Home safely!

We're here- we arrived back home safe and sound. We had a very uneventful trip home. We were a little concerned when we saw Hurricane Felix but yesterday when we were coming home it appeared that Felix was little threat to Guatemala. Boy- did we have an amazing trip! Our little guy did so well.... he slept a SOLID 7-8 hours every night. He had a little cold but it was minor and he seemed to be losing it completely by the time we gave him back to Maria. He was happy to see Maria. She has a way about her that is really fitting to young children. She is a very optimistic and bright person and has a great tone to her voice. She loves him so very much and that was reflected well in his development. He trys to hold his bottle himself and holds rattles and can sit up unassisted for longer periods. He also can lift his head about 90 degress when laying on his stomach. He loves making eye contact and is always concerned about where Mom or Dad have gone while the other one is feeding him. And, of course, he's absolutely adorable to top it all off! If we came to one conclusion while we were visiting it was that he is well taken care of and he is absolutely perfect for us.

We had an amazing time in Antigua. For anyone reading who has considered visting while on a trip down there, GO! You won't regret it. We felt completely safe and the sights are too good to miss. We stayed at the Marriott and have decided we will stay there on every visit and probably some of the pick up trip. They are so accomodating and it's very accessible. There isn't anything they won't do for you. We ate a Tre Fratelli and Hacienda Real- both are very good. We also found the Italian restaurant at the hotel to be pretty good (room service!). We went to the Centro Mall to buy Nathan a crib. Maria didn't have one and we felt it was time for him to start sleeping in one to get ready for his transition home. The mall was very nice and had everything an American mall would.

Rich and I feel so fortunate to have had the time with Nathaniel. Truly, the visiting is what helps me get through this process. While financially difficult at times, it is SO worth it. When we started this process back in February of this year, I never in a million years would have guessed or imagined how challenging this process will be. Having said that, I know we'll get through it and he'll be home before we know it!

I'm headed back down in 4 weeks! My mom is coming this time and she is very excited to meet the 1st grandson of the family. :-)

Here are some more pics from the visit: