Well we've had a couple of weekends of respite and were just starting to feel better when... both of the boys got sick. They have a viral infection in their mouths. This includes fever and mouth sores. Obviously they are miserable and can't eat. Because they are miserable we are miserable.
Also the kids mother accused us of scalding the baby... she has dry skin around her wrists and ankles, and Mom thought those spots looked like burned skin that is healing. Don't ask. I took the baby to the ER for 4 hours so a dr. could confirm that she had, in fact, dry skin. The investigation should be concluded soon.
Lastly we are attending a reunification meeting next Friday regarding returning the kids to their Mom. Just when things were getting easier, we find out they are leaving.
Although we are heart broken at the thought of these three leaving, we will definitely not be taking three kids at one time again.
This is the most difficult thing I've done in my life. I hope that the next placement "sticks" and we can finally foster-to-adopt.
On a brighter note, I graduated last Saturday! It was awesome. Now I just need to find a teaching job.....
Happy Birthday tomorrow to my husband, my soul mate and the love of my life.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Head just about water
Whew! It's been a tough two months. But still we are blessed :)
Taking care of the kids during the day and working at night has taken it's toll on Greg and we are now looking at daycare centers. We are heart broken about this but he is exhausted and we have to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of the kids. The one center we really liked and had peace about does not have openings for all three kids. I am praying those openings will happen but in the meanwhile will keep looking.
I was thinking about all those foster classes we had to take... none of them warn you about how you will feel at 3 AM when the baby won't stop crying.... or how you will have no social life after the kids arrive... or how your heart will hurt when you see how angry and damaged a three year old can be.
The oldest had several violent issues this week. First I caught him choking his brother, both hands around the neck. Next he intentionally knocked the baby over, full force with both hands. I also caught him squeezing the baby's wrist as hard as he could. No telling what we didn't see. Both boys are in play therapy so hopefully we can continue to work on this.
WIC SUCKS. What a nightmare. I will NOT use it again, unless I need formula. It isn't worth it. I went May 1st to get formula. I got through the line when I found out I had no wic available. Keep in mind I called in the middle of April to find out if I needed to come in, etc. Oh no, everything was fine - not. So I went Thursday to the WIC office and got everything taken care of. After this I went back to Kroger, where everything went through - except the formula. They had put the wrong kind on my account. So I went straight back, got it fixed, then went back to Kroger and picked up the formula. So frustrating.
To change the tone (less complaining), the baby is doing great. While she is a little delayed and receives physical therapy, she has improved so much since we got her. She can now sit up on her own and holds her own bottle. She also has two front teeth coming in. It's amazing how much you can love a child who is not yours.
The middle boy is doing well also. He tends to mimic his older brother but is otherwise a pretty happy-go-lucky kid. He tries to talk but much of it is unintelligible. We are able to make out things like "more", "Da(d)" and "Momma". He's got an incredible grin that makes you forget why you're mad at him.
The oldest is also fun... he loves to sing but makes up his own variations of everything. He even rewrote the ABC song :) He is attending MDO at our church and does really well there and in his Sunday school and Wednesday night classes.
We dropped the kids off for respite tonight. I hated to leave them - but we desperately need a break. I am looking forward to picking them up again tomorrow evening but may eat those words later :)
I am graduating next Saturday! Still looking for a job as well but that has been difficult with the kids around. I am still holding on to the fact that God knows exactly where I'm going to end up.
We're hanging in here... I'll try to update again soon.
Taking care of the kids during the day and working at night has taken it's toll on Greg and we are now looking at daycare centers. We are heart broken about this but he is exhausted and we have to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of the kids. The one center we really liked and had peace about does not have openings for all three kids. I am praying those openings will happen but in the meanwhile will keep looking.
I was thinking about all those foster classes we had to take... none of them warn you about how you will feel at 3 AM when the baby won't stop crying.... or how you will have no social life after the kids arrive... or how your heart will hurt when you see how angry and damaged a three year old can be.
The oldest had several violent issues this week. First I caught him choking his brother, both hands around the neck. Next he intentionally knocked the baby over, full force with both hands. I also caught him squeezing the baby's wrist as hard as he could. No telling what we didn't see. Both boys are in play therapy so hopefully we can continue to work on this.
WIC SUCKS. What a nightmare. I will NOT use it again, unless I need formula. It isn't worth it. I went May 1st to get formula. I got through the line when I found out I had no wic available. Keep in mind I called in the middle of April to find out if I needed to come in, etc. Oh no, everything was fine - not. So I went Thursday to the WIC office and got everything taken care of. After this I went back to Kroger, where everything went through - except the formula. They had put the wrong kind on my account. So I went straight back, got it fixed, then went back to Kroger and picked up the formula. So frustrating.
To change the tone (less complaining), the baby is doing great. While she is a little delayed and receives physical therapy, she has improved so much since we got her. She can now sit up on her own and holds her own bottle. She also has two front teeth coming in. It's amazing how much you can love a child who is not yours.
The middle boy is doing well also. He tends to mimic his older brother but is otherwise a pretty happy-go-lucky kid. He tries to talk but much of it is unintelligible. We are able to make out things like "more", "Da(d)" and "Momma". He's got an incredible grin that makes you forget why you're mad at him.
The oldest is also fun... he loves to sing but makes up his own variations of everything. He even rewrote the ABC song :) He is attending MDO at our church and does really well there and in his Sunday school and Wednesday night classes.
We dropped the kids off for respite tonight. I hated to leave them - but we desperately need a break. I am looking forward to picking them up again tomorrow evening but may eat those words later :)
I am graduating next Saturday! Still looking for a job as well but that has been difficult with the kids around. I am still holding on to the fact that God knows exactly where I'm going to end up.
We're hanging in here... I'll try to update again soon.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
5 Weeks and Counting
Well the past five weeks have been some of the most blessed and difficult of my life. I knew three kids was a lot but nothing can prepare you for how hard it really is.
We've been to the doctor several times, dealing with breathing treatments, ear infections and strep throat. I think we're finally getting everything under control.
The oldest throws several temper tantrums a day and does not listen. He is almost three so I'm not sure if that is being a foster kid or being a three year old!
The middle is the physically violent one. I have had hair pulled, been kicked, punched, slapped and pinched. It's definitely getting old - and almost exclusive to me. Both the boys have an appointment next week with a play therapist.
The baby is a sweetie. She doesn't sleep through the night, but her loving personality makes up for it.
Whew!
We're still getting used to being stared at out in public. After all, we are a bunch of white folk with three black kids :)
In the last two nights, the boys have asked that I come kiss them goodnight. This is significant because Greg is "Daddy" to them, but I am always "Brandi". The oldest called me Mommy twice but immediately corrected himself :) We are slowly creating a bond.
In the meanwhile I am working on finding a teaching job and will be graduating in less than 35 days. If you know me in real life, expect an evite to my graduation party!
Greg has put off his job search until the kids are returned to their parents.
Well I'm going to bed.... exhausted but happy!
We've been to the doctor several times, dealing with breathing treatments, ear infections and strep throat. I think we're finally getting everything under control.
The oldest throws several temper tantrums a day and does not listen. He is almost three so I'm not sure if that is being a foster kid or being a three year old!
The middle is the physically violent one. I have had hair pulled, been kicked, punched, slapped and pinched. It's definitely getting old - and almost exclusive to me. Both the boys have an appointment next week with a play therapist.
The baby is a sweetie. She doesn't sleep through the night, but her loving personality makes up for it.
Whew!
We're still getting used to being stared at out in public. After all, we are a bunch of white folk with three black kids :)
In the last two nights, the boys have asked that I come kiss them goodnight. This is significant because Greg is "Daddy" to them, but I am always "Brandi". The oldest called me Mommy twice but immediately corrected himself :) We are slowly creating a bond.
In the meanwhile I am working on finding a teaching job and will be graduating in less than 35 days. If you know me in real life, expect an evite to my graduation party!
Greg has put off his job search until the kids are returned to their parents.
Well I'm going to bed.... exhausted but happy!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tired but happy!
The kids came last Monday afternoon. It was a little awkward but looking back everything went well. It has been tough but awesome. I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life. The baby is a sweet thing, but I think she has a respiratory infection and I've already taken her to the doctor twice. The boys throw temper tantrums but nothing too outlandish (yet!).
Their parents are trying to get them back, or at least Mom is. She sends clothes and diapers every week.
It feels like they have been here much longer than they have.
I've been on Spring Break this week and basically got nothing accomplished for school. I did take my last certification test today and hope I passed. I was so tired I feel asleep three times while taking it :)
I'm pretty sure we won't be taking a placement of three again. Unless they are much older, and potty trained!
I'll try to write more later when I have time. Keeping up with the kids and the paperwork has us pretty tied up right now.
Stressed but blessed!
Their parents are trying to get them back, or at least Mom is. She sends clothes and diapers every week.
It feels like they have been here much longer than they have.
I've been on Spring Break this week and basically got nothing accomplished for school. I did take my last certification test today and hope I passed. I was so tired I feel asleep three times while taking it :)
I'm pretty sure we won't be taking a placement of three again. Unless they are much older, and potty trained!
I'll try to write more later when I have time. Keeping up with the kids and the paperwork has us pretty tied up right now.
Stressed but blessed!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Two's Company, Three's a Crowd :)
Yes, three.
They should be here Monday afternoon: 5 months (girl), 1-1/2 and 2-1/2(boys).
I am freaking out a little.... but I am peaceful as well. Greg is a mountain of confidence. I never dreamed we would get so many young children - if any at all. They have been described as "a handful". I went to meet them Thursday evening and they are all adorable.
Unfortunately we will be their third home since coming into foster care in January.
I went to Wal-mart last night, but had no idea what to buy. I had asked my grandmother if I could have her crib if I ever needed it, but never seriously thought I would end up with an infant. Now I am just praying that three car seats will fit in my backseat!
Please pray for us... my biggest concern is not the children themselves, but taking care of three while trying to finish up my degree (May 17th ya'll!). Student teaching has been a challenge (a good one) and picking up three kids and taking them home does present an issue :) Fortunately I have a wonderful husband, sister, mother-in-law and countless friends to help.
Speaking of help, I already have about five car seats en route, a baby bath, pack-n-play and stroller. Woohoo! The kids also come with clothes, diapers, formula, etc. Their parents bring clothes, diapers and wipes for them when they see them each week.
I agreed to do respite this weekend for what I thought was an 18 mo. baby boy. It turns out that Arthur is actually 12 mo., but he has been so much fun. Such a happy baby!
I have to try to "CPS-ify" my house so I'll post more later.
They should be here Monday afternoon: 5 months (girl), 1-1/2 and 2-1/2(boys).
I am freaking out a little.... but I am peaceful as well. Greg is a mountain of confidence. I never dreamed we would get so many young children - if any at all. They have been described as "a handful". I went to meet them Thursday evening and they are all adorable.
Unfortunately we will be their third home since coming into foster care in January.
I went to Wal-mart last night, but had no idea what to buy. I had asked my grandmother if I could have her crib if I ever needed it, but never seriously thought I would end up with an infant. Now I am just praying that three car seats will fit in my backseat!
Please pray for us... my biggest concern is not the children themselves, but taking care of three while trying to finish up my degree (May 17th ya'll!). Student teaching has been a challenge (a good one) and picking up three kids and taking them home does present an issue :) Fortunately I have a wonderful husband, sister, mother-in-law and countless friends to help.
Speaking of help, I already have about five car seats en route, a baby bath, pack-n-play and stroller. Woohoo! The kids also come with clothes, diapers, formula, etc. Their parents bring clothes, diapers and wipes for them when they see them each week.
I agreed to do respite this weekend for what I thought was an 18 mo. baby boy. It turns out that Arthur is actually 12 mo., but he has been so much fun. Such a happy baby!
I have to try to "CPS-ify" my house so I'll post more later.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
About being on "The List"
I called our agency today to find out where we stood on "The List".
I still don't completely understand, but the girl I talked to said we were still up for the next call, but that placements are down (which is both a blessing and potentially scary). She also said that they get more calls for sibling groups of three and more, which we are not accepting.
Either way, my phone stays on vibrate in my pocket at all times! Fortunately I am staying busy student teaching so I am not "dwelling".
On a brighter note, it looks like my graduation date is May 16th. Party at my house! Woohoo!
I still don't completely understand, but the girl I talked to said we were still up for the next call, but that placements are down (which is both a blessing and potentially scary). She also said that they get more calls for sibling groups of three and more, which we are not accepting.
Either way, my phone stays on vibrate in my pocket at all times! Fortunately I am staying busy student teaching so I am not "dwelling".
On a brighter note, it looks like my graduation date is May 16th. Party at my house! Woohoo!
Friday, February 6, 2009
I found this on my friend Rachel's blog. Read her story here.
The poem was written by Chris Malone, an adoptive dad who is about to travel.
I Wonder
I wonder...when it was 10 days before I met God and He adopted me, was HE this excited?
I wonder if His stomach did flips and He got tears in His eyes when He thought about holding me for the first time.
I wonder if His heart ached when He thought about my life without Him as my Daddy.
I wonder if it grieved Him to know that I was living as an orphan andhad no hope of a future without Him.
I wonder if He was as okay with paying my ransom as I am with paying our boys'.
I wonder if, for Him, there was no cost too high, no sacrifice too great.
I wonder...
The poem was written by Chris Malone, an adoptive dad who is about to travel.
I Wonder
I wonder...when it was 10 days before I met God and He adopted me, was HE this excited?
I wonder if His stomach did flips and He got tears in His eyes when He thought about holding me for the first time.
I wonder if His heart ached when He thought about my life without Him as my Daddy.
I wonder if it grieved Him to know that I was living as an orphan andhad no hope of a future without Him.
I wonder if He was as okay with paying my ransom as I am with paying our boys'.
I wonder if, for Him, there was no cost too high, no sacrifice too great.
I wonder...
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