FAMILIA ARMSTRONG: 2 WEEKS TOGETHER!

It has been TWO WEEKS TOGETHER already!!! Wow!!! We would like to do something to celebrate together today but not sure exactly what that will be yet.

The kids seem very happy and secure with us and for that we are quite thankful. So often, they have a look of peace on their little faces . . . like Anji laying in bed with her arms propped behind her head with a humungous smile because she is able to rest knowing well that we love her and that we always will - (yes, she tells us that she knows this!) Claudia does this sort of thing as well - with a smile that can light up a whole room! Andres also is very happy. He smiles and laughs and likes to go into hysterics when we play peek-a-boo and says "Mama/Papa" when we say "Hijo/Son" over & over. In just two weeks, we have grown so very much. We are very blessed as new parents and adore these children that God has entrusted to us.

Last night, the other family went to bed much earlier than our family so we had to quiet play in our bedroom. We were concerned that the kids would be too loud but thankfully they maintained normal voices for the most part. They had a blast playing with duplo blocks and emptied the bin to make a "bathtub" - it was hilarious! Anji was make-believe "washing" Andres & Claudia and then also gave them "haircuts" too. It was sweet! I took some photos of their creative play!

The past couple of nights, I have been soaking my bite-covered feet in warm water with espom salts and it has made a huge difference! The swelling has gone down and I am no longer waking up in the middle of the night itching and am itching much less in general. This is such a relief! So make a note, if you are going to adopt from Colombia, do yourself a favor and pack some epsom salts!!!

While I am on the topic of other things we are so glad we brought: we purchased a plastic folding child's potty seat that sits on top of the other big seat and it has been a life-saver. Our B&B does not have much specialized for young children (believe it or not) and this item has been a life-saver! We also are so thankful we brought a little fork/spoon set for Andres (thanks Beth & Eric!) because it is all he uses, the B&B only has regular size utensils! The kids' bibs we have received as gifts are another huge help - all three kids wear them and they have SAVED so many outfits. Andres' pocket is usually FULL of food and liquids after each meal! It has kept the girls' outfits from stickiness & stains too.

Lastly, we are very excited that we will be able to enter body-building contests from all the muscles we are developing from lifting and carrying the kids! :) he he he