news flash: parenthood is hard

[likesthecoat]

We got back home yesterday after Lorne's birthday trip to London, and I suspect it's going to be quite some time before we leave for so long again. Kai did not take the absence well. I suppose we should have realized it was too soon to leave him overnight.

The moment we walked in the door Kai latched onto Lorne and wouldn't let go--wouldn't even let Lorne out of his sight. Maureen said he hardly cried the whole time, but he was very quiet and sad no matter how much she played with him, and spent a lot of time lying on Matilda in the front hall.

I'd told Maureen to call my parents if she needed any help with him, so she had them come on Sunday and I think he got a little comfort from having both grandmums and grandad around. Dad says he got Kai to play with him in the back garden for a little while, just chasing a ball around with Matilda. He didn't like it when Bronwen, our neighbor, came over to walk Matilda: he wanted to go with them, even though she had some bigger dogs with her, too. (One of them reminded Dad of our old dog Herwyr. I miss that old girl.) Dad ended up walking with them and carrying Kai, and he and Bronwen had a good chat on their route.

We ended up sleeping with Kai between us last night, and when I said goodbye this morning he put his arms around my neck and whimpered a little. I patted his back and told him I loved him, and when I gave him back to Lorne he just curled up into the smallest little ball.

Small child with abandonment issues. This is going to be tough.

Comments

[chigong-master.livejournal.com]

It is hard, but children are surprisingly resilient. I've observed that with some of the little ones we've taken in here. It does take some time, but they do eventually get there.

I know our situation isn't exactly the same, but if you ever want to talk about any of this, feel free to give us a shout. ^_^

I know you'll do well!

[skidmo]

[ooc: Oh, this made me go all teary-eyed.]

[rockscientist.livejournal.com]

Are you coming home soon? Kai's starting to make plaintive faces in the direction of the front door.