That's what yesterday felt like to us. It was incredible. All I know is I immediately loved them...it was like they were born right then and there, in the ICBF office in Cali, Colombia, but even better because they can talk and walk and hug and kiss.
Mariusi and Didier are the most affectionate kids I've ever met. Colombians in general are affectionate. They like to touch and be touched. They like to hug and kiss. It's amazing. And for a guy like me (I'm pretty conservative with my PDA), it felt great. Mari immediately hugged Amy and then me. She just stuck her little arms out to us like she'd known us forever. Neither one of them cried, but Amy and I did, for sure. Your heart just melts.
These kids are NOT shy. In the car on the way back to our house, Mari was teasing Joe! She was tickling him! It was incredibly hot yesterday, so by the time we got back to the house, we were sweaty and mushy and covered in sucker-and-jelly-bean juice.
Back at our house, we just sat with them and played Legos. Mari wanted to try on all her new dresses. She especially loved her bathing suit. She wanted to take a shower in it, so of course we let her. She's never been in a swimming pool before -- only a river.
Didier wouldn't take off his shoes. They looked new. This is common among adopted kids. They probably rarely wore shoes, and when they are given something like a new pair of shoes, they don't want to let them out of their site because they think they'll never get them back.
We had dinner together, and we were amazed at how well-mannered they both were. They both ate politely, said "thank you," etc. It was really neat to see. And boy can Didier eat. That kid is solid. He ate everything we put in front of him (the food we're being served is awesome).
Around 7 p.m., we tried to put them to bed. It was rough. They both cried a lot, which is to be expected. Finally, about two hours later, they fell asleep.
Yesterday was special. It's one of my top three, along with the day we got Joe and the day Amy and I got married. The three best decisions of my life.
Sitting here crying wishing we were there to share such an important moment in your lives! Isn't it the best feeling when you get to first meet your children! That is a moment you will never forget! I am so happy for you all! thanks for keeping us posted! It is so great to hear your true voice in these posts..... so loving, calm, and on cloud nine! Love you always!
your family,
The Schilling's
Give all the kiddos a big hug for us! Blake saw the pictures of Joe and actually hugged the computer! ha Yes he misses him!
Posted by: Amie Schilling | June 18, 2009 at 08:15 PM
I am just sitting here overwhelmed with feelings--all good. First, thankful that the children are so open and loving, happy for all of you and for our family to have these two wonderful children in our lives and also thankful that we can "share" this part of your lives by reading your blog. We just can't wait to meet our new grandchildren in person!
Our love and hugs to all,
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Marlene Risley | June 18, 2009 at 08:42 PM