More Pics

Swimming at the pond for Mya's Welcome Home Party.


Uncle Travie and Mya

Now that we are settled...

We are now getting into the rhythm of being
home and getting into a little routine. I started
back to work this week. I only work 2 days a
week. Mya has a Spanish Speaking babysitter.
She cried and threw herself on the floor when I
left the first day. That was good to see. Sounds
terrible, but I was wondering if she would mind.
At church, she goes right into Sunday School without
a problem. She got over it quickly. Today, when I
got home she ran to me and hugged and kissed me.
Then she went back to our babysitter and wanted her
to hold her. She didn't want to come to me. I immediately
felt threatened and just took her away. She was fine, and then
wanted me to hold her for a while. This was odd because she
typically doesn't like to be held. I made sure our babysitter
knew that I want her to love and care for Mya, BUT
I am #1. :) She was laughing at me. So, we will keep you
updated on this.

Things have changed so much since being home. Mya is now
listening very well. She is signing a lot as well as verbalizing
some basic words. Her imitation has really picked up. Today
she let me rock her only when I turned the TV on. I put on
"Signing Time" which she loves. We imitated the signs together
as I rocked. I think it took her mind off of being held down.
Tonight she laid in bed while I read a few books. This was
huge for us. It just felt good for us to just lay together and
hang out. We hope one day she will enjoy snuggling.



My mom and Mya

Hangin with the girls


Playing "London Bridge" and loving it!


Mya is feeding a deer Justin's cousin is raising because
something happened to its mother. She loves animals and
wasn't afraid at all. She jumped right in and wanted to feed
the deer.

There is no place like the USA!!!

That's right! There is one more US citizen today. Horray!!!! There is nothing that feels better then being home with my family. I can't believe that I am actually here. Thank you God for guiding us on this trip and blessing us in so many ways. Thank you to my amazing friends who have made Mya's room look adorable and place pictures of her around the house. I just love them. I feel like everything is complete. We loved the welcome home sign. Thank you also to my family for everything they did while we were gone. We are fortunate to have such a supportive family.

Please pray for the other families that are still waiting to adopt and those that are in Colombia. There are many that need our prayers. You couldn't imagine the pain that these children and families are in.

I will blog more later. We are just so thankful Thank you for all of your prayers and support.

Embassy Done

Today we went to apply for Mya's visa. It went very smooth. I didn't realize it was outside. There were so many people there that we stood the whole time. It was a cold and rainy day. I really enjoyed meeting other families that I knew from there blogs and emailing. It was great to hear their experience and meet their children. There are so many families here. It was nice to know that everyone is kind of going through adjustment periods ie. tantrums. In our case and some of the others that are staying with us, it almost seems as thought they feel like they have to fight or scream for food, drink, toys ect. It is sad to see. I haven't put my finger on it, but most of our problems are around eating and drinking.

Other than that, Mya is amazing. She is very loving and has the best smile and giggle. We are so in love. God has really blessed our family. Tonight, they had salsa dancing for the kids here at the hotel. It was really nice. Mya thought everyone was crazy. She just liked watching and running around mainly.

We had a hard time again today trying to change Mya's name on the plane ticket. I messed this up from the beginning. I bought round trip tickets and told them I would have an infant coming home. I would recommend not doing that. Just add your child later. See, we didn't know if we were going to be able to change her name here. They were going to tell us when we got here. We did change her name, so I had to change the name on the ticket. It took 3 trips to Avianca and a lot of waiting to get it done. Try to avoid this frustration. Also, book your round trip about 2 weeks after you anticipate coming home. This will prevent you from changing your tickets twice.

Mary, a blog friend of mine, asked if it would be wise to send a package to the hotel prior to arriving. We actually had this idea. I think it would be a great idea, but we were not told for sure where exactly we would be staying. They do not get reservations for you ahead of time. So, you will not know for sure. There are plenty of places here that you can buy anything you need. They even have my shampoo and makeup here in Bogota. Cucuta has very similar to a Walmart (EXITO) as well. Try not to over pack. We didn't need any of our dress clothes or shoes really. I wore my dress clothes for Integration and the Final Decree. Other than that, you will be walking a lot. Everyone in Cucuta wheres jeans. We were told when we were there, that people with dress pants stood out to be wealthy. You will want to be comfortable. Bring shorts also. In Bogota, people where jeans and they also dress nicely. Still where comfortable clothes. Anytime you go anywhere with Andres, you will be running.

I haven't had a chance to shop or really enjoy Bogota. I am going to the gift shop that you guys told me about. It is walking distance from the hotel. So, we will do that tomorrow before picking Mya's Visa up at 3:00. We then will go straight to the airport to catch our flight.

We are so glad that it is time to go home, but we have really enjoyed spending time in Mya's birth country. We are glad that we stayed outside of Bogota for a while and really were able to experience Colombia and spend time in the town where Mya was born.

I will blog again from the United States. YIPPEE!

Change of Plan

We were not able to go to the Embassy today. We had to go to ICBF to get a form signed prior to going to the Embassy. Cucuta had made several mistakes to the document and it had to be sent back for corrections. We went this morning because we were told it was ready; however, it needed to be signed by the Bogota's ICBF director. She wasn't able to do it until later on today. So we went back. Andres had a little fun with me today. I was signing my name and had to write my passport number down. He then said something else for me to write. I didn't understand and he just kept saying "a dot a dot." I'm thinking "Where the heck do I need a dot." He was trying to say "Date." We laughed about this for a good while. I was yelling at him because he runs EVERYWHERE. It is hard to keep up holding a baby. He just laughs at me. We have fun messing with eachother.

Earlier today David, Lucia's son, took us back to the hotel. He had his two boys with him. They are so funny. I enjoyed talking with them. It is nice to have some people to cut up with while we are here. David to us to Baby Ganga (i think that is the name). We got a potty chair that I will leave here. This store has EVERYTHING you would need for a baby. It's similar to Baby's R Us. He showed us where to walk and go. I like Bogota. It is so much different then Cucuta. I wish more of our trip was here. But, I don't want to extend it just to see more:)


So, we will change our tickets to Thursday evening instead. We are having some trouble with getting Mya's named changed for the ticket. I had to give a copy of a birth certificate and the final decree. We will know tomorrow if it gets approved. I thought that was strange. I wasn't sure what the big deal was. They had all of the information.

The Embassy will be tomorrow, then on Thursday we will pick up the Visa. We are going to check in at the airport and then leave and go to the Embassy to pick it up. That way we are checked in 3 hours prior to the flight. TRICKY!!!!

I just love Zuetana hotel. It is so cozy, and everyone here is adopting. It is nice to see other people going through the same struggles as us. We enjoy seeing and talking to all of these wonderful families. Another Integration was today (which is when the parents get the child), and the hotel had a party. It is so great, they have all of the flags of the different countries here at the hotel at the party, cake, balloons, streamers. What a nice jesture. The staff and owner of this hotel is just great. We are blessed.

Teaching the Dog to Talk

 
 
 





We watched Mya do this for such a long time. She would howl and then the dog would howl. When the dog would stop, she would get him to go again. It was so funny. We have it on video. She was so afraid of him at first. Then little by little she would pet his back and then got closer to his head. She even finally kissed and hugged him.

See the pancho. It is chilly in Bogota. I never would have thought. Make sure you bring a jacket for the kiddos.


Today's news:
WE ARE IN BOGOTA!!!!!!! YEAH!!!! We had to work for it though. This morning we got Mya's passport. We waited in line outside before it opened at 7:30. They were asking for things we didn't have. It was stressful because her new birth certificate says my maiden name not my married name. This is how it is done in Colombia. Our attorney's secretary came and they were able to work it out with the help of Lucia and Mercedes. The people in the passport office said that when we arrive in Miami, they would make us fly back to Colombia because it was wrong. I was really worried. I wasn't sure who to believe. We are just trusting that Lucia and our Attorney know what they are doing and the other people are wrong. Nichole is sending me my birth certificate and Marriage Certificate just in case I need to show something with my maiden name. This is a great idea. I would just go ahead and make a copy of that and put it with your papers. It wouldn't hurt.

Then we flew to Bogota. Andres was there to pick us up. Traffic was unreal. It took us over an hour to get out of the airport. I think some light poles fell down or something. Mya and I went to the Dr.s appointment. This was easy. We just needed our passports, immunization records, and any other records you have. You also need a picture for this visit. We had to get additional pictures prior to the visit as well as for the Visa. Apparently, you need slightly larger pictures than the ones I had for the passport. I had some extra left over from the passport, but that didn't work. Take a note of that.

We are staying at Zuetana. I really like this place. I haven't really looked around yet, but it is nice and cozy. It is a bed and breakfast type place. There is a play room next to my room. This is great. I will tell you more about it when I see more. The man at the front desk speaks English. That is helpful and dinner was great. It is nice to eat something different.

We are waiting for a form for Cucuta before we can go to the Embassy. They sent it earlier, but it had many mistakes and had to be redone. We hope to get it in the morning. If so, we are on track.

Someone had asked why we chose Avianca. We wanted a straight flight and be able to change the tickets. We called Delta, and they would not honor the adoption change ticket deal. So we went with Avianca. We have been very happy. Also, there are many places in Cucuta and Bogota where you can go to an office. We flew Areorepublica back to Bogota. We chose this because I needed the earliest time after 2:00 to be able to make a Dr.s appointment. Very nice airline. Everyone was REALLY kind and helpful. I have never seen that from an airline before.

Pray for a smoothe Tuesday. We are so thankful that we were able to get everything done today. We know that God has his hand in this because we keep coming upon these road blocks, and he sees us through.

Sunday at the Cabin

 
 
 
 





We went to Marly's parents cabing agian in Chinacota. This was our last day before we flew out, and we wanted to break the day up. It was so nice and relaxing.

Uncle Tom

My Uncle Tom just passed away this morning. I am grateful that he is no longer suffering. He was such a good man with a great since of humor. He is going to be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his children and Aunt Norma. I know that this is so hard on then. We love you.

Flights are Booked

We booked tickets for Monday at 2:35pm with AeroRepublica. We are hoping to get a Doctors appointment when we arrive, but we are not sure yet. Our tickets were inexpensive. The were only $150 per person. Much better than flying to Cucuta. We have to get Mya's passport early Monday morning. Please pray there are no hiccups so we can catch our flight. How long did it takes others to get passports in Cucuta? Our attorney says we will get there at 7:3o and we should have them no later than 12:00. Was this your experience?

We went to the mall last night to buy some clothes. I didn't have any pants for Mya. Justin said it was pretty cold in Bogota. So we each bought a little jacket or sweater as well. You might want to add that to the list. Also, we have used the rain cover for the stroller. You can purchase this at Baby's R Us (not sure where else). They work great, and a lot of people use them here. It was hardly sprinkling in Pamplona. So, I hadn't put it on yet. Two women said something to me in just a 1/2 of a block. Make sure you have that. I just packed it in the pouch of my stroller so it didn't take up so much room in my bag. You check your stroller with your luggage.

We are just so happy and excited to be coming to the end of our journey. What an experience it has been. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we have a busy week ahead and travel.

Thank you

Final Decree Day Pics Cont.

 
 
 
 

Final Decree Day Pics

 
 
 
 

Mya was not about to take a picture today. So, I get what we can. She is always on the go.

SHE IS ALL OURS!

Signed Sealed and Delivered, Baby she is ours. It was a great day. We had so many road blocks, but everything is great. The judge was very kind. They wouldn't allow our interpreter in the Final Decree, so it made for a lot of Si's and Gracias for me. They actually wanted me to read the Final Decree (4-5 pages) out loud. I know my family and friends are laughing. I did when they asked. I thought it was a joke. Then my attorney said just look and basically pretend you have read it. So funny. All I know is that Mya's name and we were listed as the parents. Not sure about the other stuff. I just trust our Attorney. When it was over, we walked out of the room and Mya jumped in my arms and said Mama Mama Mama with the sweetest smile and laugh. It's like she knew that we were a family from that point on. SOOOOOOO cool. I will never forget that moment.

Mercedes, our Attorney worked her tail off today. The judge was giving her a difficult time with paperwork. I don't know all the details, but we were in Pamplona from 8:00 until 4:00. Mya was car sick on the way there and back. I felt terrible for her. After the day she had, she is just as sweet as ever tonight.

We are getting her passport Monday, and then flying to Bogota at 3:00. When is the latest Doctor's appointment you can get. Someone told me before, but I can't find it. We are hoping to get that on Monday, Visa on Tues, and then pick up Visa on Wednesday. Hopefully we can find tickets for Wednesday night. So excited to get home and show our baby girl off. God has really blessed us.

When we were done at the court we hear fireworks and everyone blowing their horns. They were helping us celebrate. Actually, it turns out that Pamplona'a, not Colombia's, independence day is July 4th as well. They were getting the party started.

Oh, I also saw Mya's foster Dad again today. He didn't see us.

Diane asked last night if it was worth it. YES it is.

FINAL DECREE!

We just got word that we will go for final decree tomorrow and leave at 6:00am. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited and ready. We just got an email from Marly saying we need 3 passport photos for Mya. So we are going to go to the Exito tonight. Marly said they do them there. We will keep you posted. Please pray the trip goes well.

More info

I should probably go back through this blog and just make a list of suggestions. It would probably be easier. Until then, take some notes I guess. I wish I did. It's funny, because I remember now Genece telling me that the laundry was expensive, but I couldn't remember how much. When you are getting ready, it is so hard to think of everything. Yes, pack less.

We only brought 1 large bag, 1 carry on luggage, (per person). We also each wore a book bag (which doesn't count as a carry on and a laptop). This was more than enough.

Things I use:
pool float for Mya (it was easy to pack and very necessary)
umbrella stroller (add a little extra pouch on the back- $5 at babies r us, target- very handy)
Tide
detergent soap (you can buy it here if you need- we use it to wash out plastic bowls and spoons we brought for mya. we put leftovers in the bowls- works out great
blow up balls- gave to the orphanage, bubbles
anything deflatable
iron
laundry bag
sponge for dish washing or bottle cleaner
sunscreen
PediPed shoes (these are such a great idea because you don't have to have the exact size. These shoes are sold from 12-18 months. 18-24 months. You have a better chance of them fitting. I would definetly bring something, because she came with tight dress shoes. There are places where you can get shoes, but not this cute:)
blow up bath tub- we bought it here for $30 at the mall ( bring it if you can)
crib sheet

Things I wish I had:
more crossword puzzles for Troy and Diane
DVD player with movies (not sure it would have fit, but would have been nice) Mya sleeps a lot
more jeans- i only brought 1 pair. in cucuta, you mainly see jeans. at the hotel, you see it all right down to a g-string.
sweater for myself and at least 1-2 warmer outfits for Mya for days in Pamplona. It is cold there. Also, when we got off the plane in Bogota, it was breezy. It felt great!
my pillow- I would have done without some clothes to have my pillow right now. the ones here are ok, but i miss that pillow
*pack and play- be sure that you don't put young babies in the packnplay. Mya gets stuck down in the side all the time. I'm always pulling her out. I'm sure they have more than this one, but it is also really slanted. Poor things slides all around. She is safe in it, but a baby younger than her would not be. I know I have mentioned this before.
OH BRING your flash drive when you get your children. ICBF usually has pictures on their computer of the kids that you probably haven't seen. They just saved them on our attorney's flash drive. We were so grateful. What a gift. I am such a picture person. It hurts to miss out on all of those first pictures.

I haven't used yet:
blow dryer- have one here
converter kit for outlets- most outlets are fine here
umbrella- it has rained a few times though- we just haven't been caught yet

Things we do to keep busy:
pool- we were shocked at how cold all of the pools are here (oh, there is a pool in the back of the hotel that is more private)
go to mall
exito
make a shutterfly book about the trip- i love shutterfly
read
eat
play
sleep
computer
work out- there is a really nice gym with awesome spin and aerobic classes. If you can talk hubby into holding down the fort, then your golden.
journal

Someone asked if I was able to get souvenirs. Funny you should ask. Justin would say absolutely. I say, no. There are not a lot of stores that have Colombian souvenirs. There is one in the big mall that has 3 stories. It is on the 3rd story. There is 1-2 downtown, but you won't be able to get a ton of stuff from any of these stores. I am hoping to get more in Bogota. Oh, Pamplona has an awesome store with hammocks, Pancho's for adults and children, and wraps. This was awesome. I definitely wanted a pancho for Mya. I have posted a picture of her in it. I wanted to get 18 presents for her and give her 1 every year. The problem is, I am horrible with surprises and want to give it all to her now. So, that's not going to work out. Plus there is no way I can find 18 gifts unless I do a lot of jewelry.

I think I am going to do the shutterfly book, a few keepsakes, and we will celebrate her Gotcha Day every year. Do other families do more? What presents did you just love?

Some days Cucuta is REALLY HOT, but for the most part you get a great breeze and really nice weather. We love to be outside for the most part.

Well, I need to get to bed. I just wanted to take advantage of the WIFI working in the room and Mya being asleep.

Orphanage Cont.

 
 
 
 





Mercedes and Mya looking playing with the children. Mercedes mother runs this orphanage, she is standing in front of the refrigerator. She also works at another orphange called "The Farm."

The last picture is a statue of Jesus Christ. You can see this statue pretty much anywhere from Cucuta. I love that He is the center of this city. How cool!

Orphanage

 
 
 
 

Mercedes, our attorney, took us to the orphange where her mother works. We were so impressed, this place was really nice. All of these children have special needs and have been abandoned by their parents. I'm sure many of the parents just didn't know how to take care of them or wern't able to financally. The orphanage is provided through ICBF. They have physical, occupational and speech therapy. ICBF gets there money through taxes here in Colombia.

Most of the children were older, but there were a few that were young. The children have a nice area out back so they can play outside and have therapies. The picture above is the central area that is also opened. We love this feature here in Colombia. I love the open air houses. Just beautiful.

The little girl in the crib just smiled and smiled the entire time we were there. She was precious. All of the children greeted us several times and wanted hugs and kisses. They just seemed to crave it. I couldn't imagine not getting hugged by a mom and a dad everyday. The workers all seem to have a great relationship with the children. Everything was so clean and pleasant. They have a good system set up.

The Judge has until Wednesday

We met with our attorney today. We don't know when we will be going for the Final Decree. He has until next Wednesday to sign. We will keep you updated.