Monday

Baby had a rough night breathing again.
Got up, ready, started tube feeding baby. She was almost done...then started having a seizure...then threw up...the clock was ticking...I needed to get Shane and Shelby up...she was still seizing and gurgling...
Eventually I got S&S up and going.
While working on breakfast, Shane was being rude to Shelby. I was calling him out on that behavior. Out of the blue, he tells me how hurt he is I haven't put anything of his on the fridge then proceeds to bring out a 1/2 inch thick wooden heart he made me last year and informed me I never put it on the fridge.
It's now on the wall.
I took Baby to her dentist appt and got more seizure meds from the pharmancy.
Got to Grandma's. Before I could sign in, the receptionist told me the executive director wanted to speak to me. The dang poodle was getting evicted. Too many complaints. Then she asked about the baby. The baby's story made her cry. She told me I have too much going on to take the blasted dog home right away.
Grandma and I ate in the dining hall and played a game of scrabble.
Baby and I went to a grocery store for a few things.
Got home in time to make a couple phone calls before Shelby came home.
Homework = tears and whining and disrespect. A couple time outs were used. Homework was completed.
Started on dinner. More seizures from Baby.
Boys arrived home after school, wrestling and an ortho appt for Shane. He now has an arch widener. Again. His poor mouth.
We ate. in the family room because there are too many ants in the kitchen near our table. Baby had a yummy bath. Steve loved on her while I was ubber productive woman.
Christmas cards are DONE - phew! Ready for the mailbox tomorrow. Christmas decoration has started. barely but a little.
Need to get Baby's final feed ready and go to bed.
Monday. It's been real.

Milk

While at my Grandma's today, we had a picnic on the sofa. She shared her meal with her poodle and I used one hand to tube feed Baby and the other hand to eat my lunch with. Later, she gave her poodle some of her vanilla milkshake into his bowl. I told her I didn't think it was good for dogs to have milk. She said she hadn't heard that. Baby had a hard seizure and she threw up all her formula. I cleaned her up, changed her clothes and my Grandma looked at me and said, "Maybe milk isn't good for babies either." ;)

Baby Update

Sweet baby girl:

• is 5 1/2 months old. 
• had her eye doctor appointment and has cortical visual impairment.
• Starts therapy this week
• has her first cleft closure surgery scheduled for January
• has been given the green light to add prune juice via tube to her diet to attempt to help the constipation
• started having a seizure today as I walked out of my bathroom, I glanced at her then I saw throw up rushing up into her mouth/nose area and heard her gurgle/make a help me I'm drowning sound. Immediately, I laid her on her side and used a burp rag to get everything out with the suction nearby. Later today, the same thing happened again poor thing. 
• wears 9 month clothing. I've been using long sleeved shirts and pants during the day to make the tube feedings go better
• will be going with me to talk to the graduating class of foster parents again
• Has been making more sounds lately - it's been awesome!!!
• had horrible night sleep 3 nights in a row but the last two nights - now that's what I'm talking about!!! :)
• Has been with us for 8 weeks
• Finally saw her social worker yesterday for said social workers first visit to our house. She's leaving in 3 weeks for medical leave.
• is so very, very loved!!! :)

Thankful

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. As frazzled as I am with so many things happening w/Baby A, my Grandma, Steve, and the kids, I am so beyond grateful for all that God has blessed me with.

Baby A is such a special, miraculous baby girl. We finally received paperwork re: her payment and it says she has NO special needs and needs NO specialized care. Yeah, anyways. Her SW is finally back in town and is coming over next Wednesday. This will be one of many issues we discuss.

Grandma - it's now been 1 year since APS got involved and therefore I've been involved in a daily manner. Her dog continues to cause problems at the new place - barking, peeing inside, pooping inside, and now peeing and pooping in her bedding that the housekeeper discovered. I received a phone call regarding her dog from her facility. I'm just waiting for the official eviction notice. Maybe they're waiting for the holiday to be over. She says if he goes, she goes. I'm NOT looking forward to dealing with that battle. My uncle (her oldest son) wrote an e-mail asking me for her address to send her flowers next week on her birthday. NOTHING about how is she doing, how are things going, how are you, etc. Maybe I was feeling extra snarky but that bugged me.

Steve's hips and bursitis have been an ongoing issue lately and now that the weather's been changing, that affects his hip replacements even more. He's been able to stay out of the bedroom during his down time though and that's made a big difference. For all of us.

Shane is still wrestling. He slept under the baby's crib last night and claims he got the best night of sleep ever. He did sleep until 10:40. How he was comfortable is beyond me. His ADHD is definitely at an all time high and he continues to have difficulty reigning it in.

Shelby continues to test the limits - with everything from her attitude to her lack of trying to sit back in her wheelchair. Her developmental/cognitive delays are becoming more apparent at certain times - she has to read 10 pages a day. She was on page 130. Her question to me: What page do I stop on?

Moose is finally in adoption mode after his fos-adopt family took him almost a year ago. We are so happy for them. Miracle Man is now crawling - ecstatic for his new family. Still can't get over how amazing it was to hang out w/JoJo at his Adoption Party a couple weeks ago.

Need a huge chunk of time to just focus on getting the house in order. Not quite sure how I'm going to do that. Today - dropped Baby off at visit w/Biomom, drove to Grandma's, drove back to pick up baby, drove home to pick up Shane, took him to his ortho appt, drove home, started the basic chores - not the extra stuff that is driving me crazy. Doing some slow and steady work but not as much as I'd like but in the end, I suppose it doesn't matter.

I'm thankful for my life. Busy (Baby still has 4-5 weekly appointments on average) + my Grandma + my family but with God, I have peace and grace. Out of everything, I am most thankful for that: grace.

Moment in time

I was on the phone w/the computer fix it people. Had 45 min before I had to leave to pick up Shane. Shelby had to go potty. The computer peeps said they'd call back in 5. Great. Take Shelby potty. Grab a diaper for Baby. They called back. Working with them while they try to remotely access my computer. Change baby. Times ticking to get Shane. Tube feed Baby. Still on phone. Need to go soon. Shelby has to go potty. Again. Ask the man to hold on for a second while I hooked Shelby back to lift system. Helping Shelby meant I had to lift Baby right after a feed. Recipe for disaster. Put her in pram. Grab suction. Times ticking. Call Steve from cell to ask about what time Shane REALLY gets out of practice. It starts raining. Man finally hangs up after giving me last minute instructions. Shelby wants to be left on the potty chair while I'm gone. Put Baby in car seat. Buckle her into car seat. Frantically head to school - don't want my boy to think I forgot about him...try to figure out where to park. Call Steve again. Wait for Shane. Baby has a seizure. Needs to be suctioned. Waiting for Shane. Has he already looked for me then headed the back way out of school to home? Mommy guilt. Praying Shelby doesn't startle while I am gone and do a head dive onto the tile floor. Finally see Shane. Phew! Baby's still seizing. Bad breathing. Zip home. Oreo barks at our arrival. Uh oh, hope that didn't cause a startle. Get inside. Wipe Shelby. Put her back in power chair. Clean up potty chair. Suction baby. Document seizures on my phone. Shelby asks me if she is "severely disabled" because that's what I told the computer man on the phone while trying to explain why I couldn't stay in front of my computer screen. My mommy heart hurts. Yes honey, that's what you are. She zooms off to get ready for her friend. I tend to "my" sweet baby. Talk to Shane. Take a breath. All is ok again. We made it. God is good & so is pizza delivery

Up A-L-L Night

Last night Baby and I went to sleep. Nothing unusual. Little did I know it would be a night to remember since the poor little thing got the worst congestion and was so very fussy. I desperately wished I could suction it out of her but instead, she fussed and I did everything I could to comfort her. Finally around 5:30, things started getting better and by 6, she didn't sound wet/juicy any more. I still called and made a pediatrician appointment to rule out pneumonia. I'd rather look dumb and have it be nothing than risk "my" sweet medically complicated girl being sicker than I realized. Around 6:20 a.m. I called the home visit person for today to cancel. She called me shortly after the designated time to meet and she didn't get the message before she drove to my house. Oops! I felt major foster mommy guilt. Then it was a pickle trying to find a date in my crammed schedule this week. We settled on Friday after Baby's biomom visit.

Today still has a photo session, lots of reading homework w/Shelby, the boys coming home from wrestling, an early dinner, a former respite client coming over to meet the baby, shopping at Wal-Mart, etc. There's nothing better than realizing you're out of bread (well, fresh/not stale) until you're trying to make sandwiches in your sleep deprived state!!!

Appreciating life and service

Today's Veteran's Day and we are deeply appreciative of all Veterans - friends/family who have served, all the thousands who have served over the years, their wives/husbands and families, so thankful.

Today was a funeral for a woman who died in a car accident leaving a husband and 5 kids behind - 2 w/severe special needs. Made me think about life and how grateful I am to be alive. Baby has a shorted life expectancy...my dad's 1 year anniversary is coming up, my mom's been gone for years, I'm only in my 30's and an only child...Steve's mom died when the kids were babies...one of our foster blessings was on hospice...thinking about the election and people running for various positions that are pro abortion/partial birth abortion/ or ok w/allowing abortion until moments before a baby is born...ugh...life is so very precious.

I visited my Grandma before the funeral and at almost 89, know that her time is limited too...

Then tonight I went to the van to look for library books and the stars were out and so bright and limitless and I know that despite death, God is so much bigger. And I am so humbled and relieved at that thought.

Dwelling

The one year anniversary of when my life took a drastic turn for the unexpected is coming quickly. I don't know why I think so much about anniversaries but I do. Something to think about.

Friday: Took Baby to her visit w/biomom. Gave biomom her baby. I was talking to biomom when she looked at me and tears were streaming down her cheeks :(  I visited my Grandma, and had a good afternoon at home...Shelby came home after doing "study hall"...the boys came home after wrestling...we had a yummy dinner...good night.

Saturday:  We had a pizza party at my grandma's that I jokingly called a P.I.T. - a poodle intervention team. As usual when we arrived, the anti-barking collar was off. We talked and talked and talked about the necessity of it being on the poodle so he doesn't get evicted.  We had a couple easy hours at home before leaving earlier than usual for church to help out at the orphan booth and hanging out w/friends before and chatting w/people about Baby after.

Sunday: Friends came over to watch a football game, Baby had a great morning, the kids all did well playing together, Baby had a rough afternoon w/seizures and spitting up/needing to be suctioned. She finally pooped (yeah!!), we had a productive night...good stuff.

Tomorrow: we are going to a funeral for a woman we barely knew that attended the same church we do that was married and had 5 kids - 2 with disabilities. That's how we knew her - passing in the halls dropping off our kids w/special needs to the special needs ministry and/or the special once a month event the church holds. I just couldn't imagine being the husband, now alone w/5 kids, 2 with severe needs. Wow. Praying.

Drama

SHELBY:
This morning Shelby had multiple meltdowns at the kitchen table. Everything caused her to scream/cry/whine/throw a tantrum and nothing would stop it - it only escalated. Highly frustrating. Tried to use it as a teachable moment for what to do or more accurately NOT to do next time. We talked after school about it and problem solved more during dinner. Ugh.

BIOMOM:
I took Baby to her visit and asked Biomom about court. I knew from talking to the social worker yesterday but was curious about her version. She went OFF on her other daughter, the father of that daughter, the complaint she's filing, all the people she's calling, oh my goodness...it was wild!!!

GRANDMA:
I arrived at my Grandma's to be told at the front desk about K.C. barking. Again. More complaints. I went to her apartment and was he wearing his anti-bark collar? Of course not. Ugh. We had a talk about it. She admitted he barked last night on the patio. Don't know why she doesn't just keep the darn collar on or at the very least put it on during his barking spells. She claims he hardly ever barks. She says she'll keep it on. She tells me it's hard for her to put it on...then don't take it off!!! Ugh.

I arrived home, talked to the awesome gastro lady, had some down time, Shelby came home, respite came over, Steve went to wrestling to p/u Shane, ate a yummy dinner, did Baby stuff...the day ended MUCH better than it began - thank you God :)

Look Ma, No Tail!

Sweet baby had the procedure where they took out her g-tube the hospital put in six weeks ago and put in the button. It's so nice not to have to worry about her "tail" getting caught in the recliners, sofas, etc!!!  I was expecting more crying and more blood but she (and I!) did awesome and we are learning how to be super proficient with the new extension "cord" that now plugs into her button during feedings/med times. AND she got her first honest to goodness, yummy warm bath tonight - up until now it was sponge bathing but tonight that all changed!!!! AND another benefit - I don't have to constantly be ripping off tape off her sweet chunky tummy - there's no need to roll up and tape gauze and tape the gauze roll under the g-tube and tape farther down the g-tube to secure it more...the only tape she has is now on her cute face for her oral device.

Big relief- the appointment I've been looking forward to (and dreading a little - I had heard she would bleed like a stuck pig and it would hurt) is over!!!

Biomom had court today. Since I didn't receive a phone call telling me to bring Baby anywhere, I'm guessing the judge didn't say she gets her precious baby back today. I'll see her on Wednesday then I'll get her side of the story - better than nothing since the social workers rarely call.

Shane started wrestling today and he is exhausted.
Shelby's respite worker came over and did homework w/Shelby and her shower!!
Steve's bursistis is so bad again, it's back to using the wheelchair. Ugh.
I made my grandma's and my mom's famous apricot bars today - yummmmmmmmm!

Tomorrow is picture day for "my" sweet girl - can't wait!!! :)

Church "coincidences"

I don't believe in coincidences - I believe that what people refer to as coincidences are truly events perfectly orchestrated by God.

A couple weeks ago at church, we met a family after the service was over who has a few children with special needs. One of their sons I met has a mic-key button - something Baby will be getting on Monday. It was fantastic talking to a family who "gets it" - the challenges, the stares, the work, the lifestyle that a child/children with multiple special needs brings.

Today, Steve told me he saw a boy w/a repaired cleft lip. I didn't see the boy but we were sitting in church and service was about to begin. Baby started fussing so off I went to watch the service in the lobby. As people were wandering out once it was over, a woman came over, just seeing the back of Baby A and asked how old. I told her and she took a peek at baby and gasped. She called her husband and family over. The boy Steve saw earlier is their son and we had a fantastic talk about cleft lips/palates, ages of  kids when they had/are having surgeries, speech issues, oral devices, rubber bands...just stuff only people who have been there/done that can understand. We had the best conversation with them! Steve came over and talked to them for a while. So grateful God put them in our path today. :)

Before church - we had such an easy going day - Baby did well (overall), Steve was having hip issues/bursitis issues so he stayed on the sofa but was able to help w/a feed and do morning meds w/Baby, I showered Shelby, got bill stuff done, a couple loads of laundry, dishes, down time...the big dogs got their nails done...it was a fun, productive day. We had a super yummy dinner then were off to church. Before the cleft family came over, Pastor Brad came and talked to me for a minute about the e-mail I had sent him a couple days ago...just a GREAT day :)

This week I had been struggling w/the latest events going on in my life (Baby's issues, Grandma's dementia, CPS stuff going on, Shane had monster meltdown, Steve's bursitis, Shelby being a pre-teen, ants in the house, the one year anniversary of APS involvement coming up + my dad's diagnosis, all of Baby's visits/appointments as well as my visits to Grandma, Grandma's dog still barking since she won't keep the anti-barking collar on him, just life...)and I am just really, really appreciative to have a day like today.

This week's highlight is still seeing the phenomenal little guy who we adored for 50 fantastic weeks and is now 2...and seeing the video of the precious miracle baby we loved on for 21 weeks laughing and giggling...just LOVE "my" babies...never knew how much I'd treasure seeing the sweet babies after they left our home...

Wet

Written on Wednesday...Today, I had to drop off Baby w/her biomom for a visit. There was a man using a machine on the outside of the building flooding the cement near the doorway I needed to use. He was inches from the door, still spraying water, told me, "It's wet" and went on his merry way - didn't stop, didn't hold the door open, nope - just stated the obvious. Kinda like my hubby last night. Baby was convulsing badly on my tummy in the family room. He walked in, saw Baby and said, "Seizure!" Yup, thanks for being helpful honey.  Last week, Shane came home from school and shortly after, I noticed a ladder in my kitchen. I asked what he needed a ladder for. "To get my bracelet," he replied. Yup, again - perfect sense!

Baby's been busy - dentist appts x2, biomom visits x4, cleft clinic visit, gastro visit, IFSP and more. We are documenting how many seizures a day she's having and when she has a BM and when we have to give her an extra dose of seizure meds.  She's the cutest pumpkin ever today!!

Shane is getting ready to start wrestling next week - he bought new shoes, and just needs a few more things to start practice.  He started off carving his pumpkin w/enthusiasm...it didn't turn out how he hoped so the thrill was soon gone.

Shelby can't wait to see the trick or treaters tonight - she's always loved seeing the little kids dress up. She had to study for a test yesterday. She just wanted to memorize the answer key (1 = N, 2 = Z) vs. knowing the word and the definition.

Last weekend was great - Friday Steve took off and was super helpful. I took Baby to her visit while he watched a movie. I came home, he went with me to p/u Baby, we bought a new shower thing for Shelby, went out to lunch at a super yummy new restaurant, bought my Grandma's dog an anti-barking collar since he finally received the official complaint - stop barking or face eviction. Baby and I came home, Steve went to p/u Baby's compounded meds, then we went to Nanny's, put the collar on the dog, and went out to dinner - it was the most delicious dinner we've ever had - AWESOME!!

Saturday = road trip for a funeral to my Great Aunt, saw my second cousin and her family and talked to someone that knew my mom!! Crazy cool. We then drove straight to church and had a great time. We came home and made a super dinner. Great but long day.

Sunday, we did our family grocery shopping trip then baked up stuff for a potluck then went to JoJo's Adoption Party- he was our 5th foster blessing we loved on for fifty life changing weeks. We hadn't seen him since August 2011. It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!! The way he kept looking at me like I know her from somewhere but just can't figure it out...the way he and Shane were best buddies again like they used to be - oh my heart...love was overwhelming...it was just the best afternoon ever and of course I took an insane amount of pictures :)

Tomorrow we go to Shane's ortho to see his presentation of x-rays on where Shane is now, where he was and what the future plan is...and give them lots and lots of money for this phase of ortho work. I'm excited for Shane but feel horrible that it's 6 years and counting...poor baby...

So much for the agenda!

Today's activities got tweaked a little bit - I received a phone call from the social worker to bring the baby to them in an hour. Ummm. it was almost her feed time. The drive is 30 minutes. I needed to re-do the diaper bag and her outfit for biomom. The visit was going to be 10-11. Yeah anyways. Biomom didn't get out of court until 11:15 so Baby and I left at 12. We cancelled going to Grandma's. I still got the oil change for Steve. Then we were home for a glorious hour for a feed before leaving to p/u Shelby from school, take her to her counseling appt then home just to pick up the boys to go shopping. We didn't have time to wander around all the aisles due to my next engagement. We found what was on our lengthy list, picked up drive thru on the way home, I inhaled, got ready, got Baby ready and off she and I went to talk to the graduating class of foster/adoptive parents. By far, this was the most interactive, fun, positive, awesome group I've had the honor of speaking to. Talking about "my" 10 babies I've loved on over the past 3 years, all the miracles - in fact one man asked me about our success story rate - he couldn't believe everything I told them. All glory to God! :)  We got home, did bible study, Shane found ants in his bathroom, the kids went to bed, I started getting ready for tomorrow's big dr appt day and Shelby had to go potty, while she was on her potty chair, the baby woke up so I changed her diaper and cleaned her g-tube area. Put Shelby back to bed. After typing, I'm going to do baby's last feed and go to bed - little princess screamed and screamed last night - I'm a wee bit tired!! Baby is starting to make sounds and movements that aren't seizure/pain related!!! So excited!! Big day - different than planned but still so good!! :)

Today's Agenda

Baby "slept" horrible last night - spent hours screaming - poor girl :(
Her biomom has court today. Can't wait to see what happens.
Steve wants me to get an oil change in the van. Fun times. Actually, they give out yummy free hot chocolate so it won't be all bad!!
I need to return library books.
I'll visit Nanny.
I need to pick up Shelby early from school to take her to her therapist's for an appointment.
We'll come home and pick up the boys and go shopping. Shelby needs birthday goodies for her respite worker and for a pot luck in her spanish class. Shane needs stuff for band and for wrestling. We need misc. stuff for the house plus for JoJo's family's party - a family gift + Mexican food. Nanny needs a couple things.
After coming home, I'll load up the car with my poster boards and I'll be off to talk to another class of graduating foster parents with our latest bundle of joy.

At least, that's the plan...

Highs and Lows

Today: Baby woke up earlier than usual...she screamed the entire trip to the dentist's office. I tried to feed her. She screamed the entire 45 minutes I was attempting to feed/soothe/etc her. The front desk lady told me Baby was a little upset. I held my tongue. Baby cried during the dentist re-doing her mouth appliance. One of the receptionist people in the back told me that she can see the difference with Baby A. since she's been with us - she can tell  Baby's been loved :)  We went down to try to do labs again since the techs couldn't get blood last week. Failed. Fed her. Tried again. Failed again. They suggested we get a doctor to do it or put in a PICC line. We have to test for the seizure meds to make sure we don't "blow out" the liver. We went to my Grandma's house. She slept the entire time - during lunch, scrabble and back home. I tried to feed her. She cried the entire time. Steve came home. We did our normal stuff. I talked to the mom of the sweet boy we loved on for 50 weeks - they're having a party this weekend. We received the most amazing text from Miracle Man's new momma with a text video of him laughing. Totally made my day. Then we received a call asking if I'll talk to the graduating class of foster parents again. I said yes. Started working on Baby A's poster board and updating Miracle Man's poster board. I had already made one for Sammy. Tomorrow's going to be crazy. Off to feed Baby A for her final meal tonight...

Ped Appt

Sweet baby girl had a pediatrician appt today. I arrived early so I could have time to do her 9 a.m. feed before her 9:45 appt thinking I'd have plenty of time. Silly me. She had a seizure. She made her infamous "volcano" where the milk overflows the syringe and goes back into the bottle, she pooped...more than all the poops I've seen of hers combined. She wasn't doing well not spitting up after slight movement so I stopped the feed w/an ounce to go. We were there over 2 hours total. Her doctor was very thorough. Poor thing needed shots - one is the oral kind. Do we do it oral or into the g-tube...wound up doing it orally. How horrible is it the only thing she gets in her mouth is denture glue, snot from when Shelby got us sick, suctioning bulbs and now the oral vaccine?  Her height and weight are in the 50% but her head isn't even on the charts due to all the brain abnormalities :(  The pain reliever I bought before the visit came with a syringe that actually worked w/the g-tube - score!! :)  It was quite the morning for this sweet girl who is still rocking her 3 band aids. Biomom never showed up which surprised me. Wonder why...

Bloopers

Yesterday, the plan set up by my grandma and I was for me to pick up donuts en route to her place. I brought her the 2 she requested. She sent me home with one of them. How could I possibly think she could eat 2???

During a conversation with my almost 89 year old Grandma this afternoon, she told me the lady that does hair and nails at her new place is "stupid."

During a conversation to Baby A's ENT, she alerted me to how CPS might call me because she was concerned about the fact that biomom showed up at yesterday's appointment. I knew biomom was coming and had told everyone...except that particular person because Baby A was supposed to have an 11 a.m. visit w/her but she wound up coming into the dentist's room since he was still working on Baby A's mouthpiece therefore we couldn't go to the ENT appt yet and I hadn't had a chance to tell her.

Shelby - my 12 year old clueless daughter thinks I have fashion sense and asked my opinion on an outfit for tomorrow to make sure it looks cute and not weird. Silly child.

Shane came out of the office w/a stack of papers he had printed without my permission. He lied to Steve about it... Something little morphed into something big. Darn pumpkin carving print outs!!

We've lived in this house 3 1/2 years. We still get important mail from the previous owners. I always write "moved" in big letters that I circle and mail it back...maybe someday I won't continue to receive their tax-type mail. Then again, my mom's been in Heaven for 4 years and I still get organizations asking her for money.

Sweet Baby A had a rough day. She's now becoming a contortionist in the pram. Love it!!! :)

Pets

This morning was a crazy busy morning - so much so that when Shane came home I realized I forgot to give him is ADHD meds. Whoops. To share the blame - it's not like he reminded me either.  Anyways, I took Baby to her multitude of appts - to the dentist, the ENT and for labs. Her biomom arrived and everything went well except the poor punkin got poked 3 times and the lab people weren't able to get enough blood so she'll have to do it again. Ugh.

I drove from the doctor's to my Grandma's. I had called en route to give her my eta. I arrived into her apt 2 minutes after my eta and she complained. Didn't matter they are re-paving and I had to park far away or that people stopped to talk to me about the baby. Oh well. We got to the dining hall. Worst lunch so far. Eew! We went back to her apt and had sweet time together w/Baby lying on a pillow between us on the couch - even her dog sniffed Baby's sweet little head!

I got home right before the kids did, we worked on chores, homework, hung out, etc. Our poops-a-lot poodle pooped on the carpet runner and rug. Our great dane came zooming in the family room sensing something was up. She stepped in the poodle poo then shook her paw to get rid of the fecal matter, effectively scattering it all over. Yesterday it was dog pee on the mattress and dog puke. Today it was dog puke at breakfast time and poodle poop. So stinking frustrated w/pets at the moment. (No pun intended.)

Steve came home and was super productive. We made crazy good chili and cornbread and fruit salad for dinner - so yummy!!

Shelby was finally able to hold Baby and was thrilled. We received a call about 3 year old twins. :(  Shane took a monster nap. We did bible study...

I was in a different room when Baby started making noises so Steve picked her up out of her swing and told me "Mama, she's making left turns." Translation - she's having seizures. They were hard seizures, with eyes rolling back and drooling - it is just heart wrenching to watch her seize.

As I type this, she is peacefully sleeping albeit noisily in my arms. Love her. So grateful God chose our family to love on her for this season.

Spills

Good weekend:

Shelby and I spent a few hours w/my Grandma yesterday, came home, ate then left for church. We arrived early for our punkin's feeding, Steve and Shane met us there, we visited w/friends before and for a long time after - it was awesome!

Today: We hung out, did chores, I did a quick errand, then we met w/Amanda, Carly and the boys (their oldest is one of our incredible miraculous foster blessings) at a huge store. They gave us a bunch of girl clothes they've collected and we strolled through the store for a long time. Shane did great w/the little boys, Shelby adored spending time w/everybody, the baby did great - it was just FUN!

Tonight:
We arrived home and found one of our dogs had peed on the mattress we had in the family room (long story). Shane cleaned it up.

Then, while starting to g-tube feed our sweet girl, I tried pulling the ottoman closer to me and in the process spilled 3 ounces of formula all over the floor. Shane cleaned that one up too.

I fed Shelby some of her dinner. I got up and went in the kitchen while She was going to feed herself the rest, (she has a huge startle reflex) she startled and her plate landed upside down on the rug. I cleaned that disaster up.

During bible study, Shane happened to look near the sofa Steve was sitting on. There was a pile of something nasty and Shane, yet again, cleaned up the mess.

What have we learned from all the spills tonight? Probably not all that we were supposed to.

Peeps

People/Peeps (not the weird Easter marshmallow thingys) - are interesting.

Yesterday, I called my Grandma, everything was fine. When I arrived for my visit, she had been sick w/diahhrea yet never told me.

Yesterday, I received a phone call basically telling me I HAD to bring Baby for a visit that afternoon. After some quick mental calculation, I told the lady which time worked out better - 1 or 2 p.m. - I picked 2. It would have been nice if they had given me more notice or been kinder on the phone.

Yesterday I received a call from Baby's newest social worker asking me if I was at home. Um, no, I'm at my Grandma's place. She wanted to drop by that second. She then decided she'd meet me at Baby's visit that afternoon.  If I know you, by all means come over any time but if this is the first time you're coming to my house, I'd like a minute or two to clean the place up!!!

While at the visit, the social worker was completely on biomom's side. I've never seen a social worker so absolutely, without a doubt, on mom's side like that before. We talked about visits and since they won't transport Baby, it's up to me. We talked about possibly doing 2 1.5 hour visits per week vs. 3 1 hour visits. This baby is doing a ton of driving - she has multiple doctor visits a week and now biomom visits...the social worker basically said if I couldn't drive Baby to see her biomom 2-3 times a week, they'd have to find a new home for her. Ummm, good luck with that one. I know what a hard time they had finding her a home...it's not like she has many options due to her high medical needs.

Today, Grandma has diahhrea again :(

I had to call AT&T to ask a simple question. I got hung up on 4 separate times.

The track system guy is back to finish up a few things. Slamming the door is in his job description I think ;) Luckily, baby's sleeping right though it.

The A/C fix it people are coming between 12-4. I'm hoping it's not right in the middle of a feed - lugging around g-tube syringes 1/2 filled w/formula - not super easy. Grateful they're coming today - the day I called them - it's because of Shelby and her heat sensitivity issues but regardless...

This weekend I'm meeting the mommy who adopted a former foster blessing of ours because she was able to pick up a bunch of baby girl clothes - so thoughtful of her and so appreciated by us.

Love, love, love the 1:1 time I have w/Baby every night sponge bathing her, cleaning her g-tube site, cleaning and re-doing her mouthpiece...just praying for her sweet brain to heal so there can be a connection, a smile, a sound, a peep...something.

Are you aware?

Busy day - Rough morning with kids, worked on lots of stuff at home, visited my Grandma, took Shane to an eye doctor's appt, home, did my nightly routine w/Baby (sponge bath, cleaned g-tube site, re-did oral device tape after cleaning mouth appliance, etc), made dinner, did chores, medicated sweet baby, she and I had the BEST snuggle time, worked on Shelby's homework, ... the norm).

This morning I received a call from a public health nurse whom I've worked with before. During the course of the conversation, she asked me if I was aware that Baby has a cleft palate. I giggled inside. Yes, I am aware she has a cleft lip/palate. The sweet baby has only one nostril - the cleft goes that high. She has no roof of her mouth - we can see up to the top of her nose inside her mouth. It's one thing to be asked before you've met the child but after having her for exactly one week, if I haven't figured out that this sweet punkin has a major facial issue, I'm not fit to be a foster mommy!!!

Grace

It was a busy weekend like I thought - Shelby won 2 ribbons and 3 medals for her version of the Olympics, Papa and Donna came to watch, Shelby saw a bunch of friends there, we ate and had such a fun time. Lots of people came to talk to us about "our" sweet baby. It was nice for her to be "accepted" since all participants had special needs as well.

Driving Shane to our friend's house and to Nanny's facility went well, both poodles got groomed, I took Nanny back home and Baby slept at my house for Steve the entire time I was gone.

Steve, Shelby, Baby and I got ready for the fun event at a local church for families affected by disabilities.

Steve brought Baby, Shelby and I home then left to pick up Shane. 

It was a long day but so, so good.

Sunday morning the 5 of us went to church. Our pastor met "our" baby, the sermon was awesome, Baby did relatively well...until the end of service. Everyone stood up and started to walk to the back to exit. We were sitting in the back in case I had to dash out if Baby started crying. She had been feeding but was fussy so she was kicking all the milk back UP the syringe from her tummy tube and it volcanoed into the bottle we had been pouring from. Then, one of her tape pieces on her face that attaches to her appliance popped off so we were in the midst of trying to fix that as well...most people stare at her cleft to begin with and let me just say, all we could do was laugh!! The worship director's wife came over after the craziness was over to chat for a bit and we drove home.

It was a mellow afternoon - trying to play catch up with everything.

Monday, the Baby had her dentist appt to adjust her mouth appliance and everyone there was AWESOME - they were too funny telling me all sorts of stories about Baby, her bioparents, and more!! We left from there to my Grandma's place and played scrabble, I fed Baby, we ate lunch, it was a great visit in "jail" - what she calls her new abode.

I had left my wallet somewhere so didn't have any money/credit cards on me. Nanny gave me $30 to borrow. I swung into a nearby grocery store and spent $29.55!!

At home, the kids did homework, we did our thing, at bedtime, Steve was holding "our" princess and she started having a bad seizure and he gently kissed her head...melted my heart.

So very grateful for God's grace...to help me through my wild life of a husband with disabilities, twins with disabilities, a grandma with dementia, a foster baby with SEVERE special needs, a dog w/seizures...two nights ago, Steve told the kid's a story at dinner time and they were laughing so hard they were crying. Happiness. Laughter. A family photo of the 5 of us (we do one w/each foster blessing). Snuggle time. Grace.

So Many...

Precious Baby Girl (foster blessing #10) has ...

• So many brain abnormalities
• So many seizure meds
• Still, despite the meds, has so many seizures
• She has so many facial surgeries to undergo
• She has so many social workers - truly I received two calls today that both the normal social worker and the transportation worker are leaving and she will have a new social worker and a new transportation worker next week. The court social worker never stays long on the case...

Oreo (our 15 year old lab mix) had 2 seizures the day before I brought home Baby Girl. He is now on one of the same meds she is on. He either had a stroke or has cancer according to the vet. Each day, he struggles to walk (we have a lot of hardwood floors but have many carpet runners for our great dane who has no hips and has difficulty w/traction) but Oreo chooses not to walk on the carpet runner and instead his feet slide out from underneath him. He can barely get outside anymore. I'm praying that he dies peacefully in his sleep. We will take him to the vet but I really, really don't want to go that route.

Sickness: Shelby was so stinking thoughtful and gave me her cold so I've been dealing with that and doing my best not to share it with the baby.

Busy Saturday: Shelby has a version of the Special Olympics, then we're dropping off Shane w/friends, then we're picking up my Grandma and her dog, bringing them here for the mobile groomer to groom both poodles, then we're taking her back to her assisted living facility then Steve, Shelby, Baby and I are going to a very cool event a different church than the one we go to is having for people effected by disabilities - to honor them. Excited for tomorrow (and yes, I have my lengthy to do list to make sure I don't forget anything!!).

All in all, Baby A has meshed really well into our family life. She's on meds at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and she feeds via her g-tube at 6, 9, 12, 3, 6, 9, and 12.  Each day there are certain things we need to do like sponge bath, clean her oral device, swab her g-tube site. She sleeps a lot and has seizures a lot but is just an adorable chunky snuggle bunny :)

I met her!!

Yesterday, Respite came to hang w/Shelby who was still recovering from a cold when I went to the hospital to meet Baby A.. She has a huge cleft lip/palate and this was the first time I've seen one like this. I met some wonderful nurses, social workers, interns, etc. I watched them do feeds and meds and vent her g-tube. I changed her diaper and held her. She had a 10 minute seizure while I was there :( I watched the hospital's video on G-tubes. I took some pictures. It was wonderful to start the "getting to know you" phase of our relationship. I called the hospital a couple more times later that day to find out how she was doing.

I arrived home to find Shelby and her respite worker playing UNO. Shelby and I ate lunch, Shane came home and worked on homework and his chore list.  I worked on piles in the office.  While in there, Oreo (our 15 year old black lab mix) had a seizure with convulsions - it was rough for the kid's to see their beloved dog writhing on the floor.

We ate dinner then I really got going on organizing different rooms (my version of nesting!), going through baby GIRL clothes - I love blue but it's so refreshing to dive into the world of pink again!! There was even an outfit with a capital "A" on the front - another God sign - love it!!

After bible study before the kid's went to bed, Oreo had another seizure. I called the 24 hour vet and took him in...at 9:30 p.m. To think I was going to go to bed early...oh well. Oreo and I got home shortly before midnight $300+ poorer. He is now on seizure meds...just like Baby A.

Today (Wednesday), Shelby was doing better so I sent her to school, then I zoomed through Wal-Mart, was about to head to my Grandma's for a visit and scrabble game then head to the hospital to pick up Baby A once the nurse called to tell me she was ready to go. The school called so I had to go get Shelby. The problem? Steve had the van and Shelby's powerchair won't fit in our car so I walked to the school and Shelby and I walked back home. It was a beautiful day and I'm grateful for the exercise and fresh air. The new plan is to get Shelby in the car, drop off stuff to my Grandma's then when respite arrives, I'll leave to pick up the Baby!!! Yipee!!!! So excited to begin this new incredible adventure!!! Thank you God! :)

Maybe a Baby (Girl)?

Two weeks ago when we still had Sammy, we got the call for Baby Girl A. We said no due to not knowing how long we would be loving on Sammy. After Sammy left, I e-mailed the placement worker about a couple things and asked if Baby A had found a family. Placement worker told me a few of her diagnosis and asked if we were familiar with any of them. Two - yes. One - we hadn't heard of but after doing research, felt comfortable we could handle it. I was told another local "agency" had found a home for her. A few days later, I received another call from this placement worker about a different child and Baby A came up AGAIN. Apparently it wasn't a done deal this other home would be allowed to take her due to money issues. The "baby" I had been called about turned out to be a 3 year old. We're licensed for 0-2. Later I was called about a baby who ultimately went with his Grandma. Monday (today) rolls around and wouldn't you know I received a call by the same placement worker about Baby A. again. The other home opted out due to taking a placement over the weekend so Baby A. needed a home and would we consider her? Absolutely! I go to the hospital tomorrow to start training. I talked to the hospital social worker and baby's nurse today and both were wonderful. Steve and I did research tonight and found more sad things about one of her main diagnosis. Steve LOVES anatomy and showed me pictures to help better understand parts of the rare diagnosis she has. His ending comment? We might have her for a long, long time. True - we might. But God. God's placed all 9 other babies quickly and has always performed incredible miracles in their lives. He is faithful and I can't wait to see what He has in store for Baby A. I think we're in for quite a ride :)

Good day, good weekend

Today Shelby's (former) and apparently current best friend came over. This is the friend who made some poor choices in the past so Steve and I are not comfortable leaving the girls alone together so when they were in the office, I was in here too. When they were outside, I was outside - never staring at them or purposely trying to listen in but just there.

After she left, I visited my Grandma. We found the library books due tomorrow, played two games of scrabble, cleaned up her dog's pee and puke, ate lunch in the dining hall and came back to the sounds of her poodle barking. Some days I want to strangle that dog...

We left for our church's block party they were having to celebrate their anniversary and Shelby got to chat more with her "crush" - the former worship director and took pictures with him. She was ecstatic. Our friends came and we all had such a great time.

This week (at least on paper) looks pretty low key - I can't wait to see what God has in store and I am eager to hear from the main placement worker since there are a few babies who might need homes soon. Double Digits here we come!!!

Track System is Done!!!

The overhead track/lift system is (basically) done!!! Shelby has used it multiple times today and even Shane took it for a test "spin" and it's working out amazing!!! I am so very grateful for the lift, for the man who installed it, for agencies who are able and willing to fund things like this lift system. So, so grateful.

Speaking of grateful, Shelby and I went to an event at a local church for foster care/adoption and really enjoyed listening to the presenters. After a nice lunch, Shelby and I went to check out the booths. One of the first ones we went to happened to be the county agency I am a part of. A woman asked if she could help and I explained I am already a foster parent through them. She asked me my name. I told her. She immediately knew about Sammy, explained why we were the ones to receive a call to take Sammy vs. other families and knew our reputation with having other medically fragile placements. It was weird but very cool. Not used to people I've never dealt with knowing all about me.

More grateful things: Going to my grandma's after the event - the moment we entered my Grandma's apartment Shelby notified me about the smell...and K.C. (the poodle) peed x2...but on the kitchen floor - WAAAAY better than the carpets.

Even more gratefulness - Our church is celebrating a big anniversary and all the previous worship directors are here this weekend singing which was AWESOME and Shelby has a huge crush on the last worship director who recently released a CD (which we have - of course!). He was so great - coming over to Shelby before going on stage, signing his CD, later while going back up on the stage during the Pastor's prayer, Shelby was watching him and he waved to her and later, he hung out for a few minutes and talked to her - so very, very cool.

Rough Day

Grandma fell:
Yesterday (Thursday), I did some errands (grocery store, picked up my new glasses, etc) then went to visit my Grandma. While there I unloaded the stuff I brought so my back was turned to where my Grandma was. Next thing I knew, I heard a noise - she had fallen! Her darn dog pooped by the front door, she had reached down to pick it up, got dizzy and fell, landing on her knees but immediately rolled to her side.  I had her put her head between her knees and breathe for a while. Eventually when she was ready to move, she opted to crawl to the coffee table/sofa area and push herself up vs. have me help her. Her knees were sore from landing on them then crawling on them but thankfully, didn't turn bloody - her skin is so thin, it's easy for her to bleed.  We talked on the sofa for a while then played scrabble and ate lunch. She was acting fine and insisted getting old is the pits.

Shelby's seizure:
Shelby arrived home late on the bus and shortly after zooming into the house informed me she had a seizure at school. She had cramps earlier in the week (she has yet to start her cycle) and according to Shelby, she had a seizure but according to her instructional assistant, it wasn't a true seizure but still it's something her doctor and I need to figure out what's going on and how to resolve it.

Shane's vision:
Shane got home and told me he needs to see the eye doctor because he's having a tough time seeing things at school. Other Shane stuff - the day before, he gave the man who is installing the overhead track system's dog a bowl of our dog's food. On Thursday, the man begged Shane never to do it again because it caused his dog to have horrific gas. Haha. Oops! Then, Shane couldn't find his shoes. Again. Then Shane wanted to go bike riding with friends. Problem? He has a flat tire. He opted to ride the friend's bike. After riding for a bit, he came home and asked if he could go to the store that's 1 mile away. I said no. Later, he asked to do homework at this new friend's house. The parents weren't home so I said no. Again. Poor guy - it just wasn't his day.

Dogs:
Our poodle peed in the house again.
Grandma's poodle pooped in her house.
Seeing a poodle pattern, unfortunately.
Later in the day, our lab mix choked on his food, spit out some of it then Shane thought the dog was having a seizure when it was really just the old dog trying to get up.

Papa:
Steve came home and was talking to Papa/his dad on his cell. Apparently his dad needed Steve's help. Awesome, totally not a problem...I just wish it wasn't needed right then - I had our afternoon/evening all planned, it was going to be fun and poof - my plans went out the window. I was already feeling the effects of the past week of packing, moving, cleaning, sleepless nights with a newborn, the track system, the stress of today, etc and Steve leaving left me feeling bummed.

Eating:
I have GOT to get myself together. I bought a Christian book re: eating appropriately but it tuns out I bought the devotional vs. the actual book the author wrote first. So, today (Friday) before I visit my Grandma, I'm going to go to the local bookstore (vs. ordering online) and pick it up. I have been bingeing like crazy and when I'm being honest and looking at myself in the bathroom with realistic eyes, I have gotten beyond out of control. Does that stop me from wanting to eat? Unfortunately no. Darn it. So, with last night's change in plans, Shelby and I had a date night - where? Out to dinner at a place that has great desserts. Naturally.

Have Time To Breathe Yet?

• We did our typical morning routine
• As soon as the kids left for school, I was driving to my Grandma's by 7:15 a.m.
• I arrived and immediately started cleaning and vacuuming her empty house
• The donation pick up guys arrived and took everything out of her garage
• I swept the garage and continued cleaning and loading up the remaining items into the van
• Nanny's landlady came to do a walk through and said, "Wow, the dog really did a number in here, didn't he?" - yeah, the poodle used the carpet even more than I thought - ewww!!!
• I left and got gas
• I went to Safeway to pick up things Nanny needed
• I arrived at Nanny's new facility and spent 2 hours with her - in the courtyard, in her room playing scrabble, eating lunch and showing her the way to the beauty salon for her appt
• I left to go home for 5 minutes to unload the van, get more water, start another load of laundry and I was off ... again. It was during this time I received a text from Steve, "Have you had time to breathe yet?"
• I picked up Shelby from school
• We went to her therapist appointment who wants me to start using, "Stop, rewind and try saying that again." ... By the time we came home after the appt, my "rewind" button was darn near broken!!
• Steve (who arrived home moments after I did) and I surveyed the work the man did who is installing the overhead track system and Steve decided we would move Shelby's hospital bed and dresser around...now. So we did that.
• I left with Shane to go shopping at Wal-Mart. As he was passing me items to put on the conveyor belt, he told me, "These are 1 day old (mimi M&M's), these are 1 week old (regular M&M's) and these are 1 month old (pretzel M&M's) - so cute!! ;)
• We came home, unloaded, put everything away and I made dinner
• Shelby was almost done w/her dinner before declaring she had to go potty. It was shower night anyways so I showered her, just a little sooner than expected
• I did a load of dishes and laundry
• I attempted to help Shane with his history studying on my computer that was having problems
• I turned off the darn computer and went to the family room to chill and look up blogs on my phone
• I turned back on my computer to type out my day to remember it down the road. I must say, I am worn out!!

Yesterday - The installation of Shelby's overhead track system began and Baby's new mommy and daddy came over to meet Sammy and take him home with them. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever witnessed - Shortly after giving them Sammy, they took turns holding him on the sofa. I glanced at the new daddy, holding his baby boy in his arms with tears streaming down his cheeks - overcome with emotion.  :) I visited Nanny after they left, came home a couple hours later  and we decided to go out to dinner to celebrate Nanny's move, Baby having a forever family, the track system beginning to be installed...I even found a book I've been wanting to read while at the library trying to help Shelby get some research materials. I then helped Shelby work on a paper. The topic: 40 steps to making a pb&j sandwich.

He has a forever family!!

Phew - what a day!!! Did the usual few wake-ups to feed "Sammy", the alarm went off and the day flew by lightning fast - starting with getting the kids up and going and out the door by 7:05 a.m. onto the bus then I left 10 minutes later for my Grandma's w/sweet little Sammy. I packed, organized, and did everything I could to make sure we were ready for the movers. They arrived, we all had our assignments and a couple hours later, Grandma and I were driving to her new place where the movers did a wonderful job of unloading and assembling. Steve was a huge help (beyond taking the day off, he went to Grandma's to help w/perishables, went to the cable company, went to Petco to buy Grandma's dog a new tag, home for putting away the perishables, hung out with his dad for a bit then met us back at Grandma's new place w/groceries she needed plus delicious sandwiches. He then left to meet the movers at my house so I could stay and unpack every single box at my Grandma's new place). Phew - it was a 9 hour day of moving madness. In the midst, I talked to Baby's social worker...and again later when she FOUND HIM A FAMILY!!! I also talked to the placement social worker who placed him with us when she called inquiring about the possibility of us taking another baby w/special needs. Had we not had Sammy, I would've said yes. (ok, full disclosure - after finding out about Sammy moving tomorrow, I did e-mail her to see if the baby in question has a new home). Our new respite worker met the kids at home as they were getting off the bus (not knowing that a. Steve was going to take today off or b. that Steve would actually be home - with the movers) - but anyways, it was super helpful having her here.  I took more cute pics - I tried to be especially creative - since my photographer friend was going to take pics tomorrow but had to cancel the session. From the very beginning Sammy has pooped...a lot...like over 10-15 times a day so in true Sammy style, we stopped our photo session after he pooped on all the props. ;)

Shelby did well w/news that Sammy will be moving tomorrow. She got to hold him for a long time again today and that did her heart good.

Shane played a mini concert on his electric bass - so glad to see he's still liking the instrument he chose to play for band. He acquired a new desk due to Nanny's move and I can tell I passes a little of my OCD onto him - he organized it so well, an organizational magazine would've been proud to print a picture of it!

Steve was super active today and I am very appreciative of his help.


Sammy was a trooper today - at Nanny's, at her new place, here at home...such a sweet boy...he turned 1 week today and was quite the conversation starter w/the older people at Nanny's new facility!!

Speaking of Nanny, after all the blood, sweat and tears over the past month of making this move a reality and doing my best to find her the best place for her and her dog and being a good steward of her money, shortly before I left after a 9 hour day, she was looking in the classifieds for a a house to rent. Ugh!

Long Time No Post

The internet has been crazy temperamental so I haven't posted in forever...AT&T came out, "fixed" it, later that night it wasn't working again...maybe only for a while once a day...then never...so Comcast came out and so far, so good.

Grandma is moving on Monday. I have been packing her house up little by little for what seems like years. I have the TV people and the doggie door installer people coming on Saturday and have plans to get her closets set up w/the organizers, do the liners in the cabinets, etc.  The movers come to her house on Monday, load up, drop some stuff at my house then the rest at her new place.  She's had multiple doctor appts (her reg doctor, pulmonologist, neurologist) and a nursing assessment at the new facility plus the official move in appointment.

Shane's been struggling in school but as of right now. I just checked online - since it's WORKING - go figure - and he's getting 2 A+ (PE & Band), 3 B's (Math, science and english) and 1 C+ in history. He had to go to the ER a couple weeks ago after falling in PE and hitting the back of his head and passing out. We've started a new bible study and I pray it really starts to help him since he is struggling at being a kind brother.

Shelby's back to being friends w/the person who tried to hurt her over the summer, she's been bullied by two people in the emotionally disturbed class at school, she went to an appointment with me today and was crazy rude x5 so she isn't allowed to go to her school's first dance and she's devastated.  She has a huge doctor's appt tomorrow.

Steve's hips continue to have problems, the light rail he takes to work has been having problems, he can't go hunting on the first hunting weekend because of my crazy weekend plans - waiting for people and organizing my Grandma's apt one day and finishing up packing the next day)...so more "problems!" ;)  On our anniversary a week ago, I set up a "scavenger hunt" that had to do with 14 momentous events over the past 14 years of our marriage - I had a game board, clues, it was awesome!!

Yesterday after posting on Facebook about everything I had going on that day, I received a call from a placement worker...can you take a baby? I told her about being in the midst of moving my Grandma on Monday + on Tuesday, we have Shelby's long awaited overhead track/lift system start to be installed. She called 10 other homes (meanwhile I was praying - God, you know I'll say yes but I'd rather the baby have a home where he can stay home vs. be super busy) but the worker called back and we brought home a two day old baby yesterday!!!! So the saying about if you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans?? Yeah, He was laughing!!!

We are calling the baby Sammy and he is so sweet!!! Eats great, sleeps well, is a pooping machine (12 times in 24 hours), is a supersoaker but so very, very precious. We won't have him long due to the fact he is a "safe surrender" - honestly, I don't know why we have him at all - I don't understand why he didn't go straight into an adoptive home.

Ok, back to updating everyone about my new e-mail...

Gearing Up For September

Next month is going to be C-R-A-Z-Y!!!

• I am moving my Grandma which means lots and lots of packing, organizing both at her house AND at mine, making a zillion phone calls related to the move, etc.
• Shelby gets her overhead track system installed the day after my Grandma's moving day - well, it starts the following day and will take 5 days to complete.
• My Grandma has 3 doctor appts and 1 lab appt.
• I have 2 doctor appts which is a lot considering I rarely have any.
• Shelby has a therapy appt, a clinic appt and try outs for a special event.
• We've been invited to a BBQ at our Pastor's house and there's a special event happening at our church later in the month.
• It's Steve's and my anniversary.
• The kids have the first dance of the year at their school.
• We're celebrating a friend's birthday over the holiday weekend.
• After already doing 2 CEU classes over the past week, I just have one more then I'll be good to go for the year without worrying about trying to do them with a baby in the house.
• Plus, we never know when we'll get a call for another baby. I love, love, love, love being a foster mommy but I am grateful a baby didn't have to go all over town with me over the past couple weeks looking at all the different facilities for my Grandma.

Quote

The cost of missing out can be greater than the cost of messing up.

Heaven Anniversary A-Z's

Today it's been 4 years since my mom's been in Heaven. This is a "list" of a few of the things she's missed...

A.                XXX. Games – You’d be so proud of Shelby!!

B.                 Baptism – all four of us last year – full immersion!

C.                 Camps – (XXX for science camp and church camp, XXX, XXX, Camp XXX, XXX Adventure, etc.)

D.                Dad died

E.                 Easter egg hunts – Papa and Donna keep up the tradition – it’s an egg explosion plus the infamous money egg – Shane’s fave!!!

F.                 Foster blessings have rocked our world – EIGHT of them!! I’m living my dream!!!

G.                 God – we all have a deeper relationship with Him

H.                Hip replacements – Steve had his third

I.                  Injury-prone Shane – his latest: a huge splinter in his big toe

J.                 Jokes – Shelby’s still don’t make much sense ;)

K.                 K.C. and Kona – are you watching their antics from Heaven?!

L.                  Laughter – both Shane and Shelby have the sweetest laughter

M.               Maui – we went per your request and fulfilled your mission

N.                Nanny has dementia

O.                Orthodontic work still continues – poor Shane

P.                  Pictures of you are all over our home (plus a few hundred others)

Q.               Quadriplegia – the overhead track system is … supposedly…coming soon + Shelby has a new power chair and a new manual chair

R.                 Real Estate – we sold your house, our house and bought a new amazing house – again all per your request – thank you!!

S.                 Sports – basketball, football, horseback riding

T.                 XXX – one of your favorite places – we went two weeks ago

U.                XXX XXX – still one of the kid’s favorite parks

V.                 Values – we are trying to impart good, solid Christian values

W.              Weight – still an issue for me … ugh

X.                XOXO – we love and miss you and send you hugs and kisses

Y.                 Yearn to hear your voice, see you smile, hold your hand, kiss your cheek, watch you interact with Shane & Shelby one more time

Z.                Zipline – Shane and Shelby BOTH did the zipline at XXX XXX – you would’ve LOVED it! Seeing your angel fly…wow!

Weekend Frenzy

Friday:

• Shane went to sleepover at his best friend's house
• Shelby met a new respite worker she ADORES

Saturday:

• Went to a CEU class for 3 hours
• Needed gas
• Picked up my Grandma

1. Took her to an assisted living home
2. Took her to an assisted living facility
3. Went out to lunch

• Came home
• Went to church
• Picked up Shane from best friend's house (after we visited for a while)
• Came home and crashed!

Sunday:

• Hung out
• Family grocery shopping trip
• Lunch
• Grandma visit
• Home
• New bible study - loved it!
• Dinner, hung out, chores, etc...

Change is coming

Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life. It's about what you inspire others to do in theirs.

Love this quote!! :)

 

Today my Grandma's helper boss called and chatted. 

Shortly after hanging up with her, I received a call from my Grandma's landlady to discuss the letter I submitted with my Grandma's rent check. It's been decided that she needs to move out by November 1st. HUGE relief to me - I'm not the "bad guy" here - she can't blame me for forcing her to move - I despise confrontations so yipee!!! :)

I spoke to my Grandma who received a call from one of her sons. She wasn't able to return his phone call stating a problem with his phone number. I then called him and his phone number worked fine so he was going to hang up with me then call her.

With the news of my grandma's 2 month notice, I called a new facility near me and set up a tour for tomorrow then I called the facility I've toured in the past and set up a meeting for Friday.  BOTH facilities (totally a God thing) have openings!!! Both are in her budget. Both are within 10 minutes of my house - no more 1 hour round trip drives - so exciting!!! My Grandma is NOT going to be happy about the transition -she is almost 89, has dementia and adores her dog that can't move with her. I've already requested prayers on FB since the next 2 months will be a bit challenging. Just a lil.  I love it when I understand a little more about why God did/didn't do something. Now, I "get" why we don't have a new baby in our home at this moment - duh!! I am about to have to move my Grandma from her 2 bedroom house to a one bedroom in a facility.

One of my best friends came over tonight - totally unexpectedly which was awesome to visit with her. 

Shelby had her shower shortly before Tammy's visit which went well, Steve talked to his dad and his aunt and his grandma (it's his birthday tomorrow), we had a late dinner, a great bible study (oh - speaking of which, I bought a new bible study we will start on Sunday and am super excited about it).

Shelby has a new binder set up with "Shelby's Stories" on the cover and she has two stories so far - super pumped about this because since she has so many "limitations" - this is truly something she can excel at and do for a potential future career.

I'm sure there's more but for now ...change is coming! :)

Reflexes & 1st date anniversary

Yesterday - Shelby almost plowed into me while I was standing against the kitchen counter. I don't know why she didn't stop her powerchair sooner but - phew - it was a close call...then later as I was driving home from my Grandma's, an older gentleman was at a stop sign in his golf cart. While I was driving down the main road of the subdivision, the golf cart guy decides he is going to cross the road...while I am zooming right in his direction at 45+ mph...phew - ANOTHER close call!!!

We've been having internet problems/modem problems since mid-July. AT&T finally came out yesterday and the tech fixed everything. That evening, Shelby was in the office with me and wouldn't you know it - the internet stopped working again...back to waiting on hold for another 30 minutes and now they are saying change the modem...ugh...darn technology!!

Today is the anniversary of Steve's and my first date 16 years ago. Two days later, we went skydiving and it's been quite the adventure ever since.....

• Met in 1996
• Married in 1998
• Twins were born 11 weeks preemie in 2000
• Steve's mom went to Heaven
• Shelby was diagnosed with a bunch of "stuff" + Shane was too (just not as much)
• Shane and Shelby started therapy & Shelby received her first wheelchair
• We bought our first house
• Steve had his first...of three... total hip replacements
• My mom was diagnosed w/end stage pancreatic cancer
• Shelby received her first powerchair
• My mom took us on phenomenal vacations (Maui multiple times/Disneyland/Tahoe/etc)
• My mom went to Heaven
• We sold her house and our house per her request and bought our current house
• We started emergency placement infant foster care for typical and medically fragile babies
• APS got involved with my grandma
• My dad died
• We've been blessed to love on 8 incredible blessings (from 6 days to 50 weeks)
• We've had amazing adventures with friends, family and our foster blessings...and can't wait to see what God has in store for us next!!!