Post-Institutionalized children

I read this article about post-institutionalized children and agree with much of it.
Common sense is best. Stay with your children. Let them first bond with you. Don't over stimulate them. Life in an orphanages is very different than life in the US. Walking through the grocery store with my young children the first time was disturbing to them. Too much noise, lights, things to see. We are a nation of stuff and these kids have had nothing.
Baby them. Many of them never had a mommy to pick them up, coo to them and hold the bottle. These children were left in cribs to cry and a bottle was propped. My six year old still loves a baby toy that when pulled sings rock a bye baby. He still likes a warm milk and sugar sippy cup given to him by me like a bottle. My 4 year old still likes to have me put her in a sling. And at 38 lbs. she fits, but it's hard on my back. But she has such joy on her face to be held like a baby, I can't resist. I really encourage baby wearing for your adopted children and all children.

Giving Thanks

I hope everone had a memorable Thanksgiving. We went to one of my sister's and it was a very nice day. Beautiful weather, kids in great moods, delicious food and good company.
I use to find holidays difficult and stressful because of increased behavior problems of my son. But now that he has resolved much of his anger or maybe just learned to trust, we are having such nice visits and I don't worry that we can only stay one hour before a scene erupts.
I'm glad to see that he wants to play with his sister and cousins. I'm thrilled we aren't having such bad eating/ food / control issues.
I'm thankful for good therapists, teachers, family and God for helping my son feel happiness and maybe even love.
I'm thankful for a strong, wonderful husband who takes such good care of us.
I'm thankful for a joy of a daughter.
I'm thankful for a family who supports us with love and time.

Winter is here???

After the wonderful warm weather we had this week, it looks like we have an early taste of winter. Hubby is asking to move south again. 33 degrees and ice and snow make him start his refrain. "Let's go somewhere warm"
I can't stand this weather" I think he is starting to wear me down. He certainly has the kids convinced that there is a magical place to live where it's always warm. Yesterday my daughter asked me why I want to stay here (Wisconsin) and I replied"It's where my family is , honey" I have 2 parents and 7 brother and sisters here in Wisconsin. Numerous cousins and aunts in the Chicago area where I was born. It feels like home.
But my daughter wise to her 4 years replied, "But I'm your family and George and Daddy and Bailey (Our dog).
I can't see where warm weather makes a life better, maybe more comfortable but not better or richer in spirit. But I am wearing down a bit. And bitter cold early winter weather doesn't help.

Fall is here

After a great day in warm 60's weather, I was able to clean up my flower beds and put my garden to rest for the year. I enjoy this part of gardening. I get a sense of completeness. After all of the work of spring and summer to enjoy the gardens I have, I now get to cut everything back and we both can rest. Today it is the normal weather, 40's, and I can sit at the window with a cup of tea and look at everything tidy and ready for winter.

Election Day

To all moms who haven't voted yet, I ask you to try and get to the polls. I don't care how you vote (Well maybe I do, but that doesn't matter)
I ask you to find the time, drag the kids with you and vote. Whether you feel this election is a referendum on the Bush administration, you are angry with the dems or you are voting to have a say in the referendums in your individual state, please vote.
When I went out to vote this morning, my daughter was at my feet behind the curtain of the voting booth, yes, it's distracting but I want her to see that mom votes on election day. She and her brother hear my husband and I discuss the issues and I want them to see that everyone has a voice in our government.