A baby sling??

I think I need a sling to carry this baby! He is so big, I need help holding him!LOL! I'm teasing, but he is heavy at a whopping.....26 pounds!!! The nurse said he should be around 20, for his height. I'm afraid if I get a sling, he will never leave it. He already wants me to hold him all the time. We are working on his leg strength, so floor time is necessary. I thought maybe a playpen, then he could learn to pull up without danger of hitting his head (like a table). I just don't want him to hate the playpen and cry to get out. We never used playpens. Right now, everyone just sits and plays with him, or he is being held. He naps a lot (3 a day) so I am super spoiled with this baby!

I'm in love with this baby!

The baby is doing great. He does sleep quite a bit though. He slept for 12 hours last night without a peep. Then he ate breakfast and took another 1 hour nap! Now he is up playing. He is crawling a little. He does fuss for me, so that is good on the attachment side. He is a very good baby, I know his mom misses him. I hope she gets it together. I really think our society needs to educate themselves when it comes to meth addiction. It is HORRIBLE to say the least. So please if you know nothing of meth addiction, please google it, research it, and educate yourselves for the sake of our country's babies.

This Baby is a Tank!

My right bicep is in sooo much pain!!! I think he is way overfed. Poor baby. This is his first time in foster care. He is also following me with his eyes and fussing for me. I guess that is a good sign. I just want him to have a healthy attachment. His mom is very upset and seems to care about her baby, if that makes any sense. She sent a bag full of clothes, but they are all too tiny (3-6 mo sizes!!). Also the cigarette smell is too much. I washed the clothes he could wear and the smell is still there. I even smell like it from holding him. My family has asthma so I am super senstive to cigarette smell.

I am sooo tired, need a nap!!! Haahaa!

Baby Boy!! We have him!

The big news!! Yesterday at 3:30 we got a call. Baby boy, 9 months. Born exposed to meth and heroine. Reaching developmental milestones, mom has relapsed. Will we take him?? Yes! At 7pm we had this little guy complete with a diaper bag holding absolutely nothing we needed except 2 diapers. No formula, nothing. So foster daddy ran to the store last night for stuff. He slept like a rock, and has not grieved for his mom. My question is, is that normal? He is very happy, but doesn't even look for his mom. He is trying to crawl, and scoots around in a circle by changing sitting positions. He is on the chunky side!! The other strange thing is that this morning I could hear his belly growling and he wasn't even crying. We have a nurse coming out today or tomorrow to evaluate him. I am going to have a list for her!! His clothes are also too small. He weighs about 28 pounds!! Is this a lot for a 9month old. I know each baby is different, but he isn't a 'tall' baby. He is on the little side. I am in shock, it really happens fast and unexpectedly. One more thing, my kids are in love with him!!

OMG!! HE IS CRAWLING!!! I'm taking pics for his mom.

Update on my nephew, still in hospital!! His fever will not go down. Spiking at 103F. Doctors are saying his sinus infection is very severe.

Weird Diagnosis

So my little nephew ended up having a severe sinus infection that caused pressure on a nerve that controls his eye. That is why his eye was swollen shut, and why he kept crying that his head hurt. Poor little guy! They gave him fluids, he was dehydrated and they are keeping him in the hospital for 3 days while giving him IV antibiotics. We are so thankful he is okay!!!! Thank you everyone for your care and concern!

Update on baby girls and sibs

A home was found for all of the children, so that is why we didn't get the baby girls. That is good news for those children.

No news on my nephew, they are running tests. I don't expect to know much until tomorrow. Thank you for any prayers. Both my brother and sister -in-law are correctional officers. It's always a fear that they will bring some kind of virus or bacteria infection home from the prison. I am praying it's nothing serious. He is crying because his head hurts, his eye is swollen shut, and is heart rate is elevated (prob because he is dehydrated from not eating for 3 days).

My Nephew is Sick

My 6 yr old nephew is being admitted in the hospital. We don't know what is wrong. He is running 103 fever, lethargic, will not eat or drink, his right eye is swollen for no reason. The dr is ordering a ct scan of his brain, they think he may have swelling. They live in FL, so I am dying to be with my brother and sister(in law), and their babies. What could it be? The dr said it looks like something rare!

No Call...

No one called back. I guess they found a home for all 5 or we got lost in the shuffle. I did much better this time, I was excited but I'm not disappointed at all. I know it's part of it, and when I'm disappointed it's more about me. I know that too. It was fun to entertain the idea of having 2 baby girls! That would have been so fun and exhausting.

Not Again!!!

We got a call for 2 baby girls, ages 18 mos and 9 mos. I was excited, then they call back 30 min later. We are waiting on the judge for the emergency hearing. If I don't hear anything by 6pm, then they went to another home. I didn't jump on this ride too fast, good thing. I am really holding out hope though, secretly!!! They are trying to keep all the children together-5 of them. That will be best.

Mountain Dew Mouth and That's so Gay!

We watched the 20/20 special about the children of the mountains, and all over the tv is the mountain dew mouth. Well, this isn't new people. Where has everyone been? It's not just mountain people either! I grew up in the south. It was not uncommon for babies to have coke in their bottles. It's not a good thing, and educating people on the effects of soda at such a young age is important. But, that doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. Everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, but people still smoke. Alcohol has several health risks, but alcohol is still consumed. People will still put mountain dew in their babies bottles, even if you tell them not to. What I don't understand is why people want to hold the soda companies responsible? Why does someone always have to 'pay'? The blame game is always being played in our society and it's ignorant. I don't want to be denied my Pepsi or Coke because other people don't brush their teeth.
Another issue: Of course we all know that kids say "That's so Gay!" when they are insulting, or making fun, or just using the phrase as an adjective. Well there is a public service announcement saying to "Knock it off". First off, I am not against homosexuals, or am I being mean to the gay community, but I don't agree with censoring this phrase. Why? Because language is subjective. Gay in the dictionary means happy. If homosexuals can claim a word from the dictionary and change the meaning, then anyone can use a word how they please. I'm just being logical here. No one is saying "That's so homosexual". So who cares? People don't say, "That guy is Fine!" anymore, they did when I was young. But if I said 'fine' today I would sound weird. I think the same thing will happen with 'that's so gay'. If it's ignored, it will get old. It may end up not being socially acceptable, like other language in our society. But come on, don't tell me to 'knock it off' in your public service announcement. You also know that gay people also say 'that's so gay'.
Bottom line:
I am free to talk how I want, drink what I want, go to McDonald's if I want. I think some people are making mountains out of mountain dew-haaahaaa! (lame, sorry).

Recouping

They kiddos left last night at 8pm. I was sad to see them go. They are in a major transisiton. They were first moved from their mom, with foster parents for 18 months (foster wanted to adopt), Aunt showed up and wanted them, judge gave them to aunt, 6mos with aunt they are removed for physical abuse. WTH??? Obviously, they should have never been remove from the foster home. So now they are in limbo, waiting on the judge to decide if they will go back to the aunt or their former foster home; in the meantime they are in a new foster home. Little Guy was calling us mommy and daddy all 3 days, he was also very worried about me (making sure I had some of the cover when we were snuggled on the couch, making sure I got my shoes on when we went out, sharing his candy with me). Time out worked wonders with him, and I mean he was acting out like crazy!!!

Funny thing: We went to a fast food restaurant and my husband took Little Guy to the table, me and Little Girl stood in line to order. At the table Little Guy would not sit down, crossed his arms, and had the "I'm about to blow" look. Foster Daddy, "Sit down with me Little Guy". "I want my MOMMA!". Foster Daddy, "Mommy will be here in just a minute, sit down or we will go to the car". "I want my MOMMA!" while sitting down, then laying down in the booth. There is a TV, and Pres Obama is on. "BARACK OBAMA, BARACK OBAMA!!!" This child is VERY loud, it's really funny. He is very articulate, and a total sponge. He kept saying, "Your my DADDY!"


Weird part: The foster mom that picked them up (she has had them since Fri-only 3 days before I got them) said he did not misbehave at all at her house. When she picked him up, I was putting his shoes on him and she said that I needed to let him do that. And she made comments about the things we bought them. We didn't overly spoil these kids, but I did get them a few little things for them because they needed something to play with. My list of what I got them: Little girl- a $3 purse, $5 stuffed dog, $10 pink hoodie (she only had 1 shirt). Little Boy- $7 Imaginex Batman with motorcycle, $2 hot wheel cars. They also got a small box of Whoppers.
They are in my house, playing with my kids toys, and they have nothing of their own. I did have little boy toys for Little Guy, and he had enough clothes with him. I also bought pull ups because he wets the bed.


I don't know what to do when kids want to call us mommy and daddy. Healthy kids do that to, I mean my teenagers friends call me mom. I don't know. I had the feeling that the current foster mom didn't approve. She makes them call her "Mrs. Last Name".
I will say that getting them their own toys was good for me because they played with them, they kept up with them and they were happy!

Chaos

Yes, chaos. These children I have for 3 days are keeping me busy. First thing, we got them Mon-Wed instead of Sun-Tues. Today we are waiting on the judge to decide their case. They may go home, but if they don't they will stay with us until tomorrow evening. The little guy calls me mommy, the little girl laughs and says he doesn't ever call anyone mommy. Prior to foster care this past Friday, they have been living with a relative. The little guy has MAJOR meltdowns, he jumped out of the buggy at Target and ran away from me. He had a major tantrum leaving Chik fil A, and many more at home in between. He knocks things off of tables, throws toys, and hates to be told no for anything. He cries. I carry him around because he can't be unsupervised for a SECOND!! I will have to fill everyone in on the rest later I only have a minute, he is saying "Mommy, watch this!". The little girl is very girly, and very good.

Respite Call

We got a call yesterday afternoon, a foster family needs respite Sun-Tues this week (tomorrow!!!). We said "Sure!". I was deciding whether to post it or not since I'm so good at jinxing myself. But since all these ups and downs are part of the journey, then I'm telling about it. I believe there are strength in numbers, and foster parents need to let others know they are in the same boat here. So here's the skinny: 2 children ages 4 and 5, boy and girl, I'm still waiting on foster parents to call me. I would think they would call asap, but they haven't yet. So we will see...

The Octuplets

Do you think that these babies should be taken from their mom? There is a media and public outrage over the amount of children this woman has, her ability to financially care for them, and ethical questions as well. Personally, I think we cross a dangerous line when we want to dictate how many children people should have. That being said, I think this woman is cuckoo, crazy, loco, missing a few screws up thar'!!! But that doesn't give me the right to say that she has too many children so we should take some of them, or does it?? Because of the fact that she is on disability and government assistance--she has made it everyone else's business to pass judgement. I will not agree that her children should removed because I don't know her. From the outside, her children do not seem to be mistreated or neglected. I can't stand it when people get on tv, give their stupid loud opinion about something that may or may not be true. My concern in all of this is nothing more than a slippery slope. People in general can jump on a bandwagon without considering long term affects on everyone else. I personally don't think this woman can afford 14 children, let alone house them in her current situation. But what if she loves her children, mothers them wonderfully, and does her best to provide for them? I think the issue here for me is this: Everyone is all upset over this woman having infertility treatments while basically being poor, BUT no one gives a flyin' flip of the children ALREADY in the system, being returned to abusive and neglected parents over and over again until they damage them to point of the child developing mental disorders, attachment disorders, the list goes on and on. You can scream until you are blue in the face, everyone's backs are turned, and they are ignoring our social problems.

I'm Using Mindcontrol

I'm sitting here using mind control over the phone. I'm telling it to ring with a baby for us. It's The Secret way to get what you want, haahaaahaa! I'm just kidding. I really have a million things to do and I'm just wasting my mind on trying to make the phone ring (with a baby on the other end). The only good thing that I did this weekend was finish up another class!!! I will have my BA in one year or less!!! About time, college is sooo stinkin' expensive. I think it's going to cost 40k total by the time I'm done! That is so overpriced, but I have to do it. It's one of those things with me. I was in my first year of college when I became preggers with our oldest. I could have continued, but I needed baby stuff and we didn't want to be on welfare. They were in our business too much. So I went to work, my hubby worked (my boyfriend then) and we were ok. The crazy thing is, I graduated high school at 17, went straight to college, scored high on my entrance exams, ended up pregnant, quit. Now I'll be 34 when I finally get my degree. The funny thing is, I just want to be a photographer! LOL!!!!!

Pity for Me

Am I every going to get a baby?? Wahhhh! How come this keeps happening to us?? Wahhhh! Okay, I'm done. I seriously had to whine a little bit, just to get the frustration out. Now to bed, for real this time. It's 7pm!!!! heeeheee!

Sooo Tired...

These last two weeks have made me so tired, emotionally. I haven't heard anything today, of course. I am still holding out hope that we will get him. Pathetic, I know. I am just setting myself up, I know it. Like a bad boyfriend, this foster system is! I have to be told "NO" or I just don't get it. Maybe they just aren't that into me. So tonight I am going to bed early. I have homework for one of my psychology classes, then I am curling up for some tv in the bed. I will forget about all the drama I had thrust on me these last 24 hours.

Stop the Madness!!!!

Phone rings. They can't find anyone to take this baby because of the 4x a week visits. Hmmm, really?? Imagine that. So will we consider him if they decrease visits? Fine, 2x a week max. In between the hours of 9-2. I drive a hard bargin-LOL!!!! I'm waiting for the phone to ring, again. This is madness!!! Is this normal??? Check your emotions at the door mama!!!

Another NO!

I really am shocked, I tried to not get excited. I knew this could happen. But I am mad!!!! Dangit' what the heck??? The parents of this baby want separate visits, 2x a week each, my agency says no, that is crazy we are not doing that. It's too much. We live 30 minutes one way from the visit place. I have no idea why this keeps happening. I am not sad this time, I am aggrevated. Grrrr...I'm returning this baby stuff. Except for the big stuff. Stupid me bought clothes and toys. I'll keep the crib, car seat, changing table, and high chair. Maybe I'll keep the toys too.

This is what's Goin' Down!!

Yesterday (Wed), we got a call at 4:30pm. Baby boy, 8 mos old, in hospital with broken arm, placement length 6 months, maybe longer maybe shorter. Reunifying with parents, parents aren't speaking, dad broke his arm they think. Would we be interested? YES! We will take him! That was my reply. Problem: My husband left this morning at 5am for a business trip. We have no crib, car seat or anything baby. I can't put a crib together!! So last night at 7pm we split up and bought a crib, changing table (my husband surprised me on that one), car seat, and high chair. I would've bought so much more, but I was restraining myself just in case we don't get him. We needed this stuff anyway, right? LOL! My husband and sons spent last night putting together a crib and changing table, bless their hearts! He was up at 4:30 am this morning to get ready to catch his plane and he made coffee for me on his way out. I ALWAYS make the coffee!!! So that little thoughtfulness was much appreciated by me at 5am this morning!!! So what is goin' down today? I'm waiting for the call from the baby's social worker, then she will tell when he is coming and if I need to pick him up from the hospital or if they are bringing him to me. I asked my agency if we for sure had him, and she 'Yes, I would say so". I am not convinced.

This Week

This week it's snowing, cold, and winterish. I am once again running to the phone like mad lady every time it rings. I just know another call will coming soon. In other news I have been researching adoption somewhat, well somewhat extensively to be honest. I don't think we are going to go the route of adoption only. I have talked to several agencies and even agencies who adopt through the foster care system. Foster is what is on my heart-and I hope it will lead to adoption. I would love to adopt from Ethiopia, I have been in love with the Ethiopian children since I was 7 years old. I would watch Sally Struther's on Feed the Children and cry my eyes out. I am not giving that possibility up, just may be on hold for now. Ethiopia is becoming so popular right now for adoption, so the wait times are increasing. Then I think, our babies right here-they are waiting too. So I am just more affirmed that we are where God wants us. If it works out for an Ethiopian princess to join our family, then that will be wonderful too. I pray for the phone to ring, to be the news of my baby, for however long we are needed. One of my huge weaknesses is patience. I am ready when I'm ready. I know it's my battle, and my unrest comes from not having patience. "Patience is a virtue" is a truth that doesn't mean anything to you, unless you don't have it--haahaa! I do possess a little patience, just not for the things that I want!!