Happy adoption day!
Today, shortly after 3:00 pm, we received Sebastian Mateo forever into our family.
Isabel and Reynel came to pick us up at 2:30 and we were driven to Los Pisingos (the adoption house that cared for both Santi and Sebastian). Today's process for meeting our baby was quite different from when we received Santi 2 1/2 years ago. Back then, the baby was presented to you by the director of the orphanage at her house. The baby was literally brought to you. Things have since changed, and it was explained to us that they now want the parents and siblings to meet the babies in their environment. To this end, we met with Carlos (the director of the adoption house) and Andres. Andres is an adoptee himself, and he now runs these processes. He came into the room and explained to us that he was going to take Santi first upstairs to meet Sebastian, and then come down and get us. I have to admit to I was hesitant and I did not quite think Santi was going to go with him freely, but Andres was wonderful, and sure enough Santi took his had and left. Jeff and I were literally bitting our nails. After a few minutes Andres returned for us by himself and took us the third floor where they house the infants. We stopped by the second floor to wash hands and get gowns and masks (standards in the infant room). Once we got to the third floor, we found Santi kneeling in a chair by Sebastian’s crib. It was the sweetest sight ever..... Santi was gently stroking his face.... I have to admit I just burst into tears.
The rest is history: we came in and held our beautiful baby. We had some private time as a family there by his crib,
and then downstairs where I fed him his very first bottle. I was -still am- chocked up.
We came home and enjoyed a quiet afternoon. Santi got somewhat hyper at the end of the day (no nap, too much excitement), but he just fell asleep.
We have spent only a few hours with Sebastian, but he looks like a relaxed little baby. We are all looking forward to getting to know him better.
So long for now, we’ll post tomorrow again.
God bless you Tanner family! Sebastian is just precious! We are SO happy for your family! It is bitter sweet to know we just missed each other in Colombia! But, we'll be following along closely! Please give our Colombian "Abuelitos" big hugs from the Vander Maas 6! We just love them and were sad that it was so crazy busy with Sentencia before we left. I so badly wanted to say good-bye! Enjoy every moment with both boys! You have a beautiful family! Much Love, Kristi (for John, Isabel, Silas, Caroline, and Marta)
ReplyDeleteP.S.
Make sure you invite the Houseman family over to Abuelitos! They too, are from MI and are amazing! You will really enjoy them! Have fun!
!Familia bonita con DOS hijos! We are absolutely thrilled for you. Enjoy your time there, and we look forward to following your journey!
ReplyDeleteLove, The VPCs (Lisa, Ryan and Julian)
What a beautiful, happy family! He is just precious and big brother is looking on so lovingly. Safe travels home and we look forward to many more pictures.
ReplyDeleteTheresa Doerr
Nena que dos hijos bellos tienes, los felicitamos y disfruten mucho en Colombia con la familia, carinos. SN
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the Tanner family! You have 2 cute little boys. Santi looks sharp in his suit. Relax and enjoy your sons. Have a safe trip home.
ReplyDeleteI am sitting hear reading your wonderful news with tears. I am so happy for you all. I love how Santi was with him first rubbing his face. A memory you will cherish forver. Thank you for sharing with us all. I will keep everyone posted at school. He is a beautiful little boy. Tell Santi we miss him. Nolan was already asking for him today at school:) Love to you all, Emily
ReplyDeleteOh Tanners...I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face too...what a precious little boy he is...and Santi leaning over and stroking his face...I can't even type I'm crying too much! :)
ReplyDeleteBesos to you all...we can't wait to follow along, and hopefully see you down there soon!
Becky
Congratulations to you ALL!! What a beautiful, beautiful story of the moment you met your new little one. What a proud big brother Santi must be to have met his little brother first! I too have tears in my eyes - tears of joy for you all! Enjoy getting to know Sebastian! Thanks for sharing! Love, Tanya (Glenn, Evan and Ava too)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! So happy for your family. The picture of Santi in his little suit is classic! I can only imagine the beautiful picture of walking into the room with both of your sons together! We can't wait to meet Sebastian! Enjoy your time and stay with your mom & dad. Give both of the boys a kiss from us. Take care. Love Jackie & Jim
ReplyDelete