MumofThree, dd has had many brain growth spurts in the past but none so dramatic in a shot period. Before going for the visit, I worried a lot about how she would adjust, especially since she does not talk in my native language. However, for a month before our visit, she would ask me the native word for several common English words. She actually spoke in the language to my great grandma. Granted, she spoke like a 18mo with short phrases but still, I was so happy that she not only adjusted well, she blossomed.
22b, I hope your family is able to make a trip to visit your family abroad in near future. It is so great for the kids. My dd keenly observed the difference in lifestyles and questioned a lot of stuff that people living in the us take for granted. For one thing, she learnt a lot about eating locally and living sustainably, which we kind of do here but it is just so much easier and the way of life back home.
Aquinas, you are so kind! Yes, the reduced stress definitely helped me relax and maybe a relaxed mom had a positive effect on her brain development. The three weeks gave me a lot of time for introspection and I came back a calmer, happier person. So all in all, it was a great trip!
