Guadalupe Day in Guatemala!

Today was a fun day full of little adventures... First off, Max took his first dip in a pool with his mama (who got soaken wet since she does not have a bathing suit down here yet). He loved the water and will be a water baby very soon! After having a swim and lunch, we took a walk over to La Merced, one of the Catholic churches in Antigua, for the traditional Guadelupe Day festival and procession. This is a traditional festivity that occurs on December 12th in most Latin American countries where children will dress up in indigienous clothing and enjoy food and festivities with the likes of Santa. Max was there with two of his lady friends (Juliana and Maya) and let them dress up in native clothing while he, of course, took in all in with those big eyes!

As I have said many times before, it was truly a wonderful day!

xxoo Jen & Max

Lazy Sundays...

Over the last couple days, Max and I continue to savor this ridiculously beautiful weather (I still cannot believe it is actually December as it is sunny and in the 70's most days!). Yesterday, we went and hung out at Hotel Antigua again with another adoptive mom from the D.C. area and her adorable daughter Lilly (unfortunately, I did not have my camera in hand to capture any photos of them playing in the little play area while a wedding reception was going on - it was very nice and cute to see Lilly and Max dance to the music). Then today was really a lazy Sunday where Max took two naps and also tried to tempt walking a few more steps while we mixed in a couple walks to enjoy the sunshine.

Later this week, my parents are coming down to see Max for the very first time - I am so excited! This is their first grandchild so they are extremely overjoyed to finally meet him! Have I mentioned that he is a little doll?

xxoo Jen & Max

Taking in a Little More of Antigua

Today, Max and I had the opportunity to attend a dance recital in Antigua with the family that we know who lives here. Their daughter Lucia was performing and her little brother Andreus wanted to help out during their performance. Then afterwards, we had a nice lunch out in the garden area of the dance school while the children enjoyed a pinata. Max just sat back and took it all in (just give him a year and he will be joining in on the pinata fun!). Then in the afternoon, we were surprised by a Chicago visitor (Uncle Tony) who was here visiting his family that lives nearby. Max loved hanging out with Tony and I have been enjoying some home cooked meals from Tony's mother.
The caring support we have received from family and friends is so very appreciated - we are very grateful.

xxooo Jen & Max

Fun at Hotel Antigua

Now that Max is fast asleep, I have the opportunity to post some photos from today. We had lunch today with another adoptive family from Chicago at the Hotel Antigua. We had a wonderful time enjoying this very tranquil and relaxing 'jewel' nestled within Antigua (I cannot believe Mark and I have not stumbled onto this place during our previous visits). They have a beautiful pool (Mark this is where we can go when you come back, please bring our suits!), great food, a play area for kids, and even parrots! Max and his new friend, Juliana, had a wonderful time relxing in the sun.

Enjoy!

xxoo Jen & Max

Just Hanging Out...

Despite the fact that the internet to our apartment was down for almost 12 hours today (yikes!), Max and I had a wonderful day. He is such a sweet child. We spent some time just hanging out in our apartment, took a walk to the Bodagona (Antigua's busy market) to pick up a few things, and then played a little more this afternoon before bedtime at 7:45pm (yeah!). Right before bed, Max also took a couple steps on his own - I think he is getting closer to the official 'wobbly' walk...

Later this week, we will be meeting up with another foster family for lunch and will have some more details on that venture as well as other adventures we encounter as we meet more folks in town.

XO Jen & Max

A Bittersweet Day

This has really been a bittersweet day as the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, we also had the opportunity to meet up with a family we met the last time we were here for a wonderful breakfast at their home, and then Mark had to go back to Chicago (boo).

Max and I are doing fine, but miss Mark deeply. We know we will make it through this journey in our lives, but it still feels strange to be alone in foreign country with your son as a first time parent unsure of when you actually will be able to come home... So to make ourselves feel better, we went out and found a new toy for Max and watched all the action that takes place in Antigua on a Sunday afternoon. In the attached photos, Max demonstrates his favorite activities - eating & playing...

~ We miss you Mark (XOX)

XOX Jen

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