Since we have been home...

...things have gone by at warp speed...

So much has happened; I have not been able to keep up with blogging, but would like to catch you up to date with how much the children have flourished since we've been home...

Something really precious that the children do is before eating their meals, they clasp their hands together and say, "No comer! No comer, Mami!" Andrew has made a rule that you can't eat until you pray...well, sometimes he tries to sneak a fry, but he watches Diego more closely! The children first would say "Dear God, Thank you for Food, Amen!" We've added "thank you for family, " now. Diego says prayers too, and he wants to say them out loud after Andrew and Tatiana has.

Andrew's difficult behaviors are not as difficult any more. I believe he is beginning to trust us and with consistency in our discipline that has also helped him. Andrew has started school, and is learning more each day. The teachers tell us he has difficulty standing in line. Today, there was a note stating he was pushing and hitting...he seemed remorseful when we discussed this at home. "No grosario, Andrew!" Andrew understands the consequences if we get another note home "Manana"... He says, "I sorry, Mami!" He looks so cute in his school uniform.


Tatiana turns four tomorrow. We celebrated her birthday last weekend by having a girls' Fairy Princess Party! She loved dressing up and she was a princess! I made her outfit, and even made me a tutu. G-Mami also dressed up. It was fun! Tatiana is learning lots of English. She complies with directives given easily. We went to the hair salon last weekend, and she got her first haircut! It was so funny. While I was getting my haircut, she was following another salon artist around with her hand on one hip...as if she were supervising!! She is such a doll!



Diego!!! He is growing! I believe he has gotten taller. It seems he gets jealous easily when his brother is around. We are trying to teach him how to share...his hair is finally growing out; we style it by giving it a "punk" look on top. Today it parted to one side; it was so cute! He is speaking more english babble, I think! He still gives us open mouth kisses trying to make noises on our faces...he is not biting so much anymore! And we are so grateful for that! And best news of all, TODAY, NO CHI-CHI in his ropas!!!! Woohoo! We have done better with 1-3 accidents mostly after lunch, but today, NADA!!!

The children are on a set schedule, which is a good thing for me, because I like routine and schedules...they go to bed between 8-830 pm, and wake up between 630-7 am! They do best in the afternoons when they have had a nap. I don't believe Andrew gets a nap at school, but the other two are napping at home.

My mom, Beamie, has also been a great help! She helps with Tatiana, Diego, and Andrew in the day time while we are at work. She has really worked with Diego in potty training, and Tatiana and Andrew with identifying letters, numbers, and has just began colors. It is funny to hear her try to use Spanish words she has picked up from them. We are blessed with her being here. Please continue to pray for her as she continues to mourn the loss of her oldest child, my sister, Shanda.

Well, it's 10 pm, and I should get in bed soon. Early morning coming; I will try to post more often.

BTW, the children are praying for a waiting child in Colombia to be united with an adoptive parent that I am friends with through CHI yahoo adoption group. The child's name is Nataly. Please pray that God unite her with this Mom or a forever family soon. Thanks!