Anyone Feel Like A Nap?

Dad here again. It's almost 10:00 PM and the little bugger is still awake. Doesn't he realize this is when mommy and daddy start thinking about eating dinner? It appears that this newfound ability to stand, semi-walk, and climb is so intriguing that there is no time to sleep. We were contemplating attempt #2 for bedtime when he decided to climb 10 stairs to see what was going on in the kitchen. We had to resort to the 9:30 walk around town in the sleep machine, otherwise known as the Jeep carrier. Things are looking good and mac and cheese is looking good for our future. Anyone know if leftover birthday cake can drive a kid wild like this?

With him finally heading to la la land what should daddy have to drink? A cosmo or a choco-tini? Whoa, this kid is making me crazy. Running to the fridge now to down a Gallo. That's a semi-fine Guatemalan beer for those who don't overstock their beer fridges like I do.

Did I mention that Jen will do great here when I leave. She has been a wonderful mom and she does everything right. Plus she has found many new shopping opportunities for when she can't figure out what to do. Anyone want to throw another party? THANKS STEVE AND CHRIS!!

Christmas decorations are starting to go up here. Looking forward to a tropical version of Christmas. it will certainly be different for Chicago folk.

Adios to all and to all a bueno noche.

ooxooxxxxoooxoxoxoooQ Mark and Jen

Guess Who Turned 1?

Well hello everyone. It's Max's 1st birthday today and we figured it was time to get a dad's perspective. Sweet little Max is not as sweet as Jen makes him out to be. Did you know that kids his age poop? I had quite the surprise when Jen convinced me to change his diaper today. Whoa! Did he run out to the bars last night and then have a burrito at 4:00 AM?? It might be time for mom to start cooking him dinner since all I make him is pot roast.

But enough about the mess in his diapers. It's his birthday!!! We discovered today that he absolutely loves party hats. We had a hard time getting it off his head he loves them so much. He also loves to kick back and have a pop with his old man. Great news!! I will have to watch out though. He is a mean bottle drunk, as seen in the party hat picture. Oh, did I mention he dropped a baby ruth in the bathtub too? Don't get on this kid's bad side. Next thing I'm going to find out is that he wants to play soccer. Ugh.

But let's not forget what this is all about here. Sure he causes some smells that just don't leave your head, but so do I. What's important is that he turned one and he's now a man! And we were here to spend it with him. We couldn't be more lucky. He's truly the world's greatest kid.

Much love to all!! I gotta get some sleep! (Luckily I have convinced him that sleeping in til 7:00 AM is cool).

xxoo Mark and Jen

Not Sleepless in Guatemala!

Today has been a really wonderful day... Not only have we had opportunity to spend tons of time with our little Max, but we also have had a routine to our day (yeah!). Max slept through the night, took TWO naps, and has enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To add, he is starting to take his first steps.

We cannot complain, we are blessed...

XO Jen & Mark

What a Special Day...

Well after many months of waiting, today we were finally reunited with our sweet little Max! It has been such a pleasant and memorable day. We met up with our agency and the foster family at about 9:30am and have been having lots of fun ever since. It was wonderful meeting with our foster family, but also bittersweet knowing that they had to say goodbye to such a sweet little boy that they have cared so dearly for over the past months. We are so thankful for such wonderful care (words cannot really say). Below are a few photos highlighting our first moments with Max. He loves mealtimes and is actually sleeping a lot better than past visits (at least for now - as I write this he is sleeping to 'Lullabies with the Beatles' -- very Guatemalan). More adventures to come!

XO Jen & Mark

We Are Here!!!!!

Well, yesterday we arrived in beautiful Antigua, Guatemala. Our flight went well and we are now getting settled into our apartment. The weather is in the 70's and the sun is shining. We cannot complain. Now we just have to await further plans on meeting up with our little boy! We cannot wait! Will send more updates when he arrives... Below are a few photos of our place and some treats awaiting Max when we are finally reunited.

XOX Jen & Mark

Giving Thanks

As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and begin a new leg in our adoption journey, we also want to take the time to give thanks to all our family and friends that have shown us such support over the past months. We do not know where we would be without that support! On November 9th, our friend Steven threw us a wonderful party at his bar in Chicago (by the way, the bar is called Crew and it is the best bar in the world!). Anyway, we were so touched to be able to see many of our family and friends at this party before heading down to Guatemala. Everyone's kindness and generosity has been so very appreciated!

Below is one recent photo of Max at 11 months (posing as Mr. Serious) and also some other photos from the November 9th party.

XOX Jen & Mark