Paperwork update

Ok, so I am going to start with an update on the progress of our paperwork. I heard from our rep today, that the paperwork was reviewed and approved by the court. So the next step in the process, is for it to be reviewed by the Defender of Minors (similar to our Social Services). It is supposed to be in their office tomorrow. Once they review and sign off on it, then it goes to the judge to sign it , and send it back to the Defender of Minors, at which point, we sign it and the process is complete. So now you wonder how long this will take. Well, I am wondering the same! I have been told that the paperwork is moving quickly, but still no timeframe as to how long me and the boys will be here.

My two little monkeys!!!

The past few days, we just pretty much hung out at some local parks, and at the hotel. The boys are doing well, and their behavior has been OK. Yesterday, Diego wandered away from me at the mall, and I found him a few aisles over standing in front of a large screen TV watching a movie. When he watches TV, he tunes out everything around him, *just like his papi*, so he didn't hear me as I called his name. Then at dinner, Jeferson decided to have a tantrum, because, I cut up his meat for him, and he didn't like that. So, yesterday was truely a challenging day.

Don't they just look angelic!!!

A family from France also checked in over the weekend. They adopted a boy 5 years ago, and now returned to adopt 3 siblings- 2 girls and another boy. So, there are alot of children to play with here, and there is a park in the back of the hotel, where the kids can play.

Not really much sightseeing anymore for me, since Eric left. It is very challenging for me with having both boys , to take any trips, other than to the park. Even the mall is challenging. It is great that there is a playground here at the hotel, and alot of room for the kids to run and play.

The rep from several of the families from France has been here everyday for several hours, and yesterday she brought her dog with her. It is a large dog, and Diego spent probably close to 2 hours playing with it yesterday. Both boys just love dogs. Jeferson is a bit apprehensive around big dogs, but eventually gets up the courage to pet them. At one point, I looked out the window in the living area, where the Rep for the French families was sitting, and her dog was looking in the window-along with who else but Diego! It was very cute.

Today, we just hung around the hotel. We have found a great computer program, Starfall.com, and Diego loves to go on the computer and work through it. It is an educational program, and it has a great section with the alphabet. Jeferson and I worked on making some pumpkins out of paper, and cutting out the eyes, nose and mouth. My english sentence of the day was "Be nice to your Brother!!!!" I think they understand what it means, but are ignoring its definition. Both boys can repeat it.

Now that we are around alot more English language, the boys are really starting to pick up some english words. I am trying to always say the english word for whatever they are asking for. Both of the boys are very good with "Mami, Please?" They have the cutest accent when they say it. Today, we played a game with peanut M&M's and they had to tell me the english word of the color of the M&M before they could eat it. It takes alot to keep their attention, so I am bribing them with candy. Bad mother!!

We have been talking with Eric over the internet, and also webcam every night, and the boys are always so excited to see him and hear his voice. Technology is amazing!

Well, I will update when I hear more. Thanks for all the emails and support.

Joyce, Diego and Jeferson.