Sunday 8 April 2012

Mixed Easter blessings

We had a nice evening with friends last night, and fortunately the boys didn't wake up until 7. The day started well, they played with each other whilst we lay in for half an hour or so, and then we got up and went down stairs for them to find the surprise Easter decorations and Easter egg hunt. Their response was superb, they were so excited and Charlie in particular was just bouncing with joy. We had a traditional Easter breakfast of boiled eggs and toasted soldiers before getting them in to their Sunday best to take them to church for the first time.

They did really well at church and really only got bored in the last 15 minutes, more than I can say for G! The vicar, who has known all about our adoption plans for about 6 months, made them especially welcome and gave them a blessing and made them giggle. I felt quite emotional! The best bit for them was the chocolate egg as we left, I hope they don't expect that every week!

On the way out, Joe recognised two of the children that he had met when he did his school visit last week, so we went back to the church hall for drinks so Joe had a chance to play with Cameron and Cameron - his two new classmates. This was great as we've been speaking positively about the fact that he's now got friends to meet on his first day at school. We also met their mum's and they told us how great the school is, and informed us that there's an email list of parents in Joe's class and they use it to organise socials and get togethers for the kids and the parents, so that sounds great.

The rest of the day was spent at home, and I have to say, it was a bit odd having an Easter with no one else around, as in our family Easter is normally quite a big affair. The boys were also a bit of a handful today, not helped by the fact that G and I were both knackered. I think too much time in the house isn't great - it's been four weeks now where we've largely been in the house with no one else around, and I think it's starting to show - they are both ready for school. Generally they are delightful but Charlie in particular has this stubborn streak and will just ignore us, he has this look that he gives to show you that he's refusing to do what you've asked him to do, and as yet, we don't seem to have found the thing that really upsets him. We've tried time out, sending him to his room, not giving him a story, and today's new one, removing one of his chocolates from his Easter bunny bucket every time he refuses to do what we say, but nothing seems to affect him that much. Joe on the other hand, is naughty far less, but when you do have to tell him off, he's genuinely upset and sorry. It's a really tough balance at the moment, because we have to keep reminding ourselves of what the boys have been through, and of the fact that they have to test us, but at the same time, when you're tired and saying 'no' all the time, and repeating the same thing over and over, you can't help but get frustrated. Today was one of the tougher days, but I think the boys probably needed to get out - but there was no one around and the weather wasn't good enough for a park trip.

Still, tomorrow is another day. Sadly the last day of my paternity leave, so I need to make the most of it. I have been starting to talk to the children about the fact that I will have to start leaving them to go to work. Joe said today that as he was now a space ranger, he fly to my office to rescue me and bring me home. That will be nice.

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