Abby At 9 1/2 Weeks

Ever since I got the first pictures and DVD of Abby in October, my mind and heart have gone into overdrive. I feel like I have so much to do and I haven't even really begun. I get overwhelmed and excited all at the same time. I have tried to stay on an even keel while the legal issues surrounding Guatemalan adoptions plays out. There always seems to be good news followed by bad news concerning whether or not Guatemala was going to pass a new law that dealt with adoptions in process in a fair and just manner. We all knew that the new adoption law would be passed, and while many experts think the new law will not be good for Guatemalan children going forward, it is difficult for me to focus on the big picture. I am selfish. While it will be a travesty if Guatemalan children are not afforded a good chance at a healthy and happy life if they are abandoned or relinquished by their birth parents, my single concern is making sure my adoption of Abby proceeds even when the new law is passed. As long as the new law provides that my adoption will finish and I will bring Abby home, I will be OK.

I grow more attached after my 1,000 viewing of my solitary DVD. I know that another DVD will be coming in November, but it can't get here soon enough. I tell myself not to buy too many things for Abby yet since I don't know what size she will be when I bring her home, but remembering how big all her clothes are on her in the pictures and DVD convinces me to go get her some clothes and send them to her foster mother. I go to Old Navy and get her about 7 outfits and send them to another family who is traveling to Guatemala the next week to pick up their baby (I am so jealous). My agency allows us to send a few items that can fit in a gallon ziplock bag which will be dropped off with agency staff to deliver to Abby's foster mom at the next staff visit.

The November pictures look great. Here they are:

A week later, I get the DVD, and as usual, my life shuts down while I view it over and over. Abby is about 2 lbs bigger and is very alert. She appears very healthy and is doing a great job of lifting her neck up and looking around. I think she is going to be a very curious kid. I hope so.