Three Babies

Well, here we are again, waiting for a social worker to call.

I did make the phone call like you knew I would. My social worker laughed at me. Thought it was hysterical that we "fell" so quickly for the boys. Then she told me that she just found out there was a new sibling due in the next two months and she was sure I could get out of that one if I tried, and convince the county to just give me the boys.

What?! "Get out of that one!" Is she nuts? I told her no, I want the new baby too. There was a pause and some more nervous laughter. She is starting to get it. She doesn't have children yet and can't imagine why I would agree to take three when I already have three.

Sounds a little crazy, true. But I am not as young as I used to be. Who is? I don't have time to collect three siblings one at a time like I did the first time around. I have go to speed things up!

So, I don't know much yet. The boy's social worker is supposed to call this week. We feel unsure still and are so nervous that our hearts will be broken after we got our hopes up. I was told by the our social worker that she thought it was a done deal; the county worker was so thrilled to hear of a family who may take three siblings at one that he could hardly contain himself. And it wouldn't be at once. The new baby isn't due until August. Please pray for the baby's safety and the mother's. She is apparently on the streets and it sounds like there is probably no prenatal care happening.

I'll update as soon as I hear something.

I hate to talk about it sometimes, for fear this will all go away - but luckily I don't have that kind of power. ;-)

~Susan

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

We're Back. . .!

I know, it wasn't much of a break, but it was nice none the less. ;-)

We aren't completely back, but we did venture back in the shallow end with a respite this weekend. Truthfully, in retrospect, my family is not the best one to do respite, since we tend to fall in love with all the children within two days.

I haven't been over to Brooke or Brianna's blog yet, but I could probably save us all some time and tell you to go hear about our weekend on their page! But, I guess I shall give you a bit.

I was asked about a respite situation (a foster family needing babysitting overnight or more) and decided to help. It was a 10 month old (he is 11 months we found out when searching for a birth date on this very big 10 month old :-) who has asthma. Apparently, there are not a lot of homes available that have space to watch a baby that also can or will watch a child with asthma.

All three of my kids have asthma, and started as babies - so this situation didn't phase me. I also have asthma. The crazy part of the whole thing was the nurse involved. Yes, doing her job - but still. . . She wanted me to come in for a training session on how to give a nebulizer treatment and notice signs of respiratory distress.

I explained to the social worker that I was experienced. . .blah, blah, blah, and that is why I volunteered. I also "legally" can do the repsite, since I have taken special medical needs training. The SW said I still had to go - that the nurse insisted to cover their "tushes." (not the word she used, but the one I grew up using. ;-)

Come the time for training, maybe the nurse was busy because she ended up talking to me on the phone for 5 minutes and calling it good. That was fine with me. Hey, I will admit if I was over my head, but this was my area of expertise.

So, enough about me - you wanted to hear about the boys! They were very sweet babies and we all miss them, of course. After a year and a half of foster care, they were the best sleepers I have ever taken care of. Two naps a day, and sleeping through the night! For that reason alone I am considering adoption, LOL!

Seriously, they are apparently, possibly, with all probability (you like that) going to be available for adoption. Along with a sibling due in August. It isn't for sure. There is a grandma who sounds very iffy at best, but the county often gives children to blood relative as long as they are breathing. Sad, but true.

If they were in my home as foster kids there would be no hesitation in saying we would adopt. Because we would be in love. After three days, I love them, but I am not in love enough to say I will adopt three at once. At once! Hey, I have done three children before, but they didn't all come at once!

If I could have them moved here so we could fall in love, that would be my choice, but I don't see them moving them just because I would like to get to know them better. It makes sense, but the county doesn't do things that make sense.

The mother has a very serious case of bi-polar so the foster parents advised about that mentioning it is hereditary. I can't say that would stop me as it is very treatable usually, not always passed down, and we don't get to choose with our own biological children so I can't see "turning down" a child because of this. I know many others would disagree.

I also think this isn't the right time for us. But we will wait on the Lord and His timing. I have already been heartbroken thinking I knew best the child I was supposed to adopt. I have also become okay with not adopting at all. Okay is a strong word here. "Accepting of the fact," is more truthful.

Anyway, I think I have to pray about them. I was going to leave it at that, but knowing me, I have a feeling that I will probably call the social worker to ask for more info. Oh, if you are reading this you can go ahead and say "what?!" I have heard it before.

Keep in mind that if this looks like it will work out, it won't, so I am probably safe. :-)

~Susan

Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

Foster Care Break

Hello to my readers. Wanted to let you know that my family needs to take a break from foster care for a bit. We have a lot going on right now and can't devote ourselves to the children. It is sad and quiet around here!

If you are new here, read the archived posts before you go.

Ny'Asia, our seven year old, was adopted by her Aunt in Tennessee and we are still in touch every few days. ;-) We are so happy for her to have a wonderful family to go home with. Most foster kids are not so blessed. Her Aunt is very nice and we also talk with her for updates on Ny'Asia.

Our baby J is in a new home and doing great. It was hard to say goodbye, but he was so lovable and cute we knew he would be wanted by many families. I spoke to his social worker today and he is doing well. We had him in respite care while we went to Vegas to see family, and he has stayed. We have the option of getting him back and boy it was hard to say no!

D, our first foster baby to join our family, will be in our hearts forever and hopefully our lives. As of now, we still see her about every other weekend. It is hard because we love her and miss her so much, but I can't complain (much) since most foster families do not get to stay in touch.

I hope to be doing foster care in the near future and if I am you will read about it right here! :-)

Good bye for now,
Susan