We've identified 2 problems hurting us in this area. The first big problem is Maddox's schedule. We were given a copy of his orphanage schedule and at the 1230 slot it was translated to "have a snap". Stephanie and I BOTH interpreted this as have a snack, but we were wrong. This meant take a nap of course. We had been trying naps at 10 am and 2 pm. The 10 am one was working out OK, but he still took some walking and holding to fall asleep. The 2 pm one was NOT working. We now know that he only was taking one nap at the orphanage, and it's after lunch.
The second big problem has been the schedule of our activities. Every day we have something at 10 am and don't get back until 2:30 at the earliest. 
Maddox ends up just dozing of in the car but having no real naptime. Today our only activity was an amusement park at 3:30 so we tried our 10 am and 2 pm today with all our might, but he bested us. 
Then of course, we re-examined the schedule and realized our mistake. So, tomorrow we will try to keep him up all morning then for nap after lunch (please work).
Maddox ends up just dozing of in the car but having no real naptime. Today our only activity was an amusement park at 3:30 so we tried our 10 am and 2 pm today with all our might, but he bested us. 
Then of course, we re-examined the schedule and realized our mistake. So, tomorrow we will try to keep him up all morning then for nap after lunch (please work).Stephanie and I are getting tired. We feel like we are just about at our wits end now. Between trying to incorporate a 23 month old into your family, learn his schedule, and live in a hotel without any of the comforts and conveniences of home, we are about to lose our minds. Every meal now seems sort of stressful. Tonight, we went to the "western" restaurant and had a good comforting meal of baked chicken, tossed salad, and fries. That helped. Maddox does great at meal time (he sits and eats and never makes a peep) but still sits on our laps which makes things tough to navigate. We are ready to come home, but hopefully Guangzhou will be somewhat easier since we will be in a hotel with other adoptive families. Also, Guangzhou apparently has some western restaurants and things that may help things feel more like home (I am ready for some Starbucks). Don't misunderstand me, the food here is delicious. It is just what the palates are used to that you want in stressful situations, I'm afraid, and ours are calling for good old American.
Some great things happened today. 
When he is rested, playtime goes really well. There is much interest in shoes of all kinds. We are pretty sure he has learned that word. When we were ready to go to dinner tonight, we told him to go get his shoes and he walked into the bathroom (where he had put his shoes under the toilet), got his shoes, came out to Stephanie, sat down and put his feet up in the air. Such a smart boy. We also fed him an ice cream sundae from McDonald's which was fun to watch. 
Kris, we broke out the farm animals today and he was thoroughly entertained by them. We still have Play-Doh and crayons in the hole...
When he is rested, playtime goes really well. There is much interest in shoes of all kinds. We are pretty sure he has learned that word. When we were ready to go to dinner tonight, we told him to go get his shoes and he walked into the bathroom (where he had put his shoes under the toilet), got his shoes, came out to Stephanie, sat down and put his feet up in the air. Such a smart boy. We also fed him an ice cream sundae from McDonald's which was fun to watch. 
Kris, we broke out the farm animals today and he was thoroughly entertained by them. We still have Play-Doh and crayons in the hole...
Tonight, Maddox said his prayers (via us) and thanked God for his family and each and every one of you! Tomorrow, we fly out for Guangzhou on a 3:50 pm flight. Love, J and S.
I know how hard it is to travel with a toddler. I can not even fathom trying to travel with a toddler in a foreign country.
ReplyDeleteI know how tired you all are, but promise that time is really flying and you will be home soon, and while sleep will still be an issue, you will be able to handle it much better. I believe in you both.
I know Leigh will agree that sticking to a schedule makes everyone happier-Mom and Dad included. Once you get home and get him in a routine, it will be so much better. Perhaps that after-lunch nap will be just the ticket...
We are praying for you and are ready for you to be home, too...
Love, The Street's
I'm not entirely sure that this will be reassuring to you. But I want you to know that EVERY parent who is reading this blog knows how you feel.
ReplyDeleteNo child in any situation comes with good instructions (improperly translated or otherwise). Sleep is always a huge issue. Routines are always a desperate struggle to maintain. And just when you think you have it figured out, it changes!
This is parenting. It is glorious and fulfilling and oh-so-terribly laden with nitty-gritty details. It will be different in Guangzhou and it will be different in Nashville but it is, by very definition, incredibly difficult. Which is why it's so precious and so meaningful.
Praying peace and wisdom and understanding for you, my dear friends. Joining Maddox in praising God for his family.
Hello Dr. Pirkle,
ReplyDeleteWe have been following your blog everyday! We love seeing the updates! Maddox is a CUTIE!
I know you are tired and ready to come home, however, there will be a day that you wish you were back in China. :) The Guanghzou part of the trip should help as you will see lots of other families and can move about more freely in that part of the country.
I remember going through these same stages with Kayli. It does get easier. :)
I hope you are finding your diet Coke. If not check out the 7-eleven stores.
Angela
mommy to Ariel, Kayli, and Amelia(in China)
Thanks for the encouraging words! Leigh, it does help to hear that and to hear that parenting is, by definition, difficult. Mainly because we feel like we are doing something wrong when it isn't working! Good to know that we just have to keep trying and adapting.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing everything exactly right! Every new parent feels like a total idiot!
ReplyDeleteI still feel like I am doing everything wrong with Bobby. I could Monday morning quarterback myself to death with how I handle things if I had the time. Do not be hard on yourself. You are doing just fine. I know that as the oldest, I was the guineau pig for my parents and I turned out ok, I think... :)
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me - I'm a friend of Leigh's and she gave me the link to your blog. Hope you don't mind me following along on your journey.
ReplyDeleteWe adopted a little boy from Russia a couple years ago and are in the process of another Russian adoption. I REALLY could relate to your paragraph about being tired and wanting to go home! Russia is a 3-trip system and the third trip, which should have been the easiest because we were used to the country, food, traffic, etc. was by far the hardest. Why? Because we had a new kiddo in tow. It was tiring and stressful and...I don't have to tell you. You get it! Anyway, just wanted to say that being in your own home makes a WORLD of difference! The first few days may be awful because the jetlag will only compound your tiredness, but then it will get lots easier. Parenting is still hard work but it has a completely different feel (much less stressful) when you're in your own environment than when you're in a foreign country with a brand new addition to your family. So hang in there, it will get easier the moment you get home (well, for sure the moment you're home AND over jetlag).
Congratulations to all three of you on your new family!