Today, A Magnificent Whirlwind

I know so many have been anxiously waiting for this post and I assure you all is well. The events of the day were quite exhausting and now that the family is fast asleep I have some time to journal my thoughts and the wonderful events of the last 24 hours.

To start, every night after dinner Lucrecia, who cooks and cleans for us in the afternoon, makes a fire in the fireplace for all of us to sip coffee and relax for a bit. Well it just so happened that it stormed and the electric when out just as we were going to our room to prepare for today. Needless to say we all sat around the fire and had a good time until about 10 pm. Of course I didn’t sleep well in fear that the electric would go off and we would over sleep and not be ready to go in time. I don’t think nerves had anything to do with me not sleeping…smile.

Nate and Emi sometimes talk in their sleep and during the night last night Nate spoke out in his sleep, but he spoke in Spanish. That’s my boy! Not too long after I was wide eyed and bushy tailed by 5:15 and in the shower.

David, our interpreter, picked us up around 9:30 this morning and took us to the ICBF office. The drive was much more interesting than our previous rides. We were in a car this time and not a van. We swerved in and out of traffic like we owned the road, it was humorous. David is adorable and speaks English wonderfully. He gave us lots of interesting facts and fun notes about the city etc. He is very funny, very enjoyable to have around.

When we arrived at the ICBF Emilee started shaking. So much so that everyone was asking her if she was cold. She was not cold she was a nervous wreck. Nate was a little giddy/hyper but pulled it together. We waited in an office for a while and our nerves calmed. Lucia, the CHI “boss” here, came in and told us the children had arrived and were very happy with smiles and sweet. We were then taken to the meeting room. A social worker and some others came in to talk to us about the children before we met them. They handed us a very nice scrapbook that the orphanage made with photos of Jessica and Joaquin in their everyday activities. It also included a schedule of their days. Our photo pages we sent them were included in the back of the book. The social worker told us they were happy, laid back kids, they eat well, make friends easily, are protective of each other, and excited to meet us. She said they wake up in the morning and shower and get themselves ready and make their own breakfast. It was also stated that Joaquin is the most smiley of all 150 children in the orphanage. She gave us some more info on how they came to ICBF, most of it we knew, but a few details were added. She also said the kids are very excited to meet us but are nervous about flying and going to the United States. We thanked them for all they have done to complete our family and then it was time to bring in Jessica and Joaquin.

Jessica and Joaquin entered the room with big smiles but obvious butterflies in their stomachs. They warmed up after just a minute or two. It’s the most awkward thing really, but you know that soon it will be old hat. After just a few minutes they were calling us Mami and Papi. The sound of that brought tears to my eyes and does still just thinking about it. We didn’t cry but I think after typing this journal I am going to. It’s been an emotional day on the inside, in our hearts.

After only 10 minutes with the kids it was time to get out of the room for the next family. We were told to come back next Monday at 10am for our interrogation meeting, that’s when we get full custody. We had given the kids backpacks with goodies int hem so we told them it was time to clean up and go. They packed up their things and off we went. Jessica jumped on Emi’s back and Joaquin in Eric’s arms. Up until this point they really didn’t say much, just smiley.

We arrived at the B&B and showed them to our cabin. They went nuts looking at every nook and cranny of the place. We kept a lot of the toys we brought packed in a suitcase which was good, because I think they were a little overwhelmed. They spied the Ipods, computers and mini dvd players right away and went nuts with them. They asked to brush their teeth right away too, which was strange. They have brushed their teeth 3 times since we arrived at noon. All of the excitement and nerves had them, mostly Jessica, running from one thing to the next for hours. The info we got today said they take a nap daily, so we tried to get them to lay down, Joaquin fell right to sleep, but Jessica did not, she just rested for a short time with her Papi.

Jessica quickly became a Papi’s girl, she won’t leave his side. Every time we leave our cabin to go in the yard, dining room or play room, Joaquin packs his backpack with all of his belongings to bring with him. Also, they are infatuated with the mircrowave. Everything has to be warmed up, everything, even chips! Bottles of water had to be warm not cold. Even when they brush their teeth they ask to use warm water. It’s kind of funny.

Then at 4 pm they had a party for the three of us who have new additions. It was so nice, they had a cake, games and photos of each family. Joaquin had just woken up from his nap at 4 and was a bit shy. He let me hold him but didn’t want any part of the party until the cake was served. Then he livened up again. It seems Jessica is not shy at all and Joaquin is shy but warms up quickly.

At dinner they were asked what they wanted from our buffet. They said they didn’t want any of it so Lucrecia made them toast and eggs according to their liking. They ate well but I think giving them a choice is not such a good thing. The ladies here try to give the kids what they want. They have French fries for the kids at every meal. Grilled cheese is also an option. I’ve not seen PB&J yet, but they do what they can to satisfy the kids. Emilee and Nate are not picky at all they enjoy trying new things and generally like it.

After dinner we sat at the fire for a few minutes and them back to the room to wind down. We knew they had to be exhausted. By this time they finally had calmed down and we could see the true colors shining through. They are both very smart, Jessica has figured out how to gesture and point if we are not understanding the Spanish. And she love to write her name. She writes Jessica Sanchez Hollis.

By 9 pm we told them it was time to get pajamas on and get ready for bed. They hopped right to it. Then Jessica started going through her clothes to pick out what she wanted to wear tmw. It doesn’t match real well so I think I am going to sneak over and trade out her pants. She pulled out everything she will need, folded it nicely and set it to the side. Then she went to Joaquin’s drawers to pull out his clothes. I couldn’t believe it. I actually teared up, she’s a little mommy to him. She then ordered me to take Joaquin into the bathroom to brush his teeth, it blew me away. She is the smartest little thing and so independent.

Joaquin has a bit of a cold, so I gave him some medicine and he took it then crawled right into bed after giving hugs and kisses. He had to sleep with his bear, motorcycle and transformer. Jessica insisted on sleeping one night with papi and mami, so we obliged. She is a cuddle bug for sure and very affectionate. Joaquin wasn’t ready to give besos (kisses) until this evening when he freely gave them before bed time.

They went to sleep without a peep, no fight, no whining. What a relief.

Emi has been a real trooper, enjoying her new siblings to the fullest. Nate has been a bit quiet so we will keep our eye on him. After a few days when things calm down he will be better I’m sure. It was truly a whirlwind today and I don’t think Nate quite knew how to handle all of the feelings. We are going to work on a setting a routine tmw and establishing some rules, this will help a great deal in Jessica and Joaquin not feeling so overwhelmed.

I have more to say but am falling asleep. More tomorrow. Jessica insists we get new shoes tmw and she wants a pair of earrings too. She came with one earing, but both ears are pierced. The earring she had in was badly twisted and would not come out. I worked on it and got it out but she immediately asked if she could get some new ones.

Good night!