Hi All!
I can not believe this summer is almost over and the kids are preparing to go back to school. Joe is starting his junior year in high school. He worked his very first job (clerking in a law firm) and will likely get his drivers license this fall. Mike is in his last year of middle school and is suffering from eighth grade-itis. Translation, big fish, little pond. He is a sweety though. When we received Sofia's referral photo back in January, he had to have a copy for his locker. Miss Sofia is growing leaps and bounds and is becoming very vocal. She picked up English quickly and seems to understand most of what we say to her. The other day, I scolded her for getting into the cat's water bowl. I said, "you stop that!" She looked at me and in her sassy tone said, "do dop dat." She then offers that smile and I have to turn away and laugh.
You may want to scroll down a bit because this is the part where the mother starts to brag a smidge about their kid. Friends often comment to us that Sofia is extremely coordinated for her age. She holds crayons, pens, and food utensils correctly. Seriously, like an adult. Ed noticed her coordination at presentation when she threw him a baseball. It came straight towards him, time after time. Well last weekend, my eight year old niece, Lauren (cutie in the pink bikini) was practicing her cartwheels and somersaults. She came to get me yelling, "WATCH THIS!" Sofe watched her and then executed a series of perfect somersaults. Because we clapped for her, she now does them everywhere. I taught her how to raise her arms up afterwards and say, "tah dah". Hope she picks up that quickly when we begin potty training.
We really had a great summer together! At times, it can be a challenge finding activities that are entertaining for teenage boys and a toddler. The boys are very kind and accomodating when it comes to entertaining Sofia. However, they can no longer tolerate hearing the Wiggles, "Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car." We enjoyed parades, festivals, swimming, picnics, and a couple mini vacations which included two new baseball stadiums. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were scratched off the list.
Last Sunday was a very special day because our princesa was baptized and welcomed into the church. She behaved and looked like an angel until the deacon tried to place his hands on her mouth and ears :) Oops. Thank you Nonna for that beautiful dress! Joe now has two important roles in Sofia's life. He is her big brother and Godfather. Tia "E" is taking on a second Godmother role for the Calderaro's. We are already preparing to submit our first post placement report and will have our final adoption hearing on August 20th. In Indiana you do not have to have the hearing but, we thought it would be nice. Wishing all Sofia's pint size friends (American and Colombian) an enjoyable first day back at school. You will do GREAT! No worries. Talk to you all soon.
