Did you know the word "companionship" comes from the Latin words that mean "with" and "bread"? Your companions, the people to whom you are closest, are those you break bread with. I think it's no accident that dates usually include a meal. Meeting someone's need for food is a very intimate and emotional connection.
Now, a bit of insight into Nathan's former world.
Living in an orphanage with 68 kids, "aunties" (which is what they call the nannies) that change shifts a few times a day and have a high turnover rate because everything in Haiti is in flux and has been since before I can remember. He comes from an environment where there isn't enough attention or food and you have to scream the loudest and eat the fastest to make sure you get what you need.
The experts have advised us to make sure we're the only ones that hold him or feed him for the next 2 weeks at least. He needs CONSISTENCY. He needs time to adjust to the fact that not "everyone bigger than him" is his "companion". He has a Mama and a Papa and they have people they know and that they know are safe. He needs time to adapt to this world, where not anyone that's bigger than you is a potential caregiver.
We've told our immediate family that they are welcome to come over and visit. They are the people that are HIS family as well, and he can see that it's OK to be with those people. We have asked neighbors and other friends that we've asked to give us a couple of week for him to adjust before they descend. He has no idea that SO MANY people already know and love him. And trust me - he's AWESOME. We can't wait for you to meet him.
We just ask you give him a couple of weeks to figure out that THIS house and THESE adults don't change. THIS is it for him now.
In the meantime, I'll try to keep posting pictures and keeping you updated and informed of all the adorable things he does.
He's still fairly frustrated that we don't speak the same language, but we're figuring it out.
Thank you for loving him. Thank you for praying him home. Thank you for caring about the drama and the miracles that got him to this point.
We love you and thank you for your support.
Brent, Lori and Nathan
12 comments:
Enjoy this time! I am so happy for all of you. We always seem to run into Brent at Costco, my kids think it is so cool there is another Brent not just their Dad. That is what I am looking forward too, seeing your two boys at the Costco.
Lori, I just love seeing the pictures of this smiling happy boy in such a wonderful home. I can just picture you and Brent loving and caring for him (you were the best nursery leaders ever!) Good luck and enjoy parenthood!
this is sooo touching. Soon your jessica will be with you and your family will be complete! i'm so happy for you guys!
This is soooo important. It will make a HUGE difference down the rode. Enjoy your time as you all adjust. Not all moments may be pleasant, but all are worth it.
suzanne
Sounds very wise.
Thanks for posting the pictures and sharing some tidbits already. We are overjoyed for you all, and really enjoy seeing these glimpses into the rest of your lives together!!
Love,
TnT
Like others have said, the intense work of helping him adjust now will be soooo worth it later. Nathan sure is blessed to have such loving and attentive parents. Just keep us all updated with tons of pictures!!
Lori & Brent- I LOVE seeing the pictures of your little guy!!! Everyone at my office is stalking you via blog-world. :) I went to see Collin last night and I can only imagine how thrilled Nathan is to finally be in HIS house, with HIS family, and HIS dogs. :) Collin's still a little sketchy of Tucker... but T's working on it. :) Love you all!!! Oh- one question, no one has updated on Fabrice... did he make it home?
Great idea, Lori & Brent. Andre was much younger but I tried to make sure to do the same thing that you are doing now and have always recommended it to parents...to let close family come to your house, but not to go to theirs...to let him see that these are people who love him, but they come and then they GO. He STAYS and you two STAY cuz that is home and you're the family unit. Thanks for keeping us at bay and but thanks for sharing photos and anecdotes because we sure do love him (and you both) and are so happy to have him home!
I'm so glad you guys finally got him home. What awesome parents you already are!!
When I saw you guys with your adorable Nathan on the news I was all teary-eyed with a big lump in my throat. I'm so-o-o-o very happy for you guys!!!
Thank you for sharing your sweet boy with us. He is adorable!!
What an amazing miracle and challenge you get to experience! Thanks for sharing it with us too.
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