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.*** 

I looked over at Sprout's sneakers and once again realized how FAITHFUL God is!!!  I am still in awe of how flawlessly God has weaved my boy into our family!!
We are only about a week from our court date and I am really anxious to hear what the judge has to say.  Not bad anxious, but like I really wanna paint the nursery BLUE anxious!!! :) 
More soon! 

Updated the PRIVATE BLOG as well.  Enjoy! :)

P.S.- Guess who has 2 new teeth popping through!?!?! 
No, not me silly!!!  :)

It's been almost a month since my last post and lots have happened. 

Sprout is now 9 months old (late) and pulling to stand and standing for a few seconds. 
He is still in size 3 diaper and on all fruits and veggies. 
He is also having some table foods too. 
He LOVES to 'sing' and wave 'hi'. 
He is not happy when he is alone (but who is?). 
He can use the walker (push toy) and roam around the house. 

We are closer to our next court date and I am a bit nervous thinking bio dad will be asking for visitation.  Itty Bitty went home and aside from dropping off something she left here, I haven't heard from her family. Last week I was called for a 7 yr old girl and her 2 yr old TWIN sisters. I said no :(  Today,  I was called today for a sibling group of 3 (5, 4 and 1) and said no :(  I am hoping for another placement of a baby boy (or a baby Sprouts age) since it doesn't seem like bio mom is pregnant.  Our county has decided that working with the agency is not cost effective enough and they are splitting.  This has caused a TON of stress for everyone who was initially certified through the county (like we were).  If Sprout had been here longer than a year I'd have the right to hire my own lawyer...but I don't.   So we have to make a decision on whether we'll foster through the county again (I don't WANT to) or stay with the agency.  There are pros and cons to each.  The county can be spiteful and take Sprout if I stay with the agency.  If I stay with the agency I will most likely not get the age group I am looking to foster.  The county offers NO support.  No forums or willing ears.  But staying with the county I have a better chance  of keeping Sprout.  Decisions...  I will stay with whoever can guarantee I will not lose Sprout to another foster family...  More soon.

Nothing new to report with Sprout's case.  His bio mom has been more consistent with visits but I am not worried about what will happen in court because the agency worker has told he that she doesn't retain what she is told.  He can tell there is no true bond with her and he said that Sprout is very quiet at her home.  That is NOT 'MY' boy.  He is so amazing.  He 'sings' and stands for a few seconds at a time.  He LOVES to cuddle with me and LOVES his {foster} 'daddy'.  Our family has embraced him as our own and we can't wait until it's official.  I am aware that we are not even supposed to be talking about adoption at this point but I am confident that's the way we are heading.  We are SO blessed to be able to celebrate all his 'firsts' with him and there is not a moment with him that I take for granted.  I look at him and pray that THIS is the boy we've waiting for   :*) 

My sweet Sprout is 8 months old!!! He's growing So fast but I am enjoying EVERY minute!!! Now he can...

*pull himself up
*still army crawl
*drink from a sippy cup
*sit up
*wear size 3 diapers
*{sometimes} sleep through the night
*remember singing "Head, shoulders, Knees & Toes"
*Eat 3 meals a day (b-fast- fruit & cereal, lunch- veggie & fruit, dinner- veggie/dinner & fruit)
*Say 'da, da, da"
*blow raspberries :)

He LOVES to be on the floor playing with whatever and whoever will play with him.  He still loves being cuddled at night and I don't mind ONE bit!!! :)