Showing posts with label Get Well Andrea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Get Well Andrea. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Carrier Monkeys
So today was not my much anticipated return to work and the twins much anticipated beginning in day care. I woke up with aches, a sore throat and a fever of 101.2. I have had more sicknesses since we met our children than I can remember, so I am totally blaming them, especially since there has been a significant amount of coughing and sneezing going on in Casa de la Eisenberger and Daniel had a fever yesterday. Fortunately, Troy came home to let me sleep and he is going in late tomorrow to let me go to Urgent Care - my fever is up to 102.5 and I now have what appears to be a blood blister in the area of my left tonsil. Not good. We will keep you posted, but as always please pray for the health of the members of our household.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Last Post From Pereira
Well, we are finally headed back to Bogotá! Our flight leaves at 11:20 AM (Colombia time). Our agency is still trying to strong arm us into staying where we don't want to stay, so please pray that this issue will resolve itself quickly. I, especially, have no desire to stay one place for one night and them move all of our stuff to our place of choice for another. The challenge has been contacting places in Bogotá from here and we have had several "lost in translation" moments and our in-country contacts in Bogotá have been of no help since we decided that Zuetana was not the place for us. Hopefully, once we either get to the airport or get to Bogotá we can really stand up for ourselves and let them know how important it is that we find a place that is going to work for us, especially since we will be here through August 7 now.
More pressing prayer issues: Samuel was asking Troy yesterday if their foster mother would be coming to Bogotá and then living with us in the U.S. I think that he may go through a bigger bought of homesickness than we anticipated. Daniel has been saying all morning that his stomach hurts and has been really, really crying. Poor baby. He seems to be OK now, he even ate breakfast, but I think that seeing all of the suitcases and not really understanding what is going on might be freaking him out a little. Also, he has been retreating a little more this morning. He might just be tired, but he seems to be back in his own "Daniel Place" where he has been more vibrant and interactive over the past week to ten days. Luis is just afraid of everything so there is no telling how the plane ride will go. And, in the continuing Andrea-health-saga, I woke up with another sore throat that I think is due to drainage because I had an allergy attack last night and couldn't find where I packed the Benadryl, but my chest is starting to feel congested too.
Troy ran to the ATM (for the second time today - the first time it was closed, of course) to get more cash. He may have more thoughts to add to this post, but the next time you hear from us we will be at a higher elevation, in cooler weather and by the grace of God in a hotel near a parque and a supermercado!
P.S. I hate to fly too, so pray that I will be able to comfort my children through my fear!
More pressing prayer issues: Samuel was asking Troy yesterday if their foster mother would be coming to Bogotá and then living with us in the U.S. I think that he may go through a bigger bought of homesickness than we anticipated. Daniel has been saying all morning that his stomach hurts and has been really, really crying. Poor baby. He seems to be OK now, he even ate breakfast, but I think that seeing all of the suitcases and not really understanding what is going on might be freaking him out a little. Also, he has been retreating a little more this morning. He might just be tired, but he seems to be back in his own "Daniel Place" where he has been more vibrant and interactive over the past week to ten days. Luis is just afraid of everything so there is no telling how the plane ride will go. And, in the continuing Andrea-health-saga, I woke up with another sore throat that I think is due to drainage because I had an allergy attack last night and couldn't find where I packed the Benadryl, but my chest is starting to feel congested too.
Troy ran to the ATM (for the second time today - the first time it was closed, of course) to get more cash. He may have more thoughts to add to this post, but the next time you hear from us we will be at a higher elevation, in cooler weather and by the grace of God in a hotel near a parque and a supermercado!
P.S. I hate to fly too, so pray that I will be able to comfort my children through my fear!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Still Trapped
The news is not good. Although we do have the boys passports (which I will recount at another time), we found out this evening that we cannot get doctor's appointments at the embassy until Thursday evening due to more vacations. Needless to say, we are not coming home on Sunday and Troy and I are pretty much devastated. We have decided to stay in Pereira until Thursday because we are far more comfortable here and aren't really that excited about going back to Bogotá except to go home.
Other challenges: We also don't have a place to stay in Bogotá. We didn't want to go back to Zuetana, and our agency (though they assured us in the beginning we could switch) doesn't have any other options for us so we are trying to find a place on our own that will be more accommodating to our expanded family. Also, I am terribly sick again. This time it seems to be the stomach virus that Troy had. I won't go into details about all the symptoms, but it does include a splitting headache, chills and aches (again!). Daniel also threw up twice this morning, but he seems to have recovered (so have I...it was kind of funny because he would burp real loud, then spew, then burst into tears. I wasn't quite sure of what to do at first - laugh or comfort him, I went for the latter and then clean up.)
We will keep all of you posted on what our plan of action is. Please pray that every detail would fall into place, that Troy and I would not let our sadness affect our parenting or take it out on the boys, and that Delta will be merciful and give us return flights sooner rather than later.
Other challenges: We also don't have a place to stay in Bogotá. We didn't want to go back to Zuetana, and our agency (though they assured us in the beginning we could switch) doesn't have any other options for us so we are trying to find a place on our own that will be more accommodating to our expanded family. Also, I am terribly sick again. This time it seems to be the stomach virus that Troy had. I won't go into details about all the symptoms, but it does include a splitting headache, chills and aches (again!). Daniel also threw up twice this morning, but he seems to have recovered (so have I...it was kind of funny because he would burp real loud, then spew, then burst into tears. I wasn't quite sure of what to do at first - laugh or comfort him, I went for the latter and then clean up.)
We will keep all of you posted on what our plan of action is. Please pray that every detail would fall into place, that Troy and I would not let our sadness affect our parenting or take it out on the boys, and that Delta will be merciful and give us return flights sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
2 weeks with the kids...
Just a short "middle-of-the-night" post. We had intentions of getting out of the house yesterday, but awoke to find Samuel with a fever. We were again grounded @ El Cortijo.
The doctor came to our room around 11:30, it seems Samuel has a virus, but nothing major. The biggest challenge the rest of the day was getting him to rest in his bed. The twins seemed to pick up the energy he didn't have, and especially were wired before bed. They also didn't want to go down for their nap, so we separated them and put Luis Angel in our bed where he slept for 20 minutes. That was long enough for him to pee the bed though. Sigh.
Andrea is still getting over her cold. The weather makes recovery tough. It is hot, then cold, then rains. Every day. We had a massive storm kill the power for about an hour yesterday.
We are hoping to head out today to an amusement park. Everyone will keep taking medicine, we will stay out of the water, and hopefully all will be well. We are still waiting for our court date. We are hoping big for this Friday. Please. As much as we are trying to "enjoy the experience", it gets hard every day you spnd inside a single room together.
Also, just wanted to let my Dad know my thoughts and prayers are with him today. He has a very important surgery today, and I definately wish I could be there. Love you Dad!
The doctor came to our room around 11:30, it seems Samuel has a virus, but nothing major. The biggest challenge the rest of the day was getting him to rest in his bed. The twins seemed to pick up the energy he didn't have, and especially were wired before bed. They also didn't want to go down for their nap, so we separated them and put Luis Angel in our bed where he slept for 20 minutes. That was long enough for him to pee the bed though. Sigh.
Andrea is still getting over her cold. The weather makes recovery tough. It is hot, then cold, then rains. Every day. We had a massive storm kill the power for about an hour yesterday.
We are hoping to head out today to an amusement park. Everyone will keep taking medicine, we will stay out of the water, and hopefully all will be well. We are still waiting for our court date. We are hoping big for this Friday. Please. As much as we are trying to "enjoy the experience", it gets hard every day you spnd inside a single room together.
Also, just wanted to let my Dad know my thoughts and prayers are with him today. He has a very important surgery today, and I definately wish I could be there. Love you Dad!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Quick Health Update...
Hopefully we will have some photo updates soon. Updates from the farm trip, the bank visit, and a detailed Integration report...
Anyways, we just spent the last 3 hours at the hospital where we found out Andrea has bronchitis. She has been extremely weak, and was hooked up to an IV, and was given inhaler treatments for about 1 1/2 hours. She has an arsenal of drugs including an inhaler that came with a giant bottle to breath in to. She goes back for a follow-up appointment at 6 pm tomorrow.
Much thanks to the staff at El Cortijo for all their help, especially the owner Rosario who stayed to watch the boys, and her driver Jose who took us to, and waited the 3 hours with us, the hospital.
We will keep you posted as things continue to move forward. Hopefully once Andrea is feeling better in a few days, we will be able to have a few days of trips out and about.
-Troy and Andrea
Anyways, we just spent the last 3 hours at the hospital where we found out Andrea has bronchitis. She has been extremely weak, and was hooked up to an IV, and was given inhaler treatments for about 1 1/2 hours. She has an arsenal of drugs including an inhaler that came with a giant bottle to breath in to. She goes back for a follow-up appointment at 6 pm tomorrow.
Much thanks to the staff at El Cortijo for all their help, especially the owner Rosario who stayed to watch the boys, and her driver Jose who took us to, and waited the 3 hours with us, the hospital.
We will keep you posted as things continue to move forward. Hopefully once Andrea is feeling better in a few days, we will be able to have a few days of trips out and about.
-Troy and Andrea
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
Oh where to begin?! We have seriously slacked in the posting department (until dear hubby filled you all in on some details this afternoon), and now there is more to write than can possibly be written before my cold medicine kicks in and I start to nod off. Yes, it is just a cold. Well, one of the worst colds I have had (except that nasty virus I got over our anniversary - maybe my sister has poisoned me against going to the zoo!) I have had a fever, chills, sore throat, and congestion that started coming on yesterday. Thankfully not a stomach virus. Troy has been AMAZING!!! He says that the Lord struck me down to force him to spend time with the kids alone, and let me just say that he has really stepped up the plate - doing meals solo, dressing the kids, taking them to the bank so I could sleep, etc. I could not be more proud of him. And the kids, though they don't totally get it, keep saying "Mama es muy enferma!" (Mama is very sick!) I am on the upswing, but it has zapped my energy and caused my patience to wear very thin.
So what have we been doing over the last few days? On Sunday we went to the Metacaña Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in South America. It was pretty amazing and nothing like any zoo you will see in the states. [AMANDA please feel free to skip this part - although, Sissy, you would be proud as to the fact that I was questioning some of this zoo's practices!] First off, you can feed the animals - zebras, monkeys, boar, etc... Second, you are only a few meters away from even the wilder animals like the lions. Third, the security seems to consist of some padlocks and that's about it. But the landscaping is to die for, and at several points you can see the Andes beyond the animal displays. It was pretty crazy. This was also our first test of walking for long periods of time with the boys. The twins seemed into it, but they must have been there before because about halfway through Samuel was over it and started doing all of the things that kids do when they are bored like not listening, attempting to wander off, etc... In Charlotte, we are going to borrow the Frey's new dog Ruthie who is part Border Collie to herd them when we go on treks like this.
At the end of the animal displays is this great playground, so we got to experience something truly joyous: watching our kids learn to play on playground equipment. The twins are afraid of everything so we are learning that they have not been exposed to much. I put Luis on the slide and he screamed the whole time and didn't want to go again. I put Daniel on the slide and I couldn't get him to stop wanting to go down the slide. In fact, he got to the point where he would climb the ladder by himself and didn't need me to be at the bottom - which got him in trouble on another slide in a different part of the playground where he landed on his butt and not his feet and proceeded to wail. I am so proud of his bravery though. Samuel was all over the place, trying everything out. I finally got Luis to relax and swing with me a bit, but it takes a lot of patience and "Estas bien"s ("You're OK") with him.
Yesterday, Troy took them to the bank which from what I understand was a disaster. Then we all went shopping in the afternoon, and that is when I knew that I was sicker than I thought because I was at the end of my rope with patience by the time we woke up from siesta I was burning up with fever and aching all over. And today I spent pretty much in bed while Troy was #1 caretaker. And it was raining AGAIN! It rains A LOT here. I hate to say it, but I am thankful for drought-riddled Charlotte because rain = no going outside = cooped up in the hotel with 3 boys = no fun for anyone, especially mama and papa.
All in all, we are doing well. We measure our days by mealtimes. We still feel very much like we are babysitting someone else's kids. Raul Velez Velez, the Colombia Adoption Program Director for Commonwealth Adoptions (our agency), called today to talk to Troy and said that "one day the kids will adopt you too." We look forward to that day and know that right now it is just plain awkward for all of us.
Like Troy said, tomorrow is our Integration meeting which is where we go back to the Social Services office to talk about how we are doing, how the kids are doing, etc... After that, the legal process begins and we will wait for the judge to issue the adoption decree (Sentencia). All we really have to do is hang out and continue to get to know these boys. Hopefully soon I will be able to post about their personalities to help you all get to know them a little better because they are each so unique and amazing. Until then, here are some zoo and miscellaneous pics from the last few days:
Our first (and only) family portrait.
Troy, Samuel and Daniel feeding the zebras.
Me and Luis watching one of the African elephants. Luis really likes elephants...probably not nearly as much as me.
The boys getting food from José our driver/tour guide for the day. He works for Rosario, but is available to take us anywhere we need which is great. The drawback is that he doesn't speak English, but Troy's Spanish is getting better everyday. Believe it or not so is mine. José asked Troy a question and I understood it before he did.
Our monkeys feeding the monkeys! How fitting!
This is the backside of the ostrich pen, but they are hilarious because they keep poking their heads up over the wall. Too, too funny!
Samuel had no trouble having a ball at the playground. He loves to play.
The twins are addicted to soup. Here is Daniel in his giant, catch-all bib. We still have to tuck a napkin under his chin because more food ends up on him than in him. He is a total mess, but he clears his plate/bowl.
After the zoo, we stopped for some traditional Colombian fare. Before we came here, I was really worried about what I was going to eat. I even emailed my friend Sheila Derr for advice. Let me tell you, as a pure, vegetable-hating carnivore, I am in paradise. I get yummy meat at every meal! This restaurant we ate at served barbeque (not carolina style) and it was so delicious. I asked for cow... I think I had cow.
Troy on the other hand had this unidentified pork... I am still hoping I had cow.
The twins. Luis on the left. Daniel on the right. And I did a crazy, but necessary thing this week - I sent their blankets to be washed (gasp!) Naptime yesterday and today and bedtime last night was a little rough, but we got through it. Fortunately, the blankets are back so they are sleeping peacefully. I apologize to my Mommy for all of the pain I caused her where my Poocoos was concerned!
So what have we been doing over the last few days? On Sunday we went to the Metacaña Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in South America. It was pretty amazing and nothing like any zoo you will see in the states. [AMANDA please feel free to skip this part - although, Sissy, you would be proud as to the fact that I was questioning some of this zoo's practices!] First off, you can feed the animals - zebras, monkeys, boar, etc... Second, you are only a few meters away from even the wilder animals like the lions. Third, the security seems to consist of some padlocks and that's about it. But the landscaping is to die for, and at several points you can see the Andes beyond the animal displays. It was pretty crazy. This was also our first test of walking for long periods of time with the boys. The twins seemed into it, but they must have been there before because about halfway through Samuel was over it and started doing all of the things that kids do when they are bored like not listening, attempting to wander off, etc... In Charlotte, we are going to borrow the Frey's new dog Ruthie who is part Border Collie to herd them when we go on treks like this.
At the end of the animal displays is this great playground, so we got to experience something truly joyous: watching our kids learn to play on playground equipment. The twins are afraid of everything so we are learning that they have not been exposed to much. I put Luis on the slide and he screamed the whole time and didn't want to go again. I put Daniel on the slide and I couldn't get him to stop wanting to go down the slide. In fact, he got to the point where he would climb the ladder by himself and didn't need me to be at the bottom - which got him in trouble on another slide in a different part of the playground where he landed on his butt and not his feet and proceeded to wail. I am so proud of his bravery though. Samuel was all over the place, trying everything out. I finally got Luis to relax and swing with me a bit, but it takes a lot of patience and "Estas bien"s ("You're OK") with him.
Yesterday, Troy took them to the bank which from what I understand was a disaster. Then we all went shopping in the afternoon, and that is when I knew that I was sicker than I thought because I was at the end of my rope with patience by the time we woke up from siesta I was burning up with fever and aching all over. And today I spent pretty much in bed while Troy was #1 caretaker. And it was raining AGAIN! It rains A LOT here. I hate to say it, but I am thankful for drought-riddled Charlotte because rain = no going outside = cooped up in the hotel with 3 boys = no fun for anyone, especially mama and papa.
All in all, we are doing well. We measure our days by mealtimes. We still feel very much like we are babysitting someone else's kids. Raul Velez Velez, the Colombia Adoption Program Director for Commonwealth Adoptions (our agency), called today to talk to Troy and said that "one day the kids will adopt you too." We look forward to that day and know that right now it is just plain awkward for all of us.
Like Troy said, tomorrow is our Integration meeting which is where we go back to the Social Services office to talk about how we are doing, how the kids are doing, etc... After that, the legal process begins and we will wait for the judge to issue the adoption decree (Sentencia). All we really have to do is hang out and continue to get to know these boys. Hopefully soon I will be able to post about their personalities to help you all get to know them a little better because they are each so unique and amazing. Until then, here are some zoo and miscellaneous pics from the last few days:
Our first (and only) family portrait.
Troy, Samuel and Daniel feeding the zebras.
Me and Luis watching one of the African elephants. Luis really likes elephants...probably not nearly as much as me.
The boys getting food from José our driver/tour guide for the day. He works for Rosario, but is available to take us anywhere we need which is great. The drawback is that he doesn't speak English, but Troy's Spanish is getting better everyday. Believe it or not so is mine. José asked Troy a question and I understood it before he did.
Our monkeys feeding the monkeys! How fitting!
This is the backside of the ostrich pen, but they are hilarious because they keep poking their heads up over the wall. Too, too funny!
Samuel had no trouble having a ball at the playground. He loves to play.
The twins are addicted to soup. Here is Daniel in his giant, catch-all bib. We still have to tuck a napkin under his chin because more food ends up on him than in him. He is a total mess, but he clears his plate/bowl.
After the zoo, we stopped for some traditional Colombian fare. Before we came here, I was really worried about what I was going to eat. I even emailed my friend Sheila Derr for advice. Let me tell you, as a pure, vegetable-hating carnivore, I am in paradise. I get yummy meat at every meal! This restaurant we ate at served barbeque (not carolina style) and it was so delicious. I asked for cow... I think I had cow.
Troy on the other hand had this unidentified pork... I am still hoping I had cow.
The twins. Luis on the left. Daniel on the right. And I did a crazy, but necessary thing this week - I sent their blankets to be washed (gasp!) Naptime yesterday and today and bedtime last night was a little rough, but we got through it. Fortunately, the blankets are back so they are sleeping peacefully. I apologize to my Mommy for all of the pain I caused her where my Poocoos was concerned!
We're still here....(day 7 pre-update)
Just want to let the faithful know that we are still alive.
Andrea has been very, very sick, and I've been trying to keep up with the boys. We have zoo pictures (sorry Amanda), and plenty of exciting tales to fill everyone in on.
So this post isn't just a placeholder....here are some fun parenting blunders we've had so far (note mostly Troy's...). Live and learn!
- we have both put glasses on the wrong twin
- One night when getting ready for bed I put bath gel on Samuel's toothbrush. He gave me the best, What the hell is this look.
- In the mall parking lot, after Luis his head on a car side mirror, I hurried to get him inside the car, and hit his head of the top of the car.
- I dressed everyone this morning. Luis Angel's shoes were on the wrong feet (hey, I just tie them), and Daniel's shirt is on backwards (after 10 minutes of fighting with him...it was "good enough")
The language gap is still huge. The twins speak baby spanish, and Samuel gets frustrated when we don't know his real Spanish. He has said, "black, Sylvia, Go, Diego, and Go,".
Okay, hopefully a big photo filled post after 9 when the gang goes to sleep.
Tomorrow is Intergration where we all meet with the Colombian psychologist, see how everyone is getting along, and become family more or less in the eyes of the Colombian government. This is @ 10am.
Thanks beyond words for all who read and comment. You are definately helping to keep our spirits up in a sometimes very tough time.
Much Love,
Troy
Andrea has been very, very sick, and I've been trying to keep up with the boys. We have zoo pictures (sorry Amanda), and plenty of exciting tales to fill everyone in on.
So this post isn't just a placeholder....here are some fun parenting blunders we've had so far (note mostly Troy's...). Live and learn!
- we have both put glasses on the wrong twin
- One night when getting ready for bed I put bath gel on Samuel's toothbrush. He gave me the best, What the hell is this look.
- In the mall parking lot, after Luis his head on a car side mirror, I hurried to get him inside the car, and hit his head of the top of the car.
- I dressed everyone this morning. Luis Angel's shoes were on the wrong feet (hey, I just tie them), and Daniel's shirt is on backwards (after 10 minutes of fighting with him...it was "good enough")
The language gap is still huge. The twins speak baby spanish, and Samuel gets frustrated when we don't know his real Spanish. He has said, "black, Sylvia, Go, Diego, and Go,".
Okay, hopefully a big photo filled post after 9 when the gang goes to sleep.
Tomorrow is Intergration where we all meet with the Colombian psychologist, see how everyone is getting along, and become family more or less in the eyes of the Colombian government. This is @ 10am.
Thanks beyond words for all who read and comment. You are definately helping to keep our spirits up in a sometimes very tough time.
Much Love,
Troy
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