This past week or so has been a whirlwind, to say the least. So much has happened, it’s nearly impossible to detail it all. But we’ve received so many unbelievably gracious and kind-hearted messages by email, facebook, twitter and ichat. And some actual phone calls, too. Wow. What an outpouring of sweet feeling – thank you!!
The two biggest questions we’ve received – can you share an update & what is she like?
The update: We arrived in Cuenca, Ecuador after about a 24-hour trip. Not that long to fly, actually, only about 11 hours or so – but with delays and a necessary overnight, it took a while. We were able to meet with Ana Elisa the next morning, and we spent the entire day with her at the orphanage.
The best way I can describe our first day with her would be this: It felt more like a reunion than a meeting.
The entire experience just felt natural, loving, joyous and so downright easy. She was shy and distant at first but then so sweet and soooo affectionate. And the first time I saw her laugh – oh my goodness. Oh My Goodness. Such a sweet sound coupled with such a beautiful expression on her face.
The orphanage itself is well run, sparkling clean and neat, another example of doing the very best with what is available. And such kindness everywhere. Nearly unreal: how many people dedicate their entire lives to making this world a better place for others.
Leaving her at the end of that first day was difficult, but it proved to be even more difficult than expected when we showed up the next day. It was a lot like the movie Groundhog Day. We had to start all over again. They told us she had been angry at us for leaving and didn’t believe them when they said we were coming back. She said that no, her family had just left her. So she would barely look at me after holding on so tight the day before.
Luckily, though, we moved past that stage even sooner than I would have expected – and all went so well that second day that they actually sent her home with us at the end of it. That was quite a shock, as we were told in advance that it would be about a week of visits and then a formal approval process prior to an overnight visit. But we certainly weren’t complaining. Mostly, I was relieved to not have to go through the same thing every morning for a week. And we were all amazed that she would be with us completely for the rest of our time here. Unofficially for forever (Sophie kept double checking, needed to be sure) … but to be formally approved over the coming weeks (I still had to tell her, 99% sure for forever).
Because of the rules, I am unable to show any photographs of Ana Elisa, which is a shame for a few reasons. 1. She’s adorable. 2. I’ve gotten some beautiful photographs and 3. She’s so adorable.
But I did manage to grab a few image that do not compromise our process. One of my favorites: all three of our children on that first day, peeking into the baby room…
The other question – what is she like? The answer … well, we’re still finding out š
But I can tell you this – she is so, so affectionate and she has decided that she is all about Mami for now. She tells total strangers, over and over: “Estes es mi mami” – this is MY mommy. She has become my little shadow. If I go to the door, she goes to the door. If I walk across the room, she walks across the room. She has also made it clear that being held is clearly better than not. So, in that respect, she has also become my blanket. As we have been walking much of Cuenca, I have been feeling her love in my lower back. But I am also feeling it strongly in my heart. So … it evens out š
Her sister, brother and father have been enormously patient with this, and with her. The only real issue is that they are all dying to get at her – Sophie was literally hovering her hand over Ana Elisa’s head at breakfast, begging to please pet the cutest little sister in the world, while I asked her to please just give her sister just a bit more time to take it all in … hilarious and so sweet. Our children have surprised both of us wiith how great they have been with this. And we already knew how wonderful they were going into it.
She does not seem to eat much, but we are told that they do not feed the children large meals at the orphanage. When she does choose to eat, though, it’s amusing & kinda heartbreaking to observe. She crooks her arm completely around the bowl or small plate and she presses it tightly against her chest. She also keeps a keen eye around her to make sure no one comes near her food. She remains like this until the last bite. And she eats precisely and slowly. Also, she only processes one product at a time. She is eating exactly this or she is finished and can now eat exactly that. After which, she can drink this or, possibly, exactly that. And she drinks with her spoon. Or, a new passion: her straw.
There is also this about our child:
When I hold her, she scrunches down a little so that she can put her head against my heart.
When she sits on my lap at restaurants (my blanket), she constantly turns around to see my face. And she smiles.
She reaches forward to touch my cheeks with both hands, and she even pulled me to her for a kiss yesterday. Un beso dulce.
She has giggle fits that can go on for a while.
She teaches me Spanish. (I am totally half fluent in Spanish already for the age 3 & under crowd, I swear!)
She cleans up everything. A total neat freak. It’s awesome.
She is completely potty trained, even waking in the middle of the night to go.
She smiles shyly at her father.
She thinks it’s hilarious when she’s dipped while dancing.
She sings unabashedly, with the sweetest voice.
She’s feeling a lot. That includes anger and sadness and confusion and a need to exert control. And we just stay with all that emotion until she’s spent. And there she is again … our daughter š
Steve grabbed a couple really sweet images of me & her (thank you, Papi!), playing up against the fence at the orphanage… She’s just so wonderfully snuggly. I guess when she’s not hanging on to me, I’m hanging on to her.
With so much intense focus on this adoption, I haven’t had an opportunity to photograph Cuenca much yet. But I will because it is absolutely stunning. Walking around this gorgeous city in the clouds (nestled up high in the Andes Mountains), I’m trying to figure out how the heck I hadn’t heard of it before this experience. Every time you turn a corner, you see this beautiful architecture, these grand mountains rising up at the end of the streets. It’s a visual feast! I will certainly be posting more images soon.
But, for now, here is the city at night from our hotel room, in the busiest part of downtown…
So much more to come. In every way.
(and thanks, again, for all the sweet words. we are saving them in a book for her. . and collecting our imagery as we go š
Just awesome!!! I am so happy for you all and the Barbour clan can’t wait to meet her.
Just awesome!!! I am so happy for you all and the Barbour clan can’t wait to meet her.
Wow – I am actually HERE and, still, reading this brings genuine tears to my eyes (as I listen to our sweet girl sleep without the snore she has shared for the past two nights). One thing you were not able to mention (because of your secret humbleness) is that Mami has been a truly unreal parent and soulmate to Ana Elisa – navigating each moment with the perfect energy required. We can already see that you are so fortunate to have each other – and this makes me smile š
Wow – I am actually HERE and, still, reading this brings genuine tears to my eyes (as I listen to our sweet girl sleep without the snore she has shared for the past two nights). One thing you were not able to mention (because of your secret humbleness) is that Mami has been a truly unreal parent and soulmate to Ana Elisa – navigating each moment with the perfect energy required. We can already see that you are so fortunate to have each other – and this makes me smile š
You have such a warm and open heart Tamara it is no surprise that your new daughter can sense that and latch on to it. You have a wonderful way with children.
You have such a warm and open heart Tamara it is no surprise that your new daughter can sense that and latch on to it. You have a wonderful way with children.
my heart is so glad for you. thank you for sharing your journey and for your courage : ) : ) : )
my heart is so glad for you. thank you for sharing your journey and for your courage : ) : ) : )
Oh, Tamara I read this with tears in my eyes and tugs at my heart. I am so happy for you and your new lil family. As we contemplate adoption I can just feel your words in me,I think adoption is such a God thing and know this is His desire. God bless you all and I cant wait to read more. THe pic of you hugging her back is just AWESOME and amazing.
Oh, Tamara I read this with tears in my eyes and tugs at my heart. I am so happy for you and your new lil family. As we contemplate adoption I can just feel your words in me,I think adoption is such a God thing and know this is His desire. God bless you all and I cant wait to read more. THe pic of you hugging her back is just AWESOME and amazing.
I’ve been waiting for this all day!!!! Can’t wait to get to see her precious face. Sounds like you guys are having an amazing and a very emotional time. This is a journey of building life changing memories for this little girl. Please update us often – even if it’s just via twitter!!! Congratulations on your newest wiggle-worm š
I’ve been waiting for this all day!!!! Can’t wait to get to see her precious face. Sounds like you guys are having an amazing and a very emotional time. This is a journey of building life changing memories for this little girl. Please update us often – even if it’s just via twitter!!! Congratulations on your newest wiggle-worm š
I am so, so happy for all of you! I cannot wait to hear more about your journey.
I am so, so happy for all of you! I cannot wait to hear more about your journey.
This post brought tears to my eyes. You’re such an eloquent writer and you convey your emotions and thoughts so clearly, it is a joy to read. What a wonderful, new blessing Ana Elisa is in your lives and with out a doubt yours in hers. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I look forward to your blog posts. Can’t wait to see a picture of that beautiful little one’s face who has clearly brought such joy.
This post brought tears to my eyes. You’re such an eloquent writer and you convey your emotions and thoughts so clearly, it is a joy to read. What a wonderful, new blessing Ana Elisa is in your lives and with out a doubt yours in hers. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I look forward to your blog posts. Can’t wait to see a picture of that beautiful little one’s face who has clearly brought such joy.
Your words immediately brought Taschia and me back 7 months to our Day One with Brigitte in Quito. Thank you!
I have to say the words you have chosen very clearly paint the picture, and the photos, well, everyone knows about your photos!
A note to Steve …
The time for your connection will come too. It took a few weeks for Brigitte to feel comfortable with me, although there were almost daily "baby steps" in our bonding. Despite being fully aware that her having been raised by nuns would probably slow the bonding with me, I found this time quite a challenge. I’m thinking it was jealousy on my part … it was not easy being left out of all the love and affection pouring Taschia’s way. The good news is that it didn’t take long for her to open up to me once we got back home to Canada and now, all I can say is WOW … this kid has more that enough affection to go around!
We read your posts with a great deal of interest and are thinking only happy thoughts.
Ted and Taschia
Your words immediately brought Taschia and me back 7 months to our Day One with Brigitte in Quito. Thank you!
I have to say the words you have chosen very clearly paint the picture, and the photos, well, everyone knows about your photos!
A note to Steve …
The time for your connection will come too. It took a few weeks for Brigitte to feel comfortable with me, although there were almost daily "baby steps" in our bonding. Despite being fully aware that her having been raised by nuns would probably slow the bonding with me, I found this time quite a challenge. I’m thinking it was jealousy on my part … it was not easy being left out of all the love and affection pouring Taschia’s way. The good news is that it didn’t take long for her to open up to me once we got back home to Canada and now, all I can say is WOW … this kid has more that enough affection to go around!
We read your posts with a great deal of interest and are thinking only happy thoughts.
Ted and Taschia
OMG! I am crying like a fool right now. This was so beautifully written, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing. Sophie wanting to pet her, omg. I can’t believe how much she understands about why you guys are there, that you are her family and that she was angry that you had to leave that first night. I am stunned at the understanding and it is such a light into her little soul. So so touching….
OMG! I am crying like a fool right now. This was so beautifully written, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing. Sophie wanting to pet her, omg. I can’t believe how much she understands about why you guys are there, that you are her family and that she was angry that you had to leave that first night. I am stunned at the understanding and it is such a light into her little soul. So so touching….
Tamara, you have such a beautiful soul. Thank you so very much for sharing this journey.
Tamara, you have such a beautiful soul. Thank you so very much for sharing this journey.
How amazing and lucky you all are to have found each other! It makes me want to adpot!
How amazing and lucky you all are to have found each other! It makes me want to adpot!
thank you for sharing this experience with all of your blog fans…your description allows me to feel like i’m there with you. i’m so happy for you guys…and thrilled for this precious little girl that gets to be a part of such an amazing family. can’t wait to see more pictures…
thank you for sharing this experience with all of your blog fans…your description allows me to feel like i’m there with you. i’m so happy for you guys…and thrilled for this precious little girl that gets to be a part of such an amazing family. can’t wait to see more pictures…
Beautifully written Tamara. Thank you for sharing this fascinating journey with everyone…
Beautifully written Tamara. Thank you for sharing this fascinating journey with everyone…
This post made me cry – what a beautiful, wonderful experience. The pictures of you two together are amazing – you look so perfect together, just like you’ve always been a part of each other. Thanks for sharing this experience with us – it’s been great reading about it on your blog. Can’t wait to see her little face!
This post made me cry – what a beautiful, wonderful experience. The pictures of you two together are amazing – you look so perfect together, just like you’ve always been a part of each other. Thanks for sharing this experience with us – it’s been great reading about it on your blog. Can’t wait to see her little face!
I loved your post, it made my day š Very touching. I can’t wait to meet Ana Elisa!
I loved your post, it made my day š Very touching. I can’t wait to meet Ana Elisa!
TANTI TANTI AGURI!!!!! Its a GIRL!
We are so very happy for you all!
Loads of Love and "baci" from the Cardarelli Clan
TANTI TANTI AGURI!!!!! Its a GIRL!
We are so very happy for you all!
Loads of Love and "baci" from the Cardarelli Clan
oh, how WONDERFUL! That is such a beautifully written, heart warming story. Can’t wait to see her sweet face! congratulations, lackey’s!
oh, how WONDERFUL! That is such a beautifully written, heart warming story. Can’t wait to see her sweet face! congratulations, lackey’s!
I so happy for you guys! Adoption is such a noble thing. Very proud of you and I hope you guys have a very smooth transition back home.
I so happy for you guys! Adoption is such a noble thing. Very proud of you and I hope you guys have a very smooth transition back home.
Tears are flowing. I am so excited for you all. You really do a great job of describing this miracle unfolding..perhaps another book, Tam? We miss you here. Blessings your way. Glad to see the photo of the 3 of your little eggs …….
Love, Laura
Tears are flowing. I am so excited for you all. You really do a great job of describing this miracle unfolding..perhaps another book, Tam? We miss you here. Blessings your way. Glad to see the photo of the 3 of your little eggs …….
Love, Laura
what a lucky little girl….and what a lucky family. i can already tell you are so in love. what an amazing life you will all have together. ill be praying lots of prayers for a forever.
what a lucky little girl….and what a lucky family. i can already tell you are so in love. what an amazing life you will all have together. ill be praying lots of prayers for a forever.
*big deep sigh & breath*
just so beautiful…
i love that picture of you two together where you’re "hanging off of her." š
what wonder!
I’m so happy for your family!!!
*big deep sigh & breath*
just so beautiful…
i love that picture of you two together where you’re "hanging off of her." š
what wonder!
I’m so happy for your family!!!
Wow! That is the best blog entry I have ever read! So sweet! I’m so happy for your family and I barely know you!
Wow! That is the best blog entry I have ever read! So sweet! I’m so happy for your family and I barely know you!
It’s so hard to think of the right words to say. Things that amazing are hard to translate into language! We are in awe.
All the best to you, from all of our silently admiring hearts!
It’s so hard to think of the right words to say. Things that amazing are hard to translate into language! We are in awe.
All the best to you, from all of our silently admiring hearts!
Tamara … If you are interested, and have the time ;), our Ecuador adoption blog is at: http://ecuadopt.blogspot.com/
We found spending some time each evening recording our experience was invaluable. Happy thoughts, Taschia
Tamara … If you are interested, and have the time ;), our Ecuador adoption blog is at: http://ecuadopt.blogspot.com/
We found spending some time each evening recording our experience was invaluable. Happy thoughts, Taschia
Tamara, Thanks for sharing an update with those of us out here who are wishing you well on your journey! Love the images you’ve shared
Tamara, Thanks for sharing an update with those of us out here who are wishing you well on your journey! Love the images you’ve shared
This optimistic news has made my week. Keep the information coming.
This optimistic news has made my week. Keep the information coming.
tamara, we can feel the amazing bond you and your family were able to make with ana eliza already. what a beautiful, beautiful experience – thank you for sharing it with all of your heart to us. we are so SO very happy and overjoyed for you and your family!!
tamara, we can feel the amazing bond you and your family were able to make with ana eliza already. what a beautiful, beautiful experience – thank you for sharing it with all of your heart to us. we are so SO very happy and overjoyed for you and your family!!
Stories like yours truly open my heart and my eyes to all the love that’s possible in the world if we just allow ourselves the luxury to believe in the magic.
Thank you for sharing these precious first moments with your beautiful little girl!
Stories like yours truly open my heart and my eyes to all the love that’s possible in the world if we just allow ourselves the luxury to believe in the magic.
Thank you for sharing these precious first moments with your beautiful little girl!
I read so many of these comments to our sweet Ana Elisa and do my best to translate when I can – but she nods understandingly, regardless š Thank you!!
I read so many of these comments to our sweet Ana Elisa and do my best to translate when I can – but she nods understandingly, regardless š Thank you!!
what a touching story. Thank you for sharing it. We are starting our homestudy and amazed at the deep feelings that go with the process from day one. Thank you thank you thank you!
what a touching story. Thank you for sharing it. We are starting our homestudy and amazed at the deep feelings that go with the process from day one. Thank you thank you thank you!
a beautiful story beautifully told! i look forward to reading the next chapter- thank you for sharing!
a beautiful story beautifully told! i look forward to reading the next chapter- thank you for sharing!
So beautiful!!! Thinking of you all and sending lots of love.
So beautiful!!! Thinking of you all and sending lots of love.
I sense a book in your future, you write so eloquently just the same as you navigate through life with your heart. Thank you for sharing xoxo
I sense a book in your future, you write so eloquently just the same as you navigate through life with your heart. Thank you for sharing xoxo
*crying, crying, crying…deep breath* Happy tears…what beautiful photographs of such a beautiful family! I cannot wait to meet her and I promise not to try and pet her head…I can’t promise the same for my trio….we miss you and love you!
*crying, crying, crying…deep breath* Happy tears…what beautiful photographs of such a beautiful family! I cannot wait to meet her and I promise not to try and pet her head…I can’t promise the same for my trio….we miss you and love you!
This made my heart feel like it was going to explode! So amazing…so beautiful! We can’t wait for the Lackeys to come home with that sweet little girl!
This made my heart feel like it was going to explode! So amazing…so beautiful! We can’t wait for the Lackeys to come home with that sweet little girl!
I just want you to know that, while I’ve SWORN I won’t have kiddos, this post has done the rather miraculous task of opening my heart to the possibility of adoption. (Yup, I just said that out loud…)
I just want you to know that, while I’ve SWORN I won’t have kiddos, this post has done the rather miraculous task of opening my heart to the possibility of adoption. (Yup, I just said that out loud…)
Wow, Kristen – that’s a heck of a statement. And a beautiful one š
Wow, Kristen – that’s a heck of a statement. And a beautiful one š
This post was so unbelievable and so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your experience.
This post was so unbelievable and so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Wow, Tamara! I hopped onto your website because my boys and I have been talking about you a lot lately, and we were all thrilled to read about Ana Elisa! Burn really wants to see her sweet face š Such an exciting time for you and your family! We wish you all the best and look forward to more updates. Take care, Allison – P.S. Brenton is VERY happy that you are blonde again. Your photo is still by his bed!
Wow, Tamara! I hopped onto your website because my boys and I have been talking about you a lot lately, and we were all thrilled to read about Ana Elisa! Burn really wants to see her sweet face š Such an exciting time for you and your family! We wish you all the best and look forward to more updates. Take care, Allison – P.S. Brenton is VERY happy that you are blonde again. Your photo is still by his bed!
Your genuine happiness is so easily felt in your notes. It’s amazing to read about and I can’t wait to read more and to see her picture. Thinking about you guys and am so happy everything is going so well.
Your genuine happiness is so easily felt in your notes. It’s amazing to read about and I can’t wait to read more and to see her picture. Thinking about you guys and am so happy everything is going so well.
you look radiant š
you look radiant š
I am weeping at the computer- you are such an utterly wonderful, light filled being, and I am honored to know you….
I am weeping at the computer- you are such an utterly wonderful, light filled being, and I am honored to know you….
Wahhhhhh! I’m completely teary, but in such a good way. I am so happy for you guys.
Wahhhhhh! I’m completely teary, but in such a good way. I am so happy for you guys.
Oh Tamara and Steve,
I just read about your precious new daughter. Your words brought back so many wonderful memories, I am crying as I write this. May God continue to grant you traveling mercies and I will continue to pray for a smooth legal process. I cannot wait to meet this little ,new Lackey. Much love, Diane belden
Oh Tamara and Steve,
I just read about your precious new daughter. Your words brought back so many wonderful memories, I am crying as I write this. May God continue to grant you traveling mercies and I will continue to pray for a smooth legal process. I cannot wait to meet this little ,new Lackey. Much love, Diane belden
This is the first I’ve read on your blog, but have kept up on your Twitter and Facebook posts. Congratulations on the addition to your beautiful family – here’s hoping she’ll be coming home with you soon.
Amy
This is the first I’ve read on your blog, but have kept up on your Twitter and Facebook posts. Congratulations on the addition to your beautiful family – here’s hoping she’ll be coming home with you soon.
Amy
Tamara you have described your journey so beautifully I felt as though I could smell and feel this precious little one
Kristen whoever you are, I concede, this really has opened up my heart to adoption! God bless you guys for what you are doing – enjoy the euphoria!!!
Tamara you have described your journey so beautifully I felt as though I could smell and feel this precious little one
Kristen whoever you are, I concede, this really has opened up my heart to adoption! God bless you guys for what you are doing – enjoy the euphoria!!!
Thank you for sharing Tamara! Congrats on the new addition to your family. Your hainging on photo is so moving, you can see the hope in your eyes. I don’t know how you do it all??!!
Thank you for sharing Tamara! Congrats on the new addition to your family. Your hainging on photo is so moving, you can see the hope in your eyes. I don’t know how you do it all??!!
Tamara,
Your words moved me to tears. Amazing and descriptive. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. I am so happy for you and your entire family and mostly…I am so happy for this stunning little girl and how blessed she is to have you.
Nichol
Tamara,
Your words moved me to tears. Amazing and descriptive. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. I am so happy for you and your entire family and mostly…I am so happy for this stunning little girl and how blessed she is to have you.
Nichol
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