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Tuesday, November 4, 2003 9:07 AM CST

WOW- how the time flies here at home! We are all doing great, Jacob is settling in and starting to sleep through the night. Halloween was a blast- the weather was incredible with temperatures in the high 60's and a nice clear evening!! Grace and Jacob had fun- Grace would introduce Jacob to all the neighbors, like they had never met or seen him before, it was cute!
We have settled our internet issues and should be able to post additional photo's and updates going forward!

Adios!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Wednesday, October 29, 2003 8:52 AM CST

WOW, how time flies!! We are all settled in at home and getting into what resembles a schedule finally! Jacob is doing great, he is eating well and enjoying his bouncy chair, exer-saucer and frequent visits from the dog to check him out!! Big sister grace has been VERY helpful with holding and cuddling, she can not get enough of her little brother. Jacob has had visits from our family and friends, and took a trip with Mom and Grace last weekend to visit with his Aunt Nickie and Papa Bob in Washington!
I will post some more recent photos soon, we have had troubles with our home Internet provider, but I should have the new one up and running this week (fingers crossed).

Thanks!

The Buczaks

Tuesday, October 7, 2003 10:27 AM CDT

Well Jacob has been home almost a week now and we are still trying to settle into a schedule. We had some reflux issues at first, but with our pediatricians help have changed formula and all is well. Grace is enamored with Jacob- she always asks to hold him and help with whatever task he needs! Jacob is sleeping well, and both Jill and I are thankful for that!! Jill got out a little yesterday with Jacob to run some errands and visit a little, she is slowly settling back in at home and getting used to having some time to bond with Jacob. Thanks for everyone's continued emails and greeting!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Thursday, October 2, 2003 7:05 AM CDT

THEY ARE FINALLY HOME!!

Jill and Jacob arrived last night after a long day of travel! Thanks to everyone who met us at the airport last night, it was nice to see you all and we appreciate the support!!! (I'm sorry to anyone I did not get a chance to speak with). It's nice to have Jacob home in his crib and resting. He was up at 1:30am, ate and went right back to sleep. Grace is THRILLED to have her brother home and is looking forward to helping Mom today! Elmer (Our Yellow Lab)greeted Jacob with a big lick when we arrived home last night, he did the same to Grace- so he seems pretty content with his new brother as well. Thanks for all the cards, calls and well wishes! We appreciate everyone's support during our trip and upon Stefan and Grace's return home.

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 8:23 AM CDT

Monday:
Monday was a trying day at the US Embassy for Jill. She went with Maria Theresa our driver (remember that title from previous update is not quite correct, as she does SO much more than drive) and negotiated the process of getting a Visa. After about a 90 minute wait the Visa was granted, and Jill thought they were on to the next task, however due to Maria Theresa's sharp eye she noticed that the Visa was issued on 09/29 and also expired on 09/29- due to a clerical error!! It would have been terrible to find this out at the airport tomorrow!! So, back in line they went and had to wait another 45 minutes for the issue to be resolved. They saw the embassy doctor and took care of the remaining paperwork required for them to leave Colombia. Everyone was exhausted when they got back to Betty's!
Today Jill and Jacob are off to FANA to say goodbye. It's hard to believe that they will be home tomorrow night! Grace and I have been counting the days, and marking the calendar- needless to say Grace is excited to have her little brother home. She told me to keep quiet last night while I was doing the dinner dishes as "dolly is sleeping"- I can see that she is practicing on her dolls for her little brother. She did however tell me that she would not change "stinky diapers", oh well!!

Saturday, September 27, 2003 8:07 PM CDT

Jill's sister Nicole joined here in Bogota last night! They spent a better portion of the late night catching up on things and Aunt Nickie got to see Jacob for the first time!! (Nicole is the first family member to meet Jacob!!) Today started off with a trip to the leather district, from what I understand they had a nice day of shopping and browsing. Lunch was in old town and was quite enjoyable per Jill's note to me this evening. They are getting refreshed now and heading to Harry Sasson's for Thai food tonight. Sunday looks to be a busy day- manicure/pedicures in the am after breakfast and then off to La Fontana for mass and more shopping- can you believe that??? Monday Jill will be at the Embassy for paperwork and such and I'm sure will find time to get in some last minute shopping before the return on Wednesday. I will post the return flight info on the Families of Fana website tomorrow for all that are interested in attending the homecoming!
Thank You all for your emails and comments!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Thursday, September 25, 2003 1:54 PM CDT

SENTENCIA!!!!!!!!!!!

I just received a text message on my cell phone from Jill and it sounds like we have received SENTENCIA!! I am sure Jill has run off to handle paperwork or to celebrate, not sure which!

Grace, Elmer and I will be excited to have Mom and Jacob home!

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 10:55 AM CDT

Good news as Tuesday night Jacob only took only one feeding at 2:30am - then up for the day at 6am. He woke for a minute up at 4am but put himself back to sleep. It’s nice that he is sleeping more and I look forward to weaning himself so he and I can sleep a few more hours! I am still not feeling 100% but a little better every day. I think getting out and getting some air is doing me good!!

Today is Mercedes birthday so this afternoon Betty and I going to her home to visit and wish her a happy birthday. I am working on sending a plate of baked goods to the Hogar in honor of her Birthday, but with the language barrier it’s tough to get that done so far!!

Betty and I spent Monday (there was a driving ban like Cyclovia but on a Monday… no personal vehicles in the city!) shopping via taxi. It was great as we got from store to store all over the city quickly as there was no traffic. I enjoyed the pewter shop, the sweater shops, the mall, the book store, the candle shop, and the silver factory. Good thing Stefan went home!! We were just about ready to fall over, so we went out for steaks and coke lights.

Tuesday we went to Norberto the hairdresser's to get haircuts and blow dries. Afterward I went back to Maku to get some additional things for some family members. I stopped at Jacques bakery to bring back some quiche for lunch and a pastry for dessert. Jake and I played for a bit and took some photos; I need to email them to Stefan to post so all can see! I had rice and chili for dinner and then we both went to bed early as we were both exhausted.

Sunday, September 22, 2003 10:55 AM CDT

Sunday Betty and I went to Jaques, the French bakery for lunch. I had the best quiche I think I have ever had- it was awesome. Betty and I took home a cinnamon bread to snack on and had a nice walk. I would suggest a vist to Jaques to any of the couples who come down, it's a nice easy walk and the food is great. Nice to sit on the patio and watch the world just go by. The shops around Jaques are fun, but a little pricey, also around the corner is Maku the artisans marketplace- so Jaques is a nice stop on the way!
Also on my suggested to do list is the gold museum tour! Jorge Rico took me this morning along with a Swedish Couple that had adopted a 1.5 year old. The tour will teach you about Colombian history and will let you know what the artifacts exist around you in Bogotá. The best part was a tour of the city and being treated to traditional food in old city. It was a wonderful morning.

Thursday, September 18, 2003 9:41 AM CDT

Grace and I are home! After a LONG day of travel we arrived home in Buffalo greeted by Papa Joe at the airport. Grace was quite happy to see him, as was I. We had no issues traveling home, and Grace was perfect. She slept for almost 3 hours on the Bogota to Atlanta leg, and was up the remainder of the time. We colored, and watched a movie on the plane ( I don't even remember the title).
Our layover in Atlanta turned into almost 3 hours with a delay on the incoming flight, but all in all we arreived in Buffalo only 10-15 minutes behind schedule.
Jill and Jacob are still in Bogota and will keep me informed of the daily going's on so I can update. As soon as we get settled I will work on changing the photos so everyone can see some of the sights and things we saw in Bogota.

Thanks!
Stefan

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 6:39 PM CDT

Today we took a nice slow morning. We just played here at Betty's as a family, Grace and I packed as we depart tomorrow. It's sad to think that this time tomorrow we will be in the air about an hour from home, but it's time to get Grace back into her daily routine and to get me back to work to finance the souveniers that I know Jill will be buying once I return home and am not here to say "NO!". Grace is being very sweet, she wants to leave "Emma" her doll behind for Mom and Jacob in case they get lonely. Mind you that Emma is Graces "best" doll and this is a big event for her to leave Emma behind. Grace is excited to see Papa, Nani, Andrew, Elmer, Sara and all her pals in the Busy Bugs room!! She has promised to hold my hand if I get scared on the airplane and is excited to talk with the "pirates" (pilots) on the plane. I am a little worried as we will be traveling without the laptop- so no movies. We do have coloring books and snacks and I am sure we will both do our part in napping as we have an early departure.
Betty is busy filling Jill's social agenda and keeping her busy after we depart. I am sure Jill will see a different side of Bogota with Betty- the non tourist activities are sure to leave lasting memories.
This afternoon we went to lunch with Betty and met up with her husband Rafa- what a nice man, he was so sweet with Grace- like another grandpa! After lunch we went to Parke 93
(or Parke nueve tres- see Betty, I am getting it) to let Grace play a bit and then off to Crepes and Waffles for a little ice cream chaser. Maria Theresa our driver--and that is a poor description of what she does-- as she has been our "guide" through the courts, Bienastar and notary. She is also a good source of information, and provided us with a nice day out at the salt cathedrals. Anyhow she stopped to wish Grace and I safe travels and to say goodbye.
Tonight is a "special" dinner- not that any of the others have not been special, but Ladies and Okeniss have prepared something special for my farewell dinner tonight, as well as making Grace a Micky Mouse pancake for the ride to the airport tomorrow!
I will be updating on Monday as with travel and weekend plans I doubt I will find time to update. Jill will keep me aware of her daily plans- and I will do my best to keep everyone informed- I also hope to post some new photos in some sort of rotation as we have about 160 photos!! Thanks for all the emails and notes- we appreciate it!

Stefan
(Jill, Grace and Jacob)

Tuesday, September 16, 2003 9:02 PM CDT

We had a busy but un-eventful day today. We were met at 9:30am by Maria Theresa our driver to go to FANA for a tour as well as receiving a social history about Jacob's birth mother and father. Renee Steinle from Chicago joined us as she needed to take Carolina thier beautiful girl to FANA for some shots. Jill and I were impressed by the facility- of course we noticed this at our presentation, but today we saw the nurseries, the medical lab, the dentist and all the support staff and children of FANA- it makes all the fundraising we do seem so important knowing that the past families have been so generous and it shows!
We spent some time with Flor Rojas getting the social history which was interesting. I took over 3 pages of notes and Jill and I were impressed with all the information that was provided. After our social history we visited the Hogar/FANA gift shop- most of the goods here are made bu\y birth mothers in the Hogar- we left behing a few hundred thousand peso's and took home some great handmade items.
On the ride back Jill and Renee talked at length about thier respective careers, families and such while I sat and took in the sights of Bogota.
We arrived to Grace and Alicia coloring with Graces paints- they turned them into finger paints and were having a ball giggling and finger painting. jacob was napping so this gave Alicia time to bond with Grace. The amazing thing is she speaks very little English, but you would never have known there was a language barrier!!!!
Jill, Grace and I joined Betty for a quick lunch at the Lebanese restaurant around the corner- it's a quiet small locals place, but the food was great, service great and prices were very reasonable- ask Betty to take you when you are here!! After lunch, Jill, Grace and I went to see "Freddy" the emerald broker once again. Jill had zeroed in on a ring, and I thought I would surprise her for our aniversary on Friday. Wouldn't you know it- she get's there and finds a pendant that she thinks she likes better! Now we are back on the fence about this as we can't decide between the ring or the pendant! Anyhow we let Grace try on a nice elerald ring, and the little girl she is- she wanted it!!
We came back to Betty's to ponder the decision and I took a quick walk to get some CD's to burn photo's to so I have them when I arrive home..

Tonight another awesome dinner, pasta fagiole soup, pasta with meat sauce and chocolate fudge mousse dessert- YUMMY!
Tomorrow we run last minute errands- exchange some money for Jill and make sure everything possible is packed
(Holy Souveniers...) as Grace and I return home Thursday. We hope to leave Jill with nothing more than clothes and a baby to return home with upon word of Sentencia!!
I think I will be posting the updates as Jill emails me with the day's events upon my return home- in any event we will keep everyone updated and rotate some new photos in. Please keep emailing as Jill will be checking for news from home-

Adios!!! (One of the few Spanish words I know)

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Monday, September 15, 2003 8:44 PM CDT

Today started with a cab ride to the Hogar (Home for Mothers) Jill and I wanted to see the Hogar, and to visit with some of the mothers (pregnant) who are waiting to give birth. We were given a tour by Maria Lucia the director, and then met with 8 or 10 mothers. The mom's come from all walks of life and vary in age from 17-39. I was surprised how many questions they had for Jill and I. They were curious about our feelings, families, careers and such as you would expect- but they were very courageous in meeting with us and asking questions of us. Maria Lucia translated for us and Jill and I felt that our time was well spent in visiting with the mothers. We understand how difficult it is to be in the situation they are in, giving up a child, and we respect them for making this difficult decision.

After the Hogar we returned to make some plans and take care of some tasks before Stefan and Grace head home on Thursday. We had some loose ends to tie up with some of the merchants here, and have made arrangements to spend a few more Pesos' before my departure!

Tonight Jill, Grace and I headed to Parke 93 to let Grace play on the swings and palyset a bit before heading to dinner. Grace enjoyed getting some energy out!! We ate at Panini's- had wonderful grilled sandwiches (like you might find in Italy) then headed down the block to Crepe's and Waffles for dessert. We were all a little tense after breifly hearing about the 8 people who were abducted in Colombia- we later found out that they were deep in the jungle in the northern most part of the country. We truely feel safe here, however when you hear these stories (and not completly) you tend to get a little nervous and over cautious. Betty advised that as long as we are cautious and think about what we are doing that we are safe- indeed this has been the case!

Adios!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Sunday, September 14, 2003 8:35 PM CDT

Sunday started with a nice tour of the city from Betty. We drove around and noticed that every other main street was closed to traffic! Betty explained this was Cyclovia, and happens every Sunday from 7am -2pm! They close off the streets to pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, skaters etc! The participation is amazing, and there are folks from all walks of life getting out to excercise and enjoy!
We saw Parke 93- a nice urban park surrounded by cafe's, restaurants and nightclubs. The area reminds me of Elmwood and Bidwell- only MUCH more upscale and well done. The park is small, but neat as a pin with jungle gym and lots of grass that is golf course quality!
Betty dropped us off at La Fontana, one of the more expensive and nice hotels in the city. Each Sunday they have Catholic mass in Spanish, We enjoyed the mass- especially Grace who was singing (in English) it was cute.
After (and during) mass they have a crafts market of local artisans- we spent a small fortune in Peso's on some gifts and souveniers and then headed to watch the traditional Colombian dancers and listen to the music. Grace was swaying on my shoulders and clapping to the music. I have no idea where she get's the music gene as niether Jill or I can keep a beat! We ate lunch in the courtyard at LaFontana- consisting of Tacos (Pulled beef and pork with sauteed veggies with a sweet BBQ sauce- awesome! Also had empanada's stuffed with potato- great!
We took a cab back as we were all beat and the 20+ block walk did not appeal to us. Cabs here are increadibly inexpensive ($2.00 US for a 20 block/20 minute ride) we arrived back at Bettys and ordered a pizza for dinner. I had picked up some Corona Cervesa's at the market- however did not realize they are only 7ozs here!! They look like full sized Corona's only smaller!!! Jill and I watched Father of the Bride before going to bed unusually late.......9:25pm!!

Saturday, September 13, 2003 8:30 PM CDT

Today started out as a lazy Saturday, it was 11:00 by the time we all got up and dressed. We took a walk to do some local shopping- Grace wanted a Halloween costume so we started at the shop around the corner. We picked out a cute costume (a secret till Halloween per Grace) From there we were off to Jaques French Bakery- had awesome pastries and coffee. Both kids fell asleep, so Jill took Jacob, I took Grace and we window shopped on the way back. Furniture here is reasonable- but shipping it home would be crazy!
We arrived back at Betty's to all nap. We ventured to Pepe Ganga (small Kmart) in the afternoon and then back here for dinner. We had steak, Colombian rice and passion fruit pudding for dessert. Betty picked up on an earlier conversation with Jill about passion fruits. That is one thing that amazes me is Betty's knack for picking up on little things you like and having them on the table- AWESOME! Okeiness and Ladies are wonderful cooks and we have been well fed!!

Friday, September 12, 2003 4:56 PM CDT

Today was a georgeous day here in Bogota, we woke to bright sunny blue skies and warm temperatures. Maria Theresa came to pick us up at 9:30 to take a nice drive through the countryside and to visit the salt cathedral. What an amazing site, a cathedral excavated in a former salt mine. We were 1800 meters below the surface from what I could gather and there was a spectacular cathedral with a large crucifix carved in stone as well as a separate baptismal fountain and various other features that escape me right now. The drive out was very nice, touring through many small towns each with a various craft or trade that supports it (bricks, rugs, salt) and thriving little towns bustling with school children, workmen, street vendors, storefronts and such. Grace was very excited to see cows, horses, chicken and motorcycles (yes- I know how do motorcycles fit into the animal genre? she's daddy's girl!!)
We returned to Betty's where we adjourned to the courtyard for cheese, crackers, raisins, chocolate and a light lunch. Betty joined us and it was a nice quick snack. Afterwards we walked up a block or two to the Silver store, Jill is looking for a bracelet- and found what she wanted! We then went to the ice cream parlor and treated ourselves to a little snack- we told Grace it was for her, but we all enjoyed it very much! We are all in relaxing now- Grace is doing a puzzle, Jacob is hanging out watching the world around him and Jill and I are catching up on some emails and such. We are having dinner in at Betty's tonight, and may all watch a movie before we head off to bed!
Tomorrow we are headed to the park with Betty to let Grace play and to get everyone out for some fresh air and fun!

Thursday, September 11, 2003 12:50 AM CDT

We had a wonderful dinner Wednesday night as it was the Lissicks last night here, they headed home early this morning. Jacob will miss his little buddy Evan!! Jill and Grace got manicures and pedicures this morning and loved it. Grace was so serious about choosing her nail polish color!! We are all just relaxing now in preparation to head out to do some shopping, and a little walking. Jacob is doing well, he has been sleeping well and is adjusting to Jill and I feeding him (so he becomes a big strong boy) Grace says she will teach him to eat!! She is enamored with him and wants her "turn" in holding and feeding him. She is quite excited (still) to finally have a little brother.
Thanks to all for the emails!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Tuesday, September 9, 2003 11:17 PM CDT

Today was a slow rainy day. We went to the notary today and came back to Betty's. Jill went to lunch with the Lissicks and brought back an excellent pizza for Grace and I. We all hung around and just kicked back enjoying Jacob. Jill Grace and I took a walk to Carulla the supermarket across the street. Jacob stayed with Alicia the nurse/sitter at Bettys, he was with Evan Lissick they are both good at eating and napping so they enjoy each other's company.
Tomorrow we are up early for our 7:30am Bienastar appointment and then off to try and get some shopping in. The rain is supposed to hold off so we are going to get out and see what the local merchants have in store for us!
We miss our families, and our pup Elmer!!

Happy Anniversary to Mike and Susan!!!

Thanks to all who have emailed us- we appreciate it!

Stefan, Jill, Grace and Jacob

Monday, September 8, 2003 8:31 PM CDT

We arrived in Bogota last night and everything is fine. This morning we went to FANA for our presentation!! Jacob is such a little man- being used to Grace made me forget how small he would be! Grace, Jill and I were thrilled to receive him, and he is beautiful. We received with 2 other couples and were treated to
celebratory Champagne compliments of the French couple! (NO, I did not get thier names..) We arrived back at Bettys to a nice lunch, and relaxing conversation with Betty and the Lissick's who are from Minnesota, they received Sentencia (signing the final papers) this afternoon and will be leaving us on Thursday. Don't worry- Jill has all the shopping info and "hot spots" for deals on local crafts noted. Tomorrow we have some quick business in the morning and then are off to explore our neighborhood. Stefan took a trip across the street to Carulla market for a few things, and was completely baffled when asked questions in Spanish- should have paid more attention in that High School Spanish class!

We are thrilled to welcome Jacob into our family. Grace is so excited that she is still awake lying in bed (8:36pm)asking questions about Jacob.

Please email us- buczaks@localnet.com or sign the guest book!!

Thursday, August 28, 2003 2:46 PM CDT

We will depart for Bogota on September 7th!! (WOW!)
THANKS to all our family and friends for the kind words, love and support received over the past few days! Extra special thanks to Joe and Sharon White for all you have done in helping!! To all the FANA families- thank you for the gift of our son!

Wednesday, August 27, 2003 6:32 AM CDT

We received our referral on Tuesday August 26th at the Dobies family homecoming. Jill, Grace and I are thrilled and can not wait to travel to Colombia to be with our son! Thanks to our buddy family the Cipriani's for our wonderful surprise!!!!

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