Russell's Point of View!

Russ is such a better writer and observer, so I thought I'd share what he has to say!

We are now getting acquainted with Maya. She is actually sleeping with Debbie in one bed now as she woke up earlier,and Jack got stuck with me in another. I am up early drinking caffee con leche (coffee with warm milk), and it is yummy.

Maya threw a major fit the first night (so did Jack!) but she is so well adjusted I can't believe it. For the most part she just goes with the flow--trying to talk, giggling, and even shaking her head NO at times! She likes to be bundled and does not like the cold; she also needs to sleep with a light on so that is an adjustment for us.

Our meeting with Maya the first day did not go smoothly at all because the translator never showed up but Maya did thankfully with the foster mother. We waited practically all day for the translator but in the end it seemed really not necessary. It is amazing how with a little spanish (Thankfully Debbie has retained a lot), a little english and lots of gestures two people can communicate. I kept throwing french in just to confuse the whole matter (not intentionally). Jack played all day with the highly spirited Dina, the foster mother's daughter. Our embassy appointment yesterday went well--actually we were in and out in less than 2 hours which amazed us from what we've heard from others in the past.

Feel free to send this email/or Debbie's link to anyone in the sphere of friends/family. Can't wait for you all to meet Maya. Jack is doing quite well and is happy to have a sister. That said, it is to be expected that Maya bugs Jack by touching his face all the time! Wait till she gets home and gets to his toys. He's had very minor regression during all this and will be a great older brother. Perhaps he's upset that he is charge of changing diapers. :o) (I jest). He really does love to play with her though.