Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Stress for Mommy and Daddy

Well I haven’t posted as much as I wanted. Before we came over to adopt Levi we were given all the horror stories we could possibly hear for preparation of the conflicts we would have adopting an older child. Many of these were attachment issues; things were he likes daddy but not mommy, tantrums, depression and many others. We really didn’t have any of these problems. He warmed up to us right away and came out of his shell on day one. We knew from his personality that we were going to be in trouble. He is so smart, sarcastic and outgoing. He also speak better English than I do (I’m sure Sean will agree with this). He also still speaks a lot of Chinese and translates for us and also tries to teach us. Day 2 he slept a lot and he doesn’t seem to like being around a lot of Chinese people in fear that we might leave him with them. He would get so stressed out when we left our hotel room that he would throw up. I think we have now made it over that hump, but the worse is, he refuses to take his heart medications. Talk about stress and tears from mommy and daddy. He just came out of a surgery a few months back and he has a serious heart condition. Mommy, daddy and Levi know he has to take his medication but it taste horrible. Pretty much any time we try to give it to him he freaks out and throws it up right away. He uses to take it the same way with his last care taker but he won’t with us. We have tried everything, making it taste better with other liquids, bribing and hiding the meds but these are old tricks to him and he won’t do it. So we have been killing ourselves stressing about this, I’ve lost almost 15 lbs since we have been here. But through all these issues we can know see things are starting to get better. Tiffany talked to our Cardiologist in GA last night and he has helped remove a large weight off our shoulders. He wants us to keep working with him on taking his meds. Get as much in him as possible. We will see warning signs before Levi gets really sick and we will have plenty of time to get him to a doctor if necessary. Stop stressing, have a good time and get this baby boy back to GA. And with that I say “God is Good”. Thank you everybody for all your Prayers. I am now ready to take a few thousand more pictures and put on 30 lbs. BTW… Levi may keep his name Justin. With all the changes he has gone through in the last few days… his name is something we would like for him to keep.

9 comments:

Lovell and JW said...

Praying on this end and will keep it up. Love to all 3 of you all. Lovell and Jonathan and kids

Jake Press said...

We are so excited for you guys! We are glad he is doing better! We cannot wait to meet him and are so honored that he is a part of the family! We pray you all have a safe trip and we anticipate your return!

Love,

Jake, Sam, and Hunter

Angela said...

Glad things are going well in the attachment dept, that definitely makes things less stressful. As for the meds, have you tried squirting them in the corner of his mouth with a medication syringe while he sleeps? That used to work with Holt when he wouldn't take meds, but he is a pretty sound sleeper. Hurry up and post pics!
Angela, Jamie and Holt
www.myadoptionwebsite.com/maili

Tiffany said...

All things considered, it sounds like he is adjusting very well. Count your blessings. We are so excited for you. By the way, my friends, Jen and Ric, left for China this morning to pick up Jacob. I hope we'll be going soon, too.

The other Eric and Tiffany

Jill said...

Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine the stress of him not taking his meds. I don't know that it would help, but have you tried contacting Joyce @ Hope? I don't know if that would help for him to hear from her. They should be able to Skype from there. Perhaps coming from her??? Anyway, you know you continue to have our prayers. Mallory and I pray for him each night in his transition. Such big changes, but he has a strong spirit and has come so far already. So glad you are all together!

Unknown said...

So glad you posted with some specific prayer requests..Whatever name you choose, God knows him and has him covered with love

Amy & Phil Weinmeister said...

Praying for you guys.... No matter what, you have to know that you are God's plan for this little guy. Just do your best and He'll take care of the rest.

Shelly and Family said...

Hey Girl...We here in the Leonard household are praying for you guys! I know once you get home and get settled we will have a long talk...Please keep us posted...and photos too please! Love Ya!

Anonymous said...

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!! Congratulations on your new handsome little boy! He is adorable. Christie Williams has been keeping me updated and we could not be happier for your family! Hope things get easier and that Justin will begin to take his meds for you w/o any trouble. Hang in there! If ya'll need anything when you return please let us know. Hope we are able to meet him soon. Best wishes from us and have safe travels!

In Christ,
The Bartletts
Mike, McKenzie and Elliot