Looking Ahead, Reflecting Back

Sophia,

In five weeks or so all of our lives will change dramatically. You will be a big sister and Papi and I will be grappling with parenting two. As I pull out all your baby clothes and toys, preparing the nursery for your baby sister, I can't stop thinking about when you were just a tiny baby and how much you've grown.

You were born August 30, 2007 at Hospital Simon Bolivar in Bogota Colombia. You weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz and were 18.7 inches long. Your gracious birthmother carried you inside her tummy for 39 weeks. When you were born, she gave you the name Maria, after our Lord's mother.

Your birthmother lovingly placed you into the hands of FANA on August 31, 2007.

The nurses and women at FANA cared for you for 2 1/2 months. They fed you bottles, changed you, and held you when you cried. They took excellent care of you!

On November 13, 2007, we received a call from Mercedes telling us that you were waiting for us and that we should come quick. Within five days we were there. On November 19th, 2007 we held you for the first time in FANA's green room. We'd been your mami and papi all along, but that day was when we were joyously united. From then on, we fed you bottles, changed you, and held you all the time. We bathed you and sang to you, all the while gazing into your beautiful brown eyes. You would grasp our finger tightly assuring us we were indeed bound together forever.

The arrival of your little sister will bring about many changes, but the love we have for you will never change. God made love like that; when you share your love with someone, more love is created. You teach us that every day. You'll come up and hug my belly saying, "I love my baby sister and she loves me." You're right! She knows your voice and touch already. You will be a fantastic big sister to her. It's a role you've always been meant to fill.

While your still small body often longs to do things beyond its reach, your heart for others is bigger than we can measure. We know you'll want to help with EVERYTHING concerning your little sister. We are so blessed to love and be loved by you each day.

Mami y Papi