HAPPY KIDS

SORRY, SORRY, SORRY...we've been having so much fun with Tradd and Sophia that we haven't taken the time to update the BLOG.

These past two weeks have been a ball. First of all, we have to talk about Tradd. When we first picked him up from his foster mother he didn't seem to enthused. We have had a wonderful time watching this sweet little boy's personality come out. Tradd now smiles and laughs all the time. He connects with his eyes and he studies everyone. He doesn't give an immediate smile when he meets someone because he likes to study the person first. He loves to play with toys and be the center of attention.

Sophia is just a spark plug. She laughs, giggles, and smiles at everyone. she came to us ready to play. We didn't see any anxiety at all as to the changes in her life. She loves her family and her toys. She looks so cute no matter how we dress her. I keep having to remind the girls that she isn't a teenager when they say she is dressed to much like a baby. Her hair is amazing. Darla usually puts a pony tail on the top of her head so she looks like Pebbles from the Flintstones. We have to give her a morning bath so that we can get allllllll that hair to behave.

Both kids love Murphy our Labradoodle. He licks their hands and ears and they love his gentleness. This was a concern for us since Murphy is so big. Both kids seem to know that Darla is mommy and Todd is Daddy. Everyone takes care of them but they seem to know that we old folks are the bosses. We can't wait to see how they grow and change.

Embassy Day

We just got back from the Embassy. We were there from 8am until 11:15am. It was very hot but organized. There were hundreds of people there. The Guatemalan people who were there for something at the Embassy formed long lines outside. We only had to wait outside for 15 minutes. We paid all the fees first and then waited most of the time on our first interview. The interview was very short, mostly verifying the adoption information and our previous travel information. Because we had traveled to visit the kids they will both become American citizens when we land in Houston. The special visa we are given because of the visit trip will allow us to re-adopt much easier.

After the first interview we waited for about 40 more minutes for the second interview. It was easy and there were no problems. The kids did well but it was very hot and we were all very glad to get back to the Marriott. Our lawyers asistant will pick up the Visa tomorrow and bring it to us at 4pm. We will the be clear to travel at 6am on Thursday.

WE HAVE THEM

Today, we flew to Guatemala City and picked up Tradd and Sophia. The foster mothers brought them to us between 4pm and 5pm Guatemala time. We are 2 hours behind the east coast. Tradd and Sophia are beautiful. The have both changed a great deal since our January visit. Tradd is stronger and more active. Sophia is just ready to take on the world. She is 2 months younger that Tradd but she is going to give him a big challenge. We are all exhausted and are starting now to try and adjust them to what there routines will be back home. I hope you all enjoy the pictures.

THE PICK UP TRIP

We are headed to Guatemala for the best trip yet. On Sunday, April 6th we will fly to Guatemala City to finalize the adoption of Tradd and Sophia Mercer. We have an appointment at the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday morning to finalize the immigration paper work for both kids. The Embassy will prepare the Visas and we will pick them up on Wednesday at 3:30PM. If all goes well we will fly back to Richmond on Thursday. We are due to arrive at Richmond International airport at 4:20PM. We thank you all for all the prayers that have been lifted up on behalf of Tradd and Sophia and our family.