Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Orphanage Rules and the Circle of Life

There's a rule in the orphanage - you don't ever throw away food.  If you don't want it or, for some reason cannot eat it, you force feed it to someone smaller than you.

The littler kids don't mind.  Somehow they know that it helps keep them alive.

On this side of things, Nathan gets really stressed and upset if you take food from him (like when you can tell he's just playing with it and no longer eating it).  If he can dispose of it on his terms, however, he's OK. 

As part of the "Circle of Life" or something, we have two little furry 4-legged creatures that fill the "these are who you give your scraps to" category.   Nathan's already figured out that, although he's the only child in this house right now, the two doggies are more than willing to take whatever he wants to throw at them - literally!

It's so fun to see him eating and not gorging himself.  It's amazing to watch him giggle has he throws bits to the dogs from his booster seat. 

He ate his breakfast this morning (well, his FIRST breakfast) with one hand tightly clutching the ribbons on the balloons he was given at the airport last night. 

He's still figuring things out, but he's doing great!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so glad to see a post from you! I figured you were still in Florida and bonding with your son. By the way, he is absolutely gorgeous. This morning I saw you on the local news as you arrived at the airport last night (I live in Riverton) you were beaming. This is such an exciting time for all of you and Nathan must be amazed at all of the differences in his "new world. I have noticed that the news coverage of Haiti has started to diminish and we all need to make sure that it is kept in the public eye and is not forgotten.

Melissa said...

Congratulations on bringing Nathan home! We can't wait to meet this little guy whom we feel as if we already know!

The Olsons said...

Ok those cheeks are amazing!!! I love them!!! We are so glad you made it home and theat he is adjusting well!!!

Susie said...

Oh Lori...

I am so happy you have Nathan home. I have been following your blog wondering how in the world you could be holding up. My husband and I read your posts and cried knowing the pain you have been in trying to get your family home all these years. I am so sorry to hear about Jess. What a monumental struggle this must be for you, but I believe as you do. Heavenly Father will never forsake you, Nathan, Brent or Jess. He has a plan and you are a wonderful example to me and my family. Hold Nathan tight and know we care and pray for you. If you need anything don't hesitate to contact us!

Love, The Phillips Family

Just SO said...

I'm so glad that he is there with you!!

Teri said...

What a beautiful boy! I bet your doggies are really enjoying the new addition to the household.
He's home! I'm so happy for you all!

Rachelle said...

So happy to see little Nathan at home with you two where he belongs. Matt gave me the link to your blog and I've been following it with tears and prayers. So glad this sweet prayer has been answered and another one to come.
Matt and Rachelle Chiang

Perla said...

i can't believe i just read a post about nathan at home and what he is doing with his food, just as if its all normal as can be. wow. i love it love it love it.

Paula said...

YEAH!!!

Flyin Lowe said...

Very typical with the food thing. Elias would have a total melt down if food was taken. At first he would eat and eat and eat....we had to take the food to keep him from making himself sick. We showed him the fridge and told him that he would always have enough to eat. Even now, at almost 9 years old, if he's together with friends for a Pizza party of something, he really watches others to see how fast they are eating and makes sure he is eating faster so that he will have enough. "Family" style is not always the best. We ended up loading a small amount on his plate from the kitchen before we brought it to the table. That seemed to help.
Good luck, and I'm so glad you got him.
Noelle

leadatortilla said...

I'm sure Nathan made a few QUICK friends with those dogs this morning when he shared his goods! YEAH for being home! Yeah for watching him touch snow for the first time! And yeah for happy parenting! Love you guys!

Best of the Best said...

Yay, Nathan's home!!!!

Kat - Ruthie-dos.blogspot.com said...

I'm so happy you have your son home in your arms.

Keep us updated on Jessica... as I know I'm not the only one praying about her.

Jackie said...

Brent and Lori, we are so happy for you all, even the dogs. We all know how the hairy little guy's love treats. You will be the best parents that Nathan could ever ask for. We will keep praying for you to bring Jessica home soon.

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