All about Diego

I realized that I tell a lot about our adventures and travels, but not much about Diego.  Let me tell you about what I know of Diego's past.  Diego was born on February 14, Valentine's day.  He was born very premature at 24 weeks gestation.  He was very sick and spent 7 months in the NICU.  His mother was a young, unmarried teenager and she knew she couldn't take care of him.  Diego was diagnosed with Achondroplasia along with several other health issues.   Diego was entered into the child welfare system and was placed in a foster home when he was about 7 months old. He was in foster care for nearly a year, but because he was so small, his foster mother didn't do much with him.  She mostly left him in his crib all day.  He was moved to an institution for very sick, very handicapped children.  He was in a group of about 12 children, one of which was Maria Jose (Majo).  He and Majo have a funny relationship, they are almost like siblings.  They like to antagonize each other, a lot.  Diego received many therapies at the institute, like speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.  Colombia has a wonderful child welfare program, they truly care for their children.  Diego was treated very well and was going to school every day.  He had a special relationship with his physical therapist.  She really took to him and helped him learn to walk.  She was thrilled that Diego has a family, but also sad to lose him.  She washed and dressed him before he was brought to us.  I am so grateful that he has been well taken care of and loved.  Now, back to Diego.  Diego is a very smart, very busy three year old.  He is tiny and we still aren't sure if he really does have Achondroplasia, or possibly another form of dwarfism.  Diego has the most beautiful eyes and a sweet smile.  He is about the size of a two year old, maybe even smaller.  He wears 12-18 size clothes.  He's a skinny little string bean.  Every morning he loves to climb in bed with Ben and I and snuggle.  He loves to be tickled and he loves to be sung to.  He is constantly moving and loves to make noise.  His favorite thing to do is throw his toys so that they make noise when they hit the floor.  He loves to be active and play outside.  Diego loves to be in control.  He is very stubborn and if he doesn't get his way, watch out, he will throw a really big tantrum.  One of his favorite things to do is open and close doors and turn the lights off and on.  Thankfully he can't reach the doorknobs, or light switches yet.  Diego is very loving and he loves to be snuggled and have his back rubbed.  When we ride in a car, he likes to snuggle up to me and hold my hand.  When Majo starts to yell in the morning, Diego yells back at her.  He gets really excited when he can hear her.  Diego seems to be settling in with us.  He has calmed down a lot and hasn't had as many tantrums lately, except for today.  He seems to understand that Ben and I are his mommy and daddy now.  He likes to see everyone on Skype as well.  Today has been a little bit hard, but I think it's just because yesterday was too busy and he is tired.  I know we will have more hard days ahead of us, but I also know that Diego is meant to be part of our family.  We will take the good with the bad just like we do with our other children. I'm sure that as the language gap shrinks, Diego will be able to settle down more and not get so frustrated.