October 17, 2012
Attachment, attachment activities, attachment challenges, first year home, Kelley, Newly Home, older child adoption, parent-to-child attachment
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One of the most common questions we are asked about the adoption of our older child is whether she spoke any English when we brought her home and/or how we’ve dealt with the language barrier. There are many ways to communicate in those first days, weeks, and months. From playing charades (which didn’t work so …Read More
July 20, 2012
adoptee perspective, first year home, Kelley, Newly Home, older child adoption, telling their life story
5 Comments
On June 27th, our family celebrated our 13-year-old’s first “Gotcha Day” anniversary. As I was writing out my thoughts that day to share on my personal blog, I wondered what might be going on in Caroline’s head as she reflected back over the last 12 months. I explained my blog to her and asked if …Read More
April 25, 2012
Attachment, attachment activities, baby-wearing, China trip, co-sleeping, cocooning, first weeks home, first year home, Nancy, Newly Home, parent-to-child attachment, travel tips
4 Comments
When we were in China, we traveled with several other families. In our travel group, I don’t think I’m exaggerating by saying that we had “the crier.” Unlike the other happy, giggly children in the group who were quick to return their parent’s smile, our sweetie was unhappy much of the time. Despite our efforts, …Read More
March 17, 2012
Attachment, cocooning, first weeks home, first year home, Kelley, Newly Home, older child adoption
7 Comments
In just a few weeks, we will celebrate two years since our 3-year-old daughter’s Gotcha Day. In almost every way, it feels like Grace has been in our family since the very beginning of her life. She is not only fluent in English but has an advanced vocabulary (which she shows off in her Southern …Read More
October 7, 2011
Eileen, first year home
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We met one sad, scared little boy. This passport photo was taken maybe thirty minutes after that traumatic first meeting. I sat him on the stool in front of the white curtain, my arm on his back to make sure he didn’t fall. “Smile!” I said in a cheery sing-song voice. Although an appropriate thing …Read More
September 7, 2011
Chinese Language, Eileen, first year home
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I knew, based on research, that XiXi would lose his ability to speak Mandarin. I knew that on a logical, cognitive level, but on a deeper level, I had a hard time really believing it. Or at least believing that it would happen as quickly as researchers said it would, 12 weeks. Twelve weeks to …Read More
July 7, 2011
Eileen, first year home
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We met our son XiXi in China three months ago. It’s a trite expression but truly, I can’t remember what it was like before he came. He’s blended so seamlessly into our family and community. There are many things I can attribute this to, but one of the biggest is that he observes and then …Read More
March 20, 2009
Attachment, first weeks home, first year home
1 Comments
I recently was referred to this article by Deborah Gray and found it very helpful as we adjust to life with our newly adopted toddler. Top Ten Tips For the First Year Of Placement For those who are adopting an older child (2+ years), Susan Ward has also offered ten suggestions to assist you during …Read More
