Friday, December 6, 2013
3 Months Old
Wow how the time flies! And how fast they grow! Zeke is really becoming "awake" and studying his world around him. He found his hands and loves putting them in his mouth. He is also starting to babble and loves making noises and us making the noise back. His smile melts my heart! He is sleeping through the night between 9-11 hours (thank God!) He is so much fun and we are enjoying every second. Here are some updated pictures:
Thursday, December 5, 2013
It's Official!!!
Official Maldonado Family Birthday!
On Tuesday, November 19th Ezekiel became a permanent member of our family! I was a day filled with excitement, smiles, tears, and celebration. God is great and has blessed our family beyond measure!
Judge Higbee proceeded over our case at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. Attorney Debbie McAndrews represented us. We were asked questions including if we intended to love Ezekiel as if he was born of our own bodies. This question really brought out some strong emotions! Frankie read an endearing letter to the judge explaining how we would love and raise Zeke. There wasn't a dry eye in the court room, including the judge and the bailiff! Then Judge Higbee said she would gladly sign the papers, and it was official!
Judge Higbee proceeded over our case at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. Attorney Debbie McAndrews represented us. We were asked questions including if we intended to love Ezekiel as if he was born of our own bodies. This question really brought out some strong emotions! Frankie read an endearing letter to the judge explaining how we would love and raise Zeke. There wasn't a dry eye in the court room, including the judge and the bailiff! Then Judge Higbee said she would gladly sign the papers, and it was official!
Waiting to go into the courtroom
Frankie reading our letter to the Judge
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
One Month!
I'm one month old today! Wow, how time flies! I have been living with my mom and dad for three weeks now and I am loving every minute of it! I've grown by 2 lbs. and 3 inches!
When mommy saw me for the first time!
Aren't I cute?
Our family
I have had probably over 100 visitors in my first month! Lots of mommy and daddy's friends came to see me. Auntie Kelly flew in from WI my first weekend home. Then Auntie Alyssa came for ten days, and now Grandma is here for three weeks. I feel so loved!
I now weigh 7 lbs 2 oz
20 in long
I eat about 3oz. every three hours
And I can sleep 6 hours at night! (mommy and daddy love this!)
I can roll over from my tummy to my back! I'm very active when I'm awake.
I can't wait to see what I can do in another month!
Thank you to everyone who came to meet me and thanks for showering me with gifts! I am one lucky guy!
Love, Zeke
I can't wait to see what I can do in another month!
Thank you to everyone who came to meet me and thanks for showering me with gifts! I am one lucky guy!
Love, Zeke
Saturday, August 24, 2013
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God works in ways we least expect! Who knew that things would happen so fast and so unexpectedly??!! After 8 years of waiting for this miracle, it was finally happening!! In a way none of us could ever imagine!
Here's The story of the Maldonado's Little Miracle :
Monday, August 19th, was Meet the Teacher at my school. I met all my sweet 4th graders and their families, all eager to start a new year. I was immersed in planning and getting ready for the school year the couple of weeks leading up to this.
August 20th was our first day of school. We had a busy day getting settled in and getting to know each other. It was a great, but exhausting day.
Frankie was in San Diego, CA working a baseball camp and then went to his hometown, Barstow, CA to visit his dad, sister, family and friends.
Around 3:15PM, Frankie received a phone call from Kate, our adoption caseworker. He was walking into a restaurant with his cousin and good friends and saw the call was from her. So he stepped back outside to talk to her. She asked him what he was doing and he said, "Going to lunch with some friends." She said, "Isn't it kind of late to be having lunch, 3:15?" Frankie said, "I'm in California." "What?! Really?!" said Kate. "Then how are you going to go pick up your son in Orlando?!" Frankie was in complete shock with tears running down his face.
Frankie immediately called me at 3:30PM. My students were already gone for the day and I was busy working in my room. He said, "Kate has a baby for us in Orlando and you need to go get him right now." I wasn't sure I heard him right, and asked, WHAT??? (Usually in the adoption process, a birthmother would choose the family she wants to place her child with at 7 months of pregnancy. This gives the birthmother time for intensive counseling to be sure she really wants to do this. We would meet her, and possibly go to Dr. appointments with her. And eventually go to the hospital for the birth). He said, "Yes, you need to go pick him up now or he is going to foster care!" So we decided right at that moment- this was our son! This is what we have been waiting for!
I ran to my colleagues classrooms crying and they looked at me with panic, "What's wrong!!!???" I said, "Nothing's wrong, it's good! The agency called and I need to go pick up my baby right now!!" Tears streamed down their faces and we hugged and hugged.
Then panic set in: It's the first day of school. I wouldn't be coming back tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next. My new class and parents don't even know my situation. Is the baby healthy and OK? What's his story? OMG- WE HAVE NOTHING FOR A BABY! Not even a car seat, anything for him to sleep in, diapers, formula, etc....
My whole 4th grade team and the principal came in the room. Everyone was so overjoyed, supportive, and helpful.
Nicole (one of my colleagues) and I drove to my house, rounded up a car seat from the neighbors, and we were off to Orlando. I needed to call my parents and let them know of the news, but Kate the caseworker was already texting me a list of things I needed to do before I picked him up: call a pediatrician and schedule an appointment within two days (did not have a pediatrician and had to work out all the health insurance details in the car). And call an attorney to get the paper work started. And to have a name picked out to put on the paperwork.
Excitement, stress, emotions, nerves, all wrapped into one. This was really happening! (and no 'two months' to get ready). One hour...on the way to go get him.
Our neighbors were a Godsend. As I was going to pick him up, they rallied the troops, collected and bought baby items and filled our house with the first essentials. Some of my co-workers also pulled through and brought needed items. We are so blessed to have so many people who love and care for us! Words cannot express enough thanks!
Nicole and I finally got to the agency in Orlando. Kate (the caseworker) was on her way there from the hospital with the baby. We had to wait what seemed like forever. Then she walked through the door with a car seat in arm...and I saw the tiniest, most precious being I have ever seen. It was a moment I can't explain! He was perfect! And he was mine!
After many papers to sign, we were on our way home. As we arrived to the house at 11PM, my neighbor Liz comes walking down the road pushing a huge tub of baby clothes. The excitement was in the air! Nicole and I were exhausted from the long day. As she went home to get some sleep for her second day of school. My sleepless night began of staring at my child and trying to convince myself that this was real.
Frankie bought a red-eye ticket home and arrived the next day at 6:30 in the morning to meet his little man for the first time.
We are so in love with him and can't wait for all of you to meet him! Thanks for all your support in our roller coaster of a ride in the last 8 years. Now I can say, it was all worth it!
Here's The story of the Maldonado's Little Miracle :
Monday, August 19th, was Meet the Teacher at my school. I met all my sweet 4th graders and their families, all eager to start a new year. I was immersed in planning and getting ready for the school year the couple of weeks leading up to this.
August 20th was our first day of school. We had a busy day getting settled in and getting to know each other. It was a great, but exhausting day.
Frankie was in San Diego, CA working a baseball camp and then went to his hometown, Barstow, CA to visit his dad, sister, family and friends.
Around 3:15PM, Frankie received a phone call from Kate, our adoption caseworker. He was walking into a restaurant with his cousin and good friends and saw the call was from her. So he stepped back outside to talk to her. She asked him what he was doing and he said, "Going to lunch with some friends." She said, "Isn't it kind of late to be having lunch, 3:15?" Frankie said, "I'm in California." "What?! Really?!" said Kate. "Then how are you going to go pick up your son in Orlando?!" Frankie was in complete shock with tears running down his face.
Frankie immediately called me at 3:30PM. My students were already gone for the day and I was busy working in my room. He said, "Kate has a baby for us in Orlando and you need to go get him right now." I wasn't sure I heard him right, and asked, WHAT??? (Usually in the adoption process, a birthmother would choose the family she wants to place her child with at 7 months of pregnancy. This gives the birthmother time for intensive counseling to be sure she really wants to do this. We would meet her, and possibly go to Dr. appointments with her. And eventually go to the hospital for the birth). He said, "Yes, you need to go pick him up now or he is going to foster care!" So we decided right at that moment- this was our son! This is what we have been waiting for!
I ran to my colleagues classrooms crying and they looked at me with panic, "What's wrong!!!???" I said, "Nothing's wrong, it's good! The agency called and I need to go pick up my baby right now!!" Tears streamed down their faces and we hugged and hugged.
Then panic set in: It's the first day of school. I wouldn't be coming back tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next. My new class and parents don't even know my situation. Is the baby healthy and OK? What's his story? OMG- WE HAVE NOTHING FOR A BABY! Not even a car seat, anything for him to sleep in, diapers, formula, etc....
My whole 4th grade team and the principal came in the room. Everyone was so overjoyed, supportive, and helpful.
Nicole (one of my colleagues) and I drove to my house, rounded up a car seat from the neighbors, and we were off to Orlando. I needed to call my parents and let them know of the news, but Kate the caseworker was already texting me a list of things I needed to do before I picked him up: call a pediatrician and schedule an appointment within two days (did not have a pediatrician and had to work out all the health insurance details in the car). And call an attorney to get the paper work started. And to have a name picked out to put on the paperwork.
Excitement, stress, emotions, nerves, all wrapped into one. This was really happening! (and no 'two months' to get ready). One hour...on the way to go get him.
Our neighbors were a Godsend. As I was going to pick him up, they rallied the troops, collected and bought baby items and filled our house with the first essentials. Some of my co-workers also pulled through and brought needed items. We are so blessed to have so many people who love and care for us! Words cannot express enough thanks!
Nicole and I finally got to the agency in Orlando. Kate (the caseworker) was on her way there from the hospital with the baby. We had to wait what seemed like forever. Then she walked through the door with a car seat in arm...and I saw the tiniest, most precious being I have ever seen. It was a moment I can't explain! He was perfect! And he was mine!
Ezekiel Allan Maldonado
Born August 10th
5 lbs 2 oz 17 in
Gotcha Day: August 20th
After many papers to sign, we were on our way home. As we arrived to the house at 11PM, my neighbor Liz comes walking down the road pushing a huge tub of baby clothes. The excitement was in the air! Nicole and I were exhausted from the long day. As she went home to get some sleep for her second day of school. My sleepless night began of staring at my child and trying to convince myself that this was real.
Frankie bought a red-eye ticket home and arrived the next day at 6:30 in the morning to meet his little man for the first time.
We are so in love with him and can't wait for all of you to meet him! Thanks for all your support in our roller coaster of a ride in the last 8 years. Now I can say, it was all worth it!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
One Year
Exactly one year ago I was in the same hotel in Boca Raton creating this blog. Frankie works a baseball camp every year at this time and I always go with him for a last R&R before school starts. We are patiently waiting, yet wondering if this is ever going to happen. There has been interest in our profile book, but no match. We are learning a very valuable lesson through this all: Wait Expectantly
Waiting Expectantly
Have you been praying about a situation in your life and found yourself waiting for a breakthrough? Are you wondering why the answer hasn't come yet? Do you feel as though victory is passing you by?
Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He's working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly, quickly, without warning!
Until then we can either wait passively or expectantly. A passive person gives up, but the expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but he'll keep asking until suddenly, God turns everything around.
Prayer Starter: God, I want to wait expectantly, not passively. I'll keep asking You for my breakthrough, knowing full well that You'll bring it at the right time.
-Joyce Meyer
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7 NIV)
Waiting Expectantly
Have you been praying about a situation in your life and found yourself waiting for a breakthrough? Are you wondering why the answer hasn't come yet? Do you feel as though victory is passing you by?
Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He's working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly, quickly, without warning!
Until then we can either wait passively or expectantly. A passive person gives up, but the expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but he'll keep asking until suddenly, God turns everything around.
Prayer Starter: God, I want to wait expectantly, not passively. I'll keep asking You for my breakthrough, knowing full well that You'll bring it at the right time.
-Joyce Meyer
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7 NIV)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Yard Sale a Success!
The yard sale was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without all of our friends and neighbors! A BIG thank you goes to my neighbor Liz who worked countless hours the two weeks leading up to the yard sale by planning, hand delivering flyers house to house, getting 13 donations from Westshore businesses for the raffle, pricing items, and working it at the raffle table the day of the sale. Did I mention all this with a 1 1/2 year old and 8 months pregnant!!!! Liz, you rock and I love you!
One of my students came and played the violin for "Tips for My Teacher". Melted my heart! Sweet Malia came in her rainbow dress and sold lemonade for the cause. All the neighbors were there helping out, hanging out, and supporting us! We are so grateful and blessed for each and every one of you!
One of my students came and played the violin for "Tips for My Teacher". Melted my heart! Sweet Malia came in her rainbow dress and sold lemonade for the cause. All the neighbors were there helping out, hanging out, and supporting us! We are so grateful and blessed for each and every one of you!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Adoption Yard Sale Fundraiser
Our neighbors Frankie and Kendra, are
in the process of adopting! They have always wanted a family together,
but after 7 years of trying to conceive and many infertility procedures,
adoption was set on their hearts. They have been waiting patiently, and
are working on saving money for the adoption fees, which are $25,000. Kendra is a teacher here in Tampa and Frank is a
baseball coach at USF. Frank donates baseball camps for kids all the time. They
support our children everyday-let's support them!
We are holding an adoption yard sale
fundraiser, in hopes that it will help them in their journey to becoming
parents. Now is a great time to do some
spring cleaning, get rid of unwanted items, and start fresh, while helping a
great cause!
Please help by donating items such as
toys, clothes, household items, furniture, baby items, etc.…. for the yard
sale.
The
yard sale will be held Saturday May 18th, at their house:
3412 S. Belcher Dr.,
Tampa, FL 33629
8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Please
bring your donated items to the house by Wednesday May 15th. You can
drop off items under their carport.
You
can also assist by volunteering to help out the day of the sale and by coming
by and purchasing some treasures yourself!
If
you have any questions, you can contact Liz at (813) 240-7576 or
Lizdheld@gmail.com or Kendra at maldonado2_2003@hotmail.com
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