First Steps

Dearest Gustavo

You probably do not remember your first steps but I definitely remember your older siblings'. They stumbled; their eyes got big, and they finally took that step and had a huge smile filled their faces.

In some ways, the last two days were like first steps. We had you overnight for the first time. We "stumbled" through getting you to sleep (the loud noises next door didn't help) but eventually your fidgeting body lay still. One night down; many more to go!

This afternoon we were a bit "bug-eyed" speaking with the social worker, Patricia, who visited our hotel to check on how you were doing with us. We were without a translator but eventually seemed to communicate effectively. We believe that to be the case because she gave the approval to proceed with placing you in our care.

We all went to IHNFA to sign the document to make it official. Emilia was there to greet us. We can tell she and the other workers there care for you greatly. They expressed their genuine love for you and their thanksgiving that we are bringing you into our family. After signing the document, we looked at each other with "big smiles" that we have something official that makes one step closer to you being ours.

There are still more to go but these are memorable first steps, the journey that began 7 years ago.

Love Mama Lisa