Family Day

Ok...the kids are in bed asleep.  What a crazy, amazing, overwhelming day!  I was a nervous wreck all morning.  I only slept for a few hours last night, and Jason had a case of traveler's diarrhea, so he was short on sleep as well.  I have never in my life felt as nervous as I did this morning.  Thankfully, the morning went pretty fast, and once Margarita came to pick us up and we were on our way, we kind of settled in and tried to just go with whatever would happen.

We got to ICBF and first had a meeting with the children's psychologist.  She gave us lots of updates on the kids, as well as original photos that ICBF had taken of the boys - adorable.  The psychologist and everyone in the office were laughing, because the boys had been there the day before so that they wouldn't be afraid today.  And everyone said..."Wow!  These kids have a lot of energy, they never sit still!"  It couldn't be more true!

Anyways, towards the end of the meeting, we hear a great big ruckus...they were bringing the kids into the building.  There was a little window, and Jason saw Juan Manuel go by, then Santiago stopped and looked in the window at us, and we just saw the top of Christian's head.  We still had some legal documents to sign at that point, so the kids were being kept in the play room, and we could hear all kinds of noise and banging around.

Finally, it was time to bring in the kids.  This part is all kind of a blur.  The boys came in the room, and Santiago lept into my arms and gave me the biggest hug.  Then Juan Manuel, and then they handed me Christian.  They all did the same with Jason.  The boys were so brave and called us mama and papa right from our first moments together. 

They really weren't kidding, these kids are just a bundle of energy.  We cannot turn our back for one second because they are running here or there!  Here are some of our first impressions after one day with the kids.

Juan Manuel - They told us that he thinks of himself like "superman".  He is very helpful to his brothers, but needs to be reminded that he must share, and that he must be careful with them as well. 

Santiago - He is called Santiagito.  He is as sweet as can be.  He kept coming up to us and giving us big hugs all day long.  At times today, he looked very sad.  When I asked him if he was sad, he said yes.  I told him it is ok to feel sad, and that today there were very many big changes for him, but that we will have a good and happy life together and we will always take care of them.  He and Juan Manuel love to draw pictures for us.

Christian - He was such a good baby today.  The only time he cried was when we tried to put him to bed, but he settled right down once his brothers came to bed too.  He seems kind of tentative about what in the world is happening to him, but he has been very tolerant.  If he can be together with his brothers, he is very content.

We went swimming at the pool, played at the playground (and at dinner!), and played in the room.  It was a very full day, and Jason and I were often left looking at each other in dismay wondering what in the world we are doing.  Honestly, it often felt like complete chaos.  I think we lost our room key about 10 times today!  We have no idea what the days ahead will bring, but are going to just love on these boys like crazy.  Hopefully we will be able to start a daily routine and try to bring at least a little bit of order to our state of being.

Sorry I can't post pictures yet...our agency and ICBF strictly prohibit it, so we have to wait until we have Sentencia.  But the stories will keep coming, and the pictures won't be far behind.

Now it's time for bed.  We are exhausted!  Thank you everyone for your emails, comments, and continued love, support and prayers.  Good night!