Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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...
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...
Monday, October 22, 2012
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...
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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...
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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!!! :)
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!!! :)
Monday, October 15, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, October 12, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, October 5, 2012
So Many...
Precious Baby Girl (foster blessing #10) has ...
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 :)
- 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...
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 :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
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! :)
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! :)
Monday, October 1, 2012
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 :)
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