Week 1 Observations

Okay, so we're just past the 1st week mark. It's been a blur really - a little too "normal" and a little chaotic all at the same time. Here are just a few of my observations:

1. My house STINKS! (as previously stated in another post)
2. The novelty of the in fridge ice and water maker has not worn off and my kitchen floor always has a puddle on it.
3. Moise is obsessed with ice and will eat ice chips all day
4. Haitians MUST yell EVERYTHING! There is no concept of volume control at all!
5. Moise understands everything we are saying to him unless its something he doesn't want to hear - then he's amazingly stricken with the "I only speak Creole" disease
6. Phoenix knows how to "work it!" He will bat his eyelashes and flash a heart-melting smile whenever he's told no or is doing something he knows he's not supposed to
7. Getting an 8 year old who wets the bed nearly every night to wear GoodNights is A LOT easier said than done
8. Who knew adding 2 kids would increase the mess in my house exponentially. I have wiped up more spills, washed more blown out clothes and picked up more crap in the last week than in my entire career as a mom
9. Just cause you adopt an older kid doesn't mean you'll get the sleep of an older kid - expect newborn sleep cycles!
10. Phoenix sleepwalks apparently and often ends up on the couch or chair in the living room.
11. Having to discipline 180 degrees from what you're used to and now applying to all boys instead of just the new 2 - uber challenging.
12. I H-A-T-E diapers!!!!! I didn't order a baby, but I got one anyway! Changes the game plan 110%
13. This - all of this - still feel like babysitting. I can't emphasize this enough. There is not some magical moment when they come home wherein that organic, loving, "feels like they've always been here" family appears. It's work and a choice every single day to love them and make it work. Do not misunderstand - I love all of my children passionately and unwaveringly. However, you have to realize that this is one of the biggest changes and adjustments we (or you, if you are adopting) will ever go through as a family. It takes a helluva lot of time and a helluva lot of work and prayer. The more you build up dreams and ideas and paint pictures of what you think it will be like when your children come home, the more disappointed, frustrated and out of love you will be with them when they finally do come home. Let me share with you something my parents shared with my husband when he was about to meet my extended family for the first time: expect the worst....and then you get the "family name inserted here." I will relay the same advice to you: expect the worst...and then you get "insert child's name here." In other words - have no expectations or dreams or grandiose ideas of family ooey-gooey bonding. Expect the worst and you will be so wonderfully surprised when it turns out to be not so bad. This puts so much less pressure on the children and takes a HUGE burden off of you.

I think that's all for right now. I have 2 very sick little guys - 24-hour flu kinda thing and we've been up since 4:30am. Will post more pics and updates throughout the next week, so keep on checking in.

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First Bike Ride!

Daddy being home from work this week has been a great thing for all the boys! He helped Moise with his first bike ride today and in no time, Moise was off! Phoenix got into helping daddy fix a bike and it was a great time of winding down before dinner. These moments are so sweet!

My house....

STIIIIIIIIIIIINKS! Who knew 4 boys could stink up a house so efficiently and thoroughly? ;0) It's like one long, never-ending fart! I'm looking for some sweet savior to send me a gas mask......

Brothers Bonding

GoodNight!

The boys LOVED their new beds, especially with the new blankets grandma made (as seen in grandparentsRfun. The first few nights in their new home have gone very well and everyone has slept through the night - with the exception if Logan. He had to fall asleep in the guest room last night because Phoenix was snoring SO loud he couldn't sleep. Phoenix definitely has some nighttime breathing issues we're goingto have to get looked at.

One of my favorite moments

was watching Moise "fish" for minnows with a bucket. He was always SO surprised when he caught some. The video should show up shortly - after it is done processing - so check back....

First Grocery Trip x2

So this morning we decided to tackle both Sam's Club AND Walmart for groceries and, since the special seat for our SUV won't be here for another month, we had to take 2 cars. I was expecting insanity...shouts of amazement and eyes wide with disbelief. On the contrary, it was surprisingly underwhelming. Moise walked alongside the cart with Logan, helping to put things in the cart and asking for specific things he wanted. He was so happy to be helping and a part of the team. Phoenix and Cai played happily together in the front of the cart, relatively oblivious. All in all, fun but oddly normal. Sorry for the crappy pics - that's whatcha get with a cameraphone....