Saturday April 13, 2008 (80 deg, humid sunny)

Depart Rochester International Airport: 6:15am – Big crowds as people are traveling for spring break. Arrived approx 4:30am flight left almost on time. Couple of passenger issues with overcrowded flights delayed us.

Arrived Atlanta International approx 9am. Arrived gate B had to take the tram to gate E. Met Uncle Tim. Departed on time – arrived in Guatemala City approx. 12 noon their time. Filled out immigration paperwork. Presented to immigration, no problems – grabbed luggage and took the shuttle to the Marriott. Helpers at the airport loaded our bags - $4 tip. Met one American at the airport, said her husband was living in Zona 5 as they felt their child’s foster mother was doing a poor job.

Arrive Marriott and get room #424. Take bags up and headed to Champions sports bar for lunch – we returned to the room so Uncle Tim could take a nap and I could wrap gifts and prepare for the arrival of our little boy.

Ordered a crib, it was delivered. I ironed some clothes for Tim, myself and James. We are prepared for the embassy on Monday.

Approx 5p Guat time, Brian called and I went down stairs to escort them to our room. Tim had gotten Mommy and Aunt Amy on the Skype internet video phone and had the video camera running when we entered the room. While on the elevator ride to the room, James smiled at me for the first time – words can not describe how I felt at that moment!

The interview went well; Maria (FM) was upset giving James up. Understandable – she has raised him to this point. Brian checked paper work and feels we are all set for Monday. We asked some interview questions and Brian and Maria left. The total time was only about an hour.

Then…the real fun began – Daddy played with James for about an hour, while Uncle Tim ordered us dinner and tried to get the Knighthawkes lacrosse game on the internet. James had started a bottle when Maria was here; he finished after a bit of playtime.

Daddy changed his diaper and clothes (into pajamas). James played for another ½ hr to hour and started showing signs of sleep. I placed him in the bed and rubbed his tummy and he went down within 15 minutes. He was down by 8:30p

Dinner arrived for us just after James fell asleep. Dinner was good – room services rocks! Long day of travel etc. I woke a few times during the night being a nervous Daddy. I had placed James in the crib after he went to sleep – he didn’t move. He is a very sound sleeper.