The first day we had Katie all was well. She was content to play quietly. She ate well. She slept all night. We were like...wow, this adoption stuff is easy. Then, day 2 came...
Katie was fine when she woke up. More of the same from day 1. We went to the hotel breakfast. We tried to feed her too many different things and she brought it all back up onto her cloths and the high chair. All to be expected with a little one. We had to meet our guide at 8:45 to go back to the adoption center to finalize the Chinese part of the adoption process. As soon as we got in the van she began to cry. She cried almost the entire trip until we got back to the hotel, but then settled down again. We took her temp at the hotel and she had a low fever. We gave her some tylenol and fed her, then put her down for her nap. She went to sleep fairly easily, but then...
She woke up! From that point on she would cry in about one hour sessions and could not be consoled no matter what she tried. Food and water would calm her down to start with, but then pretty soon we couldn't get her to stop. At 5:00 she had exhausted herself and fell asleep on the bed. She was out for about an hour, but then...
She woke up! From 6:00 until 11:00ish she screamed her guts out. Nothing would work to calm her down. We tried to stay calm. But when a kid is screaming and cannot be calmed down you know that something is wrong. We tried food, bottles, diaper changes, tylenol, standing and bouncing, laying on the bed, giving her a bath, on and on. She fell asleep on Heather's chest at about 10:00. But then...
She woke up! More crying and crying and crying, and then...
We made the room completely dark, put her in her crib, rocked the crib for about 10 minutes and she fell asleep. But then...
She slept the rest of the night and is still sleeping this morning at 7:30. Whew!
Sorry...no pics for this post. We were kinda busy.
Pray that Katie has grieved fully and will now attach to her new mommy and daddy.
P.S. - She pretty much hates me. If I looked at her to long yesterday she would start to cry. Pray for Heather because she is doing most of the work with Katie right now.
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My heart breaks for you! Be patient, our foster kids experienced this to varying degrees (we like to term it as their "survival mode"). Such a traumatic event...something we can't even begin to understand. Keep on loving on her, things will get better as time passes. Hang in there Doug! We continue to pray for you and know how tough this is! She will blossom like a beautiful flower right before your eyes as she continues to feel the love/nurturing/safety you provide for her.
ReplyDeleteThe Clarks
Got any cheetos there? Sounds like a good time for some comfort food :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so excited for you, but certainly feel bad that Katie is struggling. What do you suppose she will be thinking when she meets the extended family back home. We are praying for you and for Katie to adjust to your family. She is a very lucky girl, but she doesn't understand that yet. Kathy and Don
ReplyDeleteAh parenthood! I shall ask Mark B if there is any way that when the DVD of the Focus on the Family-'Focus on Parenting" simulcast is available, I'll buy it for your Chrismas present. Try chocolate, I hear it is a comfort food for the female gender. Danana loves you all and remember...This to shall pass. Say your prayers. Good Night. Love the 3 of us
ReplyDeleteDoug and Heather,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you. I can only imagine the frustration that you are feeling right now. Just know that none of this is a surprise to our Father. HE knows what Katie needs when she needs it, so just continue to lift her up to HIM. And we will continue to lift you guys up to HIM too.
We love you and are so happy for you, just remember that she is definitely worth it.
We love you!