We have been home as a family of five for one full week now. What a week it has been. It has been filled with highs and lows, as we all adjust to our expanded family and way of life. We've been taking it a day at a time. We've spent a lot of time overwhelmed and not sure what to do, but the joys and reminders from God along the way of His approval and guidance far outweigh any negatives. Thought I'd provide a brief update on each of the kids and how they're adjusting...
Keira - what a change she's gone through. A complete turnaround from the first few days we had here where she made no noise, had no expression and didn't move. She is full of energy and smiles. We had a battle with her the first few days about taking naps but she has now adjusted to her new schedule and routine. She eats everything and would eat all day if we let her (as you can see by this picture.) Not sure if she's still in orphanage mode (eat everything you can as you're not sure when the next chance to eat will be) or if her little body has a high metabolism. The biggest struggle we have with her is she is really attached to Courtney and wants to be held A LOT. She cries often when Courtney can't hold her for some reason.
Maya - Self confident, independent and intelligent would be how I'd describe her first week at home. She obeys almost all our instructions and always wants to help out. She's been very quiet (no noise unless she's laughing or afraid) so the doctor was a little concerned about that but we're going to give her 4-6 weeks to see how she progresses. She also eats very well and actually feeds herself better then Noah does. Biggest challenge with Maya are her tantrums she throws when she doesn't get something or gets in trouble. I can tell we will never have to discipline her much, telling her No and giving her a stern look brings her to tears. Funny note: Maya is afraid of animals. She has screamed multiple times when seeing our rocking horse, some of Noah's stuffed animals, or even an animal on TV. Not sure if she's had a bad experience in the past or she just hasn't been around them much. Good thing we don't have any house pets... we've just got to get her used to the fake ones :)
Noah - High energy, likes to play and wants your attention. We have noticed him being more needy and demanding our focus more then before, which is understandable. We continue to work on his development and speech but continue to see progress. We see a few instances each day where he plays the role of big brother and helps his sisters out or plays with them. Most of the time he does his own thing unless a toy he wants is being used by someone else, then he exerts his size and age... so sharing is something we're working on a lot :)
Hi Scott and Courtney! It sounds as if you are progressing nicely as a family of 5...thanks for sharing the info and pictures. Mark and I wish we could have had time to say "good-bye" to you all...it was a delight to share our African experience with you...you are a wonderful family and we wish you the best always! If you're ever in the KC area, please look us up...it will be fun to watch your family grow! - Paula and Mark Higgins
Posted by: Paula Higgins | September 29, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Thanks Paula! We had a blast traveling to Africa with you and your family.
It was great being able to travel on this journey with another family like
yours. You have some wonderful kid and grandkids and I know you and Mark
must be proud grandparents. Thanks for all you guys did on the trip and
your heart for these little ones.
In Christ,
Scott
On Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 11:47 AM, wrote:
Posted by: Scott Himes | September 29, 2009 at 02:33 PM