I woke up last Saturday, July 19, with immediate nostalgia on so many different levels. It was our 11th anniversary so we pulled out the wedding video so the kids could see what an American wedding was like. It was fun to watch and my how we looked young! But we also realized that we had another reason to be nostalgic. July 19th was the 2-month anniversary of getting Maria and Andres. Wow! Are you kidding me!!?? It seems like they have been a part of our family for so much longer, and being in Bogota seems light years ago. I was recently asked what I miss about Colombia. It's kind of funny because I hadn't thought about the fact that I would miss Colombia. So I have thought a lot about that question. I definitely miss the beauty of the country--the mountains, greenery, countryside, clouds and rain--ok maybe not that. But most of all I miss the incredible flowers! But I think I miss Colombia in a way that it's more for Maria and Andres. How tough it must be to come to a brand new country, knowing no one. What incredible trust and courage these little ones have! I think of how much we longed to hear English after only being in Colombia for 3 1/2 weeks. I can't imagine how their poor little brains must yearn for Spanish to be spoken. We have had a few people around that have spoken Spanish with them, and I have gone to the library to get some Spanish/English instructional videos from Sesame Street that they love. We've also continued to read some books to them in Spanish and speak to them in it each day. But we are so limited in our vocabulary that it's mostly English. I am so proud of how much they have accomplished!
Andres' vocabulary is increasing every day. He has gone from only saying Mama and Papa (for everything) to adding words like please, meow, cat, more, car and dog (which he pronounces god). But my a few of my favorites: 1) when Maria or Luke do something to him that he doesn't like and he puts his open hand out and extends his arm while saying, "Stop!" 2) He hits a lot rather than using words so when he does this, he has to say sorry. Until two days ago, it was pronounced, "Sorr" but he has now successfully added the "y." (We celebrate the small things!) 3) Finally, when we were leaving the gym last week, a man was holding open the door for us. As I walked out, I said "thank you" followed by Maria saying it and then Andres said it as plain as day. Maria and I both stopped, turned around and got overly excited, congratulating him for his words. The man looked at us like we were crazy. But I didn't care. If you could've seen the pride on Andres' face. . . Maria is doing incredibly as well. She likes a lot of attention when using the English language so much of the day is, "Mami, look at/listen to me" followed by a word, phrase or sentence in English. She has started showing her first signs of frustration with me when I don't understand her but we are trying to work through it. Since she doesn't speak her native language with correct pronunciations, I can't always pull out the handy Spanish-English dictionary to help me solve the mystery. My favorite word to hear her say is "oops" which is pronounced "opus" by her. Too cute!
As some of you may know, we were hoping that she would be able to be serviced through my school district. They had three different pre-school programs she could qualify and a lot of Spanish-speaking support since it is houses a large number of Hispanic children. Well, I just found out that they won't serve out-of-district children until they are in kindergarten. Bummer! So I have been looking at some other options, local pre-schools, having someone come in once a week to speak with the kids so that they can also retain their Spanish, speaking it appropriately. I have also found a dance class for her to take where the teacher speaks Spanish and English. I have to wait until Aug. 1 to find out is the school district that we live in has anything to offer if she doesn't qualify for their services through speech or language issues. I don't think they do. So, I have a lot to figure out between now and September when I head back to work!
You can definitely tell that the kids are getting very comfortable with each other. So there's a lot of whining, pouting, tattling, yelling. . . timeouts! ; ) But it's all very manageable and exactly what I expected. It's wonderful to see the bonds being formed. Luke and Maria are still in a love-hate mode but always end the day with kisses and hugs. Neither can go to bed until they have been given. No changes with Andres as he tends to get along with everybody. He's so laid back, goes with the flow--just a joy to have around! That's not to say that he's not doing the whining thing, too. He just isn't as verbally dramatic as the other two. Never thought I'd say that a two-year old was easy, but he has proven that it can happen.
We have taken both kids for all of their check-ups, blood draws, immunizations, etc. We just have the dentist left. Maria came out clear. Andres was found to be anemic, so we've got him on iron right now. He has to go back to get more blood drawn next week. Poor guy! But he was a champ last time. They took 6, full vials of blood from him last time. He barely peeped when the needle went in, watched the blood draw out of his arm, and they removed the needle. Ironically, it wasn't until they put on his band-aid that he cried. Hopefully, we'll have the same luck next time.
The hardest part of every day continues to be dinner. I don't know why I am struggling with this. It irritates me, really. But I am finding it's harder to estimate portions, I'm still learning how much of everything I need to buy to get through a week or two (so we are making multiple grocery stops each week), and it just seems to take me forever to get things done. On top of that, I am having to do at least a load of laundry each day, the dishwasher is full and it has to be run every night, I have to sweep off the hardwoods each day or our dog who can't process people food will get sick, and I am quickly learning why there are so many stay-at-home moms! I dread the thought of going back to work and figuring out how everything is going to get done. I guess it might not and I'll have to live with that. It's tough for an anal retentive person to accept that change! The good news is that Maria is a fantastic helper around the house which has prompted Luke to step things up a notch as well. She helps me do everything. I had no idea that a four-year old was capable of all that she does. Anyway, last week when I gave Luke his allowance, I also gave her $1. You would have though I gave her the moon. She looks at it every day. Can't wait for the day when she starts realizing that $1 practically buys nothing these days! : )
I'll end with more pictures of happenings over the last few weeks. (I realize I get a little crazy with the number of pics I include. But I do feel, at times, like a mother with a newborn, and it's tough to narrow them down!) The fourth of July was a blast with family and friends. They had fun watching the fuegos artificiales and sparklers. Enjoy! I know we have so far!!
Luke and Maria at a time when they think having a sibling isn't so bad
Trent and Maria absolutely loved each other!
Trent and Andres--Trent realized this kind of play wasn't fun for long while Andres thought it was fantastic.
Nate and Luke sharing Nintendo DS secrets
Dia de Las Chicas (Girl's Day)
Mami and Maria having a great day!
A proud Nana Sharon FINALLY getting a picture with a granddaughter
As this hat was acquired on our Girls' Day Out shopping trip, this is "Hip Hop Maria." This is when her true Latina comes out!
Luke --proudly displaying his Jayhawk crocs
Our dog Max--I had to include this one. Not only is this poor dog 15 years old, but he has endured so many changes. He's been awesome with the kids.
This is Maria after I gave her the $1 allowance. The perks of being an American in the Jensen family.
Andres' vocabulary is increasing every day. He has gone from only saying Mama and Papa (for everything) to adding words like please, meow, cat, more, car and dog (which he pronounces god). But my a few of my favorites: 1) when Maria or Luke do something to him that he doesn't like and he puts his open hand out and extends his arm while saying, "Stop!" 2) He hits a lot rather than using words so when he does this, he has to say sorry. Until two days ago, it was pronounced, "Sorr" but he has now successfully added the "y." (We celebrate the small things!) 3) Finally, when we were leaving the gym last week, a man was holding open the door for us. As I walked out, I said "thank you" followed by Maria saying it and then Andres said it as plain as day. Maria and I both stopped, turned around and got overly excited, congratulating him for his words. The man looked at us like we were crazy. But I didn't care. If you could've seen the pride on Andres' face. . . Maria is doing incredibly as well. She likes a lot of attention when using the English language so much of the day is, "Mami, look at/listen to me" followed by a word, phrase or sentence in English. She has started showing her first signs of frustration with me when I don't understand her but we are trying to work through it. Since she doesn't speak her native language with correct pronunciations, I can't always pull out the handy Spanish-English dictionary to help me solve the mystery. My favorite word to hear her say is "oops" which is pronounced "opus" by her. Too cute!
As some of you may know, we were hoping that she would be able to be serviced through my school district. They had three different pre-school programs she could qualify and a lot of Spanish-speaking support since it is houses a large number of Hispanic children. Well, I just found out that they won't serve out-of-district children until they are in kindergarten. Bummer! So I have been looking at some other options, local pre-schools, having someone come in once a week to speak with the kids so that they can also retain their Spanish, speaking it appropriately. I have also found a dance class for her to take where the teacher speaks Spanish and English. I have to wait until Aug. 1 to find out is the school district that we live in has anything to offer if she doesn't qualify for their services through speech or language issues. I don't think they do. So, I have a lot to figure out between now and September when I head back to work!
You can definitely tell that the kids are getting very comfortable with each other. So there's a lot of whining, pouting, tattling, yelling. . . timeouts! ; ) But it's all very manageable and exactly what I expected. It's wonderful to see the bonds being formed. Luke and Maria are still in a love-hate mode but always end the day with kisses and hugs. Neither can go to bed until they have been given. No changes with Andres as he tends to get along with everybody. He's so laid back, goes with the flow--just a joy to have around! That's not to say that he's not doing the whining thing, too. He just isn't as verbally dramatic as the other two. Never thought I'd say that a two-year old was easy, but he has proven that it can happen.
We have taken both kids for all of their check-ups, blood draws, immunizations, etc. We just have the dentist left. Maria came out clear. Andres was found to be anemic, so we've got him on iron right now. He has to go back to get more blood drawn next week. Poor guy! But he was a champ last time. They took 6, full vials of blood from him last time. He barely peeped when the needle went in, watched the blood draw out of his arm, and they removed the needle. Ironically, it wasn't until they put on his band-aid that he cried. Hopefully, we'll have the same luck next time.
The hardest part of every day continues to be dinner. I don't know why I am struggling with this. It irritates me, really. But I am finding it's harder to estimate portions, I'm still learning how much of everything I need to buy to get through a week or two (so we are making multiple grocery stops each week), and it just seems to take me forever to get things done. On top of that, I am having to do at least a load of laundry each day, the dishwasher is full and it has to be run every night, I have to sweep off the hardwoods each day or our dog who can't process people food will get sick, and I am quickly learning why there are so many stay-at-home moms! I dread the thought of going back to work and figuring out how everything is going to get done. I guess it might not and I'll have to live with that. It's tough for an anal retentive person to accept that change! The good news is that Maria is a fantastic helper around the house which has prompted Luke to step things up a notch as well. She helps me do everything. I had no idea that a four-year old was capable of all that she does. Anyway, last week when I gave Luke his allowance, I also gave her $1. You would have though I gave her the moon. She looks at it every day. Can't wait for the day when she starts realizing that $1 practically buys nothing these days! : )
I'll end with more pictures of happenings over the last few weeks. (I realize I get a little crazy with the number of pics I include. But I do feel, at times, like a mother with a newborn, and it's tough to narrow them down!) The fourth of July was a blast with family and friends. They had fun watching the fuegos artificiales and sparklers. Enjoy! I know we have so far!!
July 4th
Luke and Maria with two of their favorite friends!
Sparkler fascination with Mimi
Finally, another family photo, but Andres isn't cooperating (only when he has the camera to himself!)
Maria with our friends' children also from Colombia
The drama and faces of Andres--yes, he's happy most of the time!
Luke adding his drama in the background
Oh yeah, he's pouring on the charm for his special Colombian, Crissy! (The marriage has already been arranged. )
Here Andres is again with Crissy, making sure she'll always take care of him. Just like a male, huh? : )
What you can't see is that he has take his spoon and flicked ice cream all over his face! (See below.)
Petting zoo with friends
Ok, this pic could've gone in the above category, too. Andres wasn't real hip on the smell at the zoo. Now he knows how we feel each morning we enter his room!
My three, sweet children. Note the "Andres face" once again!
Love my girl!
Family time and meeting cousins Nate and Trent for the first time
The grandkids with Nana and Papa
Luke and Maria at a time when they think having a sibling isn't so bad
Proud cousins, Luke and Nate
Trent and Maria absolutely loved each other!
Trent and Andres--Trent realized this kind of play wasn't fun for long while Andres thought it was fantastic. 
Nate and Luke sharing Nintendo DS secrets
Once again, you can just see the love in their eyes.
All the cousins with Andres having to be different
Dia de Las Chicas (Girl's Day)
Thanks to Papa Ronnie for taking the boys so this day could happen
Maria loves music and decided to bust a move to a song being played while shopping
Maria loves music and decided to bust a move to a song being played while shopping 
Mami and Maria having a great day!
A proud Nana Sharon FINALLY getting a picture with a granddaughter
Shopping wears out the best of us
A Few Other Priceless Photos
As this hat was acquired on our Girls' Day Out shopping trip, this is "Hip Hop Maria." This is when her true Latina comes out!
Such a cute moment that was tough to capture. This was Andres trying to figure out what the rain was when it pelted the car windows. It fascinated him for quite a while as he tried to touch it from the inside.
Luke --proudly displaying his Jayhawk crocs
Our dog Max--I had to include this one. Not only is this poor dog 15 years old, but he has endured so many changes. He's been awesome with the kids.
This is Maria after I gave her the $1 allowance. The perks of being an American in the Jensen family.
I'm ending with one of my favorite pictures. Luke has done a great job with this HUGE life-changing event. However, it is very difficult for him, at times, when he can't have our full attention. This just shows that he and his dad will take their time together any way they can get it.
