The 30 days of November have come and gone since the girls walked into our lives forever. Of course, their new citizenship of this great land affords them many and overwhelming opportunities. Time has been spent getting to know each other more, learning the language, and helping them understand what is like to have parents. All in all, things have gone quite smoothly.
They were enrolled in school 5 days after they arrived. To which they have received a hero's welcome and made many friends. Julia has been playing basketball in the local girls league and once she realized it was against the rules to touch anyone she has done very well. She also has learned to ride a bike and loves to ride around the neighborhood. Swimming is our next adventure as neither Julia nor Olivia can. Piano lessons will follow but that hasn't stopped them from teaching themselves in the meantime.
They were enrolled in school 5 days after they arrived. To which they have received a hero's welcome and made many friends. Julia has been playing basketball in the local girls league and once she realized it was against the rules to touch anyone she has done very well. She also has learned to ride a bike and loves to ride around the neighborhood. Swimming is our next adventure as neither Julia nor Olivia can. Piano lessons will follow but that hasn't stopped them from teaching themselves in the meantime.
The girls have really enjoyed the chance to go out to a restaurant now and then. Julia showed her gratitude by licking the spoon of the fruit topping bowl at the local Chuck-O-Rama and kindly leaving for someone else to use. On a sad not however, the did not enjoy having their hair cut as each had their own plans that were not realized. They are very excited for Christmas but it took awhile to help them understand it wasn't the day after Thanksgiving. But the major highlight has been the public access to fruit. They are convinced it is really all they need. On the flip side, it has been refreshing to see some get excited at the prospect of fruit for dessert.
We've been reading about attachment and trying to look for signs of concern. They seem to be doing very well attaching to us physically and emotionally. Our biggest challenge has been having them let go of the fact that they don't fulfill the parental role themselves. That is okay for them to let their guard down and have an adult oversee their lives for a time. This real life "power struggle" has brought some tears and frustrations. But over time and with a measure of consistency, I have also seen a sense of freedom and relief pour over them. Kids are really good and being kids and when they realized it was safe to be a kid again it has come very naturally to them. Not to mention very rewarding as a parent to witness. They are beautiful, talented, sensitive children and I feel blessed to have them in our midst.
guy
10 comments:
What a beautiful family!! I am so glad to hear that you are all doing so well. I will be adopting a six year old in the early months of 2008 and am relieved to hear that all is going well and that there have only been minor and understandable issues. Your family is very lucky and blessed. I hope that you have a fantastic 2008 and would wish for you great presents from Santa for Christmas but see that you got yours early.
That is one good lookin' family! Keep the blogs coming, they're great (like you have SO MUCH time with five kids now!)
I hope to meet you all next time I'm in Utah~
Shannon
What beautiful pictures! The kids are all gorgeous.
Thank you so much for posting an update. Your blog has been one of my absolute favorites.
Your family always puts a smile to my face. I love the new pictures too. The blog messages give us so much to think about and so much to be grateful for.
Megan and Ben
The update is appreciated and timely - I was anxious to learn more.
The pictures of the beautiful family was a true "kodak moment" that I pray will be more common than rare. All our love,
Poppie and Lottie
We loved the pictures and we love your family! We were touched by how much Julia loved holding and playing with Kate. We're so glad to hear that things are going well and look forward to seeing you all around New Year's.
The power struggles are understandable and we are experiencing them too sometimes with our recently adopted 8 year old from Kyrgyzstan. He is now home a little over 6 months and those are dying down with reminders asking him "Who is the mommy? Who is the daddy? You don't need to do that job, that is our job...that is how a family works." The first 3 months were very tough with that issue though. Hang in there, repetition works!
Cindy
You All look wonderful, and sound as though your life is truely blessed! Thanks for the update, as I have really enjoyed your blog. Let us know how Christmas went, and have a Happy New Year!
Kaz Grandmama/Joyce
Hey there,
Just checked in because I was wondering how the family was doing. My brother is SO HAPPY with the skiing this year so you guys are probably busy enjoying the snow too. Last year I visited at Christmas and it was dry and brown. I picked the wrong year!
Hoping all is wonderful in 2008!
Shannon
Hi Guy,
What a lovely family. I don't know if you remember me, but I am your cousin. Your mom's twin brother's daughter. My mom gave your blog site. It is really neat.
Dusti
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