History

Tuesday, June 22, 2004 0:05 AM CDT

Hello, all
I couldn't let two nights go by without writing
These have been two more extraordinary days in Bogota. With each day, Daniel becomes more familiar with us, and us with him, and we continue to thrive as a family. If you ever had any doubts about bonding with an adopted child (I won't ask for a show of hands; just answer that in private), rest assured that that is no issue. This baby is ours as much as if he came to us in the more typical way, and he's a brother to Alex, now and for the rest of their lives. Alex is the happiest person Ive ever seen. Even when he isnt carrying the baby theres an exuberance in his step that never wavers. The same can be said for his parents.
We continue to be overwhelmed by Colombian hospitality. Betty has become like a member of our family, and walking through the rooms of Betty's Place, adorned with hundreds of photos of the children and families who have come through here before us, one can be awestruck at the cumulative effect this wonderful woman has had. I keep telling her that she should write a book, "A Brooklyn girl's practical guide to Colombia". It would be the best resource any American could have, adopting or not.
Tonight, Alex had a playdate with Betty's nephew, Nicholas. It was a remarkable thing to watch, as these two kids met and became like best friends immediately. Such is the influence of the general warmth of this place (and also, such is the power of the universal language of 7-8 year olds: sports. Give them something that resembles a soccer ball and they're fast friends forever)
In addition to Betty, our whole experience has also been marked by hospitality and encouragement. Yesterday we spent an unforgettable Father's Day in the home of dear friends of our own dear friends and next-door neighbors back in New York. By the end of the day I felt as though they were my cousins. And today we met the brother of another of our neighbors back home, who literally waved his arms in front of us and pleaded "What can I DO for you?!!!"
For any waiting families, rest assured that you will be well cared for in Bogota. And for others, you should at least put this on a list of places to visit some time. Feel free to join us when we return.
Tomorrow is our Bienestar interview (I'm probably misspelling that but if you think I'm going to turn on the lights to check the spelling, and risk waking the rest of the family, you're wrong). I'm not worried about it because the love that we have for this baby just pours out of us, and even if you worry about Shari or me clumsily saying the wrong thing, we can count on Alex, the Ambassador of Brotherhood, to bail us out. They HAVE to give us this baby. He's ours!
Tonight Alex spoke with his friend Jared, and JAred's 4-year old brother Brandon, on the phone. Their shared excitement in discussing Daniel was a treat to behold. And tonight I spoke with my sister, whose excitement and encouragement throughout the whole process has been reinforcement for the very center of the concept of this process for us; among all the other reasons and motivations, one of the greatest is that Daniel and Alex have a chance to share the ups and downs of life together, forever. To have a brother or sister like that is one of God's greatest gifts.

It was a truly wonderful Father's Day, and Day After FAther's DAy. And an extra gift to see Otis enjoying his first FAther's Day as Sergianni's Dad.
Thanks to God, friends and family, FANA, Betty and Colombia
Wish us luck!

Saturday, June 19, 2004 11:31 PM CDT

How can you love somebody so much so fast? It's hard to believe we've only known Daniel for four days. He is so happy, and there is no better way of spending time than sitting in front of the fire, taking turns holding him (which pretty much means Shari and I waiting for Alex's arms to become tired). God, FANA and Colombia have blessed us and we give thanks to all.
Today we visited the unbelievable Salt Cathedral about an hour outside of Bogota. Another truly inspiring monument to faith, carved beneath 125 million tons of salt. From the unfamiliar to the familiar, the day then ended at home with Pizza Hut pizza and El Corral hamburgers, an interesting juxtaposition. Thus ends the most remarkable, wonderful and memorable week of our lives.
Good night
Pat

Friday, June 18, 2004 11:16 PM CDT

Another beautiful day here. Daniel is more and more responsive and "connected" each day. He has a smile that lights upthe room. He's a cozy bundle of joy.
Shari, Alex and I traveled to the church at Monserrate today, with our incomparable tour guide and friend Jorge Rico. It is the most incredible sight, some nearly 3000 feet above the city. Alex had an impromptu llama ride on the way back to the car.
As always the best time of the day is sitting in front of the fire in rocking cahris at the end of the day, enjoying becoming a family.

Friday, June 18, 2004 0:01 AM CDT

Greetings all
Today we signed over Power of Attorney and are now, I suppose, officially hostages of the system (or as I like to call it “indentured tourists”). Now the wait begins. Due to a new regulation (not sure if it’s new, or just newly-enforced) our Bienestar interview, which is a meeting at the welfare agency, isn’t until next Tuesday, so the clock starts ticking then.
But if youre ever to be stuck in limbo, Bogota is not a bad place to be, and settling in as a family isn’t a bad way to spend it. Daniel is sweet and happy, and has really learned to recognize us and, I think, enjoy us, particularly Alex, who cried uncontrollably at the prospect of going out to dinner without the babies. He was consoled by assurances that Daniel was being well cared for here at Betty’s by Nicey, and moreso that since he just had a bottle, Daniel would sleep until we returned, and thus Alex wouldn’t “miss” anything. He was further satisfied by a juicy steak, the big soccer game on the TV and the fact that Betty (who’s actually even about a million times better than even all the great things we’ve always heard about her) had called ahead and told the restaurant that it was Alex’s birthday (which it isn’t-“that’s the funniest thing I ever heard,” he said), so that they greeted him with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. It was a terrific time, as all of our experiences with Otis and Debbie, and Betty, have been thus far.
I cant emphasize enough to the waiting families who havent been here and to our friends and family how great Bogota has been. Once you settle in you feel as safe as you would in any new city. You listen to those who know, and you follow their advice. I walked to the mall alone today to pick up some stuff (mainly sweatpants- it’s much colder here than you think) and didnt really think about safety. The city sits just West of the Andes, making for beautiful views especially when it’s sunny. And theres lots to see and do, lots of fun restaurants. I honestly had the best croissant Ive ever had today at the little French bistro nearby (see the picture on ofoto for those who are on that list and if youre not and would like to be Id be happy to include you- since I cant figure out how to get the pictures on here in any sensible way). While we always thought it would be important to return to Colombia in the future for Daniel to keep a sense of his heritage, now that we’re here, that is no ;omger an obligatory pilgrimage, but more a trip (series of trips) that we’ll really look forward to making. Colombia gets a bad rap.
More on that some other time
Shari, Alex and Daniel are sleeping and its time to join them
Love to all,
Pat

Wednesday, June 16, 2004 10:14 PM CDT

Where did the day go? Today was a time for getting to know each other. It hardly seems like we arrived in Bogota only 2 days ago, or became a family only yesterday. Such is the intensity of the experience here at Betty's Place.
Today we hung out, made plans for the week, played ball with Alex in a park nearby, and all went out for Lebanese pizza around the block. And, of course, lots of hugs and kisses and bottles and diapers. All in all another beautiful day.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 9:51 PM CDT

Well, today was the big day!
At 12:47 PM (alex keeps track of these things), Pablo, grandson of the Tono's (one of the grand families of the FANA organization, for those of you not famliar with this great organization), presented DAniel Patrick Flynn to his big brother, Alex. There has never been such joy. We have only recently been able to pry Daniel from Alex's clutches, and only because both are asleep. He's a pleasant fellow. Didnt sleep much during the day, but fed a couple of times, as his extra chin or two would suggest (It's OK; his brother had those at this age, as, I would imagine, did his father). We are all ecstatic. We have been blessed to share the experience with our new friends the Jennings, who received Sergianni into their lives just after we received Daniel. Daniel and Sergianni will have a long-distance relationship, unless of course we feel the need to relocate to Syracuse just to be registered to vote for Otis for mayor next year!
The paperwork starts soon, but thats for another day
Attached are some new pictures and I will load more once I figure out how to make them not so gigantic
It's truly been a wonderful and indescribable day, but time for it to come to a close. And sitting here in Betty's Place, Danleil tucked into the crib, Alex asleep in our bed ( he has his own room, but will have none of it), I have to of course quote Springsteen who wrote this after the birth of his son (and must have been to Bogota in June, given the weather in the song):

Well now all that's sure on the boulevard
Is that life is just a house of cards
As fragile as each and every breath
Of this boy sleepin' in our bed
Tonight let's lie beneath the eaves
Just a close band of happy thieves
And when that train comes we'll get on board
And steal what we can from the treasures of the Lord
It's been along long drought baby
Tonight the rain's pourin' down on our roof
Looking for a little bit of God's mercy
I found living proof

Good night

Monday, June 14, 2004 9:06 PM CDT

Greetings from Bogota! (Pat writing; I don't know how to make a second author on the website!)
Seeing the city, and Betty's Place, makes for a whole new perspective on the adventure. The city is beautiful, and no more intimidating than any city that isn't your own. We took a walk to the shopping mall and the supermarket, and played catch in the courtyard. Suffice it to say we won't be hiding under the bed until it's time to leave!
Alex is as excited as anyone you've ever seen. He unpacked all of the baby's things today and is insisting on having Daniel sleep in his room ("That's not negotiable"), so I have a feeling that even though we have two rooms here at Betty's, one of them will be empty most nights.
Alex and Shari are sleeping now (3:45 came quite early this morning for that 6 AM flight), but Shari will get up soon, as we're awaiting the arrival of the Jennings family, who will get here soon from Syracuse to accompany us to FANA tomorrow to receive their daughter. Can't wait to meet them.
We'll be meeting Daniel at around noon tomorrow, and returning home to Betty's with him thereafter. By the next time we write, our family will be complete!
Our love to all.

Until tomorrow.....

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 3:41 PM CDT

Soon to be travelling to Bogota~ Will keep all up to date on this amazing voyage~

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