December Catch-Up Take 2!

Whew - what an extremely emotional month it's been.

Last Tuesday we were told about a family who was interested in Moose and the fact that he will most likely need skull reconstruction surgery was absolutely something they believed they could handle - praise God!!! They came over that night, hung out then came back on Wednesday evening. We ate pizza, I made a cake - to celebrate his new life and new home and new family. I gave them 4 CD's that contained all the pictures I ever took of "their" precious boy (if he becomes available for adoption, they will adopt him!!!), all his clothes, favorite blankets, toys, bottles, binkies, multiple manilla folders labeled and filled with all sorts of paperwork plus lists for his upcoming appointments and how he's been used to everything from eating, drinking, bathing, napping, etc. The new Daddy texted me early Thursday morning before I left for the airport telling me what a great night Moose had - can't tell you how much that made my heart happy.

Thursday I left for Tucson to visit my dad and his girlfriend.  I arrived Thursday night, spent a couple hours with the two of them before we went to bed. Darlene woke me up early Friday morning (extra early for me since AZ is one hour ahead of here) because he had to call the paramedics since my dad had fallen and couldn't get up off the floor.  The 4 firefighters came, helped my dad get up, he used the restroom then they bandaged his arm that split open again before he collapsed back into bed. We cancelled radiation for that morning. He was able to get up and eat a bowl of oatmeal before his oncology appt. He saw the lung cancer specialist, had labs done and an xray. We barely made it back to their house and he collapsed into bed in incredible pain. Darlene called one of his doctors and it was decided to readmit my dad to the hospital.  The paramedics were called again since my dad's back was hurting too bad to sit up. They came, we all managed to get him into the car and off to the hospital we went. Darlene and I pulled into McDonald's drive through at 10:30p.m. that night on our way home. LONG day!!! The next day we spent over 12 hours at the hospital and I left from the hospital on Sunday to head back to the airport.  It was on Sunday that we were given the news my dad had had a stroke, most likely on Friday. Also, the cancer had spread. It was now in the brain, both lungs, liver, abdomen, lymph nodes and possibly the bone marrow.  On Tuesday, my dad's sister flew to town to visit and Darlene moved my dad to a hospice facility that sounds WONDERFUL!!!

My Grandma did well while I was gone. One of her son's visited her one day and I did my usual calling - every 2 hours throughout the day. On Saturday night, while I was holding my dad's hand in the hospital getting ready to leave, the nurse put a purple band on his wrist that stands for "AND: Allow Natural Death." My cell phone rang and it was my grandma (who RARELY calls) telling me she was "lonesome."  I've resumed my daily visits and multiple phone calls throughout the day. Yesterday while we were in the waiting room, she didn't have much filter (reminding me about some awful things that happened in my childhood regarding my dad) and didn't have personal space issues w/the lady sitting next to her (my grandma rarely touches people to begin with but she kept touching this lady's boots that my grandma was admiring).  Her memory still ebbs and flows. I haven't noticed a change with the medication that's supposed to help w/the memory. She sees the neurologist in the first week of January.


Shelby is doing well and so is Shane minus a few bumps in the road - typical things for 11 year olds to go through.

I have been emotionally, physically, emotionally exhausted but I must admit with without a baby, I do get more sleep and it's less stressful since I always felt horrible having to drive Moose all over the place while helping my Grandma. I am so very, very happy for the family who now is loving on him. While at the hospital, a different family texted me a picture of their sweet boy we had the privilege loving on for almost a year and it was incredible to see his sweet face.

Still working on playing catch-up from the time I was gone plus getting ready for Christmas while the kids still have a couple days of school left plus dealing w/appointments, etc.

Beyond grateful for God's peace and mercy and carrying me through this season in my life.

December Catch-Up

• My dad, recently diagnosed w/Stage 4 lung cancer that's spread to his brain and liver, is hanging in there. He has moments of "fog" but has had more conversations where he is able to stay focused vs. foggy. He fell yesterday morning after using the bathroom at his home. Ironically there was a set appt for yesterday morning for the people to install grab bars, adjust the toilet, discuss ramps, etc.  I leave on Thursday to visit. On Friday is my dad's radiation appt and a lung cancer doctor appt. My dad and Darlene will get married on Saturday and I come home on Sunday.
• My grandma, recently diagnosed w/Alzheimer's, has been having overall good days (she actually remembered her son calling her 2 days ago!!). Today she kept thinking it was Wednesday (it's not) and she called wanting to know why I put stuff in her freezer (I didn't) and she hadn't paid a bill that was due 3 days ago so we took care of that together. I am waiting for everything to happen between the bank guy and the lawyer to have full control of her financial affairs. I have her son coming to hang out with her while I'm in Arizona.
• "Moose" had a neurologist appt today (Biomom and biograndma were there - another story). Anyways, the doctor diagnosed him w/ Craniosynostosis - he needs a 3D Cat Scan, then will most likely need skull reconstruction surgery. The social workers finally found a new home for him and the family came over tonight - loved them!! They will come back tomorrow to hang out then bring him home. So very happy for his happily ever after.
• Steve's hips (he's had 3 total hip replacements) are having more problems - w/scar tissue, arthritis and bursitis. I am concerned about leaving him home for the 4 days I'll be in Arizona but he refuses to have me schedule respite.
• The kids are doing well - Shane's improved his grades (thanks in part to him, an increase in his ADHD meds and study hall) and Shelby's plugging right along w/her special ed classes.
• We've had an abundance of crazy little things happen - ants in Shane's room, the van battery dying, Shelby's bus breaking down, etc...
• It's been wild but we are praying our way through each and every moment!!!

Biomom and Hospital

Today the Visitation Worker called to say we were on for this morning's visit.

An hour later, she called back to say it's been cancelled. Biomom was waiting for a ride to the hospital.

We have our normal visit scheduled for tomorrow. Don't know if it will happen.

I was informed another visit had been scheduled for Friday as well. Didn't know about this one.

Visitation worker changed the time for tomorrow's visit a couple times then decided it could stay how it's set up. Don't know if Biomom will still be in the hospital or not so...in limbo...again.

Didn't hear anything from the SW today. So sad that the Social Workers are having such a difficult time finding a fos-adopt family who will love Moose regardless if he happens to have any neurology issues.  I truly don't believe he does. He is a BEAUTIFUL blond haired, blue eyed baby boy.

Time is running out. I really don't want him to go to a respite house, back to my house, back to a respite house if I have to fly back to Arizona again, back to my house, then a forever family's home...praying for God's will to be done and trusting God's plan is so much better than mine.

6 Month Check Up

Moose had his 6 month check up today even though he turns 7 months on Saturday. He has gained a pound and grown an inch since the last time we were in. The poor baby got an oral vaccine, and 4 shots. He was such a good sport about the whole ordeal. It wasn't until several hours later that his legs really started hurting and in momma's arms was where he wanted to snooze. Steve made dinner tonight because of that and it was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!!!!

Moose and I were playing in the waiting room when 2 ladies walked in, 1 made a bee line for Moose, scooped him out of my arms and I was barely able to ask if she was _____ (His biomom's name). No, "Hi, I'm ___. Can I please hold him..." Nope, just zipped over and yanked him away from me. The things she talked about to her mom were quite interesting. Out of the blue she informed me he is number 6 and she is pregnant with number 7. I know this. I also know, although she didn't tell me this part, that she doesn't have custody of ANY of her children. Funny how she left out that part.  Eventually we went into the exam room. Biograndma stayed in the waiting room. When it was time for the shots, Biomom left - apparently she's never been in the room when any of her children have received their shots. Whatever.

After the doctor's appt, we visited my Grandma and made her a birthday lunch. Moose was super good, as always while we were there.   We came home in time for the kids to get home from school.   I had multiple phone calls to deal w/since it was a bad Alzheimer's day for my grandma.

I talked to my dad tonight - he came home from the hospital today and we discussed when I will fly out to Tucson to visit. I leave on the 8th of December which led to another e-mail to Moose's SW - please, please, please find Moose in incredible family before then.

Hoping he gets a good night's sleep tonight poor baby- 4 shots and he's cutting his two bottom teeth. You wouldn't know unless he's munching on your knuckles then you can start to feel the tiny teeth protrude.

Anyways, off to book Airline tickets. Still wrapping my head around the fact that my mom died of pancreatic cancer 3 years ago, my dad is dying of lung cancer and my grandma has Alzheimer's.....

Grieving

I need to call Moose's SW on Monday.

My dad's situation has continued to get worse. The latest diagnosis: Stage 4 Metastisized Lung Cancer. His prognosis is months to live. Darlene wants me to fly out there in the next week or 2 and visit w/my dad and they will get married while I'm there.

My Grandma's Alzheimer's is another situation that involves daily visits and calls every two hours throughout the day. 

I am grieving the loss of Moose because we aren't necessarily finishing our time with him the way I thought we would. We've always been committed to keeping "our" babies until they start their happily ever after with their forever families. Moose's SW has been "very particular" about finding him a new placement - a fos-adopt home. I don't know if she's truly even looking.   The trial has been continued until 2 weeks from now. I've been told a lot of trials are being continued until the new year. Because of my dad's situation, I'll be flying to Arizona at least 3 times in the next few months.  I don't want to take Moose with me and it's not fair to put him into a respite situation over and over. I had wanted this to be like other times w/"our" other babies where they had a meeting w/ a new family, multiple visits, etc. before they moved permanently with the new family. I don't want to do anything that will make the situation worse for this sweet little momma's boy. He was laughing big belly laughs for Steve tonight. Melted my heart.  Esp. after multiple conversations w/Darlene about my dad...and conversations w/my grandma like when Chinese food was brought up and she said how long it's been since she's eaten any chinese food. We ate it for lunch together last Saturday :(  I feel guilty making Moose go with me to visit my grandma every day and all of the other appointments I've had to go with her too but he has truly been unbelievable. However, it will be much easier doing the Arizona visits and Grandma visits without this precious baby.  My guilty conscience will be absolved with not lugging him all over the place.

Another reason I'm grieving is Moose has truly been the happiest, cutest, most amazing baby ever, our time is running short because of MY extenuating circumstances and he will be the last baby we have until my Grandma goes to Heaven and that hurts my heart. Both my dad and my grandma will be gone before another baby can be welcomed with open arms into my home. I can't even begin to express how much I adore each and every baby we've been blessed to love on. Fostering babies is my passion. It's what I'm good at. It's my sweet spot. It's what I was created for. It's what I was born to do. My heart won't be complete until I can do it again and I'm already missing having a baby when Moose hasn't even left yet. I absolutely treasure these last days with him. How I will miss him, his smile, the way he chews on my knuckles, the way he is ticklish, the smiles he gives me, the way he loves Shane, the way he munches on Shelby's powerchair joystick hardware, the way he melts into my body when we snuggle, the way he devours his food, oh my goodness...so many transitions coming up, grateful beyond words for God granting us this memorable time with Moose and praying for his new home.

Thanksgiving

It's been a Thanksgiving week full of blessings but along with those blessings have been trials. My Grandma has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and my dad has been diagnosed with melanoma. He starts radiation on his brain today. There are lesions which have been bleeding in his brain plus swelling in the area which is causing him to have severe headaches which are being helped with Morphine. His left arm is numb. He has short term memory loss. There are lesions in the liver and lungs as well. There are waiting to find out which strain of Melanoma he has to see if he will be starting chemo. He's been in the hospital for a week.


Yesterday for Thanksgiving, we had our best friends over with their twin boys plus Tammy's brother plus I picked up my grandma to join us. Some comic relief on the way to my house - she was sitting in the passenger seat w/her poodle on her lap. We pulled to a stop at a traffic light. The car to my right had a yorkie on the driver's lap. My grandma made K.C. (the toy poodle) "wave" to the yorkie. The driver of the other car, made his yorkie "wave" back to K.C. - crazy cute. Definitely helped since by that point K.C. had been whining for a solid 25 minutes while Nanny and I tried to hold a decent conversation - mainly of me repeating things I've told her every day for the past 2 weeks.

The older Shelby (my 11 year old daughter) becomes, the more significant her cognitive delays become (she was born at 29 weeks and had a hemorrhage shortly before birth) - she has multiple special needs including using a powerchair for mobility.

The ironic thing about brain issues w/my dad, my grandma, and my daughter??? It's our foster baby who has a neurologist appt next week!!!

Tears at Church

Today we went to visit my Grandma (like I've done almost every day for the past 1 1/2 weeks) but this time I brought Moose and the rest of the crew with me. We picked up Chinese food, ate lunch, hung out and Moose had a blast. He really, really likes my Grandma and she always tells me what a good baby he is :)

Tonight at church, for the first time with Moose, I got "paged" to get him. I arrived in the nursery to find him in tears. He never cries in there. Poor baby.   We went to the Parent's Room, he liked watching the Pastor on the TV screen then we joined Steve in the main room during the last 2 songs and Moose thought that was just THE BEST!!! :)  He has great taste!!

Trial - Continued

I received a phone call this afternoon from Moose's SW and she informed me that Trial didn't happen today based on a different trial in progress and it now won't happen until December.

Hmmm....I really thought Moose would be someone's Christmas present of a lifetime...maybe he'll be ours!!! :)

Cancelled yet again

I called the worker this morning to verify if Biomom was feeling better and planning on a visit. If she was, I was going to tweak Moose's nap. The worker and I had a great conversation. She had just called Biomom herself, woke her up, and Biomom still had a fever but was planning to come for the visit. The worker basically told her no, you're not.  So, Monday's visit, today's visit and tomorrow's visits are all cancelled. Tomorrow is the trial. I already have a call into the court SW for Moose to ask her to let me know what the verdict is. It's always our prayer that God's will be done. I think I know what the judge will say...but I've been warned this judge makes some unusual rulings.  I am a planner and would like to know if Moose will be here for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, etc. In the long run, does it really matter? No, but I appreciate when the SW tell me how the court dates/trials, etc. go.

I am trying to patiently wait for the pictures from yesterday.

I captured a great photo of Moose today with a huge smile so that will have to hold me for the moment!!

Due to the continuing effects of our family emergency, there will be more driving tomorrow, poor Moose but tomorrow's appt is one of the most critical appts thus far since this whole ordeal exploded last Thursday.

Prof Pics

Oh my goodness...we've had a family "emergency" so I've been outrageously busy the last few days and I truly can't give Moose enough credit for how amazingly well he has done with everything, rolling with the punches, doing better than usual with all the vehicle traveling and displaying his super happy disposition wherever we are.

Today was finally the professional picture day - a girlfriend has a studio in her backyard and has photographed now 4 of "my" 7 foster blessings and I can't begin to describe how incredible the pictures turn out. The hardest part? Waiting to see them!!!!  Some of the shots Moose was sitting up - he is getting so good at this - and his smile - oh, it's to die for!!! :)

Biomom was sick so she cancelled her visit (honestly, I would've had to cancel to due the family emergency and appointments but glad I didn't have to). Her next visit is set for tomorrow. Her trial starts this week too. Can't wait to find out the judge's verdict.

Beyond grateful for God's grace and the smile Moose puts in my heart especially in times of incredible stress like now.

Indents

Today was the first time in 8 weeks that Moose spent 4 hours w/Steve and the kids and overall, he did awesome - sooo relieved!!  He also chose to show off while on Shelby's bed that he can roll and sat really well on our bed while Steve was in our room hanging out w/the big kids.

Tonight when the big boys were grocery shopping, Shelby told me "Mom, he's going to have indents on his cheeks when he gets older because of all the kissing we do to him!"

 We ♥ "our" boy!!! :)

"Flea Bites"

Yesterday Moose had a visit w/Biomom and the SW called me to find out what time the visit was scheduled for since Biomom refuses to meet with her so the SW figured she'd just go to the visit to meet Biomom. Apparently Biomom complained again about Moose having flea bites.  The SW called me and asked me to set up an appt to have him taken to the doctor and have the doctor write a note stating what the small pink spots are for so they can have that for trial next week. Biomom showed the SW and the visitation worker and both ladies denied what Moose has are flea bites.

So this morning, I called and was able to make a doctor's appointment and low and behold, the dots are part of his eczema. The diaper area dots are a yeast infection so the doctor prescribed a medication to heal that. I make copies of the doctor's note and sent two with the visitation worker when she came over later to take Moose to his visit - 1 for her and 1 for Biomom. Poor baby - he was finally taking a good nap and I tried to transfer him to Visitation Worker's car seat without waking him up but it didn't work. He cried the whole way there. The Worker called me when she was 5 minutes away from my house when she was bringing him back and he was screaming - poor lil guy. I took him out of his car seat and immediately starting loving on him. I confirmed w/Visitation Worker next week's visits when she surprised me with a Monday visit.  A different visit next week might be changed due to trial. Today the time changed for the visit 4 separate times. Good grief!!  As soon as Moose and I got back inside I realized he had had a blow out - no wonder he was extra miserable, plus he was crazy hot since they had bundled him up and he can't stand being too warm + it makes his eczema spread.

Anyways, we changed our outfits - he was kind enough to spread the blow out :) and had a good evening. The doctor said only bathe him 2 times a week. :( We love our bath time ... oh well, we'll really enjoy it the two days we're allowed to indulge!!  Tomorrow will be the first time in 8 weeks I'm leaving him with my hubby since I'll be in the car for a total of 2 hours over a 3 hour period. Praying he does well for Steve. Moose is definitely a Momma's Boy!!!

Tracking down Biomom

Today was a very productive CPS day - I rec'd a call re: payment from 2 foster babies ago that they will send me the check this week for the second month of emergency placement rate and the check will be for more than I had calculated it would be for.

We are still waiting for the other SW to get her act together to turn in paperwork so we can be reimbursed for the special needs rate for four months for that baby.

Our current foster blessing who we've had for almost 8 weeks - the SW is actually looking into why he's not in the system so we might actually get paid in the near future for him - sweet!

During a conversation w/a SW, she asked what time Biomom's visit was tomorrow. I told her. She said Biomom refuses to have a meeting with her so the SW has to track down the Biomom at her child's visit. Sad.

I found Moose's Biomom and Biodad on Facebook last night so my curiosity is satiated since now I know what they both look like.

Moose is sitting better and better - so very proud. He is also becoming much more vocal - of course at the times when it would be appreciated if he was quiet but that just adds to the cuteness!!! :)

Meeting Biomom

Biomom has trial next week and she is supposed to have 7 hours of "make up" visits occur before then (1 that the visitation worker messed up, 2 that biomom cancelled due to being sick and 1 hour from when visitation worker was late to my house). 1 of those "make up" sessions was supposed to happen today and I was going to meet biomom for the first time. I was actually excited since I've heard so much about her and am really curious to see just how much resemblance there is between her and Moose.

Biomom had pretrial today and apparently called the visitation worker to tell her that she was told to take parenting classes and had to cancel today's visit to attend an orientation for the class.

First thought - bummer, I don't get to meet her.

Second thought - parenting classes? As in, if you complete them, you might get your baby back?  I guess I had it in the back of my mind that due to what happened to her other children, it would be a pretty good conclusion that the rights for Moose would be terminated as well. Maybe not. The plot thickens...again!!!

Meanwhile, Mr. Cuteness decided that on 2 of his naps he would wake up and roll to his belly. It was so cute when I went to go get him, he seemed bewildered that he was on his tummy.

More big news: He can sit on his own!!!! I'm right there and sometimes we have a boppy behind him, sometimes, I'm right behind him but he was doing it multiple times today. I'm so proud!!!

He still isn't too impressed w/the rice cereal. I can't wait to start the fruits and veggies.

He is just growing up so quickly right before my eyes all of a sudden. That whole 6 month thang :)

The pictures from the baby dedication came in today - oh my goodness, precious and adorable!!! :)

Baby Dedication

Yesterday's photography session didn't go as planned since my friend injured her back the day before so we rescheduled for Monday.

Last night we went to my best friend's house and had such an incredible time. I love, love, love her family and just feel so at home at her house. Moose loved her kids and dogs and other pets.

Tonight Moose was dedicated by the Pastor of our church in a private celebration in our Pastor's office. Moose did fabulous during the entire event - prayers, pictures, etc.  Seemed pretty darn appropriate how the weekend the dedication happened to work out best for Pastor B and us just "happened" to be on Orphan Sunday!!!

Moose started rice cereal today. He is definitely a "helper" during the feeding process ;)

Really hoping Moose starts sleeping through the night. I'm dragging!

6 Months Old Today

We had a good, easy day today - We had a fun morning, Moose left around 12:30 for his visit w/Biomom, he got back around 3:30. I will take him on Monday to his visit and guess who I get to meet? Yup, Biomom!!!  He was in a good mood when he got home, and we took advantage of that by taking some insanely cute pics of him wearing Shane's football pads and/or helmet since Shane had to turn those back in tonight. We had a good evening and he went to bed well. Here's to hoping being six months old is what it takes for him to start sleeping through the night!!! ;)

Binky Anyone?

We met the new visitation worker today. "He looks really familiar" she says as soon as she sees Moose. Apparently all of biomom's other kids look the same and look just like her.

She came back with a list of things biomom wants back including the 2 dollar tree type bottles Moose came to me with and the pacifier. Apparently she's used this binky with all 6 kids and wants to use it with baby #7. WHAT??? Aren't binkies like toothbrushes and supposed to be thrown away after a few months? I get saving special outfits, stuffed animals, blankets, etc but a binky??? Are you kidding me???

We had a great afternoon. While Moose was at his visit, I did a bunch of errands and one of the places I went to was Toys R Us. Tonight Steve wound up playing with one of the new toys I bought Moose and asked, "Where did this one come from?" "It fell into the basket today," was my response. He didn't even bat an eye. Just accepted it. Love that man!

While having tummy time on the floor after Shelby came home from school (She was doing her 20 minutes of reading homework), Moose and I were playing with old and errr new toys and eventually I pulled him onto my tummy and next thing I know, my shirt is covered with spit up. You're welcome for the new toys bud. You didn't need to show your appreciation that way!! ;)

Tonight Shelby wanted me to watch her play wii so Moose hung out in the jumperoo and watched Shelby, looked at the tv, interacted with me and chewed on the jumeroo toys. He did awesome!

He turns 6 months old tomorrow.
Love him!!! :)     <3

Gross Motor

Today was a day of firsts for Moose: He rolled over and back to where he started from!!! In the past it would be from his back to his tummy then he was stuck. Today he made it all the way back to his back!! AND he is now scooting backwards while on his belly. He is sitting better (one of his bouncy chairs is almost ready to be put in the garage since he prefers the more upright styles), he is doing better in the bumbo, he is holding himself up a little sturdier while I'm carrying him and he's drinking 6 ounces now vs. 5.

In Visitation News - his worker called me today and told me somebody else will be picking him up.  The social worker doesn't want back to back visits any more so those have to be changed AND to make things more fun, he still has 7 hours to make up before mid-November/Biomom's trial so they wanted to know what days I can bring him to the visitation area.  So tomorrow he will have the 3rd worker in 3 visits transport him to see his momma. Nothing like consistency. Gee whiz.

He had his assessment for social/emotional development and Mr. Flirt aced it of course!! So proud. The therapist later e-mailed me to tell me she couldn't e-mail the report due to confidentiality. She has to mail it. Hmmm. Interesting.

Anyways, had so much fun playing w/my little munchkin today - love, love, love him!

Giraffe

Moose was a giraffe today for Halloween and oh my goodness, he couldn't have been ANY cuter!!! Truly an adorable outfit we were given last year - little horns and ears...a teeny tiny tail that velcroes on the back - he did amazing in his outfit and didn't mind the hood portion either.  For some pictures, I sat him on a chair which he immediately starting falling over, I'd lean him back to middle then he'd start to fall over again. During one of the fall overs, he spit up and it landed on the ground...good timing lil guy!!! My favorite picture of today has that splat of spit up in the background - you can't really see it unless you know it's there and what it was.   It doesn't even phase me any more when we start walking somewhere and next thing I know, my hand/arm/shirt is decorated with warm white fluid.

Anyways, tomorrow's an assessment so I'm looking forward to what this therapist tells me.

Still haven't heard from the visitation worker to make up the visits before court. Surprised? No.

Super glad Halloween is over - so not my Holiday.
Anyways, loving my giraffe today - had sooooo much amazing snuggling/bonding/smiling/giggling time today!!! Love, love, love "my " boy!!! :)

Catch Up

Thursday = A new Visitation Worker picked up Moose - and get this - she was on time!!! Woot! Woot! Everything went well with his visit.

Friday = We went to a local pumpkin patch and took a ton of adorable pictures w/Moose in a super cute pumpkin sweatshirt.  We then headed to have dinner w/a friend (pizza) then walked to a new gelato place (oh my goodness - so good!)

Saturday = hung out, did chores, delivered cookie dough from a school fundraiser to my Grandma, went to church then the kids went to a big Halloween-themed event at church.

Sunday = a home day for "my" sweet boy who's been in a car seat multiple times a day while Shelby has a "date" with her respite worker and the big boys are going to a friend's football game.

Another Visitation Worker Vent & More

Last night went amazing at the presentation I did for the graduating class of foster parents. I found a volunteer who held Moose while I discussed the 7 blessings we've loved on for the past 2 years. As Moose and I were leaving a woman followed me out into the hallway to talk. She used to be a Social Worker. Now she's about to be a Foster Parent. She wanted to thank me. She could tell I love "my" babies and wanted to thank me for that. What?! OF COURSE I love Moose and my previous babies. How sad is that that I get "thanked" for caring about the foster babies in my care. :(

Today Moose had a visit with biomom scheduled. Visitation Worker was supposed to be over 9:20-9:30.  9:45 rolls around - She is supposed to have 15 minute grace period - and I called and left a message on her voicemail. 10:15 guess who comes strolling up to my front door? No apologies, no nothing. I was floored. A girlfriend had shown up a few minutes earlier and since no call, no show - we were about ready to leave. I asked if Biomom knew the visit's new time. Yes, she had been called. Ummm - ever think about informing me of the change in plans I thought but didn't ask. Anyways, I talked to worker about timing and what time she'd be back.

My girlfriend and I went out to lunch and were shopping at Family Christian Bookstore when my cell rang. It's Visitation Worker. "I'm in front of your house." SAY WHAT???!!!!  Biomom couldn't stay past 12. Did you think about calling me? Letting me know??? (of course I fumed in my head - I didn't say anything out loud.) So, my friend and I left and zipped home as fast as we could.

I asked Visitation Worker to - in the future - please call me when plans get changed.
Goodness gracious.
Lucky me - Moose has another visit tomorrow - I get to deal w/Visitation Worker AGAIN!!! ugh

Presentation

Moose and I are about to head out to talk to a graduating class of foster parents. This is the third time I've been asked to speak but the first time I'll have Moose with me.  I have 7 poster boards - 1 for each foster blessing we've been given the privilege of loving. I'm sure he will have everyone wrapped around his little finger with his adorable smile in no time. Hoping everything goes well since it will be during his bedtime but he took a late nap.

Tomorrow he has his first visit w/Biomom in two weeks.  His Visitation Worker still hasn't called me to set up any make up sessions. We have 3 weeks to make up six hours.

Anyways, off to talk to future foster mommies and daddies :)

Going to trial and lies

Moose's SW actually called me after she received the info from today's court hearing - was ecstatic that I didn't have to try to track her down later this afternoon. Biomom has a trial set for mid-November.

Moose has a referral to Neurology. The neurology dept. accidentally called Biomom. She told the SW about the phone call but wasn't able to give any information (name/phone number/etc.) After the SW visit with me, she had a lengthy conversation with Biomom about the reason for the Neurology referral. In court today, Biomom told the judge she knew nothing about a Neurology appt. Nice.

Moose has been on the crabby side lately. Don't know what's up with that. Today we had a WIC appt and swung by Sam's Club on our way home.  He's been extra spit uppy lately. Steve even told him earlier today that he should be called Mr. Up Chuck since he up chucks all over the place. Not often enough to be a concern but we all know what that particular noise is when he is about to spit up...it's usually when I am carrying him and then there's the lovely splat noise as some of it lands on the floor besides for Moose and I.

Ok, off to prepare for a presentation for tomorrow night. Hopefully my lil side kick will be puke free during the 15 minutes we'll be talking to a group of people ;)

"Doing Life"

We've just been busy "doing life" around here - Thursday and Friday were pretty much home days, Saturday was Shane's last football game and a birthday party for one of Shelby's best friends. He still wakes up early on the weekends. At 6 a.m., he woke up, I went to the crib, he smiled at me then laughed with joy to see me. Love this boy!!! :) Sunday was church. Last week I had warned the nursery workers that Moose sometimes spits up. They had one of his burp rags and put it to good use. Today, one volunteer held him for 20 minutes and was fine. She passed him off to someone else and he instantly spit up all over her. Oops!!! ;)  We've all taken turns loving on Moose this afternoon.  He's figured out how to munch on his toes. He smiles when he sees his bottle. He definitely loves being held and carried around. He gets tired of being on his belly and can't roll over to his back. He is much more vocal these days. It's been 5+ phenomenal weeks w/Moose and I honestly couldn't be more in love with this precious blessing of ours!!!

Cancelled again

Moose's Visitation Worker was supposed to be here between 9:20-9:30 to pick him up for a 10a.m. visit. 9:45 rolls around. I called to see if she was in her office since last week time "got away from her" and that visit wound up being cancelled. She called me a few minutes later. Apparently Biomom has the flu and had to go to the ER and the doctor told her she can't be around the baby for 3 days so his visits for this week are cancelled. Visitation Worker got busy talking to somebody and forgot to let us know. I don't know why I find it so frustrating that people are late and that people don't call in a timely manner. I really should be used to this by now. We've been around the block a time or two at this point. Still, I think it's rude. Anyways, once I heard her voice on the phone and guessed the reason for her call, he immediately fell asleep in my arms - I had been playing with him trying to keep him awake so he could fall asleep in her car vs. scream the entire way. Oh well, now on to rearrange my schedule since I thought - silly me - that I'd have 3 hours to do stuff w/o any kids.

Continuance Anyone?

Last night I heard from the regular social worker that there was a continuance which was expected. Apparently biomom is going to fight for Moose which is something she hasn't done in the past for her other kiddos. The difference? Moose is a boy.

Today the court investigator social worker called. I played dumb - is that bad?! And she told me more information, not much but after the next court date, next week, it will most likely go to trial then we will have a plan in place. Court SW asked if we wanted him moved since I asked her a timeline. I insisted NO - I was just trying to get a tentative timeline so we bantered back and forth jokingly that yes, I can buy Moose a costume, tentatively plan on him being with us for a Thanksgiving celebration but hold off on buying him a stocking and going hog wild on cute baby toys.  Yesterday's SW is already planning on looking for a fos-adopt home. Should be interesting to see truly how long we have Moose and where he ends up. Can't wait to see what God has in store for him :)

Court Date

Waiting to hear what happened in court today.

I've called both social workers and left messages.

I've talked to the Workers of the Day and no one will tell me what happened.

I'm not a patient person when it comes to this stuff. Is there a continuance?  Will Moose's case go to Adoptions?  Did Biomom's visits get cut down to once a month vs. 2 hours 2 times a week?

Would be nice to be kept in the loop.
I'm usually the last to know.

One Month With Moose

It's been 1 month with our phenomenal blue eyed happy baby boy.

Yesterday I met w/his SW, his visitation SW called to change the visitation schedule for next week, previous foster blessing's (J) visitation worker called needing me to call J's adoptive momma to schedule the final goodbye courtesy visit since his biodad has had his rights officially terminated and J's new momma and I had the best conversation.  :)

Today was really laid back. A friend's hubby came over to work on our computers. Moose and I had a lot of bonding time. Friends came over for a bit before dinner. It's just so nice to be a Friday night and all of us are home chilling out.

Tomorrow's Shane's football game and Shelby has a birthday party to go to. Good stuff.

Official SW Visit

Tomorrow we'll have had Moose for one month. His SW came over today for a visit, arriving almost 1/2 hour late. She didn't have much news to report or really any questions to ask. She honestly wanted to talk more about my three dogs than the baby. She meets Biomom tomorrow and will let me know what happens in court on Monday.

I'm still waiting for Visitation Worker to call me to squeeze in the 2nd visit for the week since she cancelled yesterday's visit. It's almost noon on Thursday. Friday Biomom has at least one appointment...time is running out. 

I liked today's worker but was honestly hoping for more...more information...more professionalism...more questions regarding the baby...just MORE.

No Show

Moose was scheduled for another visit w/Biomom today. Dee Dee - visitation worker - said she'd be here 9:20-9:30. I got the breast milk containers washed per biomom's request, packed the diaper bag w/everything Moose could possibly need, got his favorite toys and a soft blanket to snuggle on the way there, did my best to tweak his eating/nap schedule so he'd fall asleep on the way there, the house was relatively tidy, I made sure I wasn't wearing my normal "kick it" house clothes...9:20...9:25...9:30...9:35...eventually it's 9:50, Moose really needs a nap, no Dee Dee in sight so I called and left a message. Eventually she called back. Non apologetic. The morning got away from her. She called Biomom to see if she left right away if Biomom could still do the meeting. Nope, she had something to do after the visit was going to be over so Dee Dee will call me later w/a different day/time for this week. It's already Wednesday. Tomorrow is a SW visit...hmmm....anyways, Moose is happily sleeping and I'm trying to get things done I had thought I'd have 3 uninterrupted hours to do...oh well. More time to love on "my" phenomenal baby :)

Jail & Bites

Found out previous foster baby's biomom is incarcerated until July 2012. This reminds me I still need to finish my summaries of each of our foster blessings.

Found out current foster punkin's biodad is incarcerated until March 2012.

Moose had a 2 hour visit w/biomom today. He did well on the drive there. He did well during his visit according to DeeDee. He screamed the entire way home :(  Biomom said she saw flea bites on Moose. Yes we have pets but no, none of them have fleas. DeeDee asked her exactly where she saw the bites and biomom couldn't point any out to her.  She said she had the flu the other day. Still gave DeeDee breast milk. DeeDee verified she didn't give us any from the time she had the flu. She also made sure biomom was healthy before coming to today's visit. Biomom also talked to DeeDee about the appointment that was for Moose on the 6th. I knew there was an appointment and talked to the other SW about what the appt was for/where it was/etc. Biomom's thinking she gets to go with me on appointments like that. I'm still waiting for the official SW visit (this Thursday) to find out exactly what they want from me - let Biomom have more visits/let Biomom come to doctor appts...etc. Biomom asked for his binky back that she sent with him last month. I'm still assuming her rights will be terminated as they have been for the previous 5 children. The Court Investigator SW came over as DeeDee was leaving after bringing Moose home and they both talked about how much he looks like her. 

He has another visit tomorrow and we have the SW visit on Thursday - I can't wait to find out more information!!!

Love

Today was a rainy day, the big kids went off to school and "Moose" and I had such a great day. My favorite was when he took a 2 hour nap on my chest (the previous naps were in his crib) - he would smile in his sleep, wake up w/a cute grouchy expression still needing more sleep, fall back asleep, laugh in his dreams, play with his binky while snoozing, it was just yummy!!! Love this boy of "mine." Tomorrow is another 2 hour biomom visit and a SW visit after he returns home. Hoping for his sake, he doesn't cry the entire car ride there, for the majority of his visit and the whole way home.  Also hoping to get more sleep than we have for the previous few nights. We are a wee bit sleepy around here!!!

Long Day

• We left the house at 7:30 a.m.
• Shelby had the A.C.T. games from 8-11 (she won 2 ribbons and 2 medals)
• We went out to lunch w/Papa and Donna (who came to root on Shelby) at Denny's
• We went to Shane's football game 12:45-4 (he was co-captain today!!!)
• We went to Aldaberto's drive through to pick up dinner (delicious!!!)
• We were home from 5-6 (ahhh!!! - felt so good)
• We left for church and LOVED the sermon (Matthew 25:34-40 - need I say more???)
• Moose, Shelby and I got home around 8:30 p.m. and Shane and Daddy drove to Papa's house so they can hunt first thing in the morning

Moose was amazing throughout the entire day!! He is truly a one-of-a-kind baby - so good and funny and his personality is starting to become more obvious and he's getting more vocal - it's such a blessing to watch him thrive! :)

Moose's Family

A new SW called this morning to set up a time next week for her to come over. She told me he has 5 older siblings, all under the age of 5. The oldest 2 have a different father than the rest and that is who is raising them - their paternal family. The younger three have all been adopted by the same family who...it turns out...are interested in adopting Moose as well!!!! The SW I talked to today already has a call into THEIR SW to see if they are licensed/able to have 4 kids. The SW said, "Biomom sure is fertile, isn't she?"

He took the best nap he has taken in his crib in a long time. Maybe it has to do with the fact he had to be changed twice last night - diaper, outfit, everything - darn diapers I was trying out with him.  Anyways, I was able to be crazy productive which was awesome.

This afternoon, the 3 kids and I went to Wal Mart and Moose flirted w/the Wal Mart checkstand lady :)

Love "my" boy!!! <3

A fellow foster mom who has adopted several of her treasures informed me today there are 2 medically fragile baby boys who are still in the hospital because there are no homes w/vacancies...so very, very sad.

Laughter

Moose had a fantastic day today - very low key. It was sprinkling out so we took Shane to school (usually he walks/rides his bike or scooter) then the rest of the day, we hung out, played in almost every room for some variety, took more pictures (he is even smiling for the camera - love that!!), I'd so silly things and he's laugh at me. He loved it when the kids got home from school and was super animated w/Steve tonight too. Moose didn't want to nap well in his crib throughout the day so I'm hopeful he'll do better than usual sleeping tonight. E-mailed Shelby's old Physical Therapist to ask her what she knows about re-shaping of infant's heads and it was what I was expecting. Now if the neurology office could give me a call, we could get this show on the road...

News/Odds & Ends

1st visitation worker called Moose's biomom "angry, bitter, resentful" 2 weeks ago.
Today's social worker I spoke to on the phone just met with her this morning (biomom was supposed to have another visit w/Moose today but cancelled since she didn't have her calendar in front of her when she made this appointment with the social worker) and said biomom is really "mellow"

Biodad is in jail. Again. This time with no bail and no projected release date.

Moose laughed a lot today - so stinkin' adorable!!! We spent lots of time just snuggling, "chatting," loving, smiling and laughing.

12 days until the next court date. We've been praying God's will be done. We want Moose to have the happily ever after he so completely deserves.

Visitation Worker's Call

Moose had his first 2 hour visit w/Biomom for the week today. DeDe called me to change the time earlier this morning. She came to pick him up, was very sweet and outgoing and we talked for a few minutes. We then walked to her car and I loaded Moose into her car seat. I did a few things at home, ate dinner, then went to get my haircut. While getting a trim, my cell phone rang. It was DeDe. Moose wouldn't stop crying. She wanted me to give her suggestions on how to get him to stop sobbing. He RARELY ever cries. Truly. He is such a sweet, easy going, mellow, chilled out baby. He's only been w/us for 2 1/2 weeks. He wouldn't stop crying with his Biomom. That broke my heart. Deja vu over our last little guy but still, it hurts my heart and it truly surprises me how much babies respond to the people they were with when they were in a dangerous/scary situation. Whether they were 6 weeks old (like our last little guy) or 4 months, they know and remember. Anyways, he's home now and happy as can be - DeDe just dropped him off. We're headed to give the lil munchkin a bath.

5 Months Old Already

"Moose" is 5 months old today and he is such a love!!! He didn't sleep well AT ALL last night so of course took a huge nap on me earlier plus a few mini naps on his own in the crib. I bought a Moby Wrap from Craigslist a few weeks ago and really need to learn how to use it since I wind up carrying him around all over the place.  He really lights up with everybody is home from school/work and I love that he cares so much about all of us.  Shane got him to do some fantastic smiles for the camera yesterday and a friend who does professional photography will take pictures of him on the 11th - I can't wait!! Tomorrow, Shane has a doctor's appointment and Moose has a 2 hour visit with his biomom so I have a few errands I am going to run while he's gone (haircut, gas, library, etc.) Beyond that, I am head over heels in love with him, adore his sweet spirit and so very humbled and grateful God allowed us to be his temporary home. :)

2 weeks & counting

Our precious blue-eyed boy has been with us for just over 2 weeks and I simply adore him!! I love his cute self so much and can't imagine life without him. He is getting used to me loving on him which can be problematic when I actually do have to get chores done. He's become used to me being right there next to him on the floor or in my lap or in my arms - not that that's a bad thing by any stretch, it just means I have more to do at night after he's gone to sleep. He is super quick at rolling to his tummy as soon as you lay him on his back. He isn't a happy camper in the van unless you are at continuous freeway speeds which going to Shane's football game and to church was not - just lots of red lights which Moose wasn't too pleased about, poor guy!  He definitely is bonding to Shane and Shelby and loves them. He is doing really well with Steve too, surprisingly since all of our foster babies so far have always had a 5-10 minute maximum time limit they were willing to hang out w/Daddy for. A friend who's taken gorgeous pictures of other foster blessings of ours has agreed to take Moose's picture in the next couple weeks - I can't wait!!  I've been working on his 4 month sheet of all his appointments, visits, accomplishments, etc. and I need to download more pictures I've taken of him. In the past I've done multiple ways of documenting the baby's achievements and with the last long term baby we had, it honestly got a little crazy with having over 50 separate folders of pictures of him because we had him for so long.  I'll see how this way works, doing it a month at a time vs. a week. Anyways, love, love, love "my" boy and am so happy we get a relaxing day at home tomorrow - no screaming in the van for him!!

Doctor's Appt

I took Baby to his first pediatrician appointment since he's been with me. He is still 15.65 pounds, and a little over 25 inches tall.  His head, which has always seemed too narrow to me, is a cause of concern for the ped. She checked his soft spots and those have closed too soon so between the craniosynostosis and plagiocephaly, she is submitting a referral to neurology. She sent over a prescription for his eczema as well. It took until the last minute for the original doctor's office to fax Baby's immunization records to the doctor's office so he was able to receive his 4 month shots today (2 in the same leg and an oral vaccine) and we have another appointment in two months. Poor guy's been extra fussy despite me giving him pain meds every 4 hours and extra spitting up.

We got a call from the woman who placed Moose with us to take a one year old. She was surprised I still had the Baby. It hasn't even been two weeks yet!!

Yesterday when Respite was here with Shelby, Moose was down for a nap so I ran to the library and was gone MAYBE 10 minutes tops. I came home to him awake and crying for her. I took him and he immediately settled right down. Awww - I felt bad for both him and Brit and was honestly surprised he cried for her since he loves everybody but at the same time I felt like he's truly bonded to me. I know he has but to see the proof like that, it did this momma's heart good. He smiles all the time for me but, anyways...

Per the last court hearing, he's supposed to have 2 visits w/biomom and 1 visit w/biodad per week. It's Wednesday night and there have been no calls to set up any visits this week at all. Tomorrow I have plans from 1:30-5:30. Don't know what's going to happen. Not my problem but I still stress over these things.

Anyways, off to get more stuff done since he's taking a late nap. Not sure how that will pan out for our sleep tonight but oh well!!

Fantastic Weekend

We had a wonderful, and busy, weekend. We had movie gift cards so the five of us went to see the movie Dolphin Tale - such a good movie - on multiple levels. Saturday was Shelby's A.C.T. games try outs, we went out to lunch then we went to Shane's football game that we didn't allow him to play in due to his horrific progress report card. Sunday was church and the four of us got baptized. It was an amazing experience - there was a BBQ/pot luck, people were mingling, there was worship music and testimonies shared then we broke off into groups and Shelby went first, then Shane, then me, then Steve was baptized. I spent some special time with the Pastor of our church and his wife who held "Moose" during the time we were baptized, and we were able to spend some quality time with our friends Carl and Laura (love them and their hearts), and a few of the other staff at church. Today, "Moose" and I had a much needed home day.  A nurse came over to do a few assessments, took some measurements and gave me some information. A friend came over right as the nurse was about to leave and she got to meet our adorable lil punkin.  We are definitely into a pattern during bed time. The rest of the day is nap and bottle and play time.  Still absolutely adoring this child God blessed us with.

9/23/11 Court Date

I had a wonderful, wonderful day with our precious baby boy we've now had for 1 week. I talked with one of the social workers this afternoon about biomom and biodad's court date this morning.   Basically the next court date is October 17th with no change in placement until then, Biomom will get 2 visits a week and Biodad is allowed one visit per week. Our precious lil guy has a new social worker so I called and left her a message. The five of us went to the movies to see Dolphin Tale and loved it. Moose was perfect during the movie as I suspected he would be!  After we got home, we had some sweet bonding time together and he went to bed about normal time. This weekend will be busier than usual with activities we have planned both days but we are excited. What we aren't excited about is Shane's progress report card he showed us tonight. We are making him sit out tomorrow's football game due to the horrible grades and Steve and I will come up with a game plan for him beyond not allowing him to use any of his prized electronics for the time being. 
Anyways, I love, love, love my blue eyed baby - so very grateful God blessed us with him. :)

Moose's BioMom

Steve's nicknamed out current foster blessing "Moose" since he is just so dang cute and chunky. I had a WIC appt today and he is 4 1/2 months old and weighs 15 1/2 pounds and according to the WIC report, he was 8 weeks early!  I received a call from Sarah, a worker I've seen twice - last Friday when I went to pick up Moose and on Tuesday when I took Moose to have his visit w/Biodad. Biomom was somehow granted an emergency visitation for today. Sarah asked me if she could pick him up around 6:30 since she had a 4-6 p.m. meeting and she would have mom meet us at a mall relatively close by. Biomom adamantly refused to meet Sarah - she demanded Sarah bring Moose to the location she saw him at last time and also complained about the time since he typically is sleeping by 7:30-8. Sarah allowed the location to change but let it be known Biomom was lucky to get a visit at all today. An hour later, Sarah called back again and told me she had cancelled her meeting so she could be at my house at 3:30. Biomom apparently nursed Moose up until last Friday and gave breastmilk to Sarah to give to me. She also said because she nurses she should be allowed to have daily visitations. Sarah told her that wasn't going to happen. Biomom also shared w/Sarah that she's 3 months pregnant (Moose is 4 1/2 months old) and that she doesn't want her unborn baby - she will give this baby to a cousin. This cousin doesn't want Moose but is apparently interested in the newborn. Our past 2 foster blessings biomoms had babies within a year of their babies being taken away.  I truly shouldn't be surprised any more at what happens but today was definitely a wild ride. I can't wait until tomorrow to find out what happens in court.

Settling In

Baby is simply amazing!!! We are all completely in love with this adorable blond haired, blue eyed happy baby boy. On Saturday we went to Shane's football game where a grandma loved on him and he slept on her chest :) and we went to church where he was lavished with love in the nursery. Sunday was a home day where he got to test out more of our baby "stuff" (boppy, bumbo, bouncy chairs, etc). Monday was another easy day - Steve went to work, the big kids went to school and Baby and I bonded and snuggled and had a fantastic day. Tuesday was busy with appointments including a visit with his biodad. Today (Wednesday) was another home day except for a walk in the stroller to the local library. I checked out my books then before the library closed I read him a few books in the children's area. When I stood up to put those books away, he initiated the library's purple carpet with a huge splat of spit up. I quickly cleaned up him, the carpet and myself and we were on our way home. We saw our neighbor Dell as we were almost to our driveway and I introduced them. He typically is asleep by 7:30-8 which is wonderful since it gives me time to get everything ready for my early morning ritual of juicing Steve's and my breakfast drink, making Steve's, Shane's and Shelby's lunches, making their breakfast (as much as I can) before getting Shelby up for the day. Tomorrow we have an early morning WIC appointment. Hopefully court won't be continued on Friday (his bioparent's third court date for the week) and we will know more about the plan for this sweet little angel. The way he smiles and gets so excited - just precious!!! :)

New Baby!!!

After our latest foster blessing left, Steve (my hubby) requested a 30 day break from babies since we have had a lil munchkin in the house for over a year. So, the break was over on September 15th and on the 16th, we received a call about a 4 month old baby boy. The big boys (Shane and Steve) were at a friend's house so Shelby and I took off and picked up our new bundle of joy. He is just precious!!! HUGE blue eyes, not much hair except for the top of his forehead and right next to one ear. He is super mellow, happy, easy-going and just so much fun!! By the time we brought him home, it was 9 p.m. so I put him to bed after a bottle he drank while sleeping. He woke up 3 times in the middle of the night for more bottles. The first time he truly saw us was around 7:30 a.m. He had a great morning then we all went to Shane's football game, came home for dinner and for Shane to shower then we were off to church. By the time we got home, he was sleeping so I had a bottle ready, took him out of his car seat, fed him and put him in the crib. He slept better last night - probably partly my fault since I fell asleep after feeding him his first bottle and he didn't wake up until 4:30 for another one. He's had a wonderful day so far - it's a home day today/Sunday. He's been able to test out different things like the boppy pillow, the pram, the high chair that reclines, new toys, hanging out on Shelby's lap, etc.  Shelby has a friend over now, the big boys ran to Winco and now Steve left to visit a friend.  Sweet boy went down for a nap so wanted to catch up really quick. So glad to have a baby here again and what a sweet, happy boy God blessed us with! Truly grateful :)

Foster Blessing #2 - Z

Shortly after Ty left to start his happily ever after with his grandma and half-siblings, we received a call for a 2 day old baby boy. Of course I said, "YES!!!" so off I went to the hospital to pick up "Z." He was at a different hospital than Ty, with different procedures for discharge. Hmmm, 2 hospitals down, how many more are there in my area to learn the drill??? ;)  He was badly bruised from delivery - it seemed as though his entire body was black and blue.  He soon became our "Holiday" baby since we were blessed to have him in our lives for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Z was a very sweet, easy, happy baby. Out of the 6 babies we've had, Z was definitely the most mellow and by far the chunkiest. He was happy whether he was in my arms, in the bumbo, in the swing, in the playpen...he was just a super good natured little guy.   Biomom used narcotics while pregnant and while in labor but, thank you God, he never showed any withdrawals or affects from the drugs.

I had to take him in for a cheek swab so they could determine paternity. During that time, his biomom and her boyfriend (the presumed father) met me at a CPS approved location for two visits. Once the results came in that that man was NOT the father, biomom never showed up for another visit. Z and I still had to go (per the social worker's orders) another six times and wait for at least 15 minutes and she never showed up.

Ultimately, after 11 weeks with us, Z was adopted by his maternal grandparents who we met on the day we placed Z into their arms for the first time, armed with plenty of pictures (of course!!!), all of his favorites and enough clothes, diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, etc. to last a week.

We are considered emergency placement which our county considers 30-60 days. He went past that and was the baby we had the longest...until our miracle baby - foster blessing #5 came along.

We love you Z and hope you are so happy with your grandparents.
Thanks for being our Holiday baby!!!

Foster Blessing #1 - Ty

This is the start of a brief overview of the foster blessings we've loved on thus far. To protect their identity, I will never use their full names (we've always used nicknames), nor will I ever be allowed to post pictures of their face.

I received a call for "Ty" - a precious baby boy who weighed 2 pounds at birth and weighed 4 pounds when I met him for the first time at 5 1/2 weeks of age. The hospital he was at required me to watch a series of videos before he would be allowed to be discharged to me which I immediately watched so there wouldn't be any glitches. I held him as much as possible over the next 2 days before he came home. Shane and Shelby were born at 29 weeks weighing 3 pounds each so having a teeny tiny baby in my life again was wonderful. Ty was blind and had heart issues so our first set of appointments were to the cardiologist and the optometrist.

Over the course of the seven weeks we were blessed to love on Ty, God healed "our" sweet boy! He left being able to see and his heart wasn't "broken" any more!!! We took him to his doctor appointments, he had visitation with his paternal grandma who ultimately adopted him, he went with us to church where everyone was amazed at his tiny size, and to Shane's football games. A friend who is a professional photographer took Anne Geddes-style pictures of Ty plus I've always committed to taking hundreds of pictures of our foster babies for their forever families to have photo documentation of their precious child.  Shelby adored getting out of her power wheelchair and sitting in the Lazy Boy chair with Ty bundled up in her lap. Shane liked watching me give Ty baths (he was such a water baby!!!) and I used Shane's football gear for some great pictures (Ty easily fit into Shane's helmet, etc.)

Dealing with CPS, and the overworked social workers was definitely a wake up call to how much the system needs help. Thankfully, we never had any crisis to desperately need to immediately talk to anyone but it was eye opening nonetheless.

In my office, I have a photo wall with framed bible quotes (James 1:27 and Matthew 25:34-40) and a family picture of the four of us with each foster baby plus my favorite picture of that particular baby so I can see Ty's precious smiling face every day.

The song Amazing Grace has new meaning to me since Ty ("I was blind but now I see") since from the very first baby we welcomed into our home, God has shown his mercy and grace and miracles have abounded.

<3 We love you Ty.  <3
Thank you for being the first for us...we will NEVER forget you.

September 11, 2011

For the husband who told his wife he loved her before his plane went down in a field. For the wife who stopped in the stairs to call her husband to say she will love him forever. For the mothers and fathers who kissed their kids goodbye that morning for the last time. For the policemen, firemen, and other rescue workers who rushed in to help others and lost their lives. For the soldiers who fought back and made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, tomorrow, years from now, we will remember..

James 1:27

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.