Update on Bereket

It seems that I spend a lot of time talking and writing about Eden.  Don't be fooled.  Even though Bereket is much younger and appears to be such a happy, easy-going little guy (he really is pretty happy and easy-going, though!) the truth is, he is still adjusting and going through his own issues.  Once again, this is not abnormal.  It is completely, rightly so that he is still going through adjustments and issues of his own.  After all, it has still only been 8 months for him being in our home.

It was quite an eye-opener this weekend when we had company here and Cade and I both witnessed a change in Bereket as he put on his "company charm" and stole quite a bit of attention.  After all, he is pretty cute and charming with THAT face on and quite chatty, which is not Bereket's normal chatty, by the way.  It was VERY interesting to see how he flipped and put-on his personality that was likely the very same personality / charm he put on at Enat Alem Orphanage where he stole the hearts of many American visitors!  It was actually a bit sad for me and maybe even discouraging?!  Really?  Still?  The Momma in me wonders if I am not meeting his needs and am falling short in completely giving him all he needs but then I realize it is just a very good reminder that he still isn't emotionally set with other people!!  

The worst part is that after our company left, Bereket struggled very much.  It is hard to explain and probably hard for many to understand.  Bereket still seeks attention outside of our family and that is why it is so important to keep him close to us and keep his interaction with strangers minimal.  Bereket had to "find himself" once again when it was just our family again.  The first night as I watched helplessly as Bereket switched personalities and flew into a charming, attention-seeking little guy, I watched for a while and then just asked that he come sit on Momma's lap.  He was content there.

Yesterday I watched the same thing occur.  Bereket had an appointment for his arm.  It has been three weeks now that he has been wearing a cast and so they took it off and x-rayed it.  Fortunately, it is healing quickly and very nicely, but since he is very active and a bit accident-prone, they decided he needs 2 more weeks in the cast.  Fine.  I would rather be on the safe side and have him wear it longer (even though we are already tired of it!) than to have the possibility of him re-injure it!  

Anyway, Bereket chatted animatedly with the nurses and strangers Yesterday.  We had two different appointments and then when we finally got home, after B's nap, I watched again as he struggled emotionally to find his place again!  It's hard and it takes much patience, which often times I don't feel I have!

My little loves

We had some time to get a good picture!!

My favorite one!

Leaving the doc. app. with B's new cast!

  Bereket has 2 more weeks to go with his cast on!  We are counting down for sure!!  I have hopes of getting family pictures but I don't know if we will have to do them with his cast on or not!!  However, it is a time in our lives we won't forget!