First of all, a few things to thank God for today:
1) Our health (although Max came with a bit of a cold--fortunately, we do have some meds for him)
2) Gorgeous weather--10 days in a row! (Being outside is huge!
3) Our Hungarian--aka NO English translation--cell phone was out of service for 24 hours (great story but too long for here), but was, dare we say it, miraculouly restored today.
So many great things about the adoption process/people--our coordinators, our agency, etc.-- here in Hungary, but 30 days living in a foreign country with almost no English spoken around us in a small apartment with an active 3 year old and none of our family or community here with us does remind us of the tv show SURVIVOR.
Two awesome things about today with Max. He's atarting to pick up several English words (boy, baby, yes, foot, and crash) and will probably be bi-lingual at least for a short time in the near future. We think he's going to be a real chatterbox in his new language! And he took his first nap with us. We "imitated" how to do it--and after a few tears, he fell asleep sitting up against Angie. So cute! Bath was rough tonight, but he crawled right into bed. Poor guy is exhausted. Mommy and Daddy need some sleep now, so thanks to you all for reading, praying, posting, and loving us so well over the miles.
We've been following the blog and it's quite a journey you guys have undertaken. From our side it seems like you just left, but I'm sure you guys feel like a small eternity since you left "life as it was." Max's adaptation to his mommy and daddy sounds absolutely seamless, and to hear that he had been prepped for the transition is calming and seems (seams?) to have made all the difference. In a word, awesome. (Paul)
ReplyDeleteOkay, my turn (Melissa)...I can't think of two people who are better equipped to make this transition. Your energy, love, patience, and genuine natures will be tested for sure as you blast from a relatively calm life to one filled with the demands of a 3 year old. Paul and I still feel like we are trying to figure out parenting daily...often faking that we know just what to do when in reality we are nervous nellies (sp?) hoping that we don't permanently scar our children from something we do (or don't do) or say (or don't say). Your tales of trying to get Max to sleep, and the tears involved, make my heart go out to you both. And I can't imagine the physical isolation you feel from being "across the pond" from all that is home. But you guys are SO up for this challenge...and Paul and I are following your journey, thinking of you and Max often, and wishing you all the best.
Side note: Beck and Dane are SO excited to meet Max. Beck asked tonight what Max's birthday is. What is it?
Side note number 2: From two traumatized parents who did an overnight flight with a toddler (Beck, age two, flight to Germany, half hour on the plane saying "All done, go outside"), let me say that the doctor (that's me) recommends some Dramamine to knock out the toddler and some whiskey all around for the adults. It's a lovely combination.
Side note number 3: Paul wants me to add that "word on the street" is that Eastern European Dramamine is double potent. So watch out for that!
Praying for you All tons. Sounds like you are doing an amazing job!!!!
ReplyDeleteCurious to hear how 'crash' has entered his english vocabulary so early ... ?
ReplyDeleteSecondly, just have to say how incredibly fun it is to hear that you are now "mommy" and "daddy"!
All three of you are total Troopers - not just Max, and hopefully soon enough the surviving will turn into thriving.