Monday, August 11, 2008

Things Could Be Better...

Well, I have to be honest...things could definitely be better. Although we did have a great (if all too short visit) from Nana, Pop Pop, and Tio R.J. this weekend, the boys' adjustment to their new home has been rocky at best. We are trying to fall into a routine which will help in the long run, but Samuel is consistently cranky and Daniel seems to be hitting more frequently again.

The single biggest, and most disheartening, challenge has been with the dogs. When I brought Baxter home on Friday night, the boys all screamed so loudly and for so long that we had to put them to bed early because we could not get them to calm down. Sylvia came home on Saturday. We have since blocked half of the house off for the dogs so the boys can have the upstairs and we put the dogs outside for meals, however, the boys continuously call the dogs to the gate and stare at them (and now taunt them) like they are at the zoo. It is really frustrating for Troy and I. Our dogs are like our children too. They were our first "babies"'. Anyone who knows us well, knows that we spoil and pamper them to the point that both of our 60 pound "babies" sleep in our bed with us. While we are trying to be patient with our actual human children, we are also very selfishly hoping that we can help them overcome their phobia as quickly as possible.

The one thing we are trying to hold onto is remembering just how much change the boys have been through. Samuel asks to watch Discovery Kids everyday despite the fact that we tell him several times a day that there is no Discovery Kids here. Poor boy. Also, the language is confusing for all of them. They are now on the other side of the fence. We just know the adjustment will take time, and I think that if we could get some real rest, or just a real break, we might be able to have more patience with the children and each other.

On the upside, we did have a touch of normalcy for the first time since being home. Last night, after the kids went to sleep, Troy and I sat in the loft watching TV with the dogs curled up on the couch. It was truly peaceful and relaxing. I finally felt like I might be able to get some rest once we get our routine down. I will post a couple of pics once I find the camera. We aren't sure what we did with it...

12 comments:

shane said...

Andrea and Troy,

Thank you so much for your very candid updates, for including the and the warm fuzzies with the fruterating times as well. While we have not met I have followed your blog closely over the past weeks. My wife and I are in the paperwork phase and hope to follow you to Colombia before too terribly long. It has been good to read your experiences. I'm sure that these first days are stressful on everyone. Blessings as you all continue to adjust. Keep writing (the good, the bad and the ugly) they are great to read, and I'm sure theraputic for you as well.

Anonymous said...

We get Discovery Kids!!!! Channel 157....You are going to switch your service to Time Warner Cable Digital. Hate I missed meeting the boys at the Y on Friday. Had to leave early...used up all my hours for the week! I can't wait to talk to you!!!!!

Lisa

Beth said...

Our children were deathly afraid of our two big dogs too. But now they love on them and beg to play with the dogs. It took about 3 weeks for Jess and Joaquin to be compltely comfortable with the dogs, but now they sleep together and play all the time. The dog situation will get better, as long as the boys don't taunt them too badly...smile.

bonneyboys said...

I'm so glad you guys are finally home and while it's going to be an adjustment for sure, especially for the boys, I think you'll find that they'll start settling into routine and start feeling like they are home. I'm glad you and Troy had a normal relaxing time in the loft- I can guess how much you need that!

Dan and Karen said...

It will get easier. It probably took about 3 months before I felt like I could relax a little. It seemed they just did not understand how anything worked, how to behave in public, how to listen, not run into the street, etc. As much of a schedule as you can manage will definitely help. It is quite an adjustment for them, but they'll come around. Hang in there!
Karen

Red said...

Love the image of you guys on the couch with the fuzzy babies. We're still praying! Can't wait to see the pictures!

Laura S said...

Also you can get an expanded spanis language stations from your cble provider. We have them so my husband can watch soccer and we dvr plaza sesemo for mateo. There are a bunch of other kids shows on that channel too.

Hope things will get smoother soon.

Unknown said...

We had the best visit with our new grandsons (and Andrea & Troy of course). We walked in the door and each one ran up to us and hugged us as if they had known us forever. They are loving and affectionate with their own sweet personalities. Andrea and Troy are so blessed. We love all of you guys and know that with time the boys will come to love Sylvia and Baxter as all of us do.
Nana, Pop Pop and Tio RJ Peregory

Luisa said...

dont stress out its normal for things not to go smoothly right away. it takes time! there is always adjustments and changes with kids even the ones that you have since they are born imagine kids that are already accustommed to other things, and another life. Dont give up! and it will get better just take it a day at a time. there will be changes but will be soo subtle at first that you probably wont even notice. And I suggest Noggin for the kiddos- its the only thing that calms Aiven down! good luck and dont loose heart!

Laura said...

We got rid of our animals after our kids came..to me craziness of children is enough not to add the stress and money cost of pets..do not get me wrong..we loved our 2 cats and 1 dog but it was time to trade up...maybe as our boys get older we will slowing add pets to our house but my main goal is keeping our boys alive...LOL

IndianaJones said...

I'm so glad you got a moment of 'normal'...sometimes that is all you really need to get a bit of perspective. We had a dog before Indy came...somehow she is now my parent's dog and we have visitation...just sort of happened that way after a baby seemed to take all my emotional and mental energy. She too was our first baby and I still miss her but ultimately it was a better fit for our family. Hopefully with a little routine in place your boys will take to your first 'kids' quickly...and maybe even enjoy them a bit.

Anonymous said...

Hi Troy and Andrea
ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!!!!!
Each day will find a new peace, the boys and your pups will become best friends in time. We love you and can't wait to come down.
Mom and Carter