A simple life

It's amazing how quickly one can become accustomed to a new routine. The tias at the orphanage run their houses with efficiency, organization and lots of love, so the atmosphere in the homes is tranquil and pleasant. (Not at all what you'd expect in a house with 13 children!) So we have tried to continue the simple routine that Jairo is used to, and it's working very well. We have settled into a good rhythm, and thus our days are peaceful, efficient and happy (with the occasional hiccup, of course!). Yesterday was a good example of our normal routine:

6am wake up: We rub Jairo's back for a few minutes, exchange the few morning phrases we know -- Dormiste bien? Estas cansado? (Did you sleep well? Are you tired?) -- then carry him out to the kitchen.

6:10 breakfast: He's a good breakfast eater -- Special K w/ yogurt, toast with jam, or hard boiled eggs, and some kind of juice (pear, peach, orange, apple).

6:20 get dressed, brush teeth: See previous posting of uniform rotation.

6:30 school drop off: Walk up the hill to catch Tio Oscar's shuttle, always with Eric carrying Jairo.

6:30 - 1:30: While Jairo is in school, Eric and I have Spanish classes -- me with Jaime, and Eric with Paulina. Both are excellent tutors, and we are fortunate that they can come to our house. Class is usually for two hours. After class, we spend the rest of our free time studying, shopping, doing laundry, cooking, reading, and/or resting.

1:45 pick up: Meet Jairo at the top of the hill where Tio Oscar drops him and all the other kids off.

2ish lunch: First course soup, then some combination of rice, vegetables, eggs, and/or dinner leftovers. Fruit for dessert.

3ish homework: Jairo usually has math and language homework. He's currently practicing his numbers up to 70, and is also doing basic addition. In language, he's practicing writing -- yesterday he had to come up with a list of words beginning with "f."



4ish playtime: Usually outside with Suki, or riding his bike, or anything that involves running, laughing and dirt. If the weather is bad, he'll play games inside. Yesterday he learned how to play Dominoes, though he preferred his new rules, which involved putting as many dominoes as possible under his hat. He seemed to think this made him a bull, and he called himself Toro Toro.



5pm instruction: Mon, Tues & Thurs is English class with Amy (an American gal who is currently teaching down here in Quito). She is great with the kids -- she teaches them songs (Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes is his favorite), as well as the basics -- colors, numbers, body parts, etc. She also gives out stickers, which makes her a superstar in the kids' eyes.



This Friday Jairo will have his first piano instruction with Josue, a friend of Amy's. Jairo is fascinated with the piano, and has learned to play Mary Had a Little Lamb, so we figured we'd give him the opportunity to learn the real thing. We're curious to see how it goes.

6pm playtime: Usually inside -- piano, arts & crafts, games, etc. Yesterday he did his first artwork, and we were touched that each piece he made was for us, labeled with our names -- Mami & Papi. We were especially moved by the notes he wrote for us: Papi/Mami, Te amo mucho, para siempre, todo el dia. (Papi/Mami, I love you very much, forever, all day.) We are hooked.







7ish dinner: We started trying to make the foods he ate at the orphanage, thinking that would be best for him, but we haven't been very successful (see next posting re: rice). So slowly we're integrating some of the American classics -- hot dogs, tacos, stir fry (well, I guess they're not technically American, but they're definitely not Ecuadorian). So far, he seems to love the new food, so we're going to keep experimenting.

7:45ish shower & read: He is fastidious about bathing -- more so than we are -- so we are happy to encourage this good habit. He takes a quick shower, then changes into his "feety" pajamas. (Side note: to all who thought I was crazy for wanting to make a six year old boy wear feety pjs, he actually loves them -- all the kids at the orphanage wear them, and they couldn't be more adorable!). We read a book in bed each evening by the light of his flashlight, which he keeps at his bedside. We're currently reading the story of Hercules, which is somewhat complex, and in Spanish, so it's good practice for us (though not sure if Jairo can understand much of what we're saying!)

8pm bedtime: He's great about going to sleep, and is always ready by 8pm. Last night our neighbor, Judd, stopped by just before bedtime, so we sat on the couch to chat, and Jairo fell asleep in my arms.

The simplest of days are often the best.