Waiting....

I know I say this every time we go a while between placements but...  

I can't decide if we're supposed to be done.   The last 2 calls didn't work out and my dream call, for NB twin boys out of the hospital, didn't work out.  My house is bursting at the seems with baby gear.  Our family is in such a great place right now.  Sprout is such a blast and my older kids are all in school.  I don't have to ask permission to go on trips or get anyone's hair cut.  No court drama.  No case workers stopping by unannounced...   I could go on and on.  

But.  

There's still a desire to be a resource for kids in crisis.  There's still the desire to snuggle a baby who'd otherwise not get the love and attention he/she deserves. There's still this crazy desire to keep going.  So, for now, I'll stay on the roller coaster.  Even though it's not moving right now.  It's pretty obvious our 'stop' hasn't come yet.  

Normal...

It's so nice to have a NORMAL life.  Since Baby Love left us in December we have been busy with NORMAL things. Holidays, school, friends...  

Life without foster care.  

Normal life!!!

Sprout is 3 and doing amazing.  Every day is a special day. He is such a ball of energy.  We LOVE watching his little personality come through.  He is so much fun!!!  I am looking forward for warmer weather and more outdoor fun.  We've had a few tease days here and there and I can't wait for Sprout to experience life outside as a 3 year old!!  So, I assume no news is good news.  I have spoken at length with the home finder and it seems like no kids in our age range are being brought into care.  That's a good thing!  We're here if they need us and they know that.  

Again...

They did it again.  I got a call for an 18 month old boy for respite.  Should only have been for the week.  I scrambled to get everything ready.  She called an hour later to say it was a no go.  They're keeping him closer to the foster home.  I am reaching for the illusive unicorn...a keeper.  My boy needs a brother. 😉

Tease...

Got a call around midnight (a few days ago) for a 2 year old girl.  It was Baby Love's agency worker.  She left a message on my home phone and my oldest ran in to tell me that 'they're calling for a baby!'.  I called her back and she told me what she knew, which wasn't much.  She asked if I'd be willing to take the baby because even though she had a list of foster parents, she knew I didn't have to go to work the next morning.  I said yes.  She called back an hour later to tell me that the baby was placed with a family member. I was a bit relieved, truth be told.  We are adding an extension onto our existing house and everything is in complete chaos.  The crib is in Sprouts room.  It worked out.  BUT...the house is clean(ER) now and I want the phone to ring!!!

Baseline...

We're almost back to baseline in our home.  Baby Love is doing well with her mommy and we are returning to normal.  Sprout just celebrated his 3rd birthday and he is so much fun everyday.  Trying to pack up most of the baby items until we get the next call.  We are also in the process of adding square footage to our home.  Definitely keeping busy over here! Winter has hit the Notheast!  There is snow on the ground and a snowman in our front yard courtesy of Sprout and his daddy.  I do not like Winter but I enjoy the time to be a homebody and re-grouping. I'm planning on starting a new blog in January.  I will keep this blog for foster care.  God has shown me some things I'd like to share with others. Not sure when the next call will be.  I'm enjoying the quiet until then.  :) 

Gone...

Baby Love is gone. She left a few days ago for an overnight visit with bio mom but as of today she is considered home on trial.  I know that bio mom loves this sweet baby girl and will have to step up and learn how to be an advocate for her special needs baby girl. We will miss her everyday but I'm thankful for a good relationship with bio mom. Praying God keeps her safe...as only He can.  

Almost home...

There seems to have been some confusion on when Baby Love is actually returning home. Back in October at court, it was stated that since Bio mom had nothing directly to do with the medical neglect, there was no reason Baby Love shouldn't go home to her.  They set a date for later this month for a home on trial. We have been starting the reunification process already with extended, unsupervised and now over nights visits.  Baby Love tolerates them well and seems adjusted.  Bio mom is looking forward to her baby being returned.  I am at peace with the judges decision.  My only concern regarding mom was addressed last month when she was drug tested by the county worker.  Everything came up clean.  I believe that foster care has worked in this case and I feel privileged to be a little part of something so big.  The agency worker has repeatedly asked if I was going to be all right after Baby Love leaves.  I will.  She is such a sweet girl.  We will most definitely miss her but I know she will be well taken care of and treasured.  That's what foster care is all about.