Gary Hall, Jr. or Mark Spitz...

Happy Birthday, Janine.

It always seems that we are away for Janine's birthdays. A lot of times we are in Cancun, but this year, Bucaramanga. One time I forgot her birthday while in Cancun. You can lose track of days while on vacation, and it was a travel day...no excuse, I know.

Yesterday was good. We went to the park later in the afternoon for some playing around, some fun, some way get the boys good and tired. It does a pretty good job of that, although it would be better if Juan would get more involved sometimes. He is an observer, though, not an active participant in most things. It was good to do something other than go to the pool, though, as that does get old. And sitting around the room was not an option as it needed to be cleaned. It was pretty warm, but the playground is surrounded by trees and is quite shaded, so it was pretty nice. We all had a good time.

Dinner went pretty well, too. Andres was fussy, very anti-anything that we were doing, but once he started on his spaghetti he did not notice anything else in the world for a while. I am getting tired of the food here, but it still works. I actually love the fresh fruit every day...even if I do find bugs crawling on it. No big deal. Shirley and I split some chicken last night, which is nice. We are finding ways to be more efficient with what we order, so Janine and I can share with the kids. It mostly works, and it also saves money.

So I paid the bill up through this morning today...ugh. No good. No fun. Hopefully our paperwork will go quickly.

The boys were very agreeable at bath time last night, both ready to get cleaned up. It has been getting easier and less messy to give them baths, but Andres still thinks it is his own swimming pool. Get a bath ready and all of a sudden he becomes Gary Hall, Jr. or Mark Spitz or whoever. They both love to have water poored over their head, laughing, gasping, probably planning for the day they can do that to me. Bed time, though, was a little more difficult as Andres threw a little fit. They were both pretty tired but still managed to coordinate who was going to cry last night. It was Andres' turn. He settled down, though, as we read books and I tickled them with kisses a little bit. They both were smiling when I said beunas noches.

Shirley is getting into the routine of bed, too. Shower, a video or playtime with either Mami or Papi, then off to bed. She has been very good about going to bed (I think she is also very tired by bed time). I thought she had gone to bed for good at one point and began brushing my teeth. I did not see her sneak by me. When I was done I was leaving the bathroom and she jumped around the corner and scared the crap out of me...muy chistosa! She is extremely funny. And she knows it;).

I have to thank you all for your compliments and encouraging notes. It has not been easy to jump into parenthood like this. It really brings to light my selfishness and can be very difficult at times. I know that this is common knowledge, but until it is me changing diapers, wiping food off faces, trying to put them to bed, etc. I could not completely understand. Now I am beginning to understand. The things that I do right are only by God's grace. I am just thankful that Janine is so wonderful with the kids. I am also thankful that she can multi-task, as that is not my strong suit.

I am happy to be Papi.

Mr. and Mrs. Chocolate and Choco Jr.: I am pretty sure that it was a Green Aracari:).

DAFULLMAN: Your words are helpful and warm my heart.

7-Up: Punch Tony F. for me, will you? Preferably in the face...

Meg: Thanks for the updates...I am glad you guys are safe and back at home...

Frog Brutha, Jr.: Let's get ink!