Day 12 and 12A

Yesterday we went to sign documents at Ossitos.  We arrived at 10:30 as expected.  I was kind of hoping not to bump into the Tias and kids because I wasn't sure how he would respond.  As we were enterring the grounds, he looked confused.  I caught on, and stopped to tell him that we were only coming for a visit and he was not going to stay.  I assured him he was coming home with us.  The Tias probably knew we were coming because they were waiting outside with the kids for us.  The Tia's faces lit up as soon as they saw him.  It's one thing to be told he is well, but another to see for themselves.  Even Tia "C" who had not made eye contact with me before, smiled at me, said hello and gave me a hug. 

Alejandro seemed ok with everyone around him.  He reached his arms out to them with hesitation.  They gave him a hug and snuggles, then handed him back.  He was ok with that.  One little girl, "V" was so excited to see him.  She ran up to us with outstretched arms to greet him.  He wasn't phased by it.  Typical boy.

I was really happy to learn that at least three of the other toddlers have families in waiting.  One boy's family will be here by the end of the week from Italy.  He's a trip...all boy.  Loves to rough-house and roar.  Great kid.  "V's" family will be here in a couple of weeks too, also from Italy.  She is such a cute little doll-baby.  Round cheeks, round thighs, snuggly, sweet, playful.  Another great kid.  One other girl, "A" has a family through final stages in the states.  She has Down's syndrome as is cute as a button.  Sharp!  No getting over on her.  She's the little one of the group, but she can fend for herself well.  Giggly, playful, smart.  Adorable.  All great kids.  That leaves two more.  It's going to be aweful quiet around there pretty soon.  Then, they get to start over with new arrivals.  No rest for the weary. 

The meeting was held with the Social Worker, Coordinator, Speech Therapist and Health and Nutrition Coordinator.  They collectively thanked us for being taking Alejandro to what they are confident will be a better life.  They thanked us for being a loving family.  I just couldn't thank them enough for taking such good care of him while he was with them.  How do you thank someone for that?  There just aren't enough words and enough gestures in the world for that.

The Social Worker gave us a folder containing a copy of his records, letters from the entire staff involved with him and a CD of pictures that we did not already have in the baby album they made for us.  She also went and got his birthday car the Tias had given him, and a bear, "osso" in Spanish.  All the children are given a parting bear from Pequenitos de OSSO.  OSSO stands for Orphanage Support Services Organization, and Pequenitos de OSSO (Little Ones of OSSO) is a play on words.

The Speech Therapist gave us a fun folder with work she had done with Alejandro.  All the children see the Speech Therapist regularly.  Inside the folder was a letter she wrote to him,  doodles he'd made and learining tools she'd used to teach him everyday words, foods, items of clothing, body parts, colors, animals...you get the picture.  Another treasure!

The Health and Nutrition Coordinator weighed him for us, at my request, so I can know how to dose medications.  She gave me some pointers on how to manage his foods.  He hasn't eaten much the last two days, at least, nowhere near his usual.

We say a good-bye to the Tias, and one notices him a little feverish.  Great. 

Jim needs the computer, so more later!