Merry Christmas!

One small step in the process... One giant step for us!!

Along the road of Guatemalan adoption, there are several milestones. For those who are not familiar, the major ones are:

1. Paperwork complete
2. Referral
3. Family Court
4. DNA
5. Preapproval
6. PGN
7. New Birth Certificate
8. Pink Slip issued by US Embassy in Guatemala
9. Bring your baby home forever

While all of these steps are crucial, some seem more important than others because other processes can't move forward until that step is complete. Obviously getting your referral is huge!! Then Family Court and DNA processing can go forward simultaneously. However, once the DNA results are complete, the US Embassy in Guatemala evaluates the entire case and issues Preapproval to finalize the adoption once the Guatemalan process is complete. The reason this step is so critical is that essentially the adoption stops until this step is complete.

Well after a lot of waiting and, let's be honest, frustration and anxiety, we finally received word that we had been issued Preapproval!! The good news was made even better in that we actually received the preapproval over a week ago (November 29). However, the Embassy had the wrong email address for us AND our agency. So we didn't get the notification. The only email address that was correct was the only one that really counted - our attorney in Guatemala. So, fortunately, he had been working on our case with Preapproval since that day.

We are litterally only a couple of steps away. Each step makes this whole process seem more real. It is really beginning to look like our dream is about to come to a happy conclusion.

While we are getting really close, the remaining steps could go either very quickly or linger for long periods of time. We know people who are getting through PGN in 8 days and some that have been in PGN for over a year. Then when it comes to getting the new birth certificate, what seems like such a simple process can litterally take days or months.

Well, for now we will celebrate. Our case is moving remarkably fast. We pray that the pace continues. There is a small chance that everything could complete in December and our son could be home this year. Most likely, we will be able to go in early January. Although we dread this possibility, it could be even February or later.

For the record, Hannah

A little update

Well,
After a long day of flight delays, due to tornadoes stretching across the United States, we managed to drag into our home sweet home by 2:00am on Wednesday morning. We tried to sleep in late, but found ourselves waking early. We let Hannah sleep late, and Bus took her to school around lunch time.
While checking email, we realized we had an email from our adoption agency, telling us that we had gone into PGN, without preapproval. We couldn't believe it! We were not even sure that we were out of family court! We were excited, to say the least, as this was good news on our adoption front! It really helped to console our pain of having to leave Caleb, and gave us hope that we would soon be returning to bring him home.
We want to take this time and opportunity, to let everyone know how much we have appreciated your prayers, and support throughout the last 15 months. We could not have gone through what we have without you. Believe me when I say, we have felt your prayers!! Thank you! Please continue to keep us in your prayers, as we move along in our adoption journey. We want to bring Caleb home soon, but know that it is a matter of God's perfect timing. We pray that his timing is soon, and that we are content with the wait. We pray that Caleb and his foster family are healthy and happy. We are so thankful for the opportunity to adopt, and feel so blessed that the Lord chose us to be Caleb's parents. We look forward to the day that we can bring him home, and share him with everyone!
With love,
The Maslins

Such a hard day

We knew we would have to send Caleb back with his foster mom (Rosa), but didn't know it would be as hard as it was. We were all very sad last night, as the minutes ticked away, and the time to give Caleb back drew near. He fell asleep right before we were suppose to meet her. We gathered all of his things, and took the elevator down to meet her, as she had called to let us know she had arrived. Her mother was with her, and they smiled really big when they saw us coming. We hugged them, and handed them Caleb's things. I held tight to Caleb as we communicated, without a translator. Finally, one of the hotel staff translated a little for us. Rosa's mom said "You know, We love him too." And, I told her we knew that, and that we could tell they loved him. Hannah was very sad, and began to cry as I handed Caleb to Rosa. It was diffucult to say the least, but It's because we know they love Caleb, that we were able to feel good about it.

We came back to our room with an empty baby crib, and had a good cry. We are so thankful we were able to spend this wonderful time with Caleb, and we look forward to the day we can bring him home to be a part of our family, forever.

The very sad day...

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Tonight caleb has to go back to his Foster mom. I am so sad I wish he could stay 100,000000 more nights.
As you can see I am very sad.His gentle hands have a sweet touch.His arms are so sweet.love,hannah p.s.whaaaaaaaaa

A very sleepy day

Today, Caleb was very sleepy. He slept most of the day, waking only long enough to demand his bottles, and cozy back off into sleep. Yesterday he was awake a lot, for him! Today, we just figured he was catching up on his 40 winks! I took a few fun pictures of him today with just a diaper, but his daddy doesn't want me sharing them on the web. I will show them off when I get home! My favorite picture, taken today, was when he was sleeping in my arms. We were setting outside on a covered veranda, while Hannah was swimming nearby in the hotel pool. Look at what an angel he is! I will go for now, he is sleeping, again, and Bus is helping Hannah do some of her homework!
We love and miss you all, Sabra

The swimming lady...

Hi, it's Hannah...
I went swimming today and had a lot of fun. I played with my freinds Bianca and Sophia and also my friends Victor and Milton. Victor and Milton are being adopted from here. I had a lot of fun with them. My friend Bianca speaks both Spanish and English. I would tell her what to say to my friend Victor. She and Sophia would tranlate it for me.

Here are a couple of pictures of me at the pool and a few others... Enjoy!!

Adios Amigos (goodbye friends and family)- Hannah





Here I am from the Viranda by the pool. I think my dad was practicing his camera settings. I guess I am his model. It's a tough job and doesn't pay too well. But someone has to do it.






Having fun at the swimming pool.































Here are my momma and Caleb catching a few winks. Momma sure works hard. She is up almost all night with him. I'm glad I am just the big sister, that "mommy work" is too hard.







After a tough day of shopping at the market, I let my dad reward with an icecream bar. I didn't want all that sugar, but my dad insisted. Silly dad!!!

Hats off to a good daddy and husband!

Hey Everybody,
It is not often that a wife gets a chance to tell everyone how much her husband means to her. Bus has been a gem on this trip, and has gone out of his way to help with Caleb and Hannah! He has taken Hannah with him on multiple trips to the store, taken her to the pool, taken Caleb and Hannah on walks while I: napped, took a shower, and gotten dressed. And, guess who is up with me in the middle of the night, helping to get a bottle ready for Caleb? Bus. I love and appreciate how much he has done for me, and I hope he knows how much I love and adore him! Here is a picture of my wonderful husband and our little baby boy! -Sabra

Thoughts on having a big sister!

Having a big sister is great! Hannah is pretty cool, and she likes to try and make me laugh! She thought of me the other day, when her and daddy went to the tourist market. She bought me my first doll. I know boys aren't suppose to play with dolls, but this one is kind of cool. It was hand made here in Guatemala. Look at how cool he is!? Hannah also bought a Guatemalan girl doll for herself! She is very bonita(pretty)-like Hannah!







I am having a very good time with my new family, and would really like to come home with them on Tuesday. Unfortunately, tomorrow evening, I have to go back to my foster mom. She is very sweet, and loves me very much! She is taking incredible care of me, until my mommy and daddy and sissy can return to bring me home! I will always love and miss her!








My mommy made matching t-shirts for me and my big sister the other day, here in Guatemala! Crazy, huh?! But look at how cute they turned out! I can tell Hannah and I are going to be great buddies!! I look forward to the day when I can come home to be with all of my family!

Love,
Caleb

Now for the OFFICIAL Quiz answer

The official quiz answer is....

D. Hannah teaching her new little baby brother how to throw a good old fashioned temper tantrum ...









And here is Caleb's response.....











SHHHH!!!!

Hi from Caleb!

Hey Everyone,
This morning, when I woke up, my hair was in an uproar! My mommy tried combing it-but it wanted to do its own thing!














Here is a picture of what my hilarious mommy created for may hair do!











Finally, we decided that I was a boy, and should do as my daddy does, and just put a hat on my head!



















I sure am looking forward to meeting all of you when I get to come home! My mommy tells me that I will be a Kentucky Wildcat! I am looking forward to watching basketball with all my relatives!

Some more pictures...

Some of you may say that we have way too much time on our hands... Well, yeah, but hopefully our abundance of time will provide some enjoyment for you!!





Hannah reading to her little baby brother. Notice the title of the book.













This is our little couch potato. This was the most calm he has been all day. In his bouncy seat watching TV... UGHH!!!!!!!









This is our little Caleb after his bath. All cleaned up. What a good momma he has!!















Speaking of momma - the official momma patch.










Hannah holding her little baby brother after his bath.

Finally - at the end of a long day...... Time for some rest. I have to be up at 2:30 am sharp, you know ;-)

Another exciting day from the hotel room...

This is a little quiz...

What is this a picture of? Please make your guess via the comment section...

A. Hannah catching up on some much needed sleep
B. Hannah playing hide and seek with her new little baby brother Caleb
C. Hannah looking for the lost shaker of salt (you Jimmy Buffett fans will get this one)
D. Hannah teaching her new little baby brother how to throw a good old fashioned temper tantrum.





Hello all,
Just thought I would take a few minutes for a quick update...

We are here for several more days. The good news is that our Hotel is very nice. The bad news is that we can't leave the hotel. Didn't think that was going to be too much of a problem. However, it is only day 2 and we are already going stir crazy. Hannah met a friend from Ohio yesterday. She was able to go swimming and play some games with her. The sad news is that her friend is going home tomorrow. We are expecting some new friends from Kentucky with a couple of daughters around Hannah's age this weekend. That will be something to look forward to.

Today has been a little tough with all of us getting used to each other and each other's schedules. We are just starting to settle into a bit of a routine. Hopefully by tomorrow things will be even more settled down.

A post from Caleb's sis.

Hey everybody who reads our blog,
Caleb has been a little bit fussy, but he is still CUTE! I love him a lot! I am being a big helper and a great sister with him! He is always hungary! He seems to like to be in my arms! I can't wait till he gets big enough to play with me.
I went to the swimming pool with my daddy last night, but didn't stay long! It was too cold!!
I miss you all!
Love, Hannah

Ahhh.....a little rest and relaxation before the big arrival!

We went for a late lunch/dinner around 3:00pm, and went back to the room for a little quiet time!(Mind you, we had been up since around 3:30am.) Any way, we slept for about an hour. We knew Caleb would not be there till 6:00pm. Well, as it would turn out, Caleb came early! Can you believe that? Hannah was still conked out on the bed-although she proclaimed she wasn't sleepy-and I had just plugged in the thingy-ma-jig, that I don't use at home, to smooth out a few wrinkles on my khakis, when low and behold, the phone rang! We jumped out of our skin, and Bus dashed to answer it, only to knock the whole phone off of the desk! They called back after an eternal minute, and we dashed to finish getting ready to hold our precious son!

The most unbelieveabable thing happened as we took the elevator down. Hannah was wearing her "Property of Jesus Christ" shirt, and 2 American men began to ask her if she was a Christian. (They were here from Knoxville, TN on a mission trip). Anyway, as we got off of the elevator, Hannah told them we were there to adopt, and we were getting ready to meet her little brother. Right outside the elevator, they asked if they could pray with us. We believe that the Lord sent them, as they prayed the most beautiful prayer.

The next few minutes were quite a blur, as we received Caleb, and met his beautiful foster mother. She was with her mother, mother in law, and an interpreter. They all seemed very nice, and I felt so much better knowing how much he was cared for. Unfortunately, he has a bit of a stuffy nose. Please pray that he will be comfortable while we are together!

It was like receiving a gift, as he was wrapped in 3 blankets, had on a sweater outfit, beautiful shirt, and t-shirt. Yes, I do believe he is a wonderful gift!!! He is gorgeous! He has beautiful dark eyes, lots of beautiful black hair, and pouty little lips! He weighs about 11.5 pounds. He is a great eater, and eats about every 3-4 hours. We have all taken to him, and he to us! Waking, this morning early, to feed him was very sweet, and Bus is right there with me! Caleb is a bit off of his schedule, and it will take us all a little time to adjust.

A funny story, before I go...Caleb was fussy, and I was rocking on the bed with him. Hannah kept reaching for him and kissing his forhead. Bus was gone to warm some water in the microwave. Hannah finally looked at me and said, "Just give him to me, I know what to do with him, I can calm him down!" Well, how about that-a little momma in the works!!

We love you all! Thanks for your prayers!
Love,
Sabra, Bus, Hannah, and Caleb

Hola from Guatemala

Hello everyone!! We made it. We had a great trip. Our flight was uneventful(the kind we like) - and Hannah had a blast on her first airplane trip (that she remembers).

The Marriott is wonderful. We have good internet access, so we will keep the blog updated regularly. Right now, however, just want to let everyone know that we made it safely.

Bus, Sabra and Hannah (and Caleb later this evening)

We are headed to Guatemala for a visit!

Bus just finished booking our Guatemala visit trip. We are thrilled to be going to visit Caleb in early November! We will be gone for almost a week! We are taking Hannah with us, as she is very excited to meet her brother! We will be staying at the Marriot in Guatemala City. While we are there, Caleb will come to our hotel and stay with us! We are excited to meet him, and to get to know him!! For now, there is so much to do to get ready, but as many of you know, I will probably not pack until the night before we leave!
Sabra

We got new pictures with official DNA results!

Today we got results from Labcorp on the DNA testing done with Caleb and his bio mom. They were a match! We knew this already, but nothing could have prepared us for receiving a picture of her holding him. We actually received two pictures of her holding him! Wow, I was blown away by this, and will treasure it always. I know that he will ask about her one day, and I want to keep this safe for him. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her sacrifice, and we will always be greatfull to her!!

Waiting for Caleb

Hannah is just as thrilled as we are that Caleb will be coming home to live with us! The other day she was running around the house with Caleb's stroller, and she had all of her baby dolls in for a ride! She can hardly wait to push a real baby around in it! She is going to be a great big sister!
Sabra

DNA is a match!

Another hurrdle in our process is over-we have DNA match! We are now able to finish up in Family court, and wait for preapproval from the embassy, and then on into PGN-the last stop before we can bring Caleb home!
We are thrilled with each step, and can't express how excited we are about his adoption! We are hoping to travel to Guatemala to see Caleb in the month of November. We are waiting on Hannah's passport to be corrected, as they put the wrong birthdate on it! We will write more later!
Sabra