We have been here 3 days now. The weather is wonderful. People here complain about how unbearable the heat is; how can I possibly wear jeans? I am cold most of the day, but it feels great. My sister keeps her windows open round the clock and told us where the extra blankets were last night.

Jim went off to work yesterday. Nate went to camp from 9-12. Polly took him and Ray and I took care of Lidet. She did not seem to miss her Mom or be worried about her at all, although she was happy to see her when she came home. First we put some stickers on pieces of paper. Then we practiced drawing with a neat book that comes with a marker, so you can trace the pictures of animals. Ray switched places with me and I went and changed out of my pj's and into some clothes. When I came back, Lidet said, "walking?" So the three of us went for a long and lovely walk, admiring the flowers (and fruits and vegetables) of the neighbors, as well as a couple of cats and a nice dog, whose owner encouraged her to pat it. We talked about the colors of things. At one point, she identified a square (there was a flower blooming behind a square opening in the wall). We had a lovely time. We ate some. We read stories. I started making peach muffins.

Polly and Nate came home about 12:30 and we all ate some lunch. Food is one of the many issues Lidet has. Probably because of her early life, and also because of the language, she often asks for things and doesn't eat them. Polly has a lot of trouble with this, although she doesn't want to go so far as to say you have to eat it, no matter how long it takes. And she worries about balanced nutrition. Lidet eats a lot of fruit, especially mango, and she likes bread and pasta. She eats less protein and Polly naturally worries about how to keep her healthy. Nate is also fond of pasta and white bread. Although I understand her concern, carbohydrates are what kids need most of, and many of us grew up eating white bread and pasta.

Lidet spent most of the afternoon pouting, crying and having tantrums. Perhaps she used up all her good behavior in the morning with us. Perhaps having choices to make is exhausting. I suppose the orphanage did not ask her what she wanted to eat or wear. Polly tried to head it off, and she always tries to talk her through it. "We love you, but we don't like you to behave like this. Can you stop crying?" In the end, she went upstairs and eventually fell asleep. Unfortunately, she was just as unhappy when Polly woke her after about an hour, to avoid having her be up too late. She did manage to pull herself together to eat some macaroni and cheese (organic from a box). One of the challenges is her relationship with her brother. Like all siblings, they love each other but can't seem to keep from annoying each other. She takes things that belong to him and runs off. He is forbidden from grabbing it back, but uses his words. "Please give it back, Lidet." She has learned the power of words, "No." Nate appeals to his mother, who also asks her to give it back, with similar results, leading to an ongoing struggle. Meanwhile, Mom tries to convince Nate that it is best not to act like you care when she deliberately goads you...

We are having a delightful time, but it is good to be reminded that having young children is not all fun and games.