Guatemala

So I have discoverd that I really like Guatemala- the weather stays between 65-80 degrees and the town we are staying in, Antigua is really beautiful. We are surrounded by volcanoes and hills. Some of the Volcanoes are active and on really clear days, you can see smoke coming out the top of them. Antigua itself is a perfect mix between old world and modern conveniences. There is a McDonald's, but it is really fancy! There is a big courtyard with a fountain and benches and then you look over and see the big plastic Ronald hanging out on one of the benches!! Many ladies here still dress in traditional garb- colorful skirts, wrap shirts, and they carry big baskets or bundles on top of their heads. Just when you are thinking that it looks like you would imagine, a cell phone starts ringing and they reach into their basket to answer it! :) The people you meet on the streets are very friendly, and I am constantly saying Buenas tartes! (Good day) We walk everywhere- today we walked to the bakery to buy bread, then to the cookie store for some treats, then our last stop was the Bodegonia (like a small grocery store), where we bought a few essentials. About halfway through the Bodegonia, I started to feel very sick to my stomach so we got a Tuk-Tuk to take us back to the apartment. A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle that is a cross between a motorcycle and a golf cart. Anyway, it is a very bumpy, very loud ride, and by the time we got to the apartment, I felt so sick that we hurried to pay the driver and get out. As soon as we did, however, we realized we had left all of our purchases in the Tuk-Tuk! So it looks like we will be going back tomorrow.
My spanish is getting a little bit better- I can ask someone how they are- I can order my meals, I can say hello- but I am going to look into a one week spanish course that one of the schools teach here- I just feel so inept! :)
Lucas is adorable and I love him so much! I love playing with him and holding him while he sleeps. His smiles light up the room. :)
I hope to hear from you all soon!
Love, janie

Hi everyone!!
Well, I arrived at the apartment at 10 or so last night. Mark met me at the airport so I wouldn’t be alone, and our driver, Ceszar was very nice. J I was so excited to see Heather and meet Lucas I almost forgot to pay the driver!! Lucas was asleep when I got here and I was so excited and overjoyed Valerie had to remind me to take my backpack off! I thought that I already was head over heels in love with him through pictures and what others had said, but that doesn’t compare to the overwhelming love and joy I felt the first time Heather set him in my arms. I only held him for a few moments, as his mama wanted him to get a good night’s sleep. This morning at around 6:30 I got to have the first day shift with him! I know everyone talks about their “firsts” with Luke, but I feel I must share my firsts with him!! I got to feed him breakfast, and he helped me prepare mine. He wanted to help me eat it also, but I didn’t think that peanut butter and 4 month olds got along. I changed his diapey for the first time where Lucas discovered that if he wraps his fingers through my hair and pulls he can attempt to do a pull up!! We had our first play time together (many more attempts at pull ups) and I held him for his first nap with Tia Janie. Of course I had to dress him in a really cute outfit that I had bought him- he is a very dashing fellow!! All in all, it has been a great time so far!!
Love you all- janie