We
are beginning our transition and adjusting/bonding phase. Yesterday
had lots of frustrating moments. Any time the kids get into a new
environment (where they are safe and comfortable, like our
apartment), they want to run and explore. The youngest one loves to
get any kind of attention (positive or negative), so she will take
things she knows are not hers and run with it just so we will chase
her; she will also put anything in her mouth (to swallow OR
spit---these items include, but are not limited to Play-Doh,
stickers, things off the floor, etc.). We are pretty sure most of
this is an act and will heal with time. They all three can be very
loving; the older two are easily engaged in whatever activities we
want them to participate in.
Yesterday
we went to a park (5 minute walk from our apartment) and played there
for about an hour. Adam (translator) ordered us a pizza and we ate it
at the apartment. Those were great times of bonding; it is down time
in the apartment that makes people antsy.
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So
last night after much prayer, we decided to utilize a different
defensive strategy---the ole zone box with one chaser (basketball).
So one of us stays with the older two while the other follows the
youngest around and makes sure she does not hurt herself (or adjust
the stove, the heater, the water, or the overly-accessible controls
to the gas hot water heater).
Today
was better. We (with Adam) picked them up and went to an indoor
play-place today (tunnels, slides, balls, etc.) and had a great time.
All three kids were well-behaved, and didn't even resist when it was
time to go. We had lunch at McDonald's (yep), and they were great
there too. They ate their food and stayed seated in the booth, and
even got to play in the play place afterwards.
Riding
for any distance is frustrating to the little one because she has to
use a booster seat (plus she is not used to riding much). And she
just doesn't like sitting still. But the more she does it, the better
it will get.
Adam
took our training wheels off a little today when he left us at the
apartment with the kids for two hours (I know, parents, two hours
doesn't sound like much.....unless they don't speak English!). It was
pretty good for the most part, better than yesterday.
Putting
our zone/chaser defense to action, nobody died.
Gareth
carried little sister on his shoulders up and down the stairs for
close to an hour while singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” She has the
first verse down (the noises anyway). But hey, whatever works. The
older two played with Play-Doh, colored, and watched cartoons. It was
raining today, so we couldn't go for a walk or to the park—maybe
tomorrow. Within 30 minutes of being at the apartment, little sister
found an old bath tub in the back yard filled with stagnant water,
mud and leaves. While Gareth was walking toward her, yep, she jumped
in.
She
had no pants for the rest of the day.
But
today WAS better. All three kids have begun to say “anya” and
“apa” (mom and dad) to us, which is really special. The boy has
also learned “thank you,” “you're welcome,” “mom,” “dad,”
and “Mississippi.” Sometimes dad is “dag” and Mississippi is
“Mish-uh-ship-pi,” but hey, we're learning.
We
hope tomorrow will be even better!
Tomorrow
we will spend most of the day at the apartment. We hope it will be
sunny so we can go for a walk and go back to the park.
We
praise God for a better day today and for what He will continue to do
in our family. Our prayer requests right now are continued bonding
and trust (especially with little sister), their moving in with us
next weekend, and their detachment from their foster parents (that
will be really hard and confusing for them).
Thanks
for your prayers and concern!
