Pictures Accidentally Deleted

Very very sad....somehow...a few weeks ago, I accidentally deleted my google album.  There was NO warning.  Nothing that said, HEY, 2 years worth of journaling blog photos are about to disappear.  It's a bummer. 

I do not have the time to go and retrieve them all and re-enter.  I'm just thankful they are still on my computer or in hard copy form.

However, I know it's a bummer to find this blog and no pictures.  I hope that if you happen upon this space, you will at least find the journaling helpful. :)

Counting It All Joy!

If you would like to continue to follow our family's adventures, you will now find us here:

Counting It Joy

This blog will be linked on my new blog for anyone wanting to look back at our adoption journey. I hope to see you there.

Thanks for all of your support, encouraging comments and prayers along the way.

Language & Speech: Achievements & Frustrations

We are swiftly approaching the 2 month marker of Joshua being home!  Can you believe that??  I can't. 

Over the weeks, I have struggled with the language barrier.  It's not his fault.  It's just very frustrating for ME not to be able to understand my two year old's babble.  I remember that my eldest son didn't have perfect language skills when he was two, but because I had always been with him, I got him.  Does that make sense?  Joshua is by no means stupid and he says many things that I just wish I understood, as his mom.  I really, really struggle with that. 

I've also had to tell myself recently that his language skills aren't going to magically appear over night.  It will take time, and immersion. 

I've found that I'm having to slow down my speech with him.  When I talk at my normal speed, he may not get it, and if he mimics me, he mixes everything up.  Even when I slow it down, he still has a tendency to mix it all up.  One word phrases, he does well with, for the most part.  Sometimes he adds an extra blend or digraph to it at the end.  For example:  Shoe becomes shoesh.  Sometimes he just says the absolute wrong mixed up thing.  Like, for nose, he'll point to his nose and say "Behbes" and I just wonder if that is a language mix up of some sort.  He still uses some creole that we recognize, like "Doo doo" for gentle and others. 

For my encouragement, he understands most of what we request of him.  So his understanding is there.  He still gets confused though.  Sometimes it's even cute.  Like last night.  He had opened the dishwasher and I said, "Close it, please" and he closed his eyes because earlier we were practicing opening/closing his eyes. 

To get an idea of what phonetical sounds he's capable of, I went through each bath tub letter and made the sound, asking him to repeat.  I was encouraged!  Each phonetical sound that he successfully made I put on the tub.  He even mimicked the numbers which he doesn't do every day. 

Here's what he can't say, which is fairly typical at his age:

Now, the discouraging part is turning it into correctly pronounced words.  Like any kiddo, if he can pat you and point to what he wants, he will.  We encourage everyone that has anything to do with him to make him ask.  Even if it's all wrong or doesn't make sense, he needs the practice. 

Basically, what I've learned so far, is it won't come easy.  It's an extra responsibility in many ways.  It's work!  I'm also trying to get over my 'perfectionist' tendencies.  When I see a language article that says my 2 1/2 old should know 900 words, I just need to cool my jets and say, "Self, they are not talking about children that have just dumped their birth language and are now immersed in a new language."  You would think that would be a "DUH" statement, but as I look for articles on my circumstances and come up short, it is discouraging. 

No, I don't think he's in need of any intervention programs right now, but it would be nice to be more educated myself on how to encourage and do, and what to expect/not expect right now.  So, if you have any wonderful resources pertaining to language development in children with our particular circumstance, clue me in!

In the meantime, I did find this site that I've enjoyed browsing:

Mommy Speech Therapy

Lots of books, lots of talking.  I hope that a year from now, I can say we've made great progress. 

Update & Giveaway Link!

I always wondered why the posts got less and less when people would bring their kids home....I mean, how long does it take to update???  L. O. L.  I understand now.  Forgive me for ever thinking such a thought!!

I'm wanting to switch my blog soon.  I have to get it all set up, first.  I'd like to move into a family blog, with a link to our adoption blog.  I'll let you know when this occurs, if you're interested in following along. 

In the meantime,

Joshua had his 2nd round of vaccines yesterday.  Is putting on weight...lovin' his thighs!  He's currently running around with dried banana on his face, still in footie pjs, a joy and delight! 

He can mimic most of what we say, but when talking independently, it gets all jumbled.  So, we do a lot of slow, repetitive speaking right now.  Also, some of the words that came easier to him at first, it's like sometimes he forgets those words!  My wise husband reminded me that he hasn't necessarily forgotten them, but he's storing them as he's learning so many. 

We read books a lot.  He'll bring me every book he owns and sits quietly as we read.  I love it. 

He's still in a crib, and we just feel like that's best for now.  He seems to feel very secure in that setting.  We'll move him out when he shows us that he seems ready for a change like that. 

His head issues seem to be clearing up now that we switched to Diflucan. 

He's so sweet and affectionate to his family.  He becomes very quiet and reserved in new environments, exhibiting shyness and clinginess, but at home, he's a different bird!  Crazy-owning the house, man!

 We recently were gifted a webcam from Paw for Valentine's Day.  We installed it and he loves to see Nanny & Paw and Tahn-Tahn via Skype.  Thanks Paw!!

We recently had our family pictures done.  I can't wait to share those!  We continue to thank God for the blessings in our lives, even amidst the crazy changes and adjustments!  God is good!  We're a thankful people, though not nearly thankful enough, I dare say. 

Here's a link to a give-away!  What a beautiful necklace!  I want one!!!  We always carry Haiti in our hearts...

Heart For Haiti

How are the REST of us??

Honestly, sometimes I have glimmers of having it together.  The rest of the time, I feel like I'm holding on for dear life.  It's the glimmers that give me hope!

At some point we've all been dealing with ringworm, which was at it's peak last weekend.  I thought I would scream.  You know it's a hot date when you and your man are examining each other's faces/necks and saying, "Hey, yeah, I think you may be clearing up!"   At least now, our awful spots are fading and I'm praying no more rear their ugly head.  The older two have cleared their respective spots and kept it at one spot a piece, so again, praying no more.  Joshua is having a much harder time clearing up his scalp.  Two weeks into the Griseofulvin and still has red sores and nasty flakes.  I called the pedi. today and I think they may be calling in something else.  I pray it works.  I had to chop off his hair today so we could get a decent look at things. I was heart-broken. It will grow back.  It just makes me sad.  Maybe it will all grow back even, since he had a few huge bald spots. 

Our schedules got all jacked up again this week, with Steve having to leave even earlier during the day.  So, it's been a bit chaotic to say the least.  He's had errands and pressing things to take care of.  Our insurance denied the first claim on Joshua so we had to look into that today.  I'm sure he's tired, but Steve just holds it all in. 

The kids have gone from a bit wild and crazy to more obedient and helpful.  I know the adjustments have been difficult.  We're not perfect.  Sometimes jealousy will crop up in it's own unique facet for each child.  We pray for grace.  I haven't been the world's best example, either.  At those times, I have to confess to my children, yeah, mom's been a pill.  Yesterday, I literally found myself counting to 10 and then backwards, and breathing deep.  Going from two to three has been challenging.  So funny, I wouldn't think it would have been.  But, I guess having just these two for so long and being set in our ways and such.  The laundry here is insane, the mess is constant, even after we just cleaned it up, and the noise level is at a new high.

A wise sister asked me what standard I was comparing myself to.  I simply replied, "Myself.  BEFORE." And it's true.  I was reading C.S. LEWIS pre-earthquake.  I looked at the chapter I was on the other day and stared at the page blankly.  "What does that say???" I thought to myself. 

So, now, we're at a new place.  Maybe a more sedated, messier, louder, dumbed-down version for now.  But, it's a season.  A season that I longed for with all of my heart.  We'll get settled eventually.  And the good news is God never changes.  He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He's powerful enough to see me through the most chaotic day.  He's kind enough to give me glimpses of 'normal' now and again.  Like this morning....I made Cinnamon Bun pancakes (thanks, PW), coffee, and sausage, we all ate together, and I read  the last chapter of The Silver Chair around the breakfast table.  It made me a bit weepy.  What a good story and beautiful picture of God.  And each night, I hold my baby as he repeats "I wub you, Mama" over and over and over. 

It's all good.  He even uses the chaos for His glory. 

One Month Out -- The New Normal

Ahh.  The new normal.  It's a bit chaotic, honestly.  We're still dealing with job shift issues and crazy days.  We're homeschooling, maintaining a family and dialogue, trying to keep relationships strong, develop bonding and attachment, as well as coping skills....it leaves me tuckered at night. 

So what's up?  Well, I believe we're pretty normal with all of the stuff we're experiencing....here's a glimpse:

Hair, baby, hair!

 

We're experimenting with things trying to bring moisture to Joshua's scalp and hair, promote growth, and heal his fungus and dry skin!  He's on an oral med for the fungus, but I plopped down some pretty pennies on various products at Whole Foods the other day while we were out of town.  First up, Burt's Bees Avacado Pre-Shampoo Treatment.  Smells good, looks green, and sits in his hair and on his scalp for about 10 minutes while he plays.  Rinse, wash, and then condition with Jason Tea Tree Conditioner.  The conditioner should sit for as long as possible, my goal is 15 minutes.  Once he's out and we pat him dry, I pick his curls out with a comb and African hair oil...forget it's exact name.  So far, his hair is looking great and smelling super after just one cycle of this.  I only plan to use shampoo once a week and the conditioner mid-week, or as needed.  He loves to get his hair messy, and I can't even count how many times he's smeared peanut butter into his scalp now, so I have to go with the flow.

Reunions! 

We drove to Louisville to take care of some USCIS stuff for our little 'alien' and were able to meet up with Joshua's biological brother and some other friends that just brought their sweeties home from Haiti.  A blessing!!  Joshua's a bit miffed in these photos because he had finally gotten the hang of the whole ChuckECheese experience when we decided it was photo time.  He wasn't too happy about that.  Oh well.

First time with a sitter!!

  Steve and I got away Saturday evening and left the kids with cousin Meggy.  Megan loves them and Joshua had instantly loved her, so we thought it was a good match.  He did really well, as you can see in the photos Meggy took!

Language & Behavior!

He was walking through the house this morning with his pot of dishes on his head :~)  He LOVES to get out the dishes, cook stuff, and serve it up to us.  He enjoys loving on his sister's doll, but a minute later, he'll run over her head with a "machine."  He plays rough with his bubby and sits sweetly to listen to his sister read a book.  He's really fitting in well over all.  He is talking at a typical 2 year old level, and he really uses his words when it counts.  Like at bed time when he knows it's a good time to milk it for Mom.  So he'll start in with a dozen I lub yous and mwen renmen ous and such.  He's learned some sign language and his manners are greatly improving!  He's still learning that he's not the boss, but I think that's typical 2.  We're reading a lot of picture books he loves animal noises.  He's a little parrot most of the time, as long as you aren't wanting to show off his skills!

He has exhibited some nutty behavior right before meal time.  He wants to hang on my leg with his mouth open making that give me a bite noise, "ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah" constantly, while he smacks my leg and points and whines at whatever I'm doing (usually cooking).  It's a frantic-are-you-gonna-feed-me-don't-forget-me-type thing.  Tonight, Sis kept him in the living room and played while I prepared the meal.  He was ill about it at first, but he ended up settling down, and waiting to be called into the kitchen for dinner. 

He's also being a turkey in public sometimes.  For example, last night we were at my older son's upward game, and he couldn't be let down to run around.  I had to hold him.  He didn't like that one bit.  So, he would reach for any stranger that walked by, just so he could be freed.  Of course, I wouldn't let him, but that's a bit embarassing!  I know it's not an bonding issue because even if I had let him go, he probably would have hopped out of their arms just to get down and play, all the time staring me down.  He doesn't let me out of his eyesight for very long.  However, I would like for him to better understand the concept of strangers and listening to mama, not getting ill with me and reaching for any Tom, Dick or Harry! 

Other than that, bedtime is regimented and routine now, he's sleeping through the night, still in a crib, taking more solid naps, eating well (he feels squishier than a month ago!), loves his family, getting used to the family dog, showing affection, playing well with others and by himself, sitting through church services fairly well, and wow.  Could we ask for better at this point? 

How are the rest of us?  I'll save that for the next post! :~)

One Month Anniversary!!!!

One month ago today, we loaded up a nifty stow & go rental van for the last time, drove to the Ft. Lauderdale airport, and took off for HOME.  Joshua's first airplane ride!  He did really wonderfully, all things considered!  I sat next to a sweet African American lady.  She was so kind and understanding, and very encouraging.  Soon after take-off, Joshua loudly sung himself to sleep, and he slept all the way to Asheville, NC.  Phew!

We made haste with a diaper change and a quick bite to eat before hopping our last plane to Nashville, TN.  This one was funny!  Joshua did 2 stinkies on this plane!  The first stinky, Steve took him to the small bathroom, laid him on a trashbag in the teeny tiny bathroom (have I mentioned my hubby is 6'5"???) and changed him.  The second time was right around landing, so we decided he would have to wait until we got off of the plane.   The flight from Asheville was the scariest I have ever been on, but the turbulence really wasn't that bad.  It was just scary LOOKING.  We were flying into a weather front...spooky.  A bit more bumpy than I had ever been on, but I haven't been on much!

So, off of the plane, change the diaper, put him down to wash my hands, and........

Yep.  You guessed it!  BACK up on the changing table to change another diaper!!!!!!!

I really thought he was torturing me at this point.  My family was just a walk away and he kept making stinkies!!! 

FINALLY, we are able to walk out and toward the exit.  I look up to see my peeps from a distance, and they see us at about the same time, because I hear them!  I'll never forget seeing my red-headed wonder boy waving frantically with his sign and balloon!!  They were all so excited!

We embraced and loved on one another as a country musician played his guitar and sang Amazing Grace in the background.  The newspaper and airport workers all gathered around to watch.  It was sweet.  Surreal. 

A MONTH AGO.