| A Family Reunion |
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| Since our adoption process has taken longer than we had expected/hoped (nobody's fault...just the nature of adoption), we scheduled a family trip for June 5-8, 2006. On our last visit, only Mark and I traveled to meet Maria. We decided to take Hunter and Lauren this time. So early on June 5, 2006, which happened to be Lauren's 5th birthday, we flew out of Tulsa and headed to Guatemala. We arrived in Antigua around 1 and quickly visited the Hogar. Once again, it was Maria's naptime. So we were able to just enjoy the breeze outdoors as well as the beautiful scenery. The children of course were QUITE excited to meet their sister. As soon as we heard that she was awake, we went to say hello. Maria adjusted to our presence much quicker this time and had only a moment of crying when it was about time to leave. We were given permission to take her with us and keep her for a couple of days. Having her in my arms again was WONDERFUL! |
| That evening, we ordered some pizza from Dominoes and just relaxed in our hotel room. Maria is very reserved and quiet which is quite different from our other two children! She did enjoy playing with a couple of Lauren's toys; she would play by the hearth and talk to the toys in baby language. We watched a little TV; the children enjoyed watching a movie and familiar televeision shows in Spanish. As for bedtime, we turned in pretty early after our early start that day. Maria just rolled over and fell asleep once we put her in her crib. The next day we went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. We knew that Maria seemed eager to eat at dinner the night before...we quickly discovered what a good eater she is! She liked and ate anything and everything we offered. Her breakfast was quite well-rounded with eggs, beans, rolls, fruit, pancakes, and more. |
| After a quick dip in the pool (possibly Maria's first time?) and a restful nap, we walked to the local chicken restaurant, Pollo Campero (similar to KFC, very popular in Central America). Maria LOVED her birthday dinner of chicken and french fries as you can see in this picture. Unfortuntely, shortly after we arrived, it started POURING. Thankfully one of the servers was married to a taxi driver. God is good! |
| June 2006 |
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| We took Maria back to our hotel (Hotel Antigua) and enjoyed some time outside on the little playground area. Maria seemed to like swinging, though she was a little wary of the kids or loud noises. There were parrots nearby that would say, "Hola, hola" as well as "Hello, hello". One of the first "tricks" we discovered was that if I said, "Beso" which means "Kiss" in Spanish, Maria would give me a kiss. I will always treasure those besos. |
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| After breakfast, we enjoyed our own little tour of Antigua by foot (after making sure at the Hogar that it would be all right). I carried Maria in a carrier on front. We visited the "grocery store" to pick up a few things and then went to a local bakery to buy some cake for Maria's early birthday celebration. Antigua is a beautiful city with breathtaking architecture, the old cobblestone streets, and friendly people. And of course, one precious little girl. |
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