Monday, June 13, 2011

Status update--3rd full day home

My husband went back to work today--though he did get up early with Jiushu and go in to work late--so today has been my first day alone with four children.  I won't say we're thriving, but we're surviving, and I'm content with that. 

We have been teaching Jiushu to feed himself Cheerios, small pieces of bread, and the little steamed bun crackers he ate a million of in China.  He has no pincer grasp, and when his fingers reach his mouth and the snack has dropped, he doesn't even seem to realize it.  When I help him to try again, he throws a colossal tantrum.  And this is the tricky part--is it grief?  or is it a tantrum?  I'm sure it could be a mixture.  To our experienced-in-birth-parenting-only eyes these fits sure look like tantrums from an indulged child.  Ironic, I guess, but we really suspect that Jiushu's nanny (we think he did have only one main caretaker) babied him, perhaps pitied him, and so expected almost nothing from him. 

I say that because, as we've attempted to lovingly turn play into therapy, we've found that this boy absolutely can bear weight on his legs.  And surprise, surprise...can now do it with a smile on his face!  And he's sitting up like a champ, though it's clear to us that lying down has been his default mode.  I'm no doctor, and I'm not claiming to know yet whether or not he has nerve damage, but if you've never ever worked with a child to help him learn to stand or sit, how could you possibly make that claim?  He has no strength in his legs (as the staff wrote)?  Well, no, not if he lies down or sits in a stroller all day.  Do I sound a little ticked off? 

Anyway, we took a nice walk to the park after lunch.  Big brother on his scooter, big sister walking, and the two littles in the stroller.  Jiushu was almost asleep by the time we got there, and I quickly picked him and woke him up.  Again, his default mode = go to sleep.  (He had already taken a two hour nap.)  He enjoyed the change of scenery and took his first (I assume) ride in a baby swing.  He LOVED it...smiled the entire time!  Stayed awake for the return walk home, and had some quality sitting/playing/bearing weight on his legs time.  He's taking another nap now as I could tell he was genuinely tired.  Maybe because of his heart, I don't know.  He also sweats like nothing I've ever seen.  When he wakes up in the morning, there is a one-foot diameter circle of soaking wet sweat under his head on his crib sheet.  I look forward to getting some answers when we have our first appointment at the international adoption clinic later this month. 

I have been so blessed by the encouraging comments and prayer going up for us in this crazy time of transition...thank you!  "Weeping may last for the night [or many nights...whatever], but a shout of joy comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:5 NASB 

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Surviving is good! It will get easier! Glad to hear Jiushu is making such progress already!

Krissy said...

china made you BRAVE momma girl!!!! taking 4 kids to the park... wow - its taken me 4 years to do that! i also sent a private fb message about j's heart.

peace to you friend!

Rita and John said...

You made it through a day handling your four children alone! That sounds like a miracle to me, mother of one (soon to be two). Congratulations! I hope you can get some good answers from the doctor.

M. said...

Hey there! You can do this - in Christ!! Sarah sweats on her head something fierce, too!! I have a friend with two (9 y/o) from China who said they outgrew it. I have, however, come to realize that at times it *may* be stress induced sweat. Keep in mind, he's going through a LOT - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God knew you'd be his mommy...you are the right one for him. =)

Michelle said...

Oh Jerusha, I just read your posts about your trip home. I'm so sorry you had such a horrible time of it. We take the train to HK tomorrow and fly from there to Chicago on Thursday. I am NOT looking forward to it, but I'm so ready to get home I'd do about anything!

Praying that you all get settled in and back into a normal routine soon. I'm so sorry we just missed meeting each other!

D said...

Dear Jerusha - wow! God has most definitely called you to this ministry of adoption - and so, He is and will equip you "for every good work" and continue to do so until His plans & intentions for each of your dear children are fulfilled!

We are praying with you and Vince and we're behind you every step of this amazing journey.

Love, D

themorellis said...

Praying for you my dear friend. . brave indeed, walking with 4 kiddos to the park. God is good and faithful and oh so close to us Mommies. He will carry those who care so well for little ones. I love you, friend!

Gena said...

So awesome that he is already sitting more contentedly and putting weight on his legs! Way to go on the trip to the park! That is so impressive!

Paige said...

Thanks for posting on my blog... I am going to read yours more thoroughly, but wanted to encourage you... it all takes time, which is hard to deal with while in the midst of it all, but when you look back you will see this. Our daughter at 3 1/2 couldn't walk without falling down and couldn't do stairs, but they thrive and change so quickly, it will amaze you.

Stephanie said...

Adjusting is HARD. HARD. Especially when you are jet lagged and in the middle of it.
Be encouraged -- as you've no doubt heard, but that's because it is true -- it DOES get better. As time goes on and you all get rested and find the new normal...it gets better. And then it gets WAY better. :)