Paul's late grandmother, Theresa, always told us we would have a little girl. We always hoped we would, but we were thrilled with our precious boys. When we saw Rose's face we felt an instant connection. Paul was drawn to her sweet smile immediately. After reading her file, we realized how much she could fit nicely into our family.
When we arrived at the office where we were to meet her, we walked in the door and there she was! She was sitting with a few ladies from the institution and they knew who we were and started pointing and telling her 'Mami y Papi'. She motioned to is to come and sit down with her. Especially Papi. After a moment, we were forced to go our separate ways so we could be told more about her from the institution staff.
Surprising to me - most of the staff looked half my age. No joke. These teenagers were telling me all about my daughter... She plays well, she loves water, she loves sweets - no veggies, she likes to sing and dance and she calls the boys her 'bebes'. Her favorite picture we sent was of the beach and they think she will love it there. She loves rice and pasta. Instant Italian, right?
After a question and answer session, they brought her in.
She ran right to her Papi and we sat together and opened her gifts. There was a pop up tent thing of a school bus and she had us both crammed inside of it in no time. She's very playful and imaginative.
After a few minutes, I was asked to sign some forms - Papi wasn't allowed to leave her. She had him wrapped around her tiny fingers from the first moment.
And just like that, after two long years, we could take her with us.
She basically ran to the car. She was ready to go. We had a car seat for her to use (which isn't typical in C*lombia) and she refused. Papi's lap is the best seat. She did great in the car.
We came up to the room and settled right in. I brought a few toys for her and she was playing in no time. She ate a banana and drank some juice - good eater!
I know it's hard to imagine, but she did great. Her first day was a success. We even ate in the cafe downstairs and she didn't even cause any trouble at all. She FaceTimed with her grandparents and brothers and had them all in awe at how she was able to call Nana and Nini all by name. Happy, happy, happy.
Day 2 was another great day. She woke up after a restful sleep with her Mami and Papi on either side. I've never seen a smile bigger than the smile on her sweet face. It's just as if we could see her thoughts! "They are still here! Mami and Papi!"
We took her on her second trip to the mall and she ate nearly an entire hamburger and fry by herself. It's great to know she's happy to eat!
We went to the little park outside our apartment and she was very nervous. I think she assumed the loud barking dogs would come and get her there. And the ferocious birds. Ha. So we tried to help her see it was ok, but when she reached her limit, we went back inside. Baby steps, right?
Over all, this has all been a dream come true. We have had a few issues with letting Mami help with teeth brushing or hair styling, but after a few sí vs no episodes, she gave in to Mami's requests.
After a homemade dinner of ham and cheese quesadilla, she went to bed fairly easily.
And now we begin day three!
Chao! Bye-bye! (Rose's phrase)
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