First haircut

Erick and Samuel had their first haircuts (with us, anyway) at the Kinky Afro. They even used an electric razor to even the back and sides! On a one year old!

It's getting warmer here--probably in the mid-80's today. I know, rough, huh? It's sometimes easier on Mom for Erick to play in his bathtub outside than to fill the blow-up pool. And going to the real pool is nice, but also a different experience now! Loading the swim diapers, sunscreen, towels, water wings, food, towels, clothes, and kitchen sink into the stroller only to be there for an hour isn't quite the same as hitting the pool to sunbathe as my pre-kid status. Seriously though, I'm not complaining. Loving every minute of it!

Other pictures are lent processions and float. Again, just interesting to be a spectator.

New Erick things (not to bore everyone, but my family always asks!) --wanting to hold the spoon to feed himself. I scoop and he takes it to the mouth. Appropriate "hola" and simultaneous waves to people. He crawls well up stairs but wants to walk up with no hands. Not a good idea yet on our concrete!

more stories & pics to come...

Only have a couple of minutes...gotta pack and leave in a few hours....

Pic of a "carpet" that makes the Easter season famous here in Guatemala. Erick with his new friend in the house, Samuel, with matching strollers! The cross above Antigua on Easter morning with Emily, Samuel, Kyle(Emily's mom), the Meyers(Rusty, Amanda, and Bryce), and the soon to be STERLINGS(Scott and Lauren)!! That's right, Scott and Lauren got engaged just to the right of that beautiful fountain at the end of the road on pic #4(sitting in one of the archways). Right around the corner is where Lee Anne and Erick and the rest of the crew live. And finally a parting shot of the happy couple!

Sorry...

...we can't figure out adding photos to the blog right now. Will work on it more this week. BUT, we had a GREAT first Easter with Erick. He is enjoying getting to know his new friends -- Samuel, Emily, Kyle, Rusty, Amanda, Bryce, Scott, and Lauren. We went up to the top of a hill on the North end of Antigua on Easter morning and had a spectacular view from the cross that sits atop the hill. It was the beginning of a fantastic day. We'll post more when we get the pics figured out.

I've been blessed with great roommates already and have another one coming this week. Emily Armstrong will be here Thursday the 19th with her mom and little Samuel. It will be great to have them here!

Things in the adoption world are at least moving a little. One of our roommates, Leslie, left last week, and Heather found out she'll be leaving in 5-6 weeks. Heather and her 2 year old daughter, Kylee, have been here with little Elijah since mid-October. Timewise, all of our cases are different as it all depends on when they started, how their agency and attorney is, etc. It's hard to compare one person's case to anothers in terms of time taken on the adoption. We do have an appointment next week for Erick and the birthmom's DNA test. They do two of these at different times during our process. Hopefully we can meet with our Guatemalan attorney also, just to say hello. We may even get to meet the birthmom!

Again, no pictures. Still haven't gotten some kinks out. That's what husbands are for right? He'll be here Friday to help me!

Sea of purple

We had rooftop seats for one of the processions Sunday morning. Lots of incense and purple! It's such a huge deal here. Every week they publish maps of the upcoming procession route through town. They may start the parade at 7am from a church and not end up there again until midnight! The men trade off carrying the floats (some are all women-carried floats, too) every so often. I can't say that I know all of the Catholic history and tradition, but it's interesting to watch.

Went out to a small community with a local missionary couple today. They help families with water systems and cook-stoves. The traditional stoves are very low to the ground, fill the eyes and house with smoke. These are larger, safer, have a chimney, etc. I plan to go back with them.

Saturday I went to Guatemala City and met Todd and Nicole Harris, good friends who are adopting little Paolo. The boys had fun hanging out. They'll be buddies back in KC one day!

Ericks new things: babbling alot! it's the cutest! He can close the clasp that buckles him in on his stroller and he's understanding "no" better in a gentler voice. He can climb up the kitchen chair onto the table. Great. And he can pull a chair off of the table (it was on top as the floor was being cleaned). Great.

OK, so sorry. I have some great pictures but am having Adobe photoshop difficulties. Will post pics when I get it "sorted" as my English housemate, Angie would say. Later--

Birthday fun

Yesterday was our friend, Beth's, birthday. We had a grand pizza and cake party with the kids, Heather's (our housemate) parents and in-laws, and even some new fostering friends.

Sunday, March 2

Our internet hasn't been consistent the past few days, so I haven't been on the computer much.

The one photo is Andrea with her mom's shoes on but it didn't turn out so well in the picture. The man and boy in purple are leaving a lent procession. I haven't seen a procession yet, may try to next Sunday. I found out more about the "carpets" that are made in the streets. They are made in the morning, the procession goes down the street over the carpets and then they get driven over, washed away, whatever, and make new ones the next Sunday. All that hard work to get driven over!

Erick is doing well. He's learning to kiss things--animals in books, pictures of Dad, etc. Pretty cute. Had his first busted lip last week. I had his hand but he was pulling forward, wanting his freedom, and I guess I gave it by letting go at the wrong time! He cried for a few minutes and was ready to go again.