Today was our first full day with the girls. Both Yesica and Mary Sucena got up very early (4:30). Then again they gone to bed at 7:30! I had set my alarm for 6 am, so I was hoping to get up a little later.. not the case. I had told the girls that if I was still sleeping that they should do some coloring and wait for us. When I got up that's what they were doing. I was surprised by that. A little bit later the other girls got up and we sat around colored, did some art etc. We made chorizos, bread, and fried plantains for breakfast. They seemed to like this breakfast, then the two oldest went to the market with Alex and I stayed with the two youngest. I took them downstairs to the swings. They had a good time, but one of the girls kept asking me if we were going to take them back. The thing that we have found out is the girls are scared that if they are not good, they might be sent back.. so guess what? They have been pretty good..We are not sure who or whether or not they are holding back because they are afraid to be sent back. Maybe...it s a little bit of a honeymoon period, but they are still doing great. I'm tired and going to bed.. --MM
I don't understand how couples with no Spanish abilities can do this. I am constantly confused by things and have difficulty communicating but I have a decent amount of Spanish and of course Mercedes. I have many moments where I just can not express myself and the girls get frustrated with me. With 5 females it is common that multiple conversations are occurring at the same time. I try to listen to one at a time and get something,but I am finding that Colombia has some of its own colloquial lingo that I have never heard before.
The girls love their papi, and I am enjoying it (even if I feel unable to communicate). Milena and Mirellen were troopers this morning helping me carry groceries (the bags were heavy and we had to walk uphill for several blocks). I have been main cook (something the girls are getting used to), which allows Mercedes time to explain rules or the activities for the day. I could not do this without her (or at least not this well). We make a good team.
There is a bunch of info and relationship forming choices we are making now, that we will have to explain later...
6am will come too quickly, gotta get some sleep.
Hang in there, Alex!! Your frustration with your language abilities is completely understandable; but I'm sure the girls can feel your love and patience, even without words. You have an enormous heart, Alex -- bigger than anyone's I know! I'm sure if the girls haven't sensed that already, they will. Please tell them that their Martin relatives in Colorado are thinking of them a LOT! Love, Laura
ReplyDeleteP.S. I should say....thank you for doing this blog!! It's wonderful to hear your experiences in "real time"!! Even if you're tired at the end of the day, please take the time to write a few words...we're all sitting here on the edges of our seats, loving hearing how this is going!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex and Mercedes and your new family.
ReplyDeleteSandy and I have been following your blog. We are so happy for you and your family. I cannot imagine the earth shifting changes you and the girls are going through, but with all the love, understanding you all have, it will work out wonderfully.
Medillin is a beautiful city. Have a wonderful time with the sights and, of course, with family fun.
Best wished to all of you.
Roger Phelps...