Today is our 3 year anniversary of being emergency placement infant foster parents for medically fragile (and typical) babies. So far: 8 babies - 6 boys/2 girls. Shortest stay: 6 days. Longest stay: 50 weeks. Youngest: 2 days. Oldest: 7 1/2 months. Our hearts and our lives - forever changed.
Shelby is now at camp. Steve and I dropped her off first thing Saturday morning. The campers were bussed most of the way and then they were driven in my jeeps the remainder of the way. They had a big trailer for all the wheelchairs and she met her 1:1 counselor we all LOVED. I've been praying for her to have an incredible time and return a changed little girl who believes in herself and her abilities more than she did when she left.
Shane was invited to Papa's on Saturday to go to a fair so for the first time in years on Saturday night, we didn't have Shane or Shelby or a baby since we are still in the middle of our 30 day baby break. I visited my Grandma, Steve and I went to church, and out to dinner. I even took a bath - first time ever (I think) in this house. Read, watched Olympics, it was peaceful...weird...but quiet.
Sunday Steve and I drove up to the fair in his hometown and we got to leisurely wander through everything w/o having to worry about the kids, Shelby overheating, being rushed since the kids don't like the buildings w/all the "stuff" like Steve and I do, accessibility...it was nice...weird...but nice. We got to Papa's house to discover Shane won 2 goldfish the evening before so we now have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 "fishies" as Shane calls them.
For the past 2 weeks I've been really intentional about my eating. Yesterday I was not (on purpose). Last night, my tummy wasn't happy with me - with good reason. Today - I'm back "on the wagon."
Today Shane and I have all day to do whatever we want. It's after 8 a.m. and he's still snoozing away - in Shelby's bed no less!! The only errand we have is to visit Nanny/my grandma.
Tomorrow we're doing stuff w/his twin best friends. Last week we did extra fun stuff w/Shelby since Shane was at camp. This week it's Shane's turn.
Off to do bible study - was so excited we actually had internet (it's STILL an on again/off again thing), wanted to do a quick post.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Visit w/"Moose"
This morning consisted of Shelby sleeping in REALLY late and getting us/the house ready for a visit from "Moose" - a former foster blessing we loved on from September to December last year. His time with us got cut short because of my dad's diagnosis w/end stage lung cancer and subsequent death and my need to fly to a different state to visit him and later my family did a road trip to his celebration for life. If everything with my dad hadn't happened, we would still have "Moose" since his court case is still ongoing. I can't imagine my life without having been utterly blessed by the 21 weeks with "Miracle Man" who left almost 2 weeks ago.
Anyways, "Moose" came over w/"his" sister and his maybe forever mommy and we visited, ate lunch and visited some more. It was awesome to see him and how far he's come in the past 7 months. He can stand on his own, walk a little bit, he has 4 teeth now, he makes cute sounds and gestures and he finally has hair ALL over his head vs. just on top of his forehead and over one ear and it is curly!!! So darn cute!!
It's interesting being a parent and seeing how other people parent and thinking certain thoughts in your head about how maybe that's not how you would do this or that. Not that one way is necessarily better but just, I suppose, more familiar.
Shortly after they left, Steve came home. We ate dinner, I ran to Wal-Mart for some misc. stuff for us and for my grandma, we got Shelby organized for her new camp that she has to be at the meeting place at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Shane comes home tomorrow night and Shelby leaves first thing Saturday morning. We found out more about Shelby's camp (like precisely WHERE it is she's going) and the camp director which was very uplifting.
I've been working on our foster blessing wall in the office so I printed out more pics to frame and hang, and I've been trying to figure out what my favorite pics of Miracle Man are to turn them into a book on either Shutterfly or Picaboo.
Pretty chill date. My favorite part: Moose's new mama used the restroom and Moose was crawling towards me so I took the opportunity to scoop him up and give him big hugs and kisses and tell him how much Jesus and I love him :)
Anyways, "Moose" came over w/"his" sister and his maybe forever mommy and we visited, ate lunch and visited some more. It was awesome to see him and how far he's come in the past 7 months. He can stand on his own, walk a little bit, he has 4 teeth now, he makes cute sounds and gestures and he finally has hair ALL over his head vs. just on top of his forehead and over one ear and it is curly!!! So darn cute!!
It's interesting being a parent and seeing how other people parent and thinking certain thoughts in your head about how maybe that's not how you would do this or that. Not that one way is necessarily better but just, I suppose, more familiar.
Shortly after they left, Steve came home. We ate dinner, I ran to Wal-Mart for some misc. stuff for us and for my grandma, we got Shelby organized for her new camp that she has to be at the meeting place at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Shane comes home tomorrow night and Shelby leaves first thing Saturday morning. We found out more about Shelby's camp (like precisely WHERE it is she's going) and the camp director which was very uplifting.
I've been working on our foster blessing wall in the office so I printed out more pics to frame and hang, and I've been trying to figure out what my favorite pics of Miracle Man are to turn them into a book on either Shutterfly or Picaboo.
Pretty chill date. My favorite part: Moose's new mama used the restroom and Moose was crawling towards me so I took the opportunity to scoop him up and give him big hugs and kisses and tell him how much Jesus and I love him :)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Cemetary + UPS truck
Today, Shane's still at camp and Steve was at work.
Shelby and I got up and going then I took Kona to the groomers. I was home a few minutes later then Shelby and I just hung out until it was time for me to pick Kona up. After bringing the pooch back home, Shelby and I left - we had to make a quick stop before going to my Grandma's house (actually, make that 2 quick stops - one because I was a dork and forgot something at an appt yesterday and the 2nd stop was to get Shelby a donut for a special treat). We ate lunch and I played scrabble w/Grandma while Shelby wrote her notes. On the way towards home, Shelby asked to visit the cemetary where my mom is buried. She wanted some private time to talk to her Grandma she loves so much. She drove her powerchair back to the van where I was waiting and burst into tears. We did some creative manuevering, got her onto the ramp, I put my back brace on then lifted her up onto my lap in the van. We talked about Grandma. Then Shelby had to go potty - so grateful we have a toilet in the van. Then I had my turn w/my mom. During my time talking to her while sitting on the ground in front of her tombstone, I saw a UPS truck driving in the area where there are only gravestones. Hmmm...made me wonder and have some comical thoughts. Then I spotted some turkeys wandering around the pretty grounds. Eventually we were off and drove to the local library. I had some books on reserve and my grandma requested I get her 4 new releases. Shelby was looking for books for herself and was pumped that they had 2 in large print but she had already read those particular books so I asked if they had any more kids books in large print. This library only had one and it wasn't a type of book Shelby was interested in. Darn it! Shelby and I had a "race" to come home. I drove s-l-o-w-l-y while she zoomed her powerchair. We are now having down time, Steve will be home soon then we are meeting Papa at a restaurant. Shelby is super excited!!
Miracle Man's new momma texted me that he was weighed today - 14 1/2 pounds - wow!!!
Shelby and I got up and going then I took Kona to the groomers. I was home a few minutes later then Shelby and I just hung out until it was time for me to pick Kona up. After bringing the pooch back home, Shelby and I left - we had to make a quick stop before going to my Grandma's house (actually, make that 2 quick stops - one because I was a dork and forgot something at an appt yesterday and the 2nd stop was to get Shelby a donut for a special treat). We ate lunch and I played scrabble w/Grandma while Shelby wrote her notes. On the way towards home, Shelby asked to visit the cemetary where my mom is buried. She wanted some private time to talk to her Grandma she loves so much. She drove her powerchair back to the van where I was waiting and burst into tears. We did some creative manuevering, got her onto the ramp, I put my back brace on then lifted her up onto my lap in the van. We talked about Grandma. Then Shelby had to go potty - so grateful we have a toilet in the van. Then I had my turn w/my mom. During my time talking to her while sitting on the ground in front of her tombstone, I saw a UPS truck driving in the area where there are only gravestones. Hmmm...made me wonder and have some comical thoughts. Then I spotted some turkeys wandering around the pretty grounds. Eventually we were off and drove to the local library. I had some books on reserve and my grandma requested I get her 4 new releases. Shelby was looking for books for herself and was pumped that they had 2 in large print but she had already read those particular books so I asked if they had any more kids books in large print. This library only had one and it wasn't a type of book Shelby was interested in. Darn it! Shelby and I had a "race" to come home. I drove s-l-o-w-l-y while she zoomed her powerchair. We are now having down time, Steve will be home soon then we are meeting Papa at a restaurant. Shelby is super excited!!
Miracle Man's new momma texted me that he was weighed today - 14 1/2 pounds - wow!!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
5 out of 8
I am feeling just so, so ecstatic, happy and blessed. Over the course of the past month, 5 out of the 8 foster blessings we've been honored to love on have been in contact with us!!!
Last night - one of the forever momma's texted me about a front pack. She'll bring it over (with "my" baby who is now 2) when we get our next baby to meet him/her.
Today, another (hopefully forever) momma texted me about getting together this Thursday - so I'll get to see "Moose" - oh, so excited!!
Later today, JoJo's forever mommy CALLED me (the first time since she took him last summer) and we had an amazing 30+ minute phone call and once everything is truly finalized, they will invite us (and others) to a party - super stoked!! He's the one we had for 50 weeks!!!
Throughout today, I've also received texts from Miracle Man's new momma. He is doing fabulous - thrilled about that too!!
Besides those amazing texts and calls, today's been busy:
Steve had today off and he had a DMV appt then a bank appt.
Meanwhile, respite came and hung out with Shelby while I visited my Grandma then met up with Steve at a life insurance appt.
We came home, respite left (turns out when Shelby was with respite, she talked to a neighbor, wrote neighbor a card, delivered it and neighbor came over when Steve and I got home to tell us about how thoughtful our daughter is - love it!!)
We took Shelby to therapy where she did amazing.
We got home and replicated something she did in therapy with things we had at home.
I took poodle to vet to have her rabies shot (she has a grooming appt tomorrow)
Now, we're working on dinner then I have my final class w/a girlfriend.
Meanwhile, Shane's at camp - hopefully having a phenomenal time learning about God :)
Love, love, love how God is giving my glimpses into our former foster blessing's lives while we are on our 30 day baby break. Thanks God!!!
Last night - one of the forever momma's texted me about a front pack. She'll bring it over (with "my" baby who is now 2) when we get our next baby to meet him/her.
Today, another (hopefully forever) momma texted me about getting together this Thursday - so I'll get to see "Moose" - oh, so excited!!
Later today, JoJo's forever mommy CALLED me (the first time since she took him last summer) and we had an amazing 30+ minute phone call and once everything is truly finalized, they will invite us (and others) to a party - super stoked!! He's the one we had for 50 weeks!!!
Throughout today, I've also received texts from Miracle Man's new momma. He is doing fabulous - thrilled about that too!!
Besides those amazing texts and calls, today's been busy:
Steve had today off and he had a DMV appt then a bank appt.
Meanwhile, respite came and hung out with Shelby while I visited my Grandma then met up with Steve at a life insurance appt.
We came home, respite left (turns out when Shelby was with respite, she talked to a neighbor, wrote neighbor a card, delivered it and neighbor came over when Steve and I got home to tell us about how thoughtful our daughter is - love it!!)
We took Shelby to therapy where she did amazing.
We got home and replicated something she did in therapy with things we had at home.
I took poodle to vet to have her rabies shot (she has a grooming appt tomorrow)
Now, we're working on dinner then I have my final class w/a girlfriend.
Meanwhile, Shane's at camp - hopefully having a phenomenal time learning about God :)
Love, love, love how God is giving my glimpses into our former foster blessing's lives while we are on our 30 day baby break. Thanks God!!!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Triathlon and Issues
Steve participated in his first triathlon today and was the team's kayaker. All 3 guys did better than they expected and were very happy with their times. They were in the top 10 in the adapted division and are even talking about doing it again next year.
After the race, we went out to lunch with one of the teammates and his family which was really fun.
We came home, relaxed (it was HOT today), ate dinner then went to church.
Tonight's service was on anger and anxiety and Philipians. I just love my church and my pastor and ... everything about my church!!
We got home then I took off to do a grocery store run and am now just getting onto my computer and tried to fix my Facebook issues...and there are still the weird internet issues (is it a modem thing? a power supply thing? ugh!)...Shane has "inner core" issues (I had put 2 bouncy chairs in my bath tub - for storage - and when I saw they had been taken out, I asked him if he was going to take a bath to which he responded that his inner core needed to relax. Yeah, anyways!)...Shelby has best friend issues (elementary school friend and her had an on again/off again relationship - can't remember why - and her best friend in her first year of middle school did some behaviors we are NOT comfortable with so they aren't friends anymore which makes my heart hurt for Shelby)...I'm having mixed emotions about it being one full week of no baby in the house. Yup, more issues ;) Steve's requested a 30 day break between foster blessings and today is one full complete week with no bundle of joy to love on. I feel complete when I am loving on a baby - like that is exactly my purpose and what I was created to do. I am happy, I am content. I am in my sweet spot. But with my family dynamics (husband + daughter both have disabilities, Grandma has dementia, son has ADHD) it definitely adds a level of stress to my life when I'm taking care of a medically fragile baby plus my grandma and my family but it brings me so much joy, there's no question I'll say yes again and again and again to "the call" (will you take a baby with/who has/etc.).
Tomorrow's Shane's last football "practice" is tomorrow, then we are hanging out with the coach and his family (our best friends) then Shane has to finish up some chores at home and pack for his last camp of the summer.
After the race, we went out to lunch with one of the teammates and his family which was really fun.
We came home, relaxed (it was HOT today), ate dinner then went to church.
Tonight's service was on anger and anxiety and Philipians. I just love my church and my pastor and ... everything about my church!!
We got home then I took off to do a grocery store run and am now just getting onto my computer and tried to fix my Facebook issues...and there are still the weird internet issues (is it a modem thing? a power supply thing? ugh!)...Shane has "inner core" issues (I had put 2 bouncy chairs in my bath tub - for storage - and when I saw they had been taken out, I asked him if he was going to take a bath to which he responded that his inner core needed to relax. Yeah, anyways!)...Shelby has best friend issues (elementary school friend and her had an on again/off again relationship - can't remember why - and her best friend in her first year of middle school did some behaviors we are NOT comfortable with so they aren't friends anymore which makes my heart hurt for Shelby)...I'm having mixed emotions about it being one full week of no baby in the house. Yup, more issues ;) Steve's requested a 30 day break between foster blessings and today is one full complete week with no bundle of joy to love on. I feel complete when I am loving on a baby - like that is exactly my purpose and what I was created to do. I am happy, I am content. I am in my sweet spot. But with my family dynamics (husband + daughter both have disabilities, Grandma has dementia, son has ADHD) it definitely adds a level of stress to my life when I'm taking care of a medically fragile baby plus my grandma and my family but it brings me so much joy, there's no question I'll say yes again and again and again to "the call" (will you take a baby with/who has/etc.).
Tomorrow's Shane's last football "practice" is tomorrow, then we are hanging out with the coach and his family (our best friends) then Shane has to finish up some chores at home and pack for his last camp of the summer.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Settling In...and Waiting
The past week has been filled with:
- Shane's last week of sports camp
- Lots of visits to Nanny/my grandma and lots of calls
- Respite came over twice - one of the times, Shelby had slept in late and was still in bed when Theresa arrived. Theresa went to use the restroom then she was going to shower Shelby. By the time she returned, Shelby had soaked the bed - just one of a few accidents this week
- Shelby had another therapy appointment that went well - she opened up and talked about what her (former) BFF had done
- Steve had a dentist appointment
- I'm on my latest healthy eating kick...5 lbs lost in 5 days so far
- We went to the local mall and Shelby is a true shop-til-you-dropper
- I went to a new "bible study" for people who foster/adopt at church
- Shelby's former BFF and her parents came over to address the allegations and Shelby wouldn't speak at the meeting so she wrote a few things on paper
- Papa came over and had dinner with us
- Found out the person in charge of payment for our latest foster blessing no longer works in foster care and the person who took her place doesn't have any paperwork that she needs for us to receive the rate we are supposed to receive. Nice.
- The office is looking better and the house is overall staying clean
- The kids and I got in our groove as far as all of us being home by 12, eating, relaxing, reading for 30 minutes at 1...
- I played a ton of wii and board games w/the kids this week
- lots of texts from Baby's new mommy and he is doing wonderful!!!
- I have settled into my "new normal" of life with no baby. It's good/bad - I'm not constantly "on" - ready for Baby to wake up, etc. I can do errands w/o worrying about nap/bottle/med times, more hands on w/Shane and Shelby. It's not so good since I am truly happy/content/fulfilled/joyful when we have a baby to love in in our home
- In the back of my mind I have August 13th...anytime after that day I can say "yes" to a baby so I'm waiting - anxiously, excitedly for whatever baby God has planned for us next.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Accumulation
It never fails to surprise me how much stuff accumulates over time when you are taking care of three separate households - ours (the four of us which doesn't sound too bad but w/all of Shelby's special needs stuff - there's just more...more forms to fill out, more I.E.P.'s to file, more pieces of paper from the equipment people, etc.), my Grandma (again, how much stuff could an 88 year old have? quite a lot between her normal bills then all her bank statement things and the agency that provides her helpers sends me stuff weekly) and Baby (it's been TWO WHOLE DAYS since he's moved but there's still more stuff I found of his that needs to be filed in the proper folder, more paperwork to be filled out from my social worker). Add to 3 households the fact that July is just busy for us naturally with the 4th of July, the twins' birthday, their birthday party and my birthday then include the fact that Baby met his forever family, they did visits, a sleepover, more visits, and paperwork just gets taller and taller in the pile that just grows and grows.
Yesterday, Shane was w/his grandparents and Steve and I took Shelby to a 6 hour camp. After we dropped her off, we went to Walgreen's to download my pics of the Baby to mail to the new family and shopped around to waste time for that to happen, went to my Grandma's, we went out to lunch and came back to play a game of scrabble with her, we left and waited around for Shelby at the college campus she was at then picked her up. We arrived home in time to give Shelby a speedy shower and get ready for dinner then church. At church, we showed some friends pictures of Baby's last day (the before and after shots) and pics of JoJo.
Today was all about chores and being productive - dishes, laundry, pulling weeds, balancing the checkbook, making a master to do list, filing things, organizing paperwork, making meals, recycling things, changing sheets - in the two nights Baby's been gone, Shelby's woken me up three times. Ugh.
Tonight JoJo's new mommy and Baby's new mommy both texted me and it was soooo good to hear from both of them. I've really been praying specifically for Baby that his precious heart isn't sad or confused about where we are - I just truly want him to love, love, love his new family and feel adored and happy and at peace with his new life. I don't want him to feel rejected, abandoned, confused, sad or hurt. I pray he is smiling and giggling and loving every minute like he did with us. The day after he moved, would've been 150 days with us...he came to us at 9 weeks and left at almost 30...LOVE that boy...all "our" phenomenal foster blessings....
Yesterday, Shane was w/his grandparents and Steve and I took Shelby to a 6 hour camp. After we dropped her off, we went to Walgreen's to download my pics of the Baby to mail to the new family and shopped around to waste time for that to happen, went to my Grandma's, we went out to lunch and came back to play a game of scrabble with her, we left and waited around for Shelby at the college campus she was at then picked her up. We arrived home in time to give Shelby a speedy shower and get ready for dinner then church. At church, we showed some friends pictures of Baby's last day (the before and after shots) and pics of JoJo.
Today was all about chores and being productive - dishes, laundry, pulling weeds, balancing the checkbook, making a master to do list, filing things, organizing paperwork, making meals, recycling things, changing sheets - in the two nights Baby's been gone, Shelby's woken me up three times. Ugh.
Tonight JoJo's new mommy and Baby's new mommy both texted me and it was soooo good to hear from both of them. I've really been praying specifically for Baby that his precious heart isn't sad or confused about where we are - I just truly want him to love, love, love his new family and feel adored and happy and at peace with his new life. I don't want him to feel rejected, abandoned, confused, sad or hurt. I pray he is smiling and giggling and loving every minute like he did with us. The day after he moved, would've been 150 days with us...he came to us at 9 weeks and left at almost 30...LOVE that boy...all "our" phenomenal foster blessings....
Friday, July 13, 2012
He's Started His Happily Ever After
Ugh - darn internet - don't know what's wrong - SO not a tech savvy person - either a power cord or modem issues...whatever...ok, so the last post talked about Shane and Shelby's party...between then and now:
Baby had therapy and did wonderful. Shelby had a date w/her respite worker and I visited my Grandma.
Wednesday night was my "ugly cry" night - grieving the "loss" of Baby, missing my mom - she always made birthday's so special for me, my Grandma getting worse, sad about Shelby's BFF situation (multiple attempted coverings of Shelby's mouth/nose w/BFF's hand then making her powerchair not work so Shelby couldn't escape because voices told her to...)
It was my birthday yesterday. Baby's new family came over for an impromptu visit and it was hard on baby - my best friend stopped by right before his new family and he was already tired plus visitors, didn't make for a really super experience.
My Grandma had a crazy rough day yesterday - super, super forgetful and not just forgetting it was my birthday but more, lots more.
We went out to dinner and had a great time. Took lots of pics there and at home.
This morning, a knock on the door showed me it wasn't Baby's new family coming to get him, it was a different foster baby we loved on for 50 weeks, his new daddy came over for the first time since picking up his new son last summer with pictures AND videos of that precious boy we loved on like crazy. Totally God timing. His new mommy has sent me texts that only God could've orchestrated her timing on. Today's this lil guy's 2nd birthday too.
We did some "after" shots - same poses as when Baby first arrived but obviously he is much bigger now.
Papa came and took Shane for an extended sleepover.
Baby's new family came over, they packed up his stuff, I gave him his last bottle, we did pics and off they went.
Shelby and I then went errand crazy - Bank for Grandma, Grandma, Gas, Library, Barnes and Noble, Babies R Us, a different library, etc.
We came home to eat and then I took her to church for a special event for kids w/special needs.
Steve and I had some alone time for the first time in over 21 weeks. Shane - Papas/Shelby - church/Baby - new family.
He and I then went errand crazy and went to Lowe's, our Bank, Cold Stone then picked up Shelby.
She had an accident at church so as soon as we got home, it was shower time and Baby's new momma was texting me about his really rough night - screaming for over two hours - broke my heart :(
Baby had therapy and did wonderful. Shelby had a date w/her respite worker and I visited my Grandma.
Wednesday night was my "ugly cry" night - grieving the "loss" of Baby, missing my mom - she always made birthday's so special for me, my Grandma getting worse, sad about Shelby's BFF situation (multiple attempted coverings of Shelby's mouth/nose w/BFF's hand then making her powerchair not work so Shelby couldn't escape because voices told her to...)
It was my birthday yesterday. Baby's new family came over for an impromptu visit and it was hard on baby - my best friend stopped by right before his new family and he was already tired plus visitors, didn't make for a really super experience.
My Grandma had a crazy rough day yesterday - super, super forgetful and not just forgetting it was my birthday but more, lots more.
We went out to dinner and had a great time. Took lots of pics there and at home.
This morning, a knock on the door showed me it wasn't Baby's new family coming to get him, it was a different foster baby we loved on for 50 weeks, his new daddy came over for the first time since picking up his new son last summer with pictures AND videos of that precious boy we loved on like crazy. Totally God timing. His new mommy has sent me texts that only God could've orchestrated her timing on. Today's this lil guy's 2nd birthday too.
We did some "after" shots - same poses as when Baby first arrived but obviously he is much bigger now.
Papa came and took Shane for an extended sleepover.
Baby's new family came over, they packed up his stuff, I gave him his last bottle, we did pics and off they went.
Shelby and I then went errand crazy - Bank for Grandma, Grandma, Gas, Library, Barnes and Noble, Babies R Us, a different library, etc.
We came home to eat and then I took her to church for a special event for kids w/special needs.
Steve and I had some alone time for the first time in over 21 weeks. Shane - Papas/Shelby - church/Baby - new family.
He and I then went errand crazy and went to Lowe's, our Bank, Cold Stone then picked up Shelby.
She had an accident at church so as soon as we got home, it was shower time and Baby's new momma was texting me about his really rough night - screaming for over two hours - broke my heart :(
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
MORE answered prayers
Shane and Shelby's party went awesome!!! They had a blast playing with their friends and Shelby was thrilled that her former respite worker who moved away was able to surprise her and come for the party. Baby's new family all arrived shortly before the party started, met the cute little guy, got the grand tour of the house and settled in. The party guests arrived, everyone did their thing from Foos Ball to Air Hockey to Pool to Basketball (the 2 person shoot as many baskets as you can in a minute game we have), x-box, wii, the girls made up dances in Shelby's room and sang their little hearts out...it was awesome. We had 6 pizzas, a couple hours later we dove into their pizza cakes...they wanted to open presents in front of their friends (ugh - not my thing)...eventually the party peeps left and it was just us with Baby's new family (mom, dad and 4 kids). We made dinner, Baby presented them with a "Thank you for welcoming me into your family" type of cake and we figured out the sleeping arrangements and eventually everyone went to sleep.
Monday morning came along and respite arrived after a jumbo breakfast and the new momma, Baby and I went to his cardiology clinic appointment and the two remaining heart issues...HEALED!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!! He now weighs 13 pounds 13 ounces and is about 24 inches tall.
We got home from the appt, made a big yummy lunch, ate, took some pictures and the new family got all packed up and headed on their way. Baby took a monster nap - much needed after the past 24 hours of excitement, the kids did their reading, Shelby told me about a horrifying incident with her latest best friend so we called that friend's mom and told her what happened. I was very proud of Shelby and how she handled everything. Papa arrived, Steve got home and we left to go out to dinner to celebrate the kid's birthday w/Papa and Donna.
At the restaurant, Baby drank his bottle, played, napped, then sat w/Donna and did amazing smiles for her to say goodbye :) The kids got birthday surprises (cards, money, a cute candy arrangement and the restaurant did their version of a birthday song).
We got home, I showered Shelby, Baby did really well overall during the course of the night and we finally made our way to bed after bible study and prayers. :)
Monday morning came along and respite arrived after a jumbo breakfast and the new momma, Baby and I went to his cardiology clinic appointment and the two remaining heart issues...HEALED!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!! He now weighs 13 pounds 13 ounces and is about 24 inches tall.
We got home from the appt, made a big yummy lunch, ate, took some pictures and the new family got all packed up and headed on their way. Baby took a monster nap - much needed after the past 24 hours of excitement, the kids did their reading, Shelby told me about a horrifying incident with her latest best friend so we called that friend's mom and told her what happened. I was very proud of Shelby and how she handled everything. Papa arrived, Steve got home and we left to go out to dinner to celebrate the kid's birthday w/Papa and Donna.
At the restaurant, Baby drank his bottle, played, napped, then sat w/Donna and did amazing smiles for her to say goodbye :) The kids got birthday surprises (cards, money, a cute candy arrangement and the restaurant did their version of a birthday song).
We got home, I showered Shelby, Baby did really well overall during the course of the night and we finally made our way to bed after bible study and prayers. :)
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Party & Sleepover Prep
Phew - hours are disappearing way too fast.
Yesterday while respite stayed w/Shelby and Baby, I went to Nanny's house, made calls, worked on meds, played scrabble, etc. then I was off and running: library, kinko's to make copies of all the paperwork I've accumulated on Baby, CVS to buy a flashdrive for the 900+ pictures I've taken of the gorgeous boy, two stores, Goodwill, and more. I got home (Baby was the "perfect" baby according to Theresa!!), and when he took his next nap, I was super productive - trying to get ready for the kid's birthday party tomorrow and more so - for the sleepover of Baby's new family. Yesterday Shelby was being nasty and I was doing ok, not great, about her issues. I probably SHOULD have cancelled her friend's sleepover but I am so glad I didn't - her friend Victoria - was amazing and Shelby was happy and occupied all night allowing me to get a zillion more things done until I was exhausted but Baby wasn't!!! He is turning into quite the night owl.
Highlights of day: Shane put Baby on his shoulders and introduced him to the wonderful world of sprinklers (at our next door neighbors house) and later, Baby sat on Shelby's lap (w/help of course) and when she gave him kisses, he gave her the BIGGEST smiles :)
Today/Saturday - Shelby's friend is still here, I have to pick up the pizza cakes (can't WAIT to see them!!!), Kona has another vet appt, we have church and tons more cleaning/organizing to do.
Super excited about everything happening but phew - it's a lot of work!!!!! :)
Yesterday while respite stayed w/Shelby and Baby, I went to Nanny's house, made calls, worked on meds, played scrabble, etc. then I was off and running: library, kinko's to make copies of all the paperwork I've accumulated on Baby, CVS to buy a flashdrive for the 900+ pictures I've taken of the gorgeous boy, two stores, Goodwill, and more. I got home (Baby was the "perfect" baby according to Theresa!!), and when he took his next nap, I was super productive - trying to get ready for the kid's birthday party tomorrow and more so - for the sleepover of Baby's new family. Yesterday Shelby was being nasty and I was doing ok, not great, about her issues. I probably SHOULD have cancelled her friend's sleepover but I am so glad I didn't - her friend Victoria - was amazing and Shelby was happy and occupied all night allowing me to get a zillion more things done until I was exhausted but Baby wasn't!!! He is turning into quite the night owl.
Highlights of day: Shane put Baby on his shoulders and introduced him to the wonderful world of sprinklers (at our next door neighbors house) and later, Baby sat on Shelby's lap (w/help of course) and when she gave him kisses, he gave her the BIGGEST smiles :)
Today/Saturday - Shelby's friend is still here, I have to pick up the pizza cakes (can't WAIT to see them!!!), Kona has another vet appt, we have church and tons more cleaning/organizing to do.
Super excited about everything happening but phew - it's a lot of work!!!!! :)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy 4th of July
Busy, busy, busy.
This Sunday:
Baby's new family is coming over at 11. Only new mommy has met Baby.
Shelby's former respite worker is arriving at 11:45 - Shelby hasn't seen her in forever and has been missing her like crazy.
Shane and Shelby's birthday party is at 12 - a combo party, pizza theme with pizza pizza and pizza cake, among other things
Baby's new family might spend the night
Papa and Donna might come over for dinner to celebrate the kid's birthday
Monday is Baby's cardiology clinic appt. Shelby's respite worker is going to hang w/Shelby and Baby's 4 siblings while new mommy and I take the miracle man to the doctor's.
If Papa and Donna don't come over on Sunday night for dinner, we'll go out to dinner on Monday night.
So, we are trying to clean the house and yard like nobody's business!
I am trying to get Baby's pictures (900+) onto a flash drive.
I need to copy all the paperwork in his 3 inch binder.
The poodle needs a haircut and the big dogs need their nails done.
I need to pick up the pizza cakes and the cake I ordered for Baby's siblings as a "Thanks for letting me be a part of your family" gesture from Baby to them.
I need to have enough food in the house for the party plus the possible overnight. Shelby's having a girlfriend spend the night on Friday because...I'm not busy enough yet ;)
Nanny's poodle is peeing in the house more than usual so I need to make an appt for him to see the vet
Besides trying to clean the house for the party, I am going above and beyond in each closet, cabinet, everywhere for the new family if they need anything, any drawer they open will be clean and organized!! (well, that's my intention - if you saw my office right now, you'd know I have a lot of work still to be done)
I'm trying to reorganize some pictures on a couple picture walls
Donations need to be taken to the nearest Goodwill drop off store.
Today though - Wednesday - we were ultra productive in the house and yard. Shelby was terrific with the Baby in his pram. We had yummy meals. We tried to get the internet/phone/tv issues fixed. We might need a new modem. Joy. Shane got Baby to do fantastic push ups in his room while inclined on a body pillow. Shane and I ran to DQ to pick up some yummies and he laughed harder than I've ever seen him laugh before - priceless. I did a lot of texting to Baby's new mommy.
Yesterday was a good day too - Respite came to be with Shelby so I ran off to visit my Grandma, got a quick hair cut, Shane came back from sports camp, they did their reading, we got some chores done, Steve got home, we tried a new recipe then went to our neighborhood fireworks "show" and had a great time.
Still love, love, love Baby - of course - but this process is now a little "odd" since he has a new mommy but can't be with her full time yet...so I do my best to let her know how he's doing/what he's doing, I e-mail them pics everyday and text them pics esp of his early days...I guess it helps me and the rest of my family with saying goodbye in a non-rushed way.
Heard Lee Greenwood's song a bunch of times today - love it! I am truly proud to be an American :)
This Sunday:
Baby's new family is coming over at 11. Only new mommy has met Baby.
Shelby's former respite worker is arriving at 11:45 - Shelby hasn't seen her in forever and has been missing her like crazy.
Shane and Shelby's birthday party is at 12 - a combo party, pizza theme with pizza pizza and pizza cake, among other things
Baby's new family might spend the night
Papa and Donna might come over for dinner to celebrate the kid's birthday
Monday is Baby's cardiology clinic appt. Shelby's respite worker is going to hang w/Shelby and Baby's 4 siblings while new mommy and I take the miracle man to the doctor's.
If Papa and Donna don't come over on Sunday night for dinner, we'll go out to dinner on Monday night.
So, we are trying to clean the house and yard like nobody's business!
I am trying to get Baby's pictures (900+) onto a flash drive.
I need to copy all the paperwork in his 3 inch binder.
The poodle needs a haircut and the big dogs need their nails done.
I need to pick up the pizza cakes and the cake I ordered for Baby's siblings as a "Thanks for letting me be a part of your family" gesture from Baby to them.
I need to have enough food in the house for the party plus the possible overnight. Shelby's having a girlfriend spend the night on Friday because...I'm not busy enough yet ;)
Nanny's poodle is peeing in the house more than usual so I need to make an appt for him to see the vet
Besides trying to clean the house for the party, I am going above and beyond in each closet, cabinet, everywhere for the new family if they need anything, any drawer they open will be clean and organized!! (well, that's my intention - if you saw my office right now, you'd know I have a lot of work still to be done)
I'm trying to reorganize some pictures on a couple picture walls
Donations need to be taken to the nearest Goodwill drop off store.
Today though - Wednesday - we were ultra productive in the house and yard. Shelby was terrific with the Baby in his pram. We had yummy meals. We tried to get the internet/phone/tv issues fixed. We might need a new modem. Joy. Shane got Baby to do fantastic push ups in his room while inclined on a body pillow. Shane and I ran to DQ to pick up some yummies and he laughed harder than I've ever seen him laugh before - priceless. I did a lot of texting to Baby's new mommy.
Yesterday was a good day too - Respite came to be with Shelby so I ran off to visit my Grandma, got a quick hair cut, Shane came back from sports camp, they did their reading, we got some chores done, Steve got home, we tried a new recipe then went to our neighborhood fireworks "show" and had a great time.
Still love, love, love Baby - of course - but this process is now a little "odd" since he has a new mommy but can't be with her full time yet...so I do my best to let her know how he's doing/what he's doing, I e-mail them pics everyday and text them pics esp of his early days...I guess it helps me and the rest of my family with saying goodbye in a non-rushed way.
Heard Lee Greenwood's song a bunch of times today - love it! I am truly proud to be an American :)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Summer Nights
Really, really good day - Baby slept all night long - woot woot!!! I was texting Baby's new mommy throughout the day, worked on projects throughout the house since Shane and Shelby's birthday party is next weekend and I was uber productive!!! Steve and Shane went to a friend's football practice session, Shelby did well simplifying her room, the boys came home, Baby and I left for Nanny's. She and I went though mail, made up a grocery list, she loved on Baby while I ran to the store, unloaded, drove home, did more misc. stuff around the house, spent lots of time w/Baby, facebooked Baby's new momma who read my posts from February to present about our journey with this precious miracle baby. Shane picked what he, Steve and Shelby ate for dinner, we watched some Olympic trials, took some crazy cute pics of the crazy adorable Baby, Shane wanted to bake and the best part of summer is no super structured bedtime so we baked, Shelby watched her latest favorite weight loss show (yes, I see the irony!!!), laughed, snuggled, texted and facebooked Baby's new momma and the momma of another one of our foster blessings, did bible study with the kids and prayers, Baby's snug in his crib....life is good. Thank you Jesus!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)