2nd DNA Test

As some of you may have read, the US is now requiring a 2nd DNA test before babies can come to the US from Guatemala. They claim this step is necessary to verify that the same baby is coming home to the US that was DNA tested months before at the start of the adoption process. At first, we freaked...thinking that Mazzi and her birthmother would have to meet again for testing, that it would take weeks as it did the first time and that it would cost nearly $500 like it did the first time. This is not the case, however, only Mazzi will be tested this time (the results compared to the first test her birthmother took), it should only take about 1 week for the results and it should cost just under $200. Not nearly as bad as we thought initially! Still seems silly and unnecessary as we know who our baby is, but I guess you can't fight the government.

Our case remains in the dreaded PGN process...the most unpredictable step of the way! We actually entered this step on 7/17/07, slightly later than we thought. This step is taking most families about 8 weeks - some less and unfortunately many much longer. Once we are through this step we can pretty much anticipate 1.5 to 2 more months until our Embassy appointment and final trip home. Yes, the process is taking forever...and it seems that all the new rules/regulations that the US is implementing is only slowing things down. We are starting to realize that those families who have flown through the process and brought 4-6 month old babies home are definetely the lucky ones and not the norm! All we can do now is pray that we continue to move along smoothly and as quickly as possible.

On a brighter note, a few weeks ago, my sister, Lindsay, hosted a lovely baby shower for Mazzi and I. Thank you to all who attended! Mazzi's room is decorated and pretty much ready for her arrival home. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful family & friends!