The first days....

Marivigi, The children we have adopted were 4 1/2, 4 and 11 when they were adopted, but they were all emotionally much younger. Be prepared for your children to act much younger than their chronological ages. I would highly encourage cocooning with them. This means staying home as much as possible so they don't get overstimulated and overwhelmed the first month or two that they are home. It might give you cabin fever, but it truly is in their best interest as they will already be overwhelmed by new foods, smells, language, sights, etc. You don't mention where they are located, but if they are in an orphanage, I am assuming they are in a country where they speak a different language. I would let close friends and family come over to help out, but let them do the laundry, dishes, go to the store for you, etc. You need to be the one doing all the caretaking so your children can start attaching to you and knowing that all good things: snuggles, kisses and good food come from parents. Also, don't let a million visitors just drop in. Your kids will need time to adjust and there is no harm in telling friends that you need some time just as a family. Be prepared for some major tantrums and meltdowns since their world will be turned upside down, and don't be afraid or ashamed to have a meltdown or two of your own, but don't do it in front of them! :-) Bringing new children into your family can be a very stressful time so don't forget to take care of yourself. A massage, a long hot soak in the tub or even a good chat with a friend are all things I have used to recharge when I start to run out of gas as a mom. As far as what to do with them during that first month, have a few toys ready for them, but don't be surprised if they don't know how to play with them. My four year olds both needed basic toys such as shape sorters for babies before they could ever progress to anything such as even a 10 piece puzzle. Don't have too many toys as they are probably used to a rather stark environment if they are coming from an orphanage. You can have a few toys out each day and rotate them with others if need be. I would focus on lots of cuddles, massaging their little bodies with lotion after a bath, feeding them even if they can feed themselves, fun eye contact games such as peek-a-boo, and other attachment type activities. Find out what foods they ate if possible and cook foods that are familiar and comforting to them. Buy any lullabye type music that you can in their native tongue as that also will be a huge comfort to them. HTH, and hope you have good news soon!

I have nothing to add. That was what I was going to post and more so all I have to say is congratulations! Where are your babies coming from?

Thank you so very much for your reply It was extra helpful. I am located in Mexico City, so the kids are in an orphanage, but speak the same language I do. Thanks for the good wishes I will do my best to follow your advice, and will buy some younger kids toys, which I hadnt considered they would use or like, but you are so right about they probably being emotionally and even developmentally (sp?) younger. Again thanks! Ill keep you updated!