[DFNY]

Hi, everyone. Wanted to let you know about our week in Guatemala with our daughter, Nidia. Thank you Nathansvolunteers (Cindy) for the post on Nidia's 3rd birthday. Thought others might want to read my update so I'm starting this thread.

We spent a great week with our little girl. She had a great 3rd birthday, and loved wearing her "Birthday Girl" tiara on Saturday AND Sunday.

We returned at 2AM today so we're exhausted but so happy to have held our daughter in our arms, have her put her head on my shoulder, hear her sing a little ditty that I recorded on the Build A Bear dog that I sent her in late 2006. That little song ("Nidia, Nidia, Nidia es mi baby. I love you.") is what helped her let go of the FM and come into my arms the first afternoon. She broke into a big smile when she recognized my voice as the one who sings to her from the dog. She would then sing it to me over and over. How lovely it was.

It was a great week. She adjusted so well with us, especially with me. She is healthy, happy, and smart. DS was fine the first day, hugging and kissing her but, by the next day, he was a bit jealous and even hit her with a sippy cup on the brow. He wasn't too thrilled with her tiara either. I guess it was to be expected--only 4 months older than her and suddenly having to share mommy & daddy.

Her party at the Marriott was excellent, with 10 people from the foster family alone & a total of 18 altogether. Nidia had been great the first night, even after the foster family left--she was a bit sad but quickly accepted being with me and slept well. The second night, after the party, was not as good, esp after seeing the foster mother's mother (her original foster mother). Nidia kept asking for her and was teary eyed and very quiet after she and the rest of the family left. She also had difficulty sleeping through the night. Poor baby.

We decided that it was not a good idea to spend more time with the foster family at that point or Nidia would be grieving each time. It was hard to tell them of the decision. They are lovely people and are doing a great job with Nidia. You should see her great teeth and how much Nidia loves to brush them! LOL

We saw our attorney on Thurs. The birthmother has still not been contacted about the BMI b/c there is no way to get to her town--the heavy rains washed out the bridges. However, the temporary bridges were expected to be re-built by this weekend. We hope to soon have some good news.

We had an absolutely wonderful time. While we would have loved to have brought our daughter home with us, we feel blessed to have visited with her this week, after 18 months of not being with her. Our friend Kim ("starryeyes") was such a great help. The kids miss you Tia Kim!

Everyone, thanks so much for the good wishes for Nidia.

Damaris

[praying4rlittl1]

I've been waiting for this post and hoping things went well for you all. What a sweetie your baby is and I hope things finally move so that you can bring her home forever. LOVE YOU GIRL!

[kzwief]

That is wonderful to hear you had a good time on your trip. I will be praying that your BMI is soon!

[leifjackie]

I am so glad you had a wonderful time! My prayer is that it will not be long at all and you will be going down to pick her up!

[HopeandaPrayer]

So glad you were able to spend your little girl's 3rd birthday with her. What a long bumpy road you have been on. I really hope that the BMI is scheduled soon and goes well and that you can bring your little girl home shortly thereafter.

Terri

[Quesita]

How wonderful to hear your update! I'm so happy that Nidia's birthday was with you.

I cannot wait to celebrate your out, and then your dna and your pink!!! May they all happen quickly.

[DPline]

I am so glad you had such a great visit! Praying she is home with you soon!

[akasohappy]

I loved reading your update post.
I hope things work out with the BMI very soon.
Happy Belated Birthday Nidia!!

[CEB]

I am so happy to hear that you had such a great visit with Nidia and she is doing so well! I just cant wait to hear she is coming home forever.

[Ms.Judi]

It sounds loke you had a great visit with Nidia!! Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Nidia!! Hoping to read about your OUT post very soon!! HUGS!!

[nathansvolunteers]

Damaris,
Glad you are home safe and sound, and can't wait for your next trip when Nidia is home safe and sound as well.
I'm glad your visit went so well! I got teary when I read about the Build-A-Bear song...that is AWESOME.
I am praying so very hard for the birthmother to be able to make it to the interview so the ball can get rolling again.

Welcome Home!
Cindy
p.s. You're welcome!

[PackGirl]

I'm so happy that you were able to spend Nidia's birthday with her!!!!!

Praying that they can get the interview done and over with....and that Nidia can finally come home!!!!!

[dovelu]

I too am so happy that you had a great visit trip. I will pray that your baby comes home to you soon.

Peace,

Amy

[Clare'sMom]

I am soo Happy You went for Her Birthday and I am Thrilled you had a good time..... I pray your next trip to Guatemala will be to bring her HOME!!

Ann

[judymend]

Oh Damaris, so wonderful to hear your visit update! Many Blessings and Best Wishes for Nidia's Birthday Year!!! Dios Los Bendiga Hoy y Siempre!!!

Blessings