Christmas was GREAT! The boys got power wheels. Here are a few pictures of the big day:
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas
Wow! What a week it's been. I have to back up and start with the Friday before Christmas. I took Taylor to the doctor Friday morning for his shots, but I asked the doc to see if there wasn't something they could give Taylor because he had really been coughing for like 3 days. I am not kidding, once she listened to him breath, she had another doctor and 2 nurses in the room. They took him to xray to see if he had pneumonia, which he did not, then tested him for RSV, which he did have. It's a respiratoty virus. His oxygen level was at 80%. It should be 95 or above. They sent him immediately to the hospital, where he was taken straight up to a room and put on oxygen. He got breathing treatments every 4 hours, and had several fevers over the 4 days he was there. Scared us to death. But our prayers were answered in 2 ways: 1. He got better! 2. He got to come home Christmas Eve. I was so upset that our first christmas with the boys was going to be messed up, but it all worked out. Ken and his parents stayed with Taylor at the hospital Christmas Eve day until he came home in the early evening. Meanwhile, James, Nathanael and I baked cookies for santa, and had your basic hyper-active day of toddler play. They needed lots of mommy lovin' since they had stayed with their grandparents the 3 days before while Ken and I stayed with Taylor. Here's a picture of our little man.Christmas was GREAT! The boys got power wheels. Here are a few pictures of the big day:
Christmas was GREAT! The boys got power wheels. Here are a few pictures of the big day:
Friday, December 21, 2007
TPR and Granny's downfall
We got some good news on Wednesday. The boys' social worker called and said that they had court that day. Social Services asked the judge to relieve them of their duty of trying to reunify the boys with their biological parents due to non-compliance of the parents, and the judge said yes! So on January 9th, they go to court to change the boys' "plan" from reunification, to adoption. This starts the TPR (termination of parental rights) process. The TPR process takes many months though. She said we are probably looking at the end of May. The parents have to be served with papers to notify them of the TPR, and since the parents don't have an address, it will be hard to serve them with papers. If that is the case, social services is required to post it in the legal section of the newspaper and they have a time period (I think 90 days) to respond. Once TPR happens, the Social Worker said the adoption can happen within a month, so that is good. She said the only thing that could possibly reverse the TPR is if the parents do a total turnaround, get into a grug rehab program, get a job and a place to live. Doubtful that would happen by May.
So Granny, with whom we have had a great relationship, has ticked us off. We were making arrangements for a Christmas visit. The social worker said Granny would like it if we dropped the boys off at Aunt Beth's house for 4 hours. We were fine with that, as Granny has been realy easy to work with and get along with. So I called Granny to confirm. She told me that during those 4 hours, she was going to take the boys' to their aunt Robin's to see her and exchange gifts with the other great-grandma. Oh...H--L NO! She had already told the Social Worker that the parents had been hanging around Robin's house. I told Granny I was not comfortable with that at all. She said "I promise I won't anyone take them." I told her that I did not want the boys to even see the parents - one, because it will totally mess them up, and two, the court order says NO visitation, especially not unsupervised! I called the Social Worker is a tizzy. She was so mad at granny for lying to her. She said there was no way, and that if she tries to pull anything like that, she will take away granny's unsupervised visitation. She said she was going to call granny and tell her she can NOT do that. When we get to aunt Beth's house, I am going in and looking in all the rooms, bathrooms, and closets to make sure the parents are not hiding anywhere, and then Ken and I will park our car across the end of the driveway so they cannot leave. Granny will soon learn that we are not parents that she should tick off if she still wants a relationship with the boys. The social worker has already warned her about losing her visits, and I won't be unhappy if she does. I wanted to boys to be able to keep a relationship with her, but not if it's constant drama.
So Granny, with whom we have had a great relationship, has ticked us off. We were making arrangements for a Christmas visit. The social worker said Granny would like it if we dropped the boys off at Aunt Beth's house for 4 hours. We were fine with that, as Granny has been realy easy to work with and get along with. So I called Granny to confirm. She told me that during those 4 hours, she was going to take the boys' to their aunt Robin's to see her and exchange gifts with the other great-grandma. Oh...H--L NO! She had already told the Social Worker that the parents had been hanging around Robin's house. I told Granny I was not comfortable with that at all. She said "I promise I won't anyone take them." I told her that I did not want the boys to even see the parents - one, because it will totally mess them up, and two, the court order says NO visitation, especially not unsupervised! I called the Social Worker is a tizzy. She was so mad at granny for lying to her. She said there was no way, and that if she tries to pull anything like that, she will take away granny's unsupervised visitation. She said she was going to call granny and tell her she can NOT do that. When we get to aunt Beth's house, I am going in and looking in all the rooms, bathrooms, and closets to make sure the parents are not hiding anywhere, and then Ken and I will park our car across the end of the driveway so they cannot leave. Granny will soon learn that we are not parents that she should tick off if she still wants a relationship with the boys. The social worker has already warned her about losing her visits, and I won't be unhappy if she does. I wanted to boys to be able to keep a relationship with her, but not if it's constant drama.
Friday, December 14, 2007
5 months
I can hardly believe Taylor turned 5 months today. It hardly seems possible! He's a whopping 14 1/2 pounds. He still wears mostly 0-3 month clothes, except for his sleepers...he's too long for them. His head and neck are definately strong, and he enjoys tummy time, but he hasn't rolled over. He was evaluated by the Children's Developmental Serivces, last week, and his test scores came out that he is at 4 months, so he's on track! He giggles all the time, I mean, he just starts laughing and doesn't stop. It's hilarious!
Last night we got a phone call from the boys' aunt (the one who hooked us up with them in the first place) and told us that the social worker had called the great-grandmother (so this is 3rd hand information) and told her that Social Services was going to request that the judge dismiss Social Services from having to continue to attempt reunification, and to start the process of terminating parental rights. If all that's true, and if the judge says yes, that's great for us. It would still be AT LEAST 6 months down the road (3 months for the TPR and 3 months before we could legally adopt), but it would be nice to have some sense of security about the boys.
TGIF
Last night we got a phone call from the boys' aunt (the one who hooked us up with them in the first place) and told us that the social worker had called the great-grandmother (so this is 3rd hand information) and told her that Social Services was going to request that the judge dismiss Social Services from having to continue to attempt reunification, and to start the process of terminating parental rights. If all that's true, and if the judge says yes, that's great for us. It would still be AT LEAST 6 months down the road (3 months for the TPR and 3 months before we could legally adopt), but it would be nice to have some sense of security about the boys.
TGIF
Monday, December 10, 2007
Farrell Cats
The boys social worker came to the house along with 2 other workers to evaluate Nathanael and Taylor for early intervention services. Neither of them are eligible because neither of them have any developmental delay - which of course is great.
But Nathanael's behavioral problems are really an issue. The three women told me that he really needed mental health play therapy, NOT developmental play therapy like James had. James thrived from it, and doesn't even qualify for it anymore. Problem is...they don't know of any psychologists who work with kids under 3. The social worker says his anger and rebellion is probably mainly related to the structure we are setting.
She described James and Nathanael as "farrell cats that we are now trying to domesticate". That is the best way to describe it I think. I really don't know how they survived. But I'm so glad they did. Just over the past few weeks, I've really seen James mature and 'settle' in with us a little better. And even though Nathanael is still our "troubled child", he is clearly better than when he came. Taylor - well, he's just a perfect, happy little boy. We really are lucky.
The most exciting things in their lives right now are: "Santa Clause is coming to town" and their "big boy" beds.
But Nathanael's behavioral problems are really an issue. The three women told me that he really needed mental health play therapy, NOT developmental play therapy like James had. James thrived from it, and doesn't even qualify for it anymore. Problem is...they don't know of any psychologists who work with kids under 3. The social worker says his anger and rebellion is probably mainly related to the structure we are setting.
She described James and Nathanael as "farrell cats that we are now trying to domesticate". That is the best way to describe it I think. I really don't know how they survived. But I'm so glad they did. Just over the past few weeks, I've really seen James mature and 'settle' in with us a little better. And even though Nathanael is still our "troubled child", he is clearly better than when he came. Taylor - well, he's just a perfect, happy little boy. We really are lucky.
The most exciting things in their lives right now are: "Santa Clause is coming to town" and their "big boy" beds.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Pictures
James and Nathanael making cookies
James' first haricut! (with us)
Ken cracks Taylor up
Nathanael - post cooking, trying to clean
Papap feeding the boys peanutsMonday, November 26, 2007
4 Pink Eyes
Augh! All three boys + myself have pink eye and strep!! There is so much medicine to try and keep straight and times and dosages and trying to keep sippy cups separated. Thank the good Lord my mother was in town. She helped Ken and I take the whole crew to the doctor. A waiting room with three little ones is seriously rough.
Ken and I need parenting HELP!! We are consistent, we back eachother up, we punish immediately - which consists of going to the corner, or being sent to their room, or having their bike taken away. But if we are not actively engaging them in an activity at every moment, they are instantly in trouble....climbing up on the kitchen stools, climbing up on the coffee table, hitting and biting. It is endless. How do we stop the insanity?!
Ken and I need parenting HELP!! We are consistent, we back eachother up, we punish immediately - which consists of going to the corner, or being sent to their room, or having their bike taken away. But if we are not actively engaging them in an activity at every moment, they are instantly in trouble....climbing up on the kitchen stools, climbing up on the coffee table, hitting and biting. It is endless. How do we stop the insanity?!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Ten Ways
http://www.familylife.com/hopefororphans/TenWays_inside.pdf
This is a link to a pdf file that lists 10 ways you can help a child in need of a home. God's calling is different for everyone, and He may reveal to you His calling for you through this website. I'm not saying everyone's calling is to be a foster or adoptive parent, but of course it is close to my heart, and if nothing else, you can always pray for the kids that need homes.
The boys, as wild as they are, are such a blessing to us. Nathanael, with his temper tantroms, is a blessing. He will scream and kick and wail and flail....but another adoptive mom told us how her son did this too. He has post traumatic stress disorder, and she was told to hold on to him during these rants, and rythmically repeat a phrase "it's okay", or "i love you", whatever, even as he fights it. We've done this with Nathanael a couple of times. Yesturday, I held him till my arms ached, rocking back and forth, saying 'it's okay it's okay' for about 15 minutes. His screams eventually turned to weeping, and he went from kicking and flailing to holding me arnound my neck and laying his head on my shoulder. He finally had let it all out and I rocked him in a chair for awhile, and then he got down and played by my feet for awhile. Then it was all over. Does it make me ANGRY at his biologocial parents? Of course! But do I feel BLESSED that God has given ME the opportunity to help change the course of Nathanael's life? Yes!
It's so hard because when Nate is like this, I basically cannot pay attn to Talyor and James, so if there is no other adult around, I have to just let Nate have a fit. Luckily, yesturday, we were over at Ken' s parents, and I was able to spend that time with Nathanael and I hope that he will learn that he can trust us and feel safe with us.
This is a link to a pdf file that lists 10 ways you can help a child in need of a home. God's calling is different for everyone, and He may reveal to you His calling for you through this website. I'm not saying everyone's calling is to be a foster or adoptive parent, but of course it is close to my heart, and if nothing else, you can always pray for the kids that need homes.
The boys, as wild as they are, are such a blessing to us. Nathanael, with his temper tantroms, is a blessing. He will scream and kick and wail and flail....but another adoptive mom told us how her son did this too. He has post traumatic stress disorder, and she was told to hold on to him during these rants, and rythmically repeat a phrase "it's okay", or "i love you", whatever, even as he fights it. We've done this with Nathanael a couple of times. Yesturday, I held him till my arms ached, rocking back and forth, saying 'it's okay it's okay' for about 15 minutes. His screams eventually turned to weeping, and he went from kicking and flailing to holding me arnound my neck and laying his head on my shoulder. He finally had let it all out and I rocked him in a chair for awhile, and then he got down and played by my feet for awhile. Then it was all over. Does it make me ANGRY at his biologocial parents? Of course! But do I feel BLESSED that God has given ME the opportunity to help change the course of Nathanael's life? Yes!
It's so hard because when Nate is like this, I basically cannot pay attn to Talyor and James, so if there is no other adult around, I have to just let Nate have a fit. Luckily, yesturday, we were over at Ken' s parents, and I was able to spend that time with Nathanael and I hope that he will learn that he can trust us and feel safe with us.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Testing
I tell you what, I think James is in the mode of testing us to see how far we'll let him go. Yesterday, he kicked me twice and spit in the car (which we have been over many times). I talked to another foster mom who told me their 'transition' with their foster daughter really took a good year. We're only 2 months into, so I don't feel too bad. Plus, I guess he's still adjusting to daycare and me being at work.
For the most part, I got to have a fun day with James. He had a doctor's appointment, so afterwards I let him run up and down the stairs at the building (he's in love with stairs..?), and then there were wheelchair accessible vans outside, so we stood and watched them ramps go up and down (very cool, apparently). Then we stooped at the hardware store where a foster dad works, so he let James play on a bunch of the equipment.
Later on the in the evening, MawMaw, PawPaw, Heather and Elizabeth came over to play, so Nathanael and Taylor had their fair share of fun.
For the most part, I got to have a fun day with James. He had a doctor's appointment, so afterwards I let him run up and down the stairs at the building (he's in love with stairs..?), and then there were wheelchair accessible vans outside, so we stood and watched them ramps go up and down (very cool, apparently). Then we stooped at the hardware store where a foster dad works, so he let James play on a bunch of the equipment.
Later on the in the evening, MawMaw, PawPaw, Heather and Elizabeth came over to play, so Nathanael and Taylor had their fair share of fun.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sweet Baby James
My poor baby...sportin' his bandaids! He had a rough weekend. First, Nathanael took a running leap onto the rocker, knocking it over onto James and it cracked him right on the check bone. He's got a nice shiner. A few hours later, he took a tumble off the trampoline and his head landed on the kickstand of his cousin's bike. Ouch! He's a real trooper though.Otherwise, we had a really nice weekend. We spent Saturday morning at San-Lee park, it was beautiful outside. The boys ran and played and climbed the rocks and splashed in the frreezin' codl water.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Daycare question
Taylor chills out in his brother's Spiderman chair.
I love this picture!I'm not 100% sure how I'm feeling about daycare. The good thing is that it tuckers them out! Also, by the end of my work day, I just can't wait to see them and play with them and love on 'em. I think working is good for me. I know they are getting socialization and all that, but my only concern is that there is a little too much free time. Any thoughts? They are at a montesorri, so I know they have a different phylosophy, but for those of you with kids in day care - how 'scheduled' is their day?
Friday, October 26, 2007
PRE-CIOUS!
Look at that smile!!
James and Nathanael closely examine their new baby brother and try decide if they want to keep him!J and N have gotten used to the idea of the baby, and even ask what Taylor is doing (standard answers: sleeping or eating). When James sings 'patty cake', he now includes Talyor as part of the family, marking his cakes for "daddy, mommy, nate-nate, james, and taylor". A big step, I think.
I took Taylor for his daycare physcial yesturday, and he is 23 1/2 inches long and 12 pounds (at 13 weeks). He's catching up just fine!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Smile
Taylor's smile...really, is it just me, or does your baby's smile just melt your heart? He is so precious. I was reading today about babies his age and realized I should be having him 'play' with objects of multiple colors. I do hav a playmat he lays on and there are these animals that hang above him, but I just want to make sure I am stimulating his brain properly. With him being cocaine positive, I was told that orchestral music would be good to help order his brain functions. I must admit I've been delinguent in that. It's difficult. taylor is on the total opposite schedule of the other 2. James and Nathanael go to bed at 8, and Taylor is wide eyed and raring to go from 8 to about 11 at night, by which point I am so tired. The good thing is though, that when James and Nathanael are the most needy of attention (dinner, bedtime), Taylor is not a distraction from them. Hmmm.... Any suggestions?
Day 2 at daycare went well, and they are obviously keeping them on the go, because James and Nathanael both went to bed right at 8:00, no fussing or anything. They must have been really tired!
Day 2 at daycare went well, and they are obviously keeping them on the go, because James and Nathanael both went to bed right at 8:00, no fussing or anything. They must have been really tired!
Day Care
The boys started daycare yesturday. I go back to work next week, so I wanted to get them settled at the daycare and not try to do work/daycare all in the same week. Although there were tears at the initial "mommy's leaving", they did great. Okay, I admit, I lost it when I was holding Nathanael and had to hand him over. I was pititful. The staff is in love with Taylor of course, the sweetest baby with the biggest smile ever! James brought home art for the refrigerator, so that was very fun.
Today I took James and Nathanael for thier physicals for daycare, and I've found a nurse practitioner that I really like. She's great with them, so they had fun going to the doctor and getting stickers. My plan for today is to CLEAN MY HOUSE!!
Today I took James and Nathanael for thier physicals for daycare, and I've found a nurse practitioner that I really like. She's great with them, so they had fun going to the doctor and getting stickers. My plan for today is to CLEAN MY HOUSE!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thr first 5 weeks
Wow! What a wild ride! I think the boys have adapted better than expected, and better than Ken and I! We are exhausted! They are energetic, they crave knowledge (what's that?) and stability...even though they 'buck' the rules, they know what their schedule is, and remind us when we've gone astray!
James and Nathanael love to go for stroller walks, which has me wearing Taylor on my front and pushing them in a double stroller - quite the workout. One of our biggest trials has been bedtime, and naptime. the boys have alot of trouble unwinding. We've had to try out several sleeping arrangements. Nighttime has worked out better than nap. We have their beds pushed together, and although we put them down in separate beds, they usually end up sharing one by the time morning comes.
The boys had three scheduled visits with their bio parents. After the first one, James did not talk for over an hour, followed by screaming and kicking. He was fine by the next day. So, the next week, I tried to prepare him to let him know he was going to see his parents. They did not show up, and once again, James stopped talking for awhile. Third visit - again, the parents did not show up. Can you imagine? So the visits have been suspended until at least the court date in November. The boys have been in the 'system' for 9 months, and the state wants to determine a permanent plan within a year, so we'll see what they do. taylor is a separate case, so they may reinstate visits for him. It's a crazy system. So legally, where are we as far as possible adoption? Not really sure. The next court date may shed some light.
Taylor is such s a good baby. Really. And thank God, because nathanael is our wild child. Taylor smiles all the time, and rarely cries. Nathanael however, has alot of temper tantrums, and just plain tests us. But then he turns around with a sweet little grin and you just have to hug him!
When James came to us, he tested as having a 65% speech delay. We had him retested last week, and he tested AT age level! We are so proud of him! He has really come out of his shell and is friendly to people in stores, church, etc. This is the same boy who ran and hid when knew people came to the house. What 5 weeks can do!
We did do a visit with their great grandmother, who had kept J&N for 8 months before coming to us. she is a very sweet lady, and the boys were really happy to see her, but quite confused for a few days afterwards...asking where was granny, and whose house was she at. Poor little thing, James is the only one who I think really understands just enough to be confused.
Gosh, there are so many things that have happened, I guess I'll just leave it at that for now.
James and Nathanael love to go for stroller walks, which has me wearing Taylor on my front and pushing them in a double stroller - quite the workout. One of our biggest trials has been bedtime, and naptime. the boys have alot of trouble unwinding. We've had to try out several sleeping arrangements. Nighttime has worked out better than nap. We have their beds pushed together, and although we put them down in separate beds, they usually end up sharing one by the time morning comes.
The boys had three scheduled visits with their bio parents. After the first one, James did not talk for over an hour, followed by screaming and kicking. He was fine by the next day. So, the next week, I tried to prepare him to let him know he was going to see his parents. They did not show up, and once again, James stopped talking for awhile. Third visit - again, the parents did not show up. Can you imagine? So the visits have been suspended until at least the court date in November. The boys have been in the 'system' for 9 months, and the state wants to determine a permanent plan within a year, so we'll see what they do. taylor is a separate case, so they may reinstate visits for him. It's a crazy system. So legally, where are we as far as possible adoption? Not really sure. The next court date may shed some light.
Taylor is such s a good baby. Really. And thank God, because nathanael is our wild child. Taylor smiles all the time, and rarely cries. Nathanael however, has alot of temper tantrums, and just plain tests us. But then he turns around with a sweet little grin and you just have to hug him!
When James came to us, he tested as having a 65% speech delay. We had him retested last week, and he tested AT age level! We are so proud of him! He has really come out of his shell and is friendly to people in stores, church, etc. This is the same boy who ran and hid when knew people came to the house. What 5 weeks can do!
We did do a visit with their great grandmother, who had kept J&N for 8 months before coming to us. she is a very sweet lady, and the boys were really happy to see her, but quite confused for a few days afterwards...asking where was granny, and whose house was she at. Poor little thing, James is the only one who I think really understands just enough to be confused.
Gosh, there are so many things that have happened, I guess I'll just leave it at that for now.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Precious children
Our first sight of baby Taylor. Born 7-14-2007, in this picture, he is 7 1/2 weeks and 7 1/2 pounds. He comes home with us this Thursday!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pictures
A Moment
Finally! A moment to stop, smell the roses, and post to the blog!
James and Nathanael came to us on Monday, September 10th at 5:30 pm. They are wide open! They are full of fun and laughter! James is going through the 'terrible 2's" and Nathanael is just a grumpy little soul. His personality, and the facial expressions he makes just crack us up! They are so precious! James likes to be my 'helper' - push the cart at the grocery store (Amy - thanks for the "one finger touch' rule - it works!), wash dishes, mop, etc. He makes more of a mess, but I let him know how good of a helper he is! He's getting better on the potty too! I can't tell you how many times a day I say things like "good boy!", "good listening", "awesome!", blah, blah...We are slowly getting into a routine. These boys love to eat, that is for sure! They eat tomatoes and peas, cantaloupe, green beans, and most of all..."I want Chicken Nuggets!!!" James whales, with a tiny, barely audible "peeeease (please)". Ken's parents are loving them to pieces. Today they bought a swing set for the front yard. They have been a huge help! We've gone on a few outings - to Imagination Station, the playground, mommy's work, grocery store, and of course church. The first outing, it took me 2 hours to get everyone up, fed, and dressed!! I'll get better! I'll post pictures as soon as I get some downloaded. They are truly beautiful, a gift from God. They are teaching me patience by the second.
James and Nathanael came to us on Monday, September 10th at 5:30 pm. They are wide open! They are full of fun and laughter! James is going through the 'terrible 2's" and Nathanael is just a grumpy little soul. His personality, and the facial expressions he makes just crack us up! They are so precious! James likes to be my 'helper' - push the cart at the grocery store (Amy - thanks for the "one finger touch' rule - it works!), wash dishes, mop, etc. He makes more of a mess, but I let him know how good of a helper he is! He's getting better on the potty too! I can't tell you how many times a day I say things like "good boy!", "good listening", "awesome!", blah, blah...We are slowly getting into a routine. These boys love to eat, that is for sure! They eat tomatoes and peas, cantaloupe, green beans, and most of all..."I want Chicken Nuggets!!!" James whales, with a tiny, barely audible "peeeease (please)". Ken's parents are loving them to pieces. Today they bought a swing set for the front yard. They have been a huge help! We've gone on a few outings - to Imagination Station, the playground, mommy's work, grocery store, and of course church. The first outing, it took me 2 hours to get everyone up, fed, and dressed!! I'll get better! I'll post pictures as soon as I get some downloaded. They are truly beautiful, a gift from God. They are teaching me patience by the second.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
My baby James
How cute are you, blondie?! (Nathanael)
Mmmm...spaghetti-O's!!
Posin' like a rock star!
Conked out!Just a quick glimpse of the weekend. I’ll post more details tomorrow. James and Nathanael got to spend Sunday day and night with us, and we took them back Monday morning. It was wonderful. Yes, they are rambunctious little boys, but the most precious things you’ve ever seen. Nathanael is a daddy’s boy! I think it was love at first site! They adapted so quickly. The only rough point was bedtime, but when they finally fell asleep, sucking their thumbs and holding their blankies all curled up in my arms in the rocker…it was all worth it. Ken was amazing with them. We were exhausted after we dropped them off – and it was only 24 hours!! I can’t wait for more!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Age correction!
Thanks, Kelly! The boys are not 6 months apart! Hehe! Nathanael is 21 months, not 27!! And we're gonna weigh them this weekend. James is a hoss (future NFL player, I am sure), so he can't possibly be below the 5th percentile for his age/height!!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Who Invented Our Judicial System??
Wouldn't you know it...our visitation got put off again. May I remind you the boys have no water at where they are staying? The sw called at 4:15 saying that they had been in court all day (didn't even know they were going to be in court today) and the boys were cranky. So, totally understandable. I told her we could do it anytime tomorrow. I asked her what happened in court, and basically the bio parents would not admit to abandoning James and Nathanael. They tried to do a 'plea bargin' type of thing, but they didn't take it bc they knew it meant jail time. I'm not exactly sure what they admitted to about Taylor and the cocaine, but the hospital will be able to prove that. Since they would not admit to anything, the judge said they'd all have to come back in the morning and they would have a trial. Now this is not the criminal trial, but just the child protective services part of it. The sw is not available tomorrow or Saturday, so now she's saying she'll tell the g-ma to bring them to us Sunday for an unsupervised visit. This is so crazy. Okay..so we know the bio mom was on crack at the time she gave birth - shouldn't there be drug charges? The bio parents told the sw they wanted to meet us. Negative Ghost Rider. I know I can't change anything, or make anything go a certain way, but I still have a stomach ache, can't concentrate, can't think about anything but the boys. I felt so convicted last night that instead of hoping the parents would just disappear, I should be praying for them to be saved, but I just can't bring myself to it. I do believe in second chances for people...but this is ridiculous!!
G-ma reported that James, age 21/2 (33 months), is 36 inches tall and 32 pounds.
Nathanael is 27 months old, 34 inches tall and 23 pounds.
Can someone please help me here...I've found several growth charts on-line that are showing me different percentages. Where are they? We bought car seats today (thanks dad!) based on g-ma's weight reports.
G-ma reported that James, age 21/2 (33 months), is 36 inches tall and 32 pounds.
Nathanael is 27 months old, 34 inches tall and 23 pounds.
Can someone please help me here...I've found several growth charts on-line that are showing me different percentages. Where are they? We bought car seats today (thanks dad!) based on g-ma's weight reports.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Dried Up
The boys' great grandmother (who has been keeping them) called me today to tell me not go get the boys any clothes because she was going to send them. The SW had asked us if we wanted their clothes, and we told her to do whatever would make the grandmother feel the least crappy. The sw said that if she did send the clothes, we would probably want to just box them up, and then if we're going to see the grandmother, put them in one of the outfits so that the g-ma doesn't think that we think we're better than her. Make sense...?
Anyway, while I was on the phone with her, I asked if she wouldn't mind bringing a piece of clothing form each boy to the visitation tomorrow night. We want our dogs to smell them and get used to their scent so that maybe they won't totally go spasctic. She said that was fine, and then added that she had plenty of dirty clothes they'd worn because they don't have any water to wash right now. What!?@?
She said their well dried up. I asked her what she was doing for drinking water and she said the neighbor was letting them come over.
When we hung up, of course I called the sw, who slightly freaked and asked if she could bring the boys to us tonight bc the state can't have kids in custody staying without water or electricity. I told her that was fine, of course (uh...do I have time to stop at Wally World for some diapers and wipes?). Anyway, the sw called me back about an hour later and said her supervisor said it was fine to leave them there because the neighbor is giving them water and they have a plan of getting them out in the near future.
So Ken and I went to the grocery store tonight and bought 4 jugs of water to give her tomorrow night when we see her at visitation. We have to give it to her without the sw around though, bc I don't want g-ma to know I told.
Our first order of business when they come this weekend...a bath. I can just picture a ring of dirt around their socks. I want my babies.
I have to take a quick second to thank God for the life I have, and ask forgiveness for taking things for granted. He is my provider.
Anyway, while I was on the phone with her, I asked if she wouldn't mind bringing a piece of clothing form each boy to the visitation tomorrow night. We want our dogs to smell them and get used to their scent so that maybe they won't totally go spasctic. She said that was fine, and then added that she had plenty of dirty clothes they'd worn because they don't have any water to wash right now. What!?@?
She said their well dried up. I asked her what she was doing for drinking water and she said the neighbor was letting them come over.
When we hung up, of course I called the sw, who slightly freaked and asked if she could bring the boys to us tonight bc the state can't have kids in custody staying without water or electricity. I told her that was fine, of course (uh...do I have time to stop at Wally World for some diapers and wipes?). Anyway, the sw called me back about an hour later and said her supervisor said it was fine to leave them there because the neighbor is giving them water and they have a plan of getting them out in the near future.
So Ken and I went to the grocery store tonight and bought 4 jugs of water to give her tomorrow night when we see her at visitation. We have to give it to her without the sw around though, bc I don't want g-ma to know I told.
Our first order of business when they come this weekend...a bath. I can just picture a ring of dirt around their socks. I want my babies.
I have to take a quick second to thank God for the life I have, and ask forgiveness for taking things for granted. He is my provider.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Getting Ready
Here are the bunk beds. James will sleep on the bottom (we'll put up rails). For now, the top will be vacant. Ken's brother Joe gave these to us, his girls didn't need them anymore.
Toy storage. Elisabeth Galperin was so great to come down this weekend and help me organize!! Too bad I dont have 'before' photos. I had piles of toys and clothes of all sizes and had no clue how to get it all together. She did in one day what would have taken me 3 months! The room looks great now. It's a big room - 15 ft x 15 ft, so plenty of room.
This picture just makes me laugh! Typical "Man Preparing for Baby" shot! Ken was so great in assembling the crib, and toy storage! We're going to try to have Nathanael sleep here. Ken swears he'll climb out. We'll see! We have a Winnie the Pooh bassinet for Taylor.
Painting the bedroom. The top is a light sage green, and the bottom a darker shade of the same. Ken's dad was great to come over and put up chair rail molding. It looks awesome.
We bought this credenza a few years ago for about $20. It was a dark stained wood, and pretty beat up. I sanded it down and painted in a shiny white. We'll use it for a changing table.This weekend, Ken's parents hit the yard sales before 7 am! They did a fantastic job. They showed up with things for the boys that looked like they'd hardly been touched! A great highchair, enough toys to last a year, including a lot of VTech toys, which are educational, and I am a huge fan of, and TONS of adorable clothes. Honestly, it was probably over $1,000 worth of stuff if it had been bought new. They are the yard sale king and queen. They had fun shopping and we had fun looking through all the toys and clothes!
Tonight (Sunday), the VO girls had a little shower for us. the VO girls are a group of girls that get together for dinner once a month. They are a great source of information, advice, and laughs! They are strong women who support us when we make stupid decisions, and let us cry when we realize we were stupid! I am so thankful for all the support people have given us.
I'm so excited for the visitaiton on Thursday, but I'm nervous too. The SW and the great grandmother will be there - I feel like they'll just be watching us interact with the boys, and I think it'll be kinda akward. But i can't wait to see them!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Shopping
I am exhausted! We did minivan and daycare shopping today. After calling every daycare in Sanford, we found one that can take all 3 boys. We found several that had a spot either in the infant, 1 or 2 year old room, but only one that had vacancies in all 3. Luckily, we like it. It is the montessouri (sp?) daycare. We liked the owner, there are some other foster children there, and there seems to be plenty of staff. It was very orderly. It's close to Ken's work, so we'l have to alternate days to tranport them I guess!
Now, minivan shopping - that was hard!! It's just so hot here in right now that the sun just takes it out of you. We've narrowed it down to the Honda Odysey or the Toyota Sienna. We'll do some test drives after work tomorrow. We also want to check out one more used car lot.
I forgot to post yesturday about this feeling I had at church on Wednesday. We had just watched "Facing the Giants" with our church group this weekend, and in that movie, the wife talks about missing someone you've never even met (she was trying to get pregnant). That's how I felt Wednesday...I miss Taylor, I really feel like he needs his mama, and I haven't even seen him yet. James and Nathanael we've met...but it's the same thing...it just feels like they are supposed to be here and time can't go fast enough to see them again.
Now, minivan shopping - that was hard!! It's just so hot here in right now that the sun just takes it out of you. We've narrowed it down to the Honda Odysey or the Toyota Sienna. We'll do some test drives after work tomorrow. We also want to check out one more used car lot.
I forgot to post yesturday about this feeling I had at church on Wednesday. We had just watched "Facing the Giants" with our church group this weekend, and in that movie, the wife talks about missing someone you've never even met (she was trying to get pregnant). That's how I felt Wednesday...I miss Taylor, I really feel like he needs his mama, and I haven't even seen him yet. James and Nathanael we've met...but it's the same thing...it just feels like they are supposed to be here and time can't go fast enough to see them again.
No More Flying by the Seat of Our Pants
Babies do change your plans! So the boys' SW decided on Sept 4 th to move the boys in with us (we'll get 2 visitations before that - one of them overnight). But then we realized our One Another church beach trip is the 7-9th. We can't very well take the boys the 4th, and leave them 3 days later! So we're going to ask if we can get them th 10th when we come back to reduce the boys' stress level. Beleive me, I want them ASAP, and could ditch the beach trip, but Ken is on the leadership team and helped plan the trip, so I want to be supportive of him. It will be nice to have a last weekend away with our friends though!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
One Week Delay
The past few days have been crazy! I've been on the phone with everyone I know spreading the good news. So many people have been so wonderful in helping me with advise and with baby items - clothes, car seats, an infant playmat, a crib mobile...all kinds of wonderful gifts. Ken and I are so blessed!
We have realized that our car will not fit 3 carseats, so this week we are car shopping, and daycare hunting so that we'll have a place lined up when I have to go back to work.
I talked with the boys'aunt today and she said that although the grandmother is sad, she is okay since she knows the boys are coming to us. The aunt told me that the boys' SW felt the Holy Spirit when she came into our house the first time, and she knew we were the ones.
Here's an update - the grandmother has polio and goes to a polio convention/reumion every year, and it is this week. So...getting the boys has been pushed back one week bc the SW told her she'd be able to take them. I'm not happy about that, but it's okay - I know they are coming home soon. It also turns out that it is Nathanael's LEG that IS broken. The first x-rays didn't show anything, but three days later he wasn't walking, so they went back to the doc and now he has on a cast up to his knee and he scoots around on his little butt.
Baby Taylor - I talked to his foster mom tonight. She's like a grandma, she was so sweet. She said we're just going to fall in love with him. She said he eats every 4 hours, but only 2 ounces, or else he'll throw up. He's now just over 7 pounds. She said he has a temper - when he's hungry - he's hungry!! He wakes up from 3 - 5 am every night. As far as his cocaine withdrawls...he cried in his sleep, and he twitches and shakes when he's awake. The foster mom took him to be evaluated to see if they could give him something to help, but he slept the whole time, so they really couldn't evaluate him. We'll take him back. She said he claws at his face and eyes, so we'll need to keep mittens on his hands. She said for the most part, he's happy...smiles, coos - but does have crying outburst, which are part of his cocacine cravings. I could her him cry over the phone, it was the sweatest sound you could ever hear.
I can't wait!!
We have realized that our car will not fit 3 carseats, so this week we are car shopping, and daycare hunting so that we'll have a place lined up when I have to go back to work.
I talked with the boys'aunt today and she said that although the grandmother is sad, she is okay since she knows the boys are coming to us. The aunt told me that the boys' SW felt the Holy Spirit when she came into our house the first time, and she knew we were the ones.
Here's an update - the grandmother has polio and goes to a polio convention/reumion every year, and it is this week. So...getting the boys has been pushed back one week bc the SW told her she'd be able to take them. I'm not happy about that, but it's okay - I know they are coming home soon. It also turns out that it is Nathanael's LEG that IS broken. The first x-rays didn't show anything, but three days later he wasn't walking, so they went back to the doc and now he has on a cast up to his knee and he scoots around on his little butt.
Baby Taylor - I talked to his foster mom tonight. She's like a grandma, she was so sweet. She said we're just going to fall in love with him. She said he eats every 4 hours, but only 2 ounces, or else he'll throw up. He's now just over 7 pounds. She said he has a temper - when he's hungry - he's hungry!! He wakes up from 3 - 5 am every night. As far as his cocaine withdrawls...he cried in his sleep, and he twitches and shakes when he's awake. The foster mom took him to be evaluated to see if they could give him something to help, but he slept the whole time, so they really couldn't evaluate him. We'll take him back. She said he claws at his face and eyes, so we'll need to keep mittens on his hands. She said for the most part, he's happy...smiles, coos - but does have crying outburst, which are part of his cocacine cravings. I could her him cry over the phone, it was the sweatest sound you could ever hear.
I can't wait!!
Friday, August 17, 2007
They ARE the Chosen Ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The phone rang at 2:28 pm. I was sitting at my desk and saw that it was our SW's number. I was so scared - why was she calling so quickly? I thought they'd made a quick decision against us. But instead, she said, "I wanted to call and tell you right away that we just got out of a team meeting and we've decided to let the boys be placed with you." I just started crying. I told her thank you so much. She said that after looking at the parents' history, it may look like a future adoption situation after all, but to of course remember that reunification is always a possibility.
Right as I hung up the phone, Angela, our finance manager walked in and I just started bawling. "We got the boys" I screamed and she screamed and she ran and got Sue, and she screamed, and then I went down to hall to tell Julie and we all squealed and cried. (Oh yeah...I did call and tell Ken before I went shouting down the halls!! He was like "no way.") So then other staff that had no clue was coming out...what's going on? I told them we'd been trying to adopt/be foster parents and we just found out we're getting three...they were all happy and were like "we gotta have a baby shower!"
So a little later, the boys' SW called and said she wanted to be the one to tell me! I thanked her so much for everything. So the plan is....we get to see James and Nathanael this Wednesday for a supervised visit, then they get to spend the night with us next Friday, and then their SW will bring them to us on August 27th or 28th. Two weeks later, she will bring us the baby. That gives us a little tiime to get situated with the 2 older ones.
Taylor is now about 4 1/2 weeks old and has gone from 5 pds 2 ounces, to 7 pounds, 6 ounces. So he's eating well, which is great.
Our lives are about to change!!!
Right as I hung up the phone, Angela, our finance manager walked in and I just started bawling. "We got the boys" I screamed and she screamed and she ran and got Sue, and she screamed, and then I went down to hall to tell Julie and we all squealed and cried. (Oh yeah...I did call and tell Ken before I went shouting down the halls!! He was like "no way.") So then other staff that had no clue was coming out...what's going on? I told them we'd been trying to adopt/be foster parents and we just found out we're getting three...they were all happy and were like "we gotta have a baby shower!"
So a little later, the boys' SW called and said she wanted to be the one to tell me! I thanked her so much for everything. So the plan is....we get to see James and Nathanael this Wednesday for a supervised visit, then they get to spend the night with us next Friday, and then their SW will bring them to us on August 27th or 28th. Two weeks later, she will bring us the baby. That gives us a little tiime to get situated with the 2 older ones.
Taylor is now about 4 1/2 weeks old and has gone from 5 pds 2 ounces, to 7 pounds, 6 ounces. So he's eating well, which is great.
Our lives are about to change!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
"You're Official, but..."
This morning I had a meeting in Fayetteville, which was over early, so on the way back to work I stopped at a thrift shop that I always see baby strollers out front. They had SO MUCH hardly used, nice baby stuff...cribs, high charis, boucy things, mobiles, etc.... The prices were not dirt cheap, but certainly better than buying brand new. I couldn't resist, they had the Winnie the Pooh bassinet that I wanted. It was like $135 at Wal-Mart, and this was $50 and looked barely used. I called Ken and asked him if I could get it, and he said sure...:)
Then this afternoon, we got the phone call today from our SW that our official foster parent license from the state came in!! Awesome! We have "the number". We are officially allowed to have Moore Co foster children placed with us! Ken and I were honestly starting to worry if there was a problem with our paperwork, so that is a relief.
BUT....after congratulating us, and calling me "sweetie" and telling me how glad she was that we were "her" foster home now, she told me that she got the request from Cumberland County. She said that her supervisor had a ton of questions....she said Cumberland County didn't tell them anything about the boys or the parents. Our SW said that Moore County would be liable if something happened to one of the boys while in our home, so they are really leary of doing that. Of course she said they'd do what was best for the boys...Cumberland Co DID tell her that they had no homes there that would take all three. My stomach dropped when she started telling me about all the reasons they would not approve it. she said "don't think about it, there's nothing you can do." Don't think about it?! Are you crazy?! She questioned our ability to take the boys and then have to give them back to their parents. I reminded her that we had been told from the very beginning that that is a possibility with ANY DSS child. Am I mentally prepared for that? No. How could you be? But it's a chance we take with any DSS kid, not just these three. Of course we would hope for adoption, but know that may not happen.
So Ken and I are happy about getting our license. I can't get it out of my mind that we're gonna get the boys...Ken has the opposite approach. He thinks they are going to deny it. He's got the better idea. If we don't get them, I'll be crushed, if we do get them. Ken will be pleasantly surprised.
So we sit by the phone and wait...
Then this afternoon, we got the phone call today from our SW that our official foster parent license from the state came in!! Awesome! We have "the number". We are officially allowed to have Moore Co foster children placed with us! Ken and I were honestly starting to worry if there was a problem with our paperwork, so that is a relief.
BUT....after congratulating us, and calling me "sweetie" and telling me how glad she was that we were "her" foster home now, she told me that she got the request from Cumberland County. She said that her supervisor had a ton of questions....she said Cumberland County didn't tell them anything about the boys or the parents. Our SW said that Moore County would be liable if something happened to one of the boys while in our home, so they are really leary of doing that. Of course she said they'd do what was best for the boys...Cumberland Co DID tell her that they had no homes there that would take all three. My stomach dropped when she started telling me about all the reasons they would not approve it. she said "don't think about it, there's nothing you can do." Don't think about it?! Are you crazy?! She questioned our ability to take the boys and then have to give them back to their parents. I reminded her that we had been told from the very beginning that that is a possibility with ANY DSS child. Am I mentally prepared for that? No. How could you be? But it's a chance we take with any DSS kid, not just these three. Of course we would hope for adoption, but know that may not happen.
So Ken and I are happy about getting our license. I can't get it out of my mind that we're gonna get the boys...Ken has the opposite approach. He thinks they are going to deny it. He's got the better idea. If we don't get them, I'll be crushed, if we do get them. Ken will be pleasantly surprised.
So we sit by the phone and wait...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Formal Request
Yeah!! Finally!! I've been waiting for the phone to ring and checking my email constantly for the formal request for placement to go from Cumberland County to Moore County. It came today via email!! I don't know when it was actually sent to Moore County, but we got a copy of the letter today. It was dated last Friday though:) In addition to other things, it says, "...Currently, CCDSS has been unable to locate a foster family within our county to place the children together. The two older boys are residing with the maternal great grandmother and the infant is with a Cumberland County foster home. Due to unforeseen circumstances it has become necessary to move the two older boys from the maternal great grandmother. Please let me know at your earliest conveniences if Moore County DSS will permit placement of these children in the home of Ken and Meg Moss..."
I've been painting like crazy getting the boys' room ready. My stomach is doing flips, I'm so excited. Oh, Lord, if this is Your will...let it happen!
I've been painting like crazy getting the boys' room ready. My stomach is doing flips, I'm so excited. Oh, Lord, if this is Your will...let it happen!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Waiting
The boys' SW said she'd have an email sent by Thursday to our SW and us stating their intentions of placing the boys with us. As of Friday afternoon, no letter. I called and she said she was really sorry that she had not gotten to it yet, she had been really busy, which I can totally understand. A lot of the wiating is overworked social workers!
In the meantime, we are doing things like painting the boys' bedroom (two shades of green - crocadile tears and rolling meadows), and I am refinishing an old credenza (we bougth it a few years ago at a thrift shop for about $20. Ken was using it for files, etc) to be used as a changing table and dresser. The wood was a dark stain. I sanded it down, painted it high gloss white and painted the old brass hardware a shiny, retro silver. I boought a $2.00 chandelier at a thrift shop and spiffed it up with high gloss silver also. It's going to look good once we finish!
In the meantime, we are doing things like painting the boys' bedroom (two shades of green - crocadile tears and rolling meadows), and I am refinishing an old credenza (we bougth it a few years ago at a thrift shop for about $20. Ken was using it for files, etc) to be used as a changing table and dresser. The wood was a dark stain. I sanded it down, painted it high gloss white and painted the old brass hardware a shiny, retro silver. I boought a $2.00 chandelier at a thrift shop and spiffed it up with high gloss silver also. It's going to look good once we finish!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Small town and an unbroken arm
Yes, it's true Sanford is a small place. Ken's Aunt Brenda is in the hospital, and she is sharing a room with....follow me now: James and Nathanael's aunt's boyfriend's mother. The aunt's boyfriend is the one who knew we were trying to adopt, so when the boys came into the aunt's care, the boyfriend contacted us....so anyway... Aunt Brenda overheard the boyfriend and his mom talking about how they had to bring James to the emergancy room last night because they thought he had broken his arm. Luckily, it was just badly bruised. Of course I have no other details than that, but I just pray that the boys are safe until we (hopefully) get them!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Update
I can't beleive it - the boys' SW called us at 8:00 tonight. After 5:01 pm, I thought we wouldn't hear anything. She had good news - her supervisor and manager approved us getting the boys. One hurdle to go! Moore County has to let them place Cumberland Co kids with us. The boys' SW is sending a letter to our SW and cc'ing us stating their intent to place in our home. One other thing holding us up is that the state has not issued our license number, but the boys' SW is going to call about that this week too.
She told me that once Moore Co approves the placement, and we get our number, she will set up a visitation for us with James and Nathanael. Then J&N will be placed with us for 2 weeks before getting Taylor. The SW thought this would be best because J&N are SO hyper and will need to time to get settled in.
Potentially exciting!!!
She told me that once Moore Co approves the placement, and we get our number, she will set up a visitation for us with James and Nathanael. Then J&N will be placed with us for 2 weeks before getting Taylor. The SW thought this would be best because J&N are SO hyper and will need to time to get settled in.
Potentially exciting!!!
Beleive
Okay, now that I've been able to vent, get some sleep, and pray on it, I am doing what pastor Jeff preached on - Ken and I are just going to put our faith in God abd BELEIVE!! God blesses the beleiveers. One story in the bible talks about Jesus stopped doing miracles in one city because they had no faith. Faith is beleiving in what you can't see . We do have faith that God knows what is best for us, and what children are meant to be ours. We've prayed for the right child(ren) and only God knows who they are.
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Ups and Downs
Well, we got a call from our SW today. The boys have a SW, and we have a separate one. The boys SW is in Cumberland Co, ours is Moore County (where we live). To make a long story short, we took all our MAPP classes in Lee Co (where we both work) bc it was more convenient. Our SW there was great...she took so much time with us and answered all our questions and met our parents, etc... Then we had to transfer the paperwork to Moore Co, since we live here. All our SW had to do here was visit us twice and send in our paperwork to the state (which she was late in doing). She didn't even go over our packet of paperwork, she had us write a summary for her, which basically was her report.
Anyway...our SW called me today asking what was going on with the boys. I told her the boys' SW said that she was recommending us to her supervisor. Well, our SW said that might be a problem bc Moore Co is in need of foster homes (ok then, why don't we have a kid?) and they really didn't want Cumberland Co to take one of Moore Co's homes since Moore Co did all the work!! Can you beleive that?!?! How is that taking the boys' needs into consideration?!?! Cumberland Co said they dont have a home that will take all three. The one child our SW has approached us about 3 times is a child we do not feel is right for our situation...so why is she trying to push this one child on us that we know won't work? It's all crazy beaurocracy (sp?) and our SW has just been in the system too long - she flat out asked me why I would take 6 weeks off work for these boys knowing they would go back to their real parents...we don't know that, and neither does she.
Anyway...our SW called me today asking what was going on with the boys. I told her the boys' SW said that she was recommending us to her supervisor. Well, our SW said that might be a problem bc Moore Co is in need of foster homes (ok then, why don't we have a kid?) and they really didn't want Cumberland Co to take one of Moore Co's homes since Moore Co did all the work!! Can you beleive that?!?! How is that taking the boys' needs into consideration?!?! Cumberland Co said they dont have a home that will take all three. The one child our SW has approached us about 3 times is a child we do not feel is right for our situation...so why is she trying to push this one child on us that we know won't work? It's all crazy beaurocracy (sp?) and our SW has just been in the system too long - she flat out asked me why I would take 6 weeks off work for these boys knowing they would go back to their real parents...we don't know that, and neither does she.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Uncertainty
This "not knowing for sure" thing is driving me crazy! The social worker told us not to buy anything for the boys, but to go ahead and look into daycares...so that tells me to "get excited", but "not TOO excited." I couldn't deal with it, so I called her today (I promised I would not call her everyday!) and asked if she got to talk to her supervisor this morning, and she said yes and that his only concern was whether Moore County was really okay with Cumberland Co placing children into Moore County. All I have to say is, if our social worker in Moore County screws us...I will be so mad!! I really like the SW from Cumberland....she really seems to have the boys' best interest at heart. Waiting, waiting, waiting...
Thursday, August 2, 2007
James
Here's James! At 2 1/2 years old - he's a big boy! It's hard to beleive they are biological brothers. Their mother is caucasian, and their father is a Lumbee Indian, which is a tribe here in NC. Result: Beautiful babies!
Prayers Answered times THREE?!?
It's been over a year in the making...us becoming foster parents! It FINALLY looks promising that we may get not one, not two, but three little boys!! The brothers are ages 2 1/2 years, 18 months and 20 days old. Their social worker told us today that she is recommending to her supervisor that they all be placed with us in foster care. Our ultimate goal is adption, but of course there is no guarentee. We will love them to peices for as long as we do have them though! their names are James, Nathanael and Talyor. We'll post again when we know for sure!
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