This weekend I visited a blog of one of the families Jesse was to travel with when it was time to bring Elena home. She was talking about taking her son (who is about Elena's Age) to a local market one day for a treat. On Fridays this market sells fresh injera (traditional Ethiopian bread which is served with most meals). Upon leaving the market her son began crying uncontrollably and vomiting on himself. The shop was like many you would find in Ethiopia and she came to realize that perhaps he was afraid that another transition was about to occur in his life.
We had an experience with Elena that was not as dramatic, but just as eye opening to us. Jesse has been recording all of our old camcorder videos onto DVD, so we have been having fun playing them in the background on the TV while we do this and that. Elena had very much been enjoying seeing Daniel when he was a baby. Still we didn't want her to feel left out, so we put in one of the DVDs from Jesse's trip to Ethiopia. When she saw it her demeanor immediately changed. She looked so sad and she pointed to the TV and said "Not this one! Scary!" We were so surprised. We thought she would love seeing it, but no, she wanted it off.
This just reminds me how important it is to remember to look at the world through both of my children's eyes, because they don't always see things and understand them the way I do. I've been trying to do this since Daniel was an infant. I guess these two experiences (even if the one from the little boy, whom is not my own child) is the universes way of letting me know I need a little reminder--THANKS :)
Just a random pic of Jesse and the kids from today.
Just a random pic of Jesse and the kids from today.
today's tidbits- Jesse took the kiddos out sledding on their new sled. They LOVED it! And, later this evening the kids and I did one of their favorite things, a project. The project tonight was heart shaped cinnamon applesauce ornaments. Super easy and lots of fun for Daniel and Elena. Why ornaments after Christmas? Jesse came home a few days before Christmas with a little artificial tree for Daniel and Elena. They get to keep it upstairs just outside of their bedroom until after Valentines Day.
photo challenge- #4 a little dark from the left, but i really like how this one came out- just playing around with my new flash that Santa gave me ;)
1 comment:
oh wow..that is soo interersting about the video and Elena's reaction...very strong she is regarding her emotions and ability to state her feelings...wow.. It makes me wonder what her life was like there...and how wonderful it is now. Ajay on the other hand looks at the video and sort of just doesn't get it..I guess that is the difference in the ages upon arrival to our homes. I don't think Ajay remembers anything now. BTW..your photography already looks better...what references are you using? And I got a flash as well:) A Nikon SB 600..you?
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