I talked with both the child update specialist and the file update specialist from our O last night. I won't go into details on what I found out, b/c I"m too tired and worn down to write it all out right now, but I think I am going to Haiti in June to visit with our kids. The child update specialist really thinks it will help our son's health. She told us she thinks he is getting down b/c we haven't been back to visit since Oct. 2007. Made me feel like a horrible mother (not the update specialists intent, just how I felt). DH and I both thought we were doing them more harm than good by visiting, getting bonded and then having to leave them behind. That's why we decided no more trips until we brought them home. But now I feel it's important for our kids to still know we are waiting for them (though they do get care packages, it's not the same as seeing us). In an ideal world, both DH and I would go, but we're not sure we can afford for me to go let alone him so it might just be me. I'm also struggling with whether to take Rowan (she's not weaned yet) or hurry up and wean her and go without her (I've never spent a night away from her and was not planning on weaning before 2 years).
Decisions to make. I'm my stomach is tied in knots today.
Re: I think I'm going to Haiti in June
QFT.
1st: Yay! You'll get to see your babies!
2nd: if it's possible, I think I would take Rowan so that they can meet their little sister. I understand leaving her at home, too.
3rd: do you think that being there in person could help speed the process along?
Good luck! We're all pulling for you.
wow big decisions. But I'm glad you have a plan.
I would bring her, but even if you don't you don't have to wean, you could just pump while you're gone?
Good luck!
Thanks everyone for your good thoughts.
No, unfortunately, I do not think it will have any impact on speeding up the process.
Yes, I would definitely still pump, I guess I"m just afraid Rowan will wean herself after a week without me. Heck, I might even offer my services as a wet nurse to the O.
I'm also worried about C&D thinking I am playing favorites when we leave and Rowan comes with me and they stay behind. I'm worried about a lot of things.