Here comes Santa Claus

It seems as though the US embassy is playing Santa this year and I swear up and down I have been a good little girl! All I want for Christmas are my two visas! I have been running around like crazy getting all the paper work in order so that Claudio can get his visa that will qualify him to come home with me, and Juan can get his citizenship and US passport. Tomorrow is the big day so keep your fingers crossed.
In the meantime, I couldn't resist, Juan's passport photo is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen in my entire 29 years on this planet. The count down begins!!! Only 20 more days until we step on familiar soil!

9 months oh my!

Juan turned 9 months yesterday! I can't for the life of me remember which culture it is that believes a child is finally born at 9 months. 9 months in and 9 months out. They are now ready to meet the world as individuals, as tiny, yet more independent beings and their identities begin to take form.
While Juan is completely still dependent upon me for nearly everything, I have noticed a big change in him in the past month. Not only because he is now crawling and pulling himself up to a standing position, but also because he loves to play alone. He will sit on the ground for hours, looking at papers, leaves, and trash, as thought it were the most fascinating thing on the face of the earth...He has decided to raid the cat bowl daily, stealing her food only to gag and choke on tiny hard pieces of fish flavored Whiskas cat food, and he is developing the cutest little personality, full of giggles and smiles, and yes, a bit of manipulative mannerisms. And, taking after Claudio in this respect, he is surprisingly obedient. He already understands the word "No" and doesn't push the envelope too much like his ole mommy probably did.
Besides these novelties, we are just running like crazy now, trying to get everything organized for our journey to the states in December. I can hardly wait. I am counting down the days.