Maybe that wasn't such a good idea...

Today we said goodbye to our adorable temporary foster placement.  The bubbly, happy 2 year old was in our home for almost two weeks.  Luckily, a home was found that could continue her care AND also care for her 1 year old sister.  I was lucky enough to meet the new foster mom and I am certain these little girls are in great hands.

The last two weeks have been a strong eye-opening experience.  Johnny has been in our home for just over 10 months.  It is extremely obvious to my husband and I that our little guy is NOT ready for a foster placement at this time.  I did not know this prior to the placement.  In fact, the first 2-3 days were amazing!!  As the days went on, however, a new and different Johnny showed himself.  We're talking hitting, kicking, screaming, pushing, defiance, and all kinds of behaviors that neither my husband nor I had seen before.  I was seriously worried.

Our son was suffering from major stress.  He was unhappy, he was regressing, he was very mad inside, and the two of them could not be in the same room together without an adult at close watch (and ready to help the kiddos work through a problem).  I was nervous for her, and worried about him.  This was so unexpected, yet I'm glad I am now aware of the issue.

 

I am confident that with time, and more LOVE and attachment work, we can help Johnny to be a great big brother and to be comfortable with more children in the house, but I definitely learned a lesson here.

When I play with and observe these young children who have been through so much in their early years, I am amazed at their strength, their love for all people around them, and their huge, innocent smiles.  I am honored to hold one of those children close every night.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

I'm not gonna lie... this has been a rough week.  A test to the patience, the heart, and the mind.  However, we're staying strong and truly enjoying our new addition to the family.

Hope everyone is having a pleasant week!

A sensory tub with dry rice and beans: great for stress relief!

Even through difficult times... gotta keep on smilin'!

Last minute trip to the pumpkin patch with just me and the kiddos proved to be a great afternoon.

Dump On!

I am an organized person.  I like to put "like with like."  My silverware must be separated and organized.  My plates are organized by both size and pattern.  My clothing is organized, my garage is even organized (most of the time).  I like to know where things are at all times.

This is all fine and dandy... until a toddler comes into your life.  I spent days working on his room before he arrived.  It was perfect  :)  Even for the first few months he was here, I organized his toys and clothes weekly and sometimes daily.  Now that I am 9 months in to toddler parenthood, I say... a mess in there is good!  Those toys need to be played with!!!  Johnny's race cars in the back of a basket aren't going to be seen and so then not played with!!  blocks perfectly organized up at the top of his closet will not be asked for!   We definitely talk about "clean up time" and how straightening up is important, but that room asks for some action!

Johnny dumped a basket of toys this morning and sat for a while playing with dozens of small toys he hasn't seen for several days.  I love listening to him change his voice to get in character, and most of all, I know it is stimulating his mind and his imagination.

Play on J!

Cheese House

Why not?

This is what my life has come to, and I LOVE IT!

Hello World!

It's funny how our life experiences shape who we are.  I feel very proud to be a devoted wife, and not until quite recently... a fost/adopt mom.  I "grew" up in an amazing family (when do we stop growing up, really?).  My parents modeled the traits and tricks needed to create a lasting relationship and a loving family.  My brothers and I share a bond stronger than anything.  In short, I feel very lucky.

One of the most amazing traits I inherited from my mother is her love and devotion to children.  Not only to my brothers and I, but to the thousands of children she has had in her elementary school classrooms.  Through staying after school and going in on weekends, working closely with parents who speak not one word of english, and even teaching other teachers how to be great teachers, she has taught me not to give up, that every child has worth, and that life isn't easy, but with hard work with children, you can literally SEE results.  She may also be cringing at the length of that last sentence LOL!

Check out this link... 5 years old, but the same words I speak today!

 Getting lost on the Lost Coast :)

Welcome to my blog.  I hope to share with you my experiences as a foster mother working hard to adopt a beautiful gift named Johnny, a Coastie wife, traveling the country with my best bud, and the fun and exciting adventures we get into as a family.  Also included, will be reviews, rants, and raves on many topics in Child Development, and super fun activities to do with kiddos.  I welcome comments and subscriptions and I hope to spread the love that my mom instilled in me  :)

Thank a TEACHER!!!