Lilypie
Not flesh of my flesh
nor bone of my bone
but still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute
you didn't grow under my heart
but in it!


Thursday, August 23, 2007

It's a Girl!

Gabriella Astrid
Born August 4, 2007; 6 pounds (we think this is inaccurate because her first check-up 2 days later states 6 lbs. 6 oz.); 45 centimeters

I got the call today while at work at 1:50 PM. I was expecting a call on my cell phone, but Hannah, the agency director, called my office line. Not knowing it was her of course, I was too busy to take the call, so I let it go to voicemail! But since I knew it was an outside call based on the double ring I immediately checked the message and nearly had a heart attack when I heard it was her! I called her back directly. She told me that she wanted to talk to me about the current situation in Guatemala and then if I wanted to proceed she had a referral for me!

While I was on the office phone with her, I texted my sister, dad, cousin Trisha, and friend Danie from my cell phone to let them know I was getting my referral. Hannah gave me information about the baby; she was born Astrid Mariela in a large suburb of Guatemala City. She is living with a foster mother who has two teenage children of her own and who is a friend of my attorney in Guatemala. I learned of her birth mother's name, age, occupation, and location. Baby and birth mom tested negative to various diseases. I was told that I would receive photos within the hour and an information package via Fed Ex tomorrow with a DVD of her!

I could hardly contain myself and lit up the phone lines after I hung up with Hannah. I had to complete a phone interview and a meeting at work before I could leave. I could hardly concentrate but as soon as I was done, I checked my e-mail and the photos of my little angel were waiting. I left work early and celebrated with my parents and sister over Chinese food while staring at the photos! I later saw my cousin Stephanie and her two boys, Vincent and Andrew, who greeted me with a doll for Gabriella, a very touching card, and hugs of congratulations. Andrew's first question was, "where is Gabriella." I told him she'd be home soon...!

Ignore the date on the photos, the camera was set incorrectly. These photos were taken on August 14, 2007 when she was 10 days old.





This is a photo of Gabriella with her foster mom.

1 comment:

  1. Congratulations Melissa. Like I said on email, she's an adorable baby! Good luck with the next steps and let us know how we can help and be part of it as you wish.
    Best wishes,
    Chuck

    ReplyDelete