Andreas has some down times. He is doing much better with the dogs, but when he is tired or upset, he just can't deal with them. I can't imagine being expected to overcome a lifelong fear in such a short time. He has moments of frustration and moments of homesickness. He just shuts down, or can't tolerate anything. It is hard to watch. The hardest part is that he was taught NOT to cry. He tries so hard to keep himself from crying. He had one of those moments just before lunch. He and Dan had just come back from the store, and the puppy jumped on him. He was ok with her before they left, but it was too much for him then. I had to drop what I was doing, and I held and rocked him for a while. He was calm, but vacant, so we sat on the couch and read a couple of fun, noisy books to him. By lunchtime he was interacting again. Connor was really watching and helped out so much with getting him to talk and play. He is such a great kid! A had a big lunch, got silly and playful, then headed to bed. He did tell me on his way upstairs that Veronika was coming to get him later. Poor little guy!
Yesterday, we visited his new school. We absolutely LOVE his teacher!!! He had looked up a few Estonian words and taught the other students.:) When we came in, they all said, "Tere". Mr. V had a big sign saying, "Welcome Andreas"(Tervitus!) Andreas recognized his name on the chalkboard.:) They were just starting "song time", and A joined them. He took his turn choosing a song which was very difficult for him because he doesn't know how to make choices. He picked a good one with lots of movements. The whole class sang and danced. When the song was over, everyone clapped, and Andreas(being a Crawford) took a BIG bow.:) It was so funny! We stayed for an hour or so, and he was ready to leave. He was a bit unsure of the bathroom because it had a different kind of toilet seat than he is used to. He also thought the crayons looked pretty tasty.
He is going to start school on Tuesday. The plan is for him to attend from 8:30-1:00. That way he can still take his afternoon nap. I asked for him to be put in 4th grade instead of 5th so that he will get 2 more years in the elementary school after this one. Most of the boys in his class are also 4th graders, so he will hopefully make some friends.
So, that is the good and the bad. The downright silly is impossible to write about. You would have to see a video, and since the entire family was busy dancing and singing, no one was available to hold the camera. Even Garrett(16) joined in the fun. :) Those of you who know us, have no problem imaging how silly we can get. Andreas laughs so hard he has to wipe his eyes and slap his knee.:)
6 comments:
You're a great mom and a great writer. I love reading your blog (but I wish you would take that word verification thing off because it makes leaving a comment a major pain in the....)! :)
Yeah, I hate that, too. How do I take it off?
alice- glad to hear things are going somewhat smoothly for you all and that the kids are adjusting as well. we know it is a big adjustment for them. when we took arly in my nephews really had a time. and when the boys came home even my 16 yr old nephew was a bit jealous and insecure at first, but after 11months he realizes they arent to bad to have around.
keep in touch if you eve need to talk just give us a call.
Toilets were a big deal to O too. He is just now going to public restrooms without me in the stall with him. He still is scared to flush sometimes. I still remember him running down the isle of the air plane with his pants around his ankles screaming because the flushing scared him. I bet he will do great at school!
I don't know, somewhere up on top. Settings maybe? Dashboard? Who knows!
Viktoria has been home 5 years and is still scared of the toilets in public places.
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