Hollis Adoption - Colombia South America

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T20:23:00.014-04:00

My jewels

My little clown

I love this pic...big bro, little bro

These two get such a kick out of each other. Hard telling what Nate was doing, or what they were up to.

Jess won't carve her pumpkin...she doesn't want it to die (lol)

Jess and her Uncle Brian...isn't she pretty?

Emilee cheer competition #2. This is the first year the Junior High has gone to competition. They have been offered a bid to attend the National Comp...big honor!

Just Some Pics

2009-10-22T21:33:00.009-04:00

My gang!

Nate tending the fire so it's good and ready for the camp out later that evening.

Jess at her first cheer competition ever. She did AWESOME! The girls wore pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness month.

Heading off to Cheer Competition number one of the season.

Poor little guy got stung by a bee right under his eye

Aren't they cute!

"Hollisisms"

2009-08-08T20:38:00.002-04:00

Yeah Yeah, I know…I never blog and now I post 3 times in a week…what’s up with that?

So, I have recently started my own “Happiness Project” and one of my resolutions for August is to pay attention to the funny things the kids say. That was an easy one, cuz they do keep me laughing. Anyway, through the year as Jess and Joaquin have been learning English they have come up with some pretty funny stuff. Sometimes just in the way they pronounce things or the accent on certain words. Well, we have two things that J and J came up with that the rest of us thought was very creative and funny. Both of which Emi and Nate also starting using. And now even I say these two things. So they have now become “Hollisisms” that make me smile every time we say them.

Before J and J…we always called pajamas either PJs or Pajamas. J and J combined the two and now we call them “P.Jams”

Before J and J…girls had panties and boys had underware. Thanks to J and J we are now not gender specific cuz we all wear “Pantywares”

Hollisisms:
Pantywares (panties and underware)
&
P.jams (PJs or Pajamas)

So maybe you don’t find these funny, but for me these Hollisisms make me smile and remind me to laugh and enjoy the little things that come about thanks to my kiddos. Hope they made you smile too!

Oh, in case you are wondering what a “Happiness Project” is…check out this blog:
www.happiness-project.com
It is not a biblically based site, but I find a lot of great info as gentle reminders of everyday situations.

She's a Teenager

2009-08-08T10:44:00.010-04:00

Ready or not, today I became and official mother of a Teenager. We love you Em and are VERY VERY Proud of you!!!

Some of her best friends came over at midnight to decorate our garage for her. What good friends!!!

Emilee lives life to it's fullest. Proud to be who she is as a young lady and Christian, loves having lots of friends, enjoys helping others and gives 110% at everything she does!
At cheer camp she won Most Spirited! Imagine that!

She'll try anything at least once...You GO GIRL!

And one of Nate, Just for Fun!

Time Flies!!

2009-08-04T18:23:00.015-04:00

I am a terrible blogger...when I pulled up the blog to check my last update I couldn't believe it had been so long. Aye aye aye!
It's been so long it's almost hard to put it all in a nut shell...

The kids are all doing so well and are starting to get things ready for the new school year to begin. Football and cheerleading are in full swing and so far Jess is enjoying learning all the cheers. Joaquin is not playing any sports yet, however he has made some friends (siblings of kids who play with Nate) and loves going to practices and games to play with his "buddies".

We went to Disney and had a WONDERFUL time! It was super hot but not terribly crowded. The kids had such a good time they didn't want to come home. I have spent some time thinking about how much they have grown in the past year and it blows my mind. The summer has been so busy I almost don't know where all the time has gone.

I have been able to work minimum hours this summer so I have had lots of time with the kids. Once school starts I will be working a more regular schedule, but will be able to get the kids on the bus in the morning and be home every day by the time the kids get off the bus. I have to give thanks for my job and the flexibility I have.

We also had a chance to visit with The Uhlenbrock family.Their girls and J and J lived in the same house at the orphanage in Colombia. Jessica spoke of their girls often.It was so nice to get to visit with them. What a sweet family and they have the most adorable girls!

And lots of kid pics for ya!

Now those are some good looking kiddos...hee hee

Goofy...a perfect fit!

Always smiling, always having fun

Emilee's favorite princess

Papa and his girls

In the News

2009-06-03T21:41:00.002-04:00

The article about the adoption is in the paper this week...Front page, top story.

www.theharrison-press.com

May in Review

2009-05-26T01:33:00.012-04:00

I am not doing too well with keeping up with the blog…geez…where does the time go?

Here is just a quick update on the happenings of the Hollis household…Oldest to youngest.

Emilee – Number one, she is growing up WAY TOO FAST! Seriously, how does this happen, they grow up right in front of our eyes and we don’t even realize it. Anyway, she is doing awesome. She ran track and did a great job and loved meeting new people and the exercise. And I have to say I was quite impressed with her running. She tried out for 8th grade cheerleading and made the team again. But this year they will build and go to competitions, so it will be an exciting year. She is planning some time to volunteer around the community, which she has to do for National Honor Society. I went with her to Cedar Point for a chorus trip, where her chorus competed and had some fun at the park. It was nice to have some time with just her. She is now thinking ahead for fundraising ideas so she can attend the 8th grade Washington DC trip next May. She’s a thinker, a planner, and an all around darn good kid.

Nate – Soccer is over and baseball is in full swing. He is doing an awesome job. I LOVE to watch him play sports. He always gives 110% and loves every minute of his sports. His papa, my dad, is one of his coaches, which Nate loves and thinks is really really cool. My dad has coached for many years and knows baseball inside and out. Eric is enjoying being a spectator and hanging with the other dads. He is really excited to be out of Elementary School and into the Junior High next year. They have 2 weeks left of school and one of those days he gets to take a limo to a big pizza joint for having straight A all year. Nice treat from the school! Nate is such a big hearted kid and watching him mature is such a pleasure.

Jessica – Oh miss Jess. She is getting prettier and prettier everyday and her hair is so long. She has never been able to let her hair grow so she thinks it’s awesome to have long hair. She was chosen to be Miss Poppy in the parade today for Memorial Day. She got to sit in the back of a convertible and wave like a princess. Then she had to lay poppy flowers on the graves at 2 memorial services with the American Legion. She was in the news paper, picture and all, and she thought she was famous. She talks about Disney every day and loves going to gymnastics. She will start cheerleading practice the end of July. She has done an amazing job in school this year. I could not be happier and more proud of her hard work and accomplishments. She loves to help me around the house and is very thoughtful. She and Nate get along so well, they have the same sense of humor and love to tease each other. She will laugh at Nate from deep in her belly and always makes me smile. Her artistic ability is amazing for her age, I love the items she makes at school and brings home and am anxious to watch this aspect of her life develop. It’s an area that we encourage her to be proud of herself in and show off to the family. She is a very sweet and affectionate kid and is a real daddy’s girl!

Joaquin – My little man is just as funny and energetic as ever. He has made some friends, brothers of Nate’s baseball buddies, which he thinks is cool. He too is doing a super job in school and has come such a long way academically. His karate session is over for now, but I am anxious to get him involved in something soon. I am hoping maybe a soccer program in the fall. I am realizing as I write this that my daily alone time with him will be over in just 2 short weeks. Everyday he comes home and makes me smile. His eyes, his smile, his accent, his mannerisms, his funny oh so witty self keep me laughing and appreciating what he has to offer in life. We have kept an extremely tight leash on him for the last year, and I am feeling like it’s time to start letting it go a bit and let him prove himself. We have worked on so many things this year, about making good choices. He is so young in his maturity and has an awful lot of bad habits to break but has made great strides in the past year. He is coming around, but still has a way to go. He is so darn cute and full of life that I can’t wait to see where his life path takes him!

The local news paper asked to do a story on our adoption and will be printed in two weeks. Hopefully it will inspire other families in our community to pursue adoption. The lady from the paper was very intrigued by our story. Her final question to us was “So are you finished adopting?” There was an awkward pause as Eric and I looked at each other not knowing how to answer. Instinctively, I would have said no, I want one more, and he would have said yes, this is all we can afford. So Emilee broke the silence with “Maybe a little one from Ethiopia,” And I agreed that we would love to have a little one from Africa, but nothing is in the works. And Eric chimed in with “Maybe we will just run a Children’s Home or orphanage, our work here is not yet finished!”

1 Year Anniversary - Gotcha Day

2009-04-14T14:39:00.014-04:00

It’s been a year already…I can hardly believe it. Time has flown by, but at the same time it’s as if J and J have been here forever. It is truly amazing how God places just the right kiddos with just the right family. I watch over and over again, family’s adoption stories unfold and continue to be amazed at how the pieces fit so perfectly. On Easter I wore the same outfit I had on when we met J and J. Jess immediately said, “Mom, that’s the same clothes you had on when you came and got us!” It’s an emotional experience to talk to Jess about things. She is old enough and mature enough to understand the whole process and she doesn’t forget anything. She and I sat one afternoon and she was telling me how scared but happy they were on the day the met us. She said she was happy to have a family but scared because they didn’t know us. I think the grieving of their past started for me a few months ago. The first several months were bonding, training, etc. But I find myself easy to tears the last few months and I think a lot is due to grieving for them and their past. I began translating their protection file and got about half way thru the 200 ish pages. I had to take a mental break. It can be overwhelming. God has blessed us with 4 absolutely amazing and wonderful children, and I fall short as a mother so often and pray for God’s grace and guidance with our precious jewels.

So, what’s been up with us??? Jessica was in her first school play and was SOOOO excited. She spoke of the play every day for 2 months. She got the part of a gypsy moth. She had to dress as a gypsy with wings. She fit the part…smile. She practiced her lines and knew them well. She was nervous to get on stage, which was cute. She knew every move and word to every song and was sure to wave to all of the family in the audience. My mom cried when she saw her on stage…but she also cried when she saw Emi in a track race passing up 3 girls and putting her relay team in first…proud grandma!

Joaquin got to celebrate his 6th birthday on Saturday with family and friends. We went to an inflatable bouncer place, which was perfect for kindergartners and for Joaquin’s energy. His birthday is on Friday…my baby will be 6!

Emilee was inducted to the National Honor Society. She has had straight A on her report card all year. Once in 7th grade you can be asked to join the National Honor Society.

Easter was a lot of fun too. They had never colored eggs and thought it was a bunch of fun to color eggs, have an egg hunt and celebrate Jesus with the family.

Nate had 4 permanent teeth pulled this morning, so no big plans for today, our Gotcha Day. But yesterday, Eric took off at lunch and met us at the Children’s Museum. It’s not as much fun for Emi and Nate, they are getting kind of old for it, but Jess and Joaquin had a blast and Emi and Nate were super sports. They helped and played with the J and J and enjoyed themselves too. We went for ice cream after several hours of playing. It was a great day just the 6 of us staying close to home and just enjoying each other.

A year ago today, a major chapter in our lives began, a chapter filled with lots of memories and an unforgettable time, an amazing journey.

One year ago today...

2009-03-12T19:39:00.002-04:00

One year ago today, March 12 2008, we received the much awaited call for our official referral. I remember waking up thinking “Today is the Day!” And sure enough we got THE CALL. I could hardly wait to show the family the photos and start the process of packing and preparing to travel. Wow…one year ago…and next month will make a year since we met Jess and Joaquin. Where has the time gone?

Everyone is doing just great. Emilee has started running track. She just started this week and is a bit sore, but enjoying the challenge and meeting new people. Nate is still in soccer and baseball is starting. Jessica is taking Gymnastics along with Emilee now and Joaquin is in karate. So busy we stay and wouldn’t have it any other way.

All 4 are doing so well in school, we couldn’t be more blessed. Jessica and Joaquin are doing great progressing with their reading and English skills. I am amazed at how much they learn and take it all in stride. Emilee is doing so well in Language Arts that next year in 8th grade she is going to get to take Freshman Spanish. She had to do a speech not too long ago and spoke on Colombia. She put a power point together with lots of pictures to show the culture. It was nice to reminisce and look back over all of our pictures.

We got to celebrate a birthday with Jessica for the first time in February. She wanted to go rollerskating. So the family gathered and she had 3 friends come along from school. She had a great time and thought having a day all for her was the best ever. After rollerskating she got to go to build a bear and make a bear. So it was a very good day. Joaquin has his big day coming up in April. Last year we only had them for 3 days when we celebrated his in Colombia, he was still in a bit of shock, so this will be a new experience for him too. But he was great on Jessica’s birthday, letting the day be all about her.

Other than staying busy with sports and activities, we are all looking very forward to our big Disney trip in June. With that being said, I am realizing that the end of the school year will be here before we know it…how can that be!!!

Time is just zooming by and I think about blogging often, just can’t seem to find the time to get to it.

Jess and her American Girl in matching PJs

Joaquin and my nieces with Ronald McDonald

It Finally Snowed!

2009-01-28T18:55:00.011-05:00

It snowed, it snowed! Okay, so most people think I'm crazy but Jessica and Joaquin have not seen a real snow storm ever...and finally it snowed enough to get off of school for a few days and to be snowed in. They expected to have snow at Christmas, because in all of the Christmas movies there is always snow on the ground. So when I put away the Christmas stuff they kept saying, "But it hasn't snowed yet!" I promised them it would snow, really snow soon enough and FINALLY it came! So needless to say we spent some time sledding and playing in the many inches that accumulated between yesterday and today.

You can't really see him, but poor Nate is on the bottom.

Jess said "Mom look, Popsicles are hanging on the trampoline" And of course they had to each eat a few. Gross I know.

We had some ice over night and then several more inches of snow, which caused for some beautiful scenery. So Jess went outside today and said, "Look MOM IT'S NARNIA!"

Big Milestone for Joaquin

2009-01-13T14:14:00.007-05:00

It's below 30 degrees today and he was running around bare foot and shirtless, but then put on a winter cap...crazy kid! I had to finally make him put his shirt back on.

My little man, Joaquin, has to know where I am at all times. As he is eating lunch, I often do laundry and a other chores while he is sitting still. However, ever since we have been home, I have to tell him when I leave the room or he starts calling for me in a bit of panic. If I go to the bathroom, I have to tell him. “hey little man, I am going potty.” After about 3 seconds, I hear him outside bathroom door. If I go to the laundry room, same thing, in about 3 seconds he will be at the door. I noticed about a month and a half ago that this starting getting better. It still happens on occasion, but without panic. Only about half of the time would he follow me, and I didn’t have to announce where I was going in order for him not to have slight panic.

But going to the mailbox was a different story. Walking out of the house to get the mail without him was pretty much forbidden. Even if I told him where I was going and told him he could watch me from the window, he still had to walk out the door with me. It broke my heart at first, but I knew he would eventually become comfortable. It kind of became a sort of routine, announce where I was going etc. But about a two weeks ago, I noticed that he was no longer following me to the mailbox. He was okay staying in the house playing while I made the quick trip down the driveway and back. So today, I thought I would test the waters. I told him I was going to take out some garbage, and would be right back. He can’t see me from the window when we go to the garbage cans on the side of the house. He didn’t even bat an eye. He just kept eating lunch and was perfectly fine when I came back. A few min later I went out to grab the mail and again, I came back to a perfectly happy little boy. Way to go Joaquin!

He will still on occasion yell “Mom?” when I am in another room, and I answer “I’m right here little man” and he just goes on playing. He does it unconsciously, but I think he is starting to heal a bit. And he is even finally growing. Once we got rid of the parasites he started showing signs of some growth!

My little man is growing and learning by leaps and bounds.

He loves his pups! Pretty soon I'm gonna have to not let him sit on them anymore, but they sure don't mind. He sits and lays on them all the time, and sometimes he falls asleep like that.

He loves to ask Jazz for kisses and then to be smothered in doggie kisses. (Gross...I know)

2009 Really?

2009-01-06T01:22:00.010-05:00

Yes, I know it’s been a while…again. I just have the hardest time finding time to sit down and post.

So…our holiday was awesome! We had our re adoption hearing on Dec 22, so that was a nice gift for us. It feels good to have it all complete.

Jessica ended up being Jessica Ann. She writes her name, Jessica Ann, on all her school papers, it’s so cute. When the hearing was over the judge asked the kids if they had anything to say. Jessica spoke right up with a big “Thank You!” On the way there Joaquin asked if they had to go back to La Maria now, and we told them again they were with us forever and no more court stuff. On our last photo pages I made for our adoption reports for Colombia, I explained that Colombia wanted to see how they are doing and growing. I think they are finally really letting it sink in that they are here forever. Even though we tell them, they are just young enough and just old enough at the same time for it to be confusing. Now they comfortably talk about wanting to see their friends at La Maria and want to go back to visit. I tell them we have to pray for their friends to be put with forever families like us.

Anyway, the kids all had a great time spending time with all of the family. We got to see everyone and didn’t even have to travel, they all came to us! The kids got way too much stuff, but let me tell ya, Jess and Joaquin play with everything they received and they love it all.

Today was back to school and I’m kind of looking forward to the routine again and getting the house back to normal. I love love love the holidays and this year was sure a lot of fun, but I’m ready for 2009, for Spring and for our big Disney trip this summer! But I can hardly believe in just a few weeks it will mark a year since we got the referral call about J and J. Wow, 2008 flew by! And Jessica’s birthday is coming up and we haven’t gotten to celebrate her birth yet so that will be a great day. My mom and dad got them each baby rings. Joaquin’s has his initials on it and Jessica’s has her birthstone in the middle, Eric’s birthstone on one side and mine on the other. Very Cool!

I could go on and on, but really all I need to say is we have had an amazing 2008 and feel so very blessed by our friends and family who have offered so much support this last year.

2008 in a few words…A year of miracles, inspiration…humbling!

A Little Bit of Snow

2008-12-06T10:57:00.010-05:00

We woke up to just a little bit of snow. Jess and Joaquin talk about wanting to play in the snow all the time, but we haven't had any yet. Even though it was very little they couldn't wait to get out and play this morning. So I thought I would post a few pics of our morning fun.

This looks to me like sisters up to no good!

Here is the reason Nate isn't in any of the snow pics, he is out hunting with my dad and Eric this morning. Dad and Nate went out yesterday and they got a buck. When Nate called me he said, "Mom we got a buck!" Dad actually shot it, but Nate took some claim to it since they were in the stand together. They have had such a great hunting season together. Some great time just bonding and my dad teaching Nate so much about how to hunt and use a gun. Nate and my dad have an awesome kind of relationship/bond anyway and tears me up to think of how much time my dad spends with Nate. Nate thinks the world of my dad and would be totally lost in life without him. He is one reason Nate is turning out to be such a great kid.

My Girls

2008-12-06T01:04:00.006-05:00

Here is a conversation had with Jessica this evening. Most of the time the conversations consist of me listening while Jess talks, so keep that in mind. Smile. She doesn’t give you too much time to get your thoughts in.

We were getting out of the van to go into the grocery store and Jess says (in her very best English), “Mom you teach me how to look for cars and I be careful. I know how to be careful. You don’t make me hold hands now because you teach me how be careful. But, pause, Dad makes me hold hands. I know why he does. Because he love me too much.”

“That’s exactly right Jess, Daddy loves you very much and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you,” I reply.

“I already know that he loves me too much. And you too mom. I already know this.”
I smile at her and before I can reply she looks at me and says, “it’s because we’re a family.” Then off she went to pick the perfect cart for us to use.

I love these kind of moments and don’t ever want to take them for granted. We are so very blessed with great kids, willing to love and to learn. Jess is going to be my kid that we are going to have to use some creative parenting with. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. She is just so adaptable and smart that we have to be sure we are teaching her to use her skills in a positive way. She has a great artsy creative side that I want to continue to tap into. I learn more about her everyday as her English is progressing and she can put more thoughts into words. There is so much to adore.

Then there is Emi. I have seen such a transformation in her this year. It’s really hard to believe what a young woman she is fairly gracefully becoming. She is growing and learning in so many areas of her life and I feel very blessed she is willing to share with me. See I was the kid who never spoke of my own feelings or thoughts, not even to my friends. I was the listener, the, I will get close to you but you will never get too close to me, kind of girl. Emi on the other hand is very willing to share her thoughts, feelings and life experiences with me. This is a very different kind of personality than I had. I was the learn it the hard way cuz I won’t ask for help kid. Emi, although not always willingly, will accept advise and apply it as she sees fit in her relationships and life. I see strong traits in her that are going to allow her to go far in life. She is going to take some hits for some of these traits, but in the long run will be highly respected.

Just tonight after everyone was in bed she just wanted to lay by me and chat. She talked about the dance she went to, about kids who are making bad choices and why, about silly things and girly things and life in general. You know parenting a teen is tough. Be a mom not a friend, and just where is that line. Don’t ask too many questions, but ask enough to be informed and not over step your boundaries of making them uncomfortable and not willing to talk. It’s tough I tell ya. You listen and subtly guide them while at the same time building them up and helping them to define who they are and who they want to become. It’s really mentally exhausting but serves me great pleasure when I see Emilee heed to my words and use them to help herself grow.

I have tried to teach her to consciously analyze behavior in herself and in others. If you have a day you feel like crying, cry, but why do you cry. Too tired? Feeling the pain of a friend? Stressed? If you have a day you just have no patience, what do you do. You rise above it but give yourself space and time to change your mind set. When you feel like laughing, bring someone along with you, spread the cheer. But what is it that makes you happy today? Christmas lights? The laughter of little kids? A good experience between friends? When we analyze, we seek God, He speaks, and we grow. It’s just that simple, but yet so complex. But Emi really seems to understand this idea and at a young 12 years olds. I watch her seek for more love, more laughter, more fun, more maturity, and a greater purpose in life. She will be a person who makes a difference in many peoples’ lives, a vessel that God will use.

My girls…wow…parenting is not easy and I have many shortcomings when it comes to being a good mom. Lord never let me forget how blessed I am, never let me cease to seek your face in becoming a better parent to my kids, and don’t let me fall too short as a paretn for the sake of the jewels you gave me.

Just a few pics

2008-11-23T00:54:00.008-05:00

My mom, sister and I took the kids to Disney on Ice. I've never seen Joaquin sit so still for so long, he was memorized. They are having so much fun and we are having fun watching them grow.

Halloween for Jess and Joaquin was a treat. They had a ball.

Eric and Nate on the bus before Nate took off to his Superbowl game. His team won again, what an exciting day. Nate played the entire game, offense and defense. His team has won 4 years in a row against the same team. And once again he was one of the 4 captains for the final game.

My family are big hunters. We love deer meat, but Eric doesn't have a chance to hunt. So I always have to hope my dad, brother and sister get enough deer to share each year. Nate has gone hunting for several years with my dad, but was never old enough to hunt on his own, shoot with his own gun. So this year we took him and my nephew to the hunter safety classes and they got their hunting permits. Nate was so excited to go in the woods with his gun. It's youth week in Ohio this week, so my Dad took Nate out and my brother took my nephew to the woods.

Remember that gun Nate got in a pic a few posts ago? Well he put it to good use today. Nate's first deer. He told me before the went hunting "Mom, I want to fill your freezer!" Well, he's off to a good start!

Time flies when you're having fun!

2008-10-30T18:33:00.002-04:00

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I have posted. I have had several complaints and emails from folks wanting to know what’s going on in the Hollis home. Yes, we are still here and all is well, busy, very busy, but all is well. But because it’s been so long I don’t even know where to begin. Since my last post I am back to work 25 hours a week and in full swing with football and fall activities. The fall is my busiest time, I love it, but I can really feel a difference when football season is over.

So let’s start with Jess. A day or two after my last post we decided to put her back in 1st grade. She was doing well but very behind the other children in 2nd grade. They had only been in school a week or two, so the change was not a big deal. She is doing wonderfully in 1st grade and instead of struggling and feeling behind, she is on top of the game and doing well with reading and making friends. She is also coming along wonderfully with her English.

Jessica has recently been coming out with a lot of interesting stories about her life in Colombia. We have struggled with knowing if some of them are made up or true, some of them are definitely true, but some just don’t make sense compared to the info we have been given. I can’t imagine she remembers as much as she claims. She was a young 3 ½ when taken to the orphanage. She claims she remembers the day the police came and how she was taken to La Maria. She also talks about wanting to change her name. One day she wants it to be Molly and the next it’s Tatiana. Her middle name at one time was Tatiana. Her name was changed a few times before she came to us. We keep telling her we love her name as Jessica and so she says, “Ok, but call me Jess or Jessie” Normally we call her Jess, but she is so funny about this name thing. We will have our re adoption hearing in November and we can make changes to her name at that time. Right now she does not have a middle name, and we planned to make it Jessica Ann. Ann is my middle name. I love the name Tatiana for her middle name, but the family really wants to keep Ann. So we’ll see.

Jessica’s new thing is to call Emilee “my sister” and the boys, “my brother. It’s really very cute. She will say things like, “Can I stay at home with my sister when you go to the store?” She is very proud of her family. I remember a time when they called everyone Mom, so it’s great to see they have bonded so well and are proud of being part of a family! Every night Eric says bed time prayers with the kids. He is trying to teach them how to not recite prayers but to make their prayers from their own hearts. So the other night Jessica was saying her prayers and just before Eric turned out the light she said, “oh wait Daddy, I have one more prayer!” then goes on with “and thank you Jesus for the best Mommy and Daddy you could give me” Doesn’t that just melt your heart?!

I have also had the privilege of being able to help out at the kid’s school once a week. The first day I came in I was helping in Jessica’s gym class. She was sure to tell the whole class “That’s my Mom!” Just innocently proud to have a Mama!

Little Miss Jessica has kept the tooth fairy busy. She lost two teeth in one week. After she lost the second one she said, "please no more picutres Mommy!"

As for Joaquin, what can I say, he is just Joaquin, a heart melter, a comedian, a love bug, and a very smart boy! He is doing great in school, and learning everything he can. He already knows almost all of his letters and their sounds and can come up with two to three words that start with each letter. He loves school and his teachers. I think he will be reading by the end of the school year. He is always trying to come up with words that rhyme, so that’s our big game. He is no longer afraid to go to bed in his room by himself, which shows me he is feeling very comfortable in his home. He does well with his chores and is finally gaining a little bit of weight since we got rid of the parasites. His English is awesome and he loves to play karate with Emilee. He has a great imagination that I love to watch in action. He can play with cars, action figures, or just about anything and can play for a good long time.

One of Joaquin's favorite places...on the couch with Jazz

The other day I was asking the kids what they would like for Christmas, and Joaquin thought for a minute then tells me he wants a picture of Nate when Nate was a baby. So Jess chimes in with “Joaquin, we are in the United States now and we will get lots of stuff, so think harder!” they are so excited about the holidays. It’s definitely going to be a Christmas to remember.

Emi and Nate are just staying busy with friends, sports, homework and tween life. Emi has just grown up so much in this last year it’s really hard to believe. And she got all As on her report card for the first quarter of Junior High. I am jus so proud of her. She is a beautiful young woman making wise decisions in her daily life and with her friends. Nate’s football team took 1st place in their league again, so we will start playoffs next weekend. The last 3 years his team has won the superbowl, so it’s a big deal, they are trying to keep their title.

We have our second post adoption meeting with our social worker on Monday. In just two weeks it will be 7 months since the kids have been with us. I remember this time last year we were playing the waiting game, just waiting for any ounce of news Colombia would have for us.

What a ride!

A normal day in the living room when Nate's willing to give up Sports Center on TV and get on the floor to play.

Emi and Jess at their Pajama party in the living room

Boys...what can I say!

Life doesn’t get any sweeter!

2008-09-10T22:04:00.005-04:00

One year ago this week our paperwork landed in Colombia, time has flown by so here are a few things I want to remember and things to remember to not take for granted:

Jess and Joaquin can light up an entire room with a smile. Their energy for life is contagious. They are fighters, they are survivors, they are strong on the outside but fragile on the inside.

The process of adoption is a pure miracle that happens right in front of you.

One thing I never want to forget, Jessica and Joaquin had a certain smell about them when we first met them, but the smell was gone within the fist week.

You know you are one’s mother when you can lick your child’s suckers or share an ice cream and think nothing of it.

I never want to forget how excited and sweet Emi and Nate were to meet their brother and sister. Nate was shy and soaked it all in while Emi jumped right into wanting to be a big sister. Now the girls pick out each others clothes, help each other with their hair, and dance around the room to music while getting ready in the mornings. Nate and Joaquin love to chase each other thru the house hiding around corners to bomb each other with their clean rolled up socks then laugh from the bottom of their bellies when they nail each other.

The laughter that comes thru the doors and walls from the kids bedrooms is like medicine to ones soul.

The great big hug I get every morning when Joaquin wakes up melts my heart.

Jessica tries to be sneaky but has a look in her eye that gives her away every time.

Jessica and Joaquin do NOT like sleeping in a room alone, as a matter of fact it’s just down right scary to them.

Jessica is so smart, she is a true survivor and I admire that in her. She has amazing coping skills in every area. Our goal is to teach her how to use those skills for the good of others and to herself. She really is an amazing, child. Beautiful inside and out!

To watch Joaquin play and imagine always makes me smile, and sometimes tear up. I think of the time before we had him and how he had to take care of himself. He is so sensitive and fragile at times, who was there to rock him, comfort him…no one but himself and his big sister. Survivors I tell you! I wish I could put into words how incredible I think they are considering their background and what they have come through.

They speak of Colombia and La Maria almost daily. They talk about their favorite caretakers, Maribel and Patricia. They sing children’s songs in Spanish all the time, while they are playing, riding in the car, or just walking down the halls in the house.

Emi and Nate would not change a thing about our family and have fallen in love with the family as a family of 6. Nate talks about someday adopting on his own and Jess wishes for a little sister to be adopted. Nate says if we adopt again he wants it to be from Ethiopia.

Jess loves to watch TV but when instructed to go play, she can do so with joy and plays well alone or with others. She loves to play with polly pockets, her American girl doll, loves to fix hair and do anything girly, but is shy in front of others. She particularly loves the men of the family, uncles, grandpas and her daddy, but still says Tia Jeanie is her favorite.

Joaquin loves his Mimi and riding the motorcycle with papa. He likes to tease Emi, he adores Nate, he likes to sit on daddy’s lap to watch TV, but is really a mama’s boy. He is funny and witty and can make anyone laugh. He has a bit of trouble at times playing with bigger kids, he tends to bite or kick as a form of playing. Again, survival skills from the orphanage, but boy has that been a tough one to break.

Emi has become such a young lady through this process, but still loves being on the floor playing with her little sister. They tell secrets and have a language all their own, which I love. I have a great relationship with my sister and I desire the same for Emi and Jess.

Nate just rolls with the flow. He is a loving kid with a deep heart and a fun loving attitude, but is very sensitive and wants to please. He is a joy to be around and would be lost without the excitement of his siblings.

I tear up thinking about not having pictures of Jess and Joaquin as babies, and not being with them from the beginning, but am so thankful and more complete having them with us. Even the family, grandparents, aunts and uncles tear up thinking about the time before they were with us and realizing that even before they met Jess and Joaquin they were fully in love and attached.

And there is so much more…

So what’s going on at the Hollis’?

2008-09-10T21:56:00.006-04:00

Everyone is doing well in school. Emi is loving the Jr High, the boys keep telling her friends that she is pretty and they like her. She just laughs at the boys...for now.

Nate, well, he is just Nate. Doing well, but everything comes so easy to him that he isn't finding school a challenge and then gets sloppy. He is just glad to have outside recess to play football.

Jessica and Joaquin are doing really well. Joaquin is speaking almost all English, I am amazed. He had to do a project about himself and one of the questions was “Who is your hero and why?” Joaquin said his brother Nate was his hero. Which made me cry. (He thinks Nate is famous when he puts on his sports uniforms) Joaquin said “Nate is big and strong and has lots of friends. And he teaches me how to do flips on the trampoline.”

Jessica is doing better with English and is loving school. She is like a commodity there. All the kids want to play with her, even the older kids. She just got an invitation to a 10 yr olds birthday party. You worry they may be made fun of, but it's been just the opposite. I ran into her tutor/ESL Teacher today who told me how awesome Jess is doing. Then her regular teacher emailed me with this message, “Also, I am speaking with Jessica's tutor almost everyday and we are both amazed at the progress she is making. She is a really hard worker and picks up on things quickly. She has a great strategy for adding and subtracting by using her crayons! She is very helpful and even helped me pass graded papers back to mailboxes today. I know I shouldn't be surprised. After all she is a Hollis!“ It was very nice to hear from Mrs. George, she is so sweet! Jessica has a long way to go, but is doing fine trying to catch up to the others.

Emi cheered at her fist JR High Game and looked so grown up. She has been mistaken as a freshman by the bus driver and some of her peers...not sure I like that.

Nate had his first football game on Saturday. They played the team they always face in the superbowl each year and they beat the team 30 to nothing. The first defensive play, Nate made the tackle and caused a fumble. He is also the punter this year. On one punt, he punted the ball, broke through the line and also made the tackle. He was wound up and had a great game. He constantly talks about playing college ball...I hope his dream comes true.

I am back to work and am liking getting everyone into routine. I have every afternoon with Joaquin, just the two of us and we are loving it.

The kids all come home little jabber boxes, so I have to give them each 5 minutes to tell me about their days so they don’t talk over each other. I’m just glad they want to share.

So all in all things are really good. We are blessed beyond what we could have imagined.

School has started!

2008-08-27T22:31:00.011-04:00

Today was the second day of school and they are all loving it!

Emi started in Junior High, so big adjustment for her. The first day she was pretty stressed, finding 7 classes and working a locker combination etc. But she got all of her classes organized and feeling in control and is going to love Junior High life.

Nate well, as smart as he is (My Talented and Gifted Child), was only concerned about being able to take his football so the boys could play at recess.

Jess was a bit nervous but so excited to go. She came home the first day kind of quiet and said she was very tired. But today she came home and was so excited. She has made some friends and loves the interpreter/ESL teacher. She is most concerned about what she is going to wear…a true girl.

Joaquin attended Kindergarten camp last week and feels like a pro as far as going to school is concerned. The bus was the biggest thing for him. He couldn’t wait to ride and this evening he was sure to tell me how good he was on the bus sitting still looking at all the houses on the way home. Last week at Kindergarten camp he gave his teacher a kiss and hug, twice. Oh my little Latino! So now I just have Joaquin in the afternoon, just the two of us. I am going to eat it up.

Nate has been a great big brother. He is at the same school as Jess and Joaquin and was able to help out a little with the Spanish with some of the teachers. At the end of the day Jessica’s teacher asked Nate if Jessica really liked octopus’, Nate told the teacher when Jess says AutoBus sounds like octopus, and that Jessica was talking about the school bus. He thought it was pretty funny. He checked on her at lunch and reported to me that she ate everything on her tray and told me who she played with at recess. He was very proud of himself for helping to take care of his little sis. He is used to being taken care of by Emi and now the table has turned.

The funny story from the first two days is about Emi. You know it’s a big deal what to wear on the first day of Jr High. Emi thought that being a cheerleader she would wear school colors, Green, Black and White. She looked cute in her spirit wear, but apparently not to the first teacher she saw as she entered the building. She was wearing two tank tops, not spaghetti straps (see pic below) and this teacher told her to call her mom and get a different shirt to wear. You can imagine my heart pounding when the school called me at 7:30 in the morning about Emi, who has NEVER gotten in trouble, not once ever. We’re talking about the child who is teacher’s pet every year! I took her a new shirt right away, thinking she was probably in tears. When I went in the school and saw Emi she thought it was pretty funny that she was sent to the principals office on the first day of school. Her homeroom teacher thought it was ridiculous that she was made to change, but “live and learn”. So anyway you can imagine what a hard time the family is giving Emi, our goodie two shoes.

So the new routine begins and so far so good.

Here they are watching down the road for the bus. We have a lot of big trucks that go down our road, so in the meantime Nate taught them how to get the trucks to honk. The trucks today were good sports, every single one of them honked at the kids. And of course a few fun pictures too!

Just for fun

2008-08-12T14:34:00.013-04:00

I had some pics taken of the kids at a local park, just some candid shots by Mandy Niehause www.mandypaige.com so I thought I would share.

Other than taking pics, we've been doing stool samples and taking medicine to try and get rid of 2 kinds of intestinal parasites the kiddos have and going for a skeletal survey. With the abuse that was noted in the paperwork, the International Adoption Clinic suggested we do this skeletal survey to note any trauma they have had to their skeletal system. That way if they ever get hurt while with us, we will have documentation of any trauma that happened before they were with us. Pretty smart acutally. Apparently a family here in Cincinnati had adopted, then went to the ER for a broken bone and it was found that there were other injuries that were never documented. The kids were taken from them immediately. You can imagine what a mess that was. The trauma had happened before the adoption, but the couple had no proof.

Everyone is ready for school to start and they all have their backpacks ready and by the door. I started back to work, just a few hours a week until Sept. Kind of trying to ease into things a bit.

Okay, well enough of that, here's the pics!

Is July Really Over?

2008-07-30T22:54:00.006-04:00

At this point it feels like forever since we were in Colombia. I look back at some of the experiences we had and can hardly believe it was just a few months ago.

A few weeks ago Eric was out with Jessica and Joaquin for a few hours while I was out running with Emi and Nate. Once we returned home, just the 3 of us, it didn’t take long before we realized how quiet the house was, it seemed there was no movement, no life. Emi and Nate very quickly noted the change and asked each other if they remembered what life was like before J and J. A few days later Nate came to me and said “Mom, remember when we were talking the other day about how it was without J and J here when they were with Dad? Well, I didn’t like the feeling.” Of course it brought a big smile to my face. Then Emi and I were working the nursery at church and I was listening to a conversation Emi was having with a little 3 yr old about favorite colors. I heard her say something so simple that practically brought tears to my eyes. She said “My little sister likes purple and pink.” Seems like nothing right? But hearing Emi say “MY Little Sister” and it was such a cool thing to hear. Sisters! And they are bonding just like sisters should!

The dreaded “back to work” phrase has come up, I am loving the time with the kids and the freedom of time to take care of things at home. I am trying now to set my mind on working again, just part time for now. At least until Joaquin is in school full time. Mid August will be here before you know it and a new routine will begin.

We had our first post adoption meeting this week, which went well. Our first of 4 or 5 check ups and reports to go back to Colombia. We are still waiting on Jessica’s citizenship certificate so we can’t proceed with finalizing the re adoption until that comes. We have had Joaquin’s for weeks and weeks. They have met with the infectious disease clinic at Children’s Hospital and are being tested and immunized. Joaquin was in pretty good shape with immunizations, but Jessica only ever had 3 immunizations, so she needed like 15 or 18 shots. The doctor wanted to test her for several things and do a battery of blood tests before having to give her so many shots. They feel like she may have had more shots than recorded and are testing to see. Children’s is great, they asked me if I wanted an interpreter for the kids, I didn’t even have to ask. I thought with needles involved they may feel more comfortable if everything could be explained clearly to them and they could ask questions, all of this in hopes to put them at ease.

Other side notes…Joaquin is using a ton of English and understands almost all of what we say. Jess, well she understands alright, but just recently started using more English. I guess she feels like “Hey the family understands what I say, so why convert”. It will come, especially when school starts.

Jess is begging to go to Disney World. She saw the scrap book from when we took Emi and Nate a few years ago. So we are planning our summer vacation next year to Disney. My sister, brother and their families are going to go along with my folks, grandpa and aunt and uncle! It should be a great time. My nieces will be 3 ½ and 4 ½, and Jess is in love with the princesses so it will be magical. I was looking into tickets and for all 6 of us for 5 day hopper tickets will be like $1500! That’s why we aren’t going till next year! Smile! But it will give the kids something to look forward to. Time flies and the Disney vacation will be here before you know it.

Eric’s brother and his family came up to visit a few weekends ago and his mom just spent the week with us, which the kids loved. It was nice for her to be able to spend some time with them here at the house and just enjoy them. And of course they all loved the attention and time with Mamaw Starla!

I am so proud of all of the kids, it’s hard to know just want to blog about because everything is going so well. I know school will be a big adjustment, but I imagine after the first two weeks they will be in full swing and handling it just fine. We went to the school again today and Emi took Jess and Joaquin to their rooms to show them around again. The teachers already have much of the rooms set up and it’s been good for the kids to have stepped foot in the school and classrooms a few times before school begins, and to see the familiar face of Miss Margie, the sooooo sweet secretary that we love and adore.

The funny story for today…we were at Old Navy finding shirts to wear for an upcoming photo appointment. I’ve mentioned before that my little latino is Mr Sticky Fingers. He has to touch everything, I mean everything. So most of the time he has to hold my hand while in a store. But sometimes I get brave and let him go after giving instructions to stay with me. Well, he had been so good all day and I got brave. One of his favorite things to say is “what’s this?” I hear it a million times while in a store. So I was checking out a shirt for the girls, he was next to me, no problem. Then all the sudden I hear, “What’s this Mom?” and as I turn my head I hear this awful alarm and see him pushing the handle to the emergency exit door. Jessica and Emi take off hand in hand away from us, neither one of them wanted anyone to know they were with us. Then Joaquin says, “No Touch????” Well I couldn’t help but laugh, what could I do. I apologized to the folks around me, who luckily also found it funny, I’m sure it was just because he is so darn cute. Once they turned the alarm off and the girls decided it was okay to be seen with us again, Jess was sure to give Joaquin the evil eye and say “that’s why mom says don’t touch!”

Never a dull moment…I wouldn’t have it any other way!

That's my girl, bare feet on the ball field

All ready to watch Hannah Montana in 3D

June in Review

2008-06-30T11:31:00.016-04:00

I can’t hardly believe June is over…where does the time go. We are doing wonderfully here and enjoying every moment as family of 6. I am realizing that in the next few weeks we will need to start doing school shopping and preparing for the fall. Time really does fly and I’m not so sure I want the next phase to come. Actually I am ready, I think that they will love school and will have much to be proud of themselves for. Jessica enjoys learning and will succeed, Joaquin gets frustrated easily when he can’t get a concept or doesn’t understand, but is always so proud of himself when he does something well and strives to do well.

So what has been going on with the Hollis’ in June. Well, we do a lot of running and playing, but making sure we have some down time too. The kids have adjusted (all 4 of them) extremely well, I can’t imagine it having gone any smoother. Jess and Emi have bonded so well and the boys, well, they are just boys, all “boy”. I have some pics to help dictate how we have spent some of our time.

Joaquin and Jess are doing well with English. They understand a lot more than they use, but Joaquin is using quite a bit more English the last two weeks and is catching on. Jess wants to learn so badly but is reluctant to use it, but understands a great deal. Joaquin’s pronunciation is really clear, but Jess is so cute, she can’t make the “th” sound and her “r” sound is always trilled even on her English words. I understand her, but it’s like a baby when only the mother understands what they are saying and has to translate for others. It will all come together in time, they have only been in the states for a month and a half.

They walk around the house dancing and singing as if they have always been here. Jess knows the rules how to behave with no problems. We can take her anywhere and she knows what we expect from her and has no trouble following along. Joaquin is learning and is making great strides, but is just so silly and care free that he sometimes forgets. The love the pool and all the running around. As a matter of fact yesterday we didn’t have to go out, we stayed at home all day. And near bed time they questioned why we stayed home all day and why we couldn’t go out. I had to giggle. I remember when being out for 10 minutes was a big deal and they begged to go home. Now they love to get in the car and see what the next adventure is. However, the running, even for fun stuff, wears on them. They are always falling asleep in the car when we’ve been out. Ten minute power naps do them good.

We have visited the school a few times and we ran into Jessica’s teacher at the park a few weeks ago. Nate had this teacher in first grade and we loved her. She will be a perfect fit for Jessica in second grade. Joaquin’s teacher we have never had before, but always hear wonderful things about her. He will be attending a kindergarten camp the week before school starts so he can meet his teacher and friends before the first day of school. She is the only teacher in the district who offers such a camp, but it’s a wonderful idea. They will find their way around the school and playground by way of scavenger hunts etc, so Joaquin should have a real good time.

Baseball is now over and Nate has a few weeks of a break before football starts. Emi has started cheer practice at the Junior High and is having a ball. She will be in the community parade on the 4th. Joaquin loves playing with Emi and Nate’s friends. We are finding that Jessica is shy and doesn’t like to be in front of people much, where Joaquin is pretty much the opposite. This tells me that Jess may have some self confidence issues, not major, but enough to help us in knowing how to help her handle things she may face. I thought for sure that after she saw Emi in her dance recital that she would want to dance next year, but she is not interested. She love to dance around the house, but she said dancing in front of all those people is not at all what she wants to do. We are finding new things out about them each week.

They speak of Colombia an La Maria everyday. They don’t want to go back, but would love to call La Maria and say Hi to their friends. Jessica has shared some info with us on things she remembers of her biological family. I am not sure what she actually remembers or what she remembers being told. We did receive a packet of 277 pages of their file from Colombia and found out some interesting info we had not known. We have lots of info for them someday if/when they want to know.

Also, often times when the phone rings, Joaquin will ask “Is that Colombia?”. They tell us they are happy here and love ALL of the family. The majority of my family lives within a 15 minutes of each other, so they are always asking to go and see everyone. It amazes me how they love everyone so much already, like they’ve been part of us since they were born.

Our lives have all been changed and as much as I should not be surprised, I can’t imagine two more perfect children for God to have chosen for us.

So here are a few things June held for us…
Cooled off in the back yard in the little pool (it's really for the dogs to cool off, but Joaquin thinks when we first fill it, it's for him)

Stayed over night with Mimi at Mimi, Papa and Great Grandpa Ross' house

All the little cousins got together so we could go to the zoo

It's great having big sister to pull them around while they rest their feet from the lots of walking at the z00

Took a break with Great Grandpa Ross at the Zoo

On hot days we spend time at Tia Jo's pool!

Had a few sibling moments

Walked the excercise trail at the park

We've played in the creek

More sibling moments at the park

We also enjoyed another first...cotton candy...a treat from Mimi and Papa. They thought it was very cool, but Joaquin wanted to eat it like an ice cream cone off of the stick.

Merrily We Roll Along

2008-06-07T20:44:00.009-04:00

I don’t even know where to start. We are a happy family of 6 and loving the time we have to spend together at home for the summer. I am hoping to not go back to work until the fall when the kids are in school. Jessica and Joaquin are doing wonderfully. I really couldn’t ask for better. It’s as if they have been with us forever and are learning more and more every day. We are having a blast now that we are home and I am able to not go back to work just yet.

A few things we’ve noticed. They ask for ice in their drinks…remember when they wanted everything warmed up? They do well helping with chores, and even seem to like it. Except the clean your room part. They’ve asked to see the houses of every family member so we are taking them a little at a time to check out everyone’s places. We had a grill out at my brothers 2 weekends ago and the kids had a ball. We went to my mom and dad’s this weekend and they got to take their first motorcycle ride with Abuelo Papa. He just took them down a side street, subdivision type road, and they thought they were big stuff. We will take them to my aunt and uncles later this week to swim and will need to visit Aunt Jeanie’s when she gets back from her work trip in Germany.

The are getting used to our busy schedule with lots of running to sports and activities and are doing great. Nate’s baseball team has taken them in and made them feel special, the ball players play with Jess and Joaquin like they are buddies and according to Jess and Joaquin, “it’s really cool!” They love Emi and Nate’s friends and are adapting so well.

Joaquin is slowly learning how to control himself when asked and Jessica has been a gem since we have been home. Last night she even apologized, out of the blue, on her own, to Emi for being so mean to her in Colombia. And Joaquin saw a plane fly overhead as he was jumping on the trampoline and said, “No don’t come get me, I like my family and we are having a lot of fun!” However a few days ago he did ask me to call La Maria so he could talk to his girlfriend. I cracked up. He talks about Lilly, his novia, all the time. Jessica talks about La Maria constantly, telling us stories and things here that remind her of things at the orphanage. They both tell us they are so happy and love their family, they can’t get enough of all the grandparents and aunts and uncles, and they haven’t even met Eric’s family yet. They are doing well eating and trying new foods.

I don’t know what else to say, things are going so well and we are having a ball. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat!!!

A few pics for the record...things we've enjoyed since we've been home.

We had a grill out at my brother's and had a great time. Tio Brian and Tia Sonya got Jessica and Joaquin crosses on a chain that are engraved with April 08, our gotcha month and year! The kids love to wear them, so I had to put them up so we can save them for special occasions and not lose them!

Joaquin loves to help with chores

Emilee graduated from the 6th grade and she tried out for the Junior High cheerleading squad...and she MADE IT!!!

Joaquin likes to water the flowers and himself

Played in the spinkler in the yard (with me not working we are going with out AC this summer, so lots of time will be spent cooling off in the water)

We played in the water area at the park

And we've been to Tia Jo and Tio Bud's to swim a few times too.

All is Well…Sorry for the Delay

2008-05-19T21:24:00.006-04:00

Yes, we made it safe and sound and all is well. I will try to update at least once month.

So to pick up where we left off, the kids went to bed well the night before we left and were up bright and early without any trouble ready to get on an airplane. I think the anticipation of getting on an airplane was more fun than the actual ride. On our flight out of Bogota Joaquin and I sat together and then Jessica sat in our same row but on the other side between two ladies. The two ladies on either side of Jessica were awesome. I felt horrible not being next to her, but the Lord gave us great folks to sit with on the plane. The one lady held Jessica’s hand as they took of and was able to explain and answer all of Jessica’s questions. She helped Jess with her breakfast and was oh so sweet. I thanked her several times for her kindness. Joaquin and I sat with an older lady who reminded me of my grandmother. She fell in love with the kids and asked me to send her photos and to call her on occasion with updates. The kids were awesome and the flight was a breeze to Atlanta. Once we arrive in Atlanta we ran to our next flight after immigration and customs. The flight was boarding by the time we got there. We did clear stand by status but our seats were not close at all. Jesscia sat in row 10 and a kind lady switched me seats so I could sit with Joaquin in row 27. I explained to Jess what had to happen with our seats and she was great about it all. She sat in front in the aisle and I rows back in the aisle. I told her to turn around and she could see me. I told the flight attendant that Jess only spoke Spanish and today was her first day of flying. It was a short flight so all went well and we were in Cincinnati ready to see the rest of the family. When we landed in Cinti I told Joaquin that we didn’t have to get on any more flights and that much of the family was there waiting on them. He lit up like wild fire and was ready to get off the plane and meet the family. Tons of family were there and Jess and Joaquin met them with open arms, hugs and kisses. They were smothered with love and loved every minute of it. You would have thought they had known the family that was there forever, they were so excited to see everyone.

From the airport we went to get quick bite to eat and then to our house. Joaquin kept pointing to different things and asking “Is this the United States?” It was so cute. Jess kept saying to him, “Everything here is the United States!” They went to bed well and have done awesome since they have been home. Jessica is so proud of having her own room, she shares with Emi, but is still so excited. Joaquin has walked through the entire house asking “Is this for me?”

The first several days back were filled with exhaustion and staying busy teaching the ropes of the house. I am thrilled at how well Jessica and Joaquin have done. It’s a lot for them to take in and they take it all in stride. The biggest issue is going to be getting them used to all the flavor in our food. The first taste of everything gets a frownie face, but they are pretty good about trying things and letting me work with them to help them like it.

They were scared to death of the dogs, but after just a few days they trade kisses and are doing great. Yesterday Jessica told me “Tomorrow I want to learn English!” They have been asking a lot how to say various things in English, they are eager to learn and I am so proud of them. Emi and Nate are just glad to have us all home and get back in the swing of things. Jessica and Joaquin went to their first baseball game to watch Nate. They weren’t thrilled about being out so long, but thought Nate was famous when he put his uniform on. They thought it was cool.

Their most favorite item is the trampoline, they would jump on it 24/7 and they are infatuated with the animals even though they are still a little shy with them, but getting better. The family is loving having them here and we are anxious to introduce them to Eric’s family and to my dad’s side of the family. Everyone falls in love with Jessica and Joaquin when they meet them, they are so full of personality. Colombian’s have been described this way “Colombians wring out every bit of life, when they are happy, their whole body is happy, when they are sad, their whole body is sad.” And I couldn’t agree more! I love my little latinos and combined with my two red heads, life couldn’t get any better.

Jess putting on a concert after playing with sidewalk chalk (they had never seen side walk chalk before)

Ready or Not Here We Come!

2008-05-13T21:24:00.007-04:00

Today was our final day in Bogota. We picked up the VISAs and have everything we need to fly out tomorrow. Andres will be picking us up at 6 am tomorrow and we fly out at 9:30. The kids are very ready to get on that plane, or at least they think they are. We went through a book I got for kids about going on a plane. They have been looking at it, but I talked about what tomorrow will be like and that we will get on 2 planes etc. I just think the more they know the better it is for them. Then they wanted to go through the picture book and see the “todo familia” and I told them who all would be at the airport when we got home. I am taking both books on the plane to go over again.

I thought the kids would be wound up today and they weren’t. They talked about going on the plane tomorrow a lot, but they were pretty calm all day. I knew it was going to be a good day when Joaquin put on his camo pants this morning. Yesterday he said, I want to take these to the US, but then this morning he put them right on, I was shocked. He’s conforming already; it must be going well. And I realized this morning I lost like 15 lbs while I was here. Not that anyone could tell, but I was happy. Now if I can just keep loosing when I get home I will be doing good. Also today Joaquin asked to fill his water bottle and asked for ice in it. My mouth about hit the floor! What’s up with this boy? I had to laugh at him when he asked. After about an hour he went back to his water bottle and looked for the ice, he was all concerned that it was gone. I told him it melted, that happens!

It was nice to take one last drive here in Colombia today. When Andres picked us up he had another family with him too. We made a first stop to drop off this family at an ICBF office and then made several more stops at various places on the way to the VISA office. It took all of 10 minutes to run in and pick up the VISAs and then we were off again. As we were waiting for the taxi a security guard was talking to Andres about who we were. Andres was explaining I was adopting the children and we would be leaving for the US tomorrow. Jessica was sure to tell them about my lack of Spanish. But this time instead of telling them that I only speak English, she told them I speak a little Spanish. I felt like I had graduated! I went from and English speaker to a little bit of Spanish speaker. Again, I had to chuckle. By the time we had gotten back from all the running around Andres had to do it was like 2 ½ hours later, which made the afternoon fly by. Andres is so good with the kids…oh and he sings to the radio in the taxi, which cracks me up.

In the car today Jessica asked if we could go to La Maria and visit. Fine time to bring that up. We would have loved to have gone earlier in the trip but today was a little late. We didn’t want to just ask her outright if she wanted to visit, we wanted them to bring it up on their own if they wanted to go. She definitely wasn’t ready the first few weeks, and I hated to go without Eric, but knew she would have been fine going anytime within the last two weeks. We sent our items for La Maria with Lucia with a card attached saying it was from Jessica and Joaquin. Maybe someday we will come back to Colombia and go for a visit when they are older.

Also when we got back, James the beloved guy who works our front desk most days, stopped by. I was bummed when we went to breakfast and he wasn’t here. He worked at one of the other houses and when he got off work he stopped by just to see Joaquin and Jessica. He actually had tears in his eyes when he left, he said, “I just love those two.” Joaquin and James especially bonded, Joaquin loved to give James a hard time. James gave Joaquin several hugs and I think would have stayed to play. Joaquin was focused on a game when James was here and about 10 minutes after James left, Joaquin went looking for him. I think it sunk in for Jaoquin that he was saying good bye to Colombia. I had to explain that we wouldn’t see James anymore that we are leaving for the US and all new people, places and things. No tears, just a deep look in Joaquin’s eyes helped me to realize that he was thinking beyond what he had thought before. He already said some good byes to his friends at La Maria, and now he says good bye again. It’s all so much for these kids to go through, but they do so well with it all. I feel very fortunate to have had some wonderful people around us here at Zuetana. It may be expensive and the food may not be wonderful, but the people here make up for it. At the end of the day Lucrecia came into our room. She came with a gift. I cried when I opened it, it was a Bible, in Spanish, and she wrote a note inside. How very special, maybe one of the most treasured things we will bring home. Then Lucia called to wish us well and said to be sure to tell Eric hello and all the kids.

So this is it from Bogota a beautiful city with beautiful people. We are so grateful to the people here who have welcomed us with open arms and helped us along the way. We will surely miss Colombia, but I have a feeling we will be back…for a shorter visit…smile.

Okay, well don’t expect a post for a few days. It will take a day or two to settle in and find time to get back on the computer. We jump right back into a full schedule once we get home, but this time with two more little ones. My dad took off work on Thursday so we plan to spend some time just us and my folks on Thursday while Emi and Nate are at school. Plus I expect Jessica and Joaquin will end up a little emotional after a few days when it all sinks in that this new world is theirs forever. A new chapter in our journey begins tomorrow. The chapter that has just been scripted has been quite a story, full of joy, tears, grief, learning, new experiences and bonding. It is with joy and sadness that this chapter ends, but the chapter to follow is sure to be just as exciting.

And finally, one last water balloon fight

And one last jump from the top bunk to the bed. I know this is terrible, but we couldn't keep them from jumping. I can't believe we didn't end up at the hospital while we were here. You had to be really careful if you were sitting on the bed, because they would jump right at you.