Comments on: Looks like we have a placated child

By: courtney j.

courtney j. — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:30:03 +0000

oh my goodness mike-that is so funny that you said that about ringwraiths. when harrison screeches, which he does often, i always ask the children to look out because there is a nazgul in the room with us!

can’t wait for you guys to come home!

By: Laura H

Laura H — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:02:03 +0000

I’m grinning and also feeling bad for you all at once. She wouldn’t be resorting to her tantrums (spoiledness) if she wasn’t getting really comfy with you. She wouldn’t be throwing her tantrums if she didn’t realize that you’re all supporting her and loving her. So I’m thrilled from that perspective that she is throwing her tantrums! I know you two and with your consistent, firm and loving parenting she will quite soon realize that this behavior will get her no where. I am sad that they felt they should/could spoil her but glad that probably means she got lots and lots of physical love and attention.

Hugs and kisses to you three who are at the receiving end of these outbursts. You’re tired, emotionally drained, homesick, physically drained and filled with allergies! I’m hoping that the smoke free room will make a huge difference in the coughing.

Take heart! I think you’re probably passed the worst of the bonding issues and now into the more normal pattern of committed discipline. =D I LOVE that picture of both girls! Amelie looks content, happy … dare I say… belonging?

Love and hugs and more love! May He fill you with all the energy, patience, and fortitude to get through the rest of your trip!

Once you get home it’ll be much easier to get into your routine and it won’t be long with your awesome skills, before you get her whipped right into shape!

By: M & V

M & V — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:44:55 +0000

Well the good news is at least you know what you are dealing with and can slowly sort it all out when you are back home. On another note, man your hotel is fantastic. Hoping tomorrow is a better day for you guys.
M.

By: Alan

Alan — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:05:21 +0000

We LOVED the Holiday Inn Shi Fu! It was by far the best place we stayed in. It’s a bit different from our room. (no kitchen in our’s) I had to go back and look at our post from the day we checked in there.

http://members.cox.net/ourjourneytoalyssa/070922.htm

The bathroom looks very much like ours did. We gave Alyssa a bath in the vessel sink there.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/ba_joker/China/22_BathInSink.jpg

I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the hotel there. There’s lots of great shopping there too.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:16:44 +0000

Well, that sounds like good news and bad news! Good to hear that Amelie was given attention in the orphanage and not neglected, but it is tedious work trying to change that kind of behavior. I can’t imagine how difficult this leg of the trip was for you. So happy to hear that you’re in a more comfortable and familiar environment now. Praying for you all to get good sleep because in my experience, a well rested mama deals much better with tantrum-throwing babies!!

By: tahni

tahni — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:16:25 +0000

oh my gosh. i’m cringing for you- i cannot imagine how hard that would be to be in public and knowing that its not your fault and you can’t change anything. and i also feel bad for amelie and nadia with all the changes they can’t really understand, but i’m glad that God will help you push through it!

By: catherinethegreat

catherinethegreat — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:45:44 +0000

Lots of cyber hugs. Don’t worry about being stared at in China when Ameila has a temper tantrum. DD#2 had a huge temper tantrum last year in China when we were there and I won’t tell you how I responded…but let us just say when I did, the locals came over to me to tell me that I did the right thing. They were very sympathetic to me and even to my daughter who was having the huge melt down. She was exhausted and worn out from too much stimulus and it happens. I bet this is probably some of the issue with Amelie as well. Just too many changes for her in one day. I am so happy for you that she has a chance to mellow out and move around. She will come around with consistency. I know that Nadia must be having a really hard time too, but she really does sound like she is doing a great job. I am sure this whole trip must be surreal and stressful, but it will get better.

Take care. CTG

By: Dad / Papa

Dad / Papa — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:34:14 +0000

Let me begin by saying that we continue to pray fervently for you. Secondly, let me echo my theme for you guys this whole trip, “This Too Shall Pass!” I realize that is not comforting in the midst of the storm you are currently navigating through.

As for being spoiled at the orphanage? Their role is to keep the children safe and healthy until a blessing like the Masons comes to pick them up. One can afford to placate the children when you know that their stay there is short. Though they are likely to blame for Amelie’s current behavior, I am thankful that they served an important interim role. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel for you guys and what you are going through. I know that is embarrassing and uncomfortable, but try to find some solace in knowing that you are not to blame and that you are Amelie’s deliverer of hope.

When you guys arrive home and return to your normal lives and discipline program, things will change dramatically; hang on to that hope. Kiss the girls for us and please tell Nadia that we love her and we are so proud of how strong and courageous she has been on this trip. She is the best big sister ever.

We love you guys.

Dad / Papa

By: Gwen

Gwen — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:03:33 +0000

Ha, ha! I just read Mike’s comment and had to laugh! Seriously though, I’m sorry you had such a rough flight. 🙁
But the screeching will subside with time, and it’s progress (even though it’s difficult) that she’s “opening up” to you in such a forceful, loud way!!! 😉
Waaaay nice hotel in GZ. It really makes our room we had at the Victory look very tiny!
Enjoy your time in Guangzhou!

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:21:10 +0000

That was two days ago and she is behaving more and more like a “normal” kid every day…well a normal kid who fully expects to have every impulse instantly gratified. Don’t give her something she wants…screech. Take something away…screech. Pick her up, put her down, change her clothes, put her in the carrier, take her out of the carrier…screech, screech, screech, flail about on the floor, SCREECH!

With consistent love and attention and not letting her EVER get what she wants by screeching, we have already begun to see some improvements, but man can this kid screech. It’s like some kind of mythical, medieval creature kind of screeching. I keep wondering when the Ringwraith is going to show up.