Sandra sent me an email the other day, describing their morning of getting the passport photo taken. Apparently Willow was very angry because they had to wake her up at 5:45 (she doesn't go to bed 'til 10pm). She was "tranquil" on the bus, but when they got to the immigration office she did not sit still for one minute. She ran around, played with other kids, took off the chains/ropes for the waiting area, etc. When they tried to comb her hair for the photo, she threw the comb and purposely messed up her hair. She looked everywhere around the room "minus the camera". The only way the photographer could get her to look at the camera was to trick her by putting a stuffed tiger on top of the camera.
Sandra said she belives I will "have to pay extra monies to courses so Pili can study theater" because she "dramatizes in all". If she falls, she throws things in anger. If someone corrects her, she hollers and tries to explain what really happened. If someone does something she doesn't like, she "gives complaint". "She is a little girl with very strong character."
Sandra wrote in all BOLD font: "Remember to never, ever touch the food that is on her plate. If you do this, she will throw all her food to the floor." Am I adopting Helen Keller? It appears this child has never been told no. I know, I know: it's better that she's been loved. I'm used the idea of her being loved; I'm taking that for granted now. YIKES!
I have been doing all I can to prepare Lily - we talk about this stuff every day off and on. Yesterday Lily's dental hygenist said to her "Being a big sister is a very important job. What is the first lesson you're going to teach your sister?" Lily goes "I'm going to learned her how to be a 'King girl' because she doesn't know our rules yet". I didn't hear it, and I'm SO thankful the hygenist told me so I know Liller is hearing me - for as much good as that can do for her! I tell her all the time: "Willow won't know we are her family. We can't punish her when she breaks the rules because she doesn't know our rules and she will be scared of us." If Lily took her sister's toy, she'd get a time out. Willow won't, we just have to say "No, no, Willow. King girls share toys. Here's another toy, Willow". I know - it sounds obnoxious, but we're going to be in survival mode. I guess that explains why my mom wants to get Lily outta the line of fire as much as possible. I'll try deep breathing (and drinking).
I keep reminding myself that I deal with a room full of 7 year olds all day, every day. I can handle a little discipline problem. I have a Master's degree in Behavior disorders, right? I taught teenagers with conduct disorders for 10 years - I can handle a naughty toddler. Despite these reminders - it's hard to breath most of the time. I'm way more excited than scared still, but absolutely terrified none the less! I can not WAIT to start dealing with it instead of worrying about it all.
My next post should be that DNA is on its way. YEAAAA!
*****
This is the story of my journey to bring Willow home from Guatemala. I am now mom to two daughters: Lily (5) who was born in China and Willow (2).
