A lot of you have asked me about our 1st family Christmas. I have been meaning to write about it forever as it was so wonderful and magical. I kept putting it off until I had "time" but tonight I realize that will never happen. So I'm going to write about it now--even though I am not really in a "writing mood" if you will.
So seeing as Andy is 10 and this is likely the last year he will believe in Santa Claus--I decided to really milk it for all it's worth. I mean I really want to do as much damage as possible :)
Needless to say, Andy saw Santa Claus. Not in the mall--in his TV room, in the middle of the night.
It was MAGICAL. My heart was pounding, Andrew's heart was pounding and Andy was just beyond excited.
We woke him up at about 2am (because that was when we finally got everything ready--who knew all the work that went into Christmas as a parent! wow) and told him we thought we heard Santa on our roof.
He rubbed his eyes and looked at us puzzled and then it was as if it set in and his eyes grew as big as saucers. He didn't say a word he just grabbed both of Andrews hands and crept out into the hall in front of him.
We all 3 snuck down the hall and peered around the corner to see Jolly 'ol St Nick stuffing stockings and eating cookies--right there at our fireplace! (I was so excited I almost forgot I was the one who dressed my Father-in-law up in the suit!)
We ran back to the room breathless and Andy gasped saying "I can't believe I saw Santa Claus." "Now I really believe" (hence me saying I'm inflicting damage...hey whatever, his friends still believe. So if you are a Santa hater back off).
Andrew and I were reveling in this back in the tv room after snuggling Andy back into bed. Andrew admitted that it was a lot more fun than he'd thought it would be. He didn't think Andy believed and informed me more than once that Andy was only saying he did because I had in fact told him if he didn't believe there would be no presents. Which is true--I'm hardcore on this...jk
Anyhow I have never seen a child so excited. It's amazing how a tree full of lights and the belief of a child can turn a regular old tv room into something so magical.
The next morning he told everyone. It was so fun. He of course looooved Christmas. He fell on the floor at one point arms out to each side just saying I can't believe this in response to all of his presence. It was our best BEST best Christmas ever.
There of course is more but Andrew is starting the movie without me haha and I think that's probably the part you really wanted to hear anyway. But don't worry or get all huffy--Andy knows the REAL reason for Christmas and we did plenty to ensure that. I didn't just dress up Santa :P
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Andy's Prayer Tonight
Dear God,
Thank you for my Mudder and my Fadder.
Thank you for my friends and my friends at school.
God help my friends and my friends at school who have no money and who's parents have no money.
God help the children in Ukraine who have no homes and no family.
God help the people on drugs. Help them to stop drugs.
God help people who don't believe in God...You. Help them start believe in You.
Help the people with no home who sleep outside, who are cold and wet and have no home.
Amen.
Thank you for my Mudder and my Fadder.
Thank you for my friends and my friends at school.
God help my friends and my friends at school who have no money and who's parents have no money.
God help the children in Ukraine who have no homes and no family.
God help the people on drugs. Help them to stop drugs.
God help people who don't believe in God...You. Help them start believe in You.
Help the people with no home who sleep outside, who are cold and wet and have no home.
Amen.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Time out
I don't know about you but time out went from being a lifesaver to a real drain. I mean really when I've got over an hour in time out--who really cares? Andy doesn't. The other day, ok week, he was reaaaallly on bad behavior. He gets time out in 5 min increments and let me just tell you he was up to 45 minutes! Judge me all you want but I'm tellin' you--it was keep adding time out or pull out all my hair and who knows what else may have happened. So...here's how this conversation went...get ready to laugh or wince...me I did both--although the laughing came much later, after the wincing, a hot bath and 3 Tylenols ;)
Me--"Andy, you have to go to bed. You can sit on the stairs and fuss as long as you want. However, you already have 20 minutes of time out tomorrow so I'd suggest you go to bed."
Andy--"I don't want to do this. I won't do this. " (insert horribly mean face)
Me--"Well it is your decision but however many minutes you sit there will be the amount of time out added to your 20 minutes tomorrow."
Andy--Screams. Stomps. Sitting.
---insert clock ticking and me doing my best to appear totally calm as I clean the kitchen.
---yep, he's still sitting on the steps staring me down.
anybody got the jeapordy music handy? No, ok I like listening to 10yr old whining, it's cool.
Finally 10 minutes later he walks to his room, however, I can tell this battle's not over. Oh no...it is faaar from over. As he walks into his room and I tell him the total amount of time out he has, (desperately hoping he'll make the right decision as I tell him to go to bed now that he'll do it. I mean surely this kid's tired) he turns and looks right at me and says "I don't care how much time out I have--I love time out. Give me 2 hours of time out."
You are wondering what I did aren't you? Well at the risk of you all thinking I'm a bad Mom, too strict, or not strict enough... I'll tell you. Just keep in mind--I'm doing the best I can and um... well, I generally only write the good things about Andy and this is just a fraction of his "bad behavior" (bless his heart :) that is what we say after something like that right?)
Well, what did I do then? I agreed and gave him 2 hours of time out. I mean it was a challenge--and with Andy--you can't back down. So 2 hours it is. He says he's happy about it. But the way he screamed as I left tells me he is in fact not happy about it at all.
So, not only did I punish Andy--but I punished MYSELF. Do you know how miserable tomorrow is going to be for us both. Oh man, if only I could call in sick.
I gotta go...Andy's been yelling for me for about 2 minutes. I guess he wants more time out?
First thing tomorrow I am coming up with a new punishment plan. This timeout thing as I said....doesn't work well enough.
When the going gets tough...the tough... go sit in the tub and cry. kiiiiiidddding.
They put THEMSELVES in time out.
Me--"Andy, you have to go to bed. You can sit on the stairs and fuss as long as you want. However, you already have 20 minutes of time out tomorrow so I'd suggest you go to bed."
Andy--"I don't want to do this. I won't do this. " (insert horribly mean face)
Me--"Well it is your decision but however many minutes you sit there will be the amount of time out added to your 20 minutes tomorrow."
Andy--Screams. Stomps. Sitting.
---insert clock ticking and me doing my best to appear totally calm as I clean the kitchen.
---yep, he's still sitting on the steps staring me down.
anybody got the jeapordy music handy? No, ok I like listening to 10yr old whining, it's cool.
Finally 10 minutes later he walks to his room, however, I can tell this battle's not over. Oh no...it is faaar from over. As he walks into his room and I tell him the total amount of time out he has, (desperately hoping he'll make the right decision as I tell him to go to bed now that he'll do it. I mean surely this kid's tired) he turns and looks right at me and says "I don't care how much time out I have--I love time out. Give me 2 hours of time out."
You are wondering what I did aren't you? Well at the risk of you all thinking I'm a bad Mom, too strict, or not strict enough... I'll tell you. Just keep in mind--I'm doing the best I can and um... well, I generally only write the good things about Andy and this is just a fraction of his "bad behavior" (bless his heart :) that is what we say after something like that right?)
Well, what did I do then? I agreed and gave him 2 hours of time out. I mean it was a challenge--and with Andy--you can't back down. So 2 hours it is. He says he's happy about it. But the way he screamed as I left tells me he is in fact not happy about it at all.
So, not only did I punish Andy--but I punished MYSELF. Do you know how miserable tomorrow is going to be for us both. Oh man, if only I could call in sick.
I gotta go...Andy's been yelling for me for about 2 minutes. I guess he wants more time out?
First thing tomorrow I am coming up with a new punishment plan. This timeout thing as I said....doesn't work well enough.
When the going gets tough...the tough... go sit in the tub and cry. kiiiiiidddding.
They put THEMSELVES in time out.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back to School
Well today was Andy's first day back to school from Christmas break. It wouldn't be such a big deal except that he has tested out of his previous school so today's the first day at his new one. He was really excited to be going to a new school, whereas I wanted to start crying. I think Ms. Edwards could tell, as she gave me her cell number--lol. Anyhow, his English is so well that they fel he was ready for a normal school.
So the search began... oh yeah and this was all 2 days before Christmas break. Oh nothing like new parents school searching with 2 days before the break begins and no real knowledge of any of the surrounding schools.
Let me tell ya... it was greeeat. No it wasn't.
Oh well after a lot of thought and worry we decided that the best option given the time restraints and his limited ability to read in English that public school would be best right now.
Although I started out very very worried, I now feel like it was a good decision. He will be in the ELL program, because they have more 1x1 time and it is more oral as opposed to reading (which again he is still learning) and the teacher seems great.
Not to mention in order to afford private schools right now I'd have to fork over a kidney.
So we have til next school year to figure out where he'll go next. And if it's public school just start looking for our "we've moved" post cards.
School starts at 8am sharp and you can get there at 745. Being habitually late, I worried myself sick I would cause Andy to be late. This is not something he or his Dad appreciate. You'd be proud Mom, I was right on time, actually even early "yeah me." haha
The plan was for me to walk Andy in, being his first day and all, and buy his lunch tickets. But when we arrived in the carpool line he let me know he'd rather go alone. So there I sat in the drivers seat, ball cap pulled low over my unfixed hair (hey it was 730 am), smiling (to hide my nervousness--for myself and him--those carpool lines are scary!) saying "are you sure you don't want me to walk you in? It is your first day...." Holding my breath because I don't want to embarass him, but nor do I want to let him out of the car. I mean this is elementary school, not the International Newcomer's Academy with Ms. Edwards, what if someone pushes him? I gotta be there to put the smack down right? Wrong. He was worried kids might realize he was new if I walked him in. Riiiiight, because meeting you for the first time wouldn't tip them off to that.
"Ok sweetie" I smiled bravely. "Just be sure to remember all we talked about last night. And don't forget to give your teacher your lunch money."
"OK Mom." He kissed my cheek and leaped out of the car. All 60 pounds of him strutting up the sidewalk with his new back pack.
So.... this is what it feels like to be the mom of a 10 yr old. Insert me smiling, worried and happy all at the same time. This is the real stuff. INA was different, so this must be what it feels like.
I must say as cheesy as it sounds, I will never forget this morning. Seeing him dissapear into the building. Worrying if the other kids would be nice. Would he behave? What if he loses his lunch money--he'll be hungry. I should have made him eat more. He won't think well on an empty stomach. (Wow, should I go put on my "Mom Jeans?")
But most of all Just being so proud of him. He was really excited and really nervous at the same time. But there he went, all by himself. He's so cute.
I said a prayer that all Mom's probably pray, I know my Mom at least, as he walked out of my sight.
"God watch over him, keep him safe and give him peace."
And off I went... back to the house to go back to bed til time to pick him up.
What? Isn't that what "stay at home Mom's" do? KIDDING!
Back home to clean up, work out, do laundry.... you know the drill. :)
We'll see how it goes. Oh and I do have pictures to load from Christmas...stay tuned.
So the search began... oh yeah and this was all 2 days before Christmas break. Oh nothing like new parents school searching with 2 days before the break begins and no real knowledge of any of the surrounding schools.
Let me tell ya... it was greeeat. No it wasn't.
Oh well after a lot of thought and worry we decided that the best option given the time restraints and his limited ability to read in English that public school would be best right now.
Although I started out very very worried, I now feel like it was a good decision. He will be in the ELL program, because they have more 1x1 time and it is more oral as opposed to reading (which again he is still learning) and the teacher seems great.
Not to mention in order to afford private schools right now I'd have to fork over a kidney.
So we have til next school year to figure out where he'll go next. And if it's public school just start looking for our "we've moved" post cards.
School starts at 8am sharp and you can get there at 745. Being habitually late, I worried myself sick I would cause Andy to be late. This is not something he or his Dad appreciate. You'd be proud Mom, I was right on time, actually even early "yeah me." haha
The plan was for me to walk Andy in, being his first day and all, and buy his lunch tickets. But when we arrived in the carpool line he let me know he'd rather go alone. So there I sat in the drivers seat, ball cap pulled low over my unfixed hair (hey it was 730 am), smiling (to hide my nervousness--for myself and him--those carpool lines are scary!) saying "are you sure you don't want me to walk you in? It is your first day...." Holding my breath because I don't want to embarass him, but nor do I want to let him out of the car. I mean this is elementary school, not the International Newcomer's Academy with Ms. Edwards, what if someone pushes him? I gotta be there to put the smack down right? Wrong. He was worried kids might realize he was new if I walked him in. Riiiiight, because meeting you for the first time wouldn't tip them off to that.
"Ok sweetie" I smiled bravely. "Just be sure to remember all we talked about last night. And don't forget to give your teacher your lunch money."
"OK Mom." He kissed my cheek and leaped out of the car. All 60 pounds of him strutting up the sidewalk with his new back pack.
So.... this is what it feels like to be the mom of a 10 yr old. Insert me smiling, worried and happy all at the same time. This is the real stuff. INA was different, so this must be what it feels like.
I must say as cheesy as it sounds, I will never forget this morning. Seeing him dissapear into the building. Worrying if the other kids would be nice. Would he behave? What if he loses his lunch money--he'll be hungry. I should have made him eat more. He won't think well on an empty stomach. (Wow, should I go put on my "Mom Jeans?")
But most of all Just being so proud of him. He was really excited and really nervous at the same time. But there he went, all by himself. He's so cute.
I said a prayer that all Mom's probably pray, I know my Mom at least, as he walked out of my sight.
"God watch over him, keep him safe and give him peace."
And off I went... back to the house to go back to bed til time to pick him up.
What? Isn't that what "stay at home Mom's" do? KIDDING!
Back home to clean up, work out, do laundry.... you know the drill. :)
We'll see how it goes. Oh and I do have pictures to load from Christmas...stay tuned.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Busta Blog?
So I'm signing up with Busta Blog in hopes of getting more exposure to international adoptions...mainly to Ukraine :)
Supposedly this free site advertises your blog. We'll see...
Thought I'd explain this random jumbo below :)
Tell your friends about the blog. Maybe it could be a book?!
JG8D69D
bustablog_com_JG8D69D
Supposedly this free site advertises your blog. We'll see...
Thought I'd explain this random jumbo below :)
Tell your friends about the blog. Maybe it could be a book?!
JG8D69D
bustablog_com_JG8D69D
Monday, September 15, 2008
The wheels on the bus go round & round...
Today was Andy's first day riding the bus to school, it was 'special' to say the least. I know you are probably thinking this will be a cute little post about how excited he was, how we all ate breakfast together and sat on the porch happily awaiting the bus...well, you are wrong. It didn't go that way at all...lets just say the eggs are still sitting cracked and waiting to be scrambled and the wheels on the bus, simply stated, weren't the only ones going 'round and round.'
Andy's been wanting to use an alarm clock and begging for batteries so he can get up on his own.
We finally decided to let him give it a try so today was his first (and last for some time) experience waking up to an alarm. We had set the station to a children's morning program--aren't we good parents? yeah actually that was just luck, Andrew thought it was on country haha but even with the good station waking him from sleep the alarm still had the same effect on him that it does on most people, he woke up a full fledged Grump. Oh yeah, he's my kid and I love him, but when he is bad, he is bad...today...he was bad.
'Round 1
I awoke to find him dressed and watching politics on the news, which really is enough to make anyone slightly grumpy in the morning. Seriously, why do they think we want to hear the worlds problems right when we wake up? Can't you just tell us the latest fashion or weather? But Andy can't even use that excuse because although he was indeed watching it, its not like he can understand it...so forget that.
He had on the wrong outfit, not that I'm so controlling I would pick out every outfit..ok I do, but really that wasn't the problem... he has to wear a uniform. Solid polo shirts only and he was in stripes. So we trudged through gettting that one resolved with about a million grunts and "fee's" (which is Russian for 'ew' or 'gross') along the way. Oh and when I say "we" I'm not referring to me and Andrew, I mean me...and my defiant 10yr old son. Andrew comes in later.
'Round 2
Next we move on to what is called 'brush a tee' in our house. That is what he calls brushing his teeth. Yeah, yeah, I know I need to correct it but its so cute...I can't do it yet. Either way somehow he thinks that 'brush a tee' is an option, not something that must be done at least 2xs a day. The funny thing is he actually likes to brush his teeth...he just also likes to win and had said no when he mistakenly thought I was 'asking' him to. Sigh, oh well, I guess I shouldn't say it so nice? jooooking...joooking.
To make a long story somewhat short he ended up laying in the floor crying after he refused to look at me, answer me and cooperate. He ended up losing his bike after he mocked me--that's where my patience started to wear thin. I now get the jokes parents tell about wanting to pull out thier hair...beat their children. Don't get me wrong I would never do such a thing, I'm just sympathizing--so don't send me weird emails about spanking--we aren't spanking him, so you don't have to worry.
'Round 3
Finally I had to get "Dad" to come help. He was greeted this Monday morning by me pulling back the covers and sighing with my hands on my hips--full out 'Mommy Mode.' "You better come help before I lose it, he is being very rude." Andrew comes to the bathroom to see Andy kneeling by the tub with his hands clasped in prayer crying--it really was sad. But before you start feeling too badly for the kid realize, he was trying to make it out to his Dad that I was confused and he really didn't mock me, ignore me and refuse to brush his teeth...see...he was praying. (Oooh how could I miss that? I grew up Pentacostal I should have known better).
"Andy, are you being rude to your Mother?" It was sweet but I had to laugh inside because what kid in his right mind would say yes to that? I mean come on...but, either way it had to be said. Once he saw we were in agreement he finally brushed his teeth...er I mean brush a tee'd. Battle over right....wrong!
'Round 4
Out on the front porch Andy sat on the steps and Andrew and I on the swing. I went in to get him a jacket because it chilly. When I asked him if he wanted it he leaped into my arms and apologized... oh wait no no he didn't thats what I wanted him to do...duh. No instead he scowled at me and looked at his Dad and said "No jacket." Cute isn't it? Yeah I know.... Ok, that hurts but oh well... no jacket, that's ok.
Insert devilish smile...now comes the good part....
You see all morning Andrew was calm while I was just flat out perterbed and a little hurt--I was hiding it of course but it was there. Andrew and I discussed it a little--one of the perks of Andy not being able to speak English fully--and even though he backed me up...etc it still hurts your feelings and your pride. But like I said....this is the good part...
In comes Andy's bad attitude towards his Dad...
I couldn't help but smile to myself when Andy started being just as disrespectful to his Dad as he had me earlier in the bathroom. I just couldn't help it...it was funny. I could see Andrew's bemused smile dissapearing. Again, Andrew is calm and collected as always so Andy has no clue he is getting to his Dad...but oh is he.
He wouldn't sit down to go over his homework and he wouldn't answer him or look at him. So Andrew took him to his room and took out an item, as a punishment. First the beloved radio/alarm clock (which is the evil peice that started this whole mess right?) then the radio/cd player. The first time Andy shrugged replying "harashu" (which is Russian for "good" as in "that's fine, I don't care." Oh and did I mention at this point he would not speak ANY English--it really was somewhat amusing). After Andrew took the CD player Andy threw himself to the floor in a fit and started crying/yelling. He didn't get the results he wanted as his Dad just left the room and let him throw a fit. So then he yells for Andrew to come back. He then had put a third of his favorite things on the nightstand and told Andrew to take it all...he didn't care. With defiance in his glare and his hands on his hips Andy waited to see what his Dad would do....
(wait for it....wait for it....)
Andrew calmly shrugged saying "Ok buddy, I will take it all while you are at school. Right now the bus is here."
Now I'm no mind reader but I have a feeling Andy was dissapointed in that reaction. Nevertheless our happy little family walked the lenght of the driveway to the bus... no camera and no smiling child... We hugged him and told him we loved him as he stiffened and refused to hug back. Then he got on the bus. And that was that. No resolution, no reconcilliation, no time to really even think about it.
Don't think we're leaving you out of an ending...there just really wasn't one. He got on the bus and we went to Chick fil A for a "Victory breakfast" (hahahah the joy of being the parent). Kidding kidding...well kind of kidding. We really did go to chic fil a and we really did enjoy it.
Of course we worried about him, but we also gave Allie (our dog) an extra treat for being so good and so easy, she never fights about brushing her teeth or getting ready :). But overall the remainder of our morning went fine because we know Andy's a good kid and we think he'll be fine. Of course we are also the adults and we know these things happen so we were just worried about him and what he may be thinking. We hoped he'd chuck his bad behavior out the window before he got to school so that it wouldn't carry over. But we just won't know until he gets home....
So there you have it. That was our sweet little boys fisrt day riding the bus. First bus ride to school, first temper tantrum in America and yet he still had to brush his teeth, change his clothes and go to school. In the process he lost ice cream and swimming for one day and the bike for 3--which losing the bike is just as much a punishment to us as it is him...but it had to be done.
So here I sit baring my soul to you all knowing half of you will agree with what we did and the other half, ok or at least my Mom, will think we were too tough :) But that's ok. I have Dr Dobson's Strong Willed Child right here next to me and between me, Andrew and good ol Dobson we'll get this straightened out. I just hope he has an ok day at school and that God doesn't strike me with lightning for silently cracking up at Andrew being snubbed as badly as I was. But hey, what can I say... at least I'm honest--it was funny.
Andy's been wanting to use an alarm clock and begging for batteries so he can get up on his own.
We finally decided to let him give it a try so today was his first (and last for some time) experience waking up to an alarm. We had set the station to a children's morning program--aren't we good parents? yeah actually that was just luck, Andrew thought it was on country haha but even with the good station waking him from sleep the alarm still had the same effect on him that it does on most people, he woke up a full fledged Grump. Oh yeah, he's my kid and I love him, but when he is bad, he is bad...today...he was bad.
'Round 1
I awoke to find him dressed and watching politics on the news, which really is enough to make anyone slightly grumpy in the morning. Seriously, why do they think we want to hear the worlds problems right when we wake up? Can't you just tell us the latest fashion or weather? But Andy can't even use that excuse because although he was indeed watching it, its not like he can understand it...so forget that.
He had on the wrong outfit, not that I'm so controlling I would pick out every outfit..ok I do, but really that wasn't the problem... he has to wear a uniform. Solid polo shirts only and he was in stripes. So we trudged through gettting that one resolved with about a million grunts and "fee's" (which is Russian for 'ew' or 'gross') along the way. Oh and when I say "we" I'm not referring to me and Andrew, I mean me...and my defiant 10yr old son. Andrew comes in later.
'Round 2
Next we move on to what is called 'brush a tee' in our house. That is what he calls brushing his teeth. Yeah, yeah, I know I need to correct it but its so cute...I can't do it yet. Either way somehow he thinks that 'brush a tee' is an option, not something that must be done at least 2xs a day. The funny thing is he actually likes to brush his teeth...he just also likes to win and had said no when he mistakenly thought I was 'asking' him to. Sigh, oh well, I guess I shouldn't say it so nice? jooooking...joooking.
To make a long story somewhat short he ended up laying in the floor crying after he refused to look at me, answer me and cooperate. He ended up losing his bike after he mocked me--that's where my patience started to wear thin. I now get the jokes parents tell about wanting to pull out thier hair...beat their children. Don't get me wrong I would never do such a thing, I'm just sympathizing--so don't send me weird emails about spanking--we aren't spanking him, so you don't have to worry.
'Round 3
Finally I had to get "Dad" to come help. He was greeted this Monday morning by me pulling back the covers and sighing with my hands on my hips--full out 'Mommy Mode.' "You better come help before I lose it, he is being very rude." Andrew comes to the bathroom to see Andy kneeling by the tub with his hands clasped in prayer crying--it really was sad. But before you start feeling too badly for the kid realize, he was trying to make it out to his Dad that I was confused and he really didn't mock me, ignore me and refuse to brush his teeth...see...he was praying. (Oooh how could I miss that? I grew up Pentacostal I should have known better).
"Andy, are you being rude to your Mother?" It was sweet but I had to laugh inside because what kid in his right mind would say yes to that? I mean come on...but, either way it had to be said. Once he saw we were in agreement he finally brushed his teeth...er I mean brush a tee'd. Battle over right....wrong!
'Round 4
Out on the front porch Andy sat on the steps and Andrew and I on the swing. I went in to get him a jacket because it chilly. When I asked him if he wanted it he leaped into my arms and apologized... oh wait no no he didn't thats what I wanted him to do...duh. No instead he scowled at me and looked at his Dad and said "No jacket." Cute isn't it? Yeah I know.... Ok, that hurts but oh well... no jacket, that's ok.
Insert devilish smile...now comes the good part....
You see all morning Andrew was calm while I was just flat out perterbed and a little hurt--I was hiding it of course but it was there. Andrew and I discussed it a little--one of the perks of Andy not being able to speak English fully--and even though he backed me up...etc it still hurts your feelings and your pride. But like I said....this is the good part...
In comes Andy's bad attitude towards his Dad...
I couldn't help but smile to myself when Andy started being just as disrespectful to his Dad as he had me earlier in the bathroom. I just couldn't help it...it was funny. I could see Andrew's bemused smile dissapearing. Again, Andrew is calm and collected as always so Andy has no clue he is getting to his Dad...but oh is he.
He wouldn't sit down to go over his homework and he wouldn't answer him or look at him. So Andrew took him to his room and took out an item, as a punishment. First the beloved radio/alarm clock (which is the evil peice that started this whole mess right?) then the radio/cd player. The first time Andy shrugged replying "harashu" (which is Russian for "good" as in "that's fine, I don't care." Oh and did I mention at this point he would not speak ANY English--it really was somewhat amusing). After Andrew took the CD player Andy threw himself to the floor in a fit and started crying/yelling. He didn't get the results he wanted as his Dad just left the room and let him throw a fit. So then he yells for Andrew to come back. He then had put a third of his favorite things on the nightstand and told Andrew to take it all...he didn't care. With defiance in his glare and his hands on his hips Andy waited to see what his Dad would do....
(wait for it....wait for it....)
Andrew calmly shrugged saying "Ok buddy, I will take it all while you are at school. Right now the bus is here."
Now I'm no mind reader but I have a feeling Andy was dissapointed in that reaction. Nevertheless our happy little family walked the lenght of the driveway to the bus... no camera and no smiling child... We hugged him and told him we loved him as he stiffened and refused to hug back. Then he got on the bus. And that was that. No resolution, no reconcilliation, no time to really even think about it.
Don't think we're leaving you out of an ending...there just really wasn't one. He got on the bus and we went to Chick fil A for a "Victory breakfast" (hahahah the joy of being the parent). Kidding kidding...well kind of kidding. We really did go to chic fil a and we really did enjoy it.
Of course we worried about him, but we also gave Allie (our dog) an extra treat for being so good and so easy, she never fights about brushing her teeth or getting ready :). But overall the remainder of our morning went fine because we know Andy's a good kid and we think he'll be fine. Of course we are also the adults and we know these things happen so we were just worried about him and what he may be thinking. We hoped he'd chuck his bad behavior out the window before he got to school so that it wouldn't carry over. But we just won't know until he gets home....
So there you have it. That was our sweet little boys fisrt day riding the bus. First bus ride to school, first temper tantrum in America and yet he still had to brush his teeth, change his clothes and go to school. In the process he lost ice cream and swimming for one day and the bike for 3--which losing the bike is just as much a punishment to us as it is him...but it had to be done.
So here I sit baring my soul to you all knowing half of you will agree with what we did and the other half, ok or at least my Mom, will think we were too tough :) But that's ok. I have Dr Dobson's Strong Willed Child right here next to me and between me, Andrew and good ol Dobson we'll get this straightened out. I just hope he has an ok day at school and that God doesn't strike me with lightning for silently cracking up at Andrew being snubbed as badly as I was. But hey, what can I say... at least I'm honest--it was funny.
Friday, September 12, 2008
There's no place like home...
"There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home..." If Dorothy can do it why can't I?
Well clicking my heels didn't work, and neither did the chant, but I'm pretty sure it's because I was clicking in flip flops not red heels--and we all know the power of a good pair of red stilletos (I knew I shouldn't have left those, so what if they aren't practical). But either way...we made it WE ARE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We arrived home on Saturday night around 10pm. Yuri, who now goes by Andy (his choice) saw his Grandmaw (my Mom) and took off running. There in front of us just a few feet past the security gate stood good ol Nashville, TN and a handful of balloons one of which was a UT Balloon--which everyone who knows me knows I am NOT a UT fan...but that is how happy I was to be back, I have never been so happy to see that nasty shade of orange.
I grabbed Andrew's hand as we watched Yuri running with his back pack about to tip him over and with tears in my eyes I whispered "We're home." Andrew sighed and quietly replied "we made it."
So here we are 7 days later and I am just now posting...I know, I know what's my problem. Well if you really must know... Jet Lag.
Man I feel like I've been hit with a ton of bricks. I could sleep til Thanksgiving if it weren't for the fact that well, I'm a Mom now so I have to get up at dawn because frankly its hard to ignore the sound of toys falling from the top shelf and a 10yr old yelling "Mamma!" Even if you are tired and even if the sun has barely just risen... He wants to ride his bike, I mean it is daylight, is that not normal?
So here I am 7 days home, the jet lag slowly leaving and 7 days worth of stories to tell... We've been to the dentist, the grocery, and school--yep, he started school. So I promise if you will bear with me I have some cute stories to tell. I am just trying to find time to write them.
I promise to get to them if you'll promise to still be interested :) Because you've been with us on this journey so long, it just wouldn't feel right if you left. So stay tuned...there's more to come. And thank you for reading and caring and praying for us. You will never know how much it has carried us through.
We are so happy to be home, and so happy to have Andy with us the best way to sum it up is to say again that we made it, we really made it.
Well clicking my heels didn't work, and neither did the chant, but I'm pretty sure it's because I was clicking in flip flops not red heels--and we all know the power of a good pair of red stilletos (I knew I shouldn't have left those, so what if they aren't practical). But either way...we made it WE ARE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We arrived home on Saturday night around 10pm. Yuri, who now goes by Andy (his choice) saw his Grandmaw (my Mom) and took off running. There in front of us just a few feet past the security gate stood good ol Nashville, TN and a handful of balloons one of which was a UT Balloon--which everyone who knows me knows I am NOT a UT fan...but that is how happy I was to be back, I have never been so happy to see that nasty shade of orange.
I grabbed Andrew's hand as we watched Yuri running with his back pack about to tip him over and with tears in my eyes I whispered "We're home." Andrew sighed and quietly replied "we made it."
So here we are 7 days later and I am just now posting...I know, I know what's my problem. Well if you really must know... Jet Lag.
Man I feel like I've been hit with a ton of bricks. I could sleep til Thanksgiving if it weren't for the fact that well, I'm a Mom now so I have to get up at dawn because frankly its hard to ignore the sound of toys falling from the top shelf and a 10yr old yelling "Mamma!" Even if you are tired and even if the sun has barely just risen... He wants to ride his bike, I mean it is daylight, is that not normal?
So here I am 7 days home, the jet lag slowly leaving and 7 days worth of stories to tell... We've been to the dentist, the grocery, and school--yep, he started school. So I promise if you will bear with me I have some cute stories to tell. I am just trying to find time to write them.
I promise to get to them if you'll promise to still be interested :) Because you've been with us on this journey so long, it just wouldn't feel right if you left. So stay tuned...there's more to come. And thank you for reading and caring and praying for us. You will never know how much it has carried us through.
We are so happy to be home, and so happy to have Andy with us the best way to sum it up is to say again that we made it, we really made it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
