a scented explosion, it was

Well, earlier today we had a visit with Emmanuella and the social worker. We started at the pool, so the kids had room to play and so the social worker had time to view us with our children. She asked us a few questions and asked Shirley (Cheerlay, by the way) how things were going with us. She responded very well to the questions and it was good to hear her tell someone else that she was having fun. The boys, being two, were oblivious to our little meeting, and were much more interested in cars and balls and birds flying around. The social worker was pleased with our interaction and how we have bonded already. After a little while, we came back to the room so the social worker could see how we were functioning here as a family. Again she was pleased with everything. Emmanuella (sp?) was very helpful in the whole process and, I think, offered her observations of us with the children as well. When we finished we were told that we were done with the social worker, that this was our integracion, and that, essentially, these were our children. Tomorrow there is a chance that we will meet with Yolanda (our attorney) and sign some documents to begin the process of the paperwork going through the court system. This is happening sooner than we thought, but there is no telling how long things will take in the court. We will see.

We ran into the family who introduced themselves our second day here; they are from Belgium and have been here for 10 days now. They seem to be ready to go home, talking of how long it is that they have been here, how their boys are now asking many questions about Belgium and wondering when they will go home. It is easy to see, in spite of the beautiful landscape, the convenient pool, and the wait staff, how it could get old here quickly. I am not going to complain, though, as the kids have been wonderful and very cooperative considering the circumstances.

Right now the boys are napping, going down much easier than yesterday. I am pretty sure they were both tired from much play at the pool and also taking a nap about an hour later than yesterday. Lunch at the pool today was a good idea, and something we might consider from here on out. I came back to the room and asked the boys if they needed to go peepee, and both responded positively. Andres came first, peeing immediately into the toilet. I asked him if he needed to go chichi, and he shook his head yes. I held him over the pot and he passed gas. He thought he was done, so I put on a diaper only to smell something stinky five minutes later. Uhh. My first poopy diaper. (Janine is still down at the pool with Shirley). Juancho only had to pee and was quickly in bed reading his favorite book, "Buenas Noches, Gorila." Funny kids.

For those who are wondering:
The weather here has been beautiful. Blue skies, sunshine, and a flourishing plant life. I always knew green existed outside of Oregon, and now I have seen its lush rival. We have had little trouble with mosquitos, only seeing them from time to time, but still ending up with a couple of bites here and there. The birds are incredible here, and we wish we had brought a bird book and a set of binoculars (for our eyes as well as photos). The people in town have been pretty friendly when dealing with the Americans con tres ninos. We have felt safe the whole time here and feel free to walk around without worries (as long as we know where we are going). Because of where we are staying, we see a lot of wealthy families, and the pool is often flooded with wealthy local youths congregating for the best tan and some sort of stranged hierarchy last seen on Laguna Beach (I have seen the show, and that is what the youth here remind me of). I have already been told that I need to come and work here so that the roads will be nice and smooth (our interpreter said so after finding out that I do survey work). The roads are somewhat bumpy, and apparently there is always much construction on the roads here. The prices of products are comparable to those of home, sometimes more expensive, too. The mall (market) is packed with stores that carry many designer names which are very expensive. It is an interesting contrast to those who I saw sleeping on the street on our way in. Emmanuella commented on how there is the dichotomy of rich/poor everywhere, and we agreed. She said that here, though, there is no middle class...only rich and poor. Anyhow. Feel free to ask any questions.

Well, I should sign off. Maybe Janine and Shirley will be back soon. They must be having a blast. Good mother/daughter time, for which I am happy. If only I didn't have to change the butt explosion that Andres had...

hasta luego!

oh...and Mr. Chocolate...did you get a chance to return those videos? Thanks.