Is July Really Over?

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

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

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

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!

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.

Day 32 in Bogota

First off…My friend Peggy that I mentioned received Sentencia today!!! Thanks for your prayers, she and Sofia will come home Friday!

Today we completed our applications for Jessica and Joaquin’s VISAs. We left the hotel at 9 am and didn’t get back until 12:30. We were told to plan for 2 to 4 hours at the VISA office and it was a good thing we had been warned. There was a line just to get in the front enterance, which Lucia took us straight to the front of the line. I love these people. Once inside there were two families ahead of us in the adoption line. The place was packed with people and it was open on all sides. There was a roof but it was open, which was nice because you didn’t feel enclosed with all those people. For folks with older kids, take them something to do. I took them each a backpack with some snacks and things to do. I did take their DS games, but I wasn’t able to take them in. I had to check them at the counter and pick them up when we left. The kids weren’t too happy about that, but they lived. We go back to pick them up at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon. Then we are all set to come home on Wed morning. Missy emailed me today and said the flights all still look good, so hopefully we get through immigration quickly in Atlanta so we make our next flight. We have less than 2 hours in Atlanta.

About every hour this morning Joaquin said “Are we going to the US now?” It was so cute. Jessica kept telling him “NO, we go on the plane on Wednesday!”

Then this afternoon just after lunch there was a party for the families in celebration of Mother’s Day. They had a person come who does puppets and such with kids. So Jessica and Joaquin were asked to help decorate and had a fun time. The lady who came with the puppets did a great job. She brought a special book that talks about a little bird who had no mother and was adopted by a bear who had adopted other animals too, like a frog, a mouse and one other animal. It was so great to watch the faces of the kids as the story went on. After the story she let the kids come up and put on their own show, which they all really enjoyed. Several of the families from the other Zuetana came over so it was nice to see them all. Peggy came and we said our goodbyes, but plan to keep in touch. Another family that has been here for 5 weeks also came, she found out today she will not be going home until the end of the month…I have much to be thankful for. (She is not with our agency, CHI)






Well, Emi and Nate went back to school today and were so glad to see all of their friends and teachers. Thank you Margie for the comment about Nate this morning, it made me cry. Smile. My mind has been spinning all day about all that has to be done when we get home. I have to figure out English tutoring for the summer, have Jessica tested to see which grade she should be in and really work on academics with them before the fall. It will be so good to get home and get into a routine and start acclimating Jessica and Joaquin to the States. They are going to do great, even today Lucia spoke of how intelligent they were. They were a bit wound up at times at the VISA office but were very intrigued at how and why things work as far as getting to the US. Lucia is awesome, she is very sweet and cares a great deal about the children here.

So many people have asked about Eric and commented on how they enjoyed Emi and Nate while they were here.

Jessica and Joaquin love one of the front desk workers who works during the day, James. They call him “something” and I had no idea what they were saying. I have told them several times to call him Senor James, but they always just laugh at me and James doesn’t seem to mind so I let it go. So today I asked James what it is that they call him. He laughed and said it means Big Head. I apologized but he just laughed. I really need to know more Spanish. So now I will really have to get on them to show some respect. James has been a great sport with him. I tell him everyday when he leaves that it’s time for him to go take a nap. My kids wear him out, they don’t leave him alone all day.

With all that went on here today, it went pretty quick; I guess that’s good. Tomorrow I will just do some laundry so I don’t have to travel with dirty clothes, and finish packing. I have to pay our lawyer and Zuetana and hand out a few thank you gifts. We are almost home! Look out!!

Okay, that’s all I have in me tonight. I have fought a nasty headache all day, it’s more sinus related, but it’s fried my brain. See you all soon!

Sorry this is kind of all over the place, it’s all I’ve got. Love you all!

Happy Mother's Day

Thank you for all of your prayers, I was able to go to bed with no tears and great peace. It was wonderful to be able to see the family at our house on the webcam with Emi and Nate. Jessica and Joaquin were happy to see them and to see Tia Jeanie too. And thank you again for all the wonderful comments.

All evening yesterday Joaquin gave the sweetest kisses and hugs. Normally he loves on you but he is so rough. But last evening he was so gentle and loving and just kept looking at me. I think he started realizing that we are not leaving him, and if finding out what “love” is. I think he is feeling things he hasn’t felt before, and although not old enough to realize it, he is starting to fall in love with his family.

Jessica spent some time yesterday afternoon showing me and Lucrecia the book La Maria gave to us. There are several photos and Jessica has seen me look at it several times, but never showed any interest in telling me who folks were, and I didn’t ask. But yesterday I think after everything sinking in that we are leaving soon, she was excited to tell me all of her friends names and a little about each picture. I pulled out the items we have for La Maria and told her it was all from her and Joaquin to their amigos at La Maria. We are sending almost all of the toys we brought, Bingo, Bi-Lingual Memory, Beach Balls, UNO, etc. Along with the candy Tia Jeanie and Tia Jo bought for them to give their friends.

Today we all slept in a bit, which was a great gift to me. I didn’t get out of bed till 7:45 which felt great. It was a beautiful day, sunny and blue skies. When we went to breakfast Zuetana had a card made for each the moms. Jessica and Joaquin are the only ones old enough here understand what Mother’s Day is, so they explained why today was special and had them give me a kiss and a hug. After breakfast I went ahead and packed everything I could and got things organized while the kids played. It feels good seeing things packed and ready to go. I also go the kids backpacks loaded and ready for the visit to the embassy tomorrow. Lucia called this evening and said she would pick us up at 8:30 or 9:00 tomorrow.

This is Joaquin the morning as I was telling him to get dressed so we could go eat. He loves to salute me and say "Si senora mama!"

Joaquin thought it would be fun to race me to the door today. When he beat me he hurried and put the chain on, peaked his head out and said "HA HA!". Luckily he let me right in after I took his pic

These are just the flowers in our room, Jessica wanted a pic with them


After lunch we took a long walk. Not exactly what the kids wanted to do, but they survived. Near the end I took them to McDonalds for a sundae, which they thought was really cool. There is a play land there so I let them play a bit. Just about the time we were going to leave, a McDonald’s employee came in with face paint and painted the kids faces. We stayed out for a good 2 hours, so it helped to break up the day. I decided to go through Jessica’s hair and look for eggs. The stuff we used kills the eggs and we we used 4 of them, so surely none were alive, but it feels better to have all eggs out of her hair. She sat still playing her DS for about an hour while I searched her head. She is clean of all lice and eggs at this point, shew!



So last night I was getting onto myself for having rough day and began to remind myself of all I have to be thankful for. I have 4 wonderful children each with so much to offer. God has trusted us and given us 4 jewels to care for and to raise. It is with great responsibility that we have accepted parenthood. We have tried with Emi and Nate and will do so with Jess and Joaquin to find their strengths and to help them to identify their strenghts and to use their talents as God would have them to be used. To teach them to be good at heart and to yearn to help and show love to others. It is our job to help them realize their weaknesses and build on them and work with others to make themselves better people. It is our responsibility to teach them the importance of education and the ways of society. To help them in their walk with God and to be able to let their light shine in their everyday lives to those around them. To be proud of who God made them, to understand love and to enjoy being loved are all a part of what we must help them to learn. I am so thankful that God has given me great children willing and able to learn and grow and love with great depth. He has made our job easy as parents by giving us such shining jewels to work with. But even so I must pray daily that He helps me to help my children, to understand their hurts and to rejoice with them in their joy and accomplishments. Becoming a parent is so much more than just loving a child, it’s watching their moves and helping them to build on their personalities. It’s the job of a psychologist, a nurse, a counselor, a pastor, a friend, a teacher, a discipliner, and so much more. But most of all God gives you this special gift as a mother to love unconditionally. It happens naturally when you give birth, but I tell you, when God has ordained your children to be yours through adoption He gives you the same abundance of love and in unconditional form.

"We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time & miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands." ~Kristi Larson I love this and know first hand how true it is. I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. I can’t imagine my life without Jessica and Joaquin just as I can’t imagine my life without my biological children Emilee and Nate.

Jessica and Joaquin are just as amazing as Emi and Nate, just as lively as all the Hollis’ boys, just as sweet and fun as Maddie and Annslee, and just as beautiful and sensitive as Bailey and Brandon. I know you have fallen in love with them as you have watched our journey unfold here in Colombia, but I tell you to bring Kleenex to the airport. When you meet them in person and get your hands on them you are going to melt. Just ask Tia Jeanie. I really think that part of my problem yesterday, other than being home sick, is to think about two great kid who have lived 5 and 7 years without a mother’s love and without someone to tell them how great they are and to help them to see within themselves just how much they have to offer to everyone around them. I absolutely can’t wait for you to meet them. At this point in the day, I think I am more excited about you all meeting them than I am excited to get back home. They are just that great!

Oh and Dad, warm up the motorcycle. They are already arguing over who gets to ride first. Actually, when I showed them the video of your house, I got the motorcycle too. As soon as they saw it they began to argue over who the motorcycle belonged to. Jessica said it was hers, but Joaquin was pretty sure it was his. I told them it was Abuelo Papa’s but that you would share.

Okay so I thought I would take the camera to lunch today and give you a photo sequence of what meal time is like with Joaquin. From the way I was sitting not all the pics are great, but it’s enough to give you an idea of what I deal with at meal time. He’s a hoot, I’m warning ya!

Ok, here we go...So first you have to swim to the table!

"Is this how you use this thing Mama?" Once he makes it to the table he has to find some way to be silly.

He loves knives. Normally as soon as we sit down I take his. Today I forgot, but don't worry, I got it from him before his head started to bleed.

Yes, he's upside down on the chair. At least 5 times each meal he drops something so he has to pick it up. This is one of his favorite meal time positions, then he asks for help to get up because he knows he is not allowed out of his seat.

"So if I don't use my hands and I take a bite, this will fall on the floor and I can go upside down again to pick it up."

In the middle of each meal he asks to give hugs and kisses. When he's done he laughs. He knows...who can resist a kiss from that face. Just another successful tactic to procrastinate and get out of taking a bite.

One of his favorites. "Maybe if I hide my face under the table cloth she won't make me eat.

At every meal the boy asks to go to the bathroom. We make him go just before we sit down, but it never fails, he asks to go again. I would say no, but the people around me would probably think I was awful not letting my kid go to the potty. So here is his "i really gotta go" face. So what do you think...does he have to go number one or number two?

There are bad guys at every meal too, so you have to keep your dukes up and be ready

A little creativity...who knew a fork could double as a straw

And of course it wouldn't be a complete meal experience if you don't have a spill. I guess that's what happens when you try to use a fork as a straw.

Finally Lucrecia came over to help me try to get him to eat, and this is what she got from him.

Lucrecia and I both gave up when he started pretending like he didn't have arms and ate his rice.

We always end our lunch with fruit, his favorite part. Joaquin loves papaya (not sure if i spelled that right), but it is the most horrible tasting fruit ever. We call it the sink cleaner fruit, I won't tell you what it really smells like.

And when he is all finished, he rubs his tummy and usually says Muy Gordo (very fat) then asks for permission to leave the table.


Now doesn't that make you wish you were here??? Smile