IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED!!! We have an apartment. We will be staying in the basement apartment of a friend's Dad. They have a beautiful home and lovely garden. Can't wait to spend an evening sitting with my little family. We have searched for a month for a place to stay.

We spent the weekend in a verrrry small, 4 room, hotel that we stay at when we're in town. They actually had hot water in the shower, but after 1/2 a bath I turned it off and went back to cold. I guess I got used to it and preferred the cold. When we come the staff all know Marisol and come out to greet her and come out when we leave to say goodbye to her. It's extremely close to the airport, so the planes shake the room. Marisol loves it and runs out to see them go over. Every morning they bring us a home made breakfast. Marisol looks forward to it, so do I.

Saw some Headline news. Nothing really big new in the US. They also had several kids channels, which Marisol enjoyed. At the home we have a TV with rabbit ears and catch 3 channels, sometimes. Ahhh, the pleasure of modern conveniences.

Took in the children's museum. Lots of hands on activities for Marisol. She got to stand inside a huge bubble, grocery shop in a little kids grocery store, play with legos, etc. She enjoyed it, but was still a little dragging from a rough week. Fell asleep in the cab on our way back to the hotel. Picked up some supplies for the children's home at a large grocery store. Mostly just spent some much needed time together.

Monday morning Marisol was off on her first day of school. They call it colegio here. She is in a Spanish speaking preschool so she can pick up the language. She has the choice to sign up for a foreign language, English or German. We opted for the English. We figured 2 languages were enough for now. She has gym on Tuesdays and Thursday. She seems to really love school and it's another time away from competing with other children for her parents attention. Her class goes to the zoo Friday and she is most excited about getting to ride the bus.

We go see our new apartment tomorrow afternoon while the other kids take their naps. Marisol can't wait! I told John all I need is a bed, sofa and TV and I'm good to go! God Bless the Children still has the tiny stove and refrigerator we donated last year after living in San Martin Jilotepeque, and we'll us those. A table would probably be good, but not essential.

Today was the rainiest yet. It poured all day. Picked Marisol up from school carrying umbrellas and got soaked walking home in the afternoon. I can here the rain on the roof as I type. Rainy days are difficult for our 3 1/2 year old boy. If he is not kept busy outside he begins to moan, rock, and start calling for people he is not with. It is a challenge to keep him preoccupied as he has a limited attention span and fixates on one issue for a long time. Managed to keep him going until late afternoon, then it was hit and miss until bedtime. Outdoor play at least gives us a chance to sit and watch the children play every once in a while, but indoors we have to constantly be on our feet coming up with new ways to keep him stimulated.

Love the baby, but am definitely looking forward to sleeping through the night. When we move into our apartment a nanny takes over night duty, Yeah!!

Baby's back in bed, better sleep while I can. Here's to hoping a camera arrives.