Our first week all together is going unbelievably well. We know that there is a "honeymoon" phase in adoption, and we could be in it! Not to say we haven't had some interesting moments, but, nothing that would be abnormal for any family! I am loving being a mami to 4 chicos...4 amazing kids!!!
Caroline is really coming out of her shell. Everyday giggling more, and interacting with her siblings... It is evident that she has a very good bond with Marta...and already appears to look up to her big sister! Up until last night she would not give Silas the time of day, but, after getting out a few balloons, they are becoming fast friends. He can really make her giggle! She is still very cautious of John, but, today at lunch I caught her giving him a few smiles when he wasn't looking (as soon as he looks at her, she quick turns her head). She is really beginning to trust me...we have had great moments each each morning getting ready. She is such a modest little girl who loves her "pretties," having her hair done, and choosing what to wear. She is indepentant, neat, artistic, and loves arts and crafts.
Marta is just precious. She does not babble, but, we can easily make her giggle! Her delay has become more obvious to us. We have been working very hard on getting her to roll over, crawl, and stand (holding something). Sometimes she is determined to try, othertimes get's mad and throws her head back. She is capable. Same goes with eating...somedays it's just mashed bananas and oatmeal, today she pounded 2 pancakes...but, she always has a smile, and craves snuggling and being held. She is so tender and easy to love!
Each day we push it a little further when we go outside...today we had icecream at Mimo's and everyone was full of smiles and giggles! But, our best moments are right at the hotel. The kids love listening to music while doing arts and crafts...it has been a great time of bonding as siblings!
We are blessed to have a fellow adoptee at Hotel Paris named Jenny. She is 13 years old and will be going home to Battle Creek, MI on Thursday with her dad and mom! She has been such a gift for our first few days, as Caroline recognized her from Pisingos.
Jenny is a lovely girl. And it was so nice that she could smile at Caroline during our first mealtimes, as mealtime has been the most difficult for her. She tends to be very serious, falling into her own little world. (This did change today at lunch-Isabel and Silas had her in stitches)!
Isabel is becoming fast friends with Valeria's daughter (Valeria works at the Hotel, and we've known her since our time here with Isabel's adoption), Camilla, who is 7 years old! We absolutely adore both of them!!
Silas had a bad day yesterday. We knew this would be the most diffiuclt on him. But, after his intense meltdown, he is back to his happy self! (Curt and Kim, you would appreciate during his meltdown he yelled "I want to go home...I don't like Colombia...I WANT TO SEE SAM!" Sam is is big cousin! He is a wonderful little man, a very protective big brother....he had a wonderful time playing baseball with Daddy at the park!
As we continue to learn and grow as a family we have been so overwhelmed by all our family and friend's emails/signing of the blog. It is such an encouragment to us! And we know we have been covered in prayer! We have experienced the hand of God in big ways these last few days!! Dios es bueno todos el tiempo!! God is good ALL THE TIME! Glory to His Name!
Hi!! It's so wonderful to see your photos and to hear how it's been going for all of you! We've been thinking about your family all weekend, and praying for all of you! Oh, how amazing God is, and how good! We are so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteHi guys! Thank you so much for sharing this experience with stories and pictures, I hop on several times a day to see if there are any new pictures...it's great to know how to specifically pray too. Elliana is all over praying for Caroline's transition and Mallory has taken to praying for Marta. Of course, Silas and Isabel and Mami and Papi aren't forgotten either!
ReplyDeleteMany thoughts, many prayers, and much love.
Ceci
VanderMaas family! We love reading these blogs! All of us huddle around the computer and take in each word and each picture. Thanks so much for writing. It really helps us pray and feel a part of your awesome experience and journey. All the cousins cannot wait to meet their new cousins...what a blast this is going to be. I hope you make it home before we leave! God's blessing on you today...All the Forest Hills Vans
ReplyDeleteVandermaas Family of 6 :) -
ReplyDeleteWe so enjoy keeping up with you through your words and pictures on this blog. We feel so connected to you! We are praying for you all every day that God helps you all to transition well and that He hugs you all as you go through this together. We think about you often and wonder what you are doing each day and praise God that Marta and Caroline are going to get what they need to be happy, caring, God-loving young people with a wonderful family :)
Chase and Carson have been especially happy to see pics of Silas and Isabel! Thank you for keeping up with this daily journey. We love to see the progress :) God's blessing to you!!!
Sara, JJ, Conner, Carson, and Chase
Thanks for sharing your stories! I love reading them! Can't wait to meet these little girls in person soon!
ReplyDeleteNancy
It is amazing that we can share part of your experience way up here in cold Michigan(it is snowing). It sure brings back good memories (and some stressful ones). We are excited to meet these new little ones in your family. As you know, treasure your time there. It can seem very long but it will be over too soon. All 6 of you are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteDennis and Kirsten Steward
Hi this is Danae. I just want to let you guys know that i miss Isabel and Silas very much and i can't wait to see you again. I am very anxious to meet Marta and Caroline. I hope you are having fun. I am making sure to pray for you every night.
ReplyDeleteDanae
December 13, 2009 11:25 AM