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!!