tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34301035959823213652024-11-05T22:12:06.091-05:00Our adventures while adopting our daughter Isabella Grace from Colombiathe Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-73977497222050259732010-12-11T23:29:00.003-05:002010-12-11T23:32:42.788-05:00

Finally! Three weeks home, and I finally had a moment to finish uploading Week 7, arrange and caption it. It includes Parque Jaime Duque, Parque 93, Parque El Chico, photos around the Halifax, and Sentencia - see them all here. At some point soon, I hope to finish a few notes about our last week and get a few more photos from my mom so I can load the photos from our last few days and trip

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-42968841726716376572010-11-26T14:14:00.002-05:002010-11-26T14:26:38.119-05:00

Sabeth, Esteban, Isabella and Grandma Dawn all arrived safe and sound in Boston on Monday night (11/22) around 9:30pm. Isabella and Esteban were both asleep so Julien didn't get to officially greet them until Tuesday morning. Everybody was tired and poor Grandma Dawn had to turn around and leave early Tuesday afternoon to get back to Grandpa Kerry and Seattle. !Grandma Dawn was an amazing help

Julienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123191488459405503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-22140570363464686462010-11-21T23:03:00.002-05:002010-11-21T23:16:09.386-05:00

It's 11:00pm - and the bags are packed, the kids (and Grandma) are sleeping, and I am ready to head home. I know there are a few blog posts to catch up on - maybe on the plane tomorrow. Who am I kidding? With 4 of us in 3 seats, I'll be lucky to page through a magazine that's all pictures. It has been a wonderful 7 weeks and 2 days in Colombia. We have been blessed with decent weather - perhaps

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-91803283997678859802010-11-20T16:45:00.004-05:002010-11-20T19:46:02.565-05:00

It was nice to sleep in a little on Friday, and to wash and hang the last two loads of laundry we will wash here (hopefully!). Reynel picked me up at 10:15am, as promised, to take me to the US Embassy to pick up Isabella's visa. Esteban had a little screaming fit as I was leaving, though I know Grandma Dawn handled it like a pro. Reynel took me to the Embassy and walked me to the gate. On

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-81938498668076008062010-11-20T09:38:00.006-05:002010-11-20T16:44:37.537-05:00

Thursday was a LONG day!Helena picked us (Isabella, Esteban, Grandma Dawn and I) at 7:30am! We were off to the Passport Office early, early, early. To be ready meant that we had to all get up when Isabella woke at 5:30! Dressed, fed, diaper bag ready for 2 kids, and important papers all collected. And we managed to be ready exactly at 7:30am. At the Passport Office, we first got Isabella's

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-36595636110797555902010-11-17T21:14:00.006-05:002010-11-17T22:01:25.061-05:00

After yesterday's news that we didn't get Sentencia, it was feeling like it would never happen. This morning we headed out to the park right after breakfast. It was raining when we got ther so we had coffee, and then Esteban decided he wanted to nap. So we were on our way to my hair appointment when the phone rang - it was Helena telling me that we needed to go sign TODAY! And she would pick me

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-69942832197418344152010-11-17T11:16:00.003-05:002010-11-17T11:16:44.778-05:00

Leaving now to sign (with 20 minutes' notice) - will post later with all the details :) Hurray!!!

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-12457911244336592762010-11-16T19:53:00.002-05:002010-11-16T21:09:55.238-05:00

Isabella's latest developments, Esteban as a big brother, park photos, apartment surrounds, Gold and Botero Museums, Esteban's and Grandma's haircuts - check it out here.

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-5946713367346879242010-11-16T15:36:00.004-05:002010-11-16T15:48:12.879-05:00

I know many people have been keeping us in their thoughts and prayers for Sentencia today. Our liaison Helena called about 2:00pm to say that the judge has not signed the papers as of this morning. She’s signing lots of papers, and just hasn’t gotten to ours yet. Our lawyer will go to the court again in the morning and see if they were signed this afternoon.In an effort to comfort myself, I made

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-65780223283873407182010-11-15T15:40:00.007-05:002010-11-16T16:24:12.211-05:00

Isabella is 8 months old today (11/15), and she is full of new accomplishments all the time. Last week she mastered clapping and waving - and she even kind of says "bye-bye" when she waves. She loves to "dance" to music by somewhat spastically moving her arms and upper body when she hears music she likes - which is anything with a good beat. She is nearly crawling: just a few days ago she managed

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-54445315637924319392010-11-13T14:28:00.002-05:002010-11-13T14:32:15.460-05:00

Hurray! We found out yesterday that our judge is out of the hospital. Helena, our liaison, has been using all her information channels to find out the status of our paperwork. She found out that the judge made it into the office on Friday to sign some papers. However, the papers cannot be dated on a day she is on sick leave, so they will probably be dated Tuesday (since Monday is a holiday

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-10212053754455851012010-11-11T14:02:00.002-05:002010-11-11T14:23:37.068-05:00

As of yesterday afternoon, our judge was still in the hospital. Our liaison (Helena) says that when judges are sick for more than a few days, they either have papers brought to them to sign (if they are able) or they appoint someone else to sign for them. As of this afternoon, Helena says, "I think our prayers are being answered," meaning that she thinks some resolution is coming. AND I just

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-23459426367597137012010-11-09T16:05:00.010-05:002010-11-16T18:27:45.444-05:00

Even though this blog is primarily about Isabella, it's also about our family and our experience here in Colombia. I've been meaning to write this post for a couple of weeks. It has been great to be here in Colombia with Esteban - to spend more time with his curiosity and personality, and to watch him try new things. Really wonderful! The following pictures show some of his many past-times while

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-45667958973516843492010-11-09T09:57:00.009-05:002010-11-09T16:04:53.569-05:00

When last I posted, I was recovering from a record diaper day. Thankfully, we have not had a repeat!Since I just posted our pics from last week, I though I'd catch you up on the rest of the week. On Thursday, we headed out to Monserrate. Located atop a mountain just east of downtown Bogota, Monserrate is an icon of Bogota's religous culture. It's a pilgrimage site and shrine - the original church

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-12980880410029238132010-11-09T09:55:00.002-05:002010-11-09T09:57:00.038-05:00

I just had a chance to look at all the comments people have left, and I was really touched by the support and well-wishes. There are definitely moments here when I feel isolated - and it helps to read your notes. Thank you!!

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-3508496252291203392010-11-09T09:53:00.002-05:002010-11-09T09:55:13.252-05:00

We found out yesterday that our papers (the final adoption decree) are on the judge's desk. However, she was out on Friday and in the hospital yesterday. Reportedly, it's nothing serious, so we hope she'll be returning to work sooner rather than later this week. Pray for her speedy recovery!

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-53479835760314196342010-11-09T09:51:00.002-05:002010-11-09T09:52:47.816-05:00

Halloween, extreme strollering, park fun, Monserrate, Simon Bolivar Park, Virgilio Barco library, rainy morning in a cafe - click here.

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-62063361445714876782010-11-03T22:31:00.005-05:002010-11-03T22:49:13.744-05:00

Yes, folks, it's true. I changed SEVEN poopy diapers today - starting at 6:30am this morning and finishing about 6:30pm tonight. Sounds crazy, but it's true. Not a personal best I'd like to challenge anytime soon! Why so many?, you might ask. I think both kids have a touch of a stomach bug that's running things through them. Hopefully, this was a one-day deal, and all will be back to a usual 3-4

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-23565087344863723662010-11-03T22:20:00.000-05:002010-11-03T22:21:40.743-05:00

Mostly hanging out at home and the park - see them all here.

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-20911199205276848792010-11-03T21:31:00.005-05:002010-11-03T22:28:25.937-05:00

Sunday was Halloween, and we were lucky to be invited to join friends of a friend of my uncle (it's a long story :)) at their Tennis Club for the day. But first - the first thing of the morning - brownies...We started the day by making brownies. I thought it would be something fun to do, and they could bake while we got ready to go. Hah! Esteban had a great time mixing them up. When we turned on

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-72556617942009040352010-11-02T22:03:00.002-05:002010-11-02T22:06:58.247-05:00

We found out today that our adoption petition was returned today from the Defender of Minors' office to the judge's office. The judge has 10 working days to sign our Sentencia. Once the judge signs the decree, then our lawyer will call me to come sign my name to it - and we're on the home stretch. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we wait (rather impatiently) for that judge!!

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-24915456619625481672010-10-31T20:33:00.001-05:002010-10-31T20:34:21.883-05:00

About 40 pics - lots of happy baby and her big brother. View them here.

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-27159621220126007332010-10-30T22:54:00.008-05:002010-10-31T19:02:33.701-05:00

Isabella updateNot only can our girl put away a 6 oz bottle in about 2.5 minutes, we have discovered that she loves to feed herself. She loves anything she can pick up and shove into her mouth. It seems like she hadn’t had much chance to feed herself previously, and her dexterity has improved markedly in a week. In the past week she has fed herself: potatoes, yuca, bananas, avocado, watermelon,

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-4179382418534099832010-10-30T17:07:00.011-05:002010-10-30T22:52:01.990-05:00

Q. What do you get when you combine a week of continual challenges of parenting 2 busy children with inconsistent Internet access?A. A whole week of no blog posts! So, here I sit at 3:00pm on Saturday, still not sure if the Internet will cooperate to post this, but taking advantage of good nap times to write a week’s worth of updates. The Internet has been sporadic this week. The TelMex tech came

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430103595982321365.post-87824280005568625892010-10-22T22:03:00.003-05:002010-10-22T23:03:28.733-05:00

Finally! I got about 45 photos from the first week uploaded. Click HERE.

the Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08226171599091902758noreply@blogger.com0