an update

alright, so how about an update? Harry and I have been back in the U.S. for just over a week now. That seems odd to say, as it feels like much, much longer. Now we are in what I call 'phase 2'; although I admit that I have no idea how many phases there are, but I like being able to say 'we are just going through a phase' and actually knowing what that means. In this phase the whole family gets to learn how to cope/deal/adjust to each other. Suddenly there is another human being who can talk and move and think staring at you to do something. Addie is doing great, although I can see she is struggling to adjust to having a brother, and someone who divides her parents' attention. Her Spanish is so fun to listen to, she picks it up just by hearing us use it. I wish I could say the same for Harry's English. I know its only been a week, but i get the sense he is resisting learning English. All the experts told us he would jump all over it, but I dont see that happening just yet. I need to stop speaking to him in Spanish and start using hand signals to force the issue. We got him in to a great local school with a bilingual program; 2 1/2 days of Spanish, and 2 1/2 days of English. He has a great teacher and good support with the school psychiatrist (who we have already come to know quite well) so we hope for the best. But he cant seem to control himself with ALL the new impulses, realities, language, food, structure, dogs, snow, school, etc. so he can only go for half-days until he learns better self control. This is the hard part, and Rachel and I have seen some ugly stuff come to the surface. Rachels mom was here for the first week and she helped Addie while we were dealing with the flaming tornado of anger that reared its ugly head a few times. She was such a tremendous help, I doubt she even knows how much! There are many stories to tell, but perhaps not that different than most families (from the good : dogs sleeping on his bed, to the bad; drawing a pint of blood when he is deathly afraid of needles). I am going to rely on friends, professional help and the strength and experience of Rachel for the next few months (if not more). In six months, people say Harry will only speak English. I hope so, but I am not holding my breath. We are flying blind here, people. I barely have the strength to write the blog anymore. I will most likely change the status to 'personal' so as not to impose our integration on all of you, but I thank you all for your support. we could not do this without a LONG list of people helping us, even if its just with words of encouragement. see you on the flipside!  -Brian