Help From Our Social Worker

Below is the reply from the email that I received from our social worker and my email that I wrote is below that. I thought this would help explain what we are going through and I hope it can help other families. My friend Becca also met a new friend that might have some contact information for us about a local therapist where her children go who are also adopted from China and have similar things "going on" like Sophie Wei. Can't wait to looking into it!

From our social worker who I adore and respect!

"I think she is experiencing the stress of being in new home and also having recent surgery that has traumatized her. She is likely having some nightmares and needs extra assurance. Do not let her "cry it out" she needs to know you are there for assurance. When she wakes up, be there as soon as possible and touch her for comfort. Do not leave her to cry it out when you put her down. That is just interpreted as rejection for a child from an orphanage, and especially one who is experiencing recent medical trauma and change to their bodies. If she has improved, then got worse from surgery, that is likely the latest trauma that has her focus. Crying for that long is a child who is just grieving heavily and does not understand now why she is trapped in a cast.. sleep near her if it helps her, or let her sleep on a mattress in your room. At this point, she needs as much touch and reassurance as possible from the both of you. It will help her move beyond this "stuck" point and attach faster. The extra attention will not interfere with her development, it will actually strengthen her coping skills, and now she needs you more than ever! Remember, at her age, the trauma of adoption and surgery is more pronounced and signficant.We can talk on the phone if needed as well..Zia"

Email from me to our social worker. Subject: Advice

"Just checking in with you to see if you have any advice about Sophie Wei. When she wakes up she cries and is very upset. For example, today she was fighting a nap. Fell asleep in my arms for maybe fifteen minutes. Awoke crying. I tried to settle her back in by rocking, carrying her, etc. Finally I came down stairs to put a movie in and she fell asleep while I was fixing the DVD player. She was asleep for maybe twenty minutes. Awoke crying and then never stopped for 50 minutes. She was hysterical. FYI - She has done this in the past but not enough to warrant some help. She has done this a lot lately. She just had her surgery on Sept. 10th. She is in a full spica cast (just below nipples, all the way down the right leg and to the knee on the other leg.) Any ready material or advise. Is there some techniques we can try? Thanks, Michele and Rick"