Last night was a little rough (as a few of you back home can attest to my requests for face-time and skype conversations).
About 1 a.m. Dublin time Johnny came in shaking and crying saying that he was scared and missed his friends.
Ugh.
It is so hard to know that your decisions hurt your kids, even for a little while, and even when you know, in your heart of hearts, that ultimately this trip will be fantastic for them. Alas. We pulled him into bed and listened to his concerns: "I don't like my bed!" "I'm scared to go to school." "I miss my friends." "I want to go home."
At that moment, so did I.
Anything to make his real tears and fears go away.
When we got here, Sheila prioritized the Internet to make sure that she could work (I'm taking an online class about online classes that I am smack-dab in the middle of, so I, too need to be connected, not to mention this blog!). As I said, the initial transition was surprisingly smooth and Sheila and Maggie and I found ourselves checking in back at home, assuring our friends (and ourselves) that we made it o.k., giving short tours of the house but not the neighborhood as it was, strangely evening already and the days are incredibly short (at 7 a.m. there is no sun and it must go down by 5 p.m.).
But we forgot about him and the very quick, strong connections he has to some friends back at home. I thought I thought of everything -- a lego set, a few skylander figures, his "froggy" (a lovey he's had since the day he was born from Auntie Trish).
But I guess I had forgotten that even though he stares at himself, making goofy faces that highlight his uvula, facetime and skype are important because they connect him with those that he loves.
I texted a few people late at night for us (while the Packers were just getting going) and thank you, thank you, thank you for the attempts to call back, the emails (pictures) and the couple of connections we made. I'm sure he was exhausted last night, and I hope it is better tonight, but you made all the difference in the world. (Sarah and Ingrid--if you are reading this, we'd love to connect!).
Once asleep we all slept late. Our early riser, Maggie (notorious for her 5 a.m. waking) slept until 1 p.m. Yes, I seriously said 1 p.m.!?! We had breakfast (excellent milk, cereal and soda bread with the best Irish butter, and coffee that I thanked myself over and over for bringing from home), and slowly headed out for another short excursion.
Baby steps.
Tomorrow we are visiting all three schools. Maggie and Johnny can both walk and I found the bus that will take me to UCD.
More baby steps.
Let's hope Ms. Molloy, the first grade teacher in Johnny's school is as warm and loving as Ms. Mullinax!
About 1 a.m. Dublin time Johnny came in shaking and crying saying that he was scared and missed his friends.
Ugh.
It is so hard to know that your decisions hurt your kids, even for a little while, and even when you know, in your heart of hearts, that ultimately this trip will be fantastic for them. Alas. We pulled him into bed and listened to his concerns: "I don't like my bed!" "I'm scared to go to school." "I miss my friends." "I want to go home."
At that moment, so did I.
Anything to make his real tears and fears go away.
When we got here, Sheila prioritized the Internet to make sure that she could work (I'm taking an online class about online classes that I am smack-dab in the middle of, so I, too need to be connected, not to mention this blog!). As I said, the initial transition was surprisingly smooth and Sheila and Maggie and I found ourselves checking in back at home, assuring our friends (and ourselves) that we made it o.k., giving short tours of the house but not the neighborhood as it was, strangely evening already and the days are incredibly short (at 7 a.m. there is no sun and it must go down by 5 p.m.).
But we forgot about him and the very quick, strong connections he has to some friends back at home. I thought I thought of everything -- a lego set, a few skylander figures, his "froggy" (a lovey he's had since the day he was born from Auntie Trish).
But I guess I had forgotten that even though he stares at himself, making goofy faces that highlight his uvula, facetime and skype are important because they connect him with those that he loves.
I texted a few people late at night for us (while the Packers were just getting going) and thank you, thank you, thank you for the attempts to call back, the emails (pictures) and the couple of connections we made. I'm sure he was exhausted last night, and I hope it is better tonight, but you made all the difference in the world. (Sarah and Ingrid--if you are reading this, we'd love to connect!).
Once asleep we all slept late. Our early riser, Maggie (notorious for her 5 a.m. waking) slept until 1 p.m. Yes, I seriously said 1 p.m.!?! We had breakfast (excellent milk, cereal and soda bread with the best Irish butter, and coffee that I thanked myself over and over for bringing from home), and slowly headed out for another short excursion.
Baby steps.
Tomorrow we are visiting all three schools. Maggie and Johnny can both walk and I found the bus that will take me to UCD.
More baby steps.
It took me a few days to find this as I kept looking for kerwinsinireland. Sounds like a normal reaction for a tired boy. He'll make fast friends there soon and never want to leave!Can't wait to see some pictures. Take one day at a time and if that gets overwhelming then take one hour at a time and you'll all adjust in a week or two. Love to all, (Aunt)Kathy
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