Instant Parenthood (part 2)

They have so enjoyed all of
the new toys, games, music, and other gear that many family and friends have
showered them with since the day we learned about them back in November
2006. They absolutely love to play
together, and they do so, very well! They have great joy and pride to help around the house with anything
that we ask them to do, especially if they get to “work together” on the
task! You name it… setting/clearing the
table, dusting, taking out the trash, feeding Gato and Nala, brushing their
teeth, helping bake, cook, or make sandwiches…. We have to ask ourselves often “How long will this last?” We find ourselves saying, “this must be the
only part of the “honeymoon stage” that we haven’t left behind!”

They are very adventurous, with
new activities and trying all kinds of new foods. They eat just about anything… and a whole lot
of it! It seems they know the difference
between foods that are just: "delicious but not nutritious" and the
ones that are "nutritious and delicious!" Candy and junk food doesn’t
seem to be a big deal to them, but when it is offered or sitting in front of
them… boy oh boy do they get excited and quickly ask “May I please have candy/a
cookie?” On some occasions, like after breakfast, it’s a “No, but you can have
some more grapes.” They quickly respond, “Mmmm,” and squeal with excitement! Now vegetables were a rough territory at
first. But with Mami and Papi placing it
on their plates and with persistent coaxing :>) “little trees, little
clouds” (broccoli and cauliflower), and green peppers (I don’t have one for
that yet) are no longer the enemy but actually a great friend to their tummies.
Every type of condiment that could be
put on food seems to be called “salsa”, and they reallllly love salsa! Papi just loves to see them eat a helping of
salad without any dressing, just like him!

Spiritually, Luis, Ana Maria, and
Jeison are growing. They treasure
devotion time, and especially enjoy acting out the Bible stories. They just love to pray, especially before
their meals and before bed. And it’s so
sweet to hear Ana Maria be outside in the middle of the day, for example and
say “Thank You Jesus for the sun, es un dia bonito!” (It’s a pretty day!)  Their
prayers are letters straight from their hearts of complete thanksgiving to God
right now, and it’s precious. They have
amazing memory’s and nobody that is a part of their life is left out! We so appreciate how they always thank God for having food and for
Papi’s “trabajo” (work).