What it means to be Loved a Journey through Adoption

Round Two

2009-09-26T22:07:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I am so sorry that it has been so long since I last posted. Our family is doing great! Cameron just turned three in August, and in September we celebrated our two year anniversary of Cameron's homecoming.

The other big news in the Johnson house is that we in process again to adopt a little girl from Nepal! We at this point have completed all the necessary paperwork and we are awaiting our referral. I will keep you all updated with the very latest news as soon as we have any.

God Bless

FALL

2008-10-27T21:53:00.010-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of Cameron with all of you. He is getting so big. On August 21st we celebrated his second birthday. We really have not stopped celebrating since he came home a year ago September. God Bless!

Busy Days of Summer

2008-06-29T09:12:00.004-05:00

HI Everyone,
Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted. We have had a busy start to the summer. We continue to be blessed by Cameron daily. He is going to be 2 next month! Here are a few photos I took this week. God Bless-Aimee

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T19:30:00.010-05:00

Grandma

2008-02-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

Today we met Grandma for a play date. Here are some pictures from our date. We went to Maple Grove Community Center. Cameron's favorite thing to do was to carry around two balls, throw them and then run to pick them up. He is still pretty unsure about going down the slide. We had a blast! Thanks Grandma Kathy :)

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!! We had a wonderful Christmas with Cameron! It was hard without my Mom,but being surrounded by so many blessings made this years Christmas extra special. Here are some pictures form our holidays. Congrats to all of you who are out of PGN. I continue to pray for you and your families

It's Official

2007-11-29T20:42:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Today we finalized our adoption!! Yeah he is ours forever! We also officially changed his name and he became a US Citizen. He is such a great little guy, we are so blessed to have him, we are having the time of our life. I still keep all of you waiting families in our prayers.

Welcome Elin Ann Johnson

2007-11-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I have not been blogging our life is a blur these days. The days go by so quickly. Today was such a wonderful day. We welcomed our new niece into the world. Her name is Elin Ann Johnson. We are all so excited to have her here with us! It was another day that just didn't seem fair that my Mom was not with us. I am sad for Joe, for I know all to well the heartache of not having your Mom present on the most important day of your life. Yet I celebrate for I know that Joe and Hilary through this child will find such amazing joy. Congratulations Joe, Hilary and Baby Elin we love you!

Slideshow

2007-10-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

If you would like to view a slideshow I put together of our journey through adoption you can view it at www.braimee.com
I hope everyone is doing well, we keep all of your families in our prayers.

Fall Pictures of Cameron

2007-10-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

Ellie's Family Comes to Minnesota

2007-10-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

We had a GREAT time visiting with Ellie's family this weekend while they were in town to visit some churches in the area. It is indeed a special connection when two families have adoption as a common thread in their lives. And it's also amazing how the Internet can make a community of soon-to-be parents from all over the world feel so close to one another. It was so nice to sit with Ellie's family over lunch, and for us to be able to support each other through this unique - and crazy - process. We will continue to pray that Ellie unites with her loving family soon.

New Pictures for all you Cam Fans

2007-10-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

Bath Time Buddies Cam and Sophia

Brinkley Kisses

Pictures

2007-09-27T18:14:00.000-05:00

Cameron was not to sure about the grass.

Cameron is hasterical in the bathtub.

"Supercam" My husband is a big Superman fan

Sophia is not to sure what to think of her new cousin

Cameron and Brian

Here are some pictures of Cameron. Everything is going wonderful with our family. I am sorry I have not posted for so long. Our lives have been so busy since we have been home , today marks three weeks. We feel he has totally bonded with us,we are so blessed. Thank you for all your support and prayers!

Home Sweet Home!

2007-09-07T23:06:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
We are finally home! Cameron is the best baby ever. He sleeps all night and is so happy and snuggly. I feel like the other shoe is going to drop any minute. I have never felt so blessed. I will continue to pray for all of you who wait. It is true what they say: once you hold him you will never look at all the time you waited with regret.

Traveling Tomorrow

2007-08-31T16:34:00.000-05:00

Hi All,
We leave tomorrow at 5:00am, I cannot believe it. We will go directly to the orphanage once we arrive in Guatemala. I will not be posting on my blog while we are gone. If you would like to read about our trip, see pictures, or video please go to my husbands blog at www.braimee.com I think it will be eaiser if only one of us is blogging about our adventure. Take care and God bless all of you who are still waiting for your little ones.

Were going to Guatemala!

2007-08-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

I called the Embassy today and they told me our appointment will be on Sept 4th. That means we will likely be leaving this weekend. I am so excited I cannot tell you. We are trying to figure out our travel plans as I type. I will write more later. I cannot believe our dreams are finally coming true!

Hopefully back on track

2007-08-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

I am sorry that I vented yeaterday. Here is the follow up to our situation. Our caseworker called today to let us know that the DNA had been completed, I guess our agency uses a different organization to do the testing then I was told. I am relieved to know I made a mistake and called the wrong testing place. We did get confirmation today that our DNA arrived at the Embassy today, and we should hopefully get pink next week. Thank you to all who have supported us through this. Sometimes you just don't know who to trust, when you have had all the delays we have had. We just want our Son home and we want to know that we did everything we could to help that process along.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE

2007-08-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

After reading a forum, I found that many Moms were calling the Embassy on their own to check the status of their pink slips. They were all getting appointments for Monday if their DNA was completed and they had been submitted to the Embassy. Hearing this I got really excited. Our social worker had told us our DNA had been completed last thursday and that we were submitted to the Embassy on Monday. I called today only to find out we had been submitted, but not until yesterday. Then the lady told me that she did not have the results to our DNA test and I would need to check back. Ok at this point I was disappointed, but thought I'll try back Monday.

After getting off the phone with her I decided I had better double check that the DNA was actually done. I called Lab-core and talked to a very nice lady who told me the 2nd DNA test had not yet be completed and I had to pay if I even wanted an appointment. I knew we had to pay, but I figured we would get a bill from our agency when they needed the money. I am heart broken, I put my trust in these people and within a week I have found out they have given me false information three times. We have entered in on good faith this organization and would like honest accurate information from them.

I am tired, stress, and don't think I can handle much more of this.

Happy Birthday Cameron

2007-08-21T17:26:00.001-05:00

Cameron turned one today. I am so sad that we are not with him for his Birthday. Pray for pink soon!!!

Look what I get to keep

2007-08-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I had to vent yesterday, but sometimes the waiting just gets to you. I should not complain, just look who I get to spend the rest of my life with.

I received this picture yesterday from another guatamama, who had just returned from a mission trip to Eagles Nest. Please pray for her as she waits for her referral.

More delays :(

2007-08-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
We received the following frustrating e-mail today:

The embassy decided that since they will be short-staffed next week, they will not be processing adoption cases (ex. Issuing pink slips). This means that you need to add a week into the time frame.

Also – the first family received their second DNA test back. It looks like the fee to have that processed is $175. I hope there will no other fees added in- but I can’t say for sure. I just wanted to pass on the latest news.

It is certainly disappointing that the embassy is not processing this week…. Hang in there.

Wonderful, more waiting for such a dumb reason, what is wrong with the US Embassy, when they do not have enough staff? I plan on contacting our local Senator, to tell him what I think about this issue. I cried all the way home I cannot handle another delay. Please pray that the US Embassy will get there act together so Cameron can come home.

Cameron Video's

2007-08-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

Two more videos of Cameron can be found at www.braimee.com Thanks Whitney!!

Surprise Party

2007-08-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

Saturday was so much fun! Our families threw us a "Can't wait Cameron" surprise party. We had no idea, we just thought we were going over to my Dad's for Dinner. It is so wonderful to be supported by such a loving and giving family.

August Update

2007-08-10T19:39:00.000-05:00

Cameron has not grown much over the past month he is 18 lbs and 13 oz. He has been sick, and on antibiotics. We are so ready to have him home!

Beach Baby

2007-08-08T17:22:00.001-05:00

We were supposed to be submitted to the embassy this week. We are hoping for our update this week. Keep praying!

Tears in Minnesota

2007-08-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Just when we thought the waiting was over we got hit with this:

U.S. Embassy Uses DNA Testing to Protect Children Adopted in Guatemala

Effective August 6, 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala will require a second DNA test, to verify that the adopted child for whom an immigrant visa is being requested is the same child matched at the beginning of the adoption process with the birth parent. The Embassy is taking this step in response to concerns about the unregulated adoption process in that country. The Embassy already requires one DNA match between a relinquishing parent and prospective adoptive child as part of the immigrant visa process for Guatemalan children adopted by American citizens. This new procedure will apply to adoption cases finalized by Guatemalan authorities and submitted to the Embassy on or after August 6th.

The United States supports the highest standards of practice in international adoption. Due to concerns about the Guatemalan adoption process, the U.S. government must apply an extraordinary level of scrutiny to adoption cases there. This second DNA test will confirm that the child applying for the visa is the same child originally matched with the birth mother who voluntarily consented to the adoption. The first DNA matching test typically occurs a number of months before the adoption process is completed and the visa is issued.

We support the efforts of the Government of Guatemala to reform its adoption process to meet its obligations as a member of the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention. The Hague Permanent Bureau's international advisory group of experts, including U.S. representatives, are providing technical assistance to the Government of Guatemala as it works toward implementation of a Hague Convention-compliant adoption process.

Our case worker thinks this will at-least tack on an extra two weeks if not more to our wait. Please keep us in your prayers!

Yesterday as we were feeling so sorry for ourselves, a tragic event occurred not far from our house in Minnesota. A bridge collapsed injuring many and killing at-least four people. The death toll is still expected to rise as many are trapped under the bridge in the river. I know all to well how hard it is to loose a family member unexpectedly. I know what is like to not get to say goodbye. My mom died suddenly in January and my heart aches for all the families and friends of the victims. It brought up alot of emotion and sadness within me, but it made me thankful to God for the miracle that will soon come to us. Cameron will be a blessing of joy and hope that we so desperately need. God is good and God is with us even when we throw are hands up and question why? Please pray for Minnesota and for all families including mine as we greave for the ones we loved so much.

Champagne Celebration

2007-07-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

We had a celebration with my family when we got the news we were out of PGN. I thought I would share a few pictures. My husband does not drink so he celebrated with my pregnant sister in-law with a little sparkling juice. We are still waiting to find out when we can travel. One week down lets hope we can make it to Guatemala for Cameron's Birthday!

Sleeping Cameron

2007-07-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

Another great picture sent from Whitney. It is such a blessing to get pictures of Cameron. I hope I can repay her in a couple of weeks.

New Pictures!

2007-07-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a wonderful friend I met in blogger world, I now have some new pictures of Cameron. She posted them on her website today. Thanks Whitney! Please pray for her and her team serving as missionaries at the orphanage Cameron is at. She has a daughter about a month older then Cameron she is adopting.

WERE OUT OF PGN!!!

2007-07-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

AHAHAHAH I cannot believe we are out of PGN! I think I am going to pee my pants! It looks like we will be leaving to pick him up in three to four weeks!! I will write more later. Thank you for all you love and support!

I'm coming home!!!

July Picture

2007-07-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

This is our July picture. I found it on the orphanage website. I still have not received our update or our pictures for July. I was glad to stumble across this picture. I cannot believe how big he is! It makes me so sad to see how much he is changing, I feel like I am missing out on so much. We are just finishing up seven weeks in the final court. Our social worker told me that it has been taking around ten. Keep in mind that after we get out of final court we still have about a month before we can travel. I am starting to lose all patience, I am feeling my whole being wearing down. I am losing sleep thinking about him, he is in every second of every day for me. Please keep praying for us!

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to say Happy 4th of July! Thank you to all those who serve to protect our freedom. I am so happy that Cameron will someday soon be able to grow up in a free country, because of your service. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday. Next week we should get our July pics and an update on our case. Blog with you again soon.

Week Six Tick, Tock

2007-07-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

The count down continues! We are now in our sixth week of PGN. To be honest we are getting really tired of waiting. We are hoping for an indepenance day for Cameron soon! Keep praying for us, we have to get some good news soon!

This Moment

2007-06-30T23:12:00.000-05:00

It is easy to get caught up in dreaming and worrying about the future. What will Cameron be like? Will he be happy? Will he be scared? Will I be a good Mom? Will I cry when I see him for the first time? What will the airplane ride be like with a baby? All I seem to do lately is live for the day we get Cameron. I forget about my daily blessings. I am so blessed to have the family and friends I have. This journey through adoption is a blessing. I have never felt so supported by so many people in my life, each person cheering us on as we struggle through the waiting or celebrate the latest picture. My Mom always lived each day to the fullest. She died young but full of joy and love for each day. I want to do that, I want to live that way. Sure it is fun to dream and hope, but I have to remember God gave me today to be the person he wants me to be today.

Hard Day Still Waiting

2007-06-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

Today was a hard day for me. I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, and had to see my doctor for a check-up today. Stress tends to flare up my arthritis and I have had a fare amount of stress lately. Stress of losing my Mom (my best friend), stress of endless waiting for a son, stress of losing a brother in-law to divorce, not to mention the day to day stress life can bring. I feel like through it all I have been remained pretty put together, I feel I am dealing well with all the stress. My body on the other hand does not agree. I had to get my knee injected today, which for all of you who have not had the opportunity to go through it, is not a fun experience.

I was listening to a song today on a Dove CD I have. I don't know the title of the song, but the words of the song are "I will lead you through valleys of sorrows to rivers of joy". I truly believe that my river of joy s coming, I just wish it would flow more quickly, before my body falls apart :) Oh well what can you do? Love ya all!

Swing Set

2007-06-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone sorry I have not been posting much latley. We are entering week five of what looks to be a ten week process, that is if we don't get kicked out again. We had a wonderful fathers day weekend up with Brian's parents last weekend. The only thing his Dad wanted to do for fathers day was build a swing set for Cameron. Here is a picture of the final product. I cannot wait for Cameron to play on it!

Video of Cameron

2007-06-18T22:03:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day. We received our first video of Cameron "Luis Fernando"! To see the video please go to www.braimee.com. Hope everyone is doing well!

Sophia and the Dogs

2007-06-14T21:50:00.001-05:00

We are trying to get our dogs used to babies. Sophia loves dogs so we are using her for practice. I think they are starting to get use to having her a round. I hope Cameron likes dogs as much as Sophia.

June Pictures

2007-06-12T17:31:00.001-05:00

This is our June picture. He looks like they just woke him up from a nap. We are now sixteen days into a eight to ten week wait
(That is if we don't get kicked out). We are happy and trying to remain positive!

Just Add Baby

2007-06-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend we finished the nursery - yeah! We started painting the nursery the day my mom had her cardiac arrest. She was so excited for us and for Cameron. I remember her sitting in the middle of the room, playing camp director. She wanted it to be perfect. She was telling me how she had been praying for Cameron's birth mom. We talked about what a blessing and honor it will be to raise her son.

When we first told my mom and dad that we were going to have a "twinkle twinkle" theme, they were so excited. For Christmas they arranged for many of our family and friends to write prayers and wishes for Cameron. They then adhered the messages onto wooden stars that would be used to decorate our nursery. On Christmas night, my mom gave us the box with tears in her eyes. She told us to go home and sit together and open the box. We could not believe the work my parents had gone through for us. In the box there were over fifty stars filled with love and prayers for Cameron. We sat and cried as we read each and every one.

It was hard to want to finish the room without my mom. My dad came over Saturday, and to our surprise we found so much joy in finishing Cameron's room. It was fun to know my mom was such a special part of the room. We hung her star above the crib. Her star reads, "Dearest Cameron, from the moment we saw your face you have become part of all of us. Angels watch over you until we bring you home. At Christmas time with the birth of our savior Jesus Christ we watch the distant star knowing you are far away and yet so close because of the love in our hearts for you. We will love you forever. Blessings our dear one."

Getting Ready In More ways then One

2007-06-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

Brian and I are trying to prepare ourselves to become parents. We decided that we both could stand to lose a few pounds. We went to the club the other night for the first time in about nine months. Brian told me that he was going to use the treadmill, so I followed him over and got on the machine next to him. He said in a casual voice " I think I'm going to do about forty-five minutes, how about you as he looked at me I felt like saying fifteen, but I smiled and said yeah forty-five sounds good. We both made it forty-five and I am glad he pushed me to do a longer workout. It helps to have such a great partner in life. I am glad we are trying to be healthy for Cameron.

No News Week

2007-06-01T17:40:00.000-05:00

I know that this is going to come as a shocker to all of you, but I have no new news to report this week. We hope that next week we will get some new pictures to share with all of you. I have been trying to stay positive and buy a few things for our trip to Guatemala. Have a great weekend everyone!

Memorial Day Fun

2007-05-29T16:58:00.000-05:00

Me and Sophia

My Sister Jeanine, Peter and Sophia

Brian, Peter and Justin

Sophia

Brian and My Brother Joe

Great Day

2007-05-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

It's a great day at the Johnson house! We received the news today that we were in PGN and have already been kicked out. Our paper work was fixed and we are set to go back in by the end of May. Our social worker said once we go back in it could be anywhere from three to nine weeks until we are approved, that is if we don't get kicked out again. All I know is that I am happy to be moving and have some information! Guatemala here we come!

Still Waiting

2007-05-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

We are still waiting to hear from our attorney to find out if we are in PGN. I am praying we are at least in. I know it's a long wait once your in, but it would be nice to get started. I hope all of you are well.

Out of Pre-Approval

2007-05-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hi All,
After weeks of unanswered emails to the Embassy, I took it upon myself to contact Minnesota State Senator Coleman's office. I found a website that said sixty days after receiving official confirmation that your paperwork has been submitted for pre-approval notice, his office can make a status inquiry to DHS in Guatemala to confirm that they have received our adoption case.

Yesterday I received this response to my email

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Your pre-approval notice was issued on April 4th and finally was picked up on April 25th. USCIS Guatemala noted that it is waiting to receive your final documents in order to continue with the adoption process.

Regards,

Tina Leone
Office of Children’s Issues
Bureau of Consular Affairs

We are still trying to figure out who "picked up" our papers and what the situations is.

On a positive note we are hopefully moving into PGN soon! Keep us in your prayers!

Waiting for you

2007-05-14T19:58:00.000-05:00

Everyday I wait for you, it gets a little harder. Will we ever be together? Everyday people ask me when your coming home and my heart sinks. I wish it were today, but I know it will still be a long time. How can I calm my heart when it is racing to be close to you. I so desperately want to be with you. It pains my heart for you to be half way across the world, waiting for papers to hit the right desk. I hope we will get some good news soon.

May Update

2007-05-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day. We recieved new pictures of Cameron. He is now 16lbs 11oz. Enjoy the new photos!

Do you believe in miracles?

2007-05-07T19:13:00.000-05:00

We recieved a letter from church on Sunday. The letter was titled "Do you believe in Miracles?" It was written by a friend of ours who found out on Friday that her baby will be born with Spina Bifida. In her letter, she writes that her baby has a fifty percent chance that she will wheelchair-bound and have trouble with bowl and bladder control.

She also writes that she is praying for a miracle. She prayed, "I don't think I've ever asked for a miracle before, and I don't ask for me, I ask for her, but please please take this burden for her. Let her walk as other children walk."

My eyes welled up with tears as a read her letter. I feel blessed that Cameron is healthy. He will walk, run, skip and jump like the other kids. I thank God for my miracle. I wait for the day I will hold him and kiss him and show him all of the miracles life has in store for us. Sometimes as the waiting seems endless, it is easy to forget the tiny miricles God has already blessed us with.

Please keep our friends in your prayers. We pray that we will know how best to support their miracle. We rejoice and pray for them and the special blessing that this little girl will be in the lives of so many.

Emotional Throwing Up

2007-05-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

We had our Pastor over the other night for a talk. We had not had much opportunity to sit a talk since my Mom died. It was a necessary visit. I was able to, as he termed it, "emotionally throw up all my pain". It's funny that this is the term he used, because when my mom was here and was worried about us, she would call and say, "I throwing up over here" and she would literally get sick to her stomach if something was wrong with one of her kids.

I have felt so disconnected from some of my family and family friends. When my mom was alive I would hear about all their lives and kids. Many people are uncomfortable talking about pain or loss with people who are grieving. I guess this is why they choose not to call or write. It was nice to have Pastor Dan over and pour out all my sorrow and pain without being told to think a certain way or have the feelings I have. It was painful but necessary for me to "emotionally throw up."

I want to know when my pain will end. I want to know how to say goodbye to my mom and accept the fact that Cameron will not know her. I want to know when my tears will turn to joy, and I want the road to bend.

Still Waiting for Pre-Approval

2007-05-01T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone ,
We are still waiting for pre-approval from US Embassy. We had a conference call today with our adoption counselor. She said that our attorney wants us to continue to send weekly e-mails to the Embassy. We have sent two so far and continue to pray that we will be approved and move into PGN soon. We thank all of you for you encouraging words of support while we wait. I am so excited that Cameron will be surrounded by so many wonderful people. Blessings to all of you.

A Day With Sophia

2007-04-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

Every thursday I get the wonderful blessing of taking care of my five month old niece Sophia. I love our time together. Watching her grow and change has brought me so many mixed emotions. Every week she changes so much, and every week I realize how much I am missing out on with Cameron. I know everyone says that this waiting time is short compared to the rest of our life together, but thinking logically does not seem to help, when you miss your child.

Pre-Blogging

2007-04-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

My husband has been making fun of my blog, because I do not post everyday. He, however, is a pre-blogger. That's right folks, he pre-blogs. Right now he has a queue of about five posts just ready to publish. I think things like this run in the family. I have noticed that his mom pre-scrapbooks. She will cut everything out and plan her pages and then paste it all together at the scrapbook retreat. I love them both dearly and find their quirks very amusing. I think he is going to make a wonderful Dad!

Sick Baby

2007-04-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

We got our April health update and pictures. The health report said that our little guy had the flu and a cold. Brian and I felt so bad, we wanted to rush down and hold him. Here are some pictures.

Happy Easter

2007-04-06T20:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter! It is hard to go through another holiday without Cameron. We are anxiously waiting for our April pictures. This week has been difficult, but I am blessed to be surrounded by many loving and caring family members, and friends. A year from now this waiting will be a blur. God Bless!

Cameron's Angel

2007-04-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a hard time falling asleep. It seems to be a reoccurring problem since my Mom suddenly passed away on Jan 18th this year. My mom loved Cameron, and was so excited to welcome him as her grandson. Every day she would call and tell me how she was looking at "her sweetie" - a picture she had of him on her computer. She told me that she was sending special angels to watch over him for us. I never guessed that she would be that special angel. When the waiting seems to be endless, I find comfort in the thought of my mom with Cameron. When it seems that the world is spinning out of control, it is comforting to think of the peace only God can bring.

Waiting for Pre-Approval

2007-04-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

This is my first time blogging Yeah! My Husband and I are waiting for pre-approval so we can finally get into PGN. Yesterday I found a picture of Cameron on the orphanage website. Seeing pictures helps you remember why you are going through all of this waiting. He is so cute and such a blessing!