Blog move....

Blogger has some cool new blog templates that are only available on their beta version, which is being rolled out slowly.. I can't wait, so I have started to re-create the previous blog in the new beta version, which you can see here:

http://theelizabethantimes.blogspot.com

There won't be any additional postings made to this blog, so please reset your bookmarks to the new link above.

DNA Test Today

Elizabeth’s DNA test was taken today. The DNA is tested by swabbing the inside of the cheek, known as a buccal swab, of both baby and birth mother. The tests are analyzed by LabCorp in NC. Results take 1-2 weeks.

The birth mother was there for the test and is required to hold Elizabeth on her lap for a picture for the file. Aleda, from the adoption agency, said all went well. We'll get a copy of the picture (the only one we'll have of the birth mother) and results when the Guatemalan family court completes their report.

Visit Planned!

In 4.5 weeks baby Elizabeth gets to meet her new Mommy! Chrissie and Aunt Jenny have their airline tickets to Guatemala City to meet/visit October 26-31. It's VERY exciting!

Another nice thing about our visit is that Chrissie's friend Nanci and her family will be there meeting again with 2-year-old Henry, their soon-to-be-son. They went down a few weeks ago and have been able to share tips on the area and how things work. We hope to be able to get Henry and Elizabeth together next month...

Chrissie plans to get a video camera this weekend and start training Aunt Jenny how to use it - so she can capture the first meeting of mother and child... *sigh*

Hooray! Hooray!

Hooray! I'm so excited for Little Elizabeth to arrive... I have her photo framed on my desk, framed at home, in my wallet, and in my phone. I show her to lots of people, and pray for her everyday. I'm eager to meet my little one face to face!

Prayer requests....

Today Chrissie e-mailed the adoption agency for a status update, and was informed that her documents are being translated into Spanish and will be presented to the court very soon (hopefully by week's end). The next steps are:

• the law office in Guatemala sends someone to the courthouse to get the case submitted
• a judge and social worker are assigned to the case
• the social worker interviews the birth mother and initiaties the DNA testing, as well as reviewing all of Chrissie's documents

So we're asking for prayers for each step in this process:

• for a fair judge
• for a fast working and proactive social worker
• for a good interview between the birth mother and social worker - that the birth mother would have peace about her decision
• smooth DNA testing

Will keep you updated as we get more information!!

Belts...

Yesterday I (Aunt Jenny) wanted to share the most recent picture of my precious niece with some coworkers, so in typical over-the-top computer-geek-fashion I created a powerpoint presentation! But I got some flack about the self-serving title: "The Making of Aunt Jenny"... so this blog was born.

While on the (internet/skype/VoiP) phone with friend Brenda (a former pediatric nurse who is currently living in Hungary), Elizabeth's picture was ooh'd and aaww'd over... I commented about our concern re the belt - but Brenda quickly assured me that this was not the case - it isn't a belt - it's the measuring tape the doctor uses!!! duh! So no need to try to "rescue" Elizabeth from tacky dressing - she's ok!!

More pictures!

Chrissie received another e-mail from the pediatrician - with more pictures!

Baby Elizabeth (called Estrella Marina by the doctor) was brought into his office on Friday, 8/18 - at one month she weighed 10 pounds - length 55 cms and a head circumference of 36 cm (apparently that's good!!). He also said she got some shots and is "growing rapidly, has good muscular tone, activity, smiles socially, has good eye tracking movement, still awakes once or twice at nights asking for milk. She looks healthy."

Now honestly, isn't she just the most adorable baby ever!??!

note: the gold belt is a bit much... Grammy-to-be called it her "hoochy-mamma" belt... gracious! Chrissie send that baby some clothes - and soon!