Going Home

Little Dude is going home next week.

My heart aches. He was placed with our family at 4 days old. He's almost 9 months old. I can't even begin to tell you how much I have prayed that he would remain a part of our family. Forever. But sometimes praying isn't enough. Sometimes the Lord has another plan.

I am grateful for the time that we have had with our little boy. I remember when he was fresh and new and tiny -- just over five pounds. His first smile, rolling over... giggles. I also remember the hope. That dream was crashed in December when the paternity test results were in. Daddy wasn't the original named father... but another man. Dad had some issues, some past. We were originally told that baby was going to go to his grandma's by Christmas. Then it was straight to his Dad in January... wait no, February. And on and on. This time it seems though that everything is in order. I have protested and made my voice known. Don't get me wrong. I actually have a pretty good relationship with the bio family. I also, however, recognize the risks and am doing everything I can to protect this little baby from any harm, neglect, etc that could come his way. Because of the time that has been added in foster care the family is better prepared. They are set up for success. Which of course they may very well ruin in just a few years. But I am hopeful that they can be successful. If for no other reason so that Little Dude never has to experience another loss.

I have a big staffing meeting early in the week with CPS, behavioral health, lawyers, family, and so on. I think the meeting is more of a formality than anything. The plan is to return the baby just days later.

Oh, you're probably wondering about Bio Mom. She's doing good. She's in rehab. I have a lot of hope for her. But she has almost a year left in her program. Bio dad and her will have to take it to family court later on to determine all the custody stuff once CPS is out of the picture.

Sigh. This little guy has no clue what is going on. He has no idea how his world is going to be turned upside down....

Welcome!

I have debated for a long time about starting my very own blog describing our adventures in foster care...

Writing can be therapy... and trust me as a foster parent you will wish for therapy at times! (joking, slightly)

I have loved reading blogs by other foster moms -- I live it all with them -- and honestly, I have felt a twinge of jealousy that they have been able to share, even only a small part, of their story. So here I am. Sharing mine. Yes, oh yes, there is privacy to be concerned about. Trust me I am. I don't want my REAL NAME out there and I definately don't want these kiddos names known. So if you just by chance know who I am... Keep it to yourself... pretty please :)

So... If there ever was a time to start a blog like this it is now. We've got some changes coming. A baby kiddo going home (Little Dude) and possibly another one sticking around forever (Tank). The drama couldn't be any better.

So add this blog to your google reader. Subscribe over on the side for email updates... but join in the fun, drama and adventures of foster care in our family!

Gotta question? Something foster care/adoption you'd like me to post about? Comment or email me at:

fostadoptmama@gmail.com

(Oh and please don't add me to your spam/forward list...)