Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Hangin' in There






















Karen:












Our second full day has come and almost gone. Andres went to bed after one more "fit" at 8pm and the other boys are in bed, but not asleep yet. Dan went up to try to help that process along a little. Andres has had a long day. Several "fits" because he can't have his way, can't throw things and can't go from one activity to the next unless he is good and ready. They are short-lived and end with him happy again. We took a walk this morning between breakfast and lunch. There is a small park a short distance away. The only thing operable was the slide, but it was great fun for everyone. We went swimming this afternoon. We were the only ones there. The water was a little cool, but not bad. They had a wonderful time. The taxi ride home almost put Andres to sleep. We decided we now know the cost of getting him to sleep! We played a little before and after dinner. The older boys watched a movie with Dan on the computer.












The boys are very much as they were described. Maicol is the "older brother" watching out for and telling Juan what to do. He is smart and wants to learn. Dan is teaching him the game Snood on the computer. He also loves to take pictures. Many are of the TV, so we have had to edit them down a bit. He is very caring and willing to share. Juan is just a "charming little boy" according to Dan. He reminds me of Beaver on the Leave it to Beaver show. Sweet, but into something and busy. He is not fearful - both a good and bad quality. Andres is still a "baby". He doesn't like it if he can't have his way, can't throw things that shouldn't be thrown or transition from one activity to the next. All difficult for a 2 year old and especially when we can't explain it to him very well. Patricia has helped a great deal explaining things to him, but I think he soon forgets. They continue to be good eaters, but not crazy about vegetables.












Dan:






Patricia let me know that Juan Pablo definately has some speech difficulties. It was a mystery to me since I couldn't hardly understand a word he said anyway. But when I started to try to get him to say some English words it was a real challenge to get him to make sounds correctly. But I'm really looking forward to the challenge.












We all had a blast at the pool today! Though the boys can't really swim yet they are very comfortable with being in the water. Maicol is really trying hard to swim and is making good progress.












This is a very facinating place to visit. Riding in a taxi is here is like siting in the middle of a fast paced video game. It's absolutely crazy the way people drive here! I'm glad I don't have to get behind the wheel. The scenery is beautiful and the people are very nice, but there are many things and people we are beginning to miss at home in the good old U.S. of A. But we're here for awhile and I know it's really going to be worth it.












7 comments:

AnaMaria said...

Very excited to read the update. Christopher had me print out yesterday's pictures when he saw them. He's also gone around all afternoon saying "Juan Pablo" in his dramatic fashion. I hope he's as enthusiatic when they all get together!

Mary

Anonymous said...

Dear Karen and Dan,
Thanks so much for the nightly update and the pix. It's so good to be able to hear a little about your days. You're right, Andres is being 2. But he'll only fuss long enough to know that you mean business and that you'll still love him despite the fusses. Then, I think they will subside; flare up once in a while; then go away. But, what do I know ;*)

I think it's wonderful that Maicol is such a good big brother and that Dan's been able to start him on learning computer games, etc. already.

We'll be thinking of you all and hoping that the days continue in learning and love.

beth baker said...

They better not break my camera! haha...thanks for posting pictures mom. The kids are so cute! I can't wait to meet them. Tell them that for me if you can! Glad to hear that ya'll are doing good. I've got a lot of people up here prayin for you! love you guys!

Sherri said...

Karen and Dan,

It's been great following your journey. We prayed for you Monday night (the CHI Colombia prayer group), and when we were done checked your blog and you had just posted. So we were celebrating for you! The boys are beautiful, it's awesome to see their smiles. We'll keep praying, God bless you!

Sherri Cousineau (from CHI Yahoo group)

Connie said...

Great photos, and it sounds like you are doing well. I knew I was acclimated to Colombia when I rode back from Ibague to Bogota with Jhonny. I could tell he was much more conservative a driver than the other taxi drivers in Ibague. :)

We also found that the descriptions of our children given to us by ICBF were very accurate. I felt the entire process was very ethical and they were really trying to do what was best for the kids. By the way, if you have any medical issues, try to get complete records. Our kids tested positive for TB and we are going to be required to give them the full course of antibiotics (6 months) even though they were treated in Colombia, because we don't have the documentation--only a narrative statement. Something to take care of while you're there. It was mentioned in the paperwork we were given before we formally sent a letter of intent to adopt.

Genece said...

Karen and Dan,
What a pleasure it is to read about your adoption adventures. As part of the prayer group Sherri was referring to, we prayed for you and your family on Monday night, although clearly so many of your prayers have already been answered. Best wishes in your family's bonding process and I'll continue to check in. As a future mom-to-be of three siblings from Colombia (no referral yet though getting close), I'm taking it all in! Enjoy your time and God Bless!
Genece
http://halfaskyaway.blogspot.com

BobAndJane said...

We are so excited for you. I think I am over the tears when I read your blog now (happy tears)!! Bob and I look forward to reading it to see what fun things happened. Can't wait to meet the boys in person. Hope everyone is feeling better by now and the boys didn't get it. Enjoyed your call at the campground!!