Thursday, December 6, 2007

30 Days Hath September...


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.

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