We' ve Moved...

lifewithauri.blogspot.com

Already stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's!!!

Wow, life here is busy! There is just so much to do and so many people to see! Of course I don't let mama get any good pics of me because I am always on the move! I already learned how to do somersaults down stairs, fall down bleachers, torment my new cat, ride on my dog Chloe's back, sing and play at Kindermusik, cheer for the Burrell Bucs basketball teams, watch lots of snow fall, splash through the "wawa" at Splash Lagoon, celebrate a Steelers Super Bowl win, shop it up with momma at Marshall's and Tjmaxx, meet momma and poppy's co-workers, and stay overnight at Abby and Pappys! Wow I love my new family!!!

Please PRAY for all the waiting families!

I can't stop but think about all the wonderful friends I have met through this adoption and how so many of my friends are still waiting to bring their children home! Please please pray that these children will all be reunited with their families soon! It is the most amazing feeling ever and everyone deserves to have their children home RIGHT now!

You cannot imagine the joy Auri has brought to our lives as well as our family and friends. Our phone has been ringing off the hook with calls about Auri and when everyone can visit for the first time or make a second or third visit! We are beyond blessed and I want everyone else to be able to write the same thing on their blog...and now! So please God let this week bring so much movement with abandonment cases, PGN, RENAP and beyond!

A few of Auri's firsts!

First night in my new bed...notice momma forgot to get my my own pillow...

I had to borrow one from the guest bedroom...but I like the animal prints!

First breakfast at home (don't mind the mess of mail in the background!!!)


First bath! I love this tub!

We are HOME!

Wow...we are home! We had an amazing homecoming at the airport and then another amazing party at the house! We weren't sure how Auri would react...seeing that she slept the entire flight from Houston to Pittsburgh...seriously we could not wake her up!

Once we landed we headed into the bathroom to freshen up a bit, put some pigtails in, etc. etc...and then it started...Auri just cried and cried! Nothing a little Happy Meal couldn't fix!

We called the family a few times on our way down to the baggage claim area to warn them not to scare her...since I know how excited everyone was that we were finally home and they could finally meet her!

So it was on to the tran (which Auri loved as we were in the front and she got to watch us travel through the tunnel) and then over to the elevator...and then the elevator doors opened ....there was everyone...okay not everyone ---my co-workers, Diane, Mary and Ruth were waiting for us at our baggage carousel - little mix up there)! It was awesome! We are truly thankful for everyone that prayed and cheered us on along the way...and even those of you that were scared to death for us that this adoption would never finally happen...you can breathe now cause it did!!!

Auri had an awesome welcome with lots of balloons, flowers (well those were for mama from her bff Angela!) gifts, and of course loving hearts!!! She did so well! I was a little afraid but she warmed up in no time! Sorry I don't have any pics yet because they are on everyone elses cameras but I promise to post them soon!

Well I am mumbling and need to run as little miss auri needs to get to bed...but I will catch you up tomorrow. Auri is doing awesome she slept all night in her bed last night! Today we got the animals back and we seem to have a problem now...Auri wants to hold that cat 24/7 and well he wants to just hide and it makes her cry!!! okay more later!!!

Next stop USA!

At 3:30 am Auri woke up the entire hotel ---she did not like the shower and screamed like crazy! We usually use a blow up ducky tub but we packed it up last night. Well we are all checked in at the airport and ready to get back the USA!

See you all later today!

Visa- check!

Brent just came back with Auri's visa and paperwork. Auri cried so hard when her Poppy left with Mirna. She was basically screaming! So we came up to the room and had some donuts and Pepsi and gave her Bebe a bath and then Auri took Bebe to use the potty!

Now Auri and her Poppy are playing Vsmile together...well Auri is using the vsmile and Poppy is using some other electronic drawing toy.

I haven't really gotten any good pics today... I will try and take some and post later!

Yesterday we said goodbye...

Embassy Day

Auri playing with her remote control scooter.

Today we woke up at about 5 am to get ready for the big day. Our translator called us down to the lobby at 6 am to verify some paper work. Then we headed to the Embassy at about 6:20. We made it there in about 15 minutes and had to sit outside on some benches until the Embassy doors opened at 7 am.

Then it was through the doors, the metal detector and then up to the area the appointments take place. There were lots of people who eventually made their way up to the reception area(sorry no cameras allowed) but most where trying to get Visa's to enter the US. There were 3 other adoptive families there with us - most of the kiddos where about 14 months.

We took lots of snacks and Auri did good for about an hour and then she was wrestles wanted to walk around, jump up and down on us etc. After we got called to door #10, the three of us walked in, the lady looked at our passports, asked us when we first met Auri then that was it. We had to return to the sitting area and wait to be called to another window to raise our hand and swear that all the info we were giving them today was true. While waiting to do this...about an hour and half wait (and we were #2) Auri thought it would be cool to play under our chairs...remember this place is packed....we just sat there and let her do it!

After being called to the window #7, a different lady asked to see our passports again, sign a few documents, when we first met Auri and what we planned on naming her and that was it! Pretty painless. One of us will be headed back tomorrow to get the Visa.

Brent is afraid to go and doing anything since we are so close to coming home. So we are hanging out at the hotel doing NOTHING! We did meet two other adoptive families(one is a TOWA family) but other than that the hotel is quiet...except when Auri is in the hallway playing!

Tuesdays Pictures

Daddy let Auri jump on the bed...Mommy wasn't thrilled with the idea.

WE MADE IT!

Wow...today went by so fast! Auri is now asleep and Brent is laying in bed by her watching tv.

As soon as we got here we put together the card for our foster mom and her kids and then went through our Embassy forms. Then we started playing around with the digital frame we got Marta and the family, trying to upload pics we have of Auri over the adoption process ...but it gave us nothing but problems! (so we have yet to give it to them!)

Later Brent took a walk out in the hall and saw our attorney and asked if he was coming...I thought maybe he was just coming to get the package from the Embrey's for Caterin (who God willing will be home soon!)...but then the phone rings, it Lymaris, "the translator is running late" then the phone rings again is Gallo....no idea what he said!!!

So I head down with the package and there is our sweet Auri passed out on Marta's shoulder, Gallo and Abner and Marcos...and well a year a half worth of Auri's stuff!!!! After they came to our room it was kind of crazy....I wanted to get pics of Auri with the foster family and with our attorney but that never happened! Galllo handed us all kinds of documents to re-adopt, immunization records, pics for her visa and Auri's passport (yes David Bauer ...you made our paper work! Uncle Dave is officially part of the family!) A few minutes later our translator arrived and went through a lot of our papers and said we didn't need them or we filled them out wrong! The translator is such a sweetheart and will be back with the corrected documents tomorrow and Marta Abner and Marcos are also coming to swim in the afternoon. We wanted Marta's family to come on Thursday to say goodbye but Marcos said he didn't want to be sad and have to cry another day...how sweet is that...I feel so sad for them but we will find a way to stay in contact with them.

As for Auri...she is so much fun now! More fun than before. My mom sent her a v smile pocket and well she has no clue how to work it but it has a lot of narrative so she watches that and pretends like its a computer. She wore me out riding her pink car and inch worm up and down the hallways (I was pushing)and of course wore Brent out playing monster attack. Auri has new names for us Poppy and Mommy! If one of us leaves the room she yells real loud Poppy (or Mommy) for the other one.

Well no pics tonight...but Auri hasn't changed....okay I lied...she may have gained a pound and her hair may have gotten longer! (Marta had her hair in two partial piggy's braided when she got here...so cute! )

Pics tomorrow...I promise!

Okay goodnight!!!

Snuggled in our hotel and PITTSBURGH'S GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!

So of course you all know I am terrified to fly. Well as our plane pulls in from the previous flight and the flight attendants walk out, they stop and start talking to the crew for our flight...of course you know its not good!

Well they announce that they are having some "mechanical" issues...seriously...this is not happening to me...and they do not think I am getting on that plane right?

Well after about an hour they get the issue resolved....turns out some panel on the plane kept coming open during flight. All I know is that it must of been pretty noticable because they were all talking about it - complete with hand gestures to demonstrate what it was doing! But we made it safe and sound!

So after we land we got to catch the last 10 minutes of the game at one of the restaurants in the airport. By the time we get to the baggage claim area, our flight info was no longer on the screens. However I spotted our luggage just in time as they were tagging as unclaimed! But back to the game...we won! I am beyond excited Auri gets to celebrate her first Steeler game in style this year and I am sure it will involve a big Super Bowl party at my parents!

Okay that's all folks...I need some sleep! This little kid cried his eyes out for about 2 hours on the plane, Brent and I were tempted to assist them in comforting him! My nerves our shot...please Auri do not do this to us and the rest of the passengers.

Oh ya...this trip...we completely want Friday to be here and for it to be over. Pick up is so different than a visit. We know Auri is coming home and that is where we want her...not visiting in Guatemala!

GO STEELERS....HELLO HOUSTON!

Brent and I are hanging at the airport and will be headed to Houston in about an hour. We will be finding a restaurant/bar to catch the rest of the Steeler game before heading to our hotel...so please Steelers get a big old lead and make us proud!!!

Auri...

Mama and Papa will see you tomorrow!!!!

Love ya sweet girl!

Blog going private this weekend....

I am making this blog private this weekend as I am making a Life book for Auri from the blog and then starting a new private blog.

Please post your email in the comments section so I can send you an invite to the blogs or email me.

Thanks!!!

Guess what.... I'm coming home FRIDAY JANUARY 23RD!!!!

That's right we are PINK! Embassy appointment January 21st.

Brent and I leave on Sunday and will be spending the night in Houston...
missing part of the Steeler game...but it will all be worth it!!!!

FLIGHT DETAILS ---

FRIDAY WE ARRIVE AT 4:28 PM

We would love for everyone who can make it to come to the airport -

although I know many of you will still be at work!!!

If you plan to come, please email me with

your cell phone number so I can make sure we text you if our flight gets delayed!!!

deannabrestensky@hotmail.com

Our red hearts and snow...

Our red hearts (love for Auri) and the snow fallen from the sky have yet to mix and make us PINK! We just got an email from FED EX that our DNA was delivered right before 4 o'clock today so believe me tomorrow we will be tickled PINK when we get that email!

DNA results on the way to the Embassy!

The lab emailed us that our results would be off to the Embassy today. The tracking number shows it was picked up at 6:12 pm and will soon be on the plane! PLEASE PLEASE PRAY we are PINK tomorrow!!!!

DNA UPDATE and GIFTS

We are paying extra money to have our DNA expedited and I checked and the extra fee was charged to our account on Friday! Not sure if they have our sample yet or if they just processed the payment so they can begin the test as soon as they get in Monday morning!

Wow still in shock Auri will be here in her new home in a few weeks! You all may want front row tickets to watch my parents in action at the airport...my dad told my mom he was bringing Auri a gift to the airport to win her over...my mom's reply...I'll bring a BIGGER one!!! Oh dear this will be interesting!!!!

Soon...no more goodbye's!

I just found these pictures from my last visit...Dec 2nd...saying GOODBYE for the last time! And no my daughter did NOT pull the cookies off the Gingerbread House...although I was told she broke some Christmas Bulbs before I got to the hotel on the first day! ...and yes Auri has blue socks on with her leopard outfit! I was not prepared this trip!!!

Gearing up to head out!

Wow it is so hard to believe that in a little over a week we may be headed to Guatemala to bring our daughter home! We have so much to do...toddler proofing - toddler shopping and of course packing.

I am having such a hard time thinking about how Auri's foster family is going to handle this. We want to get them that perfect gift to say THANK YOU but we are having a hard time coming up with a gift that not only says thank you but is very special ---and time is running out!

Since flights usually double and sometimes triple when you book a week in advance we may just head on on Monday the 19th and fly back on Friday the 23rd. That way we will have one extra full day to hang out with Marta and her kids, go the the Zoo as well as pick up some last minute items at the Market to bring back for Auri.

We will give everyone our final flight details closer to the date but all are welcome to meet us at the airport on Friday...prob around 5 pm...if that is too early with work schedules you are welcome to stop in at our house that evening or over the weekend! Just note that Abbie Maureen and Pappy Dan will be running you down to get to their first grandchild so just please just step back a minute to let them take it all in--of course Abbie Bernie and Pappy Bill will be right there with them! Who would have thought my parents would be meeting their first grandchild in an airport instead of in a hospital! This journey has been amazing and Brent and I truly have a heart for Guatemala and look forward to adding a few more feet to our family from that country in the future!

DNA's finally done!

DNA was finally done today! Not sure if they got it to Fed Ex today in time to go out today or if it will go out in the morning. Hopefully the results will be back to Guatemala on Wednesday at the latest and we will have our pick up date soon after!

Another family united forever!

The Huff's are in Guatemala right now and may be headed home tomorrow with the newest addition to the family - Otoniel! As soon as they post some homecomings pics I will post one here!

Now please pray for these kiddos waiting to come home, Auri, Brylee, Carmen, Caterin, Flor, Katie, Kevin, Nadelyn, Olivia and Paulo!

9 am Thursday

Auri will be having her second DNA test tomorrow at 9 am. The doctor was out of the office today so they had to cancel. Fingers crossed everything falls into place very soon!

DNA Update

Our agency is trying to make sure Auri gets her DNA done tomorrow. Our attorney does not need to be there but he needs to make sure the lab gets paid as well as provide them with all our final documents in order to do the testing. They are hopeful they will be able to get her testing done tomorrow...so we will keep you posted!

I HEART ORANGE!!!

We are ORANGE!!! Our attorney's office is trying to set everything up for DNA to be taken tomorrow!!! Then the DNA will be off to the USA and then back to Guatemala for PINK!!! Oh it is getting so close and we are so excited!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Last year we thought 2008 would be the year that brought our family together. Well I guess in a way in sort of did as we spent a lot of time with Auri, we became her parents and she became a Heinrich!

Now we know its just a matter of weeks until she is sitting on the plane with us, running through an airport to catch our next plane then being greeted at the airport by the best group of family and friends "patiently" waiting at the airport baggage claim area for those elevator doors to open and little Miss Auri to step out so we can share her with the world---we can't wait!

Last night we went out with friends for bowling, dinner and then a little Wii sports...which kicked my butt...I am so sore from boxing! Next year we plan to take Auri bowling too as there were so many little kids there and they did a mock count down(since we went from 7-9) and you each got a set of beads, a party hat or tiara, noise maker and a dinner that included a hot dog with sauerkraut, baked beans (yuck!), coleslaw, a cookie and a drink! Of course our group was the only group there without kids but it was still fun! We even were next to an old neighbor of mine and her family...I have to say one of her little girls is prob in competition with Auri to be one of the smallest two year olds in the Auri...so cute!

Happy New Year!!!