Since we don't have a crib, we pushed the kid's two twin beds together and against a wall. Alejandro sleeps closest to the wall, so he doesn't fall off the bed. I have been helping him fall asleep by laying in the bed next to him until he is out. I know the surroundings must be frightening to him. Annalise has been too sick to sleep next to him and needed night-time attention. So, he's gotten used to me being next to him as he falls asleep. Last night was no different.
After I had left him sleeping and was in the living room/dining room/kitchen on the computer, I heard him wimpering. I gave it a few minutes to see if he would fall back asleep. When I went in to check on him, he had moved from his bed to the bed I normally lay on, with his face on the mattress wimpering, "Mama, mama". Oh, just rip my heart out with a wooden spoon, won't you? I gave him a hug, reassured him, placed him back on his bed and laid next to him again rubbing his back. He likes that for a few minutes, then does the check-swing thing. Then, he reaches his tiny little hand to mine and holds it until he falls asleep. Aaaaaaawwwwe.
The parade that had gone by yesterday had about twenty youth dancing to folkloric music. In front and behind them were the national flags. They were followed by a truck with large speakers in the back playing the music. We had fun watching them from the window. Annalise then practiced her best Ecuadorian folkloric dance routine. She's feeling much better and thanks to all of you who have written to wish us better health. Zithromax rocks. She'll be back to school tomorrow. I'll just ask that she be kept inside and away from PE class. The weather is so nice, that they hold the class outdoors. The breezes make Annie go into coughing fits though, so we're staying clear of that for the time being. The doctor said she'd have the cough for the better part of the next two weeks.
Alejandro awoke with a slight cough today. Bummer. I have now enterred the world that many of my friends already know. Once one kid gets sick, the other gets sick too. Call me a late bloomer. I already know that the minute he gets a fever, I need to call the social worker to have him seen by a doctor ASAP. They have their own doctor that sees the children. She told me they take the children to be seen immediately if they have a cold, followed by a fever, and don't wait. I, of course, don't want to give even the slightest hint of negligence, so if he gets a fever, it's off to the doctor we go. So far, so good. Yet another home remedy was recommended...they have one for everything. I guess your average person can't afford to go to the doctor so they try all these remedies first. I'm sure some are quite good. My own culture has many, but having grown up in New York City and not Puerto Rico, I am not privy to them. This one was one garlic clove boiled in milk, with raisins and brown sugar to cover the taste. So long as it doesn't sound harmful to me, I'll go along. He drank it right up. My five year old has much to learn from him.
Lunch and Dinner times are quite the guessing game nowadays. "I wonder if he'll like this?" Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. I take it when he spits something right out, it means a firm, "No". This part isn't fun. I don't get to ease into this part like I did with Annie, trying one new thing at a time. Let's see, besides his homeland foods that I have learned to make, fresh chicken is a yes, but chicken nuggets are a "No". Likes fresh fish but hotdogs earn a "what are you crazy?" look on his face. Smart kid. No crappy processed foods. A genius! Now if only I could wean the five year old off of that junk.
Annie and I are having a hard time because we love salads. Green leafys, mmm-mmmm. Can't have them here. At least, I haven't figured out if that's what did me in even though I soaked stuff four times as long as recommended with some fancy vegetable disinfecting wash stuff. I'm going to miss salads. I have to figure that out.
Other than meal time, the little guy had a good day. Jim had to go to do some work at a cafe. This place is too small for him to hide to work. The kids obviously missed him all day, despite my best efforts. I feel bad about it. I do a good chopped liver immitation. Jim came home to give me a little break to go food shopping, child-free. Doesn't sound like much, but it helps.
Bed time went without a hitch. I told Alejandro several times that he would be sleeping with Annie instead of Mommy. He protested a little once the time came, but did fine. Annie said she would sleep on his bed with him to keep him company and keep him from being scared. She's so special. A very giving child with a warm heart. Sounds familiar.
Goodnight,
Love, Lisandra.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"Step awaaaaaaayyy from the food!" Yes, he can't verbalize it, but that's what his little arm "check swing" means when you try to help him with it. He's very independent and wants to do for himself, especially with feeding. Also, he's used to some of the kids that he lived with reaching into his bowl. They're toddlers. They do that. I noticed in the children's home, when this happened, he wouldn't even look up. He just kept to business, with his eyes on his food and gave that little check swing. He's doing that much less here now. I hope he's realizing that there is no longer a need to protect his food, or anything else for that matter.
Now I don't want to give the impression that the kids didn't get enough to eat. On the contrary. They are fed very well. They have a typical hot chocolate and bread in the morning. A mid-morning snack, "papilla", that consists of fruit with yogurt or a drink called "colada" that I learned to prepare. I didn't want to change his diet drastically too soon. The colada is a flavored corn starch drink made with milk and water. It has LOADS of vitamins. I can see that this is how they supplement vitamins and milk. They make a big deal about his drinking his warm colada in the morning and afternoon. Then lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Ecuador. The kid's meals are quite healthy, made of soups and stocks from vegetables, legumes and meats or fish, flavored with mild herbs and spices. A mid-afternoon snack of fruit. I saw bananas, strawberries and apples when I was there. I didn't observe them eat dinner. But, I imagine it was quite healthy too. The kids are all quite robust and rosey cheeked.
On that note, let me just say how impressed I was at how much they follow hygiene there. This from the self professed clean freak. The kids were all kept clean. I even took note of the other children that were in different areas when we came across them, which was frequently. Their diapers were changed often. Their hands were washed before foods and their teeth were brushed after all major meals. I helped with that in Alejandro's house, and all the children had beautiful teeth. He reminds me of that all the time. He leads me to the bathroom towards his new Sponge Bob toothbrush after our meals. We taught him how to rinse his mouth with water and spit it out. He gives a big grin after doing so. He's so proud of himself.
The kids were bathed every day after morning snack, and their clothing changed. After dinner, they were changed again into footie pajamas, which interestingly, they put on backwards. I guess the toddlers pull eachother's zippers down when they're in the front. They looked like a bunch of cute little bunnies. I couldn't resist wanting to snuggle them up. Alejandro must think I'm doing it wrong, since his zipper is always in the front.
.............................
"Butt". That's my baby's first English word. Sigh. Sad but true. Jim was tickling Annie and said something about biting her bootie. She said, "Not my butt!" And he repeated, "Butt". Oh joy.
He loves the busses that zoom by outside. Everytime he hears one, he yells "Bu". No "T" at the end, thank goodness.
We keep hearing booms outside. I'm told that there are celebrations by churches for their Saints and that the celebrations include lighting fire works. It has to do with Carnavale coming up. So far, I'm told that Carnavale is not much more than a bunch of idiots throwing water balloons at strangers, and that it can get out of hand. Going to have to research that one some more. I don't know anything more about it, other than government offices will be closed and my process will extended by one week because of that. Gee, thanks.
Jim is dying to be back at work. Not that he doesn't think this is utterly important. But there are many pressing things that require his presence and attention there, and it is quite a hardship for him to be away so long. Some people just don't understand, or choose not to understand, that his family is important too. That in serving other people's family, his has needs too. And Alejandro is Family, with a capital "F". Others think that he is off on a joyride vacation. Seriously?!?! This is sooooo not! If we had been able to, we would have gladly picked him up and left back home. That's not an option. We are at the mercy of the Ecuadorian government and it's agencies as to when we could come and how long we must stay. Our process started long before his position. Were we supposed to just walk away from our child? Give me a break. Thankfully, there are those that understand and are stepping up to help fill in the gaps while he is gone.
Enough venting. Those of you who know me well, know I tell it like it is. Like it or not. It has gotten me in trouble over the years, especially in the military but at least I can always say my conscience is clear.
On a lighter note, we saw a small parade outside our window today...baby's crying...have to go. Will pick up again tomorrow.
Love,
Lisandra
Now I don't want to give the impression that the kids didn't get enough to eat. On the contrary. They are fed very well. They have a typical hot chocolate and bread in the morning. A mid-morning snack, "papilla", that consists of fruit with yogurt or a drink called "colada" that I learned to prepare. I didn't want to change his diet drastically too soon. The colada is a flavored corn starch drink made with milk and water. It has LOADS of vitamins. I can see that this is how they supplement vitamins and milk. They make a big deal about his drinking his warm colada in the morning and afternoon. Then lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Ecuador. The kid's meals are quite healthy, made of soups and stocks from vegetables, legumes and meats or fish, flavored with mild herbs and spices. A mid-afternoon snack of fruit. I saw bananas, strawberries and apples when I was there. I didn't observe them eat dinner. But, I imagine it was quite healthy too. The kids are all quite robust and rosey cheeked.
On that note, let me just say how impressed I was at how much they follow hygiene there. This from the self professed clean freak. The kids were all kept clean. I even took note of the other children that were in different areas when we came across them, which was frequently. Their diapers were changed often. Their hands were washed before foods and their teeth were brushed after all major meals. I helped with that in Alejandro's house, and all the children had beautiful teeth. He reminds me of that all the time. He leads me to the bathroom towards his new Sponge Bob toothbrush after our meals. We taught him how to rinse his mouth with water and spit it out. He gives a big grin after doing so. He's so proud of himself.
The kids were bathed every day after morning snack, and their clothing changed. After dinner, they were changed again into footie pajamas, which interestingly, they put on backwards. I guess the toddlers pull eachother's zippers down when they're in the front. They looked like a bunch of cute little bunnies. I couldn't resist wanting to snuggle them up. Alejandro must think I'm doing it wrong, since his zipper is always in the front.
.............................
"Butt". That's my baby's first English word. Sigh. Sad but true. Jim was tickling Annie and said something about biting her bootie. She said, "Not my butt!" And he repeated, "Butt". Oh joy.
He loves the busses that zoom by outside. Everytime he hears one, he yells "Bu". No "T" at the end, thank goodness.
We keep hearing booms outside. I'm told that there are celebrations by churches for their Saints and that the celebrations include lighting fire works. It has to do with Carnavale coming up. So far, I'm told that Carnavale is not much more than a bunch of idiots throwing water balloons at strangers, and that it can get out of hand. Going to have to research that one some more. I don't know anything more about it, other than government offices will be closed and my process will extended by one week because of that. Gee, thanks.
Jim is dying to be back at work. Not that he doesn't think this is utterly important. But there are many pressing things that require his presence and attention there, and it is quite a hardship for him to be away so long. Some people just don't understand, or choose not to understand, that his family is important too. That in serving other people's family, his has needs too. And Alejandro is Family, with a capital "F". Others think that he is off on a joyride vacation. Seriously?!?! This is sooooo not! If we had been able to, we would have gladly picked him up and left back home. That's not an option. We are at the mercy of the Ecuadorian government and it's agencies as to when we could come and how long we must stay. Our process started long before his position. Were we supposed to just walk away from our child? Give me a break. Thankfully, there are those that understand and are stepping up to help fill in the gaps while he is gone.
Enough venting. Those of you who know me well, know I tell it like it is. Like it or not. It has gotten me in trouble over the years, especially in the military but at least I can always say my conscience is clear.
On a lighter note, we saw a small parade outside our window today...baby's crying...have to go. Will pick up again tomorrow.
Love,
Lisandra
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 8
Bronchitis! That's what poor little Annalise has. Her cold kept getting worse all afternoon Thursday and all day Friday. She had a low grade fever of 100. We kept her home from school. The symptoms didn't seem to subside with children's tylenol nor motrin. A couple of warm showers helped clear her out with steam. I'd maxed her out with children's sudafed and robitussin. Nothing.
The owner of the apartments offerred to call a doctor, but earlier in the day I thought this would get better with tincture of time, fluids and what I was giving her. It was obvious by 4pm, that it wasn't going to happen. She was a little lump on the couch and wouldn't take anything to eat nor drink. All day she had a little chicken broth and water, but nothing else. I even tried to bribe with her favorite mac and cheeze, but nope.
Jim had been nursing us both all day. Me with my horrible stomach cramps that doubled me over mid sentence over and over again. Her with her bad cold and now congested cough.
I went to the office and the staff member offerred to call a local doctor they know that sees their clients. He comes highly recommended. He charges $30 for an office visit and $35 for a house call....a...house...call??? Which would I like...uuuuummmmm...I'll...take...the...house...call?
Now I realize that $30 is a lot of money for your average person here. But that's about what I pay for a copay back home for a specialist anyway...and I don't have to drag a sick child in a cab to the office.
He arrived a half hour later. He is a Family Practitioner, and although I speak Spanish, he is fluent in English as well. He convinces Annalise to let him examine her. He is quite good with her offering conversation of many things trying to distract her. I told him (out of her earshot on his arrival) that she is terrified of doctors. She's not thrilled but before his arrival I managed to convince her with the understanding that if she doesn't let him examine her, she can't get medicine, and she won't be able to go outside to play all weekend, nor take a walk with us for ice cream. Not to mention the yucky teas again. That finally does it.
He examines her and says she has bronchitis! OMG! Poor baby. No wonder she is so miserable. He is thorough in his exam and questions about her medical history, and prescribes her Zithromax. He also prescribes me something for my stomach cramps, which I am still having while he is here.
I muster up enough energy to walk to the pharmacy 2 blocks away. I take Alejandro with me, to give Jim a break, and to take him for a stroll in his umbrella stroller that we brought with us. We didn't know if it be used at all, but it only cost us $15 so if we had to dump it, or give it away, we were OK with that. Come to find out, he loves the stroller ride. Doesn't want to come out of it at the pharmacy during the 40 minute wait we had. I have to cross the main road. Two lanes on each side of crazy traffic that does not stop nor slow down for pedestrians. Cars have the right of way, not pedestrians. I feel like I'm putting my life on the line every time I cross the street. I'm not used to this.
The pharmacy is in a pretty swanky looking strip mall that has medical offices. From the looks of the place and the cars parked outside, I can tell this is not your average pharmacy. Inside, you go to the security guard, the guy with the flack vest and gun, and get a number from him. Then wait. Most stores I go to have a guard of some kind. All have a weapon of some sort. You have to wonder how much training they receive. Not willing to find out, though.
I come back to Annie with a 102 fever and looking worse. The antibiotics are right on time. Thank you God for house calls. I have to wonder that if I had been home and taken her to my usual pediatrician, if they would have given the usual, "Yep, she has a fever. Keep doing what your doing and if she still has a fever in two days, come back. We don't prescribe antibiotics unless absolutely necessary." Yes, been there before. Scary on the parent end. She might have had pneumonia by then.
Earlier, at 3:30, the social worker paid us a visit, in the midst of this. She was happy and I was shocked to see, that Alejandro paid her very little attention. He smiled at her but kept on with business as usual with Daddy and Sissy. He didn't cry when she left, and she didn't even have to sneak out. I was floored! She says he passed the test. He is bonding with his new family.
I asked her why he doesn't cling to her anymore. It's only been 2 days. I expected him to cry when he saw her and cling to her. I figured he might feel relief seeing a familiar face that perhaps was going to take him back to the Tias. But, not so! How can this be, so soon? She says, he feels the love, security and attention that he is receiving from the family. He feels secure enough with us that he doesn't feel he needs to return. And that even at his tender little age, he has some understanding of what a family should be, and he wants one.
Wow. Unbelievable. I thought I knew what there is to know about toddler adoption, but obviously, Alejandro will be teaching us many lessons to come.
Love,
Lisandra
The owner of the apartments offerred to call a doctor, but earlier in the day I thought this would get better with tincture of time, fluids and what I was giving her. It was obvious by 4pm, that it wasn't going to happen. She was a little lump on the couch and wouldn't take anything to eat nor drink. All day she had a little chicken broth and water, but nothing else. I even tried to bribe with her favorite mac and cheeze, but nope.
Jim had been nursing us both all day. Me with my horrible stomach cramps that doubled me over mid sentence over and over again. Her with her bad cold and now congested cough.
I went to the office and the staff member offerred to call a local doctor they know that sees their clients. He comes highly recommended. He charges $30 for an office visit and $35 for a house call....a...house...call??? Which would I like...uuuuummmmm...I'll...take...the...house...call?
Now I realize that $30 is a lot of money for your average person here. But that's about what I pay for a copay back home for a specialist anyway...and I don't have to drag a sick child in a cab to the office.
He arrived a half hour later. He is a Family Practitioner, and although I speak Spanish, he is fluent in English as well. He convinces Annalise to let him examine her. He is quite good with her offering conversation of many things trying to distract her. I told him (out of her earshot on his arrival) that she is terrified of doctors. She's not thrilled but before his arrival I managed to convince her with the understanding that if she doesn't let him examine her, she can't get medicine, and she won't be able to go outside to play all weekend, nor take a walk with us for ice cream. Not to mention the yucky teas again. That finally does it.
He examines her and says she has bronchitis! OMG! Poor baby. No wonder she is so miserable. He is thorough in his exam and questions about her medical history, and prescribes her Zithromax. He also prescribes me something for my stomach cramps, which I am still having while he is here.
I muster up enough energy to walk to the pharmacy 2 blocks away. I take Alejandro with me, to give Jim a break, and to take him for a stroll in his umbrella stroller that we brought with us. We didn't know if it be used at all, but it only cost us $15 so if we had to dump it, or give it away, we were OK with that. Come to find out, he loves the stroller ride. Doesn't want to come out of it at the pharmacy during the 40 minute wait we had. I have to cross the main road. Two lanes on each side of crazy traffic that does not stop nor slow down for pedestrians. Cars have the right of way, not pedestrians. I feel like I'm putting my life on the line every time I cross the street. I'm not used to this.
The pharmacy is in a pretty swanky looking strip mall that has medical offices. From the looks of the place and the cars parked outside, I can tell this is not your average pharmacy. Inside, you go to the security guard, the guy with the flack vest and gun, and get a number from him. Then wait. Most stores I go to have a guard of some kind. All have a weapon of some sort. You have to wonder how much training they receive. Not willing to find out, though.
I come back to Annie with a 102 fever and looking worse. The antibiotics are right on time. Thank you God for house calls. I have to wonder that if I had been home and taken her to my usual pediatrician, if they would have given the usual, "Yep, she has a fever. Keep doing what your doing and if she still has a fever in two days, come back. We don't prescribe antibiotics unless absolutely necessary." Yes, been there before. Scary on the parent end. She might have had pneumonia by then.
Earlier, at 3:30, the social worker paid us a visit, in the midst of this. She was happy and I was shocked to see, that Alejandro paid her very little attention. He smiled at her but kept on with business as usual with Daddy and Sissy. He didn't cry when she left, and she didn't even have to sneak out. I was floored! She says he passed the test. He is bonding with his new family.
I asked her why he doesn't cling to her anymore. It's only been 2 days. I expected him to cry when he saw her and cling to her. I figured he might feel relief seeing a familiar face that perhaps was going to take him back to the Tias. But, not so! How can this be, so soon? She says, he feels the love, security and attention that he is receiving from the family. He feels secure enough with us that he doesn't feel he needs to return. And that even at his tender little age, he has some understanding of what a family should be, and he wants one.
Wow. Unbelievable. I thought I knew what there is to know about toddler adoption, but obviously, Alejandro will be teaching us many lessons to come.
Love,
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 7
I am finally able to join the world of the living at 1:25 in the afternoon. Not only did Annie's cold get far worse yesterday, but today I awoke with a bad stomach...lots of pain and other unmentionables. We've all eaten the same foods and so far everyone else is fine. We take care to use bottled or boiled water for everything and eat cooked vegetables and fruit with skins. I bought an organic solution called "StarBac" made from grapefruit extract. It's used to wash fruits and veggies. Like I said, everyone else seems to be fine.
There is a holistic clinic that is attached to the apartment building. They gave me some floral concoction that has finally taken away my symptoms. That, and ginger tea that I made by boiling ginger root in water seems to have done the trick.
Annie stayed home from school today. She's a mess. Luckilly I packed with us all the children's cold and allergy over the counter meds I could think of. She's a little better. She got a little sleep last night after the housekeeper brought me some fresh camomille from the back yard. I made her a tea. Her first hot tea. She wasn't pleased, to say the least.
Yesterday, the owner of the establishment baked Alejandro an amazing cake...chocolate with walnuts and coconut. Mmmmm. Maybe that's what did me in. After his nap, we went to the courtyard and gathered the neighbors that were around that we have gotten to know. They are dying to see him, but have kept their distance at our request because new faces make him very nervous.
He's totally ok with the 6 or so people around us. After all, this involves cake! He opens some toys that my thoughtful coworkers bought him and we have wrapped up. He immediately gives them to daddy to assemble. Candles. Singing. Pictures. Cake. Fun! Poor Annie was sick though.
Stomach ache is back. Going to go lay down again. Darn.
There is a holistic clinic that is attached to the apartment building. They gave me some floral concoction that has finally taken away my symptoms. That, and ginger tea that I made by boiling ginger root in water seems to have done the trick.
Annie stayed home from school today. She's a mess. Luckilly I packed with us all the children's cold and allergy over the counter meds I could think of. She's a little better. She got a little sleep last night after the housekeeper brought me some fresh camomille from the back yard. I made her a tea. Her first hot tea. She wasn't pleased, to say the least.
Yesterday, the owner of the establishment baked Alejandro an amazing cake...chocolate with walnuts and coconut. Mmmmm. Maybe that's what did me in. After his nap, we went to the courtyard and gathered the neighbors that were around that we have gotten to know. They are dying to see him, but have kept their distance at our request because new faces make him very nervous.
He's totally ok with the 6 or so people around us. After all, this involves cake! He opens some toys that my thoughtful coworkers bought him and we have wrapped up. He immediately gives them to daddy to assemble. Candles. Singing. Pictures. Cake. Fun! Poor Annie was sick though.
Stomach ache is back. Going to go lay down again. Darn.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 6
We had a pretty good day.
Today was Alejandro's first full day with us...or our first full day with Alejandro, depending on your perspective. He is beautiful! I know, we all think that of all our children, and I am no different...so I am going to throw that in there every once in a while ;-)
We woke up early to Annie with a bad cold. She will not be deterred from going to her new school. I leave the boys alone for the morning...aka, Jim and Alejandro. This will be good for both of them. Jim is such a great dad, and come to realize, the first dad that Alejandro has known. The social worker says, that he has known many mothers, the tias. But, has never known a father or father figure until he met Jim. It is evident that he really likes Jim. He took to him very early. Me, not so much at first. After all, I had the Tias to compete with, and that's a hard thing to beat in his life. I'm so grateful for them. They were first to show him the love of a mother. He knows what to expect of that. I'm guessing he's not so sure of what to expect of a Papi, or Daddy. He's obviously willing to find out. He has no idea that he has just been given the gift of a world's greatest dad. Just ask Annalise, she'll tell you.
After dropping Annie off to school in a cab, I go to the supermarket...waaaaayyyy too early. Bummer. I look for a panaderia and coffee shop. Lo and behold, I find a block and a half away...a school supply store (just received Annie's list this morning) / (slash) internet cafe. Well, if I couldn't fuel one vice, coffee, then at least I could fulfill another...internet.
I finally get home after shopping. Our little boy has had a great morning with Papi. Aaaaaahhh. This is going better than expected for day two with him.
I call the social worker to reassure her how well he is doing. I'm sure they are DYING to know that he is well, but do not call us in order to give us personal space with him. I respect them highly for that. I know it must be hard. The social worker and coordinator's office is only steps from my littly guys "house" and they see all the children daily. They take personal interest in Alejandro as if he were their own. He is in fact, in a way. They are very protective. I love that. They worry that it may offend me. Not at all. I WANT someone to look after my little boy, and all his buddies with personal interest. I much prefer them being intrusive, than uncaring.
Our representative calls us. Did I mention that my little boy is BEAUTIFUL?!?! Yes, I can say that about a boy.
More later...
Today was Alejandro's first full day with us...or our first full day with Alejandro, depending on your perspective. He is beautiful! I know, we all think that of all our children, and I am no different...so I am going to throw that in there every once in a while ;-)
We woke up early to Annie with a bad cold. She will not be deterred from going to her new school. I leave the boys alone for the morning...aka, Jim and Alejandro. This will be good for both of them. Jim is such a great dad, and come to realize, the first dad that Alejandro has known. The social worker says, that he has known many mothers, the tias. But, has never known a father or father figure until he met Jim. It is evident that he really likes Jim. He took to him very early. Me, not so much at first. After all, I had the Tias to compete with, and that's a hard thing to beat in his life. I'm so grateful for them. They were first to show him the love of a mother. He knows what to expect of that. I'm guessing he's not so sure of what to expect of a Papi, or Daddy. He's obviously willing to find out. He has no idea that he has just been given the gift of a world's greatest dad. Just ask Annalise, she'll tell you.
After dropping Annie off to school in a cab, I go to the supermarket...waaaaayyyy too early. Bummer. I look for a panaderia and coffee shop. Lo and behold, I find a block and a half away...a school supply store (just received Annie's list this morning) / (slash) internet cafe. Well, if I couldn't fuel one vice, coffee, then at least I could fulfill another...internet.
I finally get home after shopping. Our little boy has had a great morning with Papi. Aaaaaahhh. This is going better than expected for day two with him.
I call the social worker to reassure her how well he is doing. I'm sure they are DYING to know that he is well, but do not call us in order to give us personal space with him. I respect them highly for that. I know it must be hard. The social worker and coordinator's office is only steps from my littly guys "house" and they see all the children daily. They take personal interest in Alejandro as if he were their own. He is in fact, in a way. They are very protective. I love that. They worry that it may offend me. Not at all. I WANT someone to look after my little boy, and all his buddies with personal interest. I much prefer them being intrusive, than uncaring.
Our representative calls us. Did I mention that my little boy is BEAUTIFUL?!?! Yes, I can say that about a boy.
More later...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
...
After dropping Annie off at school, we go to Ossitos (the local name for the home). Alejandro is definitely happy to see us. He gives me a hug and is off the play, like a typical two year old. He goes back and forth as to who he prefers, mommy or daddy. Sometimes, ok, frequently, neither.
The social worker arrives, and says it's best to go today. The tia packs him a little going away bag with his favorite blankie, his beloved Rojas-Knotts family photo album, and his plush toy monkey we gave him for his birthday.
He's not phased by the cab ride. The social worker is with us, so he feels safe. We spend the day at the apartment and it's grounds with him and the social worker. She observes and takes notes on the place. Boy do I wish I was in my own home right now. I'm not at home here.
She is impressed by the child gate we have already put in the front door-way. It works on pressure, so no screws into the wall. It has a small door that Annie has learned to open and close so she can play in the courtyard playground. Our apartment is on the second floor and the railings are very wide apart on the balcony...very dangerous for a curious little boy. Hence, the gate.
At lunch time she likes the meal I have prepared...chicken and vegetable stew with a side of rice. Fruit for desert. Coincidently, grandma called while she was there. It was nice for her to see how much lovin' grandma was skyping over (is that even a word?). Thanks grandma!
The day went better than I expected. I'm not sure what Jim expected. I thought he would cry all day, (Alejandro, not Jim...ha-ha!). We had our rough moments, but we muddled through and keep reassuring him with all we can give.
He loves the river behind the apartment! It's his first seeing a river. It's become my crutch. If he's inconsolable, I carry him over to the window to see the river. It calms him almost instantly. Whew.
He napped well, ate fairly well, played some. Mostly looks nervous and unsure. He wants to carry his blankie everywhere, which I know he does not do at Ossitos. That's ok. If it makes him feel better, he can have it. It'll just get washed a lot.
Bedtime routine for Annie, after having bathed, brushed, finished homework, and read a book with us, she watches a half hour of cartoons. Definitely new for him. I'm damaging this kid already. When I brought out his pajamas, he made a mad dash for the doorway. He wasn't having it. "No way am I spending the night here" his little tears said. That's where family time with the video helped. Again, whew.
Gotta go get some rest. Goodnight!
Lisandra,
The social worker arrives, and says it's best to go today. The tia packs him a little going away bag with his favorite blankie, his beloved Rojas-Knotts family photo album, and his plush toy monkey we gave him for his birthday.
He's not phased by the cab ride. The social worker is with us, so he feels safe. We spend the day at the apartment and it's grounds with him and the social worker. She observes and takes notes on the place. Boy do I wish I was in my own home right now. I'm not at home here.
She is impressed by the child gate we have already put in the front door-way. It works on pressure, so no screws into the wall. It has a small door that Annie has learned to open and close so she can play in the courtyard playground. Our apartment is on the second floor and the railings are very wide apart on the balcony...very dangerous for a curious little boy. Hence, the gate.
At lunch time she likes the meal I have prepared...chicken and vegetable stew with a side of rice. Fruit for desert. Coincidently, grandma called while she was there. It was nice for her to see how much lovin' grandma was skyping over (is that even a word?). Thanks grandma!
The day went better than I expected. I'm not sure what Jim expected. I thought he would cry all day, (Alejandro, not Jim...ha-ha!). We had our rough moments, but we muddled through and keep reassuring him with all we can give.
He loves the river behind the apartment! It's his first seeing a river. It's become my crutch. If he's inconsolable, I carry him over to the window to see the river. It calms him almost instantly. Whew.
He napped well, ate fairly well, played some. Mostly looks nervous and unsure. He wants to carry his blankie everywhere, which I know he does not do at Ossitos. That's ok. If it makes him feel better, he can have it. It'll just get washed a lot.
Bedtime routine for Annie, after having bathed, brushed, finished homework, and read a book with us, she watches a half hour of cartoons. Definitely new for him. I'm damaging this kid already. When I brought out his pajamas, he made a mad dash for the doorway. He wasn't having it. "No way am I spending the night here" his little tears said. That's where family time with the video helped. Again, whew.
Gotta go get some rest. Goodnight!
Lisandra,
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