you’ve asked, we’re answering!
since returning to the states with sterling we’ve received a coupe of emails asking us specific questions about our transition into a family of 3. this post is our attempt (ha!) to answer those questions.
Q: how was the plane ride from China to the US?
A: better than we ever could have dreamed! our intercontinental flight was quite bumpy which actually helped sterling to sleep better! in addition, jarod’s parents donated frequent flier miles so sterling would have his own seat – which turned out to be a life saver! because we were able to put the armrests up and i could quizi lay down with him, we were able to get some much needed rest! our in states flight wasn’t so bad either. and as you can imagine, all the stewardesses loved him! yeah american airlines! and yeah yeye & nainai for their generous donation!
Q: how’s jet lag going?
A: week one was rough. between jarod getting sick (& no sleep on the plane) and sterling’s recurring sinus infection it was a tough go. however, he’s adjusted well to our central time zone! he’s back to his regular napping/sleeping schedule! …well, kinda…
Q: is sterling adjusting okay?
A: he’s doing great! seriously, these past 3 years we have been preparing for all kinds of circumstances… but thus far we have had very little to be concerned about! he’s attaching well to both of us & at times i think american culture shock is greater for us than it is for him!
Q: do you have a routine?
A: well kinda. we have a “plan” for a routine (wake: 7 am, nap: 11-2, sleep: 9)… but life keeps getting in the way! on most mornings we walk to the park and in the afternoons run errands. and we’ve come to the realization that our “plan” has to remain fluid as jarod goes into the office 2 days a week and as i learn the ropes of being a stay at home mom who also has other commitments.
Q: how much longer do you plan to be in the states?
A: our plan is to return to the east side at the end of next summer.
Q: would you consider adopting a second child?
A: of course! however, it seems like the door to adopt from china is closing (due to the new hague requirements & the fact that we live overseas). even so, we believe God is able to direct our steps to the country & child he intends for us.
Q: how are your doctors appointments going?
A: our doctors appointments are going well. last week sterling had to get some lab work done – 11 viles of blood in all (!) & a urine test. currently we’re waiting on the results to know how best to proceed. sterling may need a minor surgery in the near future, so that’s top of our priority list. other than that we’re getting answers to our health questions and trying to be proactive.
Q: did you take sterling to an adoption specialist?
A: since meeting sterling and coming to the professional opinion that he is right on target for his age (in light of his life experiences thus far). we have chosen to not take sterling to an international adoption specialist. we decided that first we would visit a pediatrician nearby and then decide if we should proceed to a more specialized doctor. as of now, we feel comfortable and confident in our choice… we’ll continue to evaluate sterling and his progress in the coming months and if for any reason we feel that we need ‘extra’ help we are thankful that we have an international adoption doctor within driving distance!
i think that’s it for now… and always, thanks for loving so well that you’d ask!
jdavis2 