Switzerland and Germany

We met up with Andres (JC's friend from Colombia) on the border of Switzerland and we toured around his new country. Liam had his first taste of chocolate (this is in the picture) and we visited Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, and of course, Basel. We also touched on the massive wintry Alps. WE then rented a LITTLE car and drove into Germany and explored the home of Hansel & Gretel, The Black Forest.

CLick or paste the following link to see our fotos :-)

http://picasaweb.google.com/liamospina/SwitzerlandGermany

PARIS PARIS!

Bon Jour! We did Paris! Via foot and metro we visited all the important sights, monuments, and museums. We loved Paris! Liam napped, nursed, and had his cute little diaper changed all over the city. He is a great little traveler. Plaase click on the blank square to see our Paris album.

France

We had a great time in France! We visited with Phillip in Avignon and toured around the south of France with him. He also showed us around his home city of Lyon, which is a very cool city! We then took the train to Belfort to see Vicky, Andres, Sofia, and Monica. They showed us around Belfort and cities north. Liam had a great time getting to know his cousin, Sofia. It was very cold! Liam was happy to bundle up in Sofia's Stoller. When Monica flew back to Spain we went into Switzerland and met the othe Andres. :-) CLICK on the blank square to view the France photo album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/liamospina/FRANCE2007

colombia

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/shannonellen2005/album/576460762385586074#page1

ROME!

This our trip to Rome from France. We only had 4 days to see 1000s of years of world history!

Liam 4 Months

Hi everyone!
Here is a little update on our sweet Liams 4th month of being on the outside :-)
I cant belive how fast he is growing and changing. He is so strong and alert to everything around him. He watches strangers when we are out like they mystical beings. He'll smile and laugh with anyone interested in giving him a little show. He really has a beautiful personality. He doest cry unless there is something wrong. And so far we're not strugging to figure ourt how we can help.
He has very strong legs and can hold himself up with ease. He's not rolling yet, though he does get his cute little bum in the air like he was about to crawl away. He is loving his toys now. Everything goes in his mouth, sometimes both hands! He is a big talker too. I havent the translation for what he is saying, but it sure must be amzing stuff because he'll go on razzing and make all sorts of sounds for a long time. He loves is Baby Tad and anything that lights and blinks. We are all going to Europe in a couple days for the remainder of the month. We're hoping he can pick up some French while we are there and maybe a little Italian. Our little boy is going to be a world traveler before he's one!

We'll send pictures when we returm.

Liam 3 Months

HI Everyone,
Here he is at 3 months! !
Time is going so quickly! Everyday is something new with Liam. just the other day he started arching his back when he wants to be picked up. He is all full of words and slobbery babble. I actually think he likes the sensation of dribble and bubbles:) He can sit up on his own with pillows and hold his dignity. AND he really seems to love sitting up in the stroller and watching things pass as we stroll along. He is finished with the sky view only !
He is still very social when strangers talk with him, laughing and smiling. He seems to love to watch people move about the room. One thing we have noticed is his LOVE for the TV or computer screen. In any position in my arms, his bouncy chair, or on the blanket he will crank his head around to see whats happening on the screen. he can be having a crazy fit and if he catches the TV lights he will pause, just long enough for me to notice and turn it off. We have just discovered Baby Tad. he/she in a big frog that blinks and sings. Liam seems to love it. I hope this will be as powerful as the TV. He does seem to enjoy books too. Ive been reading The Big Red Barn. it has lots of colors and animal sounds. Its amazing, he will watch the pages as I read as though he were following along... HE'S A GENIUS! I have also been reading my text material for my class, which has no pictures. He is learning about theories of adult development and learning. At this rate he'll have his masters before he's two, though Im not sure if he'll be able to distinguish it from The Big Red Barn!

I hope you are all doing well. We'd love to hear from you.

Love, Shannon, Juan Carlos, & Liam

Liam 2 Months

HI all,
We just returned from an amazing holiday trip to Colombia. Liam and I met layers of our Colombian family and friends and we traveled around the beautiful mountainous land. Liam is turning out to be quite an agreeable little traveler. He was wide eyed taking in his new world or sleeping soundly as we moved along.
He is grasping things and laughing and smiling. Its amazing how quickly he is growing. When we left he wasn't interested in his swing or hanging objects. NOW, he is reaching out for the birds on his swing and his eyes fix on the lights and moving objects. Hes way into the 3-6 month clothing. It seems he has doubled in size in the past 2 weeks!

Happy New Year! We hope you all doing well and are starting the new year with happiness.

Love, Shannon, Juan Carlos, and Liam

Liam 1 month

Happy One Month to Liam!!
He is growing so so fast! He is already into his 3 month clothes! He is also really strong, especially when he is having an experience of frustration. Those legs of his are tough! When he's playing he is able to lay on his belly lift his head and turn side to side. He follows us with his eyes and smiles. Every day is so different. I am realizing how fast this little boy will grow up and out of our arms before we know it.

I hope you are all doing well and getting into a nice Holiday pace. Enjoy :-)

Liam 5 months

Liam is five months old today! This past month we spent the majority of our days in Europe. Liam proved to be a little traveler of the greatest quality. He has napped, eaten, and been naked in historic churches, museums, and beautiful European landscapes across France, Switzerland, the BlackForest of Germany and Rome.
He is changing every day. He is very comfortable sitting up on his own and reaching for his surroundings toys. He likes to have them all on his lap. Each toy seems to have an entertainment value of about 30 seconds if there is a new toy in reach. Everything goes into his mouth, including our faces! He especially loves his toes. Unfortunately he is a little too chubby to get a good mouth full with the diaper on, but once he is naked in go the toes! He also has very strong legs. He really likes to stand while holding our fingers. There are so many changes and they are happening so fast! We are both really loving every moment with Liam. He's a perfect baby! (do all parents say this?)

As Liam grows and spring arrives we are also adding things to our busy lives. I am taking a class at night towards my masters and have begun to substitute two days a week. Liam started to go to a baby sitter just this week for the two days. He doesnt seem to mind. :-) So far we are real happy with her. Her philosophy with children is much the same as ours and she has a lot of great energy.

So much happens in one month!

Liam NOVEMBER 5th 2006

We have just surfaced and are leaving the hospital today. Its Tuesday. We went in for an induction on Thursday. .....After many hours of inconceivable pain, gallons of pain killers, and 3 hours of pushing our little perfect Liam Sebastian Ospina was born 4:15 am Sunday via C Section. @ 9 lb 10 oz he had out grown his safe little home and couldnt use the normal exit. He is healthy and strong! Perfection takes a lot f work I guess :-)

Here are a couple pictures of our little beauty..