Colombia is not as dangerous as you may think

A friend recently sent me this link, referring to a good article about Colombia.

http://thetravelersnotebook.com/destinations-guides/10-reasons-why-colombia-is-not-as-dangerous-as-you-think/

Correct spelling: COLOMBIA

Incorrect spelling: COLUMBIA

False Alarm

Friday, August 21, 2009: Talked to our agency representative, to confirm our travel arrangements since Doug and I had put some flights on hold until midnight this night. Well, thank goodness we called to confirm because our representative told us she had found out that there was still one document that had not been finalized on Colombia's end, so we couldn't travel yet.

Now, we are on hold again, waiting for this document to be finalized. It is the Article 5 Letter that has to be authenticated for immigration. We are trying to stay patient. We feel positive that we will be able to travel within the first week or two of September. Will keep you posted!

Either way, we are waiting for Doug's visa to come back because after receiving it last week, we noticed this last name was mispelled so we had to send it back to the Colombian Consulate in Chicago to be redone. We should be receiving it this coming week.

Received Call to Travel

Oh my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We received a call this afternoon from our agency, notifying us that we are able to travel. Wow, that was quick! We are excited and frantic, all at once. We still have quite a few things to organize before leaving.

When I got home after teaching yoga class, I noticed that our visas were in the mail. Yippee!

Andres, we are on our way to bring you home! Can't wait to meet you.

Just noticed, it is the new moon, again. These new moons and full moons are bringing us lots of beautiful surprises.

I-797C, Notice of Action

Monday, August 17, 2009: Received our Notice of Provisional Approval for the I-800. Yeah, we are one step closer to traveling to meet our little Andres. We still have our visas to receive and some other documents to be authenticated. Patience is much needed during this time.

Eco-Friendly Baby Gifts

This evening, we received some gifts from our friend, Monica-my high school friend from Miami. She purchased some items from our registry at www.satara-inc.com

Wow, the bamboo hooded towels are so soft. She also bought us some wooded toys and a bamboo shirt and matching hat in "chocolate." Sooooooooooooo cute!

Starting the Nursery

Today, we assembled the crib which didn't take too long. It looks so beautiful in the nursery. Doug and I had a lot of fun putting it together. The room is starting to take shape, and we think Andres will really like it.

When we are in Colombia, we are going to have my aunt, Ana Maria, create some artwork for the nursery. She is really talented with baby artwork!

Baby Furniture Arrived

Yeah! The baby furniture was delivered this afternoon. The dresser comes assembled, and Doug and I will be working to put the crib together tonight. We also had our friend come over to paint the ceiling in white for a brighter look. The room looks so cheery!

First Baby Gifts Received

This week, we received some baby gifts for Andres.

One of my yoga students gave us a beautiful children's book authored by her and a cute little stuffed crib animal toy made of cotton.

We also received a gift set of "Born Free" bottles which are 100% BPA-free (Bisphenol-A Free Plastic).

Everyone is being so generous! Thank you.

More Baby Items

Tuesday, 8/4/09: I stayed up late registering for more baby items. A friend recommended a wonderful website for lots of organic items. I ended up registering for bamboo blankets and towels, as well as wooden toys. What a wonderful website. Check it out: http://www.satara-inc.com/

Fashionable Baby

Andres will be a fashionable baby! Doug is already making plans to have him wear baby "Superga" shoes, which are sold by R.G. Barry. Very cute!

I love the red and yellow ones the best!