Psychologist and Pizza

Today was our first in-home (or apartment) evaluation by the Peruvian Ministry of Adoptions Psychologist. This was the unannounced evaluation but we knew it would be today at approximately 0930. The actual logistics of making a real unannounced visit are a pain so we pretended to be surprised. Things were going well with normal questions when Alexandra decided to throw a good old-fashioned lay-on-the-floor kicking and screaming tantrum. We were, of course, mortified but the psychologist didn't seem to think it was a problem. At least that is what she told us. Who knows what she wrote in her evaluation. The psychologist told us to let her scream for 8 minutes then console her- that must be the psychology approved time for tantrums. Luckily, Alexandra gave up before the 8 minute time limit had expired so we began consoling early. The rest of the interview went fine so I think we are still good to go.

To celebrate the possibly successful interview, we decided to go to Larcomar (local tourist mall) for pizza and to get some pics printed. The pizza experience was good except for ordering difficulties. The nice lady behind the counter was trying to tell me that the advertised special did not count for a supreme pizza but I thought she was telling me I got two pizzas for that price. The confusion lasted for several minutes until an irritated local (who spoke English) behind me in line said "she's trying to tell you that is going to cost more." In the interest of Peruvian-US relations, I agreed to whatever the lady said and paid. We all ate pizza, breadsticks, and soda for the equivalent of $14. No wonder the Peruvian in line thought I was an idiot- and cheap.

After the pizza lunch, we walked around the mall for a few minutes with a few tantrums. For anyone considering international adoption, I highly recommend a high quality protective cup for the occasional kicking/screaming fit. I've learned the hard way that Alexandra's feet are just at crotch level when I carry her. Nobody at the adoption agency mentioned this possibility when we started the process. Again, heavy-duty cup would've been a wise investment.

We are now back at the apartment with Deb and Becca working a tag-team effort to get Alexandra to sleep. She took a long nap today so this could be a long battle. Luckily for me, somebody has to update the blog so I haven't committed to the battle yet.

Sorry no pics today. We'll make sure to post more tomorrow.

Today has been an interesting day but we know God is working through all of us to bring us all together as a family. We continue to pray for bonding and that any bad memories for Alexandra will be wiped away by the great memories we are making as a family. God continues to bless us in ways we cannot imagine.