Haircuts on a Hot Day

Mermaid fountain in the town center. Yes, it's what it looks like. Jenna, this picture is for you! Interesting choice if you ask me, but it must be popular because we have a miniature version here in our house.

First hair cut with Erick and Lee Anne!

"Pool" time with Erick

Samuel's attire after getting his outfit soaked!

Samuel has his collar "popped". :)

This is his hair- pre haircut with the combover :).

Today was a good day here in Antigua! Samuel is feeling MUCH better- eating lots. Today he added papaya to his food list and liked it. Yesterday and today I made trips to "Bodegona", the closest grocery store. Yesterday Samuel had a melt down in the store. I was officially "that mom"...you know the one who everyone is staring at thinking "Why doesn't she take care of her child?". I had Samuel in the carrier and a bag full of groceries trying to navigate through the crowded aisles. Not a good experience. I ran a few other errands today and then we joined Erick for a brief "pool" session. By "pool", I mean Erick's baby tub filled with water in the grass. Samuel mainly watched, but got wet enough to constitute swimming. It was really warm here today- I know you guys in Missouri are hating me right now.

The highlight of the day was going to get Samuel's first hair cut (technically second if you count that Jimmy and I cut his mullet in December when we visited!). Lee Anne and Erick went with us- it was fun to share the first hair cut with Erick, too! We went to the Funky Afro and the lady who cut their hair was great! Samuel now has less of a combover look. I was cracking up because they used the trimmers on him- he already has sideburns. I think the kid will be shaving in kindergarten. He actually enjoyed the trimmers and was pretty smiley.

Dinner tonight made me smile. It is an experience that I probably will never get to repeat once I leave Guatemala. There are five children in this house- Samuel, Erick (14 months), Eli (11 months), Milo (8 months), Kylee (2 1/2- she's Eli's sister)- and four moms. I looked around and just laughed. Erick is next to me being goofy, Samuel's stuck in the bumbo seat with squash all over his face, Milo and Eli are chasing each other under the table- one crawling, one in the walker. All four of the boys were within an arm's reach of me at one point- I can't really explain well the chaos, but I loved it. At the same time, someone has turned on the radio- it's Spanish-speaking DJs playing oldies mixed with random mariachi sounding music. Lee Anne and I were feeding and eating, while the other moms were cooking. It was all chaotic and random, but seemed just perfect for Guatemala. Those four little Guatemalan boys (and of course Kylee!) are such blessings for all of us! I know that dinner time at home will seem too quiet after getting accustomed to this.

Samuel is in bed- praise the Lord! Tonight he actually has fallen asleep in his packnplay after only 10 minutes of screaming. We'll see how long it lasts.

Since last June, I've been reading 1-2 Samuel some as this is what we were studying in our small group at church for the past few months. This is also where Samuel's name came from- maybe it is cliche for someone who has gone through trouble getting pregnant and adoption, but I love that in I Samuel it says "She named him Samuel saying "Because I asked the Lord for him." We have certainly been asking the Lord for this child Yesterday morning I read 2 Samuel 7:18 where it says "Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?" The longer I'm with Samuel, the more I'm humbled by God's amazing gift of this child. This has been quite a process and there is so much more to go, but tonight I'm thankful for where the Lord has us. Samuelito is indeed a huge blessing and example of how the Lord keeps His promises!

Sorry to be longwinded... I think I spent too much time in the sun :). Enjoy the pics! Love from Antigua!

One more pic...

After I posted the last entry, Samuel was SO smiley right before he went to bed. I had to add this - footy PJ's are my favorite!

Saturday with Samuelito

Here are a couple of pictures- poor Samuel hasn't felt well so I haven't had many good photo opportunities. He's had a bib attached to him almost permanently because he's been drooling so much. He's doing so much better at sitting up and is very proud of himself! The non-Samuel pics were taken by a friend of Angie (one of my housemates) who was visiting. He has some really great pics... I'll post a few more at a later date. Anyways- these showcase the crazy "chicken" buses, some Guatemalan women and the "tuk-tuk" (like taxis, but cheaper).

The past couple of days have been full of trying to figure out what Samuel has- he had a fever and wasn't eating. After trips to two doctors (one in Antigua, one in Guatemala City) and a trip to the lab for a test, we found out that he has the Ebstein Bar virus, which is mono. The doctor today said that since his fever is gone and he's eating better, I just need to give him something for pain (his throat has been red and bothering him) and keep an eye on him. He has lost half of a pound in two days from not wanting to eat! I'm relieved that he's ok and doing better... just want him to eat!

While in the city, we also met with one of the women from our agency who has been in the country working this week. It was an encouraging visit. We hope to find out next week the date for our social worker interview which is the next step in the process.

While dealing with the doctors, I've gotten a kick out of some of the differences here. First of all, we went to the doctor and you just sign in and wait for the doctor. He sees patients in the order you arrive- no appointments. "Signing in" consists of giving them your name on a post-it... no paperwork! Secondly, we just paid the doctor in cash- no forms, no insurance, etc. The first doctor we went to measured Samuel's length with a regular tape measure that had blocks attached to it- quite a contraption. In all three offices we were in, the people in the waiting rooms were so friendly. By the time we'd leave, others would be saying "mucho gusto" (pleased to meet you) and "que le vaya bien" (hope things go well). At the first doctor, Samuel filled his diaper and it was stinking badly. I had women offering to change him, hold him, etc. Just a refreshing amount of friendliness- I have been a bit apprehensive about what the locals think about us gringos and our Guatemalan babies. So far, no one has said anything negative to me (that I've understood,anyways!). My other funny Guatemalan moment was in the city today. We were going to the doctor's office in a very urban area in Guatemala City and we pass a man walking five goats along the road. I started laughing and the taxi driver said "Cabras- para la leche" (goats, for milk) as if it were not uncommon to see goats walking through downtown. People watching is really fun here. There is lots of PDA- and sometimes the making out couples won't even stop if you are trying to get by them in the stroller! It sort of reminds me of the halls of BSHS :). Also have seen lots of women who carry things on their head- it is incredible. Many of the women and girls wear the typical Guatemalan garb- bright colors. It's beautiful. I guess I thought that would be only in more remote areas or something, but it's very common here too. Antigua is small, but very diverse and manageable. We feel very safe here. There are tourists from all over. This has to be the wealthiest spot in Guatemala... don't quote me, but it seems like it. You also see the other side- extreme poverty, which is heart breaking. There is a nanny who works for the other moms in the house. She walks two hours to come in to babysit some days. Other days she rides the bus when it is available. She works for just under $3/hour. She is amazing with the kids and I've enjoyed visiting with her. She can't read or write though... just hard for me to imagine what that's like.

OK, Samuel is done being patient. Hopefully it's bedtime.... we'll see. He's slept the last two nights in the bouncy seat next to the bed. I just don't have the heart to stick him in the crib and let him cry since he's sick. Thanks to all who are taking care of Jimmy for me... he said he's done lots of visiting and eating this week. We both appreciate it!

Day 1 Solo

A few more quick pictures... Mom left yesterday... Samuel and I were very sad to see her go. Two hours after she left, I discovered that Samuel is running a fever. He had a rough day- tylenol helped, but we are up early and going to the doctor this morning. He didn't sleep much! The other girls in the house were lifesavers as I was a bit overwhelmed with him. Not sure if he's teething or if something else is wrong. The other kids in the house have been sick, so we'll see. Not much else to report from here! Happy Thursday!

Gramma Gone Wild

Mom didn't realize I was getting video of her this morning... she thought it was a picture. This is hilarious!

More Pics

Despite not much sleep last night, today has been another good day! Below is Samuel snacking on the patio. The bumbo seat has been great for him. Samuel loves bananas... they are all over his face.

OK, if you look really closely, you can see his two bottom teeth in this picture. I love it!

Gramma and Samuel in town.

This is Samuel's favorite toy so far... we call him Mortimer the Moose.

Post bath Samuel with his Easter duck from Gramma.

Housemates Lee Anne and Erick during the Easter egg hunt!

Happy Easter / Feliz Pascuas

Above is Mom and Sam at the Whitworth's friends' house. Below is Sammy and I in Hotel Santo Domingo....
Below is the cross that overlooks Antigua with the volcano in the background.

Below is mom and I in the tuk-tuk (little taxi). The view of the volcano from the street outside of our house.

Below is the view of the patio from my bedroom door.

Below is Samuel in his first swimsuit... he didn't make it into the pool.

Don't you love this face!! This one and the one below of Mom are from Sky Cafe.

Happy Easter! We've had a good weekend. Yesterday we explored town some more. We ate lunch out at Sky Cafe- really quaint place with a great view of town. We strolled through one of the big churches. We found the yummy bakery and bought banana bread. Then we went to the house that Pat and Lee Anne have rented for their friends who are visiting. It is amazing- like something out of a movie. We planned to swim, but the water was too cold so Samuel visited with his buddies Erick and Bryce. Samuel has had two nights of good sleep- praise the Lord!

Today we got up early and hiked up to a gorgeous cross that overlooks the town of Antigua. So actually we didn't hike up, only down. We took a tuk-tuk up which is a little taxi-ish thing, but more like a scooter. I'll post a picture. It was an experience- Mom was holding on for dear life! We didn't get to church today, but we did celebrate Christ's resurrection outdoors. It was just as good of location and occasion to celebrate and be thankful for His blessings! We also strolled through Hotel Santo Domingo which is a beautiful hotel with amazing gardens. About this time my legs started shaking from carrying Samuel. The carrier is awesome, but we were walking around for almost three hours this morning and the cobblestone gives quite a workout. We're back at the house now and Samuel is sleeping. We're slowly settling in. I made homemade baby food yesterday and am very proud of myself :)... we'll see if Samuel will actually eat it or not. The smell made me gag... not sure if that's a good sign. I still can't get wireless to work on my computer, so I'm plugged into the modem in the kitchen. This just means it is a bit harder to find time to skype or email when the kitchen isn't bustling. With five little ones in the house, someone is always eating! Mom leaves on Wednesday. It has been such a blessing to have her help. She says she's going to put in for early retirement and not go back! Hopefully she and Dad will get to return for a visit this summer. Not sure when Jimmy's visit will be... now that I'm here, I'm hoping for as soon as possible, but I'll try to be patient. OK- that's all for now.

Holy Friday in Antigua... random pics

Here he is... gotta love that smile! I think this picture was taken after we had finally resolved the constipation issue. I know probably too much info. We've had a good second full day in Antigua- I can officially find my way to town, the grocery store and the market, so I'm making progress. The pictures below are random- hope you enjoy.

This is the first Holy Week procession we witnessed- all the men dressed in purple parade through. They take turns helping to carry the floats. Below are a couple of pictures of the famous Holy Week carpets. One is a work in progress. They put together these beautiful, intricate designs and then there are processions through the streets that go over the carpets which immediately destroys them. Then more carpets are made for the next day. Apparently processions and carpets have been going on all through Lent, but daily this week since it is Holy Week. We've seen two processions so far. Mom says more pics of Samuel and less of the processions, but I figured my Spanish teacher friends would be interested :). I know, I'm a geek.

Here is a completed carpet just minutes before a procession came by.

This is Samuel's buddy, Erick. Erick is just over 13 months old and is the son of our friends, the Whitworth's. We are SO blessed to be going through this adoption process with them. Erick and his mommy, Lee Anne, are staying just across the hall from us.

This is outside of a house on our street. Many houses/businesses are draped with purple or white in celebration of Holy Week. I'm loving this baby carrier. Samuel has decided he likes to be held... all the time, so the carrier is wonderful. I am quickly developing some sore muscles.

Samuel loves his feet.... and being naked. This was the smiliest he was all day today!

Thought I'd post this picture to tell you that the 12 hour night of sleep was not repeated last night. This picture could have been taken at 1:30 AM or 2:30 or 4:30... we were up for all of those! I think I got about 4 hours of sleep. Samuel's tummy was bothering him. Some prune juice has fixed that and today was a better day, except that he was tired all day. We've decided he sucks his fingers this way in honor of his cousin Makenzie.

I thought he looked like a little man in this outfit... too fun! Mom has been a lifesaver... I'm a little nervous about how I'll do this alone starting next week. Thankfully the other three girls in the house are wonderful.

Inside the house it is very open- there's a courtyard/patio in the middle. Mom and Samuel were hanging out enjoying the sun in the courtyard. Don't you love those cheeks? He will be on his way to 12 month clothes very soon!

Samuel is eating... what he does best. Tiffany- this picture is for you- thanks for the bib! :)

This is my mom outside of our house in Antigua- doesn't it look like something out of a movie??

This is the street leading to our house. That is the Agua Volcano in the back. I promise it is further away than it looks :). Note the cobblestone... my mom is worried that Samuel is getting whiplash in the stroller. I think he'll survive...

OK, it's bedtime. Thanks for commenting on the blog- I know it is cheesy, but I love hearing from you. I am missing people from home, so I appreciate it. If you've emailed and I haven't responded- sorry. My computer still isn't working so I've borrowed Lee Anne's. We're hoping to have it fixed soon so I can skype and email more. Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!

Settling in

We are in Antigua and loving it! My laptop and internet connection isn't working so I haven't been able to post more pictures yet. It is gorgeous here, the house is perfect and the other girls in the house are very sweet. We've been out and about in Antigua today- saw the carpets and processions for Holy Week- very cool. My biggest worry right now is why Samuel hasn't pooped yet today! He slept 11 hours last night and we're hoping the trend continues. It's bath time... I'll post more when technology is up and running!

This time, it's for good!

As of today, Samuel is with me! This means, Lord willing, he'll be with me permanently until the adoption finalizes and then we can bring him home! He is adorable, happy and despite being exhausted from the early flight, I am ecstatic.

Billy- this picture is for you! We think Samuel gets his hair styling tips from his Uncle Billy- this is pre- hair cut- looks like a wildman.

This is our makeshift bed for the night. I will miss sleeping with Jimmy- but Samuel is a close second :).

Here is Samuel's "tengo sueno" picture- he is sleepy!!

This is Samuel's amazing foster mom, Amapola. She visited with us for quite awhile and gave me some tips about feeding, sleeping, etc. She is obviously a very caring woman and attached to Samuel- we all cried when she left. She brought me his hospital bracelet from when he was born and some other momentos of his first six months. It was precious and I am going to treasure those little pieces of his first six months that I was not a part of. We also found out that Samuel had his DNA test done today- yea! His birth mother came to the city for it and saw him for the first time since she delivered him. Dona Amapola gave us a picture of her- I now know where Samuel gets his big smile. She is very pretty and I still hope to meet her at some point. Now we are waiting for a social worker interview and the results of the DNA tests. Please pray for speedy processing and that the interview would take place in the next two weeks. Apparently Samuel's bedtime is 6:00- gotta love it. He fell asleep with no crying (we hope this continues!). Mom and I are exhausted so we are going to bed not far behind him. Love you all- thanks for the prayers!!

PS This is the crib that we put together twice (ok, not "we", Jimmy put together twice). Looks like it's ready for Samuel to be there!!