[statefan]

Hello everyone,

My husband & I will be traveling soon to see our daughter for the first time. We do not know what to expect about the trip. We were wondering if some of you that have been to visit can help us. Thanks so much!!!

Statefan

[Chrysanthemum]

When are you leaving? Post the dates and maybe you can meet up with some other families.

What to expect? Will your little one be with you the whole time?
If so, just enjoy every minute and take a lot of pictures. Your agency will let you know when you will meet/receive your baby.
I visited Antigua when we were there and loved it. I took my daughter but that was two years ago. Recenlty, I have seen posts that advise against that. Your agency should be of help.

Have fun, enjoy your baby and take a lot of pictures.

[tinaedmond]

Statefan

Many of us have visited, but if we know the age of your child we can be of more help in what to expect. Also, are you looking for tips on how children behave at the age your child is at, or a list of what to pack?

Agencies and lawyers are different, some tell you when you will receive your child while others say "ok" when you suggest a time and place.

Also, where are you considering staying?

Tina
waiting for Alexandra, born 11/18/02
out of PGN 2/6/04
waiting on pink

[szumbiel]

I visited our son four times during the long wait last year. Each time, we arrived around lunch of one day and went back to his foster family around dinner of the next day. Our agency only allows for an overnight visit. Be sure to ask your agency what their parameters are for visiting. We are also asked not to leave La Casa Grande (the hotel) while the child was there with me. I just soaked up every moment with him and tried to capture as much on film and video as possible. Take a tripod so you can video without distraction of the camera and just get a more natural video of the playing/moments with foster family/etc...

I did always spend at least one more day traveling. I went to Antigua several times, did a tour of Guat. City which included a stop at the birthing center where our son was born and the area where his birthmom lived, and went to Chichi to the Sunday market. These are memories of our son's birthcountry I cannot wait to share with him.

Realize it is hard to leave but you leave with so much more than you came with each and every time! I would not change the trips for the world.

Sonya, mom to Marty

[statefan]

Thanks everyone for being so helpful. I am not sure the exact dates that we will be traveling but it will be sometime in March.
Sydney will be 3 months old in March. I will talk to my agency about what they allow. What should we pack?? I have heard that the Westin is a good place to stay.

[delaware1]

I haven't been to visit, but wow! How wonderful you'll get to see your little sweetie! Have a great time!
love-
Kathleen

[vickibunni]

We are also visiting in March and I would love to know what to pack and what to expect. I would appreciate any tips that anyone can give me. I am also wondering abotu the Marriott. ANything that anyone can tell me abotu this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vicki

[Kimberj71]

We have visited Guatemala to sign a POA, but never to visit our baby to be. We too are planning a trip in March.

We asked our agency what we need to bring and if the baby would be able to stay with us in the hotel. We found out that the baby will be able to stay with us. The fostermom and attorney will provide formula, diapers and clothes. So pretty much all of the essentials for the baby. We just get to take LOTS of pictures and enjoy her for our short time together.

Have a great visit!

Kim