With a black and blue mark and welt beneath my jeans, I have been initiated into the land of biting children on Day 5 of Bonding. (Since I never experienced this before, any advice is welcome.)
Today started out wonderfully when Batyrhan showed joy and giggles immediately upon seeing us and quickly ran over to Gary to hug him and then, when prompted of course, fell into me. Gary has established himself very well with little Batyrhan, so it was Mommy’s turn today. (Gary is very proud of his alpha male status — we need to even out the playing field 😉 We fed him Puffs, water and a cookie and this time it was only me who would feed him, and while doing so, I would touch his hair or face or back and try to make eye contact. He was reluctant to take the water bottle at first, likely never having experienced it. But after I tried it and showed how to drink, he was eager to drink and almost finished a whole bottle in the 1.5 hours we were together today.
Emma and Eden, do you see your favorite blanket and Wags the Dog in the photos? I brought those with me to keep you close to me in my heart and also so that a part of you could be close to your brother, and for him to begin to get to know some of your favorite. He seemed to like them very much!
Going outside was not such a success. First of all, we attempted to go back to the area with the little ride-on toys and we saw a pack of dogs hanging out in there! I was scared out of my mind — a big mother dog and six puppies were barking at us, we had not yet approached the play area and it was as if they were guarding their territory. We turned our backs to walk away — I am not a fan of stray animals and got very nervous. The mother dog gave a yelp/call and all six of her puppies followed her under the fence and out of the baby house grounds. This is not our first encounter with stray dogs. Yesterday in Panfilov Park, a pack of 4 grown dogs appeared to be following us. Gary grabbed my camera by the strap and said to me “Don’t look. Just keep walking.” He said he would have swung at them if they came near us (Sorry, all you animal lovers — it’s just that to see packs of roaming dogs around is very off putting to me. I was thinking did I have a granola bar in my bag, I would have just thrown it in their general direction. Over all since here, I have seen a total of about 13 or 14 stray dogs, mangy and sometimes bloodied on parts of their body. It is a terrible thing.
So the dogs left the play area but we decided not to go in that direction. Whereas yesterday Batyrhan wanted to hold both of our hands, today he was very independent and wanted to walk everywhere himself. 
But he was not so steady on his feet, the terrain was snowy and dirty and wet all over, and it would have been best if he held onto one of us. For some of it we did just let him go on his own, but we also feel like people must be watching out of the windows while we are with him and we doubt all our parenting instincts. After a bit, Batyrhan just kept wanting to sit on the floor and everything was very muddy. He got mud all over himself, I got mud on my hands and all over my jacket. Every time Gary went to get him to lift him up, he would show displeasure and try to lay flat back on the dirty muddy ground. Or if he stood, he would then just drop to the ground. I was so muddy at one point I took dirty snow with God knows what on it to wipe my own hands. It was not working for us outside on this day so we went back inside to wash up and settle down.
The bite occurred when I went to take off Batyrhan’s outdoor clothing. I still had his snow pants to remove and I went towards him in an attempt to lift him onto my lap to finish up and he ran towards my legs, his face in my thighs and clamped down his sharp little beautiful teeth on my thigh. (It was just now, upon returning home that I saw the damage.) I immediately got down on my knees, looked him in the eyes and said “NYET! NYET! NO Biting!” We had a new translator today, a guy of 25, and I used him to ask questions of the caregivers. One was does he bite the caregivers and children, and the reply that was written on my piece of paper was “Yes.” I will have to ask more questions about this.
Two days ago, our translator (we are up to our third today!) Alecia, said “He just bit my finger!” The way she was holding him and walking with him, I thought perhaps it was an accident. I stored it in my mind but didn’t get alarmed. I do notice that every day he is biting everything very hard like a young baby — the water bottle, all the books, the rings. Is this a sensory issue? I do notice that he now allows me to lift his shirt and gently tickle his back all the way up his shirt. When we tickle his belly, under or over his shirt, that is when we get the belly laughs.
Today was a reality check, which is good, but if he is to bite Emma and Eden or any little friend like Tyler or Henry or Dylan, this will be an extremely terrible thing. I don’t know if the tips on the internet about biting will be for 2 year olds in general or if there is any difference in a child who exhibits orphanage behavior?
A few great things that happened today were that, outside, a caregiver fixed his hat better than I had done and lifted him up to hold him, but little Batyrhan reached towards me. 
Another was when yet another caregiver came to get him from us because it was time for dinner (Earlier today, on Saturday, at 5pm). We took a photo with this caregiver, named Aigul, and she was holding him. When we positioned ourselves for the photo, he was reaching for me.
I was putting on his boots for outside and signed “Shoes” and when I was getting the other shoe, he put his fists together in the sign for Shoe. His second sign!
After going outside, we gave him a cookie and I insisted he sit on my lap for this “Auter Mama” (Sit mama”) He listens to my attempts at Kazakh. Anyway, he would look up at me and offer me bites of his mushy cookie (which I pretended to eat, and he continued to offer.)
When the caregiver fixed his hat and tightened his scarf earlier on, I heard her say, as she was fixing him, something “American.” I assumed she was saying something like “What is wrong with these Americans who don’t know how to keep their children warm?” When we asked the translator later on, he replied that she simply said to Batyrhan “Come over here, my little American.” That was sweet – I’m sorry I assumed the negative, but I do know these Kazakhs value their warmth 😉 It is warm out today for us in our North Face jackets – still about 50 degrees F, but when the translator picked us up in his car today the heat in the car was on in addition to the heat for Gary’s individual seat. This translator, another guy like yesterday, was really nice and helpful. He spoke a very polite English — in fact, he proudly told us he studied at Oxford University for a year and wants to get his masters in Economics.
Today I had my first experience with the infamous Kazakh little “stomach situation”, though I don’t know what I have eaten that could have caused the issue. It was right after breakfast after I had eaten a meat empanada type thing, perhaps that was it.
Today, Gary and I took a long walk to the American Bar and Grill (locally called Ambar) for a burger for Gary (he liked it very much) and a fajita for me (not what I am used to, but still fine.) I would liken this restaurant to a Friday’s or Chilli’s — and is conveniently attached to a “cinema” which we entered to look around. Popcorn is so inexpensive compared to NYC prices — the largest is only $3, and a small would be 75 cents. A big bag of MnMs was just $1.50. I saw that Avatar was playing and another movie I couldn’t figure out. There were a bunch of teens and tweens in the theater with backpacks, as it seems that school had just let out (it was early, like 1:30 pm, so maybe they get out early on Saturdays. Yes, I believe they go to school 6 days a week.)
Overall, our experience with Batyrhan was a little tough, but also taught me the kind of mom I need to be with him. It was reinforced to me how we will have to stick close to home for quite a while and not have too many stimulating situations. I am grateful there will be other Kaz moms to whom I can ask advice, for surely the transition for a 2 year old, will be a lot different than I had thought when I imagined myself with a tinier baby.
Either way, we ain’t givin’ up on this kid. If anything, he needs us more than ever, and we are the parents for this boy, no matter what. Gary keeps saying “Give it to Daddy” and “Come to Daddy.” He has transitioned so beautifully into this role of Daddy and it’s a dream come true for me.
Some photos of Batyrhan’s warm little layered legs and feet. If you notice, here in Baby Houses, boys can often be found wearing pink and even girls’ shoes. Though he looks and smells clean every day, his jacket that he wears has rips in it and he’s been wearing the same sweater almost every day we see him. It doesn’t matter, here, things like that. As sweet and adorable as these images are, I have visions in my head of my boy in GAP and Ralph Lauren with really great shoes, just like Henry. He deserves this, and more.
Hi Stephanie- After adopting a toddler almost 4 years ago, I feel like an expert in bonding (you will, too, soon enough!). Because of all the other wonderful things you're seeing already with your adorable boy, I wouldn't worry too much about the biting. I would treat it the way you would treat it if a typical toddler did it, and not worry about the orphanage aspect of the behavior. I do agree with you, though, about keeping stimulation to a minimum when you get home. I am so glad I followed the experts' advice and hunkered down with my little girl for a few months when we got home. You don't get that time back and it pays off in such a big way. If I get to do it again, I will hope to adopt a toddler again–so much fun!. Thanks for letting me follow along! Mishelle (mom to Bakha, from Taldykorgan, KZ)
Hi Stephanie- After adopting a toddler almost 4 years ago, I feel like an expert in bonding (you will, too, soon enough!). Because of all the other wonderful things you're seeing already with your adorable boy, I wouldn't worry too much about the biting. I would treat it the way you would treat it if a typical toddler did it, and not worry about the orphanage aspect of the behavior. I do agree with you, though, about keeping stimulation to a minimum when you get home. I am so glad I followed the experts' advice and hunkered down with my little girl for a few months when we got home. You don't get that time back and it pays off in such a big way. If I get to do it again, I will hope to adopt a toddler again–so much fun!. Thanks for letting me follow along! Mishelle (mom to Bakha, from Taldykorgan, KZ)
Hi Stephanie- After adopting a toddler almost 4 years ago, I feel like an expert in bonding (you will, too, soon enough!). Because of all the other wonderful things you're seeing already with your adorable boy, I wouldn't worry too much about the biting. I would treat it the way you would treat it if a typical toddler did it, and not worry about the orphanage aspect of the behavior. I do agree with you, though, about keeping stimulation to a minimum when you get home. I am so glad I followed the experts' advice and hunkered down with my little girl for a few months when we got home. You don't get that time back and it pays off in such a big way. If I get to do it again, I will hope to adopt a toddler again–so much fun!. Thanks for letting me follow along! Mishelle (mom to Bakha, from Taldykorgan, KZ)
gosh i think biting is a very common toddler thing- didn't emma bite when she was younger? i remember you mentioned it once years ago, and you taught her to bite her blankie and not you? my friend has a 21 month old, he also bites her sometimes- when she wants to change his diaper and he doesn't want her to, that kind of thing… all she does is tell him no, like you have, and she has put him in mini-time outs (like 5 seconds). yesterday he bit her and he then sat himself down while she counted to 5. it was pretty funny, actually… i think it's just one of those thing that some kids do… he is so wonderful, what a sweet, husky voice he has! and gary looks like a proud papa! the ASL is amazing!
gosh i think biting is a very common toddler thing- didn't emma bite when she was younger? i remember you mentioned it once years ago, and you taught her to bite her blankie and not you? my friend has a 21 month old, he also bites her sometimes- when she wants to change his diaper and he doesn't want her to, that kind of thing… all she does is tell him no, like you have, and she has put him in mini-time outs (like 5 seconds). yesterday he bit her and he then sat himself down while she counted to 5. it was pretty funny, actually… i think it's just one of those thing that some kids do… he is so wonderful, what a sweet, husky voice he has! and gary looks like a proud papa! the ASL is amazing!
gosh i think biting is a very common toddler thing- didn't emma bite when she was younger? i remember you mentioned it once years ago, and you taught her to bite her blankie and not you? my friend has a 21 month old, he also bites her sometimes- when she wants to change his diaper and he doesn't want her to, that kind of thing… all she does is tell him no, like you have, and she has put him in mini-time outs (like 5 seconds). yesterday he bit her and he then sat himself down while she counted to 5. it was pretty funny, actually… i think it's just one of those thing that some kids do… he is so wonderful, what a sweet, husky voice he has! and gary looks like a proud papa! the ASL is amazing!
Stephanie,
what beautiful photos you are getting! As fun as it is to dress little boys in Gap and other cute boy clothes, you will be so happy you have these shots of his baby house days and clothing. It is part of his life story. I love looking back at the photos of my boys in their ruffled bonnets and girly outfits. (however, they may not one day). Biting – ooh, in my opinion, that behavior has always been one if the hardest to 'cure'. And so many have different ideas for it. So just my suggestions…first try and determine if he is biting out of frustration, anger, or excitement. I know it can happen quick, but sometimes it can be caught before hand. Is he teething at all do you think? Molars? You can ask the babyhouse what they do when a child bites. And then I would also try our US 'timeout'. Have a chair(if possible) close by and as quickly as you can after a bite say your Nyet, Nyet, no biting to him and sit him in the chair, even if it is just for 15 seconds (then increase it). Good luck, hopefully it will pass quickly!
I love hearing about him reaching for you! Such special moments and turing points for all of you.
Enjoy this time!
Julie
Stephanie,
what beautiful photos you are getting! As fun as it is to dress little boys in Gap and other cute boy clothes, you will be so happy you have these shots of his baby house days and clothing. It is part of his life story. I love looking back at the photos of my boys in their ruffled bonnets and girly outfits. (however, they may not one day). Biting – ooh, in my opinion, that behavior has always been one if the hardest to 'cure'. And so many have different ideas for it. So just my suggestions…first try and determine if he is biting out of frustration, anger, or excitement. I know it can happen quick, but sometimes it can be caught before hand. Is he teething at all do you think? Molars? You can ask the babyhouse what they do when a child bites. And then I would also try our US 'timeout'. Have a chair(if possible) close by and as quickly as you can after a bite say your Nyet, Nyet, no biting to him and sit him in the chair, even if it is just for 15 seconds (then increase it). Good luck, hopefully it will pass quickly!
I love hearing about him reaching for you! Such special moments and turing points for all of you.
Enjoy this time!
Julie
Stephanie,
what beautiful photos you are getting! As fun as it is to dress little boys in Gap and other cute boy clothes, you will be so happy you have these shots of his baby house days and clothing. It is part of his life story. I love looking back at the photos of my boys in their ruffled bonnets and girly outfits. (however, they may not one day). Biting – ooh, in my opinion, that behavior has always been one if the hardest to 'cure'. And so many have different ideas for it. So just my suggestions…first try and determine if he is biting out of frustration, anger, or excitement. I know it can happen quick, but sometimes it can be caught before hand. Is he teething at all do you think? Molars? You can ask the babyhouse what they do when a child bites. And then I would also try our US 'timeout'. Have a chair(if possible) close by and as quickly as you can after a bite say your Nyet, Nyet, no biting to him and sit him in the chair, even if it is just for 15 seconds (then increase it). Good luck, hopefully it will pass quickly!
I love hearing about him reaching for you! Such special moments and turing points for all of you.
Enjoy this time!
Julie
He's so cute!!! All 3 of my kids were biters. The reason I weaned Emmy was because she started drawing blood… Anyway, I just tell them "no", distract them, give them something appropriate to chew on and they grow out of it 🙂
He's so cute!!! All 3 of my kids were biters. The reason I weaned Emmy was because she started drawing blood… Anyway, I just tell them "no", distract them, give them something appropriate to chew on and they grow out of it 🙂
When you think about it, it is really great how they keep the kids so warm as that is a basic need that is definitely being met for them.
When we got Nicholas, he drank water all the time because it was so scheduled at the bh, then he had lots of accidents. Finally 3 months of being home and no more accidents!
As for the biting, that can be a mix of a toddler behavior and a survival skill. I experienced biting with both of our youngest. With Claire, it was usually from frustration at communicating, she had more of a temper. She is a bit more spirited than our oldest. With Nicholas, we were told in the beginning that when he first arrived at the bh he bit and hit a lot. I imagine it was from fear. He has bit a few times and we are very stern about this. Right now, it's really hard to do anything about it, but when you finally come home you need to be strict about it. The important thing is to work on boundaries when you get home. There is so much more, I'll have to talk to you when you get home. Reread my blog, remember, we had a few difficult days in the bonding and court weeks.
When you think about it, it is really great how they keep the kids so warm as that is a basic need that is definitely being met for them.
When we got Nicholas, he drank water all the time because it was so scheduled at the bh, then he had lots of accidents. Finally 3 months of being home and no more accidents!
As for the biting, that can be a mix of a toddler behavior and a survival skill. I experienced biting with both of our youngest. With Claire, it was usually from frustration at communicating, she had more of a temper. She is a bit more spirited than our oldest. With Nicholas, we were told in the beginning that when he first arrived at the bh he bit and hit a lot. I imagine it was from fear. He has bit a few times and we are very stern about this. Right now, it's really hard to do anything about it, but when you finally come home you need to be strict about it. The important thing is to work on boundaries when you get home. There is so much more, I'll have to talk to you when you get home. Reread my blog, remember, we had a few difficult days in the bonding and court weeks.
I am enjoying your blog more than ever!!! When I look at the video of him giggling, I giggle too…so infectious. What's with this being nauseous???? Journey to 6, maybe??? When I spoke to Mom, she said Eden wanted to know if she would make a good impression wearing Grandma Betty's pearls…I repeat all of her remarks to everyone. Be well and continue to enjoy your precious little boy!!
I am enjoying your blog more than ever!!! When I look at the video of him giggling, I giggle too…so infectious. What's with this being nauseous???? Journey to 6, maybe??? When I spoke to Mom, she said Eden wanted to know if she would make a good impression wearing Grandma Betty's pearls…I repeat all of her remarks to everyone. Be well and continue to enjoy your precious little boy!!
I am enjoying your blog more than ever!!! When I look at the video of him giggling, I giggle too…so infectious. What's with this being nauseous???? Journey to 6, maybe??? When I spoke to Mom, she said Eden wanted to know if she would make a good impression wearing Grandma Betty's pearls…I repeat all of her remarks to everyone. Be well and continue to enjoy your precious little boy!!
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! He has the wonderful Kazakh eyes – so like my daughter Lexie from Aktau Kaz. I love all the pictures of you growing together as a family. I'm sure your girls will love their little brother.
I just wanted to comment on the biting. Lexie, whom I adopted at 12 months, wasn't a biter at all until she went to daycare where another child started a biting phase. She was bitten a number of times until she started biting back. I was mortify (and I have to say just the littlest bit proud that she finally stuck up for herself:) It took a while to get all the kids to stop biting because it had become a way for them to express their anger or frustration. With some positive oral rewards – I brought a bag of M&Ms and the kids got one candy for every hour that they didn't bit. Just a couple of times seeing the other kids get candy while they didn't, stopped most of the issues. Within a week it was one M&M for the whole day without biting. Clearly at his age and with the language issues he won't respond to this yet but once you have him home, if it keeps up, you should be able to stop it. But some kids institutionalized or not go through a biting stage. So don't worry to much about it. You might also ask if the other kids in his group are biting. I bet that he's not the only one. Just be firm with the Nyets and redirect him to something else. I found making a big deal about it was giving too much attention to a negative action instead of a positive. I hope this helps.
I'm just want to say how happy I am for you and your family. It's terrific knowing there will be one more Kazakh Kutie making his home in America. Aren't we all blessed?!!
Happy Holidays!
Lou Ann, mom to 3 1/2 year old Lexie from Aktau Kaz
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! He has the wonderful Kazakh eyes – so like my daughter Lexie from Aktau Kaz. I love all the pictures of you growing together as a family. I'm sure your girls will love their little brother.
I just wanted to comment on the biting. Lexie, whom I adopted at 12 months, wasn't a biter at all until she went to daycare where another child started a biting phase. She was bitten a number of times until she started biting back. I was mortify (and I have to say just the littlest bit proud that she finally stuck up for herself:) It took a while to get all the kids to stop biting because it had become a way for them to express their anger or frustration. With some positive oral rewards – I brought a bag of M&Ms and the kids got one candy for every hour that they didn't bit. Just a couple of times seeing the other kids get candy while they didn't, stopped most of the issues. Within a week it was one M&M for the whole day without biting. Clearly at his age and with the language issues he won't respond to this yet but once you have him home, if it keeps up, you should be able to stop it. But some kids institutionalized or not go through a biting stage. So don't worry to much about it. You might also ask if the other kids in his group are biting. I bet that he's not the only one. Just be firm with the Nyets and redirect him to something else. I found making a big deal about it was giving too much attention to a negative action instead of a positive. I hope this helps.
I'm just want to say how happy I am for you and your family. It's terrific knowing there will be one more Kazakh Kutie making his home in America. Aren't we all blessed?!!
Happy Holidays!
Lou Ann, mom to 3 1/2 year old Lexie from Aktau Kaz
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! He has the wonderful Kazakh eyes – so like my daughter Lexie from Aktau Kaz. I love all the pictures of you growing together as a family. I'm sure your girls will love their little brother.
I just wanted to comment on the biting. Lexie, whom I adopted at 12 months, wasn't a biter at all until she went to daycare where another child started a biting phase. She was bitten a number of times until she started biting back. I was mortify (and I have to say just the littlest bit proud that she finally stuck up for herself:) It took a while to get all the kids to stop biting because it had become a way for them to express their anger or frustration. With some positive oral rewards – I brought a bag of M&Ms and the kids got one candy for every hour that they didn't bit. Just a couple of times seeing the other kids get candy while they didn't, stopped most of the issues. Within a week it was one M&M for the whole day without biting. Clearly at his age and with the language issues he won't respond to this yet but once you have him home, if it keeps up, you should be able to stop it. But some kids institutionalized or not go through a biting stage. So don't worry to much about it. You might also ask if the other kids in his group are biting. I bet that he's not the only one. Just be firm with the Nyets and redirect him to something else. I found making a big deal about it was giving too much attention to a negative action instead of a positive. I hope this helps.
I'm just want to say how happy I am for you and your family. It's terrific knowing there will be one more Kazakh Kutie making his home in America. Aren't we all blessed?!!
Happy Holidays!
Lou Ann, mom to 3 1/2 year old Lexie from Aktau Kaz
Hi there – I just stumbled onto your blog and thought I'd say Hello – we were in Almaty July-Sept 2008 meeting our beautiful daughter, also at babyhouse #3! Your pictures in the 2nd floor music room and your description of meeting your son for the first time in the BH director's office) brought back happy memories, and even tears to my eyes! I'm so happy for you and your family – your son is beautiful!
Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you'd like to chat – we can tell you where we found good restaurants and grocery stores – we had an apartment in the Samal area (close to Ramstore) on our first trip, then downtown close to TSUM on our 2nd trip. Good luck and best wishes with everything!
Nicole
Hi there – I just stumbled onto your blog and thought I'd say Hello – we were in Almaty July-Sept 2008 meeting our beautiful daughter, also at babyhouse #3! Your pictures in the 2nd floor music room and your description of meeting your son for the first time in the BH director's office) brought back happy memories, and even tears to my eyes! I'm so happy for you and your family – your son is beautiful!
Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you'd like to chat – we can tell you where we found good restaurants and grocery stores – we had an apartment in the Samal area (close to Ramstore) on our first trip, then downtown close to TSUM on our 2nd trip. Good luck and best wishes with everything!
Nicole
Hi there – I just stumbled onto your blog and thought I'd say Hello – we were in Almaty July-Sept 2008 meeting our beautiful daughter, also at babyhouse #3! Your pictures in the 2nd floor music room and your description of meeting your son for the first time in the BH director's office) brought back happy memories, and even tears to my eyes! I'm so happy for you and your family – your son is beautiful!
Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you'd like to chat – we can tell you where we found good restaurants and grocery stores – we had an apartment in the Samal area (close to Ramstore) on our first trip, then downtown close to TSUM on our 2nd trip. Good luck and best wishes with everything!
Nicole
Yup, I agree with the others, it would NOT be an extremely terrible thing if he bit your daughters and he probably will. I returned from Kazakhstan with our daughter 15 days ago and her biting (which was a "surprise" for us – she never did it with us or anyone else in our presence at the Baby House) stopped about a week ago. We just continually addressed it – telling her firmly no, catching her RIGHT before she did it often (we knew what the triggers were quickly) and then having her do something "good" with the bitee – i.e. simulating a hug with them instead (putting her arms around them) or rectifying the issue she was upset about in a better manner. She gets it now. And her relationships with her brothers are none the worse for wear at all. I'm not naive to think there will never ever be anymore biting, but it is definitely WAY better now – like I said, nothing in about 7 days. Also, I guess it's most common for them to go for the youngest one above them – their closest "competition," which, in our family is our 2 1/2 year old (who is only 7 months older than our daughter from Kaz)….I guess this is a REALLY common deal. So not to worry – you'll do just fine – just be consistent and firm.
Shan in CO
Yup, I agree with the others, it would NOT be an extremely terrible thing if he bit your daughters and he probably will. I returned from Kazakhstan with our daughter 15 days ago and her biting (which was a "surprise" for us – she never did it with us or anyone else in our presence at the Baby House) stopped about a week ago. We just continually addressed it – telling her firmly no, catching her RIGHT before she did it often (we knew what the triggers were quickly) and then having her do something "good" with the bitee – i.e. simulating a hug with them instead (putting her arms around them) or rectifying the issue she was upset about in a better manner. She gets it now. And her relationships with her brothers are none the worse for wear at all. I'm not naive to think there will never ever be anymore biting, but it is definitely WAY better now – like I said, nothing in about 7 days. Also, I guess it's most common for them to go for the youngest one above them – their closest "competition," which, in our family is our 2 1/2 year old (who is only 7 months older than our daughter from Kaz)….I guess this is a REALLY common deal. So not to worry – you'll do just fine – just be consistent and firm.
Shan in CO
Yup, I agree with the others, it would NOT be an extremely terrible thing if he bit your daughters and he probably will. I returned from Kazakhstan with our daughter 15 days ago and her biting (which was a "surprise" for us – she never did it with us or anyone else in our presence at the Baby House) stopped about a week ago. We just continually addressed it – telling her firmly no, catching her RIGHT before she did it often (we knew what the triggers were quickly) and then having her do something "good" with the bitee – i.e. simulating a hug with them instead (putting her arms around them) or rectifying the issue she was upset about in a better manner. She gets it now. And her relationships with her brothers are none the worse for wear at all. I'm not naive to think there will never ever be anymore biting, but it is definitely WAY better now – like I said, nothing in about 7 days. Also, I guess it's most common for them to go for the youngest one above them – their closest "competition," which, in our family is our 2 1/2 year old (who is only 7 months older than our daughter from Kaz)….I guess this is a REALLY common deal. So not to worry – you'll do just fine – just be consistent and firm.
Shan in CO