New Year...2017

January...It seems like everyone chooses a new beginning because its the start of a new year. I don't think it makes a difference WHAT month it is...every day is the chance for a new beginning.  With that said...

Catching up with life. We haven't had a call since Baby Doodles first call for preventive respite back in January of 2016.  If you remember, she came and left for a few months before she actually was placed in care.  After my surgery in June of 2016 she was placed with a pre-adoptive family (The Smith's) and she is thriving. I see her quite often and I am completely smitten when we are together. She has come so far. She is walking and babbling and always puts her hand out and says "hi" when I see her.  She makes my heart so happy.  I also am able to love on another foster mama's foster baby once a week.  He is a preemie who was born 2 months early but is 5 months old now and doing well.  He is starting to make great eye contact and coo and he just me.  These babies fill my heart while we wait for out next placement.  We are considering changing our certification from our current county to a county an hour away.  It's a much bigger city and they have a need for baby geared homes. With our experience with medically fragile babies the adoption worker from that county said she thinks we'd be an asset to them but the only thing that may hinder our switch is the drive.  I put in a call to the home finders in that city and will wait for a call back.  I know that Christmas (2016) week they had 2 newborns that they had a very hard time placing :/ (My friend who is with the agency we used to be with is now fostering one of those babies)

Anyway, Sprout turned 6 a few days before Christmas and is THE MOST amazing boy EVER!! He's thriving in kindergarten and making friends. Watching him learn to read and write is just amazing and he is so much fun to be with.  My older kids are LOVING every stage with him.  They adored him as a toddler and now they take him out with their friends and he is just such a social kid.  Just when I feel like it can't get much better than this...it does :) There's not a day that goes by that we are not SO THANKFUL for the opportunity to parent him.  And just so you know...he's asking for a brother!  

I have been extremely blessed. God's hand was so clear in having Doodle moved to another home. I've already said that Mama Smith and I have been in contact but we've seen each other at least once a week since Doddle was placed with them.  Doodle just started crawling and is doing SO well! I'm blessed to have formed an amazing friendship with her.  There are very few people who can tolerate talking about foster care. It seems that those fostering are the ones that will not only listen...but can relate.  So, Sprout has been able to see Doodle and I've been able to snuggle her <3 em="">
Blessed!
The Smith's are also fostering a 3 year old little boy. Please keep them in your prayers. Having 2 cases going at one is extremely stressful. 

Doodle update

I've been so blessed that the Smith family have been in close contact and I've been able to love on and snuggle Doodle a few times since she's left us. She is THRIVING. Mama Smith has been wonderful to send pictures and updates and she's been keeping me in the loop with Doodle's case. It does look like her bio mom is pregnant but there is no confirmation yet. The little boy that the Smith's are fostering is 3 and his bio mom has 2 yr old twins, a one yr old and just had a new baby 2 months early. (She doesn't have custody of any of her kids). I encouraged Mama Smith to buy a BIG stroller :)

We are missing Doodle fiercely but I KNOW that she is where she should be. They are so in love with her. Mama Smith told me that when Doodle hears Papa Smith's voice when he comes in from work she strains to get into his arms.  I am so happy to hear this.

Sprout is doing excellent and enjoying his summer. Swimming daily and being the outdoor boy he is! I am still in shock that he will be going to kindergarten this fall. At almost 6 years old I am not ready to send him but I know it's just one of the many steps in letting go.  He is the youngest of our 5 children and knows he is adorable. He's the sweetest little love and I am so blessed to be his mama.  We're praying for a new little bundle and patiently waiting.  Only God knows who is coming next.  We're ready!

New Year...2016 (baseline)

Wow.  2016.  I remember very clearly in 2005 filling out the paperwork and attending the MAPP trainings.  My SON just turned 5 last month.  I still cherish every moment with him.  He is turning into an amazing little person. I sit back and watch him sometimes and I am still in awe that he is OURS! Our year has started out very quiet.  We usually accept placements in December so this New Year has been very quiet for us.  I have been keeping busy with painting certain rooms of the house, some furniture pieces and finishing crafts that have been accumulating a layer of dust waiting for my free time.  Sprout is in afternoon pre-school so we spend our mornings together.  He has become quite the night owl because of his older siblings.  We had company (family) most of the holiday season and now we're at baseline...back to just us and our (crazy) normal.  I just got a training notice in the mail.  Now that we're back with the county I am anticipating going to the meeting to see who's fostering. Hoping I'll see some old and new faces  :)

Sprout...

It's this time of year that brings to memory how FAITHFUL God really is! It was November of 2010 when I called the agency home finder because the house was clean, too quiet and I felt it needed a baby.  She was shocked that I called her in that exact moment because she was putting my name and address into her GPS to stop by.  She sat at my kitchen table to tell me of a baby BOY that was due to be born in December and he needed a pre-adoptive foster home.  He has been ours since December of 2012 and I am so THANKful that God gave him to us.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the opportunity to be his mommy.  Sprout turns 5 year old next month.  Time flies.  He is thriving and such a happy, healthy, fun little boy.  He loves to be outside and he is such an athlete. He is in his 2nd year of pre-school and loves to go everyday! He has a few good friends and to watch them sit and play and use their imaginations...it's just beyond anything I could have possibly dreamed. The other day he was outside raking leaves and jumping in the piles.  He was just loving life and being a kid.  In that moment I remembered all it took to get here and I am just so thankful! 

Our paper work is with the county and we are ready for another call. I am hoping for a newborn or young infant as I really want to enjoy the snuggles.  We have a few things on the calendar so I wouldn't hesitate to say no if I don't feel we can make it work.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I am just enjoying this autumn weather and looking forward to seeing who God brings to our home. 

Winds of change...

It's been a few weeks since Doc left and the peace has been restored to our home.  It's the little things I took for granted that I most appreciate now...washing dishes and taking a shower IN PEACE.  No fights to break up. No tantrums.  Sprout is much happier. Change is good right?!?! We have decided to go back to the county we originally fostered for.  I sent a courtesy email to the agency supervisor because she has been with us the longest. Within 30 minutes I got a phone call from her asking "what the heck??". I explained that our move had nothing to do with her personally and that I felt that my character and integrity were questioned and my feelings were hurt.  I don't think I could have gotten any more transparent with her.  I know she was a bit taken back but I hope my honesty helped her understand where I was coming from. 

So, right now we will wait for our paperwork to be requested from the county and to get everything in order over there and we start a new, but familiar journey. I recently sold most of my foster care clothes stock.  I am starting new. I was absolutely clear with the county worker on the fact that we are willing to take 2 children ages 2 or 3 and under.  I would prefer a NB and a 1 yr old or NB twins but we'll see what we get called for.  Even though we are certified for 3...I can't see that happening.  Sprout is in his last year of preschool (update soon) and I am loving every minute with him. He'll be 5 years old this Christmas and I am so thankful that God chose to fulfill the deepest desires of my heart. We are truly blessed.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't look at him and KNOW I'm holding my dream come true.  More soon...

Got a call...

***'Leah' is now 'Doc'.

On August 13th I got a call for respite. Not sure if I've blogged about it before but this isn't the first time I was asked to take this child.  She has medical issues similar to Baby Love and her worker (same worker Baby Love and Smiley had) thought that we'd be a perfect match.  The home finder asked if I'd take her for respite for the coming weekend because the agency is working with a skeleton staff and many foster parents were either away, unwilling or unable.  I hesitantly said yes. Leah was discharged from the hospital to our home for her 10 days of respite.  We could only take her for the weekend then I'd pack her up and send her to another home for the last 7 days.  I'd been warned of how tiny she is and how fast I'd fall in love.  She walked up to the front door and was the tiniest 5 year old I've ever seen. She is wearing a 3T and is only 29 pounds. (Sprout is my 4 year old son and he is wearing a size 5 and just about 40 pounds). 

Leah was only born with half of her heart.  She used to have a feeding tube but it has been removed. She has scoliosis and it's pretty severe.  Her asthma flares up every once in a while but for the most part she's healthy.  Leah is a very talkative, VERY bright little girl.  She isn't shy and she is very aware of what foster care is and aside from learning the names of the people in my house she was a very nice house guest.  She is on the track to reunification and is allowed to speak to her bio mom twice a day. The agency worker thinks that Leah will home in 6 months.  If not, TPR will HAVE to be filed because her and her brother have been in care almost 2 years.  Leah and her brother were initially placed together but because they didn't interact well and his impulsivity, they had no choice but to separate them.  (Not sure how bio mom will handle them both when they are reunified).  Her brother, Jaden, is a year older than her almost to the day.  Earlier this summer, I was asked to take both of them for respite but didn't feel comfortable breaking our rule of 'no older children than Sprout' in the home.  This time around, knowing they separated Leah from Jaden made it a bit easier saying yes.

The weekend went well. She and Sprout played and because we had nothing planned, we just sat by the pool and relaxed. We colored, went to church, watched movies and ate dinner out one night. I didn't want to do too much with her not only because she'd just spent 5 days in the hospital and she needed to stay quiet but I also didn't want her to think that respite is a party.  Too much fun here would have made it really hard for her foster mom when she returned home. I spoke to bio mom just to fill her in on how things were going and bio mom asked me if we'd take Leah as a permanent placement.  I explained that things really don't work that way and that she's placed with 'Betty' and I was only her respite home. Bio mom thanked me for taking such good care of Leah and the next morning I packed up her things and dropped her off with the worker.  Later that day, the worker texted me to ask if we'd take Leah as a placement.  Bio mom really liked the things she was hearing from Leah, she liked that I took the time to do her hair and loved the fact that I actually got on the phone with her to discuss her daughter.  She wanted her moved here. 

SOOO, after much consideration, family meetings and prayer...we've decided to take Leah.  I had questions about school, transport for visits and the biggest question was what if bio mom stopped working her plan.  I have no intention on adopting this little girl.  The agency worker ASSURES me that this bio mom will not stop fighting for her kids.  Her track record is good and they should be home very soon.  There are reasons that the agency feels that our home would be better for Leah than Betty's...I won't go into that but for the most part, I agree.  So, she's in respite until Monday and after her visit she'll be brought back to Betty's for the night to get her things.  She should be here this week. 

***'Leah' is now Doc.

No news on Little Mighty :/

It's been 3 weeks today that I buckled him in his car seat and kissed him goodbye.  I haven't heard anything.  My heart breaks thinking he might be waiting to come 'home' to me.  I wonder if he has taken his first steps or finally uttered his first word.  I wonder if they're leaving him in his 'crib' all day...like they used to. I wonder if they're feeding him. 

We have returned to baseline as a family.  We even got away for a few days and enjoyed each others company outside the monotony of every day life.  Many times throughout these past few weeks I've thought I left him strapped in his car seat in the car or in the shopping cart at the store.  These are things that no one tells you can happen when you 'lose' a child.  I keep thinking I hear him crying in his crib then I remember...he's not here.  I think that this part of foster care has it's down side.  Trying to integrate back into everyday life without the baby you've been caring for every day for the past 9 months.  There are many tricks your mind can play on you.

Sprout keeps asking about Little Mighty.  I gently remind him that Little Mighty is home with his mommy and daddy and together we pray for the next him and the next little one who will come into our lives.  This journey is hard but I know it's worth it.  These kids are worth it. 

(Back posts) from December 18...

All hell broke loose on December 18th.  The day AFTER my last post.  I'm writing it down for my records so it'll be a day by day, play by play. 

Thursday, December 18-  New baby is due to be born via scheduled C-section.  As I'm walking into Sprout's preschool for his holiday party my cell rings.  It's the agency supervisor calling to see if we'd be willing to take Little Mighty's 9 year old sister. We don't typically foster children older than our youngest so I knew hubby's answer would be no.  It was. 
I called the supervisor back to let her know and she said that they'd have to move Little Mighty to be with his sisters.  This new foster family would be bringing home new baby sister (blog name Winter) and older sister (blog name Bailey).   I asked when Little Mighty would be moved and I was told nobody knew.  Winter is born today. 

Friday, December 19- Called county worker to see if she had more info on whether or not Little Mighty would be with us for Christmas.  She said she could move the other girls and let him stay with us for Christmas but I told her that they should be together for the holiday.  As I was driving around stressing out about Little Mighty's progress and where he'd be for Christmas and how this wasn't fair and how much foster care sucks...God whispered to my heart "Be still".

Stressed all weekend wondering if Winter tested positive and wondered if we'd be called to take her or if new foster home would bring her home.  Phone never rang.

Monday, December 22- Called agency worker to see if there was any new info and she said there wasn't.  Called county worker and was told that the investigation was just beginning and anything could happen.  Found out that Winter did NOT test positive for drugs and she went home with bios from the hospital. No news to move Little Mighty' YET.

Tuesday, December 23rd- Sprout turns 4!! Happy Birthday big boy!
No news about Little Mighty moving.  I explained to the agency worker (Genie) that since we thought we'd have Winter for Christmas we cancelled our plans to be with family.  Now that we're not getting her we'd like either respite or to take Little Mighty with us.  One minute she said that they'll never let me take him and the next minute she was giving me permission to bring him with us.  They (bios) said yes!

Wednesday, December 24th- No news about Little Mighty moving but he had a visit with bios to celebrate Christmas Eve. 

Thursday, Christmas Day...Merry Christmas!!

Friday, December 26th- No visit because we spent the day out of town with Little Mighty and our family. 

Monday, December 29th- Visit as usual.  Bailey is home from school for vacation.

Wednesday, December 31st-  Visit

Friday, January 2nd- Regular transporter isn't available so Spanky fills in.  Did Little Mighty eat?  No.  Please have bios feed him.  When Spanky brought Little Mighty home he said they gave him 2 cookies for breakfast.  Really?! A baby who is in care for Failure to Thrive and malnutrition and you let them feed him cookies as a meal?! 

Monday, January 5th- Bios cancelled visit because they had to bring Bailey to a counseling appointment and Winter for a well baby visit.  This is wrong not only because Bailey missed school but also because the visits have been the same since October and they scheduled an appointment during one of the three hours they can see their son. 

Wednesday, Jan 7th- O/T after visit at bios house. 

Thursday, Jan 8th- bios cancelled O/T because it was too cold to bring Little Mighty outside.  (Little do they know he is running my errands with me and dropping off and picking up Sprout from preschool too).  O/T was rescheduled at my home.

Friday, January 9th- I bring Little Mighty for a regularly scheduled visit at normal time.  I called the agency worker (Genie) to come to the parking lot to get him and she informs me that the visit is later in the afternoon.  She insists she told me that it was changed.  Not only did she not tell me, but I wouldn't have agreed to afternoon visits because of my older children's after school activities.  She kept telling me she told me and I was extremely frustrated.  I called the county worker and asked when it was changed and informed her that I was never made aware of the change.  She apologized and told me that from now on I'd be kept in the loop because, you know, I have the baby and that kind of info is kinda important. 

So, as of now, Little Mighty is staying.  The girls are NOT coming into care and if they do they will NOT be placed here which means Little Mighty will move with them.  The one thing I've learned is to document everything.  Phone calls, visits and anything that will make this foster care roller coaster ride a little easier for the next passenger.   










 

Up to date...

Quick catch up. Little Mighty is progressing well.  He started OT today.  He'll have OT 2x a week and we will possibly add speech and PT later on.  Right now, they think that neglect is the cause of his delays and he'll catch up quick.  His baby sister is going to be born tomorrow.  If she tests positive, C*P*S will take her into care and she'll come live with her big brother here at our house. Bios have been complaining endlessly about how Little Mighty is dressed for winter, his infant car seat and in general, about ME!  I wish the workers would just tell then that MY parenting skills aren't under a microscope right now!!! Grrrr!!!

 I've been preparing for Sprout's 4th birthday. I still cannot believe he'll be 4!!! It went so fast! He loves pre-school and is such a smart boy! Christmas shopping has been put on the back burner and I really have to get on that.  We 'adopted' a sibling group of 3 in foster care for Christmas.  I have been very busy making sure that their lists are done and wrapped and they'll be delivered later this week.  More soon.

Breadcrumbs and surrender...

You know how in the story Hansel and Gretel they leave breadcrumbs so they know how to get home again?  Well, there have been may breadcrumbs to help me believe I'm on the right path towards fulfilling God's purpose for me on this earth.  The desire to adopt began when I was about 12.  The thought of adding a child to my family through adoption was intriguing.  The idea of a child without a mother and father to adore and lavish them with love broke my heart.  So, the seed of adoption was planted.  I never though about biological vs. adopted children. I never planned on how many boys or girls I wanted.  I just figured I'd let God take care of it and I'd just be willing. When my husband and I had out first child there was still the idea of adoption but looking back...God's plan is perfect and His timing is even better.  Fast forward 6 years into our marriage and 4 kids later...we decided to foster with hope of adoption.  We have brought many babies into this house through foster care.  We have given them stability, patience and love.  We have kissed their necks, wiped their tears and handed them back over to family members or biological parents with hopes that in the time they were with us we've made a difference in their lives. 5 years into our journey through the foster system, we were placed with a newborn boy who was considered 'pre-adoptive'.  In this system, that means no more than giving a little extra hope that this boy would be staying forever.   This was my dream...to adopt.  728 days after this boy was placed with us...he became our son.  The 728 day wait was nothing more than a roller coaster of emotions filled with tears, joys, patience and HOPE.  My eyes seem to have a permanent set of rose colored glasses affixed to them so my only prayer was "God, I want to be in YOUR will.  I want to KNOW this boy is supposed to be ours forever."  God could not have made it any more clear. 

We have enjoyed watching Sprout grow every day.  No matter how naughty he gets or how loud he whines, I STILL take nothing for granted.  This boy is my dream come true.  A dream fulfilled by God Himself!  Sprout is now 3 1/2 years old.  I have prayed for a brother for him since I found out his biological mother was expecting another baby.  She gave birth to a boy over 18 months ago and she is parenting him well enough that he has not come into care.  We prayed for God's will in that situation and he has made it clear that Sprout's bio 1/2 brother is not to be ours.  At least not right now.  In my praying I have begun to pray specifically.  I wanted either another child from birth or an 18-24 month old that Sprout can grow up with.  A pre-adoptive child so we'd at least know how the case was headed.  On Thursday, when the home finder called for a pre-adoptive baby who has been abandoned at the hospital I about freaked. 

There are MANY reasons why this phone call should not have been to MY home.  ***Considering Smiley is still here when he was supposed to leave 5 weeks ago. 
***The fact that we have already adopted and the fact that there are MANY people waiting for a pre-adoptive placement. 
***Since we have 5 children and there are people out there who are waiting and have NONE.

I could go on and on.  It still baffles me that she called MY house.  But I KNOW that it's God's way of giving me BREADCRUMBS to show me that I'm on the right path.  I have not heard whether this new baby is a boy or a girl.  I just know there was a baby in the hospital who needed a mommy and I wanted to be that mommy.  When I called the home finder for more info about this baby and to see if I could go up to the hospital and snuggle him/her I found out some discouraging news.  Baby is not at the hospital a few minutes away as we originally thought.  This baby is in a neighboring state over 3 hours away because bio mom was high when she gave birth and was told that if she went to 'this state' they wouldn't care that she was high.  She had the baby and checked herself out leaving no plan for the baby.  I don't even know if this baby has a name. 

To rewind a minute, there have been a few things that I have wanted to have for our 'next child'.  (That's faith in action right there!)  I have been looking for a specific car seat for a while now and actually had it in my hand earlier this year.  BRAND NEW and 1/3 of the normal price.  Last night someone listed the exact same car seat on an online sale site and I was actually the first to respond.  Um, THAT NEVER HAPPENS to me!! While picking up the car seat today in conversation with the seller I explained how excited I was that I finally found this car seat and that I was the first responder.  She proceeded to explain to me that she has listed this car seat MANY times before and NO ONE has ever even commented on it.  BREADCRUMB!?!?!  I told her I was expecting to bring home a new baby through foster care this week and she said that it was just waiting for me.  I agree. 

I haven't shopped AT ALL (and it's killing me) for this baby because 1) I don't know if it's a boy or girl and 2) Not sure if it's happening.  This could all be preparing our hearts for the next call.  But I have SURRENDERED MY WILL to God and I'm trusting him that HIS plans are good.  My only prayer is that while we do wait to hear about this baby that there is SOMEONE in that hospital loving on him/her and snuggling this sweet baby until his/her 'mama' can. 

Content...

Little Train left a week ago tomorrow.  Smiley is still here and settling in well.  I LOVED having 3 boys to take care of and especially a playmate for my Sprout.  I know Little Train will thrive in his current foster home.  Smiley had his first visit with his mom outside of the walls of the county jail.  She seemed a bit frazzled but I can tell she loves her baby boy.  Not sure what will happen now that paternal grandma decided not to petition the court for custody of him.  Grandma wants bio mom to be with Smiley, she was only petitioning for custody to keep him out of foster care.  I think he'll be here for at least another few weeks.  Bio mom has a few things to get in order before the next court date. 

Merry Christmas!

It's like Christmas in May!  I love having a house FULL of boys!  Sprout, Little Train and Smiley are keeping me busy...but in a good way. I told the case worker that every morning when I wake up I have that 'Christmas morning' anticipation! The boys are getting  along well.  Little Train is supposed to go back to his foster home on Monday and I am definitely going to miss him.  His little personality is really coming out and he is such a happy boy.  He is just starting to walk and loves to explore.  He is trying really hard to keep up with Sprout. Smiley has been here a week today.  We are still figuring each other out.  He is a good eater and sleeps through the night.  Both Smiley and Little Train go to bed around 8pm.  Sprout gets some extra loving for another hour and then he's in bed around 9.  To be honest, I've been in bed at 10pm each night to make sure I get enough sleep to deal with these little men. 

Update on Smiley-  Looks like Smiley will be going to a paternal grandma.  He is 7 months old.  We are just waiting for a home study to be done on her and a background check to be done on her 'friend' who lives with her.  But I have no problem loving on his chubby little self until that time. 

My heart is so happy with all these BOYS in the house!  Looks like I might NEED some more 'keepers'.  :)

Day 2 with Smiley

So, I'll call him Smiley.  He's adjusting great.  There are times that he cries and I feel like he's grieving but then in 2 seconds flat he's smiling again.  I really like the fact that he came to us so close to the weekend and we've had time to bond before a busy week of appointments and possible visits.  Sprout is doing really well with him and Little Train is coming tomorrow to spend the week with us.  Full house..full heart. 

Got a call...

Phone rang today for a 7 mo old baby boy.  I said yes and picked him up 25 minutes later at DSS.  Such a chunky little bald boy!! I was told this is temporary (just a few weeks) but we all know how THAT goes.  Enjoying every minute with this new tiny human in our family.  Little Train is still coming for respite next week and it should be fun with Sprout (3), Little Train (15 mo) and this new baby boy (7 mo).  Let the adventures BEGIN!

P.S.- New baby boy needs a blog name.  Hmmm.  Any suggestions?!?! 

Countdown... 9/3/13

Waiting to see if Baby Love's surgery will be sooner than later.  Her infection is cleared up and she is looking great!  Visits have been consistent with g-ma and she is doing well with physical therapy.  My older kids go back to school this week and I'm sure that Sprout will be lost without his buddies.  It's been a quiet last week before the chaos of sports, dance, cheer and riding start up again.  The kids are getting anxious to see their friends again and I am just about ready to get back into the day to day routine.  The preschool that my older kids attended contacted me about sending Sprout.  They are excited to get to know him.  Not sure if I'm ready to send him.  He is only 2.  He is such a smart boy and I know he'd do great but I don't think I can send him off 2 days a week.  Clearly, I have issues.  I just think there's plenty of time for that. 

Catch up...

*Found out that Baby Love's bio mom had a miscarriage the day Baby Love came into care. 

*Surgery is only a few weeks away and I'm a bit nervous!

*G-ma was 30 minutes late for this weeks visit.  I wonder if it's a sign of anything to come!? 

*Baby Love gained 6 OUNCES at her last well check.  That's a total of 10 ounces in 5 weeks :)

*Sprout is SOOO cute around her.  He is constantly saying her name and cooing at her. 

Back to the roller coaster...

There's never a dull moment in foster care.  This week has had many ups and downs.  Caring for Baby Love is the easiest part of all this!!  Found out via E*I evaluation that Baby Love's bio mom is expecting another baby.  Our agency worker was unaware.  I had the evaluation sent to her as well.  At a dr's appointment earlier this week, the agency worker asked bio g-ma about the pregnancy and it seems that bio mom had a mis*carriage.  This has been the craziest ride so far.  Baby Love is scheduled for heart surgery later this month.  Since she be admitted for about a week, I have been scrambling trying to make sure 'life' is in order with my other kids and making plans for sitters for Sprout.  In the middle of all this we are putting an extension onto our existing house so the construction crews have been here at 7am every day this week!  Nothing like waking up to the sound of someone sneezing (REALLY LOUD) outside your second story bathroom window.  Baby Love is doing well.  She has only gained 4 ounces because her heart is working so hard and burning so many calories.  The pediat*ric cardiolo*gist assured me that after the heart surgery (VSD repair) she will be a typical child with Down*Syndrome.  Sprout is too cute with her.  While he had a hard time with a child closer to his own age, he loves this baby girl. He is so gentle and sweet with her.  Her bio g-ma has come to every dr's appointment and brought her clothes and gifts.  I can't understand WHY she just didn't take care of her when she had the chance because having foster*care involved in your life is difficult.  I am starting to think that maybe she only WANTS to see her grandbaby 2 hours a week instead of caring for her  24/7.

Moments

Sprout is definitely adjusting to having another little person here.  Baby B is very easy going and always has a smile on his face.  He is quite handsome!  So many times throughout the day I stop and realize what I have.  I watch them play (or fight) and I smile knowing that God (for now) has blessed me with the desires of my heart.  Baby B is bonding well with our family.  He doesn't sleep as well as Sprout but I am learning that I don't need as much sleep as I thought I did.  Looking forward to the moment when Sprout realizes that having a 'baby brother' can be fun.  Off to enjoy my sweet baby boys.  (Baby B is not with us through foster care)  Yesterday, I found out that bio dad wants to file for custody. 
Not sure if that will happen.

My boy...

This boy has our hearts.  We absolutely could NOT love him more...  God is amazing.  So many babies have been in our home and God chose SPROUT to be ours!! We are so blessed.  A while back, I posted about the dreams I had to walk down the street with my sons chubby hand in mine.  Now, I have the privilege of doing that everyday!  Daily, I am blown away by God's faithfulness!  I always hear '"God won't give you more than you can handle.."  I disagree.  It is in the chaos and the feelings of being overwhelmed that God's glory can be shown.  HIS strength is perfect.  In our weakness HE is strong.  God will give us things that are out of our comfort zone and he will stretch us.  At times it will hurt and feel like we can't take another step.  I've been there.  It's a hard, dark, lonely place.  But the second you realize He is RIGHT THERE with you...HE takes your burden and gives you HIS peace.  This f0ster c@re journey has taught me much about faith.  He has proven to be faithful.