Countdown to Homecoming!

I heard from Heather again this morning, and also a blurb from Heather's cousin Suzanne via Heather's parents.

Per Heather, internet access has been limited. Suzanne also commented that the power has been off and on. Their updates are brief, but it's wonderful to hear from them! So far, they have had some really good, and then some not-so-good moments.

Tuesday was placement day and it was pretty difficult. Hiab's behavior was pretty typical for a toddler adoption. She cried a little after the agency's in-country coordinator left, but rallied with a snack and some toys. Later that afternoon, though, one of the caretakers from the home came to Heather's guesthouse to babysit for one of the guest family's daughter, and Hiab came completely unglued. The rest of the day was tantrum meltdowns interrupted by playing with the caretaker and her charge until late afternoon. The poor thing took a two and a half hour nap after all that and had to be woken up for dinner, then went right back to sleep for a full eleven hours.

Yesterday Heather expected more of the same since they were visiting the home and saying goodbye to her caretakers. However, Hiab came out of her shell and did surprisingly well all day - even starting a game of hide and seek with Suzanne and Heather and playing with Heather and the other kids at the embassy while they waited for their interview. She made friends with the daughter of the other family at the guest house, and last night they ran relays in the hallway for 30 minutes and played numerous games of hide and seek.

Last night she was exhausted, and wore herself out crying before falling asleep. This morning she woke crying and unhappy. She's doing better after breakfast, but still a little touch and go - she alternates between being loving and cuddly and fussy and not wanting to be touched. While this is normal for toddlers that are being adopted, the in country care takers had not expected this from Hiab, based on her behavior in the home. Obviously it's very hard for Heather.

The language barrier is also an issue, and Heather is going to miss the wonderful staff at the guest house to help with translations! Suzanne and Heather are picking up some good Amharric, though. So far they know hello, goodbye, pretty, clever, potty, It's ok, yes, car, all done, fish and thank you.

Suzanne has been indispensable to Heather through all of this!

Some other good news is that Hiab's visa was approved through US Embassy! Suzanne reported that they have been dining on mostly Ethiopian food, but last night had pizza delivered - no news on how their pizza compares to ours! They also got to tour the orphanages and said that it is amazing what a wonderful job these caretakers do with the children.

Suzanne and Heather were heading out this morning to get some pictures printed and do some shopping. Tonight is the cultural dinner with the other Gladney families and tomorrow morning they will meet Hiab's uncle. Heather was really hoping that the visit with her uncle would happen, so I am sure this will be an exciting meeting!

Friday night they will head to the airport for their 1:30 AM flight. Heather is unsure as to what they can expect, but the timing of the flight has to be a good thing to encourage sleeping for an exhausted 3 year old!

Heather is obviously anxious to get home and hopeful that things will start to balance out with some consistency and Hiab getting used to Heather as "mommy". For those that are praying, keep it up! The next few days will be exhausting and challenging, but also so very, very rewarding as Heather and Hiab make this transition into their newly formed family.

If I get any more updates, I'll be sure to post.
Love,
Michelle