Called the director of foster care in New Baby boy's county.  She was wonderful in explaining that we have been topic of conversation around there but they feel that placing the baby with us (out of state) while they are working a very 'aggressive' reunification would not benefit anyone.  It is a 6.5 hour drive from here to there...  I was able to tell her a little bit about us and explain who we were an our connection to this baby.  She said their court is set up different but she WILL tell the judge that there is family interested in this boy.  If, for some reason, bio dad discontinues working his case plan...they can make a decision to move him to us.  I will continue to pray for this baby boy because I really feel that God is saying 'not now'...not 'no'.  I know that they can still call us a few months from now but the laws are a bit different in that state.  Foster parents can appeal a foster child being moved after only 6 months (our state is 12).  Waiting to see what God does in this baby boy's life...

Found New Baby boy's caseworker on Fac3b00k and so desperately want to contact her.  But I will exercise some self control and WILL NOT.  I really wish she had all of our info before she makes a final decision.  I will call again on Monday (tomorrow) and hope she calls  me back.  Aside from a letter of intent to foster and knowing we are currently certified she does not have any other info about us.  Not sure what is going on behind the scenes but I know that God has been in the details.  If prayer is the only reason that God made us aware of this baby boy, then I can honestly say that we have done our job.  His will in His time...

We only have a 3 day week...not sure if I'm going to hear anything about New Baby boy.  Since he is about a 6 hour drive from us, we have not yet even met him.  We are praying for his release to us and trusting God that this whole journey will be expedited!  I just want him in my arms.  This time last year I was waiting (not so patiently) for Sprout to be born or to hear any word on him.  I am obviously not new to this waiting thing but you'd think I'd at least be good at it by now...not so much :( 

Still no more info on New Baby boy.  We have info from a 3rd party but that can't be shared...yet.  It's truly frustrating having to wait but there's nothing I can do.  I have been praying for favor with the caseworker and that her heart will be softened to the thought of us and placing the baby out of state.  It sounds like this may be an adoption situation much faster than even Sprout's.  Only God knows what will happen.  While we wait we are preparing our home to welcome him.   Purging and making room for cribs and dressers.  Please pray with us for 'RELEASE'.  Thanks so much.  I can't wait to share him with you  :)

Spoke to the New baby boy's county worker today.  She informed me that she received the paperwork that I sent LAST week CERTIFIED MAIL so that I could track it to make sure it got to her today.  Whatever.  I know it was there as of LAST WEDNESDAY!!!  She also informed me that there is someone else that's interested in New baby boy (as if he's a puppy).  I asked her if there was anything more that she needed from me and she said she'll call when she does...  Kind of left me standing in the dust but aside from prayer...there's nothing  I can do.  EVERY time I pray for him I get the word RELEASE.  I have been praying that someone at the county has a soft heart toward this baby boy and sees that we are  the best fit for him.   Praying that he is RELEASED to us as soon as possible.  I really wanted him home for Thanksgiving.   I also feel that we need to release him to God (which we have) and be patient.  I wanted to ask who the other person was that wanted him but I held my tongue.  I have been in prayer all day CLAIMING my boy!

I spoke to New baby boy's caseworker last Thursday and requested the proper paperwork to show we wanted custody.  She told me that she'd send it out Monday morning.  Imagine my surprise to find the paperwork in my HAND Monday afternoon.  She did mail it out on Friday and I immediately sent out our letter for custody and mailed it back certified mail yesterday afternoon.  It should be to her by tomorrow :)

My MIL and I were talking last night about how God has been in the details throughout this whole situation.  I wanted to make a timeline so when this New baby boy is here he can see how God orchestrated him coming to live with us.  More soon...

Trying to purge and make room for new baby.  Paperwork should be here this week.  My agency supervisor said since we're certified...it should be a breeze to get through the 'red tape'.  Even though he's in another state we're hoping to expedite this whole process.  I really want him home as soon as possible.  I'm trying to keep balanced and stay focused on what God wants.  My flesh is just really excited at the prospect that this dream I've had for quite some time now has the chance to come to fruition and I just am breathless at the thought that I could be holding my TWO boys soon.  Mind blowing... 

Sprout has a visit with bio dad tomorrow.  Now that I've met him I think I'm ok with him visiting for a little while (not that I'd have a choice).  We are in the process of changing up some things in the house to make room for the new baby.  The boys will share a room and I am getting giddy just thinking about decorating a room for BOYS!!  Praying for whoever is taking care of this new sweet baby boy (who needs a blog name...hmmm, Sprout and.... New baby boy!!)  Whoever is taking care of New Baby boy has been getting a ton of my prayers.  If this works out I PRAY that they haven't been waiting for a LONG time (like we waited for Sprout) only to be told that he is leaving to go with family.  I'm hoping they are praying for a family for him as much as we are praying for his future with us.  Knowing FULL WELL that God has been in the details I am STILL praying HIS WILL be done in this situation.  PLEASE keep New Baby boy in your prayers!!!


:) A few weeks ago there was a HUGE consignment sale and I sold some stuff to make a bit more space in the playroom.  When the sale was over there was quite alot left so the director told me to grab what I wanted because she only had limited space to get it all hauled away.  I grabbed an infant seat that was like NEW,  a pair of ice skates, some sneakers for Sprout and a Baby Ei*n$tein infant activity mat. I actually grabbed it 'just in case'.  With foster care you never know when that call could come in.  And since I;d sold my other 2 infant car seats with my double stroller (as a twin set) I grabbed the extra, again, 'just in case'.

 Fast forward to today...I was out with one of my kiddos earlier and I was asked if I got the baby activity mat because I knew we were getting New Baby boy.  I explained to her how God knew what would happen and He knows what the future holds for New Baby boy.  Trusting Him to reveal His plan for our family and close the door if it's NOT His will! 

Court went well.  It really doesn't change anything except that Sprout will meet bio dad this week while he is here on his 'field trip' from prison (5 hours away).  He asked to speak with us before court and explained that he wasn't ready to surrender his rights.  We totally understand and told him there was no rush.  He truly thinks that he can give his son a life after he is released.  I am only a foster parent and not really allowed to have an opinion.  He was a nice guy and thanked us for loving and taking care of his son.  His mother told him how happy Sprout is and he is thankful for that.  Judge really drilled into bio mom and told her she has 90 days before we talk about changing the goal from reunification to concurrent planning.  Not sure what will happen.  I know that Sprout is in God's hands and I trust that He will do the best for Sprout.  More soon...

Can't begin to tell you about how amazing God is.  If you've been reading this blog for any length of time...you KNOW He is FAITHFUL!!! Having Sprout in our home is proof of that!  Knowing full well how involved God can be involved in details we are in the middle of POSSIBLE bringing ANOTHER baby BOY into our home.  More details on the OTHER  blog  :) 

***Please ONLY ask for an invite if you have your OWN current blog.  Due to the blog being a bit more open with details I am VERY careful about who I invite.  Please give me your name, state and blog address.  I'd also love to hear about why you're fostering and for how long.***