On Sunday afternoon, R and I will become the foster parents to two little boys- "Hoss" age 3 and "Little Joe" age 18 months.
It is a long story; I promise to find some time between trying to get everything we need together before Sunday to tell the whole story (or, at least, as much of the story as I can tell without breaking confidentiality).
The pressing questions of the day is:
1. Goldfish crackers or regular crackers?
2. Cheerios or Kix?
3. What toys are best for fine and gross motor development?
4. What activities (other than reading, which we will surely do) will help verbal development?
5. Is basic sign language a good idea for a child with expressive language difficulties?
Oh, and inquiring minds want to know: How the heck does one take a shower with a 3 year old and an 18 month old in the house?
*** btw, in case it wasn't glaringly obvious, Hoss and Little Joe are not their real names. They are brothers, and the older boy is a pretty big kid (tall, solid) and the 18 month old is smaller built: hence, the names. Which don't make much sense if you didn't watch Bonanza on the Family Channel in the 80s (or the original episodes in the 60-70s). For those of you in the south, I usuallly thing of the boys as "The Bubbas."
**** we haven't met "The Bubbas" yet. We will meet them on Sunday when they move in. Honestly, this has happened super fast and I promise I was not holding back information from you all. I received a phone call on Monday afternoon that started a chain of events that have lead up to the boys coming. More about that in my next post.
About Me
- Kelly
- U.P., Michigan, United States
- My husband and I live in the great northern woods of the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. We have been talking about adoption for several years, and had decided to adopt a baby boy from Vietnam. We kinda "fell into" foster care and had to give up our Vietnam adoption dream. I gave birth to a baby girl in Febuary and we are soo in love with her...and are hoping to bring home a brother or sister for her through adoption someday!
13 comments:
Wowee! How exciting!
Sign language is ALWAYS a good thing--www.signingtime.com
I know I sound like a total broken record telling everyone about this book--but Mommy Teach Me by Barbara Curtis has awesome ideas. She is a mom to like 10 kids, 3 adopted, several with Down syndrome, and a former Montessori teacher.
The stuff they do at Montessori totally reinforces what L. does in his therapies--it is good for special needs and for all kids! I spent a lot of time in the toddler classroom this past year, and her ideas in this book are really really really good. I have seen with my own eyes how well this stuff works! http://mommyteachme.net/
Can't wait to hear more!
Good luck!
I can't answer all your questions, but I'd suggest whole grain crackers with no trans fats. My kids love Gold Fish, but they aren't really that healty. Cheerious and Kix are both good. Toys . . . you'd think I'd have ready answers, but I don't. Other activities for promoting verbal skills -- just talk to them. Explain things that you are doing, ask them questions, encourage responses and participation, just talk to them. As far as the shower: get up before they do every morning. Or shower at night after they are asleep. Good luck! I look forward to hearing more.
Shower while they are sleeping... :)
Oh my goodness, what exciting news! Congratulations to all of you; my prayers are with you as you help the boys settle in and everyone adjusts!
1. Goldfish
2. Either - though Cheerios seem more universally liked
3. Duplos, bigger brick-like blocks, and a good playground ball are all winners around here.
4. Talking! Narrate what you are doing and what they are doing; also singing fun songs is good too.
5. No idea. But I highly recommend Signing Time videos... they are fun to watch and the kids learn a lot too!
Showers? Have one parent watch while the other showers, or take one while they're sleeping (but bring the monitor into the bathroom!)
Blessings!!!
Goldfish, cheerios and OMG!!! I am so excited for you. Shower when they sleep. Blocks are good and singing songs and singing games are helpful (like pattycake, itsy bitsy spider ect...). Signing is an awesome idea. Keep us posted!!!!
This is very cool!
Showers during naptimes for sure. And my three yr old is obsessed with Cheerios.
That is very exciting news! Your head must be spinning with how fast this has all happened.
Oh my gosh, WHAT?!?!?! I want the long story!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep blogging, I can't wait to hear about it!
As for the naps, I lock the kids in the bathroom with me so I can see them while I shower :-P That's the only way I can get away with it other than shower late at night or early in the morning, neither of which I really want to do.
Wow! I have (as usual) no advice, but wanted to write to say congratulations, and I'm so happy for the excitement I can hear in your post!
Goldfish and Cheerios!!! What exciting news! Congratulations to you! I can't wait to hear the long story!
Oh and I can second the Signing Time videos. My nieces love them!
Wow! Can't wait to hear the story behind everything! Are you still adopting from Vietnam?
Congratulations!!! What great news - we definitely want the whole story! The showering thing - the only way it will happen is if you shower at night. Some days, you're just going to be grimy *lol* As for the other stuff:
1. Goldfish crackers - less choking hazard. Gerber also has some snack-sized items that are great for toddlers.
2. Cheerios or Kix? We've always been a Cheerios family, but either will work.
3. What toys are best for fine and gross motor development? Stacking blocks and cups are popular here, as well as Little People toys - the farm, the castle, etc... Their little hands can grasp the people and there's a lot of imaginative play possibilities.
4. What activities (other than reading, which we will surely do) will help verbal development? Sing, sing, sing! And talk a lot - point out everything. Read every sign that you pass on the road. You'll feel a little odd, but it really helps.
5. Is basic sign language a good idea for a child with expressive language difficulties? I'm not qualified to answer this question!
Good luck and provide as many details as possible, as soon as possible!!!
How did I miss this??? For some reason I just checked in on you today and this just showed up for me?? Or maybe I am technically challenged...anyway, you have them and are probabably doing GREAT!!!! Please post or email and let us know how it is going. Such a blessing you are to them and them to you I am sure.
BTW..goldfish come in whole grain now and Annslee can't tell the difference ; )
for motor and verbal..I suggest singing and dancing..yes, you will feel silly but it is so fun!
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