A Posting From MN

Hello to all from the Melcher Boys in MN.
I have had a some reoccuring questions from people I have seen around and I figured some of you following the posting may be interested as well.

First off is the blankie situation, iIt ended up not being too big of a deal that we left them down there. Kaleb was getting old enough that he would sometimes sleep without it occasionally plus he had a second favorite one at home that he uses so it didn't really phase him. Cohen really could have used his on the flight home. He was pretty cranky on the beginning of the first flight and he really needed to take a nap. He did eventually fall asleep but it took alot longer than it would have if he had his blankie. After that both boys were really good travelers the rest of the day. After we got home I grabbed two fleece blankets and told Cohen we didn't have "his" blankie but he could pick which one he wanted until Mom got home and he hasn't asked for his other one since. I think it made a big difference since he got to decide.

We are all missing Cresta and Kariana very much but I think Kaleb is the one taking it the hardest. The first week and half was a pretty rough time around here for him. Every little thing would set him off and he would instantly get mad and start yelling and crying. At the peak he did this for about 1/2 hr one night and then I sent him to bed. He continued on for another 20 min. until he called me in and asked me to cuddle with him. Earlier I was the worst dad in the world and he hated me and before he fell asleep he told me he loved me three different times. I think he just didn't know how to deal with his feelings. He has calmed down alot in the last week and we are getting pretty close to being back to a pre-Bogota attitude.

Cohen is taking it all in stride. He is still pretty much happy-go-lucky. We have a few fits now and then but I believe most of that he is picking up from watching his brother. Now that Kaleb has calmed down, Cohen's fits are a little less frequent as well.

I have been able to keep up with most of the house work and stuff around here. Mowing the yard typically takes me two nights because I have to break it up into smaller time slots but still goes pretty well. I have even been able to do some of the other yard and garden work as time allows. I really impressed one of the ladies at church the other day. They called asking for Cresta to bake a cake for a funeral and I agreed we could do it. They didn't realize at the time she was in Columbia but have found out since then and couldn't believe I agreed to do it.

I have had an overwelling response of people offering help in any way they can. We really appricate all the support. Our friends Ann and Elisabeth even stocked our fridge the day I came back. So I didn't have to worry about running out to buy grociries for a couple of days. Thank you girls, that was a huge relief for me.

We are coping without Mom but only out of necessity. We sure wish she was home. We talk to her and Kariana most nights with the webcam but it isn't the same. Here's hoping court #1 is the answer to all our prayers and our girls get home safe and sound very soon.

Kerry, Kaleb and Cohen