april showers...

Wahoo, April updates are here!



Mickenson:

“Mickenson loves to cuddle. The times when he is sitting in someone’s lap are the rare moments when he is content to quietly sit still... He loves to climb and jump and does not hesitate to lead the group in active play.  The children are enjoying using a new soccer net donated by Wanguet's family and have been learning how to kick a soccer ball as their recess activity."

"Mickenson's writing skills continue to improve as he works on his letters in school.  Mickenson is currently learning conversational phrases in English and reciting a weekly Bible verse which he is also learning in English."

"Mickenson is growing anxious to meet his adoptive mother. He asks what her name is often and hopes to receive a photo album when she comes to visit him. [I promise little man, I am coming (with photo book in hand)!!!] When asked if Mickenson had a special message for his family, he asked if he could give toys to the other children. When asked what kinds of toys he wanted to share, he looked up into the sky and said ‘Trees. Birds.’”

What a fabulous idea, I now want to share trees and birds with my friends too!


Ashley:
“Ashley continues to thrive on individual attention. He loves to run with toys in his hands and grows excited when he is chased. He is particularly fond of his big brother and smiles when Mickenson enters the room.” :) I am so glad that they have each other. Mickenson's report also said that he wanted to make sure Ashley was going to be a part of our new family too. Love.

“Ashley continues to enjoy his family photos on the wall and likes to place his hand on them while he is looking at them.”

They included the following in both boys' reports...

“The President elect was announced on April 5, 2011. The older children were in the school room when they heard Auntie Elta shouting on the phone outside. Ten faces peeked around the corner to see Auntie Elta calling to the other aunties that Michel Martelly is president. The children ran outside to dance with Auntie Elta and Auntie Kettly as they sang “Michel Martelly Prezidan!” Auntie Evorse was at the top of the outdoor crèche steps throwing Carlo into the air and dancing with him while the infants and toddlers were peering over the patio with their Aunties who shouted over the crèche wall to those on the other side that Michel Martelly is President. There was great commotion and excitement in Kenscoff with this news.”

I love how they so vividly described such an impactful and exciting event. :)

They received the last and final document needed for my boys' paperwork at last!  This means we can start the process of waiting on the IBESR (Haitian Child and Family Services department) - hurry up and wait right.  I will be heading back down to Haiti in two weeks to visit the boys and file my I-600. I am excited beyond expression!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has given me items for the kids down there, I will take LOTS of pictures.


march update...

mick:

“Mickenson made a new art project this month. He chose the color yellow with great thought and made sure his finished product would be sent to Mama. While looking at his photos of Mama and London, he asked what Mama’s name was and smiled as he repeated the name Natalie.”     oh my gosh :)

“Mickenson has an engaging smile when he is playing. He has more energy than time allows him to burn but that doesn’t stop him from trying! He loves to receive individual attention and to have his hand held. Mickenson lingers near adults seeking a lap in which he can cuddle. He is a very affectionate child who folds into one’s embrace and will remain there for long periods of time.”     Ok, I am freaking ready to cuddle with this little man.
 
 
ash:

“Ashley is learning the difference between throwing toys in-front of himself and throwing them at other children.” (haha) “Ashley loves to be by your side. He will bring toys to show you and will follow you from room to room. He loves to be chased and will giggle in delight as he runs and then turns to be sure you are chasing him. He also enjoys chasing after toys and bringing them back.”

“Ashley likes to look at the photo of his Mama on the wall.”


I am so very grateful for the women who create these reports, take time to send me photos of my boys and capture their cute little hand prints.  It is a remarkable gift, when I can't be there to watch them grow myself. 


It looks like I will be heading back down to Haiti in May!!! I am thrilled, so excited to see the boys and to keep things moving with the US immigration stuff. I will be filing an I-600 immigration form down in Port-au-Prince for the boys during this trip. The I-600 is a petition to classify an orphan as an immediate relative. It is a bit of a process (understatement), so I am glad to get it started sooner rather than later.  Things are moving, and that is good...

On an informational note, it looks like the political climate in Haiti may be changing? Round two of voting for a new President in Haiti took place on March 20, 2011. It appears that Michel Martelly, a Haitian pop star, won the election, although the official results won't come out until next week.  I don’t really know much about politics, especially down in Haiti. But it would be nice to see any sort of change down there.

Also, several people have asked me if there are things the orphanages need that they can send down there.  Right now, they are in need of childrens' vitamins (not the gummy kind though because they melt in the million degree weather), cloth diapers, plastic diaper covers, wipes and lotion.  If you have any of these things that you might like to send down with me, just let me know.