[maham0]

My baby boy will be home on Thursday and I am thrilled but also a little worried because with Thanksgiving coming, my house will be bombarded by many relatives….all anxious to get chance to hold my baby! How will this effect bonding/attachment? Do I need to be worried?

[drasusi]

Even without a major holiday, we've had many of the people who supported us through the wait asking when they could come meet our seven month old son, who arrived home last week. Because we had a week together in Guatemala, and he seemed to make the transition to us rather easily, we have welcomed visitors. He seems to be a very sociable boy, and I think our house is quieter than the one he was living in.....In general, I think having everyone over has been a good choice. The only down side is the cold he developed yesterday.....but actually my husband got it first...we think from one of the foster sisters....

Because it is respiratory virus season, we have asked folks with colds not to hold him (though we didn't put my husband in that category!), and everyone either washes their hands or uses the alcohol-based hand gels that we have placed in every room....Now that the baby himself is ill, we are warning any potential visitors of their risks! (Most seem to want to visit and hold him anyway.)

[wvamom]

Our son came home at the age of 11 months at Thanksgiving 2 years ago. My brother and his family came to visit 2 days later. It was pandemonium! Still, Joseph did fine with all the people--I think he felt a little uncertain, but I don't know whether having more people there influenced that or not.

The only thing is, he came home with a virus, and shortly thereafter everybody got it! So that was a downside to having all those people around.

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I know what you'll be giving thanks for this year!
Carolyn

[dswaak]

We're not home yet, but should be late next week or even the week of Thanksgiving. We've decided to skip Thanksgiving this year and everyone will just have to deal with it. My grandparents' house is overwhelming for adults to deal with when they're new to the situation much less our son!

I plan on playing a lot of the visiting by ear though - just going to try and gauge how he seems to be doing. And even if people come to visit - we don't have to play "pass the baby" either.

My thoughts are that if people don't get it or get a little offended, too bad. Another couple of weeks isn't going to kill them, we'll have him for the rest of our lives. Besides - we had to wait an awfully long time and we're the parents!

Good luck!

[maham0]

Bumping for even more opinions....

[jenniem]

I think you will need to take your cues from your son. Your son may hit the ground running or the transition may be a bit bumpy. Our son came home a few weeks ago at 7 months and we are dealing with some significant adjustment/attachment issues. We are having a low key Thanksgiving at my folks house. We have a very small family and we are not going to stay all day. I would be sure not to let anyone take care of his needs- feeding, changing, comforting, etc. Try not to pass him around. I know easier said than done. One day is not going to make or break it, so don't beat yourself up. We just need to be smart about not overloading our kids. And try to stay consistent with his schedule that day.

Just my opinion...

Have a safe pickup and wonderful holiday.