Cedar Point Needs a Ride Called "Newly Adopted Kids"

I always thought that I loved rollercoasters. I loved them as a kid. They are pretty much the only ride I'm willing to stand in line for at the amusement park. We even like playing "Rollercoaster Tycoon" on the computer. After the rollercoaster highs, lows, and quick blind-turns of the first week of having the kids home, I now have a different appreciation for rollercoasters.

Today marks one week at home and it is Kim's 10th birthday. This week has seen a lot of very good moments and a few that have been, well, less than very good. On Thursday night we were ready to pull our hair out in frustration with two kids who seemingly had no interest in communicating, no interest in respecting others, and absolutely no interest in helping with even the most miniscule tasks that we would ask of them. They were beligerent, disrespectful, stubborn, and impossible. After Lisa put them to bed even before Luke and I got home from Upward Basketball, she and I sat down and wrote them a letter (using a free online translator... it takes a while at 500 characters per translation). We explained that we were being unfair to Beth and Luke by having a double standard for what we are willing to accept in terms of behavior. It was unfair that we sit and watch Luke trying to communicate with the new kids in his very rudimentary broken Russian but they never seem to try to communicate with any of us using the few English words that they have learned. We were pretty much ready to cancel Kim's birthday and withdraw as many priveledges as it would take to get them to start moving in the right direction. We were going to give the letter to Kim after we returned from the doctor on Friday. We felt at our wit's end... then there was Friday.

On Friday, Kim and Peter had their appointment at the international adoption clinic through Nationwide Childrens' Hospital in Columbus. It was held at their Westerville "Close to Home" location on Cleveland Avenue. We had a Russian translator provided by the clinic. The kids were examined by a physician who is very familiar with the medical issues of internationally adopted kids. We spoke to a nutritionist who gave suggestions for the kids who are both pretty small. We had some time with a physical therapist who did a developmental assessment to let us know if and where the kids were behind. The kids also had to have new TB tests (even though we know their test results from the autumn in Russia) and blood tests. The kids were really good about the TB tests (which are kind of painful and burn a lot when you are getting them)... no tears. They were scared about the blood tests, but then realized that they hurt less than the TB test and we were fine. The kids think that it is hillarious that we were given trays to take home to catch their poop and little bottles to put it in for more tests.

The kids absolutely could not have been much better for their medical exams and Peter was not even shy or withdrawn at meeting new people... we were shocked. Afterward, we stopped by the library to pick up 4 of the 48 Columbus Metropolitan Library's book that are in Russian. We were ready for an all out battle after Lisa's previous experience. Instead, they were eager and cooperative. They even volunteered to carry books that were for someone else. Again, we were shocked. We had to stop for gas ($1.48 per gallon, woohoo!) and they would have to sit patiently in the car. They don't do patient very well... but they were happy and we had no problems. We had to stop by the grocery store for more milk. We have had a battle EVERY time we have gone to a grocery store because they want toys and candy and have thrown a fit. No battles this time. They accepted our gentle "no toys" or "we have that at home" without ANY resistance. Again... shocked. We were so pleased, we even went to McDonalds for lunch with them. It's the first time since we had custody to have no issues at a restaurant. At home, they eagerly jumped into their schoolwork and we learned that Kim was excited to have books to read. They actually helped, A LOT, with finishing up the Christmas decorations. Peter was very proud to help me with the lights. Afterward, we introduced them to playing Wii. Peter loves Wii boxing (I wonder if it's the first time he's ever fought without getting the crap kicked out of him... he has lots of scars and old bruises). The boys rooted for the boys and the girls for the girls. It was great. We absolutely could not have had a better day with them. We never showed Kim or Peter the letter. Welcome to the Rollercoaster.