History

Friday, March 21, 2008 7:11 PM CDT

Update coming soon....

Monday, November 12, 2007 1:46 AM CST

OK---here we go---a new journal--an update of our lives-a look back on the past few months- a....oh just get on with it already!!

There has been much going on and much of the same as well. The kids are just great! Both are in schools and thriving! They each learn so much every week it is astonishing to watch--they are just little sponges for knowledge! They each learn different things as they are in different curriculums but each has done so well! Sam is in 2 different programs with a pre-school based set up and Isabel is in separate classes for individuality-such as Spanish immersion. Both belong to MY GYM-and have a blast just running around and doing all the relay games and team activities. I find that my personal schedule is just driving to and fro and stopping for a quick Starbucks when I get a chance. My day-timer is absolutely full and Ron laughs that I have never been busier...honestly--it is such a happy busy---I couldn't have asked for anything more!
Two precious children that love and need me--ITS GREAT!

California has been fun still---I believe our Disneyland count is up to 31 times since we have been here! (Oh-and by the way---we have been here a whole year already!!) It is such a fun place for us to go and the kids just light up when we get there, we just can't NOT go!

We are still trying new restaurants-we have a seemingly endless list! We have been dining out VERY well with Karen and Bob as well---we can't help but become wine snobs with them--they always choose so well and the restaurants that we go with just the two of them (no kids) have been soooo nice--and it IS nice to go adults only every once in while--the fear of a child spilling a milk goes away when they are with a sitter and you can sit at a restaurant with linen tablecloths and order a martini or two!

We went home for a few weeks in September--of course we flew in on a Friday and Saturday morning all woke up sick as dogs--turns out Sam had bronchitis and Isa had a sinus infection! Ron and I--oh--who cares-my babies were so sick!! We missed so many events that first week it was just a shame--and no one could come to visit us for fear of getting sick too!!-so the first week we just holed up at home and recovered--but then we made up for it--we celebrated Sam's 2nd birthday at home--I know it is not till November 15 (this week!!) but we wanted to celebrate with our family, so we slipped it in while we were home---what fun!! He loved his gifts but especially his Diego "action figure" (That is Ron's word for "boy doll"!) and of course anything Hot Wheels! It is really so great to spend some quality time with your family--you don't know how much you miss them until you CAN'T see them--isn't that weird!!

My brother and sister-in-law came out for a great visit in October! We had so much fun and the kids just loved them! We did the usual--Disneyland, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, eat, eat, eat! We celebrated Franks 48th birthday!! I know---hard to believe I have a brother who is 48!!! He is 19 years older than me!! No--really!!

It's the truth!

REALLY!!!

We have some busy plans ahead of us as well--we are going to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving again this year to spend it with our west coast family--my "boss" Carol and her family. I love that they invite us to such a family event but we were going anyway--we had such a good time last year that we just invited ourselves again this year!! The only unfortunate part of this is that my 25th high school reunion is Thanksgiving weekend as well and I'll be missing it!!!! (for those of you doing the math--I was 4 when I graduated...REALLY) 25 years!!! Honestly--I don't know how that happened--can someone tell me how that happened!!! Unbelievable!

We are going home for Christmas to spend the holidays with family---it should be great --even my brother is coming in January 1st! We can't wait to see everyone and Isa really wants to play in the snow---Sam doesn't have a clue what he is in for --he still hasn't even SEEN snow yet never mind play in it--when we were home last year at Christmas time it was green and warm!! Can't wait to take them sledding and make snow angels--of course I will be doing this alone because my husband will be in the house with thermals and fleece on complaining about how cold it is !! Really--get over it--embrace the winter!!

Oh--did I tell you about Halloween in California!!! People here give out FULL SIZE CANDY BARS!!! WHOOO-HOOO!!! Mami and Papi LOVED going thru the bags and pulling out the big candy for our secret stash--hey, before you start making noises--you just can't let a little girl and a little boy eat a full size candy bar--they wouldn't sleep for 3 days!! Especially mine--they have never had a candy bar before!! Each day Isa goes thru her candy and picks one to eat--today it was a kitkat--we are in trouble!! SHE LOVED IT! (I know, what's not to love!)It was great--the weather was perfect, people were super friendly and seriously--FULL-SIZE CANDY BARS! Of course, the area we live in is a VERY nice area--but really-have you ever heard of such a thing!?! Sam and Isa LOVED going trick or treating - we went with the Tans and had so much fun!! and what a stash!! Sam was so cute--he would just walk into peoples houses--especially if he saw a dog--he loves dogs! Oye! But he sure took the candy no problem!! California Halloween----GOOOOOD!

Anyway--I will update again soon once the kids Christmas picture is ready so keep looking!

Please sign the guestbook-let us know what you are doing--keep in touch, and don't forget to click on the links below to get more pictures--there is only one on the first page but then you click on "more pictures" on the left and a bunch more will pop up--wait till you see how cute my kids are-really--just precious!!

Until next month!!

Love,
The California Covelli's

Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:40 AM CST

Update coming this week!!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007 2:34 AM CDT

OK--I guess its about time that this journal has been updated---honestly---we mean to update soooo much more often than we do---but time just gets away from us---I fear this is what will happen our whole lives...where does the time go..amazing!

Speaking of amazing---just look at these beautiful children!!! They are just simply fabulous...really...words can barely explain how incredible these 2 little people are !! They are exquisite!! We are just enjoying each others company so much it is almost silly!!! We do lots of fun things together and our babies have shown Ron and I a whole new world to enjoy---one that is slower and more fufilling than we could have ever imagined--one that looks at flowers and clouds, and watches waves and butterflies, one that brings new meaning to our lives in such a rich and fascinating way. Honestly--that sounds so gooey but it is really the truth--these children have led us to a place in our lives that is much more relaxed and easy and fun and simple, that it is sometimes breathtaking to watch the things that they do...the colors of the world and the sounds of birds and their interest in so many things that are overlooked by adults. It is so enjoyable to share these things. And the faster they grow the more I am appreciating this time as I know it is fleeting and will leave soon to more pressing things such as homework and essays and soccer practices and such.

There has been so much action going on around here in the past six months (is it really that long since my last update---shameful I know--Sorry!!) I'm not even sure how to catch you all up...let's see...let's start with all our visitors!!! We had great visits from so many people---there was a time there when , in 38 days---we only had 4 days without guests!!! But it was long enough to clean the sheets and towels and start again---WHAT FUN WE HAD---and right now there is noone here and we are LONELY!!! It is so much fun to have people out and show them the town. There is really so much to see and do here it is BIZARRE!!! (Love you Kelsey and Kyle) First off, we had my in-laws who were so much fun and the kids just loved having their Grandma and Grandpa around so they could show off all their new skills to them. We went to Disneyland and California Adventure park with them---it is always great to see Grandparents and Grandkids at Disney together; we walked beaches and boardwalks and piers and Sam started his walking when they were here as well, so that was pretty exciting! Then our friends Joe and Sue Leo came out for a romantic weekend together--unfortuneatly, the weather was (for the first and ONLY time since we have been here) rather cold and dreary, overcast, and only in the high 50s low 60s---and my kids were both sick! (Poor Sam--he had a double ear infection with a ruptured eardrum while they were here and Isa had the flu--LOVELY) so while they SAID they had a good time---I hope they venture out again for a better time--we promise! Then my cousin Marianne from Toronto came in for a few weeks---that was great---especially since Sam had to go in for his bilateral tubes in his ears---we had someone to watch Isabel! We did lots of fun stuff with Marianne as well--Disney again, beaches, Malls,etc. She was so much fun for the kids because she is a teacher and brought all kinds of learning games and had fun with each child---she even took Isabel for one afternoon---I mean a WHOLE afternoon---they went out for a walk---for 7 hours!! It was just precious to see how much the kids and her bonded. We offered her the nanny job but are still waiting for an answer. Right after Marianne left we went to see THE WIGGLES in concert! Very fun--we had great seats and our Big Boy and Big Girl were so good there---they just sat and stared at the stage like they couldn't believe it was really them!!! SO CUTE! (In the meantime--Karen Tan and I went to see WICKED-THE MUSICAL--fantastic---if you have a chance--go to see it!!)Then my Aunt and Uncle came in for a week and enjoyed some time with the kids---they love their Tete and Uncle Peter and singing songs and playing games with them --especially bubbles and chalk!!!--we did lots with them as well...Disney (yes again--hey--why not it is only 30 minutes away!!) shopping, eating, walking the beaches and piers. (it seems we do the same things with everybody---but it has not gotten old for us yet) That week we even met up with our FANA friends Russ and Kathy Calcagno and Domenic at Disney with the Tans --there were 13 of us at the character breakfast!! Very fun! We hung out all day together---that was so nice--and everyone got along so well and all the kids had so much fun together!! We can't wait for them to come again next year!
Having Tete and Pete here was great---we are hoping they make the trek a few more times while we are out here.

Whew---did you get all those visitors--now comes the REALLY good part---a little explanation first---prior to all these visitors--Ron had to travel for work and leave me with 2 children alone in California!! (Something he said he would not have to do!) While he was out in Portland enjoying a dinner out with colleagues he called me here...now...I can't say that I didn't pinch the children or not--"as I recall I cant remember" (RUTH!) but they were both crying when he called---well I guess he was feeling so guilty about leaving me alone that the next night he calls and says--"Stevie Nicks is coming to Las Vegas next month--book yourself a trip!!!" SO I DID--and paid for it immediately as I knew he must have had a few drinks in him and would surely realize what he had said! Sure enough--the next day he calls and tells me he had a nightmare---a nightmare that he said I could go away and leave him with 2 babies for 2 nights---and I said "honey--that was no nightmare--that was a DREAM---oh and by the way--I booked it for THREE nights!!" so...a few days after all our visitors left--I took off for Vegas for a Moms weekend all by myself to Las Vegas BABY!!WHOO--HOO!!! So much fun---first of all--Jeffrey got us tickets to the show---and Stevie Nicks was FANTASTIC--she still has it and the show was great--tickets were great--my date was great (Ron kept saying--I can't believe I paid for my wife to go on a date!) I had such a great time with my old boss (I guess "former" boss sounds better huh--sorry!) Carol Whitelaw (who now lives in Vegas) and her son Jeffrey. We always have so much fun together and when I am with Carol it reminds me of how much I miss just working and being with her all day long. We ate and drank and gambled and had a great time and laughed hard! Very good weekend! We won't talk about the exhausted look on my husbands face when I got back or how grateful my kids were that their Mom was back or how trashed my house looked--let's just leave that alone!

We've done other stuff in the mean time like the Long Beach Aquarium, Easter egg hunts, La Brea Tar Pits, The Grove, Disney a few more times etc...but then we went home in May!!

FUN!

We celebrated Isabel's THIRD Birthday !! WOW--When did that happen---well, we had a WIGGLES party--we had the t-shirts and everything! She loved it! And we enjoyed all of our family being there! I, of course spent a few hours just roaming thru Wegmans (I miss it sooo much!) and eating Mighty Taco and getting in all our doctors appointments and dentist appointments and going to church to see everyone ---the kids especially loved to see their Dida--he stopped by everyday to see the kids. We went to the OLV Adoption Services benefit and saw lots of our old friends and I even managed a night out with my closest girlfriends and squeezed in a little Racino time (sounds like I have a problem doesn't it---well---I AM my Mothers daughter!!) We had so much fun at home---the kids loved their rooms and toys and books that we had left and we visited with friends and neighbors. We love to be back home---we miss our house and our neighbors and obviously our family very much. But we are still treating this like a really long vacation of sorts---the kind of vacation where Papi goes to work everyday and Mami spends money!! YEAH---Great Vacation!! (at least for me!)

Well---the day after we get home Karen and I are off to see "Dancing with the Stars"!YES---the REAL Dancing with the Stars-------it was very exciting---we saw many stars and the show was great. The costumes are so much more vibrant and everyone is so close you could hear the foot steps and the excitement was in the air. It was pretty neat to go thru security and have someone take you into the studio where your seat has your name marked on the back of it waiting for you. It was something I have always wanted to do--be in a live show like that and thanks to Bobby Tan he made that happen for me---I keep saying how thankful I am that he did that, but I really don't think he knows how much it meant! And Karen and I always have fun when we hang out together. Did I tell you yet in this update how great it is that they are out here --Ron swears that if they weren't here I would already be back in Buffalo...they have been so GREAT--there is not a better word...our kids are all great and they are great--we just love them and will find leaving them the hardest part of leaving California.

We have done more things since being back in California--more Disneyland, California Adventure Park, Universal Studios, Ron and I had our 16th wedding anniversary,we went to the Hermosa Fiesta and Riviera Village festivals and the Circus at the Staples Center (very cool--kids loved that too!)

Then we just had the Violanti family out for 9 days--what a great visit--Isabel fell in love with Kyle (their 11 year old son) and wouldn't leave his side---precious! We did lots with them as well--we did Rodeo Drive, The Stars walk of fame, Grammans Theatre (with the foot and hand prints of stars) Kodak Theatre, La Brea Tar Pits, went thru Hollywood. We went out with Mary and Joel several times as adults!(it was good they brought out the babysitters with them---Thanks you guys!) and had so much fun---one night we went to Hermosa Beach and saw Jay Leno's comedy show --it was great---we were like---6 feet away from him and were heckling him!! FUN! We really had a great visit with them and think they should come out again and see all the things they missed this past visit!

I think that about catches us up to what we have been doing---so you can see we have been quite busy---is that a good enough reason to not update--of course not---how about we are just too exhausted!!! We have missed some important events back home like my Dad being in the Hospital (he is ok now) and our nephew Camdens baptism and the FANA golf weekend, and various birthdays and such. That has been difficult for us, but we know that everyone knows we are there in spirit and while we can't return to Buffalo for everything, we are trying to get back as much as possiblle.

That being said---the only other people on the calendar are my brother and sister-in-law coming in October---we can't wait for them to come!!--but are anxiously awaiting other guests---come on down---abuse us and our good hospitality---not many of our guests have waged a major complaint yet--at least none we care to disclose. Call me!!!!

I have a few more observances about California that I have noticed--let me elaborate...the workers here are not super friendly---everyone keeps a straight face and goes about their business but noone seems to be happy to be working---maybe that has something to do with being at work!! nevermind!

The weather here is so great---it is perfect EVERYDAY!!! Literally---it has been in the mid 70s during the day and mid 50s during the evening EVERY DAY SINCE WE HAVE BEEN HERE!! It is perfect---but that being said---I must also add that it is BORING!!! I am a girl from Buffalo NY---I NEED precipitation!!! Give me some rain, snow, a little wind--ANYTHING!!! JUST CHANGE IT UP A LITTLE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE!!! Sheeesh!!

What else---I know I have mentioned how casual it is around here but to see someone walking thru TARGET with no shoes on is still a little weird for me!

No I have not lost my Buffalo accent (I guess I have one) I get commented on it quite often--when they hear I am from NY--they usually just shut up and walk away---I think people are afraid of New Yorkers--like we all carry knives or something!

My children are LOVING the beach more and more---they love the Lagoon--which is the beach without the anxiety of the waves and tides and such---it really is fun to watch them get all messy with mud---they soooo enjoy themselves and the water and sand and mud and gook!

Both kids are enrolled in MY GYM--it is like a gymnastic program based on learning and sharing and such for children--they each have their own classes based on their age groups and both are really thriving well in it---so much that we are thinking of enrolling each of them in some type of schooling---we are thinking about it.

We are thinking of going to the international surfing competition here this weekend--yes---this is what people out here do for fun---I guess that is opposed to the Bills training camp for you all back in Buffalo! Or there is a lifeguard competition as well...ahhhhh---these crazy Californians!!

Anyway----I guess that is just about enough babbling---check out the pictures of my kids on the additional LINK near the bottom of this page---it will take you to about 40 additional pictures of the kids -- (at the top of the link page it has other links that say MORE PICS, MORE PICS--check those out for all the pictures)

and please leave us a guestbook to let us know you read this!! PLEASE--leave your email address as so many of you don't have working ones anymore (or did you block me!)

OK--gotta go to bed!!! IM FRIED!!!

Much love to you all and we miss you and hope to see you soon---we will be back in September and then again at Christmas time so lets make time to get together!!!

The California Covellis
Ron, Paula, Isabel, and Samuel

XXOO

P.S. We really do miss everyone--although I think we like the Tans better!!! (LOL) (that was for Mary Vio!)

Sunday, July 22, 2007 11:20 PM CDT

Update coming soon...

Friday, February 9, 2007 3:07 AM CST

OKay----lets get a new journal entry in here before people start getting really mad---quit yelling at me--I have 2 children to take care of!!!

Soooo---lets just start with our precious jewels---Sam and Isa are doing great---Isabel is learning what it is like to stand in a corner with her head in her hands because that is where she goes now when she has done something "bad" and Sam has now learned to throw everything he can get his hands on--all over the room. They are just so perfect for their ages---Isabel pushes us to test her limits and Sam is figuring out that if he screams loudly--people will come running. It is all in a day of the toddlers here in sunny California.

California---I have a few things to say about this state---I find some things so refreshing and other quite disturbing...on the disturbing side:

Why are there so many Starbucks here---no I mean--there are ALOT of Starbucks here---the mall has 3 each, Walgreens and Rite Aide has one even all the grocery stores have one inside---there are about 1 every other block and there was even one I saw that was a drive-thru only that was open from 6am-1030am ONLY. The power of suggestion is just too much for me--I find myself stopping and getting a non-fat, decaf, caramel macchiato every chance I get---its freaky!!! They are even in the movie theatres! I feel that lattes may be taking over the world soon---oh and did I mention they are ALL BUSY!!!

Disturbing: Not so much into recycling here--isnt that interesting---I thought this state of all states would be all over the recycling thing--I think I thought that because I just assumed everyone here was into saving the earth and such WRONG!!

Disturbing: Restaurant workers here do NOT wear plastic gloves---GROSS---Some of you have just cringed--I know---and you know how germophobic I am---it has taken alot for me to turn the other cheek on this one--I never take a seat at a restaurant facing the kitchen--I must admit--this one freaks me out ALOT!

Aggravating: The drive-thrus here are SO SLOW---it can take upwards of 6-7 minutes to wait for your food at the drive thru window--and you can see them put your french fries in the bag and then wait to put the rest of your food in the bag--so the french fries have gotten nasty and cold by the time you actually get the bag--quite frustrating.

There are no Wendys here or Ruby Tuesdays. Burger King is hard to find. Target rules the South Bay area and there is not one grocery store that compares to Wegmans. Oh--and the chip dips here are unedible. BISON--where are you!!!

I am in the process of taking some pictures of some signs that I have found interesting--Ron thinks I am crazy-but some of these signs and stores are so unique and funny that I am going to devote an entire entry to this when I get it all together; bet you cant wait!

On the plus---the weather is rediculously fabulous--absolutely perfect--not too hot not too cold--just right--and it is just nice and sunny each and every day. You almost take it for granted, that is until I call home and talk to my Dad and he gives me the lowdown on the weather back home. Yikes---it is amazing how quickly you forget that ---I truly miss the snow--I always loved how gorgeous my backyard looked with all the snow--but I can do without the gloom.

I am very comfortable here--we have not gotten lost yet and I have no problem on a 12 or 14 lane highway; Ron has to close his eyes, but I do just fine. The roads are well marked and mapquest is my friend.

Disneyland has become a twice a month trip for us-and it is great---what a great park---I dont really see much difference in Disney "world" and Disney "land" except that the castle is much shorter in Disney land---but it is so great to see the kids faces when they get there--and it really feels like a vacation for all of us for some reason---it truly is a magical place! Speaking of Disneyland--check out the picture links at the bottom of the page and when you get to the extra photos--click on the different headings on the top to get even more pictures---there are pictures from our lunch with the princesses when we went last time---I dont know who had more fun--Isabel seeing the princesses or me watching Isabel as she was seeing the princesses--really amazing---and our big boy was just a total and complete flirt with each and every princess!! He had kiss marks all over his cheek!

Oh-did I mention Vegas was only 4 hours away! BIG PLUS!

Also--we are going to be starting to get our first visitors next week---my in-laws come out for a few days amd then go to Vegas and then Susie and Joey will be out for a few days, then my cousin for a few weeks and then my Aunt and Uncle for a week!!! In between we will see some FANA friends that will be out here as well! We really cant wait!! Isabel is starting to talk about all the people visiting next week! I cant wait for everyone!! I am getting the spare room floor ready and we are anxiously awaiting our guests!!!! Come on down everyone--just check with the "Covelli calendar" for availability!!

Well--you get the jist of it anyway--we are enjoying our stay and enjoying the weather but we miss home---this is one of those things that is hard to put into words--its like a great a vacation that you wish everyone was on with you---like, if all of our family and friends could just be here with us it would be really great--but hey-- who can afford the housing out here-----these people have it bad with housing, let me tell you---I dont know how they do it. Seriously--its a problem. You will not believe what housing is here---we were told our house in Orchard Park put on a hunk of land here would go for about 2 million dollars --YES I SAID TWO MILLION DOLLARS!! US DOLLARS!! What are you kidding me---that is insane...but I dont think we will complain about our mortgage any more after hearing what some people pay for their monthly mortgage. Although our taxes are still higher--duh!!! Hey--at least our restaurant workers in New York wear gloves !!(I just cant let that one go!)

OK--we will update with pictures of our guests---check again next week!

Much love and we miss you guys!!!

(Okay-- I miss you guys!!)

The California Covellis

Saturday, February 3, 2007 10:44 AM CST

update comin soon... Check out the new pictures on the link at the bottom of the page

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 4:19 AM CST

For some of you who we have not been in contact with recently and have received a Christmas card from us, you have a lot of catching up to do. This year of 2006 has certainly been a, well, a year full of mystery and change for us. You can catch up by reading some of the journal history near the top of the page.

2006. What can you say about this year. When I say "mystery" I truly mean it---if 5 years ago someone had said to me--you will be living in California you will have 2 children, you won't be working, and your Mother would not be here-I think I might have smacked them. What? Are you kidding me. I still don't quite think I fully understand the impact of my Moms passing in my life. I just know how much I miss her and how my heart hurts when I think of her. But I have no choice--I now HAVE to believe that there is a life beyond this one so that I can envision us being together again. It is really the only way to cope for me. I also have to believe that we were given this additional gift of our son in part because of my Mom--most of you know the story, but these children are here because of my Mom and what she endured. The timing is so ironic. For some reason it had to be this way for all these things to happen because these 2 kids ARE my kids. There is no doubt about that. And I think my Mom sent us Sam so she could have me understand how Frankie was her little dream boy and her little girl (me) was the wild one. I have the same thing now. I think of my Mom often when I laugh at the silly things the kids do or witness the defiance in Isabel or the ease of which Sam eats and sleeps. I feel like, in a way, I am my Mom in that I hope I can be as good a Mom to my kids as she was to me. I also now know the amount of love she felt for my brother and I, as I sometimes can't believe the love I have for my own children. My Mom is gone but I draw from her in every way and in every part of my day. One of my dear FANA friends wrote to me that I will see my Mom in each and every thing my children do because of what I pass on to them because of my Moms influence and it is true-I am so grateful for that. Thank you Sarah , thank you Debbie,for your words. I SO see it. Who would have ever thought.

Samuel. Sam, Sam, Sam. What a lovely little boy he is. Just that dream baby that everyone talks about. The eater, the sleeper, he is not grouchy when he wakes up even if woken, he is chubby and healthy and cute and loveable and squishable. He is our additional blessing. Who would have thought we would have another , certainly not us. and so close--they are less than 18 months apart. It is absolutely wild to have 2 children. They are so different and precious in their own little ways. It is remarkable that these children found us and us them. We are a family. And I SWEAR to you that there is not 2 or 3 days that either Ron or I say " how in the world did this happen". I think we silently both know that nothing in this world did it-it was just the way it was meant to be., for whatever reason. These are our babies. We simply cannot love them any more and yet we do. They run all over us and we still have smiles on our faces. We are a family of 4. We have 2 children. Who would have ever thought.

California. WHAT??!! I still dont even think I live here (am I in a serious state of denial or what!) So far , and if I am being as honest as I can--it's not so bad! The weather is really spectacular and the sunsets are gorgeous. The area seems really nice. I feel comfortable here and safe. I must say I had a very different impression of California in my head prior to getting here--it was either the bad stuff on the news or the Hollywood stuff and I knew I wasn't going to be lunching with Jennifer Aniston any time soon. (No, She still hasn't called!-shocking!) And for those of you who are asking---NO- I had never been to California before--23 years as a travel agent and never stepped foot in this state--I have been on 36 cruises but never made it here. Embarassing, but it gave some of my friends (Rob!) something to make fun of me of for many years! So I was really quite nervous about coming out. Well, a little irony here. I lived on Maryknoll Drive my whole life until I got married. We had the same neighbors for about that same time. My Maryknoll next door neighbor,--- now lives 3 blocks away with his 3 year old twins!! Isnt that strange. Bobby Tan and his family are here and have been for over 20 years. They have been SO great with us..His wife Karen has been so gracious in her hospitality and their children Bobby and Katie are just delightful little people! Best of all .. We like hanging out with them!!!Bobby Sr still hasnt changed a bit--still a big kid, but watching him with his kids is just so cute--his son is a little miniature version of him at that age and I swear when I look at him I am transformed back to our old kick-the-can days on the street. Having them here-having that little sense of security that they wont steer you wrong, has been so encouraging to me. They have shared doctors and restaurants and info and tips , more than anyone could ever ask for. I can honestly say that they will be our dear friends for ever and ever. And even better than all of that--our kids enjoy playing together. Katie and Isabel lead each other around by holding hands and playing tea; and Bobby shows them how to do the more manly things like sliding down hills on saucers and playing ball. They are so adorable together after the first time they played together I actually cried. I was so happy. It has made this trip SO much more fun and easy. Our very special thanks to them. Who would have ever thought.

Well, I am certainly feeling very melancholy (is that how you spell that). I think it is a combination of the season and my children and missing my Mom. It was always a great holiday for our family, and while I want to make it special for my children, something so important has been taken away from me . Mom always made it so great for us. So as I sit here and think about the packing I have to do to get us on that plane to take us back to Buffalo to share the holiday with our family, and how to make it special for my babies- I think back. I think back when I put up my Moms tree here in California, put up her collection of tall Santas that Isabel enjoys counting every day, and try to envision my life now. Here. In California. With my two children. Without my Mom. and I wonder. Who would have ever thought...

Monday, November 27, 2006 1:08 PM CST

OK--first things first---you will see a new link at the bottom of this page --this link will take you to a bunch of pictures--some are Halloween and some are Thanksgiving. Make sure you check them out as this site will only hold three pictures at a time!

We got to California on Oct 30---on October 31--Halloween we dressed the kids in their fabulous costumes (Isa was Nemo and Sam was the HULK!) and we went to the pier for their Halloween party--California does some neat things---they shut down areas of streets and piers and hold Halloween parties---this is so the kids are not on the streets---very cool!! Well--we had such a nice time---the vendors have the kids play games to get their treats---bowling,pick a duck, bean bag toss, etc--so Isabel had so much fun! Well---we go to Rubys the next night for dinner (A great 50's style diner with awesome burgers!!) and take a look in the local paper and there is a picture of our Isabel!!! Did you all catch that?---we are in California for less than 24 hours and Isabel is already a STAR!!!! We knew it ---she is just too beautiful and talented!!!

SO--after we filtered out all of the kids candy- (by filtering of course ,I mean eating all of the good chocolate and tossing the yucky ones!) we proceeded to try to settle in here in sunny LA! It has been both tough and fun--it is always interesting when you move into a new house--there are things that are great (lots of storage-each floor has its own temperature control-the third floor patio with fireplace is great etc) and things that are not great (no stand-in shower-microwave too high for me-the three floors of stairs are brutal after grocery shopping etc) but it has been ok. The place we have is brand new so that has been really nice for us--its super clean for the kids and we dont have to worry if the people before us had dogs/cats/birds/gerbils and all of that. But we are also breaking in the house too-finding light switches that dont work and things of that sort. We really are only 2 1/2 blocks from the beach and take that walk alot. We walk along the esplanade and then go over to the pier for a refreshment or ice cream and check out the vendors and Isabel chases all the birds. She really loves the birds--she is always yelling at them "hey-birdie-come here- I want to talk to you" sweet isnt it. Samuel of course , just continues to idolize his big sister--that is until he is old enough to figure out that maybe she shouldnt be hugging him so hard...that day should be an interesting day, that is for sure.

We took Samuel to Disney for his birthday. Oh my--as a travel agent I was always taught and always told that some kids were just too young to take to Disney -- and if someone had come to me and told me they had a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old I would have probably told them to wait a couple of years. Well,, let me tell you--I no longer think that. My kids had such a great time there it was rediculous!! We started with a character breakfast--I thought Sam was going to jump out of his chair with glee everytime he saw one of the characters come towards him---he LOVED IT!!! He was such a little ham with his "Its my 1st birthday" hat on. He milked the crowd. He basked in the glory of the whole day!!! What a funny little boy. He loved the attention---all the characters came up to him and he just kissed them or hugged them or squeezed their nose whatever he could grab hold of first, where our Isabel was a bit more cautious--I think she was shocked at the sheer size of them--even Minnie , who she loves, took her back a bit. But of course, she loosened up and hugged away! It was such a great day for all of us. And more than once Ron and I looked at each other and just pinched the other one to remind us of how truly amazing it was to be a Disney with these 2 beautiful children. We felt so amazingly blessed to be in the "happiest place on earth" that day.

We just came back from Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. We were invited by Carol , my boss from Just Travel (she now lives there!) and her sister Bevvers for dinner---so we figure--hey--why not--Vegas is only 4 1/2 hours away---well it took us 8 hours to get there (only 7 to get back!) but was sooooooo enjoyable. Isabel took to them really quickly and Sam takes to everyone really quickly so that worked out well. We got there Wednesday night and stayed for 3 nights at the Flamingo Hotel--a older hotel but with a GREAT location--our floor to ceiling windows overlooked Caesars Palace and the Bellagio--we saw the water fountains at Bellagio go off every half hour--that is - if we were to stay in our room--which we didnt. We got up and out right away---and the kids loved it. I know---even as a travel agent I used to tell people not to go with kids---and I probably would still suggest it--but it is really ok to take them--they loved the lights and action---our big boy wouldnt even take a nap---after 3 days of this he had little bags under his sweet little eyes----it really looked like he had been to Vegas--like he was up and partying all the time!!!! THATS VEGAS BABY!! They really enjoyed themselves tremendously! And when Papi came back to the room with some "chips" Isabel proved once again that she was her Bubba's baby--she woke from a sound sleep when she just heard the chips and played with them for the next 24 hours--she was quite upset when we had to cash them in.

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving--it wasnt home with our family but we felt at home with family and that was so important to us for the kids sake. They love Auntie Carol and Auntie Bevvers and Uncle Ardie and Uncle Jeffrey. They were pretty good--the only thing is that Isabel makes herself feel right at home and goes thru the whole house---I mean--it is good that she feels so comfortable but you try to tell a 2 1/2 year old not to investigate rooms--a near impossibility. I hope she wasnt too nosy. Ron and I took turns playing some tables. He enjoyed the 3 card poker and let it ride tables and I went straight for the craps table. Once you play craps-everything else is too slow and boring. I went to OSheas to play craps---I like it there--its fun and small and they had a live band playing 80's music--PERFECT! I didnt lose--but the next night when Carol and I went back to play some more I gave Carol some ammunition to use against me in the future. When we walked up to the craps table they dealers all looked up and said--"Hey Paula--how are you--youre back again" I think Carol was torn between shock and laughter that they remembered me. She said she couldnt wait to tell ROony that the dealers knew me that well already---I offered her $10 bucks to zip it!!!Well Carol had enough at about 200am and went home and I decided to play the slots a little bit before going back to the room---so I sstarted to play some of my Moms favorite games--and I was dowen about $80 bucks!! Then some lady sat down next to me with these 2 stuffed bears--I thought she had won them or bought them somewhere--until she started using the bears paws to push the buttons--then when she won 10 coins she said - TO THE BEAR "Good boy--lets get some more" Thats when I knew I had to get out of there and go to bed---but I was still upset that I was down the $80 bucks, so on my way to the elevators-I saw my Moms very favorite machine the FLAMING SEVENS and decided to put in $20 and see where it got me-well a few pulls and nothing and I said right out loud "Come on Mom--where are you" and I pushed to button again and JACKPOT!!!!!-I won the progressive for $252.00 !!!! I got all teary thinking maybe Mom really was there and had had enough of me whining about not winning!!! I had never won a jackpot before but at 3am there's not alot of people to celebrate with so I went to bed. Anyway---it was a great trip and one that we plan on taking pretty often--of course---Vegas is always more fun when you win right??!! but if we take out some more money we can DOUBLE IT....ok ok--Ill get it under control....but, what if we sold our house, we could take that money and ....nevermind.

Anyway---we will try to update this every week or two so keep in touch with us and plan a VISIT!! The calendar is filling up quickly!!! Call to reserve your dates!!!

Thanks for all your support.

The California Covellis

Sunday, October 8, 2006 10:02 PM CDT

Well folks..some of you have heard the rumors...some of you have made reservations!!!! But it is true and now it is also official!!!

We are moving to California!!

This is just a temporary assignment for Rons work but what the heck...it could be worse right??!! So we are off to LA--Redondo Beach to be exact; a lovely little beach community south of LA and only about 6 miles from the MOOG plant in Torrance that Ron will be primarily working at. We are two blocks from the beach and the area we are going to be living in is so nice..everyone walks around or bikes or skateboards or rollarblades...it is so funny to see a rollarblader carrying their surfboard to the beach. It should be very interesting for us...talk about a change of scenery!!

Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE Buffalo, I love the change of seasons, I love snow, I love all the holidays with each of their weather patterns so this is a big move for me... but I am really starting to look forward to a little change. I think the fact that it is temporary, we are keeping our house here in Buffalo, we will be back often throughout the year, and that there is so much for the kids out there--it is making it seem ...well...OK. Why not...what do I have to lose. I know that my house is here and that whenever we come home it will be waiting for us each and every time, I know that my friends and family will be here when we come back and will visit us out there and I know that the area we are going to be living is great for the kids and that Ron is going to enjoy the new work challenge (Oh--the other thing was that Vegas is only a 4 1/2 hour drive away!! YEAH!) We intend on making the most of our time out there by visiting many different cities,Universal Studios, Six Flags, Legoland, Magic Mountain, getting a Disney pass (only 31 minutes away!), building sand castles, counting seashells, going to the San Diego Zoo, taking all the bike paths on the boardwalks, checking out all the unbelieveable shopping in the area (I guess you could say that one is for me --not Ron)and just being beach bums. I fully intend to inhale the whole California lifestyle. They say there are tons of vegetarian items on the menus out there and the fresh fruits and vegetables are great. There are real authentic Mexican restaurants on every corner--(no people--Mighty Taco is NOT authentic Mexican food!)

How are the kids reacting?---Isabel now calls our Orchard Park home "home home" and the CA home the "Mickey house"--you can see where this is going right--every weekend it is going to be Mic-key-MOUSE! When we ask her if she wants to play in the sand or play in the snow--she picks sand every time! That is exactly what we are looking forward to. It should be so fun to see them at this age enjoy all of those fun things! We really can't wait to have lots of family time together!

How are our babies---they are so stinking precious we can barely stand it. Isabel is such a grown up little girl now--she is so polite and has such an attitude and is so independent---she drives you crazy with "no--Isa do"--she just wants to do everything herself--I personally grin every time she does it because I think that it is great for a female to be so independent-dont get me wrong--there are many things Isa can't do but when she tries and tries and realizes she can't , then she will say "ok-Mami do" I love it-- she is so bright and such a delight. She absolutely loves her little brother--she kisses him constantly and is always trying to get him to play---well--our little Samuel (did I say little--just kidding!) takes just about so much of her "kindness" before he gets a little frustrated with her--I keep telling her when he realizes just what she is doing and how aggravating it really is to him --Im going to let him get back at her without punishment--I may even sell tickets for the show!
He will certainly have his day and from the way he is growing--it wont be long! He is such a beautiful happy little boy. His whole face lights up when he sees Isabel and he is constantly trying to imitate her. He eats like a machine and sleeps so well and is always happy. He really doesnt get crabby, unless of course you are 10 seconds late with his food or bottle! We think he may be in training to be a running back--he always carries something in his one arm when he crawls and loves to go through little "obstacle courses"--he is always going under chairs and over people to get somewhere and then turns around and does it again! He is so very strong and certainly doesnt know his own strength--we call him the "bull in the china shop" because he is constantly just throwing things, bumping into things, and breaking things...I know I know...he is a boy! Boy is he ever!

All in all things are good here---we have been (obviously) very busy with the move and the children so I have been quite lax at getting back to most of you--for that I apologize but also ask for your understanding - we realize we will have to update this site much more often when we are when we are out there, so keep looking and sign the guestbook to let us know you are reading!

Thanks for checking up on us. We will see you soon as we will be back home so often you will wonder what I am talking about...

Much love---

The Covellis

P.S.--Make sure you check back in 2 weeks or so when I post the kids Halloween pictures --they are going to be SO CUTE!!! It IS possible that we can trump the chicken costume and the banana costume!

Wednesday, September 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT

Update coming soon!

Friday, May 12, 2006 9:07 AM CDT

Well--it seems that life here in the Covelli household is working out quite well---Isabel just loves her baby brother. She just can't' figure out why he can't "play" yet--she keeps telling him to "get up" and when he won't (or can't) she looks at us and shrugs her little shoulders! They are so cute! We keep telling her--soon---he will be playing soon, and probably will be getting even with her shortly. Seems Isabel likes to go up to him and give him some big hugs and kisses and grabs his hands to dance with him etc. Well--she is not always so gentle and we just laugh because at the rate he is growing-it won't be long before he gets back at her. Isabel just went for her 2 year check-up and she weighs 25 pounds and Sam is almost 6 months old and weighs over 19 pounds! So you can see where the catching up part is already happening!

We had a great "NEMO" party for Isabel for her birthday. Yes, NEMO. Of all of the cute little girly things out there--Dora, Cinderella, Belle, etc--she picked Nemo--I even went to buy a few different plates with the various characters on them and put them in front of her and asked her things like "who do you want at your birthday party' and "who do you want on your cake" etc--and she picked Nemo 7 out of 9 times--so Nemo won! It was really cute though---we decorated the whole house after she went to sleep and when she woke up and say all the streamers and balloons, and cutouts, and presents...she just about flipped! She was so excited!!! It was really great. She just loves her Nemo- (actually--she loves the Pelicans in the movie and BRUCIE-the big shark the best!)-and she received so many cool gifts too--the Nemo bath towel was her favorite thing!

We took the kids to the Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls the weekend before--it was such nice weather and Isabel just loves her animals so much---well---she just about flipped there too---you will just have to imagine her little face when the animals all start to yell and move---wow--it was truly just a great sight to see and then she starts yelling --( and I mean YELLING) "Hi Mami Elephant, Hi baby elephant, Hi Mami monkey, Hi baby Monkey" etc etc etc--EVERY TIME!! Precious! Sam was so good--he just hangs through everything ! I think he is just waiting to get his voice and then he will start joining in--especially the yelling part--he is revving up!

Speaking of Sam--he is now officially a "sundial". When we put him on the floor for some tummy time--he turns around in a circle---the crawling will start soon and then I am in for it !! YIKES!! He likes all his food except applesauce--I actually think he liked peas better than applesauce---I don't know why--but that is the case. He seems pretty happy to be getting food and it's funny--with all the food he is getting--he hasn't slowed down on his bottle intake--I think we have a linebacker in the making here folks--I have a feeling the food thing will not be a problem with this baby !

Samuels Baptism will be next weekend--it has just been a whirlwind since we got home---I'm not even sure I have finished unpacking from Colombia yet and here we are planning birthdays and baptisms...it really doesn't ever stop does it. And then-just when you think there can be nothing else added to your chaotic day---a tree fell on our house yesterday---AGAIN! What is it with us? It did some damage but nothing that can't be fixed! SHEESH!

Isabel has become a big girl--she does not want any help with ANYTHING! She wants to do everything all by herself and will tell you so!!!She is full of attitude and spunk and is now just repeating EVERYTHING you say--EVERYTHING!! Even if I am just babbling to myself in the kitchen about what to make for dinner--I hear her repeating "salad,potatoes,take-out" She is such a joy and that little brother of hers is equally a pleasure to have around the house---he LOVES Women--have we told you that yet---just put a pretty female face in front of him and he lights up!!! OYE!

We were honored to be asked to the Baker Victory Adoption Services benefit as they were acknowledging adoptions from Guatemala and Colombia this year and were asked to bring the kids---so we dressed Isabel in her traditional Colombian dress---she looked like a little Colombian princess--just perfect-and Sam had on a very colorful outfit as well. Well--I tell you--with so many people looking at them and smiling at their beauty it just reminded us once again how very very blessed we are. These 2 little bambinos are just truly lovely little humans and we couldn't have been prouder to be chosen as their parents. We just hope they feel the same way about us. There is nothing better than when you walk through the door and Isabel yells "MAMA" or "PAPA" and comes running into your arms- even if you've just left the house to go and get the mail at the end of the driveway---it just opens your heart all up with happiness and love.

So yes--things are great with two. We are doing well--and, while it is a challenge for me to get out with both - I do it-we met a FANA mom and her two kids at the park yesterday! I think I could use a nap more than the kids- but hey--this is truly what life is all about--I think I have found my calling.

Keep in touch--and please come and visit--just call--we are home!!

Love--The Covellis

Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:24 AM CDT

Update later today!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:13 PM CDT

Yes---we are home just last Wednesday!!! We took the kids for their Easter photos on Saturday!! It was great!! I thought it might get nasty there but Isabel behaved like a supermodel--"smile, pose, lean, kiss..." whatever--she was so great and Samuel just smiles whenever he looks at Isabel so it worked out just perfect! Who would have thought! (and aren't they just gorgeous pics--why not with those beautiful children!!)

The ride home was long, and at times a bit tough on Isa-she got bored so fast--we were in Bogota-the planes hadn't even revved up their engines yet and she looked at us and said "Mama-all done" ! We were like---oh no honey--you've got about 18 more hours of this--but she did fine--Sam was great.

Thanks to all the people who came out so late to welcome us home! It was such a late flight so we know how hard it was for you all to get there! Many thanks!!

As for being at home--Isabel just walked around all day on Thursady touching all her things and announcing to us what they were and then kissing each and every thing!! Every zoo animal, every book...it was precious! She did fine ... that is up until MOnday morning when her Papi had to go to work--she woke up and looked at me and said "Papa" and I said he wasn't there--he was at work and she said "no". My heart just broke for her. She got very used to her Papi being with her 24/7 for the past month and she has decided to rebel his return to work by NOT EATING! Isn't she just precious! She just won't eat...and to all you people out there who are saying "don't worry-she will eat when she is hungry..." WHEN WILL THAT BE!!! She is going to drive me crazy my little chica!

Sam has been an excellant baby so far and his transition to our house has been flawless--we had doctor visits on Friday and he is in the 95th percentile of his height and weight--this I can attest to because all of the 6-9 months clothes he has are too short and getting tight already! He is already in a size 3 diaper--he put on almost 2 pounds from that Monday at the embassy doctors to Friday at our doctors!! HE LIKES TO EAT !! I had him in a size 12 month shirt yesterday!!! He is only 4 1/2 months old! We figure as "girly" as Isabel is that is how "boy" Sam will be! How fun will this household be in a few months!!! Isabel keeps telling him to "get up"--she just can't wait to play with him and wonders why he can't yet---but he enjoys watching her play Ele-fun and she even gives him a net to hold!

So all in all--things are good here---My days are spent trying to get some sort of schedule where I can feed him when she is occupied with something else and trying to coordinate naps so I can try to straighten out this joint! I am still unpacking and doing laundry (hey-we had 7 checked bags and 4 carryons-it was alot of stuff!) and sorting through our purchases for the golf tournament! We have hung up a few things we purchased in our kitchen already--looks great, and Ron has given me orders to get some furniture for our front room and get Isabel's room done---so in my "free time" I have to go shopping! I love those kind of orders--but you know what usually happens---you never find stuff when you are looking for it--if he had said "Forget about it--we can't charge one more thing!" I would have found enough stuff for each and every room!!! and then some!

Anyway--that is it for now--we will update probably every week or so so keep checking back and please leave a guestbook message--we love those!!

Love and Happy Easter to you all-

The Covellis!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:13 PM CDT

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 11:47 AM CDT

Update coming soon .... enjoy the new pictures

Tuesday, April 4, 2006 9:46 AM CDT

Okay--back off--we have really good excuses for not updating sooner!

First of all--we had our sentencia on Friday-then we updated--then on Saturday Isabel got sick again so we had to cancel our trip to the zoo with Jorge--we just kind of hung around all day watching her---then Sunday Ron got sick, then yesterday-I got sick--in the meantime--our camera got lost (in our room) and we couldn't find it for a while!...so you see--we have some very good excuses.

Last night we hooked up with our friends from Amigos de FANA-Santiago,Olga,Alonso,and Beatrice! They took us out to dinner at Alonso's private club--what a spectacular place! The security was more strict than the airports! And for good reason-probably considered one of the best in Colombia--it was so elegant and we had so much fun! I have been telling you all when you come down here to get in touch with these folks--they are just a great bunch and are so much fun to be around--funny, and genuine! We had a great time---I was having a bad stomach night but managed to have some really good food as well--I just didn't partake of the wine! It was just great to finally see them again--we have been trying to get in touch with the for about a year!! But now we have all their info so that will never happen again--after all--they are Isabels and Samuels Tios and Tias!! (Colombian Aunts and Uncles!)

Yesterday was a busy day for Samuel as well--he had to get his passport done in the morning-then we went to FANA to say our goodbyes and farewells until next time and get Sam's social history and then the embassy doctor in the late afternoon! I must say-FANA is just so impressive. Once again we are just so happy to know that our children came from such a loving, warm, friendly, and wonderful environment before we got our hands on them. It is just so heartwarming to walk through FANA and feel the love and respect each person is given there. The staff is just so wonderful and our forever friends make it difficult to say goodbye even though we can't wait to get home. We feel so at home there and can't begin to tell you the kindness that Mercedes,Elena, Flor, Maria Teresa, ELizabeth, Maria Lidia, and all the rest of the people there, that make that such a magical place, have shown to our family. We both feel that these people have found their calling in caring for these children and doing the work of FANA. FANA needs our help to continue doing the work required to care for and love these children. They need our help and all of your help too. So to our FANA friends--we know you appreciate FANA and all that it stands for, so please continue to show it in your volunteer work and participation; and our family friends--we will continue to rely on your help in attending our golf tournament and bidding on the wonderful items available. All of this is for children--the ones that are there until a home is found and the ones that are there because no home can be found. There is no better charity than the future of children.

Sorry for the seriousness of this journal, but it is so truly humbling to be leaving this place with 2 of the most beautiful and loving children I have ever met. And they are ours!To think we came to Colombia 18 months ago with just the 2 of us and now we have these 2 awesome kids is just unbelieveable to us! We cannot believe how absolutely blessed we feel and must say at least once a day "look-we have two kids!" It is just so emotional to be here and to be going home with our family. And, I don't know how it happened, but these kids are MY kids. There is no doubt in my mind that these children are just MY kids. My favorite answer when people ask "Why Colombia" is "because that is where my kids are ". It's just that simple-through the work of FANA-we found each other. I can't tell tell you how or why or anything like that- I can just tell you that these are my kids. I don't know anything about anything except that through some miracle of timing - we have found each other. Some of you know the story of my Mom and I - but I can tell you that my Mom had EVERYTHING to do with the timing and happening of my family. At least 20 times a day I think of my Mom and get so sad thinking she will not see Samuel, but it is because of her that we have these children-that we found each other. And while I know she is watching and is taking care of them from a different vantage point-my heart breaks. My Mom has totally taken care of us while we were down here (example-I took Sam to the embassy doctor yesterday with the envelope full of things that the doctor needed that Ron packed up for me-well--While waiting for the doctor in the waiting room I received a phone call from Ron--he said he was just sitting there watching some TV with Isabel and my Mom kicked him in the head and told him that he forgot the pictures needed by the doctor--so he took a cab over and met us and brought the pictures---he swears it was my Mom yelling at him !) and of course the quickness of the courts ETC. SO while she is not here -she just MUST be here.

That brings me to the people down here in Colombia who have taken care of us in person-starting at Bettys Place. What would any of us do without Betty, Alicia, Okenis, Ana, Jorge Rico etc. These people are so hospitable and generous with their time and patience it is almost too much! These people just "take care of you"! That is it-- you are taken care of! Tours, Food, shopping, taxis, money, companionship, and friendship. These people will be forever imbedded in our hearts and stories. Isabel absolutely LOVES Okenis, Ana, and Alicia. Okenis and Ana had the night off and all night long Isabel kept saying "Okenis at home-Ana at home" and after telling her that Yes-they were indeed at home-she would make a boo-boo-lip! But she must have said it-like-80 times!! Our Isabel has just shined here at Bettys-her conversation has improved and she must have added about 10,000 new words to her vocabulary! Ok-maybe not that many-but if you take the new words-and use them in English AND Spanish-it's pretty darn close! Isabel likes to help Ana sweep and is constantly taking Okenis' potatoes from her! They have been so kind and patient. And obviously Alicia is just sent from heaven herself--she watched Isabel yesterday for hours and hours and never had a problem with her - she IS the baby whisperer!

The last person we mention is Jerri Wegner--although being last to mention is ironic since she is the first person we had contact with regarding FANA. Jerri--you are very special and foreright and honest--I know I must have aggravated you many times over and you always took care to be gentle but firm in your answers-that is so very appreciated. But we want you to know that your conviction and honestly is a large part of our participation with FANA WNY. You always have answered any question we had and made sure we understood every circumstance. We cannot even begin to express to you how much YOU are a part of our experience. And how wonderful this experience has been. A very special, special thank you with much love.

To all our friends and family back home--we can't wait till you meet our new little guy. He is just precious-he is such a good baby. He smiles when smiled at and ONLY even starts to whine when he is hungry. He has super long eyelashes and a gorgeous toothless smile. He is downright manly looking and is the male version of our gorgeous Isabel. And our Isabel has blossomed here and can't wait to show herself off! She has been so good and exceeded all of our expectations with this transition. Our hope is that they are close and loving and will always share their special bond with us-their measely parents.

To say we are humbled by this trip is an understatement.

Everything that has happened to us in the last 5 years has totally turned our lives around and made us "bigger" people. We hope we can show these babies all about love and life and happiness and laughter while keeping them healthy and safe from harm. We hope that they always know how much love has been around them their whole lives and will continue long after they are adults. We hope they continue their Colombian friendships and want to visit their home country often. We want them to grow and learn, and cherish all that life can offer; and to do so in a respectful and generous manner. We will need all of your help to do these things and am hoping that you, our friends, will join us in this massive undertaking! Our babies are everything to us now. And that is just how it is suppose to be.

Thank you to you all for following us during our journey and for being our friends.

Much love-

Ron,Paula,Isabel, and Samuel Covelli

P.S.

Our flight info is as follows:

Depart:
Bogota Delta #298 at 930am
Arrive:
Atlanta at 330pm
Depart:
Atlanta Delta #1036 at 753pm
Arrive:
Buffalo at 955pm

Saturday, April 1, 2006 8:35 AM CST

The picture above is of the Judge-(next to Paula--yes, the young good looking guy in jeans!) and German--holding his "Samuelito"-the court secretary!-What a fun bunch of folks!

Hello!

It is Saturday morning! We signed our Sentencia yesterday in court 22 - the PIZZA COURT!! What a great event! When we signed sentencia with Isabel-we just went to a clerk-like office and signed a bunch of papers. Nothing personal-even though it is such a huge and personal event. Well--this court takes their adoptions seriously! It was so great! We went there-ordered a few pizzas-brought some chips, cookies, soda, all the paper products and had a grand ole time. All the people who work in that office came in for a big speech about how "Samuelito" is now , today, officially a part of our family and how we all were now a part of the Colombian family etc.; good wishes, serious talk, and lovely meanings. It was just a fiesta! We all enjoyed ourselves--we were there for almost 2 1/2 hours! Really a fun and joyous occasion for all! It made it a super memorable time for all of us--and with promises to send pictures and exchange of addresses we left to go and do Sam's birth certificate!

So those 2 things are done--Monday we will do his passport and FANA social history, and doctor visit, and Tuesday will be VISA day. Wednesday is the day we are planning on coming home!! Wasn't that so fast--everyone here is so shocked-none more than us!! I haven't done half the shopping I thought I would be doing and I brought enough "stuff" for 45 days--so I have so much to bring home! I'm sure I will be leaving lots of things too--but it's not because I need the room--I HAVEN"T HAD THE CHANCE TO DO THE SHOPPING I WAS EXPECTING!! Oh--did I already mention that---well--with our Monday and Tuesday booked up--that just leaves Saturday as Sunday is already full with Mass and La Fontana!! It was truly a shock to say the least! We could only guess that my Mom had lots to do with it--she sees how Isabel is getting just so out of sorts here and decided that enough was enough and to get her back home so she can be back into her regular routine!!

Speaking of our littel chickalina--she had another rough night last yet, we figure it might have something to with the weather-the weather has been nice during the last 2 days (actually very warm and sunny!) but rainy and chilly at night--it's possible the changes have her system all screwy-louey. We are sad to be leaving Colombia because of all the things we have to see and do yet, but are happy to be getting her home! (I know--where the weather has been screwy-louey--we heard!)

So today we cancelled our Zoo visit as we are not sure the car ride would be the best thing Isabel right now--we are going to lay low--and I am going to Delta to go change our tickets - the change is costing more that the original ticket price, but Ron figures if we stay longer it will cost him more than that in 'esmeraldas" so off we go!

So that being said--we are hoping the 7 dresses (yes 7-leave me alone!) we ordered from Miriam will be ready, the soccor uniform for Sam will be ready and we can get in all the "last suppers" that we want to--Jacques,Pablanos, Al Rawabi, Crepes and Waffles etc!

So that being said--we are off to Delta and actually get those tickets changed!!

Guestbook us! We love to read them!!

XXOO-Paula

Thursday, March 30, 2006 9:45 PM CST

We were notified today that we will be signing Friday morning. We had a "very good" court, some of you will know it as the "pizzia" court. Hopefully if all goes well we will be traveling home Wednesday or Thursday of next week

Pictured above is Alicia, the house "babysitter". Alicia is far more than a babysitter. She cares for your children like only a mother can, and daily life would be far more difficult in Bogota without her.

Today we went to Monsterratte. On our way, Jorge Rico and his green dart took us to lunch at a place called "MI GRAN PARRILLA BOY A CENSE". This resturant by far provided the best meal yet during our stay. The portions and price were outrageous.

Monsterratte is mountain peak that overlooks the city of Bogota, ontop which sets a church, surrounded by the stations of the cross. It is approximately 2500 feet higher than Bogota, which is 7500 feet above sea level.

The views from the top are spectacular and the air unbelievably fresh.

We than commensed to the leather district for my favorite, "purse shopping". I carried Isabel and Jorge became Paula's personal bag carrier. The under 12 bettors won as she purchased only seven. As always, the husband got the blame for the low purchase quantity because by saying "get what ever you want", put too much pressure on her.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 9:36 PM CST

Recall....Recall... I want a recall! After further review of my situation, I'm protesting the fact that I have to be a Bills fan! I didn't sign up for this! Take the bib off and give me a Steelers hat or a Patriots banner. I'm so upset, I don't want my bottle anymore.

Today, we started off by going to FANA to get 4 month shots for Samuel. What a trooper! A few seconds of crying and that was it. Upon saying what a good baby, we were corrected by Elizabeth, what a good nurse. An then the biggest mistake so far..... Upon snooping by my wife of the current expenses, compared to the budget, compared to when we were here with Isabel, obviously we were far behind... no Spanish translation needed... "I need to spend more money!. Needless to say, I would like everyone to know that we are opening a FANA store outlet in Orchard Park. I keeping on hearing that we need to treat each child equally, but its pretty bad when I have Isabel handing things to buy! All kidding aside, when buying at the FANA store, nothing is off limits. The merchandise is extra special since many items are made by the expectant mothers, and will be treasured keepsakes for both our children.

Tommorrow we visit the leather district and Las Vegas is accepting bets on the over/under on the number of purses Paula will be purchasing... the current line is 12.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 9:58 PM CST

Hey folks!

A little word about Norbertos--HAIR GROWS BACK RIGHT??!!!!

First of all--what is wrong with you people---do you think I would actually let anyone-even the famous Norberto- do that to my head?!?! THAT WAS A JOKE---we used all of Carol McLaughlins hair spray and a bunch of teasing to get my hair that big and that bad---I can't believe you fell for it!!--While I admit--he did cut off a BIG bunch of hair (like 5-6 inches in some spots-but I know I needed a good chopping) -I don't think even Norberto could have imagined a worst hair do (or hair-DON'T!) What I am surprised at is how many of you--who I thought would get the joke and comment--didn't comment at all--shame on you all!! (you were probably feeling sorry for me or thought the altitude got to me right??!!)

Now---Isabel on the other hand had a great Norberto infantil experience as you can see from the pictures--she sat still as a pin as they cut, trimmed, braided, ribboned, glittered, clipped, and blew dry her hair! She loved the car seat and kept going "vrrooomm" like she was Danny Sullivan or something! And then to get a balloon and sucker after was just the icing on the cake---she asked if we could go back every morning before she begins her day so that she could be coiffed properly!

Today we went back to Maku's (ok enough already--we can't help it--it's like an addiction!) and made more purchases-we bought Isabel a canvas oil painting that will need a frame for her new room--once I get that done-it should look beautiful with what we have in mind for her--bright pinks, oranges, yellows, blues, greens--should be great.
Then we had lunch at Poblanos Tex Mex-yum and then home so we could unload our stuff and head out for the El Corral Gourmet that is just a few doors down from Carulla--yes-this is El Corral done up as a restaurant-you sit at tables and order the food and drinks and they bring it to you--(think VERY fancy Mc Donalds)

Tomorrow we head off to FANA for Samuel's 4 month shots---ouch! We are taking Isabel so she can see FANA again and hopefully get a chance to play with the kids there. We just can't stay away from FANA either--we are so comfortable there and feel so welcome.

Hopefully--we will be able to do something with Jorge this week--the weather has been so unpredictable and mostly rainy--too rainy to go to Monsteratte and too rainy for the zoo (I keep reminding Ron that it is NOT too rainy to go to the leather district-but he keeps putting me off--I hear there are casinos here as well...hhmmmmm)

Uh-Oh--I hear someone crying--I wonder if it's one of mine---wow--that sounded so cool--"one of mine" !

XXOO-P

Sunday, March 26, 2006 6:49 PM CST

OKAY!!

I think it's time I write and start speaking for myself here!!

My Name is Samuel Miguel Covelli. I think I really like my name. I'm going to keep it! My Parents are Ron and Paula Covelli. I like them- I think I'll keep them too. My big sister's name is Isabel Maria Covelli. Yup-she seems pretty neat too--I think I'll keep her.

First things first---I am so cute aren't I??!! Seriously--I know that referral picture was not my best shot--but I think I made up for it quite nicely don't you think?! Everyone says I am such a good baby--that I sleep well, eat well, am happy. I think that the charade might be almost over--I have let everyone settle in and get used to my angelic face and charm and am almost ready to let loose and show them the real me! I'm thinking of something wild to do to shake everybody up a bit and get everyone out of their comfort zone. Hey--I'm not that easy--I prefer to think of myself as a complicated guy with many layers to my personality! I just haven't shown them all yet! Although I am probably very sweet in terms of "baby". I think I will save some of my really wild stuff for when I'm much older and getting into trouble. Then, when they yell at me for beeing bad, I can say--"Well--I was a nice baby-what did you do to me!" Tee-Hee--all this strategic planning is making me hungry again! Where are these people with the bottle--hey--hurry it up there bub--this dude is starving!! They are sitting there chomping on all this food and desserts and I'm stuck with this plaster of paris stuff--the least they can do is feed it to me promptly--sheesh!!

Anyway---things are fine here at Bettys--I have a nice crib--although when I got here it was--get this--PINK--I'm MUCH too macho for pink-so my Mom changed it for me--thank goodness--what would the other guys think! I have an image you know!

I don't get to go out much--my sister seems to be having all the fun--El Corral for milkshakes, french fries, playgrounds, shopping...actually--who wants to go shopping--the Final 4 are on T.V.---now that's what I call FUN!! (Uncle Jeffrey--will you teach me about point spreads!)

So--my Mom has been using the excuse that she is doing all this shopping FOR ME--YEAH RIGHT--who is she fooling--oh yeah-my Dad! She keeps saying that she wants me to have some nice remembrances from Colombia---like I need an emerald bracelet---how about a few soccer balls and I'll be happy!!! Although she did order me a soccer uniform--cool!! How many sizes did you get that in?!! And she was talking to some Kissy Kissy lady about matching Christmas outfits for Isabel and me--give me a break--I plan on staying in my sweats lady!!!

Anyway--things are cool here--just wanted to let you know. I really can't wait to meet the rest of my family and friends--they all sound so neat! Hopefully it will be sooner than later and I can get into my own room--this sharing my bedroom with 3 other people is a bit much--they don't think I can hear them--but it's all part of the plan-the "they think I'm so good and quiet" plan--tee-hee---can't wait to spring it all on them!! All in good time !!!

ok then--gotta go and pretend I'm good!!

(This sneaking around is so much fun--I wonder if I can get Isabel in on it too!!)

Love and kisses-

SMC

Saturday, March 25, 2006 10:05 AM CST

Okay

Here we are in lovely Bogota---I will have to write fast as I am about to be transformed at Norbertos!! Those of you who know Norberto know that you walk in scared-are afraid the whole time you are there--but leave with the best hair cut you have ever had!!! I am very excited--I will be walking there and will probably be there 3-4 hours---you get the whole works--color, tint, highlights, deep conditioning treatment, cut shampoo, blowdry--the whole enchilada--I am looking forward to it very much....I think.

Yesterday was kind of interesting---we were suppose to go to Monsterrate with Jorge but since it was rainy-we didnt go--also - our Isabel had the worst night of her life Thursday night--she woke up from a sound sleep screaming in pain--there was nothing we could do to console her--for 2 and 1/2 hours she was so bad---it was heartbreaking--as parents, to think there is nothing you are doing that is helping your baby is just too much--so the next day we decided to take her to FANA-- I was worried it was her ears--maybe teething, something--we just wanted to check it out--by the time we got there--the doctor had gone for the day!! So we went back to Bettys and the pediatrician made a house call--yes-you heard that right--a HOUSECALL!! It was great--she came up to our room and checked Isabel out and told us her ears are "perfect" (thank you LORD) and seems that she has pharyngitis- or a soar throat--and to keep up the tylenol for the discomfort. My poor chica--but we are happy to report she had a great sleep last night and seems ok today. My beautiful little girl will be just fine!

Our son is just wonderful as well---he sleeps, he eats--actually---we are upping his ounces of formula to 7 as he finishes 6 and seems to keep wanting more!! So he gets upped today and he literally will only even whine a little if he is hungry!! He is really filling out--his cheeks are getting cheekier and his legs are getting leggier!! he is a very happy baby and he watches Isabel constantly. Isabel thinks he is pretty cool too and likes to tickle his little feet!

Ron and I are fine--I had my Jorge Rico shopping experience yesterday--ordered Sam his soccer uniform, flag, plaque, soccer ball etc. He NEEDS this stuff you see.!! (Yeah--Ron didn't buy that either)

Ron and Mike McLaughlin are going with Jorge to the soccer game tonight--it is the big rival--the Millionarios against Santa Fe--suppose to be the game of the year--I just hope they stick close to Jorge!

So we are ordering in tonight--maybe Al Rawaabi--the lebanese place--(sorry Fred!)they have such yummy stuff!

Hope all is okay at home--we hear it is snowy and cold! AWWW--hopefully-by the time we get back we will have tulips and green buds on trees!

Thursday, March 23, 2006 1:21 PM CST

greetings all!!

We can start off the day by telling you our Isabel has-what appears to be- a cold! Poor Chica! She is cranky--the nose , the fever last night, the whole thing--just BOOM-cold! I feel so bad for her--she seems so unconfortable.

BUT--we thought she should have some fresh air--so why not take a little stroll to Jacques!!! Yes--we are pigs--Jacques again for lunch=== again---I think we need a break--we may have to invade the tex-mex place--it's bad when the waiters recognize you and welcome you back AGAIN-know what you want to order and have your drinks ready for you--and you have only been on this CONTINENT for 10 days!!

There was a miscommunication so Jorge Rico will have us all day tomorrow--so today the McLaughlins and the Covellis took their stroll just to get out of the house---I think I may be making my Carulla run shortly--I have my list and on it are the ingredients for a cosmopolitan!-What the heck--Im not driving!

To answer some of your questions:

Diana Rotterman: Yup--Miriam the sweater lady makes some truly incredible girls dresses--so get working on that will you!!

Debbie Reale: Your words make me cry all the time---I love you

The Acebos: Funny you said that--we have to go to Ley to get the chips and Carulla for the salsa! But we miss sharing them with you!

Taylors: Dora,Diego, and Swipers adventures is a date--it's pretty obvious who the players are!!

Susie;What would I do without you--you are my sounding board - thanks--and Ron said I should get out at LEAST once a week!! And NOT to Wegmans!! Remember to hold him to that!

Auntie Carol: Just finished the Judith McNaught--it's good read it--and baby Leo looks so cute all tucked away--can't wait to see his little face!!

Eric Patty Spencer and Siena: Wait till you see your new "primo"--what fun you will all have together-thanks again for such a great referral!

The Covellis: If we don't make it back for Easter--we "call" a large jar of beets!!!

Uncle Frankie and Auntie Darlene: Drive safe--and can my kids have cowboy boots and turqoise belt buckles for their birthdays!

FANA family: Golf tournament purchases going well--I have recouped my missed days and the shopping is now at a steady brisk pace!

OK--More later tonight

XXOO-Covellis

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 10:20 PM CST

Today was just another lovely day in Bogota, Colombia, South America!

Can you even believe we are in "South America"--it sounds so exotic!!

Check out the kids pictures today---aren't they just the cutest babies ever--our Isabel just loves her baby brother---she gets a boo-boo lip on her when he cries- and yells at Mami to get him a bottle; she loves to look at him sleeping and puts her finger up to her mouth like "sshhhh" to everyone around him making noise; she kisses his hands and cheeks whenever she can; and she points to him and says "bro" and when we ask her his name she says "Ham" and when we repeat Ham-she says no "Ham" (as in--no fool- it's SAM--but somehow the S never comes out of her!)

He is ever the good baby--we think he will be in his 6-9 month clothes for a very short time--he is filling out well and eats every drop of his bottle.

Ron, Isabel and I went for a walk today hoping to get Isabel her haircut--but by the time we got to Norbertos--she was dosing and you know what they say --"never wake a sleeping baby!"-so we didn't we went to Jacques instead and had a lovely lunch! I had a glass of french white wine and a quiche and salad while ROn had a baguette chicken and cheese grilled sandwich (he will never forgive me for telling you he had quiche the other day--oops--told you again!) and a salad and for dessert he had this chocolate bombe filled with a coffee flavored mouse and cake while I had the chocolate croissant! YUM!

We went back to Maku--made some more purchases for the golf tournament- walked to El Corral and split 3 french fries and 2 milkshakes---we are absolute piggies aren't we---who else would order El Corral after an full meal at Jacques---well--some of you must have right?? Come on--admit it??!!! Well--the good news is that Isabel loves the Chocolate Malteadas at El COrral--so looks like we have to go back there again too- darn!!-with a stop at Carulla we went back to Bettys.

Tomorrow is our bienestar at 2pm--this is the first step in our process.

Wll let you know how it goes!

OK--Gotta go--it's late and I need as much rest as possible for our day tomorrow--we have to take both our babies and be ready at 115pm for Maria Teresa to pick us up!

Thursday we have Jorge Rico booked--we don't know what we are going to do yet as we will wait to see what the weather brings us first to make that decision! Hopefully the McLaughlins will be going with us--we are having such a nice time with them! FANA Families are all nice aren't they!! (Don't be jealous Paul Melone---Ron still thinks of you as his "first" Club Colombia guy!--I believe they toast you each night!)

Hope all is good at home--we hear it is really cold--it is nice here during the day--about 65-68 degrees-windy and some occasional rain--but perfect for strolling !

xxoo-Covellis

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 8:02 AM CST

Hello all!

Didn't get a chance to update last night so this morning this update will serve as last nights update!

Ron, Isabel and the McLaughlins went to a playground yesterday morning to run off some energy! Isabel and Peter had a great time on all the rides and tubes and stuff--you can see from the smiley faces on the pictures how much she loves the playground

For lunch I, the McLaughlins, and the Lissicks were going to go to Jacques (yes-again) for lunch--but because it was an official holiday (St. Josephs Day-yes--everyone was off for that!) Jacques was closed!!! So we ended up at the Tex-Mex restaurant "Pablanos" just a few doors down--it was delicious--the noon whistle went off so I had a margarita-on the rocks with salt- YUM!! It was so yummy--I will have to take Ron there- they had Dos XX Beer! Ron stayed back to watch his sleeping kids and catch up with work.

For dinner we had some squash soup, roated chicken, roasted potatoes, and broccoli,beans, and cauliflower with a chocolate,strawberry, and vanilla ice cream cake!

OK--enough about food--let's talk kids---our baby boy is doing so well--everyday he looks a little brighter and happier--I think he is starting to get that all this extra loving and kissing is for good!!! He is sleeping all night long (last night-10pm-8am!!-REALLY!) and enjoys his bottles right down to the last drop---we have already converted him from the boiling hot FANA bottle to the room temperature bottle no problem--this is all so different from our Isabel--she had to have a super hot bottle (sometimes we would have to reheat it half way through feeding in order for her to continue) and we used to have to give her her bottle while she was sleeping--as she was too "busy" watching all things going on to eat!! She is actaully still a very tough eater!! But she loves her brother--she kisses him all the time and is always rubbing his hands or legs. She thinks he is "cute"!!

For those of you who keep asking --we have been updating every day and if you miss an update just go to the "journal history" section to catch up--this journal history will also take you through from July 2004 and goes through Isabel's history as well! The pictures get changed everyday! Just keep looking!! The kids are getting bigger each and every day and Isabels vocabulary is just bursting!

She speaks both English and Spanish and seems to understand both well--except of course when I am telling her to do something!!

Oh--I almost forgot--I HAVE MADE SOME PURCHASES!!! Miriam the sweater lady , or "kissy-kissy" was here last night and I ordered the kids matching Colombian sweaters with their names on them--Isabel has a cute little Colombian girl in full traditional costume on hers and Samuel has a cheve on his-with the flag and all--should be very cute!! I also ordered Isabel a gorgeous embroidered blouse with her initials on the collar---but that is not all--Miriam is coming be again tonight (Ron is ready to beat me!) with fabric swatches so I can have some dressed made for Isabel for the next few years, Easter; along with a matching Christmas outfits for the kids for this coming Christmas--hey--they NEED to look precious in their first Christmas picture together don't they--yeah---that didn't work too well on Ron either--who cares--her detailing is just gorgeous and I have a thing for the dresses with the smocking!!

All in all that is it around here--a relaxing day--the Boriaks are back from Villa de Leyva---they are a Kid Save family that is adopting 2 boys -brothers - ages 12 and 10-they seem so nice--I hope we don't scare them!!

Today is set up for ALicia to come over to watch the kids--the McLaughlins are on their way to FANA and Sara Lissick is off to finish her paperwork as she and her Mom and Elena are going home on Thursday---the "last supper" tour for her has begun--we already did "Crepes and Waffles" and Jacques, and we need to do Al Rawabi and some more Crepes and Waffles.

I actually think Ron, Isa and I will take a walk today-probably back to Norbertos for a possible haircut for Isabel (if she will sit) and perhaps a nice Jacques lunch for ourselves---(I know--again?!! but it is just SOOO good!) and a walk to Maku and to a great educational toy store--we were shown a new way to get to Jacques and to get home--so new territory to cover!

OK--more updates tonight!!

XXOO-The Covellis

Sunday, March 19, 2006 9:54 PM CST

Hello all--

It is Sunday night here at Bettys--all is good! I have to tell you about yesterdays dinner at Jenos Pizza and playtime park---our Isabel was so cute!! I don't think she has ever had so much fun -ever!! We get there---she sees the green indoor-outdoor carpeting and charges straight for it--she and Peter McLaughlin played outside all night!! She LOVED IT!!! She wouldn't come in for pizza-a drink--NOTHING!! JUST PLAY!! After a few hours of Mami and Papi following her around so she didn't hurt herself and getting her on and off slides, teeter-totters, etc we literally had to lift her up--legs kicking and crying to get her out of the place!!! We are lucky we didn't get arrested!! She loved it--and the promises of coming back falling onto 22 month old ears just didn't seem to work--we are almost afraid to go back!! They may not let us in!!

Today was a relaxing day--Alicia came over to watch the tots and the families walked over to La Fontana for their outdoor market--they call it a flea market-but that is not a fair term to use-it is more like an artisans showcase-I love Sundays here because they close down half of the street to vehicles and let people walk or ride bikes or rollerskate down the street---the street is a much smoother ride for the stoller than the torn up sidewalks--I've said it before--this is not a place for anyone with any sort of handicappe--lots of torn up sidewalks, steps etc. I will tell you all something very shocking right now---I did not buy ONE THING at La Fontana today---what is wrong with me---I think Ron did this to me--he told me to "buy whatever I wanted"--that reverse psychology stuff is brutal!! I was actually depressed about it--so we went to Crepes and Waffles to drown my sorrow in a yummy lunch!
This time I had the Crepe with cheese, spinach, and white asparagus and Ron had the chicken, asparagus and cheese crepe. Of course-it was delicious--Isabel had already had a little lunch at La Fontana so she went straight for the dessert--you can see her little sundae on the picture page!

We walked the Unicentro mall a bit, did our daily cruise through Carulla and then headed out for a stoll with Isabel--she looked like she was getting a little tired--so we thought the bumpy stroller ride would knock her out and guess what--about 10 minutes later we were back in Bettys courtyard with Isa asleep in the stroller and Mami and Papi with their books--Sam was sleeping in his nip-nap thingy and all was good. The sun was shining and it was just a lovely afternoon!

This evening we had some lentil soup, pasta primavera, and this chocolate fudgy thing that Isabel just ate all up--with 3 pieces of garlic bread! Sam just watched us all with a little yearning in his sweet face--I think he likes the smell of garlic! Good thing! We use garlic alot in our house!

Just quiet conversation this evening and a few beers and it is off to bed!

Alicia will not be here tomorrow so we all have to fend for our babies ourselves-my how quickly we get spoiled! Isn't Alicia the very best! This should not be a problem for us as our little man is just such a great baby so far--he sleeps through the night--when he wakes up you just give him a bottle and he hangs out for an hour or two and boom--back to sleep for another round--he is just a dream! And Isabel took it upon herself to kiss him a few times today--just truly too cute for words.

That's it in Bogota--hope the General Membership Meeting went ok--we haven't heard from anyone about it yet!

Have a good evening and good night!

us!

Saturday, March 18, 2006 2:55 PM CST

HOLA!!!

Well--before you all start complaining about the updates--you should know that there was an electrical rain storm yesterday afternoon that knocked out not only the computer, all the lines, and the router, but the phone as well---things are still not normal in the technology department here--but this one computer has been up and down for the last hour or so so I have decided to give it a try and squeeze in an update--Ron will have to upload some pictures some other way!! (Fred where are you!!)

Things seem better for Isabel here at Bettys--she is relaxing more--having a great time with her new boyfriend -Peter McLaughlin- and has taken to Alicia!! We are in room 2 here at Bettys which is smaller than the room 1 we were in last time--but is fine--lots of closet space -king bed-and a great big window overlooking the courtyard (and no truck noises for Carulla at 300am)!! The bathroom is outside the room--so people are pretty much seeing us run around in our underwear--not our problem--but certainly everyone else's!!!

Isabel ate half of her Mickey pancake today--that is big for her!!! She loved it!!! Then she had a full lunch before Ron, Isabel, and I ventured out for the afternoon--Alicia watched Sam while we took a nice stroll to Jacques! YUM!!! Isabel fell asleep--I think it was all the cobblestone and brick that bounced her to a deep sleep--so Ron and I had a really lovely lunch at Jacques!!! I had a vegetarian quiche with tomatoe,cheese and fresh basil and a delicious salad with a light vinagrette dressing and Ron had the chicken quiche (oops--I was not suppose to tell anyone he ate quiche!) I also had a large glass of fresh squeezed mandarin orange juice--then for dessert-- (you can't wait can you??!!)Ron had this fresh raspberry thing with merangue and almond cookie looking thing with some raspberry and white chocolate cream in it and I had this banana and chocolate gorgeous thing with some rum soaked cake in the middle! Oh---and of course the cappacinos with dessert!! I can say I have actually ordered that dessert before there and just loved it--I will have to take a picture for my friends so you can see just how beautiful the desserts are--truly a French Bistro!!

We then stopped at Maku's to start shopping for ourselves and the golf tournament! We figure we better start now so that we don't have a dozen bags on any given day!! We did well!! It is funny this time around--we are trying not to be sorry we didn't get anything when we get home so we are just buying anything that even is remotely interesting--boy that is fun!!!

Plus--with the FANA General Membership Meeting tonight-we thought that if we were getting some things for the tournament we would be participating in some way! We will miss seeing our FANA Friends, as that is always a great place to catch up with everybody!!But we know it will be successful and fun and hope somebody eats a piece of Buffalo pizza for us! Hey--don't forget those Golfer GIFT Bags too--every little bit helps so check with your companies and see what you can donate for them!! (Ok--enough harrassment for the day)

Back to our day-as soon as we left Maku--it started raining--and yes my girlfriends back home--the good people of Bogota saw what my hair looks like after the rain and still let me stay in the country!!! I didn't scare them too much--but they all just kind of looked sad for me!!

Tonight we are going to a place called Jeno's with the families down here--the McLaughlins and Sara Lissick from MInnesota. We did not go there last time but I guess it is like a Chuck e Cheesey kind of place! Great for the kids--Great to wear them out!!

We are comfortable being here and am looking forward to setting up all our appointments---no---not with Bienestar--with Miriam the sweater lady, the flower petal bowl lady, Jorge Rico, etc--

Speaking of that--our Bienestar is set for Wednesday.

OK--gotta go--check out the pictures of our kids--they are so cute!!

Love-

The Covellis

P.S.--Ron spoke to his boss today and I got on the phone and said " I obviously know that Ron will be working everyday for all of his natural born days to care for his 2 children and high-maintenance wife---but can he work from home" I don't know what the hysterical laughter meant--but I'm going to work on him!!

Thursday, March 16, 2006 2:52 PM CST

Hey everyone�things are good here in Colombia!!!

La Fontana has it�s pluses---The shower is so good it actually HURTS!! We love it!!! And the hot water is hot!! The room is lovely and large�the grounds are beautiful and the breakfast is yummy! Isabel loves to chase the pigeons around in the courtyard and walk like them (picture her strutting and sticking her neck out and back with her arms flapping!! CUTE!) It is such a nice place---BUT it is not Bettys!

We stopped over at Betty�s for a few hours yesterday and Isabel immediately took to the outside and the slide�she seemed to feel right at home in the kitchen with the girls and they made her some french fries which she ate all up, and we also felt so at home there---it is familiar to us and Alicia is an angel�she took Samuel right away and fed him and made him smile and just took right over so we could enjoy some one-on-one time with our Isa. The house smelled like dinner was cooking and I was wondering what was on the menu and what the dessert was going to be!! We know we are staying at a great place and should enjoy it more�but really can�t wait to get to Betty�s! Living out of our suitcases is tough and we want to just unpack and get settled already!!

Anyway, our little guy is so cute! There is no mistaking that he is a boy!!!! You know how Isabel was just always a girl-well, Sam is just all boy�he has such a broad chest-like he works out! And with no teeth he looks like he is a hockey player!!! We are thinking that �Swiper Covelli� is a good nickname for a defenseman on the Buffalo Sabres! He is so funny�he wants his bottle all the time�we have already upped him to 6 ounces instead of five and they said every 4 hours---yeah---how about every three�he has slept through the night both nights we have had him �I�m talking -Tuesday night he slept from 10pm-710am and yesterday from 900pm � 700am!! NICE! Let�s hope he keeps that up at Betty�s �it is pretty quiet here! He just likes to hang out when he is awake---his eyes never leave Isabel�he is entranced by her and all her silliness!

Isabel is fine�she thinks he is funny when he burps, and the first night she left her lamb and lion in the crib with him and last night she left her DORA in with him�that was BIG!! She is already looking like she grew up to us since we have been here and it�s only been 3 nights!! I think she will be a terrific big sister and is already starting to go over to him and rub his hand and when we burp him she likes to rub his back!! Too stinking cute! It must be tough for her�so many different things at once�but she seems ok�I think getting stuck in the room is the worst for her---but once we are at Bettys and Alicia can watch Sam we can get her out and enjoy some parks etc.

As for those of you who keep asking�my ear is NOT ok�it is still feeling very plugged and lots of pressure and I�m not really sure what to do about it�I am pretty frightened about it but have chosen to ignore it for a while and see what happens with it!

Ron is great---he has taken to changing the �boy� diaper just fine�me�I�m still a little worried I�m going to break something off!! I am being very careful! But this whole boy thing is soooooo different!!

OK�enough babbling�I will write more �manana�! In the mean time�keep those emails and guestbook entries coming---we SOOO look forward to reading them!!

Love and kisses;;

Isabel, Samuel, Paula, and Ron

(Notice the pecking order keeps shifting Ron to the bottom�hey�as long as he keeps his job he can at least STAY on the list!!)

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 1:14 PM CST

Sorry for the delay in the update ... but there is a story behind it. For the first four days of our stay in Bogota, we are staying at the La Fontana hotel. To further add to our day one story, the airlines lost two pieces of our luggage and it just happen to contain all of the adult clothing.

Access to the internet is not convenient at the hotel, thus the delayed update. As soon as we move to Betty's on Friday, the updates will come fast and furious.

We were presented Samuel at FANA on Tuesday. Words cannot explain much, so I'll let the pictures do the talking for you. We were presented Samuel by two young adults, Angela and Brady, from Iowa. They were adopted from FANA 21 years and 18 years ago respectively. The presentaion is a way of "completing the circle" for Angela and Brady, as they see the joy and happiness when a child is presented, just as their parents felt when they were presented.

Isabel is so happy to have a baby brother. She waited until she had her time with Samuel, and without being asked, bent over and kissed her brother on the forehead. The affection didn't last too long as she made a point to tell her brother who is in charge. (see the picture)

Once we returned to the hotel ... and by the way the hotel is top notch... the "party" started. After going through the game plan with Paula over and over, to our surprise, both Isabel and Samuel fell asleep for 4 hours!! Who said two babies are twice the work? The night ended with a trip back to the airport to pick up the rest of the luggage, and upon my return, both babies were fast asleep, again.

By the way, Samuel slept all night!!

Today we started the "court" process as we had to sign power of attorney over so the proceedings could start.

So our days will consist of changing diapers, having Isabel chase the pigeons in the hotel courtyard, watching Dora the Explorer, and spending time with our son.

The best part of having two young ones is that it might hinder my wife's ability to find the time to spend millions and millions of peso's... this story is to be continued!

Sunday, March 12, 2006 10:34 AM CST

Okay people----it's happening!!!!

We begin our journey tomorrow!!

We leave on Delta airlines tomorrow morning and will meet Samuel on Tuesday!!!

We are packed--and packed again--we know what to expect this time but still had a hard time getting everything into the suitcases we have---we each have enough clothes for 5 days with the hopes that we can use the washer and dryer on the 4th day to freshen them--so you will be seeing us in alot of the same clothes in the pictures. I had a hard time packing for Isabel! She has so many beautiful things but I tried to give her an assortment of interchangeable things so she doesnt get too bored!! She obviously has the most items--but like I told Ron--hers are small and take up less room, so I can bring more!!!That didn't quite work--but I got them in there anyway!! My big concern is for her - she is a very difficult eater and does not like change--she is such a little creature of habit! This will be her first plane ride and it's a long day!! Plus the new crib, atmosphere, faces, food, drink, daily rituals, having Papi around all day, and of course-- A BABY!!! My chica!!!! I obviously know that she will be fine and everything will work out---but it wouldn't be me if I didn't worry about something!!

OH---there is something else for me to worry about--- I had my very first ear infection about 3 weeks ago---they are VERY bad--I have new sympathy for little kids that get them-- I CRIED!! Well-- after 2 antibiotics and drops--it did not clear up-- Doctor said it was one of the worst he's seen!- and when I went back to the doctors of Friday for a final look--they decided to put tubes in my ear!!! WHAT??!! Just a little "procedure"--of course I was like "NO"!! But he gave me two options--have the procedure or stay home for at least 6 months!!! So--lo and behold--I have tubes in my ear and honestly--am still frightened to pieces to fly!!! It doesn't feel that much better yet, but I guess we will see when I fly how I do--I wonder how much a one-way car rental from Bogota to Buffalo will cost??!!

Anyway---I have no time to write anymore---we are in the final stages of that "just throw it in any suitcase that has any extra space" stage!! We will update on Tuesday as I'm sure Monday will be a late night for us!!

Thanks for all the calls and well-wishes and keep up the prayers for a safe trip!!

And please please please leave a note in the guestbook or, if it is of a personal nature--our email--you have no idea until you are away from home how important those little messages from home can be!!

Much love---

The Covellis!!

Saturday, February 25, 2006 8:40 AM CST

IT�S A BOY !!!!!!

Well---we had a HUGE surprise Thursday---Spencer and Siena Jones, along with their parents Eric and Patty came knocking on our door at 645am!!! I can honestly say that I did not hear them ring the doorbell, ring the phone (which was unplugged), knock on the front door, knock on the back door, and honk their horn�for 20 MINUTES!!! I think I finally awoke from my deep sleep (note---we have all been sick here, so nights have been a bit brutal and I think I only fell asleep at around 600am anyway�I was beat!) to hear this thumping on my door---I drag myself out of bed look out the window and see Spencer running from the front door to the car and back---I stumbled down the stairs, opened the door to the beautiful little face of Siena and let her in (of course-the alarm goes off because I forgot to shut that off too!! -- hey, I was TIRED!) and said��Hey�what are you doing here so early� and she said��We have news about your baby� and I said �What is the news, honey� and she said ��IT�S A BOY!!�

I was so shocked�but I think the shock was on Patty and Eric�they came to the door and I looked at them and said �My husband�s not home�he is in Los Angeles!� They couldn�t believe it! So we got on the phone and called Ron�with the 3 hours difference, it was 415am LAX time, so he answered the phone in a panic---but then Eric says��Hey Ron�good thing you are working�you�re gonna need some overtime money to pay for hockey skates for your son!!�

It was all so fun. The hardest thing for me was to not being able to say anything to anyone until Ron got home from traveling---he took the red eye home Thursday night and got in Friday morning and we made our rounds telling people---we had Isabel go up to everyone and hand them a picture of her new baby brother�it took a few seconds for it to register with everyone but it was really cute!!

Cuter than that is when we asked Isabel what she wanted to name her little brother- she said �DORA�!!! When I was trying to explain that Dora was a girls name and her brother was a boy and therefore we had to have a boys name-she came up with one really quickly---�BOOTS�!!! (Those of you who know your �Dora the Explorer� show will know how cute this really is!�and how smart my daughter is!) So we are still working on that with her�although after much deliberation between Ron and I, and with Isabel�s approval, we have decided to name our son SAMUEL MIGUEL COVELLI. A great strong name for this little tough guy. We can�t believe we have two children, and frankly, I can�t believe I have 2 children under the age of 2!!! YIKES!! I�m a little scared but also so very excited to have 2 beautiful FANA children to love and care for. I�m sure we will be great�Isabel is such a little helper already and she loves babies. She is already carrying his picture around and saying that he is her �BROTH�, or in our terms �brother�.

So�I leave you with a few of his pictures to check out and will update you with our plans as soon as we make them!! We have to submit for our Visas and get plane reservations and start packing like we are traveling to the moon�but we will keep you updated every step of the way!! So keep looking back and leave a guestbook message for us.

Thank you to all of you for your support this last month�it means more to us that you can know�and we really can�t help but think my Mom had a role in his referral�she would be so happy for all of us and herself too!! We know she had a hand in getting this little boy to us at this time and we feel that this is her way of giving us new life and new hope and for lifting us up from sorrow to happiness. My Mom would have loved this little boy as much as she loved Isabel, but she will be with him in a different way. So thanks to my Mom for her divine intervention.

Okay�that�s it for now�time to start making lists!!

Love---Ron, Paula, Isabel and Sam Covelli

(Unbelievable huh!!!??!!! Check out more pictures in the "view photo" section)

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:16 AM CST

My Dearest Isabel,

It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that your Bubba is not with us anymore. Isabel, your Bubba was sick and she passed away on January 8, 2006. I want you to know how much your Bubba loved you and cherished you. Isabel, your Bubba couldn't love you any more that she did-she loved with all of her being and showed you every day in little ways. She was so content to just watch you become your own little person. She thought you were the most beautiful person she had ever seen.

I know this doesn't seem fair to you-and in most ways it really isn't. You see--Bubba is such a big part of your story of how you came to be with us. Your Bubba will always be such a part of you and when you are older and understand things better you will come to understand that Bubba is really your angel and has been for your whole entire life. Your Bubba wanted you so much and when you came to be, she was so incredibly happy-her heart was complete.

I want you to know that your Bubba always had big plans for the two of you and the three of us. She always wanted to take you to Disney World and Fantasy Island, to have lunch with you and to help you learn new things. Bubba dreamed of taking the two of us to New York for a weekend to see some broadway plays and shop. She always wanted you to know your relatives and wanted to visit them with you. Bubba would love to squish you all up and pinch your little legs and kiss you all over. I know that Bubba would have been such a fantastic grandmother to you-she would have fed you, and rocked you when you were sick, and hid you from us when Mami or Papi were telling you no and taken you for weekends where it was just the two of you doing fun things. She would have taken you to bingo where she would have bought you pizza and chips and cake and pop and dropped you back home with a tummy ache and a smile. She would have taken you to the fair, to concerts, to movies, and let you run around in mud puddles. She would have introduced you to banana splits and taught you how to bake. She would have come with us to Colombia when we received you and she would have returned with us to visit when we go back. Bubba would have bought you beautiful clothes with all the matching accessories until your closet was bursting and she would have shown your picture to everyone she ever met. She would have been the person you went to when you had a problem that needed solving and she would have always had the right answer. Bubba would have been the loudest one clapping at your school functions and dance recitals and graduations, and cried the hardest at your wedding. Your Bubba would have been most proud of you in all your lifes accomplishments and would have told everyone she knew how you were her little princess.

I know that there was noone more excited to learn of your adoption. Your Bubba loved you with her whole heart-that is how Bubba loves-with everything in her.You were the reason she worked so hard to stay with us for so long.

I know it is not long enough--noone feels her loss more than your Mami. Mami loved Bubba so much and my heart breaks thinking of her gone, but my heart breaks even more thinking of what YOU will be missing with her gone. But this I promise to you, my sweet Isabel--that your Bubba will never be far from you, that you will always know her, that you will be touched by Bubba in many ways throughout your life, that Mami will try so hard to be as good a Mami to you as Bubba was to me and that I can pass all of Bubbas wonderful traits on to you, and that Bubba will always be looking out for you.

My wish sweetheart, is that you will know your Bubba through stories her friends will tell you and through the legacy that lives on in all of the people that Bubba has touched in some way. Your Bubba was loved by so many-none more than me, and my wish is that you, my Isabel, could love me as much as I love your Bubba.

Isabel, my sweet baby girl, this is a sad time for all of us and yet we are so grateful you had your Bubba to love you, even for such a short time. Time is such a funny thing--it seems long and yet it truly is the shortest measure of anything-there is never enough time for anything- certainly love. But Love cannot be measured in minutes or hours or months--love just is--it is large and full and endless and eternal. And while I know your Bubba loved you with everything in her soul-her time was short. But her love will continue in you and in me. Full and endless. Eternally.

So, while there is sadness now, please realize that one day we will all be reunited again-we will all be together to love each other for eternity-and until that time comes--we must stay here on earth and be the best people we can possibly be. Your Bubba, my Mom , would want us to live full lives and be happy. That is the way she was-happy and full of life. And we know never to disobey our mothers...

Your Mami

The photos on the "view photo" page are just proof of Bubbas lust for life.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:16 AM CST

Friday, December 9, 2005 8:56 AM CST

Hi everyone!!

As you can see our baby girl is a baby no more!!!

Isabel is growing up each and every day--it is truly amazing to watch her change and evolve into this perfect little person. She is so full of energy and life. She is just so much fun! She is getting quite an attitude and knows exactly what she wants and when she wants it! We always say that things are on "Isabel time". She is truly a delight and the apple of our eyes. We just don't even remember a time without her.

Let's see what is new with Isabel---she is learning new words literally- every day--she repeats some of the funniest things--yesterday she was learning all about the manger set under our Christmas tree and repeated all the animals names and kings names and knows that we pray to Jesus and kisses Him each time she sees Him. She is SO CUTE! She prays every day and makes the sign of the cross.

Isabel is trying some more adult food but is still not a big fan of eating...she is too busy...she has no time for eating...she is running around and yelling and having fun!! She LOVES hide and seek and peek-a-boo. She loves to be tossed around a bit---we figure she will be a great "ride" person!! We can't wait-Mami and Papi loves rides too!!

Isabel LOVES Cinderella. We decided to let her watch something other than DORA so we chose Cinderella...I think we have seen it about 20 times already!! She absolutely loves it---she gets up when there is a song on and dances to it--a favorite is when the little mice sing "Cinderelly, Cinderelly..." well--you all know it too--(actually--it IS a pretty catchy tune don't you think!)

Isabel loves the Christmas tree--it's something to see the difference a year makes---last year she was in her excersaucer when we had the nightly tree-lighting ceremony in our house and this year she was helping put the ornaments on !! Amazing really. She just loves Santa--and every time she sees him says "Ho--Hoooo"--we just can't get that third Ho out of her!! And she also likes the "Noman" (Snowman for those of you who forgot what baby talk is!) And is still a little confused by the snow---wait until she gets to romp in it!! I'm sure she will love it!! She loved jumping around in all the leaves this fall so I'm sure snow will be a hit with her as well!!

Isabel loves to visit with her Bubba--they share such a special bond--they just look at each other with such love it is just precious--we visit Bubba everyday and we usually share a meal too!!

Isabel is truly just a wonderment for us--she is every reason we smile and we are still in awe that she is our beautiful, lovely daughter. We are so blessed.

As this holiday season comes around and Isabel celebrates her second Christmas--we take this time to wish you all a great holiday and we will update this site soon with her holiday picture!

Love to you all!

Ron,Paula, and Isabel

XXOO

Thursday, December 8, 2005 9:32 PM CST

Update soon!

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 9:30 PM CDT

Hiya everybody!!

As you can see--I had no say in my Halloween Costume---I'm a banana!!! A BANANA!!! HELLO!!!!Someone call my Mami and tell her she is nuts okay???!!! (Actually - she says that the second largest export out of Colombia behind fresh cut flowers are bananas!!!) SO WHAT--- WHEN DO I GET TO BE A PRINCESS!??!!

Actually-it is a very nice costume and should keep me very warm when I go trick or treating for the very first time--you may recall last year I slept through it!--hey--I was just a baby! Now I am a big girl and Mami and Papi say that I have to go out so I can get some candy for them--WHAT--is that how that is suppose to work??!!

We just had the FANA Halloween party this past weekend and it was really fun--I got to see all my FANA friends and they were all dressed up so CUTE! I saw witches and cats and draculas and monkeys and soccer players and princesses (show-offs) and cats and Barney and Blue and I even saw Dora--I started to follow her around because she had Backpack and I really wanted to talk to him! But alas, we never caught up with each other. That's ok--I see him everyday on T.V.

I have decided to give my parents a little break and started eating some real food--finally--they were relentless in giving it to me so I had to give in--I like stuffing alot and I have just tried some ditalini noodles--Mami says she has tried every shape of noodle there is so I had to cut her some slack---those parents of mine are pretty adamant about me eating some real food---I really like eating apples---I only like them when they are whole and peeled--I like the sound they make when I bite into them--cool. I really like all fruit except pears--they are so grainy--very strange fruit. I like potatoes--I guess I'm a carbohydrate girl--whatever that means----I just know what I like. Did I tell you that I like any cookie in any flavor or any texture--mmmm---cookies--- and I also absolutely think that ice cream should be it's own food group---what is better than ice cream!!??!!! MMMMMMMMM

I had to go and get my flu shot this weekend---ouch---I don't like those---it hurt---and I really laid it on thick for the nurse--well----shame on her for hurting me---mean lady--but I got even more kisses and hugs from my Papi and Mami--hey--more love--isn't it great!!??!!

I am learning new words every day---I like talking and imitating animal sounds--my new favorites are the sea lion and rooster--but for the season I have added a bat and a ghost. BOOOOO!!

Mami did a sad thing not too long ago--she had to put away all the clothes I have outgrown---she was very sad because some of them are just so beautiful. I couldn't believe it myself when I saw the small little socks and onesies I used to fit into--hey---I'm a big girl now and my new clothes are really cool too!!! No more baby pink--now its more hot pink and fun colors! Nifty! We had fun shopping for my new clothes--but it was only me and Mami having the fun--Papi was not having as much fun--but he is a boy and shopping should be left to the women of the house--so Mami and I now go alone. We can go to the mall for 5 or 6 hours---I LOVE shopping --we stop for lunch and talk to friends and just go through all the stores---I love the tags!! Yup--shopping is for me!!!

Anyway--please sign the guestbook--we love looking to see what friends have to say and it is fun for us to see who is checking out my site!!

OK--Adios for now---check back in a few weeks for new pictures and then I can tell you how my Halloween went and if my parents let me try candy!! OOOh--I hope they do!!!

XXOO-Isabel Maria Covelli

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 9:30 PM CDT

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 8:36 AM CDT

Update Coming Soon!

Friday, September 2, 2005 7:54 AM CDT

Hi again---it's me---Isabel---here to tell you about what's been going on in our lives.

Let's see......hmmmmm.....ohhhhh--my Mami and Papi have taken me on lots of excursions--we went to Fantasy Island--that was really fun----I think it may have been more fun for my Mami--seems she was reliving her youth when her Mommy took her there as a kid. She kept saying--"oh- my--I can't believe the lion garbage can is still there and the little houses where you push a button and stories are told and the cowboy shoot out and the island with the boat that goes around etc etc etc." I guess she really liked it there as a toddler herself---she was pretty adamant about getting me the deputy star pin to put in my keepsake box. But why did SHE want to wear it??!!! It was fun--I ate ice cream and saw can-can dancers, and bought fudge and we even had our "old-tyme" picture taken--Papi looked "muy guapo" in his cowboy outfit!!

Then we went to the "America's Fair" (Mami says that is the Erie County Fair for all of you who don't know the name was changed.) That was just an eating fest--Mami and Papi were on a roll there! I thought they were going to explode!! I tried lots of things but settled for ice cream again and 3 cones! I didnt like the fried dough--so Mami graciously ate it. I didnt like the Chiavettas chicken dinner- so Papi ate it. I didnt like the Greek Falafel - so Mami ate it. I didn't like....well you get the picture. But I did love seeing all the animals at the fair--they are stinky but it is just so cool to see all these pictures just come to life and walk around and make all the noises that I make---I went up to the cute little piggies (they were 4 days old!) and oinked and they oinked back! COOL! Same thing with the sheep, and cows, and ducks, and rabbits! Neato!

THEN.....we went to the Buffalo Zoo--that was REALLY cool--the animals there were just like in my jungle books! I loved the giraffes--they were soooooooo big and the elephant looked so nice---there were rhinos and buffalo, and otters, and sea lions, and zebras, and a lion and tiger...the gorillas were hiding in a corner and wouldn't come out to play--but that is ok--my very favorite animals there were the bears----they were really BIG!! I mean REALLY BIG!! I kept doing my bear sounds to them--that is when I hold up both of my arms real high and growl--and they kept looking back at me too!! NIFTY! I really liked the zoo--the zoo also some other stuff that was a little fun for me but not for my Mami and Papi--seems I like bugs--I like to point to them and yell at them and stomp them--and boy oh boy there were plenty of bugs at the zoo let me tell you!! WHOO-HOO!!

I am getting bigger every day and my hair is really starting to grow longer--the back is growing pretty good now!! I am working on trying some more adult food--still not my favorite stiff but I am really trying. Mami and Papi says that I can't go to Disney World to meet Minnie unless I am totally on adult food, so that is what I am striving for. My Mami strolled me into the Disney Store one day and I saw Minnie on a big pile and just grabbed her--I wouldn't let go and let Mami know that if she took her away from me I was going to cry really loud!!! So she had to buy her for me---I love Minnie! Isn't she beautiful??!! I am going to meet her one day and give her a big kiss on her nose!

Well , summer is almost over here in Buffalo, but I have lots to look forward to--we are having our annual neighborhood party this weekend and I am going into a bounce house!! That sounds like so much fun doesn't it--Mami can't wait either!! And then we will be taking our family trip into Letchworth Park in the fall, I have to find a Halloween costume that rivals last years chicken costume and carve out a pumpkin and run in the leaves---there is all this cool stuff I could'nt do last year cause I wasn't running around---but now it's time to make up for that!! I think that all sounds great!

Anyway--check out my pictures--I can't believe my Papi put that picture of my eating my ice cream on there---I'm not exactly the neatest eater! Oh well---such is the life of a toddler!

Bye everybody--see you later!

XXOO-Isabel Maria Covelli

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 9:25 AM CDT

Hi everyone!!!

It is the middle of summer and boy is it hot---I think I've decided that too hot is not good for me--I sweat alot and get a little cranky in the heat!! Who can blame me--97 degress with 85 percent humidity--YUCK!

Anyway--we have been very busy--we had the FANA family picnic a few weeks ago and I saw so many of my friends! I met Diego for the first time--boy is he cute---my parents are putting him on the list of my potential suiters---but they said we have to wait and see what kind of jobs these boys will have before I can date! I hope they are good ones!! Then Sergianni and I can have our pick of them--there are lots of boys in my age bracket to choose from!! WHOO HOO!!

It was a very fun picnic--I got to see Mercedes and Elena and show them how much I have grown and what I good girl I am. I think they liked me!! I ate some ice cream and watched the Smiths get their referral! That was pretty exciting!! There were two more referrals that weekend, one for my church friends, the Andersons and also the Rottariss. All so very exciting! And all girls!!!

Spanish camp is this week but I am still too little to go--but I can't wait till I'm a little older when I can attend and learn some good Spanish words--by then my Mami will have some more knowledge of Spanish as she is starting her Spanish lessons and then Mami and I can talk about stuff behind Papis back--like SHOPPING!! Did I tell you that I added that word to my list of words I speak--"SHOP-SHOP"!! Mami and I like to SHOP!

OOOOHHHHHH---I know what I forgot to tell you---I am walking ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! WALKING!!! One day I just up and decided to freak out my folks and just got up and walked....you should have seen their faces---priceless--needless to say--some more safety stuff went up in the house--gates and stuff--what do they think Im going to do--escape??!! It would be impossible!! But walking is really so fun--I like to get on a roll and really go fast!! WWEEEE!!!

This week we are going to go to something called an amusement park--something about rides----I can't wait for that cause I think I will really like rides---I like swings and getting twirled around and playing "BOO"! My Mami and Papi are taking me there to celebrate "Isabel Day"--Yesterday was "Isabel Day"--the day , one year ago, when I first saw my Mami and Papi---I still remember that day thinking "I hope these people know what they are doing" and you know what---one year later---we are doing just fine---I love my Mami and my Papi so much and they just can't stop telling me how much they love me too---Mami is especially mushy--she is forever kissing me!!! And Papi just keeps looking at me with these big eyes saying "I can't believe it" We are all so blessed to have each other--I am so glad I am here. We all belong right here together that is for sure!

You can tell from the pictures that I am growing up quite fast---I still really don't like adult food yet--although mashed potatoes are quite yummy----but I really do like ice cream--that is delicioso!!!! We are working on the food thing---they keep putting this stuff in front of me I suppose I'll have to give in eventually and eat it--but I think I will hold out a little more for fun!!!

Anyway---I will be in touch in a few weeks with some more pictures and some more stories---I like this diary--I will have it forever so it is good to chronicle my every move so I can read about it when I am older! I love to read did I tell you that before---reading is my favorite thing in the whole world (After DORA)--I can read 4 -5 hours every day!! I love it!! And I love animals!!I saw my very first live duck and horse the other day when we went to a park--that horse was BIG!! Way bigger than the books!!

OK--Ill be in touch--talk to you soon!!

Love and kisses and hugs..

Isabel

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 9:25 AM CDT

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 8:56 AM CDT

Hiya everyone!!

Long time no chat with huh??!!--welll my Mami and Papi have been keeping me quite busy as you can see from my new photos---they have me in the kitchen washing dishes and out in the garden planting flowers---whew----I'm just so tired !!!

Just kidding----I am having so much fun though and I wanted to tell you all about it!! First of all--I am growing so fast my Mami and Papi say they just can't believe it--they keep saying that everyday when I wake up from my full nights sleep that I look even more grown up than the day before---I'm not sure if that is true but whatever--they are a little nuts anyway!!

I am starting to eat some adult food but I'm really not sure if I like it----it's not as though I even try it---I touch it with my hands and if I don't like how it feels---I throw it over the edge of my high chair---very nice huh---you should see my parents scrambling all the time--pretty funny---but seriously---they already figured out my trick---so far I only eat BEIGE foods--thats right--beige food----I don't want to mix it up yet so I am sticking with pancakes, piergies, saltines, cheerios, bread, french toast, and banana muffins. I did have a bit of a glazed donut--that was pretty good---and some french fries---but my parents won't let me eat those very often--something about nutrition--whatever! OOHH---I have also been for an ice cream cone---I REALLY love those---its fun to eat too---I just push my face into the ice cream and then lick my mouth--I guess thats not exactly how it is suppose to be done but I like it---and the bottom part of the cone where all the ice cream is hiding --YUM!!! I eat the bottom of my cone, my Papis cone , and my Mamis cone !!! I love it (and it's beige!) I have also tried a freezie pop--those are pretty yummy too--not beige but I eat it!!

I also went into a great big pool on the 4th of July! WOw---let me tell you---that's alot of water!!! At first I was pretty scared --they put me in this intertube thingy--I wasnt so sure about it so my Papi just held me in the pool and I felt so much safer---and you know what---I REALLY liked it!!then I went back in my intertube thingy and got pushed all around!! FUN!! I'm still trying to say the word pool so that my Pappi will buy one for me---Mami and I are working on it!

Speaking of talking---Im babbling quite a bit lately---and yet noone seem to understand exactly what I am saying---except maybe my Mami--she understands me. I say lots of cool words now and point to many many things in my books--I even can say lots of animal noises when I see them too!! My favorites are woof woof , hoo-hoo, and baa-baa. I like my books so much---I can read all day long--literally!! And I love my flash cards--those are fun too!!

I can still only watch Dora on the TV--but that is ok--I love to watch Dora--I have to constantly make sure Swiper isn't going to swipe Dora and Boots stuff!! That silly fox is always trying to swipe their stuff!! I secretly like Swiper though--I think he is just misunderstood--Mami says she is worried that I like the "bad boys" Hey--He is just trying to make friends--he can't help it if he is going about it the wrong way! Same thing with the grumpy old troll--a totally misunderstood dude--and he does a very funny dance when he is happy!!

Actually--sometimes I do catch a glimpse of Oprah if Mami has it on that day--we saw it when Tom Cruise was on--what is with that guy??!!! And Mami thinks swiper is crazy??!!

I am down to one nap a day!! I love to be up and have all that attention on me---napping is such a waste of time!! Of course that makes for very tired parents but TOO BAD--snap out of it and entertain me!!

I love to go shopping --I think because I can touch just about everything in the store---all those tags are at the perfect level for me to grab--very fun--plus I love my stroller---talk about luxury--its like a recliner on wheels and someone else does the walking--SWEET!!!

I have made a very easy transition to milk off of the formula--no problem--but if my parents think I am going to be using that silly sippy cup they can forget it---hey-- I can't be easy with everything can I?--they need some challenge in their lives---so I think the whole food thing and sippy cup thing should do for now! If you think of anything else--let me know!!

I am getting used to my extended family ok--my Mamis side of the family is very nice--they love me so much and my Tete watches me lots and I love her--she is fun---but my Papis side of the family---oye--so noisy--so many kids--and everyone is always trying to take me from my parents--they are nuts--fun--but nuts---and why does everyone yell??!!I have 9 cousins on that side of the family and boy oh boy--they are already talking to me about how I can make my parents nutso---thanks guys--but I think I got it covered!! They are very fun and while it is always noisy--there is always laughter!

Did I tell you I am walking----oh yeah---but I still like to hang onto a finger for the most part---I just feel better knowing that someone is there for me--but sometimes I forget and let go and I'm off!!! Wow--doesnt this open up a whole new world of opportunity for me ??!! YAHOO!!!

Anyways--I need a tubby and another new outfit to put on so I better get going. Please leave me a message in the guestbook section---I love reading those!! And call us sometime and stop over---I love company!!

Love and kisses---from the princessa of the house!

Isabel Maria Covelli

XXOO

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 11:21 AM CDT

Update coming soon..... I'm busy enjoying the summer!

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 1:24 AM CDT

Happy birthday to me�. That�s right, I turned the big �ONE� on May 7th. Just think, no more hearing �she�s 6 months or she�s 11 month�s�. I�m a whole digit year! I had a great weekend with my parents and family. On Friday, my mami and papi took me out for lunch. Papi took the afternoon off and with the great weather, we went out to �George�s� . Nothing fancy just good old fashion hotdogs and french fries .. and boy do I like French fries. We went to a place called George�s and to this day I�m still wondering who George really is. The best part is that they have a big playground with lots of kids. As soon as I get this walking thing down.. I�m outta this stroller and onto the playground.

Saturday was my birthday and the phone didn�t stop ringing all day. After my morning nap, my mami and papi took me to get photographed ... again! My mami pick out a special dress she bought at FANA when we were all in Colombia. It was pink and beautiful. It�s my favorite dress of them all. So after pictures, we did some shopping. We went to one store and mami took me to the Dora section. She told me to take note of what she was about to do and just follow along. As my papi came back from looking at televisions .. I�m told it�s a man think.. mami took me right to the Dora section and ran my stroller right into the largest Dora beach blanket I have ever seen. I was so excited I just grabbed onto it and started to bounce up and down in my stroller. Mami than looked at papi and said �she�s got to have it .. It�s her birthday. Needless to say, my papi melted. My mami told me afterwards that I better learn to like purses, shoes and jewelry � in her size! I have three new portraits of myself� one in my pink FANA dress standing up with my mami and papi�s hands holding me up.. I told them I can stand up by myself but they wanted to get in the picture � only if it were their hands. Another picture is of me with me smiling ear to ear. My papi likes that picture the best� and finally one with a veggie jean and sweater outfit. After we purchased all the photographs, my papi asked if he could purchase some of the company stock ..whatever that means. We enjoyed the rest of Saturday as a family resting up for my BIG party on Sunday.

Sunday was a DOUBLE special day. We were celebrating my birthday along with my mami�s first mother�s day. My mami explained to me what mother�s day is, but my papi confused me because he said it�s mother�s day everyday in this house! Mami got presents from me and papi, and I wondered when my time was coming .. bring on my birthday presents! My papi got my mami a very special present. I was a big blown-up framed picture of mami holding me in her arms in the green room when we were at FANA. I wanted it hung in my bedroom on the wall next to my bed, but I can�t say all of those words yet so I just started saying �mami, mami, mami�. As soon as I get old enough, I�m taking the picture down and putting it in my bedroom.

I put on my favorite pink dress and off we went to my celebration. My party was held at our church�s pavilion. It was decorated with my favorite friends, Dora, Boots, Tico, Esa, Benny, Diego and that bad fox Swiper. I didn�t know I had all these friends and families. After we ate everyone sang happy birthday to me and then I performed by eating my cake with my hands. By the end of the day I was exhausted from walking around with the help of whoever wanted to help me. I had such a wonderful day!

The best part of my birthday will be that it will always be close to mother�s day, and me and my mami can celebrate our two most special days in the whole wide world together!

XXOO
Isabel

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 12:05 AM CDT

Well, its been a while since I�ve updated the sight. Blame it on my papi. My mommy said it was his turn to post my latest update and he�s been slacking. First things first. I know I�m new to Buffalo, but when does the white stuff go away. I was strolling around on Tuesday and then all of the white stuff comes down three days later. I don�t think my papi likes the white stuff. He tells me not to fret ... the fourth of July is coming, and it should be gone by then. By the way what is the fourth of July? Do I get any presents? Speaking of presents, my Easter basket was full of them but everyone else got chocolate in their baskets. What ever that chocolate does to you ... I want some. My older cousins ate some and they were zooming around all over the place. They never got tired!

My parents took me to get my Easter picture. My mommy put these glove things on my hands and some kind of hat on my head. Enough already! We compromised and I left the gloves on but the hat had to go for the picture.

I�m getting sick of crawling so I decided to stand up and move from table to table, and couch to couch. It�s better on the bum. Get this ... I know what stairs are for ... climbing! I can do all my stairs in my house ... with a little help of course! I still don�t know what a couch is for ... my parents are never sitting.

I went to a restaurant and sat in a big chair for the first time. Chairs are nice because it�s easier to throw food on the floor and watch my papi pick it up. The waiter at the restaurant gave my papi an application ... he said he does a good job cleaning and that their looking for someone to do the dishes.

The other day Spencer and Siena Jones stopped over. Spencer and Siena are from FANA also and their dad and my mommy grew up together. I like my new FANA friends a lot!

Well that�s it for know. My papi is slow at the keyboard.

XXXOO
Isabel

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 9:32 AM CST

Update coming soon!

Monday, February 7, 2005 7:48 PM CST

Hello everyone!

Today is my 9th month birthday!! 9 months old--can you believe it already!!! My Mommy and Papi can't--they say time is just flying by and they just "simply can't believe it"! Get over yourselves!!!! I'm here-I'm growing--I'm hungry--and I need some new clothes!!! YAHHOO!!! I love this place!! Ask and ye shall receive!!!

Let me give you some updates:

I now have 8-count'em-8 teeth!! ouch--those things hurt! But I have been rewarded for my pain---I can EAT!! I like mashed potatoes--especially when I can throw the bowl on the floor and watch Papi clean up!! Did you know mashed potatoes-when tossed on the floor-can quickly turn to cement! It's pretty tough to clean up when it dries-so off these 2 parents of mine go--run run run---clean clean clean---it's so fun to watch...and then, just for extra fun--while they are cleaning I will mush the mashed potatoes all over my chair and into my hair!! I've even gotten some up my nose--oh- the fun I have!!

I have made a decision--I am just not a fan of the green bean---I don't know what everyone is talking about--they are not good, they are yucky and I am not going to eat one more bite of them--EVER! So there. I have attitude!!

I have also decided that crawling is very fun--and the faster I crawl the more stuff I can touch!!! I love to grab things---I think my Mommy and Papi thought they could leave stuff out and just "teach" me not to touch anything---well--guess what---talk all you want--I'm just pretending not to hear them so I can keep grabbing for things---but I guess they caught on cause some of my favorite items are now gone from my view...hmmm...I'll have to find something else to do to drive them nuts!!

I am a very busy girl--I like to dance, I like tubbies, I like to walk, I like to crawl, I like to stand, I like to eat, I like to shop...I like to do many things---EXCEPT NAP...I really have no need for them--they are a complete waste of my time--I have better things to do---I guess I broke my own record this week---the "2 minute nap"--hey-- Put me in the olympics! I've got things to do!! Quit putting me in this crib! I CAN"T GET OUT! (yet!)

By the way---what happened to all the presents you are supposed to get at the end of the month----January came--there was snow--and then on the 25th-----NO PRESENTS---so I asked---"hey--where are my presents?" and I was informed that that present day only came ONCE A YEAR!!! WHAT!!! Only on December 25th!~!!!! You are KIDDING me right??!! Well--that was very upsetting news to hear to say the least! I really like the "presents at the end of the month thing" but then I was reminded about the story of Christmas and I let it go---but now I REALLY can't wait for my BIRTHDAY!!!

We celebrated my Papis birthday last week---I'm not sure how old he is--but he looks pretty young when we are playing "follow the leader" all across the floor on our hands and knees-(althought he does "yelp" when we cross the hardwood!)

My Uncle Frankie and Auntie Darlene came in for a visit--that was the first time I met them and I loved them very much!! I was very glad that they liked me so much too!! Of course---I am quite lovable and Mommy says that I light up everyones life, so what's not to love right?!! But I sure hope they come up for another visit soon--I like the way Uncle Frankie was driving me around in my stoller-you'd think he was a race car driver!! WEEE!!

My Papi had his first business trip last week---Mommy and I missed him very much--but we had lots of fun and went and got some more pictures taken of yours truly! Bubba came over every day and kept us company ! Did I tell you I can now also say Bubba!! That is what I call my Mommys Mommy. I like it and it's so fun to say---and every time I say it--I think Bubba could cry from happiness!! I'll have to work on some of my other relatives now so they don't get jealous!

I clap, I play peak-a-boo, I wave bye-bye (sometimes) and I squint my nose when I smile--just some more endearing things about me that I think you should know! I am really having lots of fun and enjoy my life so much! I like to update this journal too!! The three of us pick out all the pictures to post!! But we would like to hear from you who check me out--so please write a little something in my guestbook--I love to read them and will have this forever! I may not have met some of you yet---but we are working on getting around to see everyone--it's just tough this time of the year---Papi says I'm not to leave the house when it is really cold--so we have to play at home---speaking of that ---why don't more of you come to visit us??!! We are home so much and would love the company!! Just call !!

OK--enough---it;s time to "wind down" , read my book, say my prayers and have my last bottle. Thanks again for letting me chat with you and I hope to see you soon!!

Love and kisses----Isabel

P.S.--Happy Valentimes day too---whatever that is--I guess I'll find out soon enough!!

XXOO

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 7:50 AM CST

Update Coming

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 7:50 AM CST

Update Coming

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 7:01 AM CST

Update soon .....

Friday, December 17, 2004 8:19 AM CST

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

As you can see, our little angel is growing by leaps and bounds!!! Isabel is just a joy and is our perfect little elf! Who would have ever thought that we would be having a holiday such as this one. Ron and I never thought this would actually happen--yet here we are--with our beautiful little daughter and really seeing all things as new - just as she does. It is amazing. As the commercial says---"having a baby changes everything" and it does!! Isabel is our light. She is the reason for all things and as she says in her babble "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!!!" It is--and we couldnt be more grateful and thankful.

Let's talk some more about Isabel---she is eating her cereal and baby food quite well---and a green bean update--she has decided they are not so bad after all!! Her favorite fruit is prunes and favorite veggie is sweet potatoes! She has a little cookie a day and it takes about a half hour for her to eat it and only about one quarter of it actually gets into her mouth but she loves it! She has her cookie with her sippy cup! We are still working on actually tipping the sippy cup up to get water out of it but we are getting there! Yes--she is still sleeping through the night but the naps are still a 15 minute episode--just enough time time straighten up the mess you made for the past 3 hours and get ready for it again! Isabel loves the "tree-lighting ceremony" at our house everyday--we make a big deal of lighting the Christmas tree and she loves the lights and ornaments and branches (so far only 4 ornaments broken--but 2 were Papis fault!) The excersaucer is still her favorite form of entertainment and she is really working the jolly jumper now---she can stop on a dime and turn herself around really fast!! She is so funny to watch! She has 4 teeth right now but some more are kicking--teething is a bear but she has takes the pain with great dignity-as long is someone is holding her! She loves her tubby time--she kicks and splashes and plays with her tubby toys-she is fun to watch in there--she loves to kick and watch the water go flying! Isabel loves music--so right now we are singing all the Christmas carols to her--so far I think her favorite is "Mary Did You Know"--its a very pretty song and she seems to really like that one! Isabel really likes shopping-she is very curious, so to be in a store with all the lights and colors and people makes her VERY happy. And of course, being in a store makes Mommy very happy as well---it's Papi that is not so thrilled. Hey---it's Christmas!!

Isabel has totally outgrown her 3-6 month clothes---it is very sad to see some of these beautiful clothes be put aside-but she really gets her use out of everything--we consider every day special, so she is dressed up alot!!! She is now into her 6-9 month clothes and she has tons of those so we are very busy throughout the day changing into something different! It is very fun! And she looks so good in everything that you just WANT to change her! Good thing she is pretty good-spirited about it and indulges her Mom! She even outgrew her socks!!

Did I tell you---she is saying MOM!! No really---Ron can vouch for this---she says MOM and HEY! You can't know what my heart does when I hear it--seriously--it is like no word I have ever heard before--it is beautiful!! The most beautiful word anyone can hear!

She is really coming into her own with her personality--she gets frustrated quite quickly and can turn from happy to sad in a split second but she is such a lovely baby--always smiling and having fun. She loves when people just chat with her. And she doesn't like anyone touching her toys--if you touch them she takes it back as if saying "hey--that's mine!" its really cute! Isabel has been scooting backwards a little and is trying the crawling but she is really interested in standing and walking---If she is crying--all you have to do is put her on her 2 feet and she breaks out into this great big grin! She loves to stand and walk--it's a little scary for us--she should be getting into everything very soon!!!

Well--it's time for a nap---Isabel is sitting on my lap and keeps turning around and looking up at me so its about that time folks--and like we said before----Its all about her! and nothing makes us happier!

Please everyone--have a wonderful and healthy and joyous holiday--we are so grateful to have our many friends and family to celebrate this holiday with. But to have Isabel is the greatest gift we have ever received and we truly thank God for her everyday.

Merry Christmas from the Covellis.
XXOO

Isabel, Ron and Paula

Thursday, December 16, 2004 6:24 PM CST

Update coming ....

Monday, November 15, 2004 7:07 PM CST

Hiya everyone!!!

It's Isabel here and I'm happy to tell you that the plan is working!!! I am driving my parents NUTS!!! WWHHHHOOOOHHHOOOOO!!!!

We have been home for just over 3 months and already I rule the roost here!! It's great----the world revolves around me and that is just how I like it!!! I do and get anything I want---and why not--- I AM a princess after all!! I am loving this life and all the people that I have met so far!!! I love my Mommy and Papi and I know they love me---my Mommy just kisses me like, 6000 times a day, and my Papi just keeps saying "I can't believe it!"--well Believe it baby-Isabel is here to stay!

To tell you the truth---this teething thing is just brutal---nobody told me about this part of growing up---I just thought I would get taller and get my drivers license--but this teething thing really stinks----my two bottom teeth came in to my displeasure----but now my top teeth are kicking!! OUCH!!! I want that nice cherry tasting tylenol more often than Im getting it---that stuff tastes pretty good!!! So just to get my parents crazy--I will wake up at midnight every once in a while and watch them come and comfort me nicely--I love that---who would'nt like that!! I love that I can just let out a little yelp and boom-I have some nice soft warm arms to cuddle in. This baby stuff is great!

Even though I have a closet full of clothes, my Mom keeps buying me more---I love the beautiful things she gets and Papi doesnt get mad because I look so darn cute in everything! He says he wants his princess to look good so here I am---just GORGEOUS!

Soon I will be making my parents even MORE crazy---I am sitting up on my own now and am rolling all over the place and have just started to "scoot". Soon Im gonna be tearing up this joint!! Wow---I can't wait to get my hands on all these clickers---looks like I can do a lot of damage there!! My parents won't let me touch the clickers or the phone---but I think when I do get that phone in my hand I'm going to make one big long distance phone call---maybe to Colombia to check on Betty and the gang!

Did I tell you they keep giving me shots when I go to the doctors office---the doctor seems like a real nice lady but if those nurses come in the room , two at a time, with a needle in each fist, one more time---I'm outta there!! That is nonsense---and it hurts too!! I don't like shots. And what ever happened to the lolly pop after---or at least a can of formula! Sheesh!

OOOh---I know what I can tell you----don't tell Mommy or Papi this but I've decided to go on strike from my bottle---this is rediculous---Im eating this "plaster of paris"and everyone else around me has this yummy stuff----forget it--Im no dummy----I want FOOD!!! So far it's worked---I've had sweet potatoes, green beans, squash, prunes and peaches. Not bad---But I really have a hankering for a french fry!

Well---please check out these great pictures of yours truly---Aren't I cute!!! (Hey--thats what everyone keeps saying so why wouldn't I believe them!) I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been so nice to me and my parents--it's been really fun to hear from everyone and I hope that more people will come to visit with us! We love the company! And when you come to visit I can show you my latest tricks----Im working up to pulling the ornaments off the Christmas tree---I hear that is fun!

Anyway----check back in a week or so for some new pics---maybe Papi can give me my dignity back and put one up that doesnt show me with food all over my face!!! Don't worry----I always get even----"Hey Papi--was that your glass of pop,oops---sorry". (Tee-hee)

XXOO-Isabel

Monday, November 15, 2004 7:07 PM CST

Saturday, October 30, 2004 8:04 AM CDT

As you can tell by the pictures our little princess is growing by leaps and bounds!! She is the delight of all who meet her! Let's give you some Isabel updates:

-Teething stinks---but she has something to show for her efforts--her two bottom teeth came in a few weeks ago and continue to grow and are sharp as razors! Her top teeth are kicking now and boy is that a bear for her---they really seem to bother her more at night too--poor baby!

-Some of her beautiful 3-6 month clothes are just too short for her to wear--and yet the 6-9 month clothes are just a bit long--so she is in a transitional stage with clothes---but we watch "What Not to Wear" every week and she knows what is in style and what is not!

-She is really starting to enjoy her tubby time---she is kicking and splashing and really having fun in there with her duckies and toys--it's really precious to watch---when she makes a big splash and the water goes flying--she looks up at us and breaks into a great big smile!

-She really enjoyed herself at her Halloween parties---she was a little "chickalina" (that is what Alicia called her in Colombia, so when I saw the costume, I couldnt resist it!!) As you can see by the picture-she was the most gorgeous chickalina ever!!! Tommorrow is Isabel's very first Halloween ever and she is going to make the rounds to get some candy for her parents... oops... I mean herself (not!)and the weather looks like it might even cooperate--although her costume is very warm and snuggly! We can't wait---all the men in the neighborhood take their kids out while the women stay home and man the candy jars---Ron is very much looking forward to being the man of the house and taking his chickalina daughter for a stroll! (Truly--he has talked about this for some time now!)

-Isabel just lights up when she hears her Bubbas voice--she loves her grandparents very much and is my Moms "coach" when it comes to excercising--she stays with my Mom while she is doing some excercises and Mom counts to ten about 20 times while she is doing them!--Isabel just loves it--she laughs every time my Mom hits "10"!--I'm sure Isabel will know her numbers at a very early age from this and this is a great learning experience, but most of all it is so cute to watch!

-Isabel saw her first FANA referrals to the McGuires and the Barlows--I don't know how excited she was but we sure were! It just brought back all those memories for us--WOW! Our happiness to both families. Isabel can't wait to meet her new friends--they may have been in the same room at FANA! We were in Colombia when Abigail and Alec were at FANA so we saw saw them, not knowing they would be coming back to Buffalo! We are thrilled for all of them!

-Isabel is getting very strong--she now throws things and bangs things and wants to stand alot!! She has no interest in crawling--she just wants to STAND! and she loves walking! She walks all around the house--with some assisstance of course but she loves walking!!!

-Isabel was not a big fan of green beans--she would take a bite and her whole face would squish in the middle---but she kept having a few more spoonfuls. But now that green beans are over--we have started on sweet potatoes! She REALLY likes sweet potatoes!----no "green bean face"---she loves the sweet potatoes! The first time I gave them to her I had to refill THREE TIMES!!--Next is peas---we'll see how that goes!

-Cutest of all--Isabel was having a hard time with teething and there wasn't a teething toy, frozen washcloth, knuckle or anything else that was calming her down---then I remembered she had a little baby doll and I put that in her arms---well,, she just took that little dolly and hugged it and dozed off to sleep- with dolly in her arms----Oh my---it was so cute I started to cry---she is such a beautiful baby and to see her nuturing this dolly was further proof that she is growing up and becoming a little girl and not a baby! Our precious little Princessa!

So that is the Isabel update for now---check again in a week or so and we should have some more pictures for you---isn't it amazing how quickly she is growing!! But she is the apple of our eyes! How blessed we all are!

XXOO-The Covelli's

Friday, October 29, 2004 9:46 PM CDT

Update in progress ....

Thursday, October 7, 2004 8:32 AM CDT

Well--- Our Isabel is 5 months old today----it is amazing to us the changes in her--it seems every day there is something new and different and exciting to watch her do. She is teething big time and knaws on anything available--she sleeps through the night but is still not a great afternoon napper--she is on cereal twice a day--and is quickly outgrowing her 3-6 month clothes--she received her first pair of sneakers--she had her first portraits done--she loves to "fly" through the air--she loves to get undressed and is equally upset when the clothes have to be put back on--she likes her bath and is starting to splash around in it--she has found her toes and when her socks are off they go right in the mouth--she is most ticklish on the sides of her tummy--she has said "Mommy" and "Papi"(ok--maybe not quite--but we are working on it!)--she loves her excersaucer and her floor mat--she loves to stand up and be taller than everyone--she rolls over and back again a bunch of times in a row--she likes going for stoller rides--she doesnt like when people crowd her but will smile at anyone who talks nice and keeps their distance--she "chats" with her Bubba nonstop (and they won't tell me what they are talking about!)--she is most active at about 800pm at night laughing, talking, screaming, yelling,and making lots of wonderful silly noises--she loves to look at herself in the mirror--she is a very light sleeper--she loves to snuggle with Mommy on the couch for a little snooze--she loves when Papi comes home from work and goes right to her--she looks fabulous in all the wonderful outfits she has received as gifts--she likes the 80'S music channel--she loves the Baby Mozart tapes--she knows she is the most precious angel to us and uses that to her advantage constantly!

Isabel was invited to two Halloween parties and has the cutest costume that Im sure she will never forgive me for..I of course will not tell you what that costume is until after the parties, but then Ill post some pictures so don't worry--you will see her!!! We hope to see you at either the FANA Halloween party or the Knaszaks bash!

Isabel was Baptised on September 25 and it generally went well--Isabel was not a fan of the Holy Water splashing her but she got over it and enjoyed the party. She is even more of an angel to us everyday! Special thanks to her Godparents and Grandparents who's guidance and love will be hers forever.

Isabel is really such a lovely baby--she is all full of smiles and happiness and just makes us glow with pride that she is our daughter. She is truly our daughter and we just still can't believe that we are a family. At least once a day either Ron or myself will just look at her and shake our heads in disbelief that all the stars lined up this way and here she is. It really does seem like a true miracle some days. That may sound corny to some of you but to those of you who know what this feels like..you just know.

OK--that is the Isabel update for the week---check back for the Halloween pictures and please leave Isabel a message in her guestbook!

Love to all-

Isabel, Ron and Paula

Wednesday, October 6, 2004 7:30 AM CDT

Stay tuned for an Isabel update ..... Enjoy the pictures

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 7:59 AM CDT

Well---there probabbly is no good excuse for some of you--the way you have been yelling for a new entry and pictures-- BUT WE HAVE A BABY NOW!!!

That just sounded so good to say!!

We are home---let's start at the beginning---thank you to all of you who showed up at the homecoming--my Dad counted about 125 people!!! Amazing!! What a sight to turn that corner and see all of you, and the camera flashes and the balloons and flowers--we really felt like movie stars---actually--Isabel had her first paparazzi event!!! ( Since she IS a princess she might as well get used to the crowds and people cheering for her!!)

My family kept wondering why I was saying thank you to all the FANA people---I explained that if it wasn't for each and every one of them and all their efforts--FANA would not be. Simply put. So I tried to hug and kiss everyone and say "Thank You". I hope that you all know that our appreciation runs so deep it is almost too much for words--so all we can say is thank you. We have our precious little bundle of life because of you.

As for little Isabel--she IS A PRINCESS!!!! Alicia kept calling her little "princessa" and she was right!!!

She loves to be held ALL THE TIME---if you are holding her and talk to someone else she lets you know that that is a no-no. And she likes to walk around---you can hold her --but should your butt hit something to rest--she will again let you know that that is a no-no. (I personally think she wants Mommy to lose a little weight!) She takes tiny little naps. About an hour after she has her bottle she will nap--but only for about 20 minutes---the naps have been as short as 4 and 8 minutes!! BUT---the good side of the sleeping habit is that she will sleep all night--from about 930pm to 645am!!. Not bad huh??!!!

She received her 4 month shots this week--Im not sure who cried harder!! She also started rice cereal 2 days ago--she likes it! She was actually grabbing the spoon with both hands and putting the spoon in her mouth (Did I mention--we think she is gifted!!) NO REALLY!!

She likes the Jolly Junper quite a bit and taking rides in her stroller. My Mom and I are introducing her to the mall--we show that a red tag on something with an extra coupon is a good buy and we should get it!! Although--I will say that I purchased a jacket for her at Baby Gap yesterday that cost so much it was crazy--I would not have spent that kind of money on a jacket for MYSELF!!! BUT--it is gorgeous and she will look like---well---a PRINCESS in it!!

She also is giggling quite a bit- it is a truly jpyous sound that makes my heart jump in my chest. She loves attention and just lights up when someone chats with her--when she smiles her whole face smiles--she is so lovely. What a beautiful baby--and she knows it because everyone keeps telling her that!! We fear she may be getting a little vain as she loves to look at herself in the mirror---well---SHE IS A PRINCESS AFTER ALL!!

Her Daddy and I just love her to pieces and one of the hardest things I think Ron ever had to do was to go to work that first day back---it was very tough on him---but Isabel and I got all dressed up for him when he came home----and then we ordered a pizza because---with a 20 minute nap--WHO HAS TIME TO COOK!!

That being said--we miss our friends in Bogota--but know we will see them again--we appreciate all that they did for us and they comfort they brought. But we are home now and are learning to do things on our own. It is really fun to watch her experience new things--like when a toy makes a sound or when she makes new sounds with her own voice and it startles her! We watch her grow and change a little every day and it is such a joy to us--it is really unexplainable how we feel besides saying that we are blessed--TRULY BLESSED .

I will update this sight -hopefully once a week with new pics and info on Isabel. But I dont want to close this without a very very special thank you to Jerri--your work and help and talks and hope and efforts and encouragement are more than anyone could every expect for someone--we really thank you from our whole hearts.

Also--my friends and family who were there for us while we were gone---what can be said---you are all so special and we love you so much.

You have no idea the joy that this baby brings to our whole family- our Daugher is our whole lives and nothing could feel any better than this!

THANK YOU!

Isabel, Paula and Ron

(the new pecking order in our house!)

Friday, September 10, 2004 5:38 AM CDT

A new entry is coming soon... enjoy the new pictures

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:57 PM CDT

Well---this is it---we are spending our last night at Bettys Place--have finished our shopping--have tried to pack it all safely--have said our goodbyes to our wonderful new friends we have made here--and are anxiously awaiting our flight in the morning.

I must say it has been an adventure...but truly--we are both so speechless right now--there are no words to describe our feelings...we are bringing a beautiful baby to our home to love and be with us forever. We look at her every night as she sleeps and say out loud--I cant believe we have a baby. And now--reality has only just begun to set in--we have a baby. Isnt that just amazing. And truly--Isabel is our daughter. We said to each other last night that her face is the face we have seen in our dreams and we feel so blessed right now. I havent stopped crying all day--some sadness as we feel that we oursleves have been adopted by Colombia and our Colombian friends and we have to say farewell for awhile, and such happiness as I think of our reunion with our family and friends and our new lives together as a family. This gorgeous little person will be running through our hallways and making so much noise---a noise we thought would possibly never come. We hope it is loud and full of laughter and song, because that is what is in our hearts right now. We are so happy it just makes me cry -ALL THE TIME--(They make fun of me here ,big time!)

So as I say this, we want to thank all involved with FANA-especially those who raise money for FANA--the golf tournament people are our biggest contributors. We tuck our baby in at night knowing that you have made Isabels first home a comfortable and safe and healthy place--we simply cannot thank you enough. We know that our continued invovement with FANA will help the children who will stay at FANA and those who will use FANA as a gateway to their families. FANA is an amazing place. We know that when you see Isabels face and her big beautiful smile-you will see how families that are meant to be and understand our passion.

With that said--we hope to see you at the airport on Wednesday night. OUr flight info is:

Depart:
Bogota---Delta #298--------930am-arrive Atlanta at 325pm
Depart:
Atlanta--Delta SE #4529----508pm-arrive Buffalo at 708pm

Thank you all!

The Covelli Family

Monday, August 23, 2004 10:18 PM CDT

The day according to Ron:

Monday was another busy day... Sarah and the both of us went to get the girl's passport photo's, a Colombian passport, and then to the doctor to fulfill the last requirements to get a VISA for Isabel and Sophia.

The wives were all excited for some strange reason. After some inquire, they thought the VISA was for shopping!

Oh I forgot ... in between the passport and the doctors, we went back to Freddie's (the emerald store) and made one last purchase.

It was a GREAT day for me. The "WELL" had finally run dry!!!! Not even the beautiful mountain streams of Bogota can help now!

We started packing tonight and I've never laughed so hard in my life. It will take a minor miracle to get everything packed in the suitcases/duffle bags we have.

Only two more nights in Bogota ..... time has flown by!

Sunday, August 22, 2004 10:08 PM CDT

Well--today was a relaxing day ...okay---that is not the truth---we started out with Mass at La Fontana and some shopping at their market- (This is all with Sarah and Luke) we dropped off our goods and walked to the Santa Barbara Mall-where Sarah and Ron picked up some more leather goods and we had some El Corral for lunch!. We came back to BEttys for some rest and relaxation (actually, our legs could not move one inch further!). We snacked for dinner on nachos and chips and had even further discussion on emeralds! Its just been one of those days---Ron and I are just trying to tie up loose ends and start our packing. We have 3 more "sleeps" before we are home! Its been great here but the prospect of seeing our family and being in our own beds has been very motivating. We cant wait for that day-when Isabel gets introduced to her life in Buffalo. She has grand parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, and a whole slew of FANA admirers; so it will be great to get a start on the next part of our lives!

Well--tomorrow-- we are off to the Embassy doctor visit and getting Isabels passport! Another step in the process!!

Have a good night and we will see you in "3 sleeps"!!

Saturday, August 21, 2004 9:33 PM CDT

The day according to Ron:

The day wasn't any different than the previous few days. I went shopping with the three women of the house ... Michele, Sarah, and my wife. Paula and Michele had to go back to the "leather district" to pick up their jackets. Sarah then proceeded to talk to one of the salespersons concerning a "custom" leather baby bag. This is all Paula needed to hear. Needless to say another purchase was made.

Juan and Noah returned from Ecuador. It's great to have other men in the house again, even if one is Spiderman by day, and a Ninja by night! Paul Melone went home today--there is only one thing to say to him besides we will miss you--ADIOS MUCHACHO!!

Next on the agenda was "emerald" shopping at Betty's. Elizabeth and her husband Carlos stopped down to show all the ladies Colombia's emerald offerings. You would not believe how the three women used their baby daughters as pawns to convince their husbands to purchase jewlery. Michele dethroned Paula from the top seat of spending! Poor Juan.

Tommorrow will be the last day for relaxing. Monday and Tuesday will be busy days with completing all the paperwork and the harder task of saying goodbye to all the wonderful friends we have made in our stay in Colombia.

Friday, August 20, 2004 7:48 PM CDT

Well, today was our sentencia---Annette picked us up and off we went to the family court house. It was actually uneventful--don't you picture like, a judge with his cape on and you stand in front of him in a grand courtroom and he pounds his gavel three times and declares you "parents"! It is so far from that it is not funny----its like your local clerks office--Annette talks to some guy--who searches and searches for your paperwork--which is a big pile of rumpled papers that he stamps on the back and you sign it. You dont even sit down--don't see a judge NOTHIN!!! BUT--the good news is is that it is done--we changed Isabels birth certificate today and Monday we get her passport photo and passport done!

BUT!!!

In the meantime--Elizabeth and her husband are coming over tomorrow to show us some EMERALDS!!! Just when my shopping limit has been hit---in come the jewels!! YAAHHOOOO!!!

Did I mention that the Melones are back from Cartagena and Michele and I feel that it is our RESPONSIBILITY to take Sarah to the leather district tommorrow!! TRULY___Don't you think she should see it ??!! (All the FANA girls are nodding yes and all the FANA boys are shaking their heads in disgust!) So Jorge is picking us up at 10am tomorrow. Hey---it is out last chance for shopping!!!

Also--on a more serious note---we were invited to spend some time at the Hogar today. Paul, Sarah, and Luke Melone, Michele 2, and us! The Hogar is the home for the birth mothers should they choose to stay there while they are pregnant and after the baby is born. Many choose FANA and the Hogar because of the incredible care and compassion they receive. The Hogar staff treat all women with respect and dignity and allow these women choices in their lives-choices in a trade , computer skills, sewing, knitting, cooking classes, personal hygiene, cosmopology classes, clinic for health, prenatal care, and a learned respect and dignity for oneself. These women are treated like women ought to be treated when they are in crisis. Many women decide to keep their babies-but they leave there knowing they should be respected and loved and are deserving of much more in life. Others decide a courageous choice of adoption for their children so their children can lead a better life than one they feel they can offer-a truly selfless act. It was a day of emotion and tears; but truly quite wonderful for all involved. It was an eye opener for each person and also a heart warmer. The Hogar is an exceptional place and one that our Buffalo group can be proud to say helps build and maintain for the sake of these women. Our plaques are up and a standout placque was the Carolyn Van Shaik placque. Carolyn was the first person to come up to us at our first FANA meeting, introduce herself , and made us feel comfortable. She will always be remembered in our hearts and at the Hogar. This is one of the reasons FANA was our choice for adoption-it is about the whole process-the women-the children-lives-dreams-hopes-love. The whole range of feelings and emotion that go into adoption; and none is left out-ALL are protected and respected and treated with dignity. We are so proud to have been shown the Hogar and proud to be apart of its existence.

Anyway--that is our story for today--as for Isabels marriage proposals----- she only has one thing to say:

"Hi boys--its me -Isabel--my Mom and Dad love you and your parents very much but they said you will have to find me in the secret convent that they are going to hide me in"!

Thursday, August 19, 2004 9:18 PM CDT

SENTENCIA!!!!

We received word today that we are signing our sentencia tomorrow!!

That means that tomorrow Isabel is REALLY ours!!

Michele 1, Michele 2, Ron, Isabel, and I were at FANA with Elizabeth having our baby care class when Maria Teresa came in and told us that the Melones and us are signing our sentencia tomorrow!!!

What wonderful news! It has been so wonderful here but to get home and begin our normal lives and see my family is just too much for words to express!

I came home and changed the airline tickets right away--and then Auntie Carol double checked me and triple checked me. (after all-it has been a while since I have been a practicing travel agent!!)

So...with that said---our airline reservations are set for Wednesday Aug 25. We will be arriving into Buffalo on Delta at 708pm. We truly hope that we will see many friends and family there for our homecoming...it should be interesting as I will probably be balling my eyes out!! I tend to cry at just about anything, but to bring this beautiful little girl to our home and have her forever be ours is still just so emotional for me. (And don't let Ron fool you--he gets all teary thinking about it as well!!) But to see the people we love after being away will just be wonderful for us! We miss you guys so much! Who would have thought!!

I must say---being at FANA today again just made me realize what a wonderful place she spent her first few weeks of life. It is so clean, and happy, and wonderful. My special thanks to all that helped Isabel during her time there-there must be countless nurses that I will never meet--but to meet and know Elizabeth, Maria Lidia, Maria Teresa, Flor, and our foundress Mercedes has been a true blessing for our family. Isabel is the making of dreams and we are so pleased to be chosen to guard over her life.

Michele 2, the 27 year old FANA baby that has been staying with us has witnessed our bonding with Isabel and has said many things to me this past week that made me realize that this truly is "meant to be". For her to see how adoptive parents want and care for these babies has made her realize that being adopted is such a wonderful process for a family. She said she has come full circle by seeing the children at FANA and then staying here at Bettys and seeing all of us as the other side--the parents that want. It has been great for all of us to have her here as well to share her thoughts and emotions. She has been a great companion and someone who you feel you have know for many years. We will miss her as she leaves to stay with her Godparents tomorrow but know we will be in touch for many moons to follow! God speed Michele 2, and thank you !

SOOOOOO---With all of that said--and our joy at coming home---THERE IS MORE SHOPPING TO DO!!!---But now it is more fun--since it is now "panic shopping" you know the kind--where you pick it up and even if you have to think about it you just buy it!! WWWEEEEEE!!!_---That is fun shopping!! To make matters worse--we found out that Isabels birthstone is..... get this.....EMERALD!!! WWWOOOOHHOOOO!!!!

(Jerri-I think you should have given my husband a THIRD duffel bag---he will be like a mule when we get off the plane!!!)

SO--keep us in your prayers that our singing is uneventful and the day is good ! We want to thank all of you for all you have done while we have been away and to remind you that we are so very very grateful! (We would bring back some .30cent beers for everyone but there is just NO ROOM!!)

Love ,

Paula, Ron, and Isabel Covelli !!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 8:46 PM CDT

Well-another day for relaxing at Betty's Place. Ron worked while I just toyed around the house today playing with Isabel and enjoying some quiet time with the both of them. We ordered some Al-Rawabi pizza today for lunch(Yes Fred Hammett---AGAIN!!! We Ordered your pizza!!) and boy, was it deliciouso!!! Michele and Emma Acebo, Ron, Isabel, and I just hung out in the TV room all afternoon watching Ron work!! That was fun!! A man hard at work while 2 woman and their girl babies talk about emeralds, and shopping, and Disney World...you know ...all the things a Daddy pays for!!! (Hey , Uncle Davey---it made Ron work even harder and faster!) There was a very nice Mom and her mother-in-law that arrived late this afternoon with their 3 month old adopted son - Milton- from Cali that will be staying here for a few days. Very nice--we all enjoyed another yummy dinner prepared by Neecy and Okenis--a delicious crepe sort of thing with some fresh green beans in onions, tomatoes, and some sauce. Brownies for dessert----it is official--Ron had to adjust his belt a notch today--he blames it all on Neecy and Okenis--what about those FANA people that said we would lose weight--very funny people!!!

Annette stopped over today and set up our drivers for tomorrow--we are going to FANA for a baby care class--Elizabeth is back from vacation and we cant wait to spend some time with her!! She is such a doll!!

So--that being said--Isabel needs her Mommy to stare at her while she is sleeping so I must be going. Yes---I am still watching her sleeping because I still can't believe she is even real!! I actually sleep with my glasses on! She is such a little dolly that we still are pinching ourselves that we are here and this is happening---it still really hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm sure it will soon enough!!.......

.......Probably when we go home and Alicia isn't there to watch the baby and Neecy isn't there putting fresh squeezed juice in front of you, and Okenis isn't cleaning up your room and Betty isn't making plans for the evening, and Annette isn't making calls and watching your back, and Jorge isn't setting up a fun day, and ...well----you get the idea!!

BUT----when we go home we have long neighborhood walks to look forward to, introducing our daughter to all the people we love, and hot shower, brushing our teeth under the faucet, Capelli's pizza, TV in English, and being with our family whom we miss so much--Isabel is in training to say "NANA"-but I get the feeling that her NANA will forgive her if she doesn't say it when she gets off the plane---one look in those big brown eyes and .....well...you get the idea....

Now a word from Ron: (oh boy):

Further observations about women shopping:

1. Whem women start shopping, they all go in different directions, then end up together, repeat their travels in the store to re-look at everyhting together that they already looked at by themselves!

2. Women apparantly need concurrance from fellow women shoppers when selecting merchandise. But when there is disagreement, they still make the purchase, AWAY!

3. There seems to be a contest between women when is comes to checking out. The phrase "way to go girlfriend!" goes to the woman who has charged the most to their husband's credit card! Extra points are given if the husband is not present!

4. One of something is never sufficient!

Tuesday, August 17, 2004 8:59 PM CDT

Well--today--what can I say---if you are a shopper--today was your day with us here in Bogota! We decided to do some golf tournament shopping this morning at Maku--this is an artisans mall--3 stories of handicrafts made by local artists that are basically Colombia souvenirs! It was a very good day for the FANA golf tourny! There will be some really incredible items to bid on for next year--so start saving, and get ready for the bidding!! Seriously--I might have to bid on my own donated items--THAT is how good they are!!

Well--we were so exhausted from shopping at Maku that we had to drag all of our packages to Jacques for a light lunch! I had a lovely vegetarian quiche and small salad and a napolean for dessert while Michele 1, Michele 2, and Ron each had cappacinos and banana crepes with helado (Ice cream).

Well--we were so exhausted from shopping, and lunching and dragging bags that we stopped back at Bettys to drop off our goods and turned around about 10 minutes later and left with Patricia to the leather district in Colombia. First I must mention that an enormous bouquet of the Colombian National FLower-the Orchid, was delivered today to Michele 1, Juan, her husband of 13 years today, sent them to her. There must be 60 or 70 orchids in this bouquet--no kidding---so Juan , if you are reading this from Ecuador--the flowers are gorgeous--but we are anxiously awaiting the mariachi band!! We are all in our PJ's just waiting for them!!. Anyways--Patricia took us to the leather district--I say district cause it is very strange here--we passed by the furniture district, the automotive district, etc. it is almost like--for 3 or 4 blocks-there is nothing but one specific type of good sold---so we get to the leather district and it is just a bunch of shops totally opened to the street. We just started at one and went to each one after that--Michele 1 purchased--oh--excuse me---is having a coat made for her- a dark red car length jacket with gorgeous flared sleeves. This would be in addition to the boots she is having made and the purse she is having made!!! Talk about a snob--we totally made fun of her for her purchases---"when Juan is away, Michele will play". So Juan--you wil love the purchases--but I dont think you should have left her alone with us!! Can you send the other credit card !?! Ron got himself 2 leather coats--1 black and 1 brown and I am also having a brown leather coat made for me--(I couldnt let Michele have ALL the fun!) It seems so strange that you just tell them what you want and they say--ok--and pick it up in 3 days!! And is doesn't cost any more money!!! HMMM. I LIKE IT>

Well--that was it--we stumbled back home-exhausted from our day at about 530pm. What a day--its tiring being a professional shopper.......I wonder what we are doing tomorrow!!!

Annette stopped over and had dinenr with us--Neecy made a fantastic meal of soup, chicken and chorizo stuff, plantains, guacamole,cucumber salad, rice, and stir fry veggies for me. And for dessert she made a guava jelly crepe with vanilla sauce! Outstanding!

So now we are watching the Amazing Race and Big Brother and just chatting. Poor Ron--he was run into the ground by the 3 women here--but he handled himself quite well. Considering.

Thats it for me--Ron now wants to add his 2 cents---I don't know what he is going to say--but you probably should not listen to him--especially if he complains about us!!:

Webster's Dictionary:

Torture:

1. Shopping with three women in Colombia.

2. Eating lunch with three women who are talking about what they just purchased in Colombia.

3. Hearing three women in Colombia talk about what they should have purchased, and planning to go back to the same store.

4. Hearing three women in Colombia tell a fourth women in Colombia (Annette) what they purchased and how much money they "saved".

Monday, August 16, 2004 8:50 PM CDT

Today was a "take it easy day" for us. The Melones were off early this morning to Cartagena, and Juan and Noah Acebo were off early this morning to Ecuador. So by the time we got up and ready this morning--it was a fairly quiet house. Michele 1 and Michele 2 were off with Jorge Rico to the Botero museum and Ron had to do some work so I decided to be the good wife and mother and spend time with my family (OOOH--that is the first time I've ever said that!) I did laundry, and bottles, and made some phone calls and some computer work and straightened the room out a little. Ron and I went to lunch at Crepes and Waffles and did a little shopping--ALL WITHOUT AN INTERPRETER!! We ordered and received exactly what we ordered and bought Isabel a little hat--all without embarassing ourselves too much with our limited knowledge of Spanish. That was big for us!!

Isabel has been trying to fit her whole fist in her mouth--I wish she would just find her thumb already as she looks like she will choke with the whole fist!! She is such a "MUY FELIZ" baby (that is what Alicia says!"HAPPY BABY") that is unless you put her down or ignore her!! HHMMMM--_Like Mother like Daughter!

Miriam the sweater lady was here to drop off our orders-Isabel has a beautiful dress for Easter with a matching sweater. Miriams work is so lovely--so detailed--and is so gorgeous---it was hard to withhold from buying up the lot of it!! But we had to because it looks like we might be going to the leather district with Jorge tomorrow!! YIPPEE!! I hear his contacts are unbelieveable--hope we can do some good shopping--I think there still might be some room left in the duffles!!

Since this is such a short entry with nothing much to update you on--I thought we would take some time to comment on some of your guestbook entries: starting with :

Uncle Frankie: Isabel said that matchboxes are nice-but she would rather have a full size Barbie Electric Convertible jeep to ride in her neightborhood!

Domenic Calcagno:my parents wont let you visit until you learn better manners!

Uncle Pete: I dont like being called Izzy--I like Isa (pronounced "EESA") But I love you anyway

All my cousins: I cant wait for you to show me ways to drive my parents crazy-Im really looking forward to that! ( I already have a good start to that!)

Emma Acebo and Sophia Melone: I cant wait to grow up with you and see you at all the FANA functions-our Moms say that we have to have a picture together in our green dresses--aren't they goofy or what!

Daddys work friends: I cant wait to come to visit you all--just don't put me in a "bin" or whatever it is that Daddy talks about!

Auntie Carol:Can you please just book the trip to Disney World for us--my parents want to wait till I'm older- but I want to go NOW!

Tete: I cant wait till you take me to the drive-in like you took my Mom--can we have eggplant parmesan!!?!

Cousin Marianne: I heard all about the shoelace thing-and Im smarter than my Mom-so forget about it!!

The Andersons and Geylons:I Cant wait to see who could be louder in church and drive Father Chris crazy!!

Buba and Dida and Grandma and Grandpa: I cant wait to get "squished" by you guys--I hear you're all pretty neat and I cant wait to meet you!

OK-gotta go---Isabel is "calling"!!

Love to you all and we miss you !!
The Covelli 3

Monday, August 16, 2004 8:50 PM CDT

Sunday, August 15, 2004 8:06 PM CDT

Well--today was a really nice day here in Bogota! We walked to La Fontana ( a really nice hotel about 6 blocks away!) for an outdoor folk mass and then some shopping at their outdoor market. They have soem really beautiful items there. It is like the Orchard Park craft show--but totally upscale--like Lord and Taylor in the square! We purchased some photo albums and a picture frame for Isabel. I purchased a casual duffel purse made by some women in need of money. So the purchase wasn't totally selfish! (Anybody buying that??!!)

We were then dropped of by Betty at the Santa Barbara Mall--The Melones, Michele 2, and the two of us just walked around and tried on leather coats--I dont think anyone purchased anything come to think of it--we are waiting for Jorge Rico to take us to the leather district before we make any purchases. HMMMMMM. Once again---who doesn't he know??!!!

We had Italian night here at Bettys tonight----minestrone soup and pasta primavera with some garlic bread. Yummy. But the creme de resistance was the desert--and delicious pineapple pie and cremesicle ice cream!

Since there is not much to talk about today I thought I would tell you a few tidbits about Isabel that Ron and I have noticed.

Isabel is a fussy eater. She eats better for Ron!

Isabel, although a fussy eater-can burp like a trucker! And usually surprises herself with it too!!

Isabel, is a fussy eater but she has filled out amazingly in the last 2 weeks--her face is rounder and Ron and I take great pride in the fact that we have added an extra wrinkle in her thighs! FANA served her bottle really hot--so we have been trying to wean her off a hot bottle--we are down to 30 seconds in the micro!

When Isabel laughs--her whole face laughs--you can see that on the cover picture today--her eyes squint up and she giggles! It is great!--There is nothing like it--it makes our insides smile too!

Isabel likes to kick and swing her arms---when she wakes up in the morning-she will talk to the animals on her crib bumper and the animals on her mobile for about 1 hour before she demands to be picked up. And when she talks to them she laughs and swings her arms and legs. We think she may become a rockette!

We have been teaching her to say a word====="A GEE" when we say that to her--she really tries to repeat it--and sometimes she does! We think she is gifted!

She likes to be WALKED---even when she is dozing off and you are just about ready to drop--and try to sit down--she will wake up and demand that you WALK! How does she know---again---gifted!

Isabel knows she is beautiful---everytime we say something like "Hello Beautiful" she coyly turns her face and smiles---she is a flirt!!!

Isabel is so gorgeous and we look at her constantly with wonder, wondering how we are so blessed and how lucky we are to be chosen to be a family. It still almost doesn't seem real! It is a dream--Truly!!

Saturday, August 14, 2004 9:06 PM CDT

Today we (the Acebos, the Melones, and Michele 2-our newest 27 year old FANA visitor staying at Bettys for a few days, and us) were picked up by Jorge Rico for a trip to a coffee plantation and orchid farm. It was a 2 hour trip each way--we stopped at one of Jorges local places for a little pastry on the way out, and one of Jorges local restaurants for lunch in between the coffee plantation and the orchid farm. (The specialty of the house was cooked rabbit----are you kidding me!!) the coffee plantation was very nice---we tasted the coffee bean raw--we broke open the red bean and inside was the coffee bean--it was minty green and wet and actually tasted sweet--it doesnt get caffeine until it is roasted!! We saw the process they use to get the bean ready for packaging! The orchid and flower farm was unbelieveable. I think Ron put some pictures on the picture page---some very unusual flowers to say the least---lots looked like they came out of Dr Seuess's Horton Hears a Who book!!! It was a very nice and very long day. We were up so high--when you go into the mountains (the Andes)you can see where the clouds meet the mountains---it really is like touching the sky- some of the houses are shrouded from the clouds!-quite "poetic" for lack of any other words--very beautiful!
The traffic in Bogota is unbelieveable--truly--they have something here called Pico Y Placa which limits the use of cars on specific days and hours--for example:cars with license plates ending in 4&5&6&7 cannot drive between the hours of 4-7pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are traffic police on every other corner checking plates- and if you get caught it is a big fine---so you will see people pulling over at 359pm and getting out of their car to wait out the 3 hours---amazing---and you will also see people zooming around trying to get to their destination before the get busted!! But the traffic cops chase after them!Joey Leo would love this job! Plus, the police get bonuses for each car they pull over--they race each other--it is the driver against the cop!--so it is funny to watch! The cars that are over the limit - their drivers have this panic stricken look on their faces as they try to outsmart the smart policia!

We came back to Bettys and ordered pizza! A Nice casual night--we are all doing baby bottles and internet work!

Michele is a 27 year old FANA baby who came back to work at FANA for a bit--a very nice young lady who had to put up with us old folk the whole day!! I hope we didnt corrupt her too much--but if not, she is here for a few more days so we will see what we can do!!

Tomorrow will start with Mass at LaFontana then shopping in the craft market---I cant wait for Ronny to go cause I think he will really like some stuff there!! Seriously, I think HE will like it!---Plus I told him that Isabel would love some of the things there when she is older---and he really has shown quite a soft spot for that little pumpkin--it is really great to see!

Also---for all our neighborhood friends---please take the "For Sale" sign down from the house and please -- DO NOT have a garage sale with all our stuff!!! I know the Viscos and Quaglianas are contemplating better neighbors----but forget it guys--- you are STUCK with us!!! Plus , just think how all our girls will play together!! And Ron cannot WAIT for Halloween when he, like all the other Dads on the street take the kids our for trick or treating with a wagon full of beer while the Moms stay home and give out candy!! Never mind the times that the Dads take the kids for walks while the Moms stay home and cook and clean---dont think we dont know what you guys are doing!!!

Okay---enough for tonight--time to get ready for bed and get some bottles sterilized--when we get home I am going to buy about 20 more bottles so that I only have to sterilize once every OTHER day!!!

So adios for now---but keep checking on us---we love to hear from you all!!! There are still some friends that havent written in the guestbook yet---what the heck are you waiting for!

XXOO to all

Friday, August 13, 2004 5:18 PM CDT

Before we enter today�s journal entry, we would like to wish our brother Tom a happy 40th birthday!!! Welcome to the oldtimers club!!

The new journal for today begins with our busy day from yesterday!! On Thursday' Jorge Rico Suave picked up the Melones and us for a day trip to Montserrate. This is a beautiful trip up a mountain by funicular to a very old church set up on a hill overlooking all of Bogota. It seems like it is in the clouds!! LITERALLY!! You just keep walking up past the stations on the cross to get to the church. The stations are among some beautiful foliage and eucaliptis trees that are so fragrant. It felt so good to breath in some wonderful clean air!! It really was a beautiful church with many pilgrims making the trip for special requests. There is an area where many of the people who have asked special requests bring a marble placque as a thank you for their requests coming true! Very inspiring. It was a great day! The weather in Bogota changes by the minute. It can be rainy and then like, 5 minutes later be a warm sun shiny day. It was rainy but then became clear. I like to think of it as a sign that we were being blessed by nature. Then after much information from Jorge about the city and the church, we travelled back down the mountain by cable car!!! YIKES!! But both the funicular and cable car looked so new and clean it was hard to worry while you were staring out at the beautiful scene outside!!

Then Jorge took us to La Candelaria. This is an old city that still retains its architecture. It was gorgeous. We stopped at a restaurant where we had a traditional Colombian lunch and some great juices. Then we walked and walked and walked. Jorge is such a good man, a good person, a kind individual. He stopped and bought some rolls. We thought he bought them to take home for dinner. He bought them to give to people who asked for money on the street. He says he never likes to give money because he doesnt know what they will buy, but he gives the food so that he knows they will at least have some food in their stomach. He has been so many times that some of the street people know him and wait for him to give them some food, so he told us that he changes what he gives them, sometimes fruit, and other things, he says that he is trying to keep them guessing and on a good diet. He also will take whatever leftovers are left from our feeding frenzies and packs them up and gives them to the first street person he sees . He is truly a wonderful human. Someone all of us should emulate in some way. I am glad to have met him as he is so compassionate to all people no matter what the circumstance. He is someone each of us should come in contact with to remind us that all people have situations that may or may not be their fault but they are all still deserving of respect. Jorge Rico is a good man and we are glad to have met him.

We then came back home to Bettys and Jorge had the �Shop with Jorge hour!! Wow ... he has some stuff!! We bought Isabel a littel soccer uniform, a flag, some bracelets, a soccer ball, a placque that Jorge makes, etc!!!That was really fun!! Jorge can get you ANYTHING!!! He is truly a man of many trades!!

The boys, Ron, Paul, Juan and Jorge went off to a soccer game while the girls, Betty, Michele, Sarah, Neecy, Luke and myself went to �Crepes and Waffles� ...YUM .. Are you kidding me .. a vegetarian delight!! I must tell you what I had because even to repeat it sounds and tastes so good!! I started with a spinach crepe with queso ,cheese, and asparagus and then finished with a banana crepe with chocolate drizzle, with a side of whipped creme and rum raisin ice cream !! Are you kidding me!!! I thought I was in Heaven!! Then we came home and did some laundry and bottles and chatted a little. A very nice evening.

Rons version of yesterday evening is

Paul, Juan. Jorge and myself went to a soccer game. We sat in the 50 yard line seats versus the end zone seats. Needless to say the end zone fans make Bill�s fans look like choir boys. They are die hard fans, singing songs for the entire game!!. The local team Santa Fe won 2 to 0, so all fans left happy. One area needed for improvement is .... no beer sold in the stadium!!!

As for today, Friday, we spent the morning just hanging out with everyone. Then Betty decided that we should go a leather convention at the convention center. Well, after Betty almost had a fit thinking we lost Paul, Juan and Michele, we finally all hooked and bought illegal tickets to get in!!!

Did I say illegal, I meant that we purchased some discounted tickets from someone outside the show...there...that sounded better. All things were fine except that Paul, when asked where he bought the tickets, told them he bought them outside!! We thought he was on his way to jail!! Betty of course took care of everything!! Well, we get inside and it was a wholesale show, a show where stores come to check out merchandise to sell in their stores!!! We couldnt buy a thing!!!!!! What kind of torture is it to take women to a convention center with 5 buildings of leather purses, shoes, and coats and not be able to purchase anything!!! So we had some cappachinos with a "message" and that made us feel better.

So here we are, it's about 6pm on Friday and the dinner bell has rung ... don't want to miss a meal so I better go!!

Thanks again and Happy BIrthday Tom ... but I'm SURE you are older than me!!

Isabel said "AH GOO" that is Happy birthday Uncle TOmmy!

XXOO

Wednesday, August 11, 2004 7:04 PM CDT

Yesterday we had our tour of FANA. I have to tell you---we always knew FANA was fantastic from all of our FANA friends but to actually see it in person was truly overwhelming. To see where all the money that we raise gets put to use and to see how it GETS put to use and to meet the people who so beautifully help these children was almost too much. It was a very emotional day. Annette - our driver took the Melones and us to FANA and we met with Flor Rojas and Maria Theresa Moldonado(what wonderful women- they must have been called to this line of work by a higher power--truly nice people with genuine hearts of goodness!) then we went on the tour to see all the rooms where the children sleep, play, wash, eat, and spend their days. We saw the room where Isabel spent her first few months. We were just overcome with emotion thinking of her there without us, but all the while knowing that FANA had given her the very best in love, hope and care made us realize that this was just Gods plan. This place - this campus for small children is a wonderland. A place where children can get a hot meal, sleep in a clean bed, get hugs and kisses from a wonderful staff, play in a yard with safe toys and playhouses, receive medical treatment and therapy for those who need it, dental care, get immunizations, vitamins, safe quarters, schooling, bath facilities, clean clothes, and most of all-get hugs and kisses from a wonderful and loving staff. So, for all of our new FANA friends--you were so right and more-thanks for all that you do to help raise money for these kids and for allowing our daughter to be brought to such a clean and safe environment for her birth. And for our old friends - you can be sure that you will see pictures and video to show that your generosity with our golf tournament and fund raising is being put to exceptional use and that we will continue to ask for your support in the years to come.
We thank FANA and ALL involved in any aspect of their existence for our daughter and the care she received her first weeks of life.

After that afternoon we came back to contemplate what we were doing and how blessed we truly all were----SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO--we decided to go to a fabulous restaurant to celebrate our good fortune! Betty recommended and drove the six of us- Paul and Sarah Melone, Juan and Michele Acebo, and us to "Harry Sasson" an exceptional Thai restaurant. We had several bottles of wine, appetizers, a yummy meal, desserts (Examples for my girlfriends back home--raspberry tart, warm chocolate flambe with vanilla ice cream, and nutella ice cream pie!) and coffee---it was such a nice night-each couple brings something different to the table--Paul--his enviable drinking abilities, Juan-his seemingly endless patience and smile and my new girlfriends- Michele and Sarah- for being great moms who are not afraid to tell me when I'm doing something wrong and always being generous enough to stop laughing long enough to show me the right way of doing them and for sharing their "Mom" knowledge. What would I have done without you-my "second timers". It was a lovely evening.

Note: Harry was rate the number one chef in Thai food in all of Latin America! Nice guy--BEtty of course knew him!! Who DOESNT she know!!

Af for today--Michele Acebo and I started our day at NORBERTOS!! Are you kidding me with this guy---have any of you ever see "Edward Scissorhands" YIKES!--Well---I went in for a few things and ended up with a shampoo, cut, color, tint, and highlights along with some deep conditioning treatment that cost a fortune! Wow---Michele looked great -she ended up with a funky cut and pink eyeshadow but she looked fantastic! I really didnt want any makeup but they insisted on a little-and when Norberto walked buy he said "MORE" to Frank- who replied that I didnt want a lot and Norberto complained about Americans!! Very funny--of course I walked out of there looking like I was ready for another late evening out!! I had to quickly wash all of the makeup off but I guess I have no choice but to keep the hair!!! I'll get used to it---hair grows back right??!!!

Then it was a relaxing day--a little walk with the Melones-then with the Acebos and dinner at Bettys Place. The flower-bowl lady is here right now---we are calling this FVC - as in "Live-Fana QVC"!! Its scary--anything you want- ANYTHING and Betty knows somebody who can get it for you-or better yet--"stop by" with some examples!! This is fun!!!

Ok--Until tomorrow--I believe it is a Jorge Rico day with the Melones---hopefully to Monsterrat or the Gold Museum--depending on weather. Will let you knnow!!

XXOO-Isabel's Mommy

---Oh I forget to tell you---when I was getting my hair colored- the colorist asked if I had any children--and for the first time in my whole life I said "Why-Yes--I have a daughter" and I started crying....

Monday, August 9, 2004 9:42 PM CDT

Well--today we have had Isabel all to ourselves for 1 whole week---in some ways it feels like her whole lifetime---like we havent missed a thing and in some ways it feels like..well... a week. Isabel is thriving-she looks like she is filling out a bit-her legs look a little chubbier and her cheeks are getting cheekier! We think she is getting more comfortable with us and we are getting more comfortable with her as well!!!!!! She was throwing her Mommy around a bit with the whining because she figured out quite quickly that it broke my heart to hear her cry so up I picked her!! She figured that one out in about 20 minutes and totally abused me!! Her Daddy fixed that in a day! I mist tell you-when she and I were chatting today and I told her that she would have to ask Daddy to take us on a trip to Disney World to see Mickey MOuse-she started smiling--she likes hearing "MIckey MOuse"! CUTE!

For Fana Friends: We had our Bienestar interview today and it went well--we had a delightful woman by the name of Ruth who gave us her blessing and signed the papers--so it is off to the next step. Hurry up and wait! We have our tour of FANA tomorrow. Annette is taking the Melones and us to FANA at 10am. Ron and I are very excited to see what is going on there. We have been there twice now- once for our own presentation-which we have little recollection, and then the Acebos presentation-where we got a chance to look at all the pictures on the wall and our placques from the previous golf tournaments. FANA, we knew , was impressive--but the cleanliness, the beauty, the light of it ...was just overwhelming---so we can't wait to see the entire building and the grounds.

So-we will write tomorrow all about our day. We will be bringing the new golf tourney placque to Mercedes and FANA tomorrow on behalf of all who volunteered and gave their time , energy, and heart to FANA through the efforts of the tournament. It will be our pleasure to present this to FANA and to express our gratitude for all they have done for all our FANA friends. Till then....

Monday, August 9, 2004 10:49 AM CDT

The good times continue!

Sunday we had "a social meeting" (my mom is questioning all the partying we are doing) at Betty and Rafa Castillo's. While in Colombia, we are staying at Betty's Place. I've include the web site for your viewing. In a nutshell it's "home away from home" times ten.

http://www.residencebettysplace.com/

The highlight of the evening was making paper airplanes and watching all the children "fly" them in the living room.

Shopping Update:

Paula continues to purchase at a "brisk" pace. Sarah Melone and Paula went to La Fontana after Sunday services. La Fontana is an outdoor market of arts and crafts.

Saturday, August 7, 2004 9:55 PM CDT

Today we were invited to Olga and Santiago McCousland's for the day. Also joining us were Alonso and Beatrice Castellanos. For those who have been following our story, these names will sound familiar as we were presented our referral in Buffalo from the McCousland's and Castellanos's, the Presidents and Vice Presidents for Amigos de FANA in Colombia. Alonso also presented our daughter to us at FANA.

Along with a terrific dinner, we were entertained by each couples two children, Lucia and Simon and Alejandro and Maria.

Alonso also gave the three new father's a lesson in raising a daughter ..... hold tight, never let go and beware of "any man".

Friday, August 6, 2004 10:39 PM CDT

Well, As you all can tell-my husabnd is a man of few words. Let me give you a scenario from yesterday--I awoke to a huge bouquet of Colombian flowers (Colombia is the second largest flower producer after Amsterdam)- then at dinner we had a cake that said "Happy 40th Mommy-I Love You-Isabel" and that was great - but then--just as Isabel needs her bottle-these 2 guys walk in with a guitar and a suitcase full of fancy instruments! A Live Band! They played for about an hour and a half and everyone danced and played the instruments like crazy--as if the altitude wasn't enough to help lose weight! (Thats ok-we figured we would eat double today!) Even Neecy was showing us how to "cut the rug" Colombian style--has she got moves!! They ended by singing a song in Spanish called "My Nina Bonita", a song about a parents new little girl. We all cried. It was incredible.(And we have the CDs to prove it) . It was something else--my husband finally surprised me with the flowers-remembered a cake , and came up with a magical way to spend my birthday--dancing with our daughter to some wonderful Colombian love songs and dance music. It was really something else. If you think you had to be there--don't worry, we have about an hour of videotape--so when we get home-you're all invited to watch the video!!! Not everyone all at once now! Stand back! I will make copies for all!!!

Today Jorge Rico took the Melones and us to the Salt Cathedral- in the Dart! It's truly amazing how comfortable that car is!! Anyway-The Salt Cathedral is actually an active salt mine that the workers mined a cathedral into-it has the stations of the cross and other beautiful pieces as you can see by the pictures on the picture page today--but truly-the pictures do it no justice-it was really cool-a combination of contemporary design in an ancient feel. Really worth the trip-but of course-first Jorge took as to a small town outside of Chia that had a wonderful bakery-we had 5 fancy coffees and 2 TRAYS of pastries (in this altitude-they say you dont gain weight--we'll see!) for about $7--including the tip!! Bizarre! We walked around the square and saw their beautiful church as well. After the Salt Cathedral we stopped at a restaurant that served us trout (not me obviously) Colombian beans, avacado,pappas fritas, soup, etc. It was nice. Then home to our girls. Annette stopped over (our legal liason) for a chat and then we sat down to ANOTHER dinner cooked by Neecy and Okenis. Beef, mashed potatoes, cauliflower,spinach, and banana cake and banana flambe for desssert-(we HAD to eat it-we were restoring our energy from the night before! plus it would be RUDE not to eat it!) Then--I did a load of laundry and got Isabel ready for bed! Now we are just down in the common room all doing our computer work and chatting and having tea.

SO thats it for today! Stay tuned for tomorrow! We are going to a barbecue at Uncle Alonsos house! I hope and pray Alicia goes with us! Boy, how quickly you can get used to that !!!!

Thursday, August 5, 2004 10:14 PM CDT

Seldom in life do all the stars align to make for a perfect day. Today just happen to be one of those. We celebrated Paula's birthday "Colombian style".

The day started off with what women like to do the most ...shop, shop, shop. Peso's or dollars it just doesn't matter!!! We went to Maku, a Colombian marketplace with souveniers galore! Needles to say, three people where needed to carry out the birthday girls packages!

The evening turned into a big party with dinner, cake and music at Betty's.

Tommorrow brings a site seeing tour (we're still undecided on what place first) and more great Colombian hospitality.

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 9:21 PM CDT

Hola everyone!! My name is Isabel--they-these people who are now always in my face and trying to make me laugh, are now calling me all kinds of names like "Gorgeous" and "Precious". I love the fact that they do all the things I want them to whenever I want them to do it. If I want food--I get it. If I want to sleep- I do. If I want to play-they make funny faces at me. Its great. These creatures called "parents" will do ANYTHING! I feel like asking for a Boxster Porsche! I wonder if they will let me rent a cottage at Sunset Bay when I am 17??!!! Anyway-I thought I would tell you a little about myself while I am making this lady type for me (I told you-they will do ANYTHING for me!) I was born on May 7--I was a peanut and still am--at least that is what they are saying about me--whats wrong with being petite!?! I asked for a Mom and Dad who would take care of me and nurture me---oh heck--lets be truthful--I wanted parents I could run all over like a mack truck!! AND I GOT THEM!!! They think I dont understand what they are saying to me-but I hear them---they tell me all about my Buba and Dida and Grandma and Grandpa, my aunts and uncles and my 8 cousins! Let me think--they are Kristin,Allison,Jason,Brandon,Ryan,Jenna,Leah and Maria! Yeah-thats their names!! I cant wait to meet them--they sound neato! These 2 parents I chose keep telling me that they will give me the "world"--can you imagine--do they not know that I will hold them to that!! ??!! I cant wait to get the big education they are promising--PARTY!And all the love they are going to give me--yeah yeah---thats nice and all-but when can I start shopping!! Oh--speaking of that--Miriam - the "sweaterlady" was by today--my Mom--what a fool--the money that I can get her to spend on me without saying a word is actually laughable! She is so easy!! But its true-I will look beautiful in the dress that my Mom bought me. Maybe I can squeeze some more clothes out of the Dad guy. He seems even easier than Mom. He keeps saying he will do anything for me--hows working some more overtime so I can have some more stuff buddy!!! Go to work-Mom and I want to watch QVC!!!Anyway--its bottle time again--watch this --one gurgle and they both jump like crickets!!!! Ready!!....."gurgle" Ooops---there they go!! This is great! Ill keep in touch --Im SURE I will have more to tell you about these two!!

Tuesday, August 3, 2004 10:15 PM CDT

Today was the first full day that we have had Isabel all to ourselves!!OK--not exactly---I am going to try to write this journal entry so all of our friends--old and new will understand it---are you ready--let me try it:

Old friends: Life with Isabel is great-we have a NANNY!
FANA Friends: You were ALL right--Alicia is the "baby whisperer"
Mom: Of course Im caring for Isabel all by myself!

Explanation: There is a nurse-nanny who comes to Bettys Place-the residence that we are staying at, every day to care for the children while we are out doing our paperwork. Her name is Alicia and she is a wonderful woman who instantly bonds with your children and can get them to eat when they wont eat, smile when they are cranky and is the one person who--after having your daughter in your arms for less than 24 hours-you feel comfortable leaving the house with! She is absolutely amazing!! WE ALREADY LOVE HER! Annette - our driver and all things legal laison showed up and we had to do the notary part of our paperwork. Are all the people in BOGOTA this nice?!!!

Old friends: We had a wonderful french-cuisine lunch today on the outskirts of Bogota!
FANA friends: "Jacques" IS great!! And those pastries!
Mom:Of course Im caring for Isabel all by myself!

Explanation: Betty--the owner extraordinaire of Bettys place - took us to "Freddys" today ( a wonderful man from Ithaca NY who owns an amazing shop specialing in perfect green emeralds set in 18K gold!) and then to "Jacques" for lunch! What a fantastic meal-we had some wonderful salads, soups, quiches, the boys had steaks (by the way-it was the Melones, Betty and us) wine, gorgeous desserts for an icredibly reasonable price of...oh who cares!! It was yummy and inexpensive by ANYONES standards and quite frankly-I still cant figure out Pesos to Dollars --but Im sure it was not expensive!

Old friends: We feel like we are staying at a 4 star bed and breakfast with wonderful meals included!
FANA Friends: Its Empenada night tomorrow!!
Mom:Of course Im caring for Isabel all by myself! (In between eating!)

Explanation:First of all--isnt Betty the best!--she runs this place but even more so--she is the livlihood of all who stay here and know her--she is a special person who gives herself and her time to those of us who are here and waiting for court dates. Betty sees to it that you are well kept, well fed, understand rules, get to sightsee and learn about Bogota for your children, get hooked up with the right people that are trustworthy and dependable, keeps your calendar, knows your likes and dislikes, and best of all-is that friend or aunt that you need in times of vulnerability. Betty is someone that, once you know her-you want to ALWAYS know her--testament to the hundred hugs Ron had to give her from everyone saying "and make sure to give Betty a hug for us". Also--Okenis and Neecy-Bettys wonderful assisstants in the house cooking and cleaning and tidiing up, and heating up bottles (Mom---OF COURSE Im caring for ISabel all by myself) and all things important so you can concentrate of your baby! What a wonderful place-and Debbie Reale you were right--we love her!!

Old friends: The cars here are CLASSICS!
FANA friends:What's with the 31 year old green DART!!
Mom:Of course I am using my seatbelt!

Explanation: We have met so many of the people that we have only heard about before--truly urban legends until now--starting off with Jorge Rico who picked us up at the airport! Isnt he hysterical-- "RICO SUAVE"! First let me explain to the old friends: When you get off the plane in Bogota-you have to wait in incredibly long lines at immigration then on to get your luggage and then you walk out of the front doors of the airport into a crowd of people-hundreds of them-all just jammed together with signs with names of them--we found our name being held up by a man who was jumping up and down frantically-we then had to walk through this crowd which ends up being on both sides of you until you meet up with your driver--it was everything I imagine walking down the red carpet at the OSCRAS would be!! Anyways---and then we meet Jorge Rico! Our driver for this evening! THEN he brings up the DART!WOW! THAT IS GREEN! Anyway--what a great ride from the airport to the residence--so full of info and promise to return to take us on some day trips! LOVED HIM!

Old Friends: A can of beer costs about .30 cents!
FANA friends: Why didnt you tell us a can of beer only costs about .30 cents!
Mom: Beer-what beer??!! Of COURSE Im caring for Isabel!

There is a brand of beer here that is so inexpensive and Ron swears it is Budweiser---he is happy but not indulging so much as he is a new father and should be a better role model to his daughter---yeah, that should wear off soon!!

There are more things to write but after spending ALL of last night just watching Isabel breath up and down--we need to try to squeeze in 20 minutes of shut eye or so...so forgive us tonight--I promise more tomorrow!! I can honestly tell you, my old friends, FANA friends, and Mom-this is an experience we will never forget and each of you is a part of this with us! Thank you all for the lessons each of you has taught us to bring us to this moment in our lives--it really is like a dream-and we pray that noone pinches us any time soon!!

XXOO-the Covellis

P.S.-Love all the guestbook entries---they make us laugh every day! We SO look forward to reading them!! Thank you.

P.S.S.-Sorry again that I am missing Spanish camp this year--it was so much fun last year and I was really looking forward to it again. Hope someone is pouring the Sangria--oops I mean "punch" for the kids and they are not chugging it out of the bottle! HOLA to all at Spanish camp!! See you next year!

Monday, August 2, 2004 3:15 PM CDT

Wow---it was about 1130am today August 2, 2004 when our Colombian friend Alonso placed our baby girl in our arms. The wave of emotion, I'm talking an actual WAVE of emotion that flows over your entire body is astounding. There is this little tiny person, this little tiny helpless human being, just staring at you with these eyes of promise and hope. Our Isabel just stared at Ron and I the entire time. Even when Uncle Alonso tried to distract her she would not waiver. She was as glued to us as we were to her. Truly a miracle for new parents. That stare. The stare that asks: who are you, will you take care of me, will you love me, will you need me...and of course--when will you change my diaper!!!

My duties as a Mom have just begun--I must go now and sterilize some bottles.

Thursday, July 29, 2004 5:40 PM CDT

Okay people---it begins:

We will be updating this frequently starting right now! We are scheduled to travel to Bogota, Colombia on Sunday, August 1st!!! Needless to say we are a little nutso right now with all the packing--amazingly--Isabels clothes arent an issue---its all the other "things" that she needs that seem to be taking up lots of room--plus all the instruction booklets for all the things we bought to take with us, all of our stuff! Oh my! But the good news is that hopefully--if we can read at least one of these instruction booklets correctly-we will be putting up new pictures on a daily basis for you all to see what is going on!! Keep your fingers crossed--there are alot of buttons on these things!!

I have purchased my "What to expect the first year" book and a Colombia travel book. We have packed and repacked. We have made lists and lists.....and lists. And now we wait.

But so do you--so as soon as we are there--so to, will you be there.

Thanks for following along with us and thanks to all those who are helping us!

Sunday, July 18, 2004 7:03 PM CDT

On Saturday, July 17, 2004 at the FANA Gala Dinner at the Buffalo Convention Center at approximately 10pm we were presented with the referral of our beautiful baby daughter!

It was incredible! We had so many friends and family with us and praying for us, as they have been for many years-and for them to be with us at this time, was just unbelieveable. We have spent the day today at the picnic re-living the experience with our new-found family and friends in FANA. It is so emotional for us to be with all of you and to share this story with so many of you.

We had the wool pulled over our eyes by so many of you, namely: Jerri Wegner for giving us the camera as a ploy, Eric and Patty Jones-our buddy couple for lying so convincingly (we will get you), our new Colombian friends-Beatrice and Alonso and Santiago and Olga, the Presidents and Vice Presidents for Amigos de FANA in Colombia, for totally making Ron think you had no clue ("so how many FANA children do you have?"), the Suraces and Dietrichs, the co-chairs of the event, for keeping a secret (and avoiding us so well),Eric and Annie for hiding the picture from us, and all the rest of you - you know who you are----VERY GOOD JOB!!! It worked!! We were fooled and obviously shocked!!

Thanks to all of you who worked hard to make this a memorable evening--we remember Santiago speaking about a child they had for Mr and Mrs Ronald and.....and that was it----it was all screams and cries and Ron and I were in the middle of a massive celebration!!!! WOW! We couldnt even find each other never mind daylight! We had t-shirts with our daughter's picture on them thrown over us and I got to look at our daughter for the first time---WOW---what a beauty-I started shaking with the realization that this was it-- we had started our family. What an overwhelming moment.

So as these moments continue--we would like to share them with you and for you to share your thoughts with us and with Isabel. Please sign our guestbook OFTEN as we feel this will be a great keepsake for her when she is older. We will update you when we will travel to Bogota and every day and night that we are there. We thank you all for for support and kindness and hope you will feel free to express yourself in our guestbook.

Thank you again:

Ron , Paula and Isabel Covelli

(Doesnt that look amazing??!!!!)

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