My little man D gets to go back to school today! CPS didn't get their act together with all our paperwork until last Wednesday so D couldn't go to school. Well, he could go to school but he couldn't be released to us. We didn't want to send him for just one day Thursday and with yesterday being Martin Luther King Jr day there was no school. So, today is day 1! He is getting on and off the bus at in-law's. They will watch C during the day and D after school. They will be his bus stop even when E is off because we thought it would be too confusing for the school with how E's schedule rotates.
Have I mentioned how wonderful my in-law's have been? They have taken these boys into their home almost every day and are treating them as if they were born to me. They are treating them as if they will be with us forever. How special is that? They are both retired now but my MIL is a LPN and she worked for a pediatrician when her boys were younger. Then she was hired into our local ISD and worked as a para-pro and aide for almost 20 years. I could not ask for better hands for my boys to be in. My FIL is a Vietnam vet and was a supervisor in a local plant. He is gruff and strict but very loving all the same. They balance each other out.
I am pleased that these boys have 2 very strong male figures in my hubby and FIL because they have had so many men in and out of their lives I don't think they take men very seriously.The first time E gave the boys a bath D looked at him like, seriously? you're going to try to do this thing? We both laughed but realized after it wasn't so funny. They are listening better to my FIL and E but both boys turned a deaf ear at first to anything they would say.
Any tips for me on bedtime? D goes right to bed and maybe chatters to his stuffed dog for a few minutes. This kid likes to sleep so much he could be mine. C, on the other hand, fights us tooth and nail. At nap time and bedtime. I think he was just left to his own devices before and they let him crash whenever and wherever. Not in my house! When we lay him down he's good for about a minute. Then he starts calling my name. Then he says he's not tired. Then he whimpers and cries. Then he plays. Then he's out of bed. Then I put him back in bed. Then he whimpers. Then he cries. Then he says he's not tired.......This lasts a good hour. Meanwhile, D is saying C won't let him sleep and he needs to sleep so he can do good in school tomorrow. I don't know what to do other than to keep doing what I am doing. We have a calming bedtime routine but he just does not like to settle. He is a goer. I hate to separate the two into different rooms because they do well otherwise.
I had better run. I appreciate all your comments and prayers so very much! They are uplifting to me because I am so afraid I am going to screw these kids up more than their mom! You help me build my confidence so much!! Thank you!!!
Long overdue final update (such a good one)!
3 months ago
3 comments:
Could he be afraid that you won't be there in the morning? We took in my nephew last year, and he wouldn't sleep because he thought we would all be gone when he woke up. Poor little guy. He had had no steady routine or caregiver his whole life and he just wanted to know who would be there.
I finally gave him my wedding ring at night. I told him what it was and why it was special to me. I showed him pictures from my wedding album and then put it on his thumb. I told him to keep it safe for me all night and then he could give it back to me in the morning.
After that, he slept like a champ.
D chattering to his stuffed dog at night just made my heart melt - so cute.
Right now these boys ARE yours, and you are a real parent because you had to take care of a sick child and clean up barf in the middle of the night.
Do you live far from your in-laws?
Your lucky to have such great in-laws. :) For now these boys are yours, and your doing a great job! :)
Have you tried reading a book before bed? Also lavender oil is supposed to be very calming.. u could try that.
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