Post by keweenawlove on Jan 2, 2023 10:46:07 GMT -5
I guess I owe this board an update on DS. It's been a crazy month since we've been home. We brought him home from Colombia the week after Thanksgiving and he's settled into our family so well
We flew to Colombia right after his 2nd birthday in early November. It was stressful in the weeks leading up because we had been given tentative travel dates by our agency but didn't get the final approval from the US embassy until a Thursday afternoon to leave the following Saturday. Cue speed packing. I'm amazed we didn't forget anything major. Due to some holidays, we had a few days in Bogota before we were able to meet him so we had some fun showing DD her home country.
After we finally got to meet DS, we brought him back to our hotel that day and spent the next 3 1/2 weeks bonding and getting through the court process. He's been such a chill kid so far and DD loves him so much. We spent most of the time in Bogota exploring the city but also went to a small resort a couple hours away for the court finalization where we got to hang out by the pool for a couple days. We loved Bogota but were really ready to be home by the end of it. Almost a month in a hotel room in a busy city was long, especially for DD who's had a tough time not being the center of attention. We were also completely at the mercy of our agency and when various appointments were scheduled so it was hard to establish any sort to normal routine.
Flights home both kids handled like champs (other than poor DD having an abscess on her butt training that lead to screaming going through TSA in Atlanta). They both watched moves or slept most of the flights. DS had a little bit of temperature shock. Bogota is pretty close to the equator so it never gets too cold. We had wind chills around 10 and snow within his first week at home. He's mostly okay with it. He's finally learned to keep a hat on.
He's settled into home really well now. He wasn't walking when we got the referral in August but is moving around like crazy now, doing stairs, and even went ice skating. H and I have another month home before he's in daycare so it's been nice to have time with just him while DD is at school. Granted she's gotten really jealous that she has to go to school and he gets to stay home so if anyone has any tips on that, they'd be appreciated! As always, I'm happy to answer any questions on the process.
Post by maudefindlay on Jan 2, 2023 11:32:58 GMT -5
So happy for you, thanks for sharing your story. That is so cool you got to show your DD her home country. I agree normal sibling stuff. Since you both have time before daycare starts maybe plan some 1:1 time with DD and also talk up her being older and things she can do that he cannot and that she can help teach him etc. Your DS sounds like he is adjusting so well, enjoy this special time.
You guys are all adorable. Iβm so happy for you guys! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Maybe 1 day before you go back to work one of you can have a special day with just DD. Sheβll adjust though!
Congrats! Iβm glad your DS is adjusting nicely! I agree with others that your DDβs reaction is pretty typical. My DS had a hard time when his sister arrived and it helped that I did weekly Mommy/Cal dates just us two. Nothing elaborate - going to the get ice cream, a trip to the library, a walk in the woods, etc.
Post by keweenawlove on Jan 3, 2023 19:20:37 GMT -5
Thanks everyone and for the advice with DD! I'm sure she'll come around. We've been trying to do some special outings for her but she really is a homebody and doesn't want to leave. Luckily she actually really loves her brother. I tried to take her skating solo last week and she begged for him to get to come too. I really think she doesn't want to go to school because she wants to stay and play with him. I wish I could give her a bonus day at home but the school is already giving us a hard time after having her out the whole Colombia trip. At least she's got a 4 day weekend of MKL jr weekend.