We knew even before we started this journey that our child to be probably wouldn't speak English.  We learned some basic Spanish so we could communicate, but little Isaiah talks so fast I can't even begin to understand half of what he is trying to tell us!

In addition to that, Isaiah has been exhibiting some peculiar quirks, such as squirreling his food in his room (we've found crackers and sandwiches in his dresser door or under the bed), banging his head when frustrated, and sleeping on the floor instead of in his big-boy bed.  

We were told that he might do some of these things, as he was in an orphanage and sometimes this is typical orphan-child behavior.  We've been trying to think of ways of trying to distract Isaiah is stressed or frightened, but to no avail.  At times we feel powerless as how to help him cope with his new home here in America.

We adopted Isaiah Michael about a month ago, although the journey itself has been much longer.  We started the process over a year and a half ago; it finally culminated a month ago, when he arrived into our family.  We have enjoyed having Isaiah with us, but as I said, the language barrier (and his idiocyncrasies) have been driving both Michael (husband) and myself crazy!!

I am wondering if Isaiah may have some health issues that we may need to know about.  Michael and I have already scheduled our son to have a thorough medical checkup, just to be sure.  If there are medical problems, hopefully they will be treatable, and hopefully Isaiah can grow into a well adjusted, healthy little boy.  Right now he is acting as if he has autism or mental problems and it is very disconcerting to see.  (I know: one of my nephews has severe autism; he is thirteen and he cannot talk; he is in a home for severely handicapped children because he has been so violent and unpredictable.)  I'm scared that the very same thing will happen to Isaiah if he is found to have autism.

That is one of my biggest fears.

Until then, we have been trying to shower our new son with lots of love and support, but as I said earlier, we don't seem to be making any headway.  Isaiah continues to be an enigma; we know it will take time for him to adjust, but still ... I would love to see him open up and turn into the happy, smiling little boy he deserves to be!!