Home Six Months

At 11:01pm our plane touched down at Pittsburgh International Airport six months ago today. I can't believe we have been home with Toby for six months. It seems like just yesterday that we were in Guatemala praying that we wouldn't be there too long (we were there 28 days) and then again I can't really remember what life was like without Toby. And I don't want to either. He has developed so much. When we arrive home he was 21lbs and 28.25 inches. He is now 24+ lbs and 30.5 inches, which the doctor is very happy with. When we came home he had one word...Dada. he now has about 30 words. He's not putting them in phrases yet but he can communicate. I am so over the moon in love with my little boy. The process seemed to drag on forever but it is amazing how quickly the time flies since he's come home.

Hi Nana and PapPap! Nice to finally meet you.

Go Steelers! Our first week home.

Toby enjoying some cake two weeks ago. Wow how you've changed!

Last week talking on the phone to Dada. He loves the phone.

Toby's Day in Court and Fourth of July Pics

If you thought it was all said and done when we landed back on US soil then think again. It's taken a couple of months to get our day in court but today was it. We had to stand in front of a judge and ask the Ohio court system to recognize Toby's forgein birth. Why you ask? First and foremost it completes the name change. The finalization of the adoption in Guatemala changed Toby's last name to our family name, but that was all. So on everything official he was Angel Fernando. Today the Ohio courts officially changed his name to Tobias Angel. The second reason for our court date was to get Toby an Ohio birth certificate so that later down the road we can simply go to vital statistics and pick one up, instead of flying to Guatemala.When we receive his birth certificate (in 4-8 weeks, urgh!) then we can get his SSN and his U.S. passport enabling us to go and visit Lili.

Toby waiting for our turn

Smooches to my Sister while hiding from Mommy

A picture of me taken by...Toby

It's official thanks to Our attorney, Tom

Here's to the Red,White and Blue! We had a great time on the Fourth. Sorry it's taken me so long to post about it but with Lili's referral, I've been working nonstop to gather all the paperwork as quickly as possible. So without further ado, here's our fourth of July pictures. Sadly we witnessed no fireworks, Toby was fast asleep so we couldn't drive the 15 minutes to go and watch them.

Toby and Nate (My brother's girlfriend's son, get all that?)

Toby with his PapPap

Toby with his Nana

Toby and Nate

Toby playing with his Grandpa

INTRODUCING...

Our Daughter, Liliana Kate. She was born on June 8th at 3:10am in Santa Catarina Pinula in state of Guatemala. She weighs 7lbs, 1oz and is 19.7 inches in length.





Isn't she GORGEOUS?!?!

We received her referral yesterday at 8:45pm. We are extremely excited and are thrilled! Our new agency, Palmetto Hope out of South Carolina, is teriffic! Hopefully things will go smoothly this time, but we are prepared for another long haul. It should all be done by this time next year, but this agency is known for it's efficientness and it's good timelines so let's all pray for the best! On a cuteness fator, Toby can already say Lili and if yoiu ask him Where's Lili he points to the computer and her picture. How adorable is that?

Love to all and we'll keep you posted.

Random Family Pictures from our MO trip

My cousin John purposefully not smiling for the camera

Toby watching Finding Nemo with Candance and Katie. If you're wondering what he's doing, he's holding the headphone up to his ear. My boy's so smart.

My cousin Katie and her husband Charles with Toby.

My cousin Lee playing with Patches

Toby with his Great Grandpap

Toby and Great-Mimi

Toby and my cousin Brad

(I love the Elvis look Toby has in this picture)

Toby with his GREAT Uncle Roger and GREAT Aunt Joanna. You guys are great!

When we left Missouri on Saturday, we took a small side trip to see Greg's Grandma in West Lafayette, IN. She enjoyed getting to meet her great grandson. It was a great way to break up the 10 hour drive too.

Toby and Great Grandma Lorraine checking each other out

Great Grandma Lorraine, Mommy, and Toby

To all my family in Missouri and Indiana, I love spending time with you this week. I look forward to the next time I get to see you. Hopefully, Toby won't be into EVERYTHING next time. I LOVE YOU ALL!!