Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Good the Bad and the Ugly








Today was a day that I have read about on my Older Children Adoption Groups. It started out great. After a wonderful breakfast we took a van to the Safari Park. This is no small park. The animals were amazing !
While there Eli became very upset. He would not listen, move or walk. We tried absolutely everything we could think of and it ended up boiling down to Paula physically carrying him back to the van. He was crying, fighting and caused quite a scene. Imagine the stares we received as we were carrying him through the crowds. Once in the van he calmed down and I was able to walk him back then to get a bite to eat. Eli and I tried to get back into the park but they would not let us reenter....so Eli and I sat in the air conditioned van. He played with animals (he didn't want me to touch them) and I listened to some great tunes on Jordan's I-pod.
We are back at the hotel and all is well. I am hoping the evening goes better. It is the worst feeling not being able to comfort him during these times. I did rub his arm, hug him and kiss him. I can't wait for the day he does those things back....

4 comments:

Amy said...

Do you have any idea what set him off? If you have read my blog I had a nightmare time with Sarah. They are really worse when they get hungry. Also, they really are not use to much. It's sometimes better just staying in the calm hotel. It is way too much newness for these kids that had maybe never even gone to the store. Get him into a routine as soon as you get home. Help him know what to expect. Maybe get some basic picture cards that communicate his needs, or learn some sign language. We also let our older adopted son Thomas use the camera allot. It gave him some control.

Alyson and Ford said...

You did the right thing, taking him to the van and loving him as much as he would let you. All I can say is that it gets better each day (once at home). You are a special family!

Alyzabeth's Mommy for Six Months

Ron said...

I wonder what made him react like that? Maybe he was overstimulized or something. I'm sure you will never know. Better days are ahead.

M and M Girls said...

You need both rain and sunshine to make rainbows! Keep looking out for those rainows!!!

Diane and the girls