Sorry this is coming late - last night by the time I got to do the entry - I got about two paragraphs in and fell asleep witht he laptop on my chest. Woke up at 2 and just wanted to get to sleep so here is the update on yesterday.
Yesterday was pretty good - for the most part. we all just kind of hung out and did our own thing.
Jhon-Fredy and I went to the grocery store in the morning because we found out that Carol loves red apples and we wanted to stock up because she really hasn't been eating much at breakfast. However, it turned out to be an apple eating frenzy. Jhon-Fredy ate 2 in a row plus a few other pieces of fruit...needless to say we were visiting the bathroom quite often later in the day. We warned him!
Donna was feeling a little under the weather and her and Anji took it kind of easy. In the afternoon Jhon-Fredy and I went for a walk and when I got back the doctor was here for the follow-up to her visit the other day. Anji and Carol are doing much better. The doctor even complimented Donna on how well they looked. After that Carol and I took a walk together and sat and people watched over a soda on the front steps of a nearby church. It's pretty interesting here in Bogotá. Today I'm going to try and post some pics of Bogotá - haven't really had too much of a chance to get some good shots.
Carol continues to deal with some emotional issues. She goes into a terrible crying fit whenever she doesn't get her way and seems to like to taunt Jhon-Fredy and Anji when they are crying or are upset. I truly think that she has feeling this change the most - while Jhon-Fredy and Anji are too young to know any better or remember anything about their mother.
So we have had man many meltdowns to deal with. But overall things are going pretty well. The meltdowns just indicate that they ar trusting us to show their moods - good an bad and we'll still love them. It was kind of cute when Carol was SCREAMING and crying in my arms and had to stop a second to yawn - then start back up. I just tears my heart out when she looks at me like "I really want to stop crying, Papi, but I just can't!". She is just absolutely beautiful - even when she's crying.
Here's some pics from yesterday.
We had a surprise visit from an old friend - Donna's sister Natalie adopted a child from Colombia, Mark, back in 2000 and Donna has kept in touch with her attorney. Here is Carol with Maria, the attorney, and her son, Santiago - if you look closely you can see Jhon-Fredy being very shy over Santiago's right shoulder.
Here's Carol and Anji - getting along - for a few minutes
Alright - we're off to the baby store to get some puzzles and hair pins for Carol. Talk to you tonight.
Scott
I have so enjoyed the daily updates and admire you for having the time and energy to keep us in the know! I look forward each day to seeing and hearing about the kids...they are so precious. I am anxious for your homecoming and that first visit with those little ones who are now a major part of your lives!
Aunt Mazie
I guess there is just no explanation for the way kids behave at times. Your kids sure look happy enough. Can't wait to see all of you in person. I won't know what to say -- I don't know a word of Spanish.
Uncle Rege
Sounds like pretty typical behavior for a child in Carol's postition. Praise God He placed her in your care. Sounds like you understand as much as you can, care tremendously and will see her through this difficult transition. It must be really tough for her to trust. Just keep on loving her through it and I will say some extra prayers for you and her.
You are awesome Donna! Hoping to hear good news about an earlier than expected arrival back home in the burgh!
love and blessings,
darlene grieco
Thank you for taking the time to share your stories with us!! I really feel like I'm getting to know your kids. I know it must be exhausting, but it must be a great feeling that the kids feel they can trust you with all of their emotions! Your hard work is paying off.
So happy for you, Scott and Donna, and family!!
Our love, Karen and monsters