Our First Day

First, let me say that parenting is already taken its toll. (This is Emily, by the way). Every time I heard movement or a sound I woke up! Needless to say, the only reason I'm awake now is survival plus adrenaline. :) David slept through the night in his own bed and woke up with no problems whatsoever; he just played with his carro (car) on his bed and smiled. Then we had breakfast downstairs in the restaurant. Man, can he eat! He loves anything you put in front of him! No picky eater here! After eating, we came upstairs and played until lunchtime, which again, was so much fun to watch. He has some interesting habits already. He uses only adult utensils and cups; he smells his food before he eats it; he takes pieces of bread and scoots it across his plate to capture any escaping morsels of food; and get this: HE DRINKS COFFEE!!! Poppy (Grandpa Ken) had just told us that a Guatemalan co-worker mentioned that we shouldn't be surprised if he drinks cafe (coffee). Sure enough, toward the end of lunch, Kyle and I ordered some, and David gave me his cup, pointed to the coffee cup, and said, "Cafe!" We laughed it off, not sure of what he meant, and David again insisted on his request by pointing to the his cup, then Kyle's coffee cup, then his again. Kyle poured him some water-downed coffee, and sure enough, he downed it like it was pop!! Starbucks, here we come!!!

Another interesting event was playing in the play room with all the other adoptive kids and their families. He loves to pick up chairs and toys and move them around. He also didn't seem to enjoy it when other kids, especially the girls, tried to claim his toys. He seems every bit of two years old. What's his is his.

I'm just so impressed with how smart, beautiful, and pleasant he is. He doesn't seem to know any strangers. He has the cutest smile, long eyelashes, and a laugh that could shatter any frozen heart. He's already quickly picking up English; we simply say things in Spanish and follow up with the English version. He already calls Kyle "Daddy" and me "Mama," and his Curious George is "George." Additionally, he says, "gracias," and "de nada," when he gives or receives things, and he picks up all his toys after he's finished playing. He has amazing manners. He also is extremely cooperative and "knows the drill" when it comes to diaper changes, changing clothes, etc. Like most Guatemalan children, he is extremely attached to his shoes; they only take them off when it's time for bed.

Right now, he's the perfect son, and it's like we've been together all this time. We know there will be some more adjustments when we return home and establish our "norm," but all is well and happy. He is truly a delight and blessing, and I can't wait for you all to meet and fall in love with him like we have!

Emily