We decided to take a break from getting kiddos for about a month. S had some travel planned, and we needed to reconnect and regroup.
We also decided maybe we jumped a little too deep with 2 kiddos at the same time. When we "opened" our home again, we decided to ask for 1 child under the age of 18 months.
After 3 weeks of waiting, we had a baby girl placed with us in early November.
During the 3 week wait, we got several calls for children needing homes. Some were older (like 2-5), and several were sibling groups of 2-4. It was absolutely heartbreaking to have to say no. I cried every single time. I wanted those babies to have a safe, loving home, Ultimately, I had to recognize our limitations. It isn't fair to the children to bring them to our home, and not be able to be the stable, boundary setting parent they need.
So we waited for what seemed like forever to get a child that matched our abilities.
We finally got The Call on a Monday in November.
She is a great baby. Easy going, happy, well fed, well loved.
We have so much empathy for her mom. It is a hard, sad situation. (I can't and wouldn't share details. Not my story to tell.)
We don't know what will happen with her case. For now, we love her, snuggle her, and kiss her face one day at a time.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Our Crazy Foster Care Life- Round 1
I noticed today my last post was in May! WOW, how time flies! We have been super busy with self-employment, S changed job roles, and we have had foster babies!!
Foster Care is quite the roller coaster of emotions. I have waited so long to write about it, because I really needed to sort out and deal with ALL THE FEELINGS!
We waited for a placement (that means when we get a child in our home) all summer. We got our first call in August 2015. Of course we said YES. The call was for exactly what we wanted. 2 brothers ages 3.5 years and 17 months.
Um, we may have overestimated ourselves just a bit.
Going from 0 children to 2 active, traumatized children was quite dramatic for a Tuesday.
We struggled with the Big Guy's behaviors. That kid has been in and out of foster care his entire life. I was his "4th mom." Seriously, he had 4 placements in less than 4 years. It was horrible. He had endured so much abuse, neglect, and change in his little life. He is a very sweet kid. He challenged everything. We had epic meltdowns daily (him and I).
And the Baby. He was very opinionated, but did respect boundaries as much as a 17month old can. He ate EVERYTHING. I swear he ate like 7 meals a day. He sought out food when he was upset, or didn't get his way. I was his "3rd mom."
It was a challenge having those boys, but we loved them the best we could and provided for them. They were with us for 1 month, and were moved to live with a distant relative.
I think it was for the best. We were overwhelmed, and they loved the people they were going to be around at that placement.
Just as suddenly as they came, they were gone.
Foster Care is quite the roller coaster of emotions. I have waited so long to write about it, because I really needed to sort out and deal with ALL THE FEELINGS!
We waited for a placement (that means when we get a child in our home) all summer. We got our first call in August 2015. Of course we said YES. The call was for exactly what we wanted. 2 brothers ages 3.5 years and 17 months.
Um, we may have overestimated ourselves just a bit.
Going from 0 children to 2 active, traumatized children was quite dramatic for a Tuesday.
We struggled with the Big Guy's behaviors. That kid has been in and out of foster care his entire life. I was his "4th mom." Seriously, he had 4 placements in less than 4 years. It was horrible. He had endured so much abuse, neglect, and change in his little life. He is a very sweet kid. He challenged everything. We had epic meltdowns daily (him and I).
And the Baby. He was very opinionated, but did respect boundaries as much as a 17month old can. He ate EVERYTHING. I swear he ate like 7 meals a day. He sought out food when he was upset, or didn't get his way. I was his "3rd mom."
It was a challenge having those boys, but we loved them the best we could and provided for them. They were with us for 1 month, and were moved to live with a distant relative.
I think it was for the best. We were overwhelmed, and they loved the people they were going to be around at that placement.
Just as suddenly as they came, they were gone.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Trust Fall
I feel like I am about to do a Trust Fall. You remember what those are? It like that scene in "Mean Girls" when they are telling their secrets, then one girls climbs up on a platform only to fall backwards onto her classmates, hoping they will catch her.
Yeah, that's me. Except it's my life...... and God, Skie, and the Universe are set up to *hopefully* catch me.
My last day of "employment" is May 28. That's one week. In one week I will be Self-Employed.
That's some scary stuff.
That's exciting stuff. Also, Scary.
My business is going well, I see enough clients right now to make half of my current salary. I just need to double it and no problems!
That seems hard. And achievable. Also, Hard.
I know that I can't rely on self-referred or doctor-referred clients for my full time salary. I need to find some other contract work, or some other solid referral stream.
I am working on it. I have some ideas, and some potential situations that could work out.
Until then though, it's just Trust. And on May 28 I start falling. Hopefully I won't land on my ass.
Yeah, that's me. Except it's my life...... and God, Skie, and the Universe are set up to *hopefully* catch me.
My last day of "employment" is May 28. That's one week. In one week I will be Self-Employed.
That's some scary stuff.
That's exciting stuff. Also, Scary.
My business is going well, I see enough clients right now to make half of my current salary. I just need to double it and no problems!
That seems hard. And achievable. Also, Hard.
I know that I can't rely on self-referred or doctor-referred clients for my full time salary. I need to find some other contract work, or some other solid referral stream.
I am working on it. I have some ideas, and some potential situations that could work out.
Until then though, it's just Trust. And on May 28 I start falling. Hopefully I won't land on my ass.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
3 Years and Counting
Tuesday, April 14 was our 3 year anniversary! It has gone by so fast, and it seems like we have been together forever.
S had the day off work; I did not. He got some big "to-do's" checked off the foster care list. He went to CPR and took Ms. Chica to get her shots. Then, he cooked his famous "Date Dinner" for me (salmon, asparagus, and roasted new potatoes with dill). YUM!!!
Year 3 is Leather, and we try to stay with the traditional gifts each year just because it is fun. He got me a Coach Wristlet, and a Coach tote bag! I was not expecting such extravagance!! He says he got them on sale at the outlet, so it wasn't too expensive.
I ordered his gift on Amazon (new kickball cleats), so of course it wasn't here on time. So in lieu of having his real gift, I got him a bag of beef jerky with his card. ---Get it....it's like food leather......
We enjoyed a nice dinner together, then worked on taxes---sooooo romantic
We finally got them done April 15 at 10:00pm. Nothing like waiting until 2 hours to deadline.....
Have a mentioned S is sort of a procrastinator?? :)
During our anniversary dinner, we also had our annual "DTR" (Define the Relationship). This is something I started a long time ago when I was single and dating. We always did it before we got married, and much to S' chagrin I ask we continue the tradition.
Basically, it is an opportunity for us to "check-in" on our feelings about the marriage. We shared this time about if marriage is meeting our expectations, is it close to what we thought it would be or not.
We both agree we are great partners, and we are really good at compromising so we both get our needs/wants met. We both agree that we do things the other finds annoying, but that there are so many great things it isn't worth getting upset about.
We both talked about how people say marriage is so hard. We are still waiting for that to happen......
Hey- maybe it won't!
Then we talked about our future kiddos, and how being parents might change our marriage. We are both a little nervous about that. And we agreed to make sure we focus on each other when we do get our kids. I just hope we can put it into practice.
I already know what will be our stressors when we have kids. My impatience, and his infinite patience (which sometimes looks like the aforementioned procrastination) and that he doesn't do what I want when I want it. He refuses to let me boss him around! How frustrating! ;)
If he would just do everything I said when I say it everything would be great....Right????
No, no, no. I don't really want that. I have to keep that in check and let him be his own person......I love that outcome, but I have to remind myself that it's better this way!
So here we go. 3 years of marriage, about to have kids for the first time, and we only have
FFFOOORRRREVVEERRRR to go!!!
(Sandlot reference.....we say it almost daily and both wrote it in our cards to each other.)
:)
S had the day off work; I did not. He got some big "to-do's" checked off the foster care list. He went to CPR and took Ms. Chica to get her shots. Then, he cooked his famous "Date Dinner" for me (salmon, asparagus, and roasted new potatoes with dill). YUM!!!
Year 3 is Leather, and we try to stay with the traditional gifts each year just because it is fun. He got me a Coach Wristlet, and a Coach tote bag! I was not expecting such extravagance!! He says he got them on sale at the outlet, so it wasn't too expensive.
I ordered his gift on Amazon (new kickball cleats), so of course it wasn't here on time. So in lieu of having his real gift, I got him a bag of beef jerky with his card. ---Get it....it's like food leather......
We enjoyed a nice dinner together, then worked on taxes---sooooo romantic
We finally got them done April 15 at 10:00pm. Nothing like waiting until 2 hours to deadline.....
Have a mentioned S is sort of a procrastinator?? :)
During our anniversary dinner, we also had our annual "DTR" (Define the Relationship). This is something I started a long time ago when I was single and dating. We always did it before we got married, and much to S' chagrin I ask we continue the tradition.
Basically, it is an opportunity for us to "check-in" on our feelings about the marriage. We shared this time about if marriage is meeting our expectations, is it close to what we thought it would be or not.
We both agree we are great partners, and we are really good at compromising so we both get our needs/wants met. We both agree that we do things the other finds annoying, but that there are so many great things it isn't worth getting upset about.
We both talked about how people say marriage is so hard. We are still waiting for that to happen......
Hey- maybe it won't!
Then we talked about our future kiddos, and how being parents might change our marriage. We are both a little nervous about that. And we agreed to make sure we focus on each other when we do get our kids. I just hope we can put it into practice.
I already know what will be our stressors when we have kids. My impatience, and his infinite patience (which sometimes looks like the aforementioned procrastination) and that he doesn't do what I want when I want it. He refuses to let me boss him around! How frustrating! ;)
If he would just do everything I said when I say it everything would be great....Right????
No, no, no. I don't really want that. I have to keep that in check and let him be his own person......I love that outcome, but I have to remind myself that it's better this way!
So here we go. 3 years of marriage, about to have kids for the first time, and we only have
FFFOOORRRREVVEERRRR to go!!!
(Sandlot reference.....we say it almost daily and both wrote it in our cards to each other.)
:)
Monday, April 13, 2015
Shit just got REAL!
It's surreal that it's real! This is really happening!!
We are just getting some serious basic items we would need for any kiddo from 0-2. I scored some great things (not pictured) used from some facebook groups. Seriously great deals for very gently used or not at all used.
I think we just need cribs, bedding, and car seats and we will be all set.
Those are big items, but we might be able to get my niece's crib, maybe her car seat, and I am meeting someone this week for 1 set of bedding.
And I went to Babies R Us this weekend to decide on car seats, a stroller and a diaper bag. I have made my choices, now I am going to shop around to get the best prices.
Also, I don't think we are going to get a stroller right now. It seems better to wait until we meet our kids and get to know them a little. Also, I don't really want a stroller. I know that seems crazy but I would rather wear them or carry them.
I can see occasions when it would be necessary, but those probably won't happen right away. I hope.....
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Big Feelings
Now that we are closer to meeting our kiddo's I keep thinking about them.
Who they are, what they look like, their personalities, how old they are, and the big one. What are they going through right now that I can't protect them from.
Who they are, what they look like, their personalities, how old they are, and the big one. What are they going through right now that I can't protect them from.
I am wondering if they are already born (we want a baby, so it might not be here yet) what hell are they living through? And I want so bad to just protect them.
I am wondering if they are in their mom's belly, what is happening to them? Is she stressed, abused, using drugs? What are they experiencing now?
It makes me cry just thinking about it. (Also, PMS).
I know I have talked to my adoptive mom friend about this and she went through it too. So I know I'm not the only one. But it is still hard. Wondering, waiting, wanting.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Phase 2
We graduated from Foster/Adopt Training last night! Phase 1 is OVER!
Phase 2 starts today! I just spent over $300 on our baby and all the safety requirements. I love Amazon. It's a problem. But I compared prices and with Prime free shipping on almost everything, it was worth going online.
I really just got some basics, but I really don't know what we are going to need. It's weird because we have so many unknowns. Like, we could get either 1 or 2 kids at one time. The kid(s) could be from Newborn to 2 years old. We have no idea and won't know until about an hour before they arrive.
I got what I think we will need for any of the above: a pack n' play, wipes, shampoo, body wash, hooded towels, swaddle blankets, thermometer, lotion, changing pad, and "lovies." Then a ton of safety stuff. An Oven lock, cabinet locks, medications lock boxes (yes, we have to have 2. Really, we might need 3 but will start with 2), and outlet covers.
I love our home, it is clearly a custom built house. There are cabinets and drawers EVERYWHERE! I love it because of storage space, but hate it for baby-proofing. So many locks..............
We will have to make a Wal-Mart run after we get "The Call" for diapers, food, clothes, etc. Important things that are really age specific.
All we have left to do is get cribs, car seats, and a glider. Big things yes, but that's about all we need for the first day (I think/Hope).
There we just have to get a Fire Inspection ("Call Chuck"), get our fire extinguishers "tagged" (whatever the hell that means), and online training. Then, the home study and we are ready!!!
I am feeling confident we can meet our Mid-May self-imposed deadline and finally meet our babies!
Phase 2 starts today! I just spent over $300 on our baby and all the safety requirements. I love Amazon. It's a problem. But I compared prices and with Prime free shipping on almost everything, it was worth going online.
I really just got some basics, but I really don't know what we are going to need. It's weird because we have so many unknowns. Like, we could get either 1 or 2 kids at one time. The kid(s) could be from Newborn to 2 years old. We have no idea and won't know until about an hour before they arrive.
I got what I think we will need for any of the above: a pack n' play, wipes, shampoo, body wash, hooded towels, swaddle blankets, thermometer, lotion, changing pad, and "lovies." Then a ton of safety stuff. An Oven lock, cabinet locks, medications lock boxes (yes, we have to have 2. Really, we might need 3 but will start with 2), and outlet covers.
I love our home, it is clearly a custom built house. There are cabinets and drawers EVERYWHERE! I love it because of storage space, but hate it for baby-proofing. So many locks..............
We will have to make a Wal-Mart run after we get "The Call" for diapers, food, clothes, etc. Important things that are really age specific.
All we have left to do is get cribs, car seats, and a glider. Big things yes, but that's about all we need for the first day (I think/Hope).
There we just have to get a Fire Inspection ("Call Chuck"), get our fire extinguishers "tagged" (whatever the hell that means), and online training. Then, the home study and we are ready!!!
I am feeling confident we can meet our Mid-May self-imposed deadline and finally meet our babies!
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
I did a really cool thing
Today I testified in a Texas State Senate Committee hearing. It was so rad!
I only found out about the hearing on Monday, e-mailed and connected to the person in charge Tuesday, and went Wednesday morning. The bill is about a loan repayment program for counselor's who work with Medicaid, CHIP, and correctional facilities. Basically, I just told them what I know and have seen the past 8 years working "in the systems."
I had 3 minutes to say my peace. My coworkers helped me refine my speech after I wrote it, timed me practicing, and encouraged me all day Tuesday. It was really great to have everyone enthusiastic and supportive of what I was doing.
Then, I totally nailed the speech! I was perfectly timed, at 2 minutes, 45 seconds. I said everything clearly and without stumble. I made good eye contact with all 8 Senators on the committee, and many of their aids (who do a ton of the work). One Senator asked me a question about my speech, to clarify a point he didn't understand thoroughly. I answered expertly and succinctly. Out of the 4 people testifying at the same time, I totally did the best. Not that I am biased....
The woman who connected me is the Executive Director of the Texas Counseling Association. She enthusiastically said what a great job I did, and e-mailed my old professor telling her how helpful and great I was. What an EGO BOOST! I was so High afterward, it was a great rush! I want to do it again!
I also managed to get my TB test read this morning, all before 1pm. I snuck in the doctor visit before going back to work. One more thing scratched off the Baby To-Do List.
S and I have been rocking the list this week! I have crossed off 1-2 things everyday last week and this week. He was able to go get several things done even while working a ton. I'm so proud of us!
I hope to be able to turn in all the paperwork on Monday, which is the last day of training. Only a few more things to do before then!
I feel super "nest-y." Like I want to organize, re-arrange, paint, buy stuff, etc. We estimate to be able to be "open" to a kid by mid-May so I guess that technically makes me about 8 months Paper Pregnant. WOW that's a big thing I never thought would happen to me/us.
Good things are happening..........................
I only found out about the hearing on Monday, e-mailed and connected to the person in charge Tuesday, and went Wednesday morning. The bill is about a loan repayment program for counselor's who work with Medicaid, CHIP, and correctional facilities. Basically, I just told them what I know and have seen the past 8 years working "in the systems."
I had 3 minutes to say my peace. My coworkers helped me refine my speech after I wrote it, timed me practicing, and encouraged me all day Tuesday. It was really great to have everyone enthusiastic and supportive of what I was doing.
Then, I totally nailed the speech! I was perfectly timed, at 2 minutes, 45 seconds. I said everything clearly and without stumble. I made good eye contact with all 8 Senators on the committee, and many of their aids (who do a ton of the work). One Senator asked me a question about my speech, to clarify a point he didn't understand thoroughly. I answered expertly and succinctly. Out of the 4 people testifying at the same time, I totally did the best. Not that I am biased....
The woman who connected me is the Executive Director of the Texas Counseling Association. She enthusiastically said what a great job I did, and e-mailed my old professor telling her how helpful and great I was. What an EGO BOOST! I was so High afterward, it was a great rush! I want to do it again!
I also managed to get my TB test read this morning, all before 1pm. I snuck in the doctor visit before going back to work. One more thing scratched off the Baby To-Do List.
S and I have been rocking the list this week! I have crossed off 1-2 things everyday last week and this week. He was able to go get several things done even while working a ton. I'm so proud of us!
I hope to be able to turn in all the paperwork on Monday, which is the last day of training. Only a few more things to do before then!
I feel super "nest-y." Like I want to organize, re-arrange, paint, buy stuff, etc. We estimate to be able to be "open" to a kid by mid-May so I guess that technically makes me about 8 months Paper Pregnant. WOW that's a big thing I never thought would happen to me/us.
Good things are happening..........................
Monday, March 30, 2015
Training and Great Friends
3 days of Foster Parent training are in the books! 2 more to go!
Surprisingly, the classes are super boring. I was so excited to get started, learn some cool stuff, and get to know other foster parents.
Instead, training is a young woman reading us power point slides. YAWN! This is only made worse by the terrible grammar, many misspellings and typos, and that the trainer actually reads the typos.
Example: "The boy was raised experiencing daily bear." (It's probably supposed to say Fear.) She actually said bear and continued reading. Like it wasn't a thing.
There is little to no interaction with the other parents. Luckily two couples who have been foster parents before sat next to us. I have been chatting with the women to get some good tips and real world knowledge.
Saturday after training we went to S' besties house. Our friends are just the greatest. They asked wonderful sweet questions about training, our future kiddos, etc. They asked to see the bedding I picked out, loved it, and helped me with some other things I need to get and where to get it.
So sweet! :)
We have SO MUCH TO DO! There are a ton of little things that have to be done to baby proof the house; paint, set up the room, online training, dog shots, etc.! We are going to be busy the next month or so!
Surprisingly, the classes are super boring. I was so excited to get started, learn some cool stuff, and get to know other foster parents.
Instead, training is a young woman reading us power point slides. YAWN! This is only made worse by the terrible grammar, many misspellings and typos, and that the trainer actually reads the typos.
Example: "The boy was raised experiencing daily bear." (It's probably supposed to say Fear.) She actually said bear and continued reading. Like it wasn't a thing.
There is little to no interaction with the other parents. Luckily two couples who have been foster parents before sat next to us. I have been chatting with the women to get some good tips and real world knowledge.
Saturday after training we went to S' besties house. Our friends are just the greatest. They asked wonderful sweet questions about training, our future kiddos, etc. They asked to see the bedding I picked out, loved it, and helped me with some other things I need to get and where to get it.
So sweet! :)
We have SO MUCH TO DO! There are a ton of little things that have to be done to baby proof the house; paint, set up the room, online training, dog shots, etc.! We are going to be busy the next month or so!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
One step forward........
Foster Care Training started YESTERDAY! WHOO!
I wanted to blog before we went, but time just slipped away. Sunday and Monday before the training I was having some big feelings. I was super excited to take a big step forward in starting our family and I was super terrified of all the unknowns that come with having a kiddo!
After training, I still feel the same way. Just maybe a little more overwhelmed. There is a ton of stuff we have to get done before we can be approved through the agency.
We made a list of the big and small things to get done really soon, it had about 8 items. During the lecture last night I added about 10 more things. Yikes!
There isn't anything major on the list, it's a bunch of small things to gather, obtain, and follow through with. Such as: copies of our driving record, copy of marriage license, check smoke detectors, and on and on and on.
There are a few bigger things like S has to take a 2.5 hour CPR/First Aid class. Luckily for me I recently took it at work. And we have a ton of online training to do. I have literally no concept of how long that will take. Anywhere from 1-1,000,000 hours.
I did just get a new laptop for my business so that will make the training's easier. It will also make blogging from home an option! YAH! I have been limited to blogging at work where I have an actual keyboard, which is better than using the tablet.
We have a self imposed deadline to be ready for a kid by the end of our May beach vacation (May 11). I really don't know if that will happen, but it is a goal. And I will be ok if we don't make it, but I really, really want to be done by then!
I have been focusing on making a list of items we need for baby. I am up to 74 things on my amazon list. Everyday I find out about things I forgot. (like Toilet locks....thanks fellow foster mom friend)
I was talking to a coworker who has a kid my age about all this "stuff" for baby. Back when I was little and she was raising her son there just wasn't this much safety stuff, and extra stuff to deal with. I am a minimalist, but also I want to be super safe and super prepared. Not that either will prevent anything from happening but it makes me feel better.
Also the kids that will be in our home most likely won't have the best boundaries nor listen to us at first. So we will go a little overboard on safety, and hope we can unlock some cabinets at some point.
Training is Fri and Sat this week, so I hope we learn a lot and knock some things off the to-do list by then.
I wanted to blog before we went, but time just slipped away. Sunday and Monday before the training I was having some big feelings. I was super excited to take a big step forward in starting our family and I was super terrified of all the unknowns that come with having a kiddo!
After training, I still feel the same way. Just maybe a little more overwhelmed. There is a ton of stuff we have to get done before we can be approved through the agency.
We made a list of the big and small things to get done really soon, it had about 8 items. During the lecture last night I added about 10 more things. Yikes!
There isn't anything major on the list, it's a bunch of small things to gather, obtain, and follow through with. Such as: copies of our driving record, copy of marriage license, check smoke detectors, and on and on and on.
There are a few bigger things like S has to take a 2.5 hour CPR/First Aid class. Luckily for me I recently took it at work. And we have a ton of online training to do. I have literally no concept of how long that will take. Anywhere from 1-1,000,000 hours.
I did just get a new laptop for my business so that will make the training's easier. It will also make blogging from home an option! YAH! I have been limited to blogging at work where I have an actual keyboard, which is better than using the tablet.
We have a self imposed deadline to be ready for a kid by the end of our May beach vacation (May 11). I really don't know if that will happen, but it is a goal. And I will be ok if we don't make it, but I really, really want to be done by then!
I have been focusing on making a list of items we need for baby. I am up to 74 things on my amazon list. Everyday I find out about things I forgot. (like Toilet locks....thanks fellow foster mom friend)
I was talking to a coworker who has a kid my age about all this "stuff" for baby. Back when I was little and she was raising her son there just wasn't this much safety stuff, and extra stuff to deal with. I am a minimalist, but also I want to be super safe and super prepared. Not that either will prevent anything from happening but it makes me feel better.
Also the kids that will be in our home most likely won't have the best boundaries nor listen to us at first. So we will go a little overboard on safety, and hope we can unlock some cabinets at some point.
Training is Fri and Sat this week, so I hope we learn a lot and knock some things off the to-do list by then.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
It's finally happening.
As usual I'm a super blog slacker........but let's just move into acceptance on that.
It's been pretty boring and normal around here, which is NOT a bad thing. At All.
We continue being mindful about what we eat and still love the Arbonne Protein shakes for breakfast. Neither of us has gained back any of the weight we lost just before Christmas on the 28-day Challenge. Which is awesome!
A couple weekends ago S and I took a trip to San Antonio for a few days. The purpose was multi-faceted.
First, we wanted some time without distractions to spend some time together. We got 1 day off together over the holidays, and we had family in town. It had been a while since we had time just the two of us. Goal Accomplished.
Second, we wanted to get away to really be able to talk about and sort through our feelings on fostering, not having a genetic baby, and really discuss it as it is becoming more and more reality. Goal Accomplished.
We talked about everything, and I had some time to continue adjusting to not being pregnant. I have been working on assimilating that idea for the past several months, and I really think I am used to it by now. Of course some days are harder than others. But I am accepting reality, having faith, and letting go of my super need to control everything.
It was so great to just have time with the hubs, and we really enjoyed our time there despite the fact that I was sick, he got heartburn, and it was cold the last day!
And that leads me to Foster Care Update:
Training starts at the end of March! We are actually going this time! This is the 3rd training offered since we first expressed interest to the agency we are working with. I think we just weren't ready because we each had several "reasons" we couldn't go. But it is happening now!
We have done most of the initial paperwork and just have to turn it in. I hope that helps us get everything done quickly!
I know of a family that has been done with everything for 8 months! They still don't have a placement! And another family that has been ready for several months and also doesn't have a placement! YIKES! They live in different areas, so I hope that isn't the case for us.
I really, really want this to go smoothly. However, judging by everything else related to us getting a baby the odds are small......but who knows! Maybe we were meant to do this all along, and the universe has just been waiting for us to get our shit together so we can get the child intended for us!
Positive thoughts on a positive foster care experience are always welcome :)
It's been pretty boring and normal around here, which is NOT a bad thing. At All.
We continue being mindful about what we eat and still love the Arbonne Protein shakes for breakfast. Neither of us has gained back any of the weight we lost just before Christmas on the 28-day Challenge. Which is awesome!
A couple weekends ago S and I took a trip to San Antonio for a few days. The purpose was multi-faceted.
First, we wanted some time without distractions to spend some time together. We got 1 day off together over the holidays, and we had family in town. It had been a while since we had time just the two of us. Goal Accomplished.
Second, we wanted to get away to really be able to talk about and sort through our feelings on fostering, not having a genetic baby, and really discuss it as it is becoming more and more reality. Goal Accomplished.
We talked about everything, and I had some time to continue adjusting to not being pregnant. I have been working on assimilating that idea for the past several months, and I really think I am used to it by now. Of course some days are harder than others. But I am accepting reality, having faith, and letting go of my super need to control everything.
It was so great to just have time with the hubs, and we really enjoyed our time there despite the fact that I was sick, he got heartburn, and it was cold the last day!
And that leads me to Foster Care Update:
Training starts at the end of March! We are actually going this time! This is the 3rd training offered since we first expressed interest to the agency we are working with. I think we just weren't ready because we each had several "reasons" we couldn't go. But it is happening now!
We have done most of the initial paperwork and just have to turn it in. I hope that helps us get everything done quickly!
I know of a family that has been done with everything for 8 months! They still don't have a placement! And another family that has been ready for several months and also doesn't have a placement! YIKES! They live in different areas, so I hope that isn't the case for us.
I really, really want this to go smoothly. However, judging by everything else related to us getting a baby the odds are small......but who knows! Maybe we were meant to do this all along, and the universe has just been waiting for us to get our shit together so we can get the child intended for us!
Positive thoughts on a positive foster care experience are always welcome :)
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