Update on our new family

First we apologize for not sending a new post until now. We have been very busy! The boys are so wonderful and we could not have picked more perfect children for us. God sure knows best!

A little update on Thursday when we met the boys. We arrived at ICBF and learned that the boys were already waiting. They took us into a small room and the social worker talked about each of the boys. We did not learn any new information about them, it was just a recap of what we already knew. After a while I was thinking "Just bring me my children already!" Afterwards Larry said he was thinking the same. They did cut it a little shorter because someone appeared at the door and said that the boys were trying to leave their room to come find us! So, then we met them and it was hugs and kisses all around and they called us Papa and Mama right away.

The boys are all very calm, well mannered and affectionate. They fold their own clothes (Jeison folds clothes better than Mama) and make their beds. They were very happy and appreciative to receive new clothes and anytime we give them something they give a hug and say "Thank you Mama, Thank you Papa".

Jeison wants us to know he can speak a little english and uses english words if he gets the chance. He is so helpful to us with his brothers, if we don´t understand what they want he tries to translate and uses the dictionary we brought to find the words so we understand. The first night Juan did not want to settle down in bed so Jeison went over and said something to him and he then went to sleep. The room has a set of bunk beds and then one single bed for the boys. The first night they slept separately but last night Johnnatan and Juan slept together.

Johnnatan is a bit more reserved with affection than his brothers. He would eat cookies every minute if we would let him. He is constantly asking for galletas, galletas, galletas. It seems that he understands all too well that Mama and Papa are the providers and he likes to ask for things. He does not really like to share much with his brothers once he is given something. He also showers in his underwear.

Juan is the most affectionate and loves to sit with Mama and Papa and give hugs. He also enjoys pouring water from one container into another and has a little bottle of water that must go everywhere with him. They have legos here and he has played with them also.

The first day we walked to a nearby park and played for a bit until Juan was said´"PoPo" so it was back to the hotel for a bano break. Other than that we just played in the back of the hotel on the swingset and kicking beach balls around. The children here like to swing and we roll the balls toward them and they kick them while swinging.

Yesterday we went with another couple to Panaca Sabana and all the children had a great time. They rode ponies and burros. We also survived a hail storm while we were eating. It could not have been timed more perfectly and then once that subsided we took in a few more activities and called it a day. It rains just about every afternoon here.

Lastly the boys love playing computer games, mostly car based. When we first arrived at the hotel and they saw the laptop we just thought they were curious to know what it was. But they kept asking about it so later that day we turned it on and Jeison immediately went to the internet and typed in a spanish free game site. So we let them play a while but then No Mas and out to play!

I have pictures to post but right now the boys are on our laptop and I am posting on the hotel computer for guests. So will post those later today or tonight.

We are so happy and things could not be going better! God has truly blessed us with wonderful children and we are so thankful!