Starting our 2nd full day as being parents, here are some small observations and insights I've gained:
1. Sorry Peace Corps but Parenthood is the toughest job you'll ever love.
2. Sleeping & Eating are apparently overrated
3. After spending a few hours by myself as E went to apply for CN's passport, I can say I've gained a new found appreciation for parents (and especially single parents who do that 24/7)
4. Remember that scheduled the care center nannies gave us? Throw it out the window. CN is recreating the wheel.
5. Bottles are really overrated - CN apparently drank a 250 mL bottle of formula (the nannies called it suoc - or milk) each night at the care center. He wants absolutely nothing to do w/ the suoc. It's a big boy cup w/ straw for him!
6. Note to future adoptive parents - Write down your questions (I thought I'd be fine w/o doing so - the emotions of the meetings left me unable to remember what I wanted to ask - especially developmental milestones).
7. CN, like all 2-year-old, is strongly opinionated. Despite the language barrier, he in no short terms tells you what he likes (AND especially what he doesn't like).
8. We have a clingy baby! If holding a toddler were an Olympic sport, we'd undoubtedly win the Gold Medal.
9. Day #2 (day 1 in Hanoi) scoreboard - Ba 0, Mama 1
10. Marla - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the bubbles suggestion.
11. Bath time is most definitely not fun yet!
12. The first full day of caring for a toddler is not the most opportune time to acquire a GI bug...
13. Our little guy may be destined to be a ladies man - he most certainly likes the pretty girls (the first thing he ooed and awed about w/ our picture book was the picture of his cousin Ashley).
14. Temper tantrums are universal (like any toddler, doesn't like to be told not to do something but is more than happy to tell you NO - or khong in VN, complete with head shaking side to side and lips puckering up).
15. It is in the realm of human capacity to complete a diaper change w/ a toddler standing up.
16. Although the food in VN is really good, we'll be more than ready for good ole' American cuisine before coming home...so, when the CMers stork us, no Asian food please =D)
17. Going to bed was a bit easier last night.
18. EGAD - our child likes Barney! We are so going to have to get expanded cable w/ preschool Disney when we come home.
And, most importantly, despite the craziness we've experienced since Thursday, we wouldn't trade it for the world!
Wild Kratts
10 years ago
3 comments:
hey guys! So great to see that you now have Colin! I especially love the montage of pictures from the VL Center, with the sweet sweet pic of CN giving Nanny Tuyet a kiss. I love that woman! She mothered my two sons, and prepared me to be a mom the first time around. Our first adoption was when CHSFS was still having nannies travel to HCMC with the groups, and so we got to spend three weeks with her. She is an amazing woman and I know that she has prepared CN to love you and bond with you once he gets his bearings! He looks great! Congratulations.
Heather Reu
We've officially watched the montage 9 times! Ashley kept saying, again, again!!!
Found you through CM. I just joined and was adopted myself and one day my hubs and I hope to adopt. I've enjoyed reading through your blog. Excited to see that you have your forever child in your arms. Look forward to hearing more.
Post a Comment