Whether or not to bring children along on these adoption trips is one of those subjects that people seem to feel very strongly about. We went back and forth for a while, not in small part because of Matt's concern about being bored and the lack of communication with everyone at home, but we've definitely decided to include him in on the trip. I think he'll get so much out of it - being able to experience the Kazakh culture and gain an understanding of where his brother comes from among other things. But I really think our littlest boy will really benefits from being able to bond with his big brother before he comes home. It may be much easier for the two boys than it initially is for us and the little one. In either case Matt is super excited now (now that we've told him he can in fact skype with everyone) and I am so glad he'll be with us!
Anyone out there have any suggestions for bringing other kids along?
Posts
We brought our 10 year old daughter to Semey with us in Feb of this year it was great she was of an age to really remember and she was really a part of the adoption she came to the baby house every day, just check if your region allows it I know some are very strict and only allow parents. Yes she was a little bored sometimes and the food was a little difficult but we would do it again in a heart beat as she has her own stories to tell her brother when he is older if you have any question please feel free to email me amanda.vigale@gmail.com good luck cannot wait to follow your journey
ReplyDeleteNot sure if i have intro'd myself, and have no idea how i found your blog now, but i just want to say how exciting for you guys and i can't wait to see you all there with your new little guy! I think it is awesome that you are taking your older son with you! we took our 2.5 year old when we went to pick up our younger boy and i am so glad we did!
ReplyDeleteWe have 2 boys from Uralsk, 2 years apart and are just going to add a little girl from China in a few short months!
Christel Cook
You will be so glad that you made this choice and I'm sure that both boys will get a lot out of the bonding.
ReplyDeleteOur biggest issues taking Miras (age 3) was difficulty sleeping in a one room hotel with no black out shades and boredom. You won't be doing naps so may not need to worry about the sleep thing. But you should take lots of stuff for your son to amuse himself. We took a portable DVD player, puzzles, kiddie camera, crafts, bubbles, balloons, etc. If your son plays video games with a handheld console, that would be good too. It gets boring at the baby house and eating out can take 1-2 hours per meal. Otherwise you may also want to consider taking lots of (favorite) snacks from home as we went through a lot on the planes and Kaz is a bit lacking in the snack department beyond fruit and chips (they do have chips in about any flavor imaginable including caviar and bacon n eggs - so it will be fun to try them all). And we went through a large jar of peanut butter while we were there.