We’ve been a forever family for one month and it feels great.
Everyone knows time doesn’t stand still. But sometimes it feels to move slower; and other times faster. Our wait for Daniel felt very slow, but time has moved quickly after Gotcha Day on May 30.
You often hear new mothers talk about how their child does something new or different every day. The pace of their physical and mental development is so quick for babies. Daniel is no different.
Daniel has formed an emotional attachment to each of us in different ways. Mami consoles him when he is tired or hurt. Papi plays and either carry or push him everywhere. Mami feeds him and Papi bathes him. We are finding our strengths and weaknesses with parenthood and the outline of our responsibilities is slowly forming.
So, what changes have we noticed in Daniel beyond attachment?
1. He tries to say agua, casa, momma, and papa.
2. He had six teeth on Gotcha Day and now has two new ones coming out now.
3. Daniel has learned a few cool tricks like blowing on Papi’s arm to make poot noises.
4. Papi taught Daniel how to blow kisses.
5. Mami taught Daniel how to play peek-a-boo (he still only uses one very small hand to cover his entire face)
6. He used to just drop objects on the floor, but now it’s a game. If you have kids, then you know the “Oh Oh,” game. He plays it constantly. In fact, he actually says “Oh Oh,” before he drops things, or if he hears a stranger drop something in the grocery store.
7. Since Gotcha Day, Daniel has been learning how to walk. He still has a lot of development to go, but he’s going to get there.
8. He has gained weight, which is HUGE.
9. When he is full, now he spits his food out.
10. He has learned to make lots of new noises with his mouth.
Today we went to Carrefour, located in Santa Fe Mall, to purchase a variety of items for our visit to one of the local orphanages.
This was particularly meaningful for us. It is so important to be able to provide even a little bit for children who need so much. We filled our shopping cart with a couple hundred diapers, sleeping clothes, chocolate milk powder, milk and toys.
Despite what appeared to be so much, “I doubt some of this will last a day,” Claudia said.
We took a short cab ride to the orphanage. It’s located in a nondescript building. We rang the door and within a couple of minutes were allowed to enter. We entered into the garage and laid out our donations.
The receptionist greeted us and was very appreciative of what we brought. The orphanage has 53 children; many of whom are teenagers and disabled. Some of the children are categorized as disabled because they needed a one-time surgery but are otherwise healthy.
The receptionist said we couldn’t take a tour because ICBF was visiting the orphanage today. But we may be able to see the facility tomorrow if we returned. We were very happy to hear that news and are excited about returning.
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