Out of all four children, you are the one that is the most obedient and the most amiable. I know that some of that comes from your fear of being rejected by me and daddy, but also it is just in your nature. You are unable to stay mad very long, and you are always sorry. Ezzy, you are the first one to “get it.” When one of the other children tests our parental boundaries, you give them a mouthful. You tell them to listen to mommy and daddy or they won’t get to go the park or watch tv or watch a dvd. It is so rewarding to watch you these past 10 days as you grow into the role of nurturer and example. Actually, right at this moment, you are telling me all about Daniel picking on you while the two of you do your homework. I can’t see you, but I know exactly what you are saying. I say, “come show mommy” and you come right over and show me the problem. You are very intuitive.
I am so glad that you have warmed up to me the last four or five days. Although you don’t trust mommies very quickly–which I completely understand–you are giving me a chance, and I think that is very very brave. Since your biggest fear in this adoption is rejection, I respect your willingness to trust me. Here are some fun facts about you:
1. You are daddy’s girl through and through. And when I tell daddy that, he beams from ear to ear. He adores you! You always want to ride on his shoulders and hold his hand. And since you are our most obedient child–he thinks that you are the coolest thing ever.
2. You are our little tomboy, which also makes you daddy’s favorite. Princess Daniela and you cannot be further apart in personalities and differences. Monkey bars and getting dirty are right up your alley. There is no fear in you when it comes to playing, and you would rather wear pants any day.
3. Your handwriting ability is far beyond that of a seven year old. It is absolutely beautiful.
4. You love Power Rangers just as much as Daniel.
5. It only took you about five days for you to say, “I love you” in English unsolicited. You tell everyone “love you” over Skype now. And although you aren’t as young as Daniela you try very hard to repeat the English words I tell you.
6. You love school.
7. You absolutely hate ketchup and cheese (are you sure you’re not my biological child?).
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Ezzy is such a good girl. She really has warmed up to me. I love it. She grabs for my hand now, and she comes up and snuggles with me. Ezzy is such a happy child. She is definitely our easiest. And she is our little klutz. I think she has 20 bumps and bruises right now from playing and falling. She’s the awkward duckling that will be gorgeous in about 8 years. As soon as she learns that we’re calling her clumsy all the time, we’ll have to come up with a code word. :)
This is a one minute clip from our 2nd conference with the kids. The sound is horrible, but you can see them. After the first few seconds, they are singing a traditional schoolchildren’s song. They’re having a great time! We have a great time watching it over and over! We have one more video call on Monday of next week and then off we go! Watch and enjoy.
I have been thinking about you a lot this week. I hope your broken arm is mending nicely. I can’t wait to hear the story of how you broke it. And I am very sorry that I was not there to kiss it better and hold your hand at the hospital. Mamis are not supposed to miss those events. I’m sure the doctor took good care of you though. By the way, aren’t little boys supposed to be the ones breaking limbs at your age? I guess that shows how tough you are! :) That’s my kind of girl.
Also, Senor Raul says that you love school and that you are an excellent student. I hope you are still minding your teachers and taking advantage of their knowledge. Maybe you can read me a story when I get to Bogota. Papi and I love learning and exploring. I wonder what your favorite subjects are. I secretly hope they are reading and history–those are my favorites. But if they are science and math, Papi will be very proud.
I can’t wait to be your teacher. I can’t wait to explore the earth, in all its magnificence, with you. I can’t wait to read Chronicles of Narnia and The Secret Garden to you. I can’t wait to watch you excel in learning new languages. There is so much to be done and so much to enjoy. Our time together is coming quickly.
Oh yeah, I went shopping today with Tia Jaimee. We went to Old Navy and bought you and your sister two new outfits and two new dresses. The only thing that would have made it more fun is if you and Daniela were with us. I hope you like what we picked out. More than that–I hope the outfits fit.
Ezzy–you are loved. Maybe when you gaze at the twinkling stars or when you feel a soft raindrop kiss your cheek, you feel it somehow. I hope that when you look at our picture you see it. I know how difficult it is to trust someone completely. Why should you believe that these two strangers from the USA are really coming for you? Why should you trust that what everyone is telling you is true? You have been lied to and hurt by adults. I do not blame you one bit if you do not love me, yet, because it is too painful. I am really scared too. Until this week, I was deathly afraid that someone was going to call and say, “just kidding, the Rodriguez children are no longer yours.” But now, I know for sure that I am coming to pick you up. And nothing will stand in my way of loving you. I have never met you, Esmeralda, but I love you as my own–completely. I know that someday very soon you will be able to wink back at the stars and smile at the rain.
