Much better today

When L first awoke today, everything was good. She was smiling, looking at books, holding her baby doll. But when I called Glenn, and she heard him speak, she starting crying. I think she realized she wasn't at home and his voice triggered this realization. (This says nothing about his effect on women!)

So, there were tears for a long while. I kept telling her that I know she is sad, that she misses her foster family. I want to acknowledge her loss and sadness.

After a time, & some "Casa de Mickey" which she really didn't pay attention to, I decided it was time for breakfast -- I needed food and she needed a change of scenery. A bit of a fuss before we got our food, but once it got there she brightened up (so, we have that in common).


After breakfast, some play time in the room just to warm our moods up. Then it was time to venture out.

Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. And with that designation, it also has plenty of traffic and pollution. So walking around with a stroller is a bit of an adventure. Caution is key!

I made it to the little convenience store about a block away for more water and then to the mall (about 4 blocks away) just to do some window shopping and pass the time.


I didn't have much to eat at breakfast, so I was hungry. We ended up at what's got to be one of the nicest McDonald's on the planet. I've walked by it many times on visits here -- but I usually try to eat local. Now I understand the value of knowing what to expect.

Then we headed back for nap time. Took a bit of play and lullabies, but she did fall asleep in my arms and I realized this is what it's all about. How wonderful to hold her as she drifted off to sleep!!

I got a little rest at nap time, but then I wanted to check in with Glenn (and on e-mail in general). The connection was spotty but we got a few IMs in.


She woke up slowly, and then it was off for another walk -- just to get some air. Although, I must say, it was hot and hazy out. But once we got off some of the main streets, there was a breeze.

We then went for me to have a coffee and L to have a galleta (cookie) at this little bakery/cafe called San Martin. I have to say the doodle pro that Aaron & Melissa gave us (I think it was you guys) is awesome. Since L loves to color, this gadget comes in handy & is a lot cleaner than crayons!




The only rough spot of the evening came when I started to cook dinner. (Maybe I should put "cook" in quotes because it was just melting butter, milk, and American cheese to make cheese sauce to go with last night's left over elbow pasta. Hey but it tasted just like Kraft mac & cheese).

Anyways, L was not happy with me cooking or even serving her dinner. She manage to eat a few
bites between tears. Don't let sorrow get in the way of eating now.

Then it was time for some more play and then quiet time before bed. I have to admit I turned on Discovery Kids en Espanol for a while. L's not really into TV -- obviously I'm the one who is. She paid attention to "Backyardigans" for like 5 minutes tops. A good thing I know.

Bed time was really nice. Some books, some time with her toy animals and baby, a few trips to the potty ("pi pi, pi pi" she says as if in pain), and then holding her and singing her to sleep. I swear she called me "mami" before falling asleep, but maybe I am just wishing.

But what about L's new birth certificate? Well, the typographical error should be fixed on Monday -- I e-mailed the Solicitor General's office (aka PGN) myself. Please pray that it is ready and that Tuesday we can resubmit our request for the new birth certificate from the central records office (aka RENAP).

I received some calls and e-mails today, and when I talked to Glenn tonight he said how all the neighbors asked how he was doing at home & how I and L are doing here. It feels really good to know we have a lot of people behind us.