Visits and Doddle update

Bio mom missed last Friday's visit. She didn't call to confirm a ride and she didn't show up. The worker moved from CP*S to foster care and hasn't dealt with this level of incompetence. I giggle at her reactions sometimes :) Anyway. The worker called bio mom and showed up at her residence. She asked for the W*I*C checks or Doodle's formula. Bio mom claimed it was at a friends house and the worker brought her to get it. In addition to the checks and formula, she also picked up some (ill-fitting) clothes, diapers and pacifiers. (Doodle is in 6-9 or 12 mo clothing. Everything was newborn or 0-3)

Monday's visit was great except for the fact that bio mom's boyfriend is not allowed into the visit with Doodle because he is not the bio dad.  Bio mom wasn't very happy with that. Doodle was fussy and cried most of the time. I gave bio mom a travel can of formula so she can bring it back and forth to visits and feed Doodle.  She gave it back to me at the end of the visit saying she doesn't think she'll remember it every visit. 
I'm trying here. There's only so much I can do here. 

Doodle is doing great. Back on a routine and so smiley. Sleeping better than she was but still not great...yet. I can dream :)

Doodle is back...

But I don't know how long she'll be here. She is considered 'in care' but I guess we'll know the truth tomorrow after court. 

Still here...one week

It's been a week since Doodle returned to us for another preventive respite.  This respite can last for 21 days at a time and bio mom is allowed up to 7 weeks a year.  Doodle's case is pretty bad.  Doddle first came to us back in January.  She came with 4 different types of formula.  The worker and I are assuming her bio mom goes from shelter to shelter and community program hopping to get formula for her.  Even though she does have W*I*C it doesn't seem like she's utilizing her checks.  Doodle's belly is messed up and she has a pretty bad case of reflux.  It's just really sad that there are so many concerns at the dr's office and the county but no one can do anything until bio mom really messes up. I've been sending her pictures and communicating via text.  I even sent her a cute video of Doodle cooing last night.  Bio mom has not requested to see her daughter.  I think it's very strange that she was so crazy about getting her back when she was placed in care but here we are 3 weeks later and she doesn't even want to see her! 
At bio mom's request I brought Doodle to her 4mo well check today.  The nurse is very familiar with the case and she was happy to see Doodle so clean.  I got an earful about Doodle's family (screw HIPP**AA) and it's just a sad situation. Doodle is baby #2 from bio mom and dad.  Her brother is 2 and living with paternal grandparents.  The nurse knows them personally and says that he is a handful. Sounds like they are older and cannot or are not willing to take Doodle too.  Doodle was prescribed a reflux med but it hasn't been filled yet.  I called bio mom multiple times while at the office hoping she could give the nurses verbal consent for immunizations...she didn't call me back until over an hour after I'd already left the office.  My heart breaks for Doodle.  She is doing well on a schedule.  She smiles and coos.  She is a drama queen but what girl isn't?  Is it wrong for me to hope bio mom disappears for a while so Doddle has a chance at life with interaction and some type of normalcy? The preventive worker is not very optimistic as she believes this case will be a revolving door.  We have a new county judge and she is completely the opposite of our old judge (the one who handled all of our other county cases and Sprout's adoption).  Please keep this little Doodle in your prayers.

Doodle is back!

My cell phone rang at 5:30pm on Friday afternoon. It was the county. The worker wanted to know if we wanted Doodle back.  Um...YES! I explained that we were over an hour from home on our way to my nieces gymnastics meet and we wouldn't be home until around midnight.  I asked if my friend (who is also a foster parent) could take her until we got home.  No problem.  I picked her up around midnight from my friends house and she said that the worker dropped her off at her church with nothing but a onesie and socks on with a FULL diaper. All the clothes and the snowsuit I sent her home with just 2 weeks ago...gone.
It's been a pretty hairy 3 days.  Doodle does not like to be held and snuggled. She really only needs someone to hold the bottle while she eats then likes to be put down. I am concerned that bio mom didn't hold her much. I wore her in the Moby yesterday and I'm hoping to get her more used to the idea that being held is a good thing.   She had a good night last night and I'm thankful for that. She's eating about 4 ounces every 3 hours. The preventive worker bought 3 outfits, bottles and formula before she brought her to my friend. She's on a different type of formula than she was 2 weeks ago. I also think she has reflux.  I have yet to talk to the preventive worker to find out exactly why she came into care OR if she's staying but the worker hinted that she's considered a placement. Since today is considered a holiday we'll just have to wait until tomorrow. More soon...