Two familes + One baby = ?

Answer: One big happy family, part in Guatemala, part in Alaska and all who love little Gabriel very, very much. We woke up this morning, went to bed last night in fact, expecting this to be the hardest day of our lives. While it was hard in many ways, it was also very refreshing and joyous. We got to meet our co-ordinator, Sonya, for breakfast as well as about 4 other families working with our agency. She is amazing and we couldn't be happier to have her working on our behalf.

We did have to pack Gabriel's bags, which was very difficult and we took a family nap today. Of course, today was the first time he has actually taken a good nap and we all slept for an hour and a half, waking up in just enough time to finish packing his things and getting him ready to go back to the foster family. He definitely fits with our family! (see previous post about sleeping late on important days).

The foster family came to pick him up and we took Gabriel down with all his bags and I was near tears the whole time. I was very surprised when the entire family (minus the oldest daughter who came Tuesday) was there with Ana. We met Byron (the dad) and their 10 year old Gabby and two cousins or nieces from Long Island...yup, as in NY. The cousins acted as our interpreter until Marisol could make it (lots of traffic this weekend).

I don't have a lot of time right now to explain a whole lot, because there are several other people waiting to use the computer. Let's suffice it to say that we will get to see our baby boy one last time. Byron is going to pick us up at the hotel after he gets off work on Tuesday and take us to their house for dinner. They want us to see where Gabriel lives and that he is being well cared for with our own eyes. You can tell how much they love him and adore him. It made us feel SO much better! Oh, and get this...the hotel we are switching to tomorrow...they got to church with Freddie, the owner. So our baby boy is already going to church and learning about God.

I do want to share one more thing that Ana told me when they were getting ready to leave. She said, "We already knew he was the perfect child for your family, but after seeing you with him, I now know you are the perfect parents for him as well." She then leaned over, tears in her eyes [both of ours], gave me a hug and said, "te amo" or I love you.

We have seen several families here who are very close with their foster families and I have a feeling that we will be the same way with Byron, Ana, and Gabby. I pray that is the case. Because Gabriel has two moms and two dads who love him very much and want nothing but the best for him. When we get home, I will post pictures of us all. We have a great picture of all of us together. What a great thing for Gabriel to have, verdad [right]?

Love to all of you. We can't wait to talk to you all. Much love and hugs.