Wednesday, May 14, 2008

T minus 25 days and counting....to Haiti.

Scott and Michelle, bless them and their family, are still going to go. Though they've lost their beautiful daughter, they feel strongly that there is another child in Haiti that needs them and they're going to move forward. Our thoughts are still with them and sweet Ellie has been in my thoughts so much.

For purely selfish reasons, I'm grateful for that because without them the trip would be canceled. It's just us and them going this trip and there have to be two families to be able to make the trip cost effective.

I am trying to imagine an active 3 year old (we think that's how old Malot is - still don't have the details) who doesn't speak English, doesn't know us from Adam and wondering how this will play out. It was different with Lexi and Nathan - Nathan's an infant and as long as you love him, he doesn't care who you are and didn't have a "stranger" concept yet. Lexi was too sick to care.

So, any suggestions on the answer to this riddle? "What's small enough to fit in a suitcase, easily entertains a 3 year old, and doesn't make noise?" (I'm anti-toy noise.)

I'm worried about our O (that's "adopting mom-speak for 'orphanage'") as it seems there have been a lot of sick kids. We can't get information. Perpetual limbo.

I'm worried about when we'll be able to get Malot home. When will our family start? When will we finally get the paperwork we need? Nothing has happened AT ALL since we lost Lexi and Nathan. We haven't moved forward with any of Malot's paperwork. Time lost that can never be recovered, but that's the nature of the Haitian adoption beast. We can't MAKE these children ours.

My friend, Melissa, is going to Haiti next week to visit her children. She's been waiting over 2 years to get them home. And is still waiting. Governments, and paperwork, and UNICEF - oh my!

This too shall pass....

Right?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The answer to your riddle is a box. Kids love to play with a box. Here are some other suggestions that my grandkids enjoy - coasters (yes, the ones you put your cups/glasses on to protect your furniture), nesting blocks. The kids love unstacking or dumping out the coasters and stacking them in the holder. We keep threatening their parents we're going to give each of the kids coasters for brithday or christmas gifts. Nesting blocks or any other nesting toy will probably work just as well. Good luck on the trip! -Luana

Anonymous said...

Crayons, coloring books, bubbles, 25 cent bouncy balls from Old Navy, fake tats, and stickers

Anonymous said...

I know lots of people hate it, but every kid I know loves playdough. And really, it is quite easy to clean up (but you don't have to worry about that in a hotel-right!)
Just let it dry and scrape with your fingernail. Also, try some construction paper and water colors. All kids love to make things!
-Trudi

Olson Family said...

Cars and a nerf football that he and brent can play with. Playdough is an excellent suggestion. Make paper airplanes with him and fly them everywhere, he should like that, too.
My boys liked to drive toy cars through the dirt at that age. Mud, dirt and messes make 3 year old boys happy. Unless they are Monk, then I can't help you.

Rachael said...

Lori - as you know, my Big Guy was adopted at 14 months. Granted, it's not 3 years - but I still felt suddenly rushed into 'toddler-mania' world. Email me please if I can help.

Dont forget small walks - letting them explore. Sticks are fun to collect and if you can get your hands on some peanuts - we loved feeding the animals.

The language barrier seems like it will be the toughest.

Keep us updated!!

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