We had our meeting with the rep. from ICBF today, she arrived while we were eating breakfast. She sat in our room, asked how things were going , asked how the boys were behaving (ironically during this time Luis hit Carlos in the chest with a toy truck), and we asked several questions.
After that was over, we all rode in to town to get documents notarized (because we haven't done that enough...), and it was truly liberating to get out of the hotel, if only for a few hours. Highlights included Luis Angel setting off a car alarm with his head, and then crying his head off.
We gave the pool a try (see photos below), but only Carlos would go in (with water wings and an innertube). Tomorrow we are going to a country club where the owner of our hotel belongs. They supposedly have a wading pool that hopefully will appeal more to the twins.
Dinner was delicious (amazing tacos and nachos), but it soon devolved into a meltdown with all the kids laughing, playing with food, and not listening at all. The others eating in the room with us staring weren't helping either. I know we shouldn't be too sensitive, and that things will like be even worse in the States...but we're new at this, so to be honest, it completely sucked.
We have set forth an every-other-night bath schedule, and Luis Angel still screams the entire way through the bath. Daniel at least waits until his hair needs washed until he melts down.
The kids have been asleep for 2 hours, and Andrea and I have been in the closet talking, sharing our thoughts, and writing this post together. It honestly feels like so much more than 3 days. We are trying to keep things as sunny as possible on the blog, but there have been some serious desperation emails sent out behind the scenes. The language barrier has been rough. We were planning on keeping the kids at home for at least 6 months for time to bond and attach, but we are now looking into school programs at least for Carlos, because with limited communication, bonding will likely be slow going.
That's all for tonight. Enjoy the pics.
much love,
troy and andrea (and the boys)
Mama in a rare sit still moment with Daniel, and then Carlos jumped into the picture. But it is impossible to get all three of them to sit still and when they see the camera they move even faster and want to look at the screen to see themselves.
We finally got to go for a swim today...well we tried. The pool was freezing. This is Carlos Samuel fishing a leaf out of the pool. He is always helping out, cleaning up, clearing the table, etc...He even makes his bed when he first wakes up! We don't even make our bed...ever!
The twins are like night and day. Daniel sat on the side of the pool and was OK there, but Luis wouldn't even really come near until Mama came down and sat on the side too and put her legs in. Oh yes, I was pink within 10 minutes despite the sunblock.
El Cortijo has a nice big box of Megablocks (the boys' love these) downstairs near the pool, so we had a nice afternoon of building tall towers.
Just to prove that Troy is still living...with Daniel and Carlos. Note the as-promised shirt for all my friends in Central PA.
9 comments:
Praying for you guys!!
You go with the Keystone State Pride!!!!! It is so fun to see "The Spot" again...did you know that it closed this past year. So sad! =(
The pics are so fun, you guys! Hopefully the Pereira Country Club will give the boys ample opportunity to burn off some energy...and, for you guys to have an enjoyable afternoon together!
You guys totally have to take a 'closet collaboration' picture! That one has definitely got to be included in your 'memory' book! Have a wonderful night and great weekend!
I feel 1/3 of your pain! It was the same for us with Avi. I felt like I was babysitting most of time. I think the biggest error in all of our thinking is that we don't realize that these kids have already "lived" before we get them. They already have these little personalities and quirks that we are totally not ready for. It's a shock and awe moment for everyone involved.
All I can say is: routine, routine, routine. I really thought the advice given about staying close to home for awhile was hogwash. Let me tell you, it's not. I don't want to leave the house and she's only 11 months. I can't imagine what it's like for both of you.
It will get better and just ignore everyone else's stares. You won't ever see them again in about a month or so.
I know what it's like to have a bunch of wild kids around the house all day and they are not even all mine. Praying for you both. Don't give up. Try enjoy this mini-cracked out vacation. If you need to vent without anyone thinking you're nuts...send one our way.
Keep your chin up, I assure you it will get better. The first few weeks can be very tough and some say it takes months before they really feel a true bond, but it will happen I promise. Right now there is so much emotion for everyone it's hard to see the sun through the clouds, but it will come, it will come. Lots of prayers coming your way. Cry when you need to cry and let the laughter ring when you can.
When I thought about what I could do in my life that would actually make a difference - at the end of this long and generally selfish journey of the 'comfortable American lifestyle' -adoption was the answer I found. I believe it is one of the single greatest things you can do to serve God and the little children he so desperately loves. This is your big moment and you've taken the plunge so faithfully to serve Him and love these children through what you are doing. I am so inspired and excited when I read your blog because the gift you are giving these children is just amazing. Your 'tilling the garden' now...and when the flowers come and you see the beauty of your labor you will look back and smile. We are praying for you guys and know this can't be easy. But it's good and exciting and wonderful nonetheless. "And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me". We are praying for you and will be here to support you in any way you need when you get back.
How appropriate...mama with the swimming (cuz they have that at the Y!) and papa with the pseudo-engineering...
Hey guys... Congrats... Kathy sent the link to me... I am so happy for the two of you... Sorry, the five of you! It never gets easy, but it gets easier! One day you will wonder if there was a time in your life you didn't have them. Then all to soon they will be grown. Even though this is hard at the moment you will look back and cherish this time. :)
Love You Both!
Barb, Teller and Dani
Wow! A carnivore, I did not know that. I guess I need to keep a close eye on you and Becca when we get together, I would not want any conflicts to develop. I am glad to hear that Andrea is doing better. You are right; it is just another slice of life when one parent is ill the other must take up the slack. It sounds like things are going fine, just hang in there, things will get better. Enjoy this time you have with your children and cherish them for these are the days that you will remember forever.
Is your coche an automatico or does it have an embrague? I have heard that there may be a blue dentist around too.
Post a Comment