Pictures, Pictures

Just thought I'd let you see some recent shots of our crew. The kids have all grown and blossomed so much over the past couple of months. I wish I could show you before and afters, but my camera had been broken.

Johnathon's bath picture is coursetsy of lettign Avery feed him. I came back in the room to a baby covered in baby food chicken and gravy. From the top of his head to the bottoms of his feet, in ears and belly button, totally gross! But he was loving it. She gave him the spoon.

Christmas in Crazytown

The kids are starting to spend more time with their mom and dad. They have had to day long visits and were back for an overnight for Christmas. This meant we had to celebrate early. Saturday morning was Christmas here. (and again Christmas Eve for Avery)
I knew we were going to be surrounded by a sea of paper and toys, but it took me days to get organized. The funny thing was, we only got the kids 3 toys each.
I really don't think they had a clue what it was all about, but they sure do love opening presents. We got each of the kids a big gift, Avery a kitchen (then a market), Hannah got a dollhouse, Hayley got a baby doll with diaperbag and accessories, and Johnathon an activity table. Then thier other stuff. I honestly think the girls would all rather play with Johnathon's trucks and blocks.

Just between you and me, after all the chaos I really enjoyed the break of having the kids gone for the night. Shhh, don't tell. (wink, wink)

We had a really nice Christmas and hope all of you did too.

More Milestones and Adventures

The past couple weeks have been chalk full of new experiences and milestones.

To start off the biggest thing so far is that the kids had an overnight visit with their mom and dad for Thanksgiving. It was nice to have a little break and the kids overall did really well. This is just the start of what will hopefully be a smooth transition home for them. I am cautiously optimistic that things will go well.

Hannah has done well at gymnastics. There were no tears at her first class, so that was an amazing feat in itself. She also initiated me into the club of puke cleaning moms this morning. Seriously, in the more than 3 years I have been a mom I had yet to clean up or deal with the dreaded pukemonster. Of course she really did a number in her sleep, so I had a bed, hair, clothes and blankets to scrub and sanitize. What a crash course! ICK!!!! Can't say I want to ever do that again.

Hayley is still wild, but seems to be calming down a bit. Now that she knows the boundaries though she is loving telling me "No!" every chance she can get. She has been having some tests ran, so I am anxious to get the results from those and possibly some more testing to come.

Johnathon is sick with an ear infection, but other than that he is still just growing and learning faster than I can keep up with. He now says "dada, baba, and Mmmm!"

On Saturday we threw caution to the wind and along with my parents took all the kids to the indoor waterpark. It was good! Of course Hannah and Hayley were a little scared of the slides and splashing water, but they loved the lazy river and playing in the zero entry pool. Hannah particularly likes the hot tub and would ever let go of us to attempt to swim. She really just hates the cold, so if we can get past that I think she would be a fish. Avery went down every slide that she was tall enough for and probably 50 times each. She couldn't get enough. Johnathon seemed to like the pool and splashed a bit. Afterward they were all exhausted and went to bed early. What a bonus!

Appointments, and Laundry, and Bottles, OH MY!

Those 3 things are what my life seems to consist of these days. Toys too, but I am using my super power of invisibility transferrance to pretend that monster doesn't exist.

We're staying super busy with appointments on Monday, Tuesday, gymnastics Wednesday, preschool Thursday and any odd appointments that come up sprinkled in the mix.
Luckily my mom is helping and watches 1, 2, or 3 of the kids for me while I take whoever needs to go where they need to be. I'm considering paining my Pacifica yellow and putting a taxi light up top.

The laundry - how on earth can we have so many clothes??? I don't get it. Initially when the kids came I indulged in my earth friendly consciousness and used cloth diapers. After 2 weeks, I came to my senses and realized that I was never going to find the end of Mt. Permanant Press unless I started using disposable diapers. Now that mountain is banished and I can now see the floor of my bedroom and laundry room.

Johnathon was on a very newborn like schedule. We were going through 6-7 bottles a day. I was splitting time between the kitchen sink, my comfy chair to feed him and where ever I needed to be to referee the girls. Thankfully we are getting on a more age appropriate schedule and the bottles are more spread out.

Fun things:

We took all the kids trick-or treating. Normally we don't do that, but if was the easiest way to let them enjoy some of the fun. Not loading costume clad kids into a car where every seat has a car seat was heaven for me. So into the strollers went the bat and the cat, and our mouse and butterfly had to use their walking feet. The evening wasn't without the occasional cries of fear regarding somone's dog or scary, creepy decoration but they loved the candy and ryan of course let them eat far too much that night.

Hannah is starting gymnastics on Wednesdays. She has been begging since week one. Of course now that she is allowed she askes can she please stay with grandma. Oiy!

Johnathon is so big now. He is a full fledged member of the Crawlers Club, and is standing to cruise around furniture. That is also leading to numerous head bumps and cries for "mama". Yes, his first word! and to match that first he cut a tooth on Monday. Such a big boy!

Hayley is doing fantastic too, although she is still a challenge. Captain Destructo strikes on a regular basis. Her vocabulary is just making leaps. Not hard considering she wouldn't say ANYTHING before. Now she is signing and can say about 40 words. She is also very excited about the potty and asks to go everyday. Last week she did go once, so that was one gross diaper I didn't have to change! Yeehaw!

Avery is trying to adjust and I do see improvement in her behavior. She just gets so frustrated when they are taking over her space. She loves to help though and does a great job at feeding the baby or getting me things when I need them. We are making an effort to have time alone with just her and are planning a date night for next week.

Overall I think we found our rythym and things are turning into that fine oiled machine that I like to have around here. At least for today....

We're Still Here...

Sleep deprived, slightly frazzled, but hanging in there.

The kids are doing well. Johnathan (8 mos. tomorrow), the baby is doing fantastic! He's crawling, pulling himself up and gaining weight nicely. The weight is quite a switch from what I am used to.
Hannah is adjusting, although she has been through a lot in her little life, so she is naturally insecure, but we are finally making real progress. Hayley, well she is just a typical almost 2 yr old terror. She climbs anything that you don't want her to and gets into everything. I found her sitting on the baby this morning, and she laughed when I told her to get up. She is a stinker!

I am up because in about 45 minutes I am going to have to do bottle duty. I am working hard to drop one of these night time feedings, because this Momma is exhausted. They are all early risers, so that fits right in around her, but I don't have to like it.
The 2 littlest are teething. Poor Johnathan has been gnawing on his thumb so hard he got a callous. I must find a good remedy. A wash cloth soaked in cammomille tea works, but then he gets soaked, so he doesn't like that too often.

Avery is enjoying being my helper, but she does have lots of jealous moments. I hope now that we are getting a good schedule going she will enjoy more alone time.

I have made it to the grocery, pediatrician, and out to eat with all the kids. We have a system, 2 of the girls ride in the stroller or cart, one walks and I have the baby in a carrier. I resemble a pack mule with my 2 diaper bags and 4 kids, but we get the job done.

So before I fall asleep on the keyboard ............................................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Houston... we have KIDS!!!!!

So we got the call this afternoon for 3 kids, yep THREE. And guess what they are all 3 and under. It's a girl H age 3, another girl H age 1 1/2, and a boy J 10 mos.

They arrived at about 7:45 and I got them fed, Avery showed them where to play (and how Miss Bossy pants). I talked to the case worker and got info I needed then they left. I was a whirling dervish trying to reign them all in, keep track of the baby, make sure no one fell down the stairs, yada yada. Then I gave the girls a bath and put on pj's. Got a bottle for J - which he wanted no part of.

Finally the cavalry arrived - woohoo Ryan!!!! At about 10 p.m. we started putting them to bed. 1 down - cake, #2 scream fest!!!!!, #3 - pretty easy, Avery - huh yeah right! Back to #2 - poor guy finally took a bottle and let me rock him. He went down fine. Back to Avery - pop on a movie and let her crash in front of the TV (too much chaos for 1 day). All are in bed and I am trying to be good an update you all, but I am pooped, so I am off to bed, after checking on my sweet little angels all snug in their beds.

All FOUR of them!!!

And Another Week Bites the Dust

No calls, no placement, no fun!

I kinda thought with foster care that they'd be knocking down our door trying to get kids placed. Our county after all is always begging for foster parents because they can't meet the demand. The agency we are using gets calls all the time from our county that they don't have enough resources to take the placement, in addition to the other counties they serve (and we are open to). But here I sit with 3 empty beds and clothes up to my eyeballs, just waiting.

Nothing I can do about it, so I am just going on with life and when they call, they call. I have finally stopped jumping when the phone rings, and worrying if my cell is within reach at all times or panicing that I might not get service in the mall. Life must go on! So I am at peace - never could have done that totally with Avery's adoption.

I did leave a message yesterday, to make sure they knew we were here and ready, so I have done all I can do.

still waiting

Yep, that's right we are STILL waiting. I don't jump everytime the phone rings now, but still jump if it's my new cell, since the PC is the only person I gave the number to - wrong numbers, and telemarketers are causing serious grey hair and heart faiure here.

I know it will happen when it is the right time and the right placement, but it is a little frustrating.

Hey Avery.... GOTCHA!

Three years, I can't believe it.

Normally on Avery's adoption day I am very sentimental, weepy, and your typical sappy mom. This year however has been very different. Somehow the shock and disbelief that accompanies my thought of becoming a mom aren't there. In it's place is security and "normalcy". She is just my little girl. I really can't remember the days before her being here.
I am still grateful beyond belief, and totally in awe of the girl she is becoming.

We have come full circle this year. We've made steps to add to our family. We have gotten to a place of more security in her attachment. And we are even hoping to gain some understanding of her birthfamily (I'll save that for another day). I feel so complete and confident as a mom now.

Today we planned a fun outing, but hen Avery woke, she wanted to go to the park and the "cactus place where we ate before". So that is exactly what we did.

Feeling very proud of my girl today.

License Received!!!!

Yep, that's right we got it in the mail today. I knew we were getting something in the mail from our agency, but when I opened it and saw the license there too, well I almost fell out of the chair.
They said they'd try and rush them, but a week. It only took 1 week!

Now I am claeaning the house like a mad woman cause they could call anytime.

Ahhhh!!! I'm in a frenzy!

Tiny Update

You'd think after all we went through with Avery's adoption I'd have learned my lesson. I need to be PATIENT!!

I got in touch with our placement coordinator and found out that our file is turned in and awaiting completion.
In the meantime the potential placement is still a possibility, but another option has also developed, that leaves it up in the air. We are also being kept in mind for other cases that are coming in now. If there is a good match, they would get a sign off date for our license before presenting other options to us.

So we just have to wait and see. It will be interesting to see who comes to live with us in the upcoming month.

No Power, what timing...

We were without power for right around 36 hours, and finally got it back last night, around 11p.m.
I was a nervous wreck yesterday, wondering if the placement coordinator was trying to reach me for anything. I got my phone back midday, so that helped ease my nerves, but still. Of course if the office had no power too, I wonder how anything got done.

I am slightly calmer today.

The upside of no power was that I was really productive during the day. I reorganized my kitchen cabinets. It's much more functional. On Sunday, I decided to put clothes away for the girls, in hopes that they do come to live with us.
For now I have 2 other girls, since my nieces are staying with us while we wait for their power to return.

Tiny Update

We still don't know anything, but we had to get some of our paperwork fixed, so I know things are moving.

It will be at least next week before we hear more. Ugh! Patience, patience!

Nothing to Update

I know some of you are as anxious as I am to find out some information.

Now that the blog is private I can share that the girls are 20 mos. and 3 yrs. old. They are currently in care, and need a new placement.
Our placement coordinator wants it to be us.

Since they agency has a limited time to move them, our license needs to be processed before that time expires, so you can be praying for that.
I know if this doesn't happen for some reason, that God has other kids prepared for us. Still I am excited.

I'll let you know when I hear something, although I won't be able to share a lot of details.

Possible Placement!

I can't believe we are still waiting on our license, but we got a call about a placement that should happen in the next few weeks.
I don't want to share details until I make the blog private, but all I can say is WOW!

My Quest for Stroller Greatness

So with the empending explosion of our family size, I have found it important to shop for a double stroller. I mean how else will I escape the confines of my home and see people taller than 3 ft.

While browsing the net, I happened upon this fabulous contest to win a coveted Twin Trevi. Oh-la-la!!! So knowing it is a long shot, but feeling a little daring I decided to enter. And that my friends is the purpose of this post, to let you all know how awesome MomDot.com is and to let you drool over the stroller of my dreams - or at least the one of my dreams that will actually fit in my car.

So hop on over to http://www.momdot.com/?p=1240#comment-34148 , and see what I'm talking about.

And drool on Trevi at http://www.chiccousa.com

We're done!

I dropped off the last of the paperwork to the agency today. Our sw said that he's done with out homestudy and is going to get the final look over from the director.

Once this is done then it'll be sent to the ODJFS for licensing approval. That can take up to 45 days, but hopefully it won't take that long.

So it won't be long until our home is open for care.

It was funny, today when I told Avery where we were going she said, "Yeah! We get kids!!!" I had to explain that, No, we weren't getting kids today, but it's close. And someday we'll get a call, just like we got 4 years ago when we learned about her.

I'm doing the happy dance today!! So just for fun, here's a picture of my big girl from yesterday.

We're done, kinda...

Yesterday we had our last homestudy visit. Today Ryan and I had our medicals done and I have all the paperwork that I thought I needed to complete.
As usual there have been some changes and I now need more paperwork. I got one of the things rolling today, but the other is proving to be as difficult as expected. The attachment therapist office was never easy to communicate with and this time I am yet to speak with a person. Ugh!
I will be calling again tomorrow, and hopefully reach someone. Our actual therapist moved, and I lost her contact info. Major bummer, she was quick to respond.
Once we turn in all these documents and our sw has our homestudy written up, they will send it to ODJFS and we'll await our license. After that --- placements!

Avery had her apointment with the cardiologist yesterday as well. They checked her murmur and ran tests. She is perfectly healthy and we don't need any sort of follow up. Huge answer to all those prayers!

Avery's final post placement visit is quickly approaching. I can't believe we are almost at the 3 year mark. It felt so far off when she came home. Now it feels like she has just always been here and our time in Russia was just a short little vacation.

I am leary of saying this, but she has slept through the night for the past 2 nights in a row! It's a miracle. (praying not a short lived one) Seriously she has never done 2 days in a row before. I don't think she has even done 2 days in the same month. A-mazing!!! I feel so rested. Maybe that is contributing to my forgetfulness of all the really hard days we had in getting to this point in her attachment and sleep.

Tomorrow is her first day of gymnastics. Hooray! I think I finally have her excited about it. Wish us luck.

Fostering Update

Tonight is our LAST class! I am excited to have this part behind us and I know Ryan is glad to not have to take many more 1/2 days off work.
Monday we will wrap up our homestudy and turn in the remainder of our paperwork. Tuesday we have our medicals, and I'll drop those off on Wednesday.
That's it. After that we just wait. The agency will have to finish the homestudy write up, which is in process now, then turn it over to DFS to process.

I am getting rooms ready and working on sorting clothes and things, to make sure we have enough to get us through until I can hit a store after placement.
Everthing is looking good.

Avery's First Beach Trip

This past week we visited our dear friends that we met in Russia on trip 2. We went to the beach on Long Island Sound and as you can see Avery was smitten with the ocean. She is a fish, but this was just 100% her element.
Don't ya just love my little seaweed monster!

My Wierd Family...

I am noticing a trend here... Do you see it?

Avery thinks she is a puppy and does this begging thing ALL the time. You'll notice in her pictures that even then she does it.

Then we have Ryan, who apparently is fond of channelling Prince. Every picture from vacation is the same little "pose". And seriously, if he knew I was posting this he'd DIE, so let's let this be our little secret ok, OK!

I don't know, I just thought is was funny that they both have ther signature pose for photos. lol


Now onto other things. We just got back from a big family vacation to the mountains. It was fun, interesting, but fun. I don't know what we were thinking, but all 16 of us went tubing down the river. For those of you who know her you will get that my mom is not the most coordinated person. She fell before she even got into her tube. It was quite a sight. The kids all had a blast. Except Avery who had a moment when we went through our 3rd or 4th stretch of rapids and she was on my lap instead of in her own tube. She begged me to make it be over and asked why we "did this stupid thing". Her hysteria was short lived and she would like to do it again sometime. Me, not so much... at least not until she is older.

In the 2 weeks we've been back we had another pre-service class for fostering and I had my individual interview for the homestudy. We will be gone next week, but Ryan will have his interview when we get back. Oh, and we only have one more class.

I started setting up the rooms and getting beds in order. I have far too many clothes left from Avery, and the shoes, well we just won't go there it is sinful!

Signing off for now. I promise to be more diligent about the blog!

Back Online!

I've been offline for over a month now. Avery broke our laptop beyond repair. Finally I have a new one and can update you all.

We are nearly finished with our foster parenting classes. I am excited to think that we'll have a full house in the near future.

The next few weeks are going to be busy, busy! We have 2 trips planned and I'm looking forward to some time away.

There really isn't much to update, so until later...

Getting Nervous

I woke up this morning and just had that gotta catch your breath feeling. I am getting really nervous about the fostering classes. Of course I know this is the right thing, and that God is in control of all of this, but it's such a big step.
I wonder if I'll rmember all the questions we want to ask. Will they think that we are ready for fostering, since Avery had such struggles with attachment, will Ryan and I agree when it comes time to specify what we will accept. My head is just spinning.

Holding Pattern No More

May 6th, this is the day that we will take our first orientation class to become... FOSTER PARENTS.
I know, where did that come from, right. We have always talked about becoming foster parents when the time was right. Assuming that would be when Avery and our next child were older. I guess the right time is now.
We haven't abandoned the domestic adoption for foster care, rather we feel led to get licensed while we wait on the pieces to fall together for domestic. Depending on how and when we are matched we will continue fostering.

Oh, and can someone please tell me where my tiny little girl went? I now have this smart, (well she's always been smart), grown up, ahem... going to be FOUR year old on my hands. I am serious denial about her birthday in just a few days over a month from now.
On a positive note it looks like we are making some headway and she is sleeping alone in her own room. So it was one night, but tonight is looking good and she is super proud of herself.

Today we went to the grocery and then we planted some flower bulbs. I did the digging and she covered them back up. It was just one of those days that makes me just get all gushy.

Some Averyisms to give you a laugh for the week.
~ Did you know that lids, strawberry stems, and caps are "buns". Avery asks me to "take the bun off" of everything.
~ When she is tired of something or needs a break she asks for a "brief breath"
I'm telling you she is just an odd kid.

Long Overdue

I guess it is far past time for an update.

We are still in a holding pattern with the adoption. I'm not sure what all of this waiting is for, but I do know there is a reason. We can't wait to see what God is preparing us for.
We have been feeling a pull toward domestic adoption over the past few months. It seems like everytime we were ready to proceed with Russia, domestic would be put before us in some way, shape or form. Russia is still part of my heart and maybe we will go back and adopt again someday.

Avery is doing fantastic! I can't believe she is almost FOUR. In less than two months she will be a real big girl. Of course she already thinks she is one. Yesterday I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She didn't seem to care, so I specified, "Avery, what kind of job do you want to have when you get big - Don't you want to go to work like Daddy", to which she said, "No, not really!" I guess she plans to live off mom and dad until she becomes a Hollywood star. I mean come on, she is already working on the drama.

Detour Ahead

After a month of talking, questioning, and praying we have come to the conclusion that we need to switch agencies.
We made the call and have decided on a new agency that we are 100% comfortable with. It was hard to do, since the other agency had been so supportive. They just weren't the best fit for us. We didn't feel we would walk away from the adoption with a peace. After being in that position the last time, there was really no other choice.
So where does this put us, you ask. Not too far off from where we were. Ryan and I are working on the new application and hope to have that done quickly. We still have to complete our homestudy, so we are just a couple months behind of where we hoped to be. I am hopeful that we'll get a quick referral with the new agency, but I am trying to not have expectations about that. Just trust that it will happen when the time is right.

We are looking forward to 2008 with great excitement and hope!

Holidays, Houses, Holy Cow!

So, yes, I am a slacker. It has been far too long since I have updated this blog and I guess it is a reflection on the sort of stand still that I feel like I have been stuck in over the last month or so.
Avery's new room is finished. It turned out great, as you will see. She loves it and that's all that matters. Of course when I started it we got a little thrown for a loop when the showings of our house picked up. In fact we were very close to an offer, unfortunately it didn't work out.
We have one month left of our house on the market. After that I am done. We'll just stay put awhile longer. I am totally ok with that. I am tired of the showings and worrying about keeping the house in showable condition with a preschooler. Not fun, and nearly impossible.
Thanksgiving
We had a really nice time with my family. Avery as usual was a whirling dervish and ran amuck with her cousins. I totally appreciated her long nap afterward.
Christmas
All I can say is FINALLY!!! Gifts have always been very foreign to Avery. She doesn't get very excited. Doesn't want to open them herself and dislikes the attention being focused on her. We have sort of spent the last couple Christmases coerceing her to open gifts, only to deal with fallout afterward, because she was overstimulated.
This year I made an effort to keep things simple. We only bought gifts that we knew she'd appreciate long term and stayed away from anything battery operated (except her new CD player and keyboard - what can I say the girl LOVES music).
Her first event was Christmas Eve at my mom's. The gifts were passed out and all the kids eagerly tore into them. Not Avery she sat quietly with the gift on her lap and waited for permission. Can I say I love that kid!
I told her to go ahead and she opened the first gift. Yes, by herself!!
On Christmas morning she saw her vanity and got so excited. She couldn't wait to go open presents. She opened them all wothout prompting and was just so excited over her new puzzles and board games.
More excitement followed at mt grandparents and she just had so much fun with her cousins and I had my favorite meal of the year, Christmas brunch.
No returns, no meltdowns, and a day with nothing but fun! Success, it took 3 years but we had success!
New Years - All I can say is my trooper made it through until 1 a.m. and was going strong! And she slept in, so it was a bonus for me! We spent New Year's day at a local indoor waterpark. She just had a blast and is quite the daredevil. She went on every slide that she was tall enough to try.
We are still plugging away at our paperwork and wont be done with that as soon as we hoped. Again, I have just been stalled on energy and drive this past month. LOts going on there, but I'll post more about that later.
So I guess that is all. Hope your 2008 is happy, healthy and filled with joy!