6.16.2008

When in Doubt, Punt....

Our trip home was as terrible as you can imagine, and then some. We became "that" family on your flight, with a 9 year old screaming boy, who is writhing, and crying, and screaming, and, in general, OUT OF HIS MIND. Fantastic. He did it twice... once upon landing in DC and then again, during the whole take off to Chicago. I totally can relate... I felt that way by that point too... awake 36 hours by that time.

We're going to have to do a lot of work with Habtamu. He has the emotional age of 2-3. Once we realized this, it was easier to be patient, but yeesh... it's a lot of work. If he doesn't get what he wants, he throws a tantrum... to various degrees of intensity depending on how tired he is, if he had sugar, etc... He does the 2 year old "I want, I don't want, I want, I don't want..." I made pasta for dinner last night. He walked by and said "Mommy, no." then 2 minutes later "Oooh, pasta." He ate a little.

Yet, he can be the sweetest kid. When he finally smiles, it's like the sun coming out after a long winter.

Yordanos was golden through the whole journey. She would get upset when Habtamu was screaming, well, heck, who wouldn't be.

More later. We're heading into meltdown time, because I told H no about a couple of things in a row. Doh. Bad Mommy! :)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,
Glad to hear you are home! This too shall pass...kids are a challenge, but they will learn what is acceptable and what won't be tolerated just like they all do!The poor kid was probably tired, scared, and holy cow, what an introduction to a first plane ride! Not exactly a short 2 hour jaunt somewhere.

Picking up the (sshh)soccer ball today and shall deliver later.

Julie

Nitro Krycerin said...

Thanks, Julie!

Yeah, there that travel definitely pushed all of us to the edge. He's got a strong sense of "justice", how if he wants something it should be his.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your trip was every parent's nightmare and then some. We are SO glad that part is over and you are now HOME. There's no place like home, there's no place like home . . .
Our prayers continue as you all settle in, and H & Y adapt to their new home, their new lifestyle, their amazing new parents, and their new rules!
God is present ~ All shall be well.
Love and blessings,
Sue & Rene Laude, Wesley UMC

ctadhankins said...

Oh boy, to have to be THAT family in addition to all the other stresses of traveling with your newly-adopted children. Ugh....
So glad you're all home now and can begin to put things in order and a bit of perspective as well!
It's hard to believe they're with you now at home- looking forward to more updates, and yes, PICTURES!! If you're too tired to shoot some, let me know. The Newports and I will be happy to come turn your house into a media circus! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah, we've been that family, too! On the plane, at the store, maybe restaurants - thanks for keeping me company. :-)

Carpenters said...

You are doing such an amazing job! It was a tough couple of weeks for the four of us when we first returned home. I would imagine it would be more difficult in some ways and easier and others with school age children as opposed to our baby and toddler. We had a honeymoon period of about two months without much rule testing, then it was time to test the waters. Now, Josiah knows the limits and usually abides by them. I'll be praying for your transition.

With Love,
Penelope

P.S. I'll second pictures, but I know how incredibly busy you are now. So I'll wait patiently.