all the paperwork we need, we don't rely on her for anything. All I need is L's passport, which she is supposed to give me tomorrow.

Of course, we have to pay her the final payment. But everything after tomorrow we can do on our own (the only other thing besides the Embassy appointments is a medical exam. I have the lists of doctors and I can set up that appointment myself!)

Thanks all for hanging in there with me. We should be home by the week of the 18th, God willing!