Well, I've had several calls and emails asking, "How's it going?" Honestly, it depends on the day...sometimes the hour. Yesterday, I had a wonderful day with Justus Derero....The day before...not so much with any of the kids...
I do want to document the good, the bad, and the ugly of our journey to "mesh" as a family of five. It is entirely different bringing home an older child than bringing home a baby, so please be understanding as you read.....Also, it is my goal to "keep it real".
Here are some things Justus Derero has learned in the first 11 days:
We also went to the greenway to ride bikes on Sunday. Today, I took him to Kroger. Hardly anyone was there. He rode in one of those buggies that has a car on the front. He thought it was the best thing ever.....I got my shopping in before it pours rain. It was a win, win for everyone. It's working....I'm gonna roll with it. I'm going to try not to do more than one outing a day, but if I have to run out, I'm not stressing. He's 4 and 42 pounds so people aren't running over to him wanting to hold him like if he were a baby. I LOVE going out with him.....
Yesterday, Justus Derero had his checkup at the international pediatrician. She totally rocked!! She spent at least 1 1/2 hours with us. Then, we had lunch and had to do bloodwork...That was not so pleasant. I think she took like 10 vials of blood...Can I just say My boy is STRONG!!! After he was done, they gave him a sucker and he stopped screaming in less than 30 seconds...seriously, I was shocked.....
Well, I must go now. Curious George is over, so my time is up....I'll leave you one pic of all three kids on their bikes at the greenway.....
Have a terrific Tuesday!
ps...coming soon....So how are your big kids coping?
With Much Love,
I do want to document the good, the bad, and the ugly of our journey to "mesh" as a family of five. It is entirely different bringing home an older child than bringing home a baby, so please be understanding as you read.....Also, it is my goal to "keep it real".
Here are some things Justus Derero has learned in the first 11 days:
- how to pedal (He LOVES his new bike and is very fast on the thing!!)
- to say "please" and "thank you" (sometimes without prompting)
- that mama and daddy will meet his needs
- to say "mama" and "daddy" about 150 times per day
- that we read books before we go to sleep
- to "read" Brown Bear, Brown Bear with mama (It is so cute with his accent.)
- to put dirty clothes in the hamper independently
- to throw things in the trash (kushasha) independently
- to sit at the table for dinner
- to put his dirty dishes in the sink
- how to operate every single light switch
- to say, "I luv oo mama" randomly :)
- that Natalie and Spencer go to school, but they will come back.
- that Daddy goes to work, but he comes home every afternoon.
- what a cookie tastes like
- how to sing "Happy Birthday". My birthday was the 22nd and Natalie's was the 29th, so he probably thinks we're always having a birthday.
- how to enjoy a bath. He actually laid on his side in the water and blew bubbles the other day.
- to maintain eye contact....but only when things are pleasant
- going to sleep with a happy heart
- transitioning cooperatively from one activity to another without tantruming
- to try to play independently with mom near but not actively engaged.
- identifying the colors red, yellow, and blue
- counting to five including the number four. He counts one, two, three, five.
- to not tantrum every time he doesn't get his way.
- regaining eye contact after a necessary "time out".
- pouting
We also went to the greenway to ride bikes on Sunday. Today, I took him to Kroger. Hardly anyone was there. He rode in one of those buggies that has a car on the front. He thought it was the best thing ever.....I got my shopping in before it pours rain. It was a win, win for everyone. It's working....I'm gonna roll with it. I'm going to try not to do more than one outing a day, but if I have to run out, I'm not stressing. He's 4 and 42 pounds so people aren't running over to him wanting to hold him like if he were a baby. I LOVE going out with him.....
Yesterday, Justus Derero had his checkup at the international pediatrician. She totally rocked!! She spent at least 1 1/2 hours with us. Then, we had lunch and had to do bloodwork...That was not so pleasant. I think she took like 10 vials of blood...Can I just say My boy is STRONG!!! After he was done, they gave him a sucker and he stopped screaming in less than 30 seconds...seriously, I was shocked.....
Well, I must go now. Curious George is over, so my time is up....I'll leave you one pic of all three kids on their bikes at the greenway.....
ps...coming soon....So how are your big kids coping?
With Much Love,
(new reader)
ReplyDeleteThis was so fun to read.. it sounds like he's doing GREAT for 11 days home!!
Melanie we have been praying for you guys... I just want you to know that I think of you and Justus Derero often... and when I do I pray.
ReplyDeletePraying for ya'll! And so glad that things seem to be getting better! I think that small outings like that are a good idea...I'm glad to see ya'll doing that. I know when Caroline Faith comes home, we'll have to get out. We would go crazy being cooped up at home all the time! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren and Alison! Prayer really does make a difference. When I type it all out, it's easier to see how far we've come in such a short time and be encouraged. I'm thankful for God's faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read of your adjusting to being a family of 5. It sounds like everyone is doing well in a short time. I hope it continues to go well.
Kelly
Hi Melanie. We are often wondering how you are all doing and have certainly been praying for you! I love the picture of the kids on their bikes. We are covered in snow here, so no biking for awhile. I really wonder what Hermela is thinking with all this snow. Each day DOES get better. Hermela's quiet/sad moments are less frequent as she continues to adjust. I will continue to follow Derero's journey as well as your family's adjustments having a new brother. Looking forward to seeing you all this summer in TN!
ReplyDeletehi and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteam following your blog : )
I love the picture of the 3 of them on their bikes! You are a strong and amazing woman and an awesome mom. I'm glad that you are getting out and that he is enjoying it! And hey--there is a glowing orb in the sky today. perhaps it's the sun! :)
ReplyDelete