Our homestudy social worker came to the house this morning as part of requisite post placement follow up. She will write reports on Bear's development and how he is adjusting to us, and us to him every 3 months for the first year. After that, we will write our own reports about him every year until he's 18. The reports, with pictures, go first to AGCI and are then forwarded to the Ethiopian government. Almaz said she isn't sure anyone at the government offices are even reading the reports at this point but we still take some comfort in knowing a foreign government has enough interest in the children's well being to require this.
Our social worker is a licensed attachment therapist. It was reassuring to hear her say that Bear appears well attached and bonded. Dodd asked her what made her think this. Some of her observations were interesting. For instance, when Dodd met her at the door with Bear in his arms she observed the way Bear held tightly to Dodd. Also the way he looked to Dodd first for cues as to whether or not she was trustworthy. Bear greeted her with a smile after the cue from Dodd, but stayed close to Dodd. She said he is completely comfortable in our arms. She also said she doesn't think we need to cocoon with him anymore. While we probably won't stop cocooning completely, hearing her say this eases my mind. Maybe he and I can come out of solitary confinement a little more often. Hallelujah!
Talking with her about our time in Ethiopia and all about the little guy who has captured our hearts was pure indulgent fun. Every day we thank God for the blessing this boy is in our lives. Today we realized even more deeply how blessed we are as we replayed the last 7 weeks for Deb. We couldn't stop gushing about our son.
1st Post Placement visit done. Looks like we get to keep him!
Yay for a great first post-placement visit! We have ours on Monday!
ReplyDeleteI've found that making sure I get a shower, get dressed, put on a little makeup, make the beds and take at least one small outing a day (even if it's just for me and Miss K to meet D at the coffee shop near his office or to run an errand with the girls) makes a huge difference in my attitude. We've also been taking Miss K to church on Sundays and have expanded our cocoon to include our parents' homes--incorporating worship, family support and fellowship into our routine has made the transition so much easier for me, albeit not strictly by-the-book, but our babies need balanced mommies, too.
Sounds like it is all going well. I am so glad to hear this. Praises for all the good reports.
ReplyDeletecris
Congrats!!!! :) one finished and sounds very positive! YEAH!!
ReplyDeleteWe have our visit next Thursday! I can't believe it is time for that already, especially since we just sent in R's 2 year one very recently.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear all went well. Of course it did. Bear is awesome!!
And, cocooning. We're starting to come out of that, too. And I actually went somewhere today alone for the first time in a while. It was awesome! :)
We have our first scheduled for the first week in March.....it's amazing how quickly the time is flying by!
ReplyDeleteSounds like all is going well with your little guy! He is darling!!
Sarah
glad your post placement visit went well. our's was interesting because the lady knew nothing about us and nothing about adopting from Ethiopia. so to say the least it was..."interesting". also glad to hear that attachment and bonding are going well too!
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