High drama

I didn't want any drama today, but that's what I got.


It started with a phone call from L's foster father telling me they were coming tomorrow. Panicked call to Glenn, and he suggested I move to another hotel for a couple of days. The foster family thought I was here for a visit, not the final pick up. Our facilitator isn't the best when it comes to being upfront and truthful!

So after getting L dressed, going to breakfast -- a real Chapin breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and refried black beans which L ate up -- and playing for a bit in the room, we headed to see what hotels had room available for tonight and tomorrow.

Now, I won't post where we are going just to be safe. But it does have a pool, so that should be a good diversion.

After booking a place, we walked down a street we hadn't before and came upon the Plaza Dante Alighieri maintained by the Dante Society of Guatemala. It was nice to find a little green space with very few cars driving by and no temptation to buy something (like at the Fontabella).

After that, we went to buy some staples at the grocery store and then back home for lunch.

Our lunch of left over pasta with meat sauce was a big hit with L. She really is getting more and more content every day. There have just been so many moments when I look at her and fall a little more in love.

So trying to keep with the routine, about half an hour later we got in bed for naptime. But L was in a really playful mood. She discovered how to turn the lights on and off with the switch above the headboard. She was so proud, and she did it about 20 times.

She was just having a grand old time giggling, making lots of funny noises, and not settling down. While I was enjoying it, it was also testing my patience because I know she really needed a nap.

I guess it's just one of the many challenges of parenthood. You want to let your kids
continue playing when they are so content. But you have to be the one to set up rules, boundaries, and somehow keep your sanity at the same time!

Finally I said, that's it, time to sleep. Got her bottle and she actually settled pretty quickly.

But then I got a call -- her foster mom was at my hotel. We will call her "Bella". I was IMing with Glenn when I got the call. I was very very nervous, but told her she could come up to my floor to speak outside the room. Thank God L was sleeping. If she had been awake I don't know what I would have done.

The foster family is upset because (1) they were not told I was here for the final pick up trip (they thought I was coming for a few days visit) and (2) our facilitator owes them money.

So while the talk was tense, and "Bella" was very upset and sad about the situation, in the end I was kind of glad it happened. Because now it was totally in the open that L is with me (and Glenn) forever more! "Bella" said she knew we loved L.

I had been thinking of calling her before I came down, and now I really wished I had. I knew something was up. But I can't change the past, right?

Glenn is going to call the foster family tomorrow with a good friend of ours who is from Panama. I hope with that call all tensions with them will finally be smoothed out.

So after that little visit, I just had to wait for L to wake up from her nap and then our little getaway to the other hotel could begin. I was packed and ready. I let her get all the grogginess out and then we were off.

I told our main hotel/apartment we were "going to a friends" for a couple of days. I just don't want another unannounced visit just right now!

Our excursion just a couple of blocks away was a bit humorous. Here I am, this harried woman pushing a child in a stroller while dragging a duffel bag behind me. At least the bad has wheels. I think the people at the "getaway" hotel thought I was crazy.

L fussed when we first entered our room. Poor girl has no home right now! But when I pointed out the pool to her through the window, I got an excited "baba!" from her. "Baba" is how she pronounces agua.

So down to the pool, which was a real hit. Splashing is apparently a favorite passtime of hers. It felt really refreshing and relaxing there - our little oasis in the middle of the madness.

After pool time we needed to eat. I needed something close and easy, so off to McDonald's again. Am I indoctrinating her in the ways of American life or what? I felt a bit bad about our 2nd trip there in less than a week, but I need to give myself a break, right?

Once back in the room, it was bath time. I have to say I am really thankful to have a tub for a couple of nights. She was great in the bath. No tears, although there was a "pipi" incident!

Bedtime tonight was special. Once we were done with her few minutes of tele "lele" (a channel called Baby TV which I think is awesome for bedtime) and her book, I sang her some lullabies. She looked into my eyes and even started to caress me as I sang (as I have been caressing her). I think she's beginning to realize I'm really not that bad!

After bedtime is when I realized the value of having an apartment while here. I had to go
into the bathroom to talk on the phone and write this blog entry! I mean, you only have one room in a hotel and when the baby's sleeping, where else can you go?

Now, as far as the paperwork goes I was in contact with the Solicitor General's office (aka PGN) and our facilitator and it looks like the revised paperwork was picked up and will be submitted to Central Records (aka RENAP) tomorrow. Please pray that the new birth certificate is issued this week.

Once we get her new birth certificate, we can get L's Guatemalan passport and then submit everything to the U.S. Embassy. Then it's all in the hands of the U.S. Government which is aleast more reliable than or facilitator!

So while it was a day of high drama, it was also a day of fun & adventures with my little one. I'm hoping, praying, crossing my fingers that this drama is behind us and all we have to do is make it through our days until the day we come home.