Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What a Christmas/Birthday to Remember!
Well, folks, I'm so sorry that we can't post photos of Penny. It's an agreement that we signed with WACAP, as the DSDW does not want us posting any photos publicly on the internet of our child until she is finally, legally ours. Right now she is still considered under our foster care guardianship. But, I did discover, which I did not know before, that due to the Citizenship Act of 2000 every adopted child, even if the adoption is not yet finalized, is considered a U.S. Citizen as soon as they land of US soil. So, that happened for Penny on Saturday morning in Portland, OR. This morning she was feeling much better than last night. She had a total meltdown last night, sobbing that she wanted to go back home to Udon Thani. It's hard to be hit by jet lag, altitude sickness (she threw up at Walmart), homesickness, culture shock and teenage puberty all at once. At least I got her to sleep a little more last night by sleeping on a futon mattress next to her bed. That was the first night that she actually slept at all between 4 and 7 a.m. So, this morning she was back to her happy self saying that she did love Mom and Dad and now she only wants to return to Udon a little. But, as soon as we finished celebrating Jay's birthday and Christmas this afternoon she was wiped out and headed straight to bed. Glad she started her night's sleep at 4 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. like yesterday. She also got to go with Mom to Mom's preschool where she works. It was fun to introduce her to everyone. She was shyer than usual. But, then so were some of the kids who hadn't seen me for five weeks. I also heard from my boss today that she's needing to cut hours for her lower budget figures. So, that means that I'll be working four days a week instead of five. While we'll miss the money, it's probably a blessing in disguise. The good news is that I'll still have a job with benefits (for my benefits are better for a family than Jay's) and I'll have more time to adjust to being a new mom. Thanks to all of the many family members and friends out there who have definitely made this homecoming/Christmas/Jay's birthday one to remember! We are humbled by your generosity!
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5 comments:
Oh the poor little girl. It is all SO much for her to go through. What brave little people our precious children are. You sound like loving, gentle, kind, patient, caring parents though. I imagine you sleeping beside her is a great comfort to her.
Hello! Penny will continue to adjust to the time change! Our Jacob had a rough go for a good week or two! It's a huge adjustment for the body! So glad things are going well for you!
Welcome home you guys!
It must be so wonderful to be home as a family at last.
Just one thing - unfortunately the officials in Bangkok don't know what they're talking about - they told us the same thing about T's citizenship. The Citizenship Act doesn't give citizenship to kids coming in on IR4 visas, which is what Thai kids have. The US govt has a great summary but the link is obnoxiously long. Google "citizenship act 2000" and click the 2nd thing that pops up (a pdf). Our kids become citizens when the adoption is finalized. Can't wait for that!!
So glad that Penny is resting and feeling more like herself. So many changes at once must be hard. I'm just glad that she loves her mother and father. Once settled, she will make new friends and feel more at home.
Welcome Home!!
Yes, Robin is right. Chandra and Jay, you will find out that your hoops just started in Thailand. At least we have our kids with us when we jump through them here in the US.
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