Toddlers & Priesthood Blessings

Hi, We adopted a little girl last summer, who was almost 3 years old. A lot of our story is on the Philippines posts on this forum if you'd like to read about it. But, the first night our little girl stayed with us, after she fell asleep, my husband gave her a blessing. She has done GREAT!!!!!! The day we brought her home, she went outside with our other kids, and cousins and played with them like she'd known them forever. And, within 6 weeks she spoke complete English - better than most 3 year olds, and with a bigger vocabulary! People around us still can't get over how well she has done. It has, however, taken her a while to get over her extreme fear of dogs. Where she was, the dogs are diseased, so they teach the children never to touch them or get near them, or they'll eat them. She does like our neighbors little dog finally, but we're taking it slow on that one! We truly believe that the power of the Priesthood has had a lot to do with how well she has done, and her comfort in being with us. Good luck! Please pm me if you'd like our entire story, or want to chat about what we went through. Jen ps, the picture by my name was taken right after we got home, and she and our other 3 kids all ran out back to play.

We adopted our son from Russia last year. He was 8 months old so I haven't yet got to the toddler stage. But when we first met him and finally got him on our own, my DH gave him a blessing, It was very comforting to me because we had to leave him then for 10 weeks to wait for our court date to come up. so I was grateful that he had had a blessing. He's had a couple of blessing since we've had him home. A blessing can really help and certainly won't do any harm. Good luck to you. I admire people who adopt toddlers and older children. I don't think I could have managed a toddler straight away. I needed to start with a baby.

Thank you both. Gabsdot, I admire those who know their own limits. We spent a lot of time praying about our decision, and feel it is the right thing for us, albeit terrifying at times. And I don't know that others (my mom) thinks it is exactly the right thing for us. Our homestudy should be done this weekend, and hopefully I can get asking after the two little ones I am interested in. I get so excited about being a mom! Thanks for the words of encouragement. Hopefully I will be posting Motherhood announcements before too long.

I just took placement of a 3 yr old in Dec. She turned 4 in Jan. She came with A LOT of ummmmmm... bad spiritual baggage. However, a blessing or 2 was all it took for her. ME on the other hand....Well I am still being attacked. I wasn't prepared for having that level of responsibility after 9 yrs of NONE. Every time I think I get into a groove and then the groove changes....I have a melt down. (currently in one now) She has had almost no major problems adjusting (especially since we have moved 3 times since we've had her for dads work) I wasn't prepared for the frustration of parenting, since I never got frustrated at ANYTHING. SOoooo when I did it threw me into a depression. I also didn't like to play and give her the attention that she craved without end. She was very insecure and demanded attention from me every second of every day. After my first full day of being a SAHM, I told my hubby that he could stay home, and I'd go do his job. HE did, and I did. I had such a panic attack (that lasted weeks) that he almost sent me to a psych hospital. I got blessings non stop and I took unisom to help me sleep. The unisom calmed my nerves so much that one sunday I took it all day and that allowed me to start to get normal again. By the way, this is totally out of character for me. I am a bubbly happy outgoing optimist. It infuriated me to be swallowed up into the depths of despair. After I found a groove and a routine, I was fine again. But I definately need a break now and then. We don't have other children, so if she doesn't play with me she plays alone. I am starting to love her more and more each day. The love isn't there automatically. But I know I am meant to be her parent, and that keeps me going. I guess I wasn't ready to grow up yet. I hope I haven't scared you. feel free to ask me anything. Toddler adoption is a whole different ball of wax.

Thank you for being so honest about your experience. That takes guts. I sometimes have bad days with my 14months old. Being a SAHM is really hard sometimes. I love it, but it's hard. Do you have anyone your could trade babysitting with to give you a break, or a playgroup both of you could go to. I go to a parent and toddler group with Andre, he plays and I chat to the other mums and it's great. Maybe you could arrange playdates for her. I've heard so much about post adoptive depression. Its a real thing and you shouldn't feel bad about it. I'm sure you're a great mum. The bonding and love takes time. It's great to have the priesthood and prayer to help us out as mothers. We need all the help we can get.

thanks.....I know I have post adoptive depression... We had a playgroup/friend while we were in Albuquerque. I should mention also, that my hubby has worked all over the country...moving every 2 months with only a few days at home at a time. The term HOME I also use loosely as we are in the process of remodeling over half of my house ( removing ceilings walls EVERYTHING). I also have more on my plate as it is planting season and since no one has taken care of our house for the past 6 months, even the "good" parts need overhauling to make liveable again. AND I still need to unpack my suitcase. But first I gotta sort all my clothes that I had left in there, to send to a thrift store. Meanwhile, she's bored and adjusting too. I have a sense of humor about my depression. And I figure IF ANYONE had illustrated to me these feelings ahead of time, I could handle them better. I just want people to know that at least one other person loses it regularly and doesn't want to get out of bed (not a cliche) and wishes at times that she could simply cease to EXIST. (NOT SUICIDE, as we all know that just makes us cease to live.) It is very hard to notice all the good when you are working up to your knees in bad. I feel like "Lucy" on the chocolate conveyor belt. My life is in upheaval and I guarantee that's 75% of it. Luckily I had an abusive mother who went thru exactly the same stuff I am....which means I conciously avoid that path. My daughter is also EXTREMELY obediant, but she is also dominant...and the power struggles are crazy! I just wanted to state for the record that choosing motherhood means choosing to be overwhelmed and just to be prepared. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it either. Relief society means so much more to me now. I feel good hearing other moms tell me about when they lose it too. I sometimes shudder to think of having more than one. Even though it seems to make it easier as they entertain each other....