more pics

Playing with abuelita Edelmira's Christmas figurines... yes, I broke it.

Talking to Grandpa and Grandma Olsen on Skype

Giving myself kisses in the mirror of my new toy that Uncle Jose brought me

Hello!

Sitting on the couch with all my stuffed animals

This is where Mateo sleeps at night, next to Mom and Dad

Jasney, Mateo and Jose

Out for a Sunday stroll on the "ciclovia" - streets in Bogota on Sunday morning are closed for bicycling, jogging, walking ... Mateo loves to be out and about. Notice my camoflauge hat, that was a gift from our next door neighbors in Omaha. It reads: My first SUV and has a picture of a tricycle.

My great uncle Rafael and Fanny brought me this big orange ball to play on

Playing with Daddy

Mateo and Isabella

Playing with my second cousin Isabella at the Cogua baby shower

It's been a while since our last post... Mateo has been keeping us busy! That and Uncle Jose from Florida arrived on Saturday, and we have had lots of visits.

Mateo is doing wonderfully well. He seems to be thriving in his new family. He definitely knows who "mama" is and when he smiles at you with those big brown eyes, it's one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. It is definitely a blessing that he was sick those first few days, because the bond that formed is strong.

We still have to give Mateo some medicine - for asthma and reflux only now. We sing to him and try to get him to forget that it's not really that fun to have all that stuff shoved in your face. Sometimes our distraction tactics work - sometimes they don't. Either way, once it's done, he's a happy boy again.

Abuelito Jose is absolutely crazy about Mateo. He says he's going to get a picture of his "cabezon" (which is grandpa's term of endearment that translates "big head" ... have you seen So I Married an Axe Murderer - HEEEAAD!?) dressed in Nebraska gear blown up to hang in his office... the name of abuelito's business? NEBRASKA TOURS. He is positively enamoured with his grandson.

Mateo is crawling pretty well now, too. At first, he really only propped himself up on his front arms, not a lot of mobility. Now, he can make his way through the apartment even with the slick wood floors. Imagine what he could do on carpet!

Next week we should get news of our interview with ICBF (Institute of Colombian Social Welfare) and begin the official court process.

Hope you enjoy these new pictures!