Impressions

The positive impressions went both ways with the investigator.  I was impressed with her and she was impressed with us and our home.  She still needs to interview Russ via phone since he couldn't get home in time, but her comments were very positive after interviewing the rest of us.  I do not get the feeling that anything negative is going to come from the things that happened.  It was certainly a learning experience!  Thanks to all for the prayers!!

another one

authorities higher than Bair or the baby's caseworker decided that the baby should not be in our home while we are under investigation.  so we sadly said goodbye to Baby G tonight.

Goodbyes

We had to say goodbye to Abey today.  There were choices made that required her to have to leave our home.  So it is with mixed emotions that we said goodbye.  She will not be allowed to return to our home so we wish her the very best in her future.  Our case manager said she would give us updates now and then and we will look forward to them.

schedules

The baby's case worker and I got visit times planned today.  She is planning to come out to the house for a home visit soon and we are going to discuss more about what's going on.  I just like to have an idea so we can plan and schedule things.  Daily visits are tiresome, but I know if I were the parents I would be holding on to those visits like precious jewels.  And if there is a time that something comes up in conflict they will transport him.  I would just rather do it myself.

Visits

Today we start visits with the family.  I found out that the mom has been pumping milk so I will be collecting that today at the visit so I can give that to baby boy.  And of course she will want to feed him during visits so hopefully the timing on all that will work out.  Baby is doing well.  My body is still adjusting to interrupted sleep, but I can thankfully take naps.  The case worker said it could still easily be 6 months to a year that little bug will be with us depending on the indictment.  But only time will tell. 
Abey is doing well and very much enjoying loving on the baby. 

Starting over.....

It doesn't take long to forget how much effort a newborn is!  Doesn't take long to be reminded either!!  Baby G is adjusting very well.  The first night was rough for both of us, the second night was a little better, but the last two nights he has slept soundly between bottles in his own little bed.  Makes it much easier on me!  The rest of the kids are enjoying the little one too.  He only fusses when he's hungry or is having his diaper changed.  And he smiles so much in his sleep!!  So sweet!!
Abey talked with her previous adoptive parents yesterday.  I got to talk to the mom too.  Abey was asking them if they would be willing to terminate their rights so that we could adopt her.  The mom said that she only wanted Abey to be happy and have the best chance in life possible, and with her being nearly bed ridden she couldn't bring Abey back home.  So the answer was yes they would be willing!  So now to figure that out!  Abey is so very excited!!  I think having the ability to share our name means a great deal to her.  We just have to make sure it is truly going to be the best option for her and that she will still be able to get the services she will continue to need.

So I'm going to quit opening my mouth!

See this is how it's been working:
1. God nudges me
2. I voice nudges to family
3. we tell case worker about nudges
4. God fulfills the nudge
Well no sooner had we thought that doing respite for under school age kids would be neat than......I get a phone call and there's a 3 day old baby that needs foster placement.  So we said yes...again.  We don't know how long we will have him but he's coming straight from the hospital tonight!  Life is NEVER dull!  But I think I better keep my mouth shut for awhile!

self talk

We had a great weekend in San Antonio!  Abey didn't try to sabotage anything and seemed to enjoy the weekend as much as the rest of us.  She really is "just one of the kids".  We did start talking about some of her negative self talk and how that can really be harmful.  It's mainly things like "I have bad memory"that we are working on.  She is responding well to the corrective things we say.  I know how much she wants those goals and dreams of hers to become real.  When our case manager came out for her first visit of the month Abey told her how much she loves it here with us.  It's good to know that she is saying that to other people too.  Gaining a teenage daughter has certainly change the family dynamics a bit, but all for the better.  We are now starting to look for brothers for Mykhal!  Yes we're nuts!  But it is a unanimous consensus that a pair of brothers would be a wonderful addition to our family!  So we are putting our info out and letting God bring the right kids to us!
Later this month we will be providing respite for a little 7 yo boy for a weekend.  I have heard he is a real handful, but he is also very artistic.  So we are planning to have plenty of art supplies for him to play with and I'll plan a kid friendly menu. 
Another thing we have been talking about is doing respite for under school age kids to see if that is an age group we want to work with or not.  And in doing respite we are helping other foster families!  Everyone wins!