Just a Good Day

Just a short update...

Eli is down for the night after another wonderful day. He is starting to eat more for us and is holding his own bottle. He likes to be independent and tries to take the spoon right out of our hands when we are feeding him. Unfortunately, he isn't as interested in feeding himself as he is in waving the spoon around! So, the result is food in his hair, on the chair, on the floor, and on us! But, you can't blame the kid for trying!

I've got this, Mom!

Yum! Eating is fun when you have a Barney chair!

He is also becoming more and more vocal. He had just started consonant vowel combinations when we received him (ba and ga), but today we got a lot of "da, da, da, da, da!" Of course, Jamie is thrilled, while I wait in the shadows (like most mothers) hoping he'll soon figure out "ma-ma!" :) Why is it that the "ma" is so much harder for them than the "da?" I will have to ask my friend who is a speech therapist, but I'm guessing that articulating with the tongue (t, d, b, g) comes, developmentally, before the lip consonants (m and n). He is making the "mmmm" sound quite often, but hasn't figured out how to combine it with a vowel yet. But, no matter what the sound is, his chatter is infectiously joyful. We both just grin when he starts babbling with so much gusto. Babies are such fun!

Today we went for a short walk on the grounds here, as the sun was out again. Jamie took Eli in for his nap and I stayed outside with a book. I found a sunny spot on a bench in the fountain plaza and read for a bit. There were three Colombian siblings, a girl about 9 years old and her two brothers, perhaps seven and three years old, playing in the square. They ran around, chasing each other and squealing, their bright laughter bouncing off the old brick walls of the buildings. It felt so good to sit there, soaking up the rays of light and observing the sweet glee of the children.

The city is bustling with excitement today because of the World Cup game between Colombia and Uruguay. On game days, this place is a sea of yellow jerseys; you wouldn't believe the frenzy! This afternoon we decided to take a walk across the street to Unicentro again, just to get out for a bit. We dressed Eli in his little jersey and jeans for the occasion.

In the mall, they had large flat screen televisions set up in various locations and crowds of yellow shirted fans were gathered around watching the game together, honking horns and cheering. It was mayhem! When Colombia scored their second goal, pretty much securing their win, store clerks from all of the shops came running out into the mall, screaming and jumping and cheering, to watch the instant replay on the screens. I even saw one young woman crying with pride.

The noise and crowds were a little overwhelming for Jamie and I, but Eli didn't even flinch in his stroller. He just looked around, cool as a cucumber, and took it all in. We decided to head back to the apartment, but stopped on the way at a street vendor's stand and purchased jerseys for Jamie and I, so we can take part in the festivities, as a family, for the next game between Colombia and Brazil on Friday, July 4th.

Back at the apartment, we had a whole slew of Skype/Facetime appointments which Eli was extremely patient and well behaved for. We were able to Skype with my grandparents and my mom at the hospital in Erie. Grandpa's voice was strong and he sounded like he was in pretty good spirits. I heard him laugh once or twice at Eli and we exchanged several "I love you"s. Grandpa is being transferred to Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, PA (a facility near the town my grandparents live in), for two weeks of rehab. My mom is looking into having my grandma stay there with him. Hopefully, this will work out for them; they don't like to be separated. 

Next, Eli got to meet his cousin Avery, Uncle Mark and Aunt Kelle. Avery is only six months older than Eli, so we are excited for the two cuties to hang out together. My cousin and his wife are not only family, but also dear friends and it was so good to see both of their smiling faces and hear their voices. 

We also connected with Joy and Adam Hardbattle, friends of ours from Tonawanda and their 7.5 month old daughter, Naomi. Again, we feel so fortunate that technology allows us the luxury of communicating with those who are dear to us while we are a continent away! Joy and Adam had lots of great parenting tips to share for kids Naomi and Eli's age and the two babies both chattered and entertained us with their happy sounds and expressions. 

Our final call of the night was to a family party in honor of Jamie's Uncle Jack and Aunt Tina's 50th Wedding Anniversary! It was a quick Skype session, but a meaningful one. So glad that we could make an appearance, with Eli, at this special celebration. 

And that, my friends, is a full day here in Bogotá! We managed to squeeze in plenty of kisses and snuggles and raspberries (Eli's latest accomplishment), too! I'm keeping tonight's post short, so Jamie and I can try to have a little downtime together this evening before we fall asleep. Although the schedule isn't so busy, it is full. Full of emotion, learning, new and unfamiliar experiences, and physical play. I think I am using muscles I didn't even know I had, lifting and carrying, bouncing and juggling our little man around for hours each day. So, we are tired, in the best way!

We have an adventure planned for tomorrow, but I love surprises! 

I've got a secret!

So, you'll have to tune in next time to hear more! Goodnight, my friends!