Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 5:13 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Louie~

 I just had to write to you to let you know that the Oliver family has gotten bigger. That's right: Miracle and Marisol have arrived; we just picked them up on Friday, and we are enjoying the new little girls so much! The kids have already fallen in love with them, and so have we!

Louie, you should see Miracle: she is so pretty, with her crinkly almond-shaped eyes of brown, straight, silken black hair, and round, cherubic face, and Marisol is so pretty with her short, brown hair, startled expression, and sparkling brown eyes that miss very little. They are absolutely gorgeous!

I am not used to dealing with disabilities as severe as Marisol's. What do you say to a child who is unable to talk back to you or do anything but lie there and blink? She can make sounds, but I have no clue as to how she is feeling or what she is thinking. I know you have two childen who are both mentally and physically disabled; maybe you can help me on this matter. How do I know when Marisol is hungry? Sick? Tired? Bored? In need of a change of diapers? I have no clue, and it is driving me bonkers already!!

I am glad that your company has arrived there, safe and sound. I bet you are having a ball with them! What have you done already? Have you done anything exciting? Please let me know how your Easter went! Ours went well, but we were busy trying to get the girls settled in their new home; for the first two days, all they did was cry, but they are starting to come around a little. I know it will take a while, but I am patient, and I know it won't be long before they fit into our family.

How is the weather there? Here it is sunny and HOT. I think summer got an early jump on the season already--and it is only April. Crazy weather! We have also had some of your severe weather; we lost our power for several hours after a brief tornado touchdown, and we lost some trees (plus a shed in the backyard), but thankfully, not much else. I hope the weather is nicer--not to mention, cooler--there!

Well, Marisol is crying again, so I have to tend to her. I will write more later; take care, and God bless!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your Georgia friend, Donna Sue Oliver (now the mama to 12 beautiful children!). :D