Day Four Along the Journey

It’s Thursday! We first met our children on Monday…it still does not seem real. As I type this note, they are all sleeping strown across the beds from time to time you may hear a whimper or funny noise from Tatiana…

Yesterday, we went to a few stores to get Tatiana some capris and the boys some more camisas. The longer we carried them the heavier they became so Ben and I decided to buy a stroller, but Ben did not want to buy just one but two…so, Diego and Tatiana rode while Andrew pushed or assisted Ben in pushing. Diego went to sleep immediately.

We are seeing more of their own personality and character. Diego is more than we imagined…he is absolutely hilarious! He is very fun and has a funny chuckle! Sometimes, he is left out of things by the other siblings because maybe he doesn’t understand or he is younger. He sometimes becomes aggressive trying to get their attention or your attention. The children like to hug and kiss; Diego hugs and bites trying to blow and make funny noises on your face!!! And as the report indicated, he loves to eat- anything from crayons to crackers to mango juice to water-- anything.

(Funny side note: Yesterday, Ben was trying to warm his soup. Ben was really hungry and Diego, initially did not want to eat the soup-wanting his toy; Ben began eating the soup and coercing Diego with “Oh, this is so good!” As he continued to eat…finally Diego began eating. The interpreter joined us later and told Ben and I the special for the day was the soup. The soup was made of cow tail! The interpreter, his wife, Ben and I laughed hysterically. Ben said, “No Mas!!!” Here, the interpreter explained they eat different parts of the cow such as the tongue and tail…I suppose they do that in the states, as well, we just have never…but now Ben can say he has!)

Tatiana is warming up to us. She is beginning to trust us more. She and Andrew are really close and conversate amongst themselves often. When any of the children are corrected by Ben or me, she watches closely. When I take Diego to the bathroom, she usually comes by and says “Diego, chi-chi or tu-tu?” She is picky about what she wants to wear, too. Most of the clothing we brought here were 3-4s. Tatiana is a 2-3. We had to buy more clothing last night. She is our Colombian Princess! She loves to have her hair combed and look in the mirror. She likes her purse with all the fru-fru stuff (idea off the CHI yahoo group).
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.

All the children love to see pictures of themselves and take pictures. They also love their sippy cups (April M’s Idea!) They love to vamos outside of the hotel room! We’ve only went swimming once. The pool is not heated and very “frio” and Tatiana and Diego seem to have some congestion problems and a slight cough. We have given them some cough and cold Tylenol. So, we occupied our time with Dora, Diego, the Incredibles, Coloring, Legos, Beach Ball (which I highly recommend to other families), feeding times, and fun “Pounce on Papi” times…and while Papi has them occupied, I try to go behind them picking up crayons (they do not like any broken crayons?), trash, etc.
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!!!!