So, we've been home almost two weeks (this Tues. will be 2 wks)...so much has happened...we've been so busy!
The children have met several family and church family and friends. We have found a pediatrician. We go Monday for blood work. The children seem to be more familiar with their surroundings. They seem very proud of their rooms when people come to visit. Still trying to teach the boys how to make their beds. Tatiana does very well and seems to understand many directives given to her concerning daily routine things. They love to "Mamou" - "to go!"
Last night, we had our first surprise shower!!! It was given to us by a group of women I play Bunco with. We got lots of goodies! We were given lots of clothes, money, slip-n-slide, beach buckets & towels, build-a-bear, preschool barrel of monkey game, picture books and frame, learning write & wipe books & more! It was great!
The children especially liked the bats & balls that they were each given! Ben has treked to the neighbor's house at least 5 times today getting balls that have been hit over the fence!!!
Ben also set up the slip-n-slide and they loved it...calling it a "Lio" -(a river). He also went to Wal-Mart and got a 2 ft pool. They were in it for hours.
The children love their pets, Ellie & Obba. They can all pronounce the names of the pets. Diego, especially loves them. He gives Obba sloppy kisses and bear hugs! He sat on Ellie yesterday like he was riding a horse. He has no fear! He loves the animals. I can't wait to visit my father. We call him "G-Daddy," and he has several horses that the children will be able to ride!
Andrew looks forward to school; we drove by it last week. I need to talk to the principal next week to make sure they will be able to provide ESL services and register him. We have tried to contact the lawyer to begin the readoption process, but unable to talk to her at this point.
The children are sleeping well at night- all thru the night. They get up really early. I guess the old saying is true, "Early to bed, early to rise..." They get up between 6-630-730 and go to bed around 830. We often pooped at the end of the day and are usually close behind them in retiring for the night...
Well, parenthood has been really busy for us both. It has had many challenges and many triumphs, hearty laughs, and kodak moments...I was driving down the road today thinking about the children, and just began to thank God for giving them to us...God is so good...and we are so blessed!!! They are awesome children! Even in the challenging moments---they are gifts! Thanks to all those who have supported us throughout this process! You'll never know how much you've impacted our lives!
(Tomorrow we go to church for the first time with the children...will we get there on time? Stay tuned for the next post...)
The children have met several family and church family and friends. We have found a pediatrician. We go Monday for blood work. The children seem to be more familiar with their surroundings. They seem very proud of their rooms when people come to visit. Still trying to teach the boys how to make their beds. Tatiana does very well and seems to understand many directives given to her concerning daily routine things. They love to "Mamou" - "to go!"
Last night, we had our first surprise shower!!! It was given to us by a group of women I play Bunco with. We got lots of goodies! We were given lots of clothes, money, slip-n-slide, beach buckets & towels, build-a-bear, preschool barrel of monkey game, picture books and frame, learning write & wipe books & more! It was great!
The children especially liked the bats & balls that they were each given! Ben has treked to the neighbor's house at least 5 times today getting balls that have been hit over the fence!!!
Ben also set up the slip-n-slide and they loved it...calling it a "Lio" -(a river). He also went to Wal-Mart and got a 2 ft pool. They were in it for hours.The children love their pets, Ellie & Obba. They can all pronounce the names of the pets. Diego, especially loves them. He gives Obba sloppy kisses and bear hugs! He sat on Ellie yesterday like he was riding a horse. He has no fear! He loves the animals. I can't wait to visit my father. We call him "G-Daddy," and he has several horses that the children will be able to ride!
Andrew looks forward to school; we drove by it last week. I need to talk to the principal next week to make sure they will be able to provide ESL services and register him. We have tried to contact the lawyer to begin the readoption process, but unable to talk to her at this point.
The children are sleeping well at night- all thru the night. They get up really early. I guess the old saying is true, "Early to bed, early to rise..." They get up between 6-630-730 and go to bed around 830. We often pooped at the end of the day and are usually close behind them in retiring for the night...
Well, parenthood has been really busy for us both. It has had many challenges and many triumphs, hearty laughs, and kodak moments...I was driving down the road today thinking about the children, and just began to thank God for giving them to us...God is so good...and we are so blessed!!! They are awesome children! Even in the challenging moments---they are gifts! Thanks to all those who have supported us throughout this process! You'll never know how much you've impacted our lives!
(Tomorrow we go to church for the first time with the children...will we get there on time? Stay tuned for the next post...)
Andrew, my Colombian Prince…precious child. He is catching more phrases. They can all say Hallelujah (Diego has some difficulty still); Andrew tries to say, “I love you” and his name –“An-doo”—“Woo” Andrew is very smart! He picks up quickly. He is counting 1-10 in both English and Spanish. I believe that his schooling must have taught him. He is a great colorer, if that’s a word! He yearns for attention. And gives his Mami and Papi lots of hugs and kisses! He is very affectionate toward his siblings, too. Likes to dress nicely and always tucks in his shirt. He likes socks that are “mid-calf” vs. the white golf socks we brought. He is much fun, also.
ICBF is supposed to come visit again. They have not been here yet. Maybe today? We meet with the lawyer to sign some papers to sign power of attorney or representation this morning at 9. We have been invited to go to lunch with the interpreter and his family at their house. Then Carlos, our interpreter, said he will take us to the park so the children can run and play around 4 today! (Yea!) Tomorrow, we sign the official paperwork stating that Diego, Tatiana, and Andrew are officially our children! We have lots of pics and hope to be able to post when able. They are so precious! Well, I must get out clothing and prepare for their showers; it’s funny how time goes by so quickly now when you have three little ones to dress!!!! 
It seems surreal. Something I’ve waited for, dreamed of…pinch me! Andrew came in and hugged and kissed Ben saying, “Mi Papa, Mi Papa!” Then I got a big hug and kiss with a “Mi Mama, Mi Mama!” Oh, the precious kisses of a child…Tatiana was a bit uncertain of what was going on. Once we went to the market, she began to call us “Mami y Papi;” She likes to take pictures, and she is very “Princess”---! In Florencia, we are having difficulty with computer access as the hotel staff speak no English and we speak poco espaniole. Diego is just as we expected! He is a little Benjamin as both our interpretor and lawyer have nicknamed him.
One last happy…or maybe a few more…Andrew is counting in both Spanish and English. He recognizes and recalls family photos. We tried to read a bible devotional and pray with them…and it seemed to fail miserably; Ben said that the only ones listening were me and him…but later we sang the song “Hallelujah…Hallelujah”---ya know the song, that is really repetitive but calming and reassuring …well Andrew was the first to say it…How-day-du-ja and even when we weren’t singing anymore, we heard him saying it…Tatiana also began singing it as well. Diego verbalized something like “How-lay”---so a big Thank you, Jesus! How awesome it is to know that God has entrusted me and Ben with these Jewels. I love them so much and yet to know them…. They are so precious. Hallelujah…!
