I've always been puzzled how come people who blogged every day while in China, even those having difficult times, would come home and be silent for days, weeks, or even months. I always figured they fell right into the swing of a busy life and didn't have time. Well, I can't speak for them, but that isn't the reason for me.
Re-entry is hard! Our baby is doing incredibly well still; Sunflower is probably having the roughest time adjusting emotionally and today she was almost back to herself. Huckleberry got back on Pacific Standard Time immediately. We are happy to be together as a family. Even though the baby is slow at adjusting to the time (as are we), she is happy when were are up in the middle of the night. No one is puking. Sweet Pea likes sleeping in her crib. All is good.
But we are so very, very tired. It took me 3 days to even desire to write a blog post and another 2 days to actually write it. Due to the generosity of friends and the availability of fast food we have managed to stay fed. Our house was clean when we arrived home and a major disaster by Sunday...only half a disaster by Monday due to motivation provided by today's first post-placement visit with our Social Worker.
So, a few thoughts that have slipped into my sleep addled brain. I miss China--the breakfast buffet, the access to room service, the intimacy of one small room, and the easy, predictable sleeping and eating pattern that Sweet Pea fell into. Oh wait...that isn't China, that's living in a hotel. Loved them cleaning the room every day, too. (I really did love China and want to go back, also.)
It is possible to carry a baby on your back in the Ergo while carrying a 3 year old on the front in your arms. I have proven this at the airport and at WalMart (our one all family outing these last 5 days.)
Crumbs self multiply, as do toys, clothes, and dishes.
You should have rice cereal AND a can of formula in your house to come home to.
I do not remember how to form sentences that does not end on a proposition.
It is possible to rock and feed a baby while 3/4 asleep if said baby is held safely in an Ergo (or other bum supporting front-pack). Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration...5/8 asleep.
So we are managing. But we are glad friends are still bringing us meals. I'm thankful Oak has this next whole week off and flexible/part-time hours for the month of June. We are constantly amazed and thrilled at our four amazing children. I thank God for the wonderful people in our life, for the blessings He has given us, and for carrying us through this incredible experience.
And I'm starting the believe my mantra given to me by other jet-lagged new moms "7-10 days...it'll start to feel normal in 7-10 days...or maybe 2 weeks..."
Re-entry is hard! Our baby is doing incredibly well still; Sunflower is probably having the roughest time adjusting emotionally and today she was almost back to herself. Huckleberry got back on Pacific Standard Time immediately. We are happy to be together as a family. Even though the baby is slow at adjusting to the time (as are we), she is happy when were are up in the middle of the night. No one is puking. Sweet Pea likes sleeping in her crib. All is good.
But we are so very, very tired. It took me 3 days to even desire to write a blog post and another 2 days to actually write it. Due to the generosity of friends and the availability of fast food we have managed to stay fed. Our house was clean when we arrived home and a major disaster by Sunday...only half a disaster by Monday due to motivation provided by today's first post-placement visit with our Social Worker.
So, a few thoughts that have slipped into my sleep addled brain. I miss China--the breakfast buffet, the access to room service, the intimacy of one small room, and the easy, predictable sleeping and eating pattern that Sweet Pea fell into. Oh wait...that isn't China, that's living in a hotel. Loved them cleaning the room every day, too. (I really did love China and want to go back, also.)
It is possible to carry a baby on your back in the Ergo while carrying a 3 year old on the front in your arms. I have proven this at the airport and at WalMart (our one all family outing these last 5 days.)
Crumbs self multiply, as do toys, clothes, and dishes.
You should have rice cereal AND a can of formula in your house to come home to.
I do not remember how to form sentences that does not end on a proposition.
It is possible to rock and feed a baby while 3/4 asleep if said baby is held safely in an Ergo (or other bum supporting front-pack). Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration...5/8 asleep.
So we are managing. But we are glad friends are still bringing us meals. I'm thankful Oak has this next whole week off and flexible/part-time hours for the month of June. We are constantly amazed and thrilled at our four amazing children. I thank God for the wonderful people in our life, for the blessings He has given us, and for carrying us through this incredible experience.
And I'm starting the believe my mantra given to me by other jet-lagged new moms "7-10 days...it'll start to feel normal in 7-10 days...or maybe 2 weeks..."
6 comments:
Glad to hear you are safely home and settling in . . . blessings to your entire family as you all adjust to the change in time and family structure.
Oh, I can just hear the tiredness in your post. :) A good tired....but tired none-the-less. I will be praying for you. :)
I had a dream about you a few nights ago. We were in a Bible study group together, and we were deciding when to meet again, and we came up with the conclusion we needed a fun outing together, so we planned a time to take pictures together. :) I was sort sad when I woke up, and it wasn't true.
Cedar:
My husband and I have truly appreciated your blog and reading about your journey while in China. The detail was excellent and we can't thank you enough. While we don't know you personally, we do wish your family the very best.
We just found out yesterday we will be traveling 05/30 and meeting our daughter on 06/04. Your blog posts couldn't have come at a better time. :)
Best Regards,
Jeri and Michael
You don't know me, but I'd like to thank you for blogging your way through China, we really appreciated it as we did the same trip in 2009 to receive our daughter. Loved living the experience again through you!! ... but the re-entry was indeed lousy for us too! The 2 yr old was on PST, the 10M old was on China time, & we were trying to get back to PST, it took awhile (yes, 10-14 days). Beautiful to be home again, safe & sound & all together, isn't it?!! Welcome home to the NW & our lovely weather ....
Kelli
LOL! Welcome home! I totally understand this post and remember those days well! Err...as well as I can remember anything living in a jet lag fog.
haha- I also always wondered why people went silent after China- and as I look at the mountains of laundry here I know exactly why. (And as to why I am sitting here reading blogs rather than sleeping or cleaning is another issue...:) Glad you are back and hope we all get into a routine sooner rather than later.
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