(Another post was added earlier today about Wednesday's travels. Scroll down to read that first if you missed it.)As I am writing this, I am so very tired. Maelyn continues to have sleep issues, which means that we are not getting any sleep here. I don’t know how a little girl of 21 months can last longer than her parents, but it is really starting to wear us down.
This morning started off on a good note. When Maelyn woke up, she was in a fantastic mood (that makes one out of three of us). Instead of being confused or scared, she smiled, giggled and then reached out for me. It felt fabulous to know that she was feeling happier and more comfortable in her new surroundings.
We went shopping at a Fine China shop in Nanchang, as this is the area in China that is famous for its pottery. While there, we purchased a plate for Maelyn that represents the zodiac sign for the year of the Rat. It is absolutely gorgeous. Have any of you ever shopped for china before? Have you ever done this with an almost-two-year old who is determined to have her way at all times? Let’s just say it was interesting trying to keep her hands off all of the tea sets!
We then headed out to Wal-Mart for the second time this week to buy supplies. We needed clothes and shoes for our little Miss – everything we brought is just too big. We finally settled on some 12 – 18 month clothing, but there wasn’t a large variety to choose from. We also got her new sandals. Wal-Mart was also the site of Maelyn’s first over-the-top public tantrum. Wow. It was tiring and not that enjoyable. We already stick out like a sore thumb here and everyone was watching us. I did my best not to care and to ignore the stares and let her ride it out. In the end, putting a bag of food in each of her hands helped to settle her down. ;-)
After lunch we tried the whole nap thing again, to no avail. We had a good afternoon hanging out together and playing. Near the end of the afternoon, the tantrums continued and they got worse! She had a meltdown and I was unable to comfort her, but she did fall asleep briefly on the floor. Then I had my own meltdown. Afterwards, I felt better and then we called for room service and they brought some food for Maelyn. She woke up, but was still really angry by the time it arrived (being so sleep deprived) – so we ended up wearing most of it. Paul and I were laughing so hard (secretly of course) at her behaviour. There wasn’t any point in crying, I had already done enough of that for the both of us. It felt good to work as a team and the rest of the night we just kept encouraging one another to keep going.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get Maelyn to bed any earlier than 11pm.
The crazy thing is that even though she was being so difficult today and we are tired beyond words, we are still able to recognize the growth she is making and know that our love for her keeps blossoming. When she runs to you and gives you a big smile, hug and kiss, how can you be anything but in love, right?
14 comments:
Maelyn is so cute!But don't worry ms.gravelle,everybody would of been mad,I mean,here you are trying to make her like you,but still keep her safe.Maelyn just isn't used to all this space and movement.I love to hear that she's improving!
MONICA
soo cute. I'm so glad that Maelyn is starting trust you more and more. But I can't imagine how hard that would be when she was mad in the store. That is so hard. It's very funny how MUCH Maelyn can eat,and how she explored on Wednesday .{:BYE.
Just getting caught up with your last couple of days - Maelyn is obviously big on personality! I hope all three of you get some sleep soon though - although it seems that every new parent goes through a sleep-deprivation stage. Hopefully yours will be shortlived.
Hang in there!
You are doing an awesome job!!!! I know how tired you must be, but don't give up. I had a good laugh tonight.. right after I read your blog about Maelyn and her tantrums, Lincoln threw a massive one of his own. It is what two year olds do, so don't think that you are doing anything wrong. Just continue to love on her with everything you have and she will be just fine. Is it just me, or does she look different all ready?
love you!
PPS... You have still made bed time progress. 11pm is better than 2pm the night before. Maelyn has had a lot of excitement and change in a short period of time, so I can totally understand why she is so wound up and unwilling to sleep. Keep up the great work!!!!
Hi Jan, Paul, and Maelyn
I have been following along with each post, and am so overwhelmed by your entire experience!! I can only imagine the emotions you three are feeling there. Jan and Paul - you are doing an amazing job. I can't wait to see you when you arrive home. Safe travels
Erin and Hannah
P.S. Alana - I agree, she does look different from the first pictues posted her.
Hey Guys,
Hang in there......you will survive!! Just think, this time next week, you will be home and in your own comfort place! Try and get some sleep (can you switch off sleep times???)
Keep up the good work and enjoy every minute of it:)
Love,
Nicole and Mike
Hi Jan, Paul and Little Miss Maelyn,
I giggled when I read about your trials and triumphs. My heart is with you. Trust your instincts and love her with all you've got. I wish all 3 of you some sleep-filled nights!
Vanessa
Hi Jan, Paul and Maelyn:
It sounds like things are challenging, yet rewarding at the same time. You both are great parents and are filling Maelyn's life with such love and understanding. Keep up the great work and best of luck getting a little more sleep. We miss you.
Jamie and Alana
Hi Jan and Paul
Just wanted to let you know that we have been following you guys and are very happy for you and your new family!!
For sleep deprivation, just wait her out. She will wear herself out eventually and once she does she will crash for a few days! Public tantrums, just make sure she is safe and let her have her "moment" I know that thses can be embarassing but just smile and wait for it to end and then just continue on your way as if nothing has happened. Just remember, kids don't normally throw tantrums with people they don't feel comfortable with, so take those episodes and feel good in your heart knowing that everyday Maelyn is trusting and loving you and Paul more. You two are doing an increadable job and your fabulous parents. I know this is hard at times but your consistency to each situation and your unwaivering love for your daughter will all pay off in the long run!!
Keep supporting one another and don't put too much pressure on yourselves. Maelyn just needs you two right now so try to keep things as simple and easy as possible.
We can't wait to see you again and to hug your new beautiful daughter.
All our love from Vaughan,
Heidi, Al and the gang o
Hi Jan & Paul..I am a friend of Leane & Joad's. I have been following you blog, and although I don't know you, I want you to know I am just as happy for you as I am for my friends. You are doing an incredible thing..for yourselves and for Maelyn. There is no greater joy than being a parent. You are doing an incredible job with being thrown head-first into toddler-hood, and sleep deprivation..it goes with the territory. Know that you are wonderful parents, and that Maelyn WILL come around. Remember that with all the changes she has gone through, there is the added barrier of communication. It will get better. Kids learn SO fast at this age. You will be rewarded with for your love, patience and perseverance. Maelyn will soon realize what a lucky little girl she is. Keep up the good work..it WILL get better. Please say hi to Leanne & Joad when you see them, and tell them they are in my thoughts. I will continue to follow your blog..it will be a great story for Maelyn to read when she is older.
Cheers,
Gerianne
HUGS!!!! to you guys .... I don't blame you for having a meltdown Jan; it's the first of many to come as a Mom!! :-)) Welcome to the "walking dead" .... remember we mentioned it at AdopTALK?? Heehee! You guys are just experiencing it a lot earlier than most, so here's hoping you will be the ones sleeping when you get home while the rest of your group is sleep deprived! :-)) Hang in there guys!
Jan, Paul & Maelyn,
Our thoughts are with you!! You are doing so well, but we certainly know what it is like dealing with the issues in an environment that is not your familiar one. Hang in there!
If you can, try and spell each other off for a few minutes, even if one of you just go for a walk in the hallway on your own - you'll be close by but will have a few minutes to yourself. It will be ok and Maelyn will also see that you can go out of the hotel room and you return to you.
Sleep - well, not so many issues with #3 child, but #2 child still has them at times where she just needs us there - so just go with what feels right (and works) for you and your family.
Take care and hugs to all,
Jane, Steve, Hannah, Stephanie & Quinn
tried to post before but it wouldn't take -- that was pre-skype convo --- and now having read the post for the next day --- feel even better about the advice I gave --
and the meltdowns are an important part of your journey as a mom --
you'll find your daughter will bring out the best and the worst of you --- how does someone so small do that -- it's part of being a family --
and that's what you are now --
just wait for the moment when you feel like you've really bonded with her -- that was overwhelming -right now it's all about survival and getting to know someone who is in your space all the time .
remember we don't even let adults into our inner space and circle so quickly -- all adjustment -- you are both doing so well -
Patience in both of you is showing big time.
Proud of all you've done -- and I marvel at all Missy Maelyn has accomplished.
does it even cross your mind anymore the waiting of last sunday -- isn't that a lifetime ago --
and so it goes.....
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