Diary - Week of March 15

Week of March 15

Monday – Morning walk with Papi, looked at cars at the VW dealership (a very new kids activity for this Dad). Had lunch at Jeno’s Pizza, with a big long slide and climbing area. The girls couldn’t get enough of the slide; Johan not quite ready. In the afternoon, we took Johan for first pediatricians appointment; weighed 8.6 kilos, 75cm long, head circumference 46cm. Doc says he looks great in motor skills and overall health. Small for his age but hoping he will begin to gain weight.

Tuesday – Camila doing school mainly with Mami in the morning while Johan Mateo naps. In afternoon, Johan had first gym experience with Papi at Fitness Infantil. He did well but was pretty overwhelmed. Loved the slide, tolerated the trampoline, hated the merry-go-round. The girls helped and also had swimming class.

Wednesday – Johan Mateo experienced his first children’s museum. Went to Museo de los Ninos in Bogota with family and Abuelita. He loved the hall of mirrors and lighted floor, and was more active in their gymnastics area than yesterday, seems to be gaining confidence. Gisele was grumpy for much of the time. Everyone did some art projects then saw a little show. He really loves music, fitting in with rest of family. Good nap routine developing: 10-12am nap plus afternoon cat nap from 4-5; in bed by 8 but giggling and laughing until 9pm, driving Mom crazy. Up earlier than Oakes family is used to, typically around 6am.

Thursday – Skyped in the morning with Gigi, Papa, Allison and the girls who were visiting San Antonio for Spring Break, and they got their first sight of Johan Mateo. Experiencing his first sickness, slight fever and bronchitis but we’ve got him on some antibiotics already for his little head lesions, hoping it is short lived. Girls had swim class again. Johan wore his winne the poo robe with his high-tops and he looked like a lightweight boxer (featherweight, more like, peso-pluma).  Mommy got first unsolicited beso, after 2 hours of face to face play time.

Friday – Took it easy today, Johan’s fever gone and he’s active and playful. Papi and John played a lot one-on-one, getting closer. The girls are playing well with other kids in Zuetana: Gabriel (age 5, adopted at 3 months old from Bogota; his parents are back adopting 8 month old girl, Veronica; the Ybaceta family, Anabel is Mom, Niurca is Abuelita); Paola and Michael (ages 3 and 2, siblings adopted by Christian and Antje Pfeiffer from Fulda, Germany; we’ve become close and support each other, they are struggling with the kids but experiencing daily small victories). In the evening went to El Corral for burgers with Esperanza and Claudia. Johan ate like a pig. Overtired Gisele acted like a rabid dog, pushing Papi to the limit.

Saturday – Family party day at the Zuetana with most of Liliana’s local family. First day since we’ve been here that it threatened rain so the party was moved indoors to Zuetana’s small dining area. We were packed like sardines but happy. Guests: Abuelita & Alvaro; Romel, Alejandra, Manuel (11), Rommellito (4), Dasha (also celebrated her first birthday today), Daniel stopped by at end; Esmeralda, Alejandra (14), and Mauricio, Tia Flor; Lilia, Katerine y Johan (novio), John Fernando y Raquel y Juan Fernando (3); Lucia, Fabio y Angela; Erica, Fernando y 5 chicos entre 14 y 8 (William, Antony, Sebastian, Estefani y Santiago). The clown/balloons/puppet show was a big hit; Dasha laughed like crazy. Birthday cake for Dasha.

Sunday –Went with Antje and Christian to Cyclovia along Carretera 15, then prayer time and watched a sermon from Oak Hills. Weather remains pretty warm and sunny, like late Spring in San Antonio. Took it easy in the afternoon; had a family movie day with the girls, watched Man From Snowy River.