One Week Home!

Wow.  One week.  Seems like it has gone quickly, but also not.  There have been 100s of firsts this week.  Even though I have been preparing for over two years, you can't really prepare or know what it's gonna be like til you have that 3 year old with you 24/7!

I could write a book about the first week.  When we got home from the airport I just had to give him a bath right away!  I didn't know how he would react.  He had never been in warm water before.  He LOVED it!  He laid all the way down in the water and loves putting his face right into the bubbles giving his eyelashes and chin extra "hair."  The language barrier makes things tricky so as far as how to keep water in the tub, when he gets to splashing, I pull the plug and then he stops :-)

I was nervous about how he would react to the cats.  Now I am more nervous for the cats!  He LOVES the cats!  I did not learn much Creole at all before bringing home and have learned phrases as I need to. So my main phrases to him in Creole are "be nice," "gentle," and "don't throw that!" LOL.  On top of the kitchen cupboards are all of the things he has thrown.  I have to decide how he will earn them back :-)   He doesn't seem to care too much that they're up there. 

The car ride home from the airport was fine.  The next time I put him in the car seat was NOT fine.  We ended up sitting in the back seat together for awhile....then into the car seat and me into the front....everything is a process.  We have gone on a little ride each day and after that first day he was been totally fine with the car.

We also go on a walk each day.  The first day he was not liking the coat, hat or mittens, but now he puts them on with no problem.  Today it snowed while on our walk!

Every single thing has become a routine.  He falls asleep SO quickly and stays asleep basically all night.  For the first 5 days I had a twin bed right next to his toddler bed and each time he moved or whimpered in the night I rubbed his back.  Five days later may be too soon, but I did it and it has been great....while he was in the room, I changed the room around.  Now my twin bed is on one wall and his toddler bed is on the other.  Sometime in the middle of the night he comes and climbs in with me.  I hold him for 20 minutes or so and then put him back in his bed.  Then like clockwork at about 6:15 he is standing over me ready to be up and I can usually get him to lay down with me for 30 minutes or so before we actually get up!

I love rocking him.  I almost just want to hold him the whole nap or night but I also want to help him to feel secure with sleeping in his bed, knowing I will be right there if he needs me.  I have done so much reading and preparing.  Everyone has their own ways and opinions on these topics, but so far it is working really well for us.

Breakfast is tricky.  He liked Cracklin' Oatbran for about 2 days.  He has frowned on oatmeal, eggs, sausage, Cheerios and toast.  He really liked yogurt for about 2 days too but that has ended.  He will eat a little bit but the first day he ate 3 tubes!  Maybe he overdosed :-P

It has been a really cold and drizzly time since coming home so enjoying the outdoors has not been on the list like I hoped it would be.  We read books, color, chase the cats and hear mommy says "Gentle" over and over again, swing in the basement, dump any and everything out and the sing "Clean up, Clean up" (he seemed to already know this song!)  He loves to snuggle.  He usually very willingly gives me hugs and kisses and then sometimes withholds them, making it clear he is mad at me.  I wish I could know his thoughts.  I pray over him constantly. 

My mom stayed with us the first 6 nights and it was fun for him to get to know her a bit and I greatly appreciated all of the help with laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc...etc!  My dad came by today and mowed for us.  I had hoped Mackenley would mow along side him with his little mower but he was scared of the real mower.  

Every day I sit and look at this little wonder that God has entrusted to me.  Sometimes I cannot believe he is actually here!  Other times I second guess EVERYTHING!  Mostly I just am cherishing this time I have to fully pour into him and get to know him!  I love hearing him call me Mommy.  I guess as I finish I can document the English used to date by him:  Mommy, baby, all done, I love you, clean up, bye, hello....I think this is all....he understands far more than he is speaking. I can't wait to watch him grow with his language.  This last picture was of a priceless moment....I gave him a piece of ice cream cake...I am assuming it was his first taste of ice cream although who knows.....with the first lick he looked at me like, "Why have you kept this from me!?!?"  :-)

Thank you for continuing to pray for us!  I will update as I can!