[estadt519]

Hi All,

We just wanted to shout out that (((WE ARE HOME))) and to thank all of our forum friends for all of the help and support you have given us throught this process.

Maria is doing amazingly fantastically with the transition -- it seems almost too good to be true and I think it is probably a honeymoon period of sorts.

We got home on the 7th and have been too busy to post, but we have not had a sad moment since entering our house. Maria had her 7th birthday last Sunday and she was thrilled! She started school this past Monday and she just loves it! We put her back one year (she should be in 1st grade) into Kindergarten and the kids are being so darn nice to her and she is socially skilled! Having her big sister there helps so much too.

Maria and Sammi (our older, 9 year old daughter) are glued at the hip -- they adore each other and have had few rivalry moments (I'm sure those will come as things settle down more).

One very funny thing, though, was that after her birthday celebration on Sunday, we brought her to Target the next day to buy more clothes (now that we know her size in everything). Now I had been warned by Felmel to watch out for this, because the kids sort of have the idea when they are in Guate that our streets are paved in gold. Well, our little Maria was so disappointed that she could not have whatever she wanted from Target! She sulked and pouted, just as I had been warned she would. But, imagine how much worse it was because she had just received a huge bundle of toys the day before! And, we have Christmas coming now -- watch out!!!

There are, of course, some issues that have emerged, such has needing to hold hands in certain places, not using knives, etc., etc., but this is so understandable. There has been some testing of our limits, but she has learned quickly just what gets our positive attention and what does not.

Her English is growing in leaps and bounds! She is very smart and sweet and we are so delighted to have her home. It's amazing for us to watch her blossom as she walks around humming, singing in contement, smiling and laughing all the time, etc. Very gratifying!

Well, this is too long, I know, and I am sorry!!!

Thanks for sharing with us and know that you are all in our thoughts all of the time (I constantly check on the progress you are all making and am cheering each and everyone of you on!).

Best,
D.

[Gingerella_68]

I'm so glad to read your news!! It seems yesterday when you were planning your first visit to Maria in Antigua and now, here she is home with you.

Thanks for the update!! I wish the very best to the whole family and am sure that it will take a little while but all will settle in well!

Best wishes.

[DPline]

Congratulations! I am so glad to hear she has adjusted so well!

Debbie

[crfamily2004]

We are so very very happy for you and your family. I couldn't pass up another opportunity to say congratulations and WELCOME HOME to Maria!! Please keep us posted and tell both Sammi and Maria that Joey says "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Y "FELIZ CUPLEANOS" to both of them.

Sending big hugs and lots of love to your family - Merry Christmas!!!

~Cindy & JOEY and Hubby