Well, here we are after a week in country. There are so many things every day to be amazed by. I am so grateful for so many things. Here's a short list, but there are so many more:
-- The Humuya Inn is absolutely wonderful. We couldn't ask for a better place. It is very comfortable, and the staff here are fabulous. At first we had asked for a pack n play, and it was here in our apartment when we checked in. Then we learned that Noah was actually sleeping in a regular child's bed. So we asked if the hotel had a twin bed that we could use. Within an hour, it was here, set up, and made, just like that. As soon as we finish one of the big water bottles, we ask for another, and in less than ten minutes, we have a new one. Everything is like that around here.
-- Our apartment is terrific. We are so completely comfortable here. It is bright and airy and spacious, and we have plenty of everything: chairs, plates, towels, everything.
-- Ileana, our agency rep, has been a dream to work with. We just love her.
-- Every day, Noah becomes more and more adjusted to the rest of us, and we become more adjusted to him. For a non-talker, he can really make himself understood, and it just has the rest of us laughing. He actually has been making more vocalizations, which is terrific. Several days ago, he was completely quiet, other than when he was crying, but now his sounds are more varied. I wouldn't call it words exactly, but he does have a way of expressing himself. Plus I think he gets it that we are really trying to understand him, and so he seems happier about it.
-- Except for a couple nights, he has slept all the way through the night. Which means that we can sleep too!
-- He let me walk and hold his hand again today, which is great. He most definitely still has his favorite parent, but he is giving me more and more bones.
-- Mario and Erik have been able to do some schoolwork each day.
-- Mario and Erik have been adapting so amazingly well to all the changes in their little lives. Things are very different for them, but they are really rising to the occasion.
-- Jerry has been able to do some work work each day.
It definitely hasn't been a walk in the park, but even through the hard parts, we can see so much beauty. At times, my heart just swells with joy and gratitude for these gifts that I have been given.
Still no resolution with the strike at the national registry.