For all our sisters in Christ who are in the midst of their journey with infertility, loss, and adoption. Know that you have our continued support, love, and prayers.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
A Spiritual Boquet
For all our sisters in Christ who are in the midst of their journey with infertility, loss, and adoption. Know that you have our continued support, love, and prayers.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
things are not looking good
for them.
Out of confidentiality, I won't disclose why...but the case just took another turn, in our favor.
It is difficult to watch people's lives fall apart. For his sake, I am grateful SBR is in our home. When I learned about the situation I just squeezed him a little tighter and thanked God that we are here to love him. He is starting to favor mama (me). Now that he is crawling, he will crawl over to me an give me the look to pick him up. I love the feeling of the bond slowly developing between us. I hope he stays.
He is laughing in his uncle's arms, playing hide and seek with H as I type this.
In other related news, there is another visit scheduled with the aunt. Clearances have not yet arrived from her state. I am not sure if what happened will make her feel stronger about fighting for him, I hope not.
Out of confidentiality, I won't disclose why...but the case just took another turn, in our favor.
It is difficult to watch people's lives fall apart. For his sake, I am grateful SBR is in our home. When I learned about the situation I just squeezed him a little tighter and thanked God that we are here to love him. He is starting to favor mama (me). Now that he is crawling, he will crawl over to me an give me the look to pick him up. I love the feeling of the bond slowly developing between us. I hope he stays.
He is laughing in his uncle's arms, playing hide and seek with H as I type this.
In other related news, there is another visit scheduled with the aunt. Clearances have not yet arrived from her state. I am not sure if what happened will make her feel stronger about fighting for him, I hope not.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Meant to Be - Steven Curtis Chapman
This is a beautiful song and Steven Curtis Chapman is an amazing advocate for adoption. It is so touching to see images of his daughter Maria in the video. :*-)
Passing the Case
I mentioned before, our case (for our foster son) is being passed to the adoption unit. We have known about this for awhile and knew that Sep 1st, the 6th month mark, since having "SBR" was a big one for us.
This Wednesday, before dropping SBR off for his weekly visit, his parents were informed the case was passing. I realize there were probably discussions to the same effect with them...but I know the news was very difficult. Though I am not able to share details of the case, mom and dad are both in the picture. As far as biological parents go, in the foster care system, I am told they are up there in terms of being nice/easy to deal with people. I have long grappled with the feeling of taking their baby away and just feeling bad for them. At which point I remind myself the court/county took their baby away and we are the nice family caring for him.
Fostering is such a unique experience. It is not like what I imagine dealing with adoptive biological parents would be like. These are parents who have not decided to give up their child. Yet I have him.
I really have no idea what will happen. When a petition (for termination of parental rights) lands on their door step, will they consider signing, or will they fight? They have not "fought" so far (by making life changes), which is why the case is passing.
Today we went to the park for a picnic. SBR slept in my Ergo carrier while H played. We are feeling more and more like a family of four. I am feeling more and more like a mom of children. Two kids is so much more challenging than one. Our life feels "full" right now. We try not to focus on the outcome, nor do we speak of it much. I am not sure where in the process we are (6 more months before we know, 12? longer?). But I am content. I am content being a mommy to two. I am blessed to have a blessed distraction from every period that arrives and the sting of infertility.
A while ago we turned away an adoption opportunity. Something feel into our laps and we half considered it...then fully considered it. My husband said yes. The decision was left up to me. At that time (and still now) I could not fathom being able to care for another child, yet. God has a plan. I do not know it. But, being content with where we are is all the confirmation we need that fostering is where we are called right now.
This Wednesday, before dropping SBR off for his weekly visit, his parents were informed the case was passing. I realize there were probably discussions to the same effect with them...but I know the news was very difficult. Though I am not able to share details of the case, mom and dad are both in the picture. As far as biological parents go, in the foster care system, I am told they are up there in terms of being nice/easy to deal with people. I have long grappled with the feeling of taking their baby away and just feeling bad for them. At which point I remind myself the court/county took their baby away and we are the nice family caring for him.
Fostering is such a unique experience. It is not like what I imagine dealing with adoptive biological parents would be like. These are parents who have not decided to give up their child. Yet I have him.
I really have no idea what will happen. When a petition (for termination of parental rights) lands on their door step, will they consider signing, or will they fight? They have not "fought" so far (by making life changes), which is why the case is passing.
Today we went to the park for a picnic. SBR slept in my Ergo carrier while H played. We are feeling more and more like a family of four. I am feeling more and more like a mom of children. Two kids is so much more challenging than one. Our life feels "full" right now. We try not to focus on the outcome, nor do we speak of it much. I am not sure where in the process we are (6 more months before we know, 12? longer?). But I am content. I am content being a mommy to two. I am blessed to have a blessed distraction from every period that arrives and the sting of infertility.
A while ago we turned away an adoption opportunity. Something feel into our laps and we half considered it...then fully considered it. My husband said yes. The decision was left up to me. At that time (and still now) I could not fathom being able to care for another child, yet. God has a plan. I do not know it. But, being content with where we are is all the confirmation we need that fostering is where we are called right now.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Prayer Buddy Reveal
This summer I joined a blogging prayer buddy network.
I am relatively unknown in this blogging network...because I started our blog for family, not for the blogging world. However, in the last year I have started reading other blogs. There are some amazing women with some amazing reflections on infertility, adoption, faith, family, etc. I have recently added a few to my sidebar. I am inspired by their stories, their faith, their parenting reflections...the fact that infertile women can actually have big families.
I received my assignment back in the beginning of July. She is a woman whose blog I had seen once before I received this assignment. The reason I found her blog was because it was sharing such gigantic news. After reading her news - I thought I had seen enough of her blog. She had received what every infertile woman longs for. The irony that she became my prayer buddy, was actually God calling me onward. I am so grateful I was forced to revisit her blog and read more about her.
This is what I have learned: She received NaPro Care (near and dear to my heart) which led to her amazing news and she and her husband were in the adoption process with Catholic Charities before their surprise (like us). She is very creative, loves to camp (wohoo) and is a woman of faith. Her profile is a picture of meeting the Pope with her husband - in their wedding clothes on their honeymoon (so cool). Her prayer intentions had nothing to do with herself, though I am sure her own spiritual needs are great. In the course of a couple of months, she has gone through great joy, great fear, sadness and excitement. Let me explain, after a year and half of infertility, she conceived triplets. Not long after that, she lost one of the babies. Now she moves forward with a twin pregnancy, which is still completely overwhelming, I imagine. Recently she found out that she is gestating twin sons.
Brittany (Picking up Our Cross), it has been a joy to pray for you and your intentions and to get you know you a little better the past month and half. I prayed especially hard for you while I was at the Theology of the Body congress adoration chapel - surrounded by very cool priests and religious. I look forward to following your blog through the rest of your pregnancy (and beyond). Your boys will be blessed to have you as their mama!
I am relatively unknown in this blogging network...because I started our blog for family, not for the blogging world. However, in the last year I have started reading other blogs. There are some amazing women with some amazing reflections on infertility, adoption, faith, family, etc. I have recently added a few to my sidebar. I am inspired by their stories, their faith, their parenting reflections...the fact that infertile women can actually have big families.
I received my assignment back in the beginning of July. She is a woman whose blog I had seen once before I received this assignment. The reason I found her blog was because it was sharing such gigantic news. After reading her news - I thought I had seen enough of her blog. She had received what every infertile woman longs for. The irony that she became my prayer buddy, was actually God calling me onward. I am so grateful I was forced to revisit her blog and read more about her.
This is what I have learned: She received NaPro Care (near and dear to my heart) which led to her amazing news and she and her husband were in the adoption process with Catholic Charities before their surprise (like us). She is very creative, loves to camp (wohoo) and is a woman of faith. Her profile is a picture of meeting the Pope with her husband - in their wedding clothes on their honeymoon (so cool). Her prayer intentions had nothing to do with herself, though I am sure her own spiritual needs are great. In the course of a couple of months, she has gone through great joy, great fear, sadness and excitement. Let me explain, after a year and half of infertility, she conceived triplets. Not long after that, she lost one of the babies. Now she moves forward with a twin pregnancy, which is still completely overwhelming, I imagine. Recently she found out that she is gestating twin sons.
Brittany (Picking up Our Cross), it has been a joy to pray for you and your intentions and to get you know you a little better the past month and half. I prayed especially hard for you while I was at the Theology of the Body congress adoration chapel - surrounded by very cool priests and religious. I look forward to following your blog through the rest of your pregnancy (and beyond). Your boys will be blessed to have you as their mama!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Foster Updates
Updates from the world of fostering:
1. Paternity is confirmed. The Senior that my foster son is Juniored after, is the correct Senior. With this we breathe a sigh of relief, because we know what we face...there is nothing unknown.
2. Approval was granted to pass the case to the adoption unit. That pass will happen sometime in the next couple weeks. What this means is "SBR" gets a new social worker, whose goal is to follow through to his adoption. She is the SW that files petitions for termination of parental rights. Parental rights can either be terminated voluntarily or involuntarily. Obviously, voluntary termination will mean a much quicker process moving forward. This particular social worker is VERY familiar with bio mom and has led her through this process twice before. I believe she will sign....bio dad...I am not sure it will be so easy, but I am praying for that.
After petitions are signed, there is a court case to terminate rights. Then it starts to move into adoption.
3. We will be starting an adoption home study within the next month and get a new set of social workers (in addition to the two from the county) who will continue onward with us from there. SO that is a grand total of 4 (5 including some transition time we expect) that we will be dealing with.
4. Great Aunt is still out there. Approved in her state and waiting approval in our state. Expecting approval will be granted. RIGHT NOW, all social workers are in agreement she has not made a strong case to get the baby because she has not been visiting. Words I was SO glad to hear today "every week she does not come is counting as a missed visit." She has come twice in the almost 5 months we have had him. SO, on that end, the prayer is either they will back down or the courts will side in our favor here.
On the way out the door from the visit today I was chatting with the visit supervisor. She looked at me and said "Elisabeth, I wouldn't worry." It is nice to get some reassurance from people who have BTDT.
Meanwhile, SBR's current social worker stated "it could take 6 months, it could take 2 years, I can't predict the future or what might happen."
So we continue to wait...and pray. And discuss how old SBR should be before we say Yes to our next foster child. :)
1. Paternity is confirmed. The Senior that my foster son is Juniored after, is the correct Senior. With this we breathe a sigh of relief, because we know what we face...there is nothing unknown.
2. Approval was granted to pass the case to the adoption unit. That pass will happen sometime in the next couple weeks. What this means is "SBR" gets a new social worker, whose goal is to follow through to his adoption. She is the SW that files petitions for termination of parental rights. Parental rights can either be terminated voluntarily or involuntarily. Obviously, voluntary termination will mean a much quicker process moving forward. This particular social worker is VERY familiar with bio mom and has led her through this process twice before. I believe she will sign....bio dad...I am not sure it will be so easy, but I am praying for that.
After petitions are signed, there is a court case to terminate rights. Then it starts to move into adoption.
3. We will be starting an adoption home study within the next month and get a new set of social workers (in addition to the two from the county) who will continue onward with us from there. SO that is a grand total of 4 (5 including some transition time we expect) that we will be dealing with.
4. Great Aunt is still out there. Approved in her state and waiting approval in our state. Expecting approval will be granted. RIGHT NOW, all social workers are in agreement she has not made a strong case to get the baby because she has not been visiting. Words I was SO glad to hear today "every week she does not come is counting as a missed visit." She has come twice in the almost 5 months we have had him. SO, on that end, the prayer is either they will back down or the courts will side in our favor here.
On the way out the door from the visit today I was chatting with the visit supervisor. She looked at me and said "Elisabeth, I wouldn't worry." It is nice to get some reassurance from people who have BTDT.
Meanwhile, SBR's current social worker stated "it could take 6 months, it could take 2 years, I can't predict the future or what might happen."
So we continue to wait...and pray. And discuss how old SBR should be before we say Yes to our next foster child. :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Update on Melanie
and Praise God...it is GOOD NEWS!
These updates were found online from this morning:
9am (AZ Time) 7/30/10 Kemi Ndolo posted this note to Facebook: “Melanie Pritchard has to be one of the strongest women I know…she has overcome an amniotic fluid embolism, DIC, lung failure and heart failure. The only tube left in her is an iV with saline drip. Incredible turnaround since two night’s ago. She will see her baby for the first time tomorrow morning!!! Continue to pray for Mel, Doug, and their precious children.”
11am (AZ Time) From Brooke Burns: “Chris, this is the website that you can post on your site to financially support Mel and Doug due to insurance not covering all of their costs and Mel will be in recovery for months.
It’s a paypal link that will go directly into Doug’s account. Please spread the word like wildfire.
The latest update on Mel is that she is with her baby Ella right now as we speak…UNBELIEVABLE! My sister and I saw her last night. She is coherent and recognized us and was able to say I love you. She is in a tremendous amount of pain and has a long, long road of recovery from here.”
I went out in a limb on this and actually BELIEVED the prayers would save her. And Holy Smokes...it's working!! Continue to join me in praying in thanksgiving for this miracle in progress. THIS is a website to follow for updates.
These updates were found online from this morning:
9am (AZ Time) 7/30/10 Kemi Ndolo posted this note to Facebook: “Melanie Pritchard has to be one of the strongest women I know…she has overcome an amniotic fluid embolism, DIC, lung failure and heart failure. The only tube left in her is an iV with saline drip. Incredible turnaround since two night’s ago. She will see her baby for the first time tomorrow morning!!! Continue to pray for Mel, Doug, and their precious children.”
11am (AZ Time) From Brooke Burns: “Chris, this is the website that you can post on your site to financially support Mel and Doug due to insurance not covering all of their costs and Mel will be in recovery for months.
It’s a paypal link that will go directly into Doug’s account. Please spread the word like wildfire.
The latest update on Mel is that she is with her baby Ella right now as we speak…UNBELIEVABLE! My sister and I saw her last night. She is coherent and recognized us and was able to say I love you. She is in a tremendous amount of pain and has a long, long road of recovery from here.”
I went out in a limb on this and actually BELIEVED the prayers would save her. And Holy Smokes...it's working!! Continue to join me in praying in thanksgiving for this miracle in progress. THIS is a website to follow for updates.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Pray for Melanie
This is a woman I have never met. We prayed for her tonight at the Congress. She is suffering complications from childbirth and is near death. She is fiercely pro-life. I found an article about her online
Theology of the Body Congress, Day 1
from an email...I apologize I am a bit too tired to transcribe to the blog world:
What a GIFT and what amazing timing God has to have planned this Congress for this time. Kristin was a little bummed when she saw the online streaming option of $79 over the $500 price tag she is paying...however I KNOW we are here for networking.
What an incredible, amazing, historic event going on right now in Blue Bell. The speakers are...well, this is just blowing me away.
Follow our Schedule!
The day started with a talk from Fr Brian Bransfield. He was fantastic. I totally recommend him. Then Kristin and I split paths and I heard Bill Donahagy speak on "TOB & The Eucharist" while Kristin went to Dr Mango's talk on "Understanding the Opposite Sex." We also split paths for the Panels - she choose the Same Sex 'Marriage' panel while I went to Humanae Vitae and TOB. In my panel I heard Dr Colosi, Dr Waldstien & Dr Pia de Solenni - where we just sat and watched brilliant minds work.
And, again, the reason we are here...networking. Through a conversation, which I misunderstood (Holy Spirit at work) - Kristin and I had a impromptu meeting with Matt Pinto (President of Ascension Press) and Damon Owens. Matt is so excited to help us with whatever we need. He was brainstorming what a "dream' Diocese would look like from top down for Theology of the Body implementation. Kristin and I both got shivers as he mentioned so many ideas that are currently in the works at our Dio (Marriage Prep, high schools, speaking to the priests). He also discussed his dream of having Theology of the Body offices/organizations/affiliates in every diocese. He pulled out a page and starting drawing an outline. He offered us his assistance, including speaking at the Come & See to present JFM and answer questions, and coming up with an aesthetically pleasing strategy for implementation (Diocese Game Plan) - using resources/printing available at Ascension Press - it is great to have friends in high places.
Praise God that I get to have this little "retreat"/amazing conference in the midst of motherhood. Off to bed, then day 2.
What a GIFT and what amazing timing God has to have planned this Congress for this time. Kristin was a little bummed when she saw the online streaming option of $79 over the $500 price tag she is paying...however I KNOW we are here for networking.
What an incredible, amazing, historic event going on right now in Blue Bell. The speakers are...well, this is just blowing me away.
Follow our Schedule!
The day started with a talk from Fr Brian Bransfield. He was fantastic. I totally recommend him. Then Kristin and I split paths and I heard Bill Donahagy speak on "TOB & The Eucharist" while Kristin went to Dr Mango's talk on "Understanding the Opposite Sex." We also split paths for the Panels - she choose the Same Sex 'Marriage' panel while I went to Humanae Vitae and TOB. In my panel I heard Dr Colosi, Dr Waldstien & Dr Pia de Solenni - where we just sat and watched brilliant minds work.
And, again, the reason we are here...networking. Through a conversation, which I misunderstood (Holy Spirit at work) - Kristin and I had a impromptu meeting with Matt Pinto (President of Ascension Press) and Damon Owens. Matt is so excited to help us with whatever we need. He was brainstorming what a "dream' Diocese would look like from top down for Theology of the Body implementation. Kristin and I both got shivers as he mentioned so many ideas that are currently in the works at our Dio (Marriage Prep, high schools, speaking to the priests). He also discussed his dream of having Theology of the Body offices/organizations/affiliates in every diocese. He pulled out a page and starting drawing an outline. He offered us his assistance, including speaking at the Come & See to present JFM and answer questions, and coming up with an aesthetically pleasing strategy for implementation (Diocese Game Plan) - using resources/printing available at Ascension Press - it is great to have friends in high places.
Praise God that I get to have this little "retreat"/amazing conference in the midst of motherhood. Off to bed, then day 2.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
so stoked
Tomorrow through Friday I will be attending the Theology of the Body Congress. When I sent in my registration, it was half heatedly. Now, I know, without a doubt, God has intented me to attend this event. I am so stoked! Wonderful, because it is a business expense.
Right now, in our diocese, I am blessed to be a part of some powerful meetings that will altar our marriage prep (and then hopefully many other things). SO, for the next couple of days I will be surrounded by Catholic celebs soaking up the amazing truths of TOB. I can't wait!
Right now, in our diocese, I am blessed to be a part of some powerful meetings that will altar our marriage prep (and then hopefully many other things). SO, for the next couple of days I will be surrounded by Catholic celebs soaking up the amazing truths of TOB. I can't wait!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
who sleeps like this?
I had a friend who ran a "who sleeps like this" series for her little girl. My little girl only slept in designated sleeping area...until now, of course. Our foster bebe, however, sleeps where he falls. Tonight was a good example. He litterally passed out on his own lap. :) Funny kid.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Paternity
under question.
I got an email stating that paternity is under question (foster son was swabbed today). However, can anyone tell me what this would mean: "father is still the legal father, we are trying to figure out if he is the biological father"? If he is not the bio dad, how is he the legal father? Because his name is on the birth cert?
I am also not sure how long results take. Any ideas? If the answer were that dad is not bio dad, it would change the situation on so many levels. One one hand, would now-assumed bio great aunt still pursue him if there was no bio? On the other hand...well, there would be an infinite number of possibilities that could mean an infinite number of months waiting.
I got an email stating that paternity is under question (foster son was swabbed today). However, can anyone tell me what this would mean: "father is still the legal father, we are trying to figure out if he is the biological father"? If he is not the bio dad, how is he the legal father? Because his name is on the birth cert?
I am also not sure how long results take. Any ideas? If the answer were that dad is not bio dad, it would change the situation on so many levels. One one hand, would now-assumed bio great aunt still pursue him if there was no bio? On the other hand...well, there would be an infinite number of possibilities that could mean an infinite number of months waiting.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
watching supernanny
Recently, our daughter has left the "terrible twos" and very poignantly stomped into the torrential threes. Mind you, I am writing this on what began as our infertility blog. I am SOOO grateful to have her. 80% of the time we adore her and can just watch with awe and amazement what God has brought into our lives. The other 20% of the time (maybe just a bit more :) are quite challenging.
Before kids we used to watch Supernanny quite a bit. That was helpful when we started the adoption process and had to write up our plans for discipline. Supernanny was all we really knew, apart from the discipline with which we were each raised. We were both spanked. I don't think either of us were out and out against spanking - but with both home studies, we were encouraged to use non-physical forms of discipline. I feel like time outs are a much better form of parent anger management. Following through with the steps takes more effort and attention than spanking, while encouraging a calm firmness.
Lately, DH & I have both slipped - in follow through and effectiveness. Over the last month I have said multiple times "we need supernanny!" Regarding child rearing, my father has said "it is the parent's job to create the box (the boundries) for the child. It is the child's job to push on the box." Recently, I feel H has steem rolled our box. SO, time to regroup, watch a few episodes of supernanny, dust off The Discipline Book by Dr Sears and come up with a game plan for "the threes". We need a new box!
Tonight I watched The Mann Family episode on hulu. It goes over the time out technique and the sleep technique. We definitely need a refresher on time outs and it is time to kick in the sleep technique. I told my husband that I am really just adding this blog for him so that we can get back on the same page. Child rearing is by far the most challenging job one could ever have....and I am so grateful for it.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Traveling Sleeper
H has been in a big girl bed for about 2 months now. She has been potty trained for well over a year. I tried, a few weeks back, to convince her that when she needed to use the potty, to just get up and go. While this "freedom" has not yet resulted in her leaving her bed to arrive at the potty, she has arrived (and passed out) in a number of new locations. While this may not be Supernanny approved, I don't mind too much...yet. My only complaint is the rush of fear when I go to kiss her in her bed and she is not there. OR, walking into the living room (tonight) and seeing a body on the couch. Her favorite place to land is my side of the bed - and if I try to share, she will fight me for that space.I do believe this is someone connected from our co-sleeping past (the first year). Perhaps soon we will look up some old Supernanny clips for help...but for now, we enjoy her antics - even the sleep'capades.
Update to add more pictures...an hour after I posted this, I moved her to her bed and went back to chat with my husband. She relocated herself to my bed. Will try again soon to move her back so I can sleep in my bed.
Ergo Wonderful!
Here is a quick pic of me and foster bebe and the Ergo-wonderful I received in the mail as a very unexpected surprise birthday gift.As I have been struggling with bonding issues and not practicing attachment parenting (as I did with my daughter), this was exactly what I needed. It came at a great time and my daughter, foster baby, hubby and I all love it.
It will be traveling with me to the beach tomorrow. As another friend mentioned...if only I had two, I could carry my 3 year old on my back and be a true sherpa woman...lol.
My Stock Photo Baby
Being new to blog-networking, I thought I would share an old photo. I know many blogger girls are in NaPro care. If you ever see this photo of Dr Hilgers with baby...she is mine! This is my NaPro miracle. She can be found at the top of Dr Hilger's blog as well as recent PPVI mailings.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
happy baby
While waiting for "SBR's" parents to show for his visit, I was talking with a visit supervisor - one whom I had not yet met. She had previously worked with SBR's parents and was familiar with his case. She made the comment that he was the saddest baby she had ever met...thin and unhappy. This is not the child we know. Our SBR is the happiest baby you could meet. He is so laid back and loves to smile and talk to people. We recently had pictures done and the photographer had him wrapped up in under 5 minutes because he was smiley.
The visit supervisor was discussing the first time she ever disagreed with a social worker's decision was when SBR's social worker left him with his parents (rather than placing him straight in foster care). This discussion was the first time I ever thought or wondered about the first 2.5 months of his life. And while we were having the conversation, 15 minutes elapsed...his parents did not show for the visit. This was the first no-show visit (there have been two previous canceled visits).
All this makes me feel grateful he is with us, and where he needs to be right now. Tomorrow, however, I am bringing him back for a visit with his great-aunt. "GA" (great aunt) was recently approved in another state to be a foster parent in an attempt to get SBR. From the beginning, we understood her to be our biggest hurdle...so to speak. So far she has not done what she needs to do (visit frequently) but of course I wonder, and fear, he will eventually go to her. I can not see this happening...but the biggest miracle to me would be for her to realize he is where he needs to be as well. If you are following our case, please pray for this visit tomorrow and for her to not have baby fever.
The visit supervisor was discussing the first time she ever disagreed with a social worker's decision was when SBR's social worker left him with his parents (rather than placing him straight in foster care). This discussion was the first time I ever thought or wondered about the first 2.5 months of his life. And while we were having the conversation, 15 minutes elapsed...his parents did not show for the visit. This was the first no-show visit (there have been two previous canceled visits).
All this makes me feel grateful he is with us, and where he needs to be right now. Tomorrow, however, I am bringing him back for a visit with his great-aunt. "GA" (great aunt) was recently approved in another state to be a foster parent in an attempt to get SBR. From the beginning, we understood her to be our biggest hurdle...so to speak. So far she has not done what she needs to do (visit frequently) but of course I wonder, and fear, he will eventually go to her. I can not see this happening...but the biggest miracle to me would be for her to realize he is where he needs to be as well. If you are following our case, please pray for this visit tomorrow and for her to not have baby fever.
Friday, July 02, 2010
80 months
So I was thinking recently...
and doing a little math. I estimate that I have spent approximately 80 months of my life trying to achieve pregnancy. If I had the fertility of a Duggar, I could probably have about 6 kids by now. Granted not all 80 months were spent "TRYING" - but there was not a month we were not open to conception.
Secondary infertility is nothing compared to the pain of primary infertility. I am eternally grateful that God has given us our beautiful daughter and now called us to be foster parents. My heart does still ache, however, to hear updates on fertile growing families and wish we had their fertility. God gave us this life, this cross. I am not crazy about it, but it is mine and I would not trade it.
From my cross comes my mission and I have been blessed to help others carry their crosses this past year. I consider running the infertility retreat a gift. I am speaking more about NaPro and lately, more doors are opening towards our mission in our diocese. I pray that my witness continues to lead others towards answers and blessings in their own lives. I was thrilled last week when I received in the mail the birth announcement for my first infertility client miracle baby.
On another note, I have been reading more infertility blogs and signed up recently to be a part of a summer secret prayer partner group. I am grateful for my assignment, my call to holiness...and someone out there...I will be praying for you!
and doing a little math. I estimate that I have spent approximately 80 months of my life trying to achieve pregnancy. If I had the fertility of a Duggar, I could probably have about 6 kids by now. Granted not all 80 months were spent "TRYING" - but there was not a month we were not open to conception.Secondary infertility is nothing compared to the pain of primary infertility. I am eternally grateful that God has given us our beautiful daughter and now called us to be foster parents. My heart does still ache, however, to hear updates on fertile growing families and wish we had their fertility. God gave us this life, this cross. I am not crazy about it, but it is mine and I would not trade it.
From my cross comes my mission and I have been blessed to help others carry their crosses this past year. I consider running the infertility retreat a gift. I am speaking more about NaPro and lately, more doors are opening towards our mission in our diocese. I pray that my witness continues to lead others towards answers and blessings in their own lives. I was thrilled last week when I received in the mail the birth announcement for my first infertility client miracle baby.
On another note, I have been reading more infertility blogs and signed up recently to be a part of a summer secret prayer partner group. I am grateful for my assignment, my call to holiness...and someone out there...I will be praying for you!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
mama bliss
Last night was a moment of mama bliss. It was my birthday. After dinner at my favorite restaurant and my annual whoppie pie cake, I was actually thoroughly enjoying putting the kids to bed. H loves for us to lay with her and is famous for saying "mamma will you lay wiss me?". SBR was having difficulty getting settled so I moved him over to the big girl bed, cuddling him on one side and her on the other. H kept pulling my face over to her just to make sure she was getting sufficient snuggling. It was a gift to be needed and shared by my kids and just lay there with them feeling the love.
After 5 years of primary infertility and now 2 plus of secondary infertility, I consider it a gift beyond all belief to have experienced that moment.
Yesterday morning we did have another social worker visit. She discussed much more at length what will happen when they "pass the case" this fall. Translation: when they change the goal to adoption SBR will get a new social worker to coordinate termination and adoption. I later asked Paul how he felt about the discussion. His comments were "she feels this is heading towards adoption, but for me, nothing has changed." She also talked briefly about what point we would want to start thinking of names, etc. Bottom line, we are not there yet. As of today SBR has been in our care for 4 months. At 6 months in our care the case CAN be passed. There are still a great deal of things that can happen (bio family get's it together, kinship family work out, bio parents refuse to sign termination and he remains in our care for another year or more without imminent adoption) OR this could go through smoothly and we adopt by the end of the year.
For now...we just keep loving on this little boy.
After 5 years of primary infertility and now 2 plus of secondary infertility, I consider it a gift beyond all belief to have experienced that moment.
Yesterday morning we did have another social worker visit. She discussed much more at length what will happen when they "pass the case" this fall. Translation: when they change the goal to adoption SBR will get a new social worker to coordinate termination and adoption. I later asked Paul how he felt about the discussion. His comments were "she feels this is heading towards adoption, but for me, nothing has changed." She also talked briefly about what point we would want to start thinking of names, etc. Bottom line, we are not there yet. As of today SBR has been in our care for 4 months. At 6 months in our care the case CAN be passed. There are still a great deal of things that can happen (bio family get's it together, kinship family work out, bio parents refuse to sign termination and he remains in our care for another year or more without imminent adoption) OR this could go through smoothly and we adopt by the end of the year.
For now...we just keep loving on this little boy.
Wedding Weekend
This weekend was my brother's wedding and we had a wonderful time. H was so grown up and so cute marching around with her purse (from aunt meagan) and her sunglasses and hair done. She did exceptionally well...except for the actual wedding. I spent most of the wedding trying to figure out the appropriate time for momma (a bridesmaid) to take the flower girl to the back
to calm her down. In the end, we waited it out. Everyone loved meeting "SBR" and we get so many comments on what a great, laid back baby he is. Thanks be to God! I am so grateful we got a foster son with the personality of a number two. He IS great and it was so nice to be able to introduce him to everyone.The night ended with the reception and the funniest moment was when someone suggested to H her basket would make a nice hat. She took her flowers right out of the basket, put it on her head and walked out into her introduction like the crazy kid she is.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
silly side note
about the new blog, Paul mentioned the fields looked quite fertile. hmmm....not appropriate? Well, I think they are prettier than the desert pictures. Hope wins this time buddy.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
inch by inch
"Cousin Love"
My parents were in town this weekend. We were able to spend Father's day with my parents and my Sister in law's family. It was wonderful for our daughter and foster son to get some cousin time. H is 2 years older than her cousin and SBR is 3 months younger. Not living close to my nephew it was sheer joy getting to see how much he has grown. He looks so much like my brother and makes the funniest grunting/laugh sounds. H had so much fun pushing her cousin on the swing and my sister in law overheard H say "he's my boy."
Meanwhile, SBR has won over my family. I am sure they are in love. We are going to my brother's wedding this weekend. SBR is coming along as family, of course. Apart from a baptism, this will be the first big event where we are introducing him. I know he will win everyone's hearts with the killer smile that he uses all the time. I was wondering what questions I may get this weekend. On quick reflection, I have actually already fielded questions such as "how on earth could you ever do that?" and heard numerous foster care horror stories. But so far our extended family is awesome and supportive about this.
And just a post script, every day he makes his way just a little deeper in my heart. Right now I would say we have a love love relationship...it helps when he is sleeping through the night! At one point I spent a few hours day dreaming about possible names, but I had to stop and decided to try not to be adoption minded until the courts are clearly adoption minded. Our next court date is in October and I know the next 4 months will reveal a LOT.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
click Refresh
It is crazy to think I have been blogging for 4 years. So much has changed. We started this to keep family updated on our adoption process. Then, it became the place to share news and updates about our miracle conception. Then, the proud new mommy blog. Then, secondary infertility blog which lead to the foster care parent blog. Amazingly enough, the title still applies. We are still striving to grow our family and happy to have this place to share updates of the more personal, journaling type nature.
Blogspot was offering new templates, so I am opting to try to stay fresh and update this space just a bit. Hopefully a new look will encourage more blogging. :)
Blogspot was offering new templates, so I am opting to try to stay fresh and update this space just a bit. Hopefully a new look will encourage more blogging. :)
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
"Is he adopted?"
Tonight we went to a kid's picnic at our parish. The daughter of a friend came up as I was holding our chunk and asked "is he adopted?" I put her off because we were about the pray grace and she wondered off sparing me from explaining. How do you explain fostering to a child?
I love this little kid. That said...he is teething right now. My husband reminds me we had these very same frustrations with H. It is difficult to love any child when you have been up all night four nights in a row. Yet, I can't deny how totally different it is from #1 (biological) to #2 (foster). We meet his needs, feed him like crazy, burp, clean diapers, and on and on. We love on him, cuddle, snuggle and play. The biggest difference is perhaps that we are not doing attachment parenting with "SBR". I always forget to bring my slings out, I have never felt co-sleeping was an option for us (whereas it was the natural development with H); And it is much easier to pass him to a stranger for babysitting - because there are no b--bs involved. Yet, I am still more of his mama than his mama is. We would 1000 percent be elated for the opportunity to keep him forever. I think everything else just boils down to being guarded.
This week was the first week that I felt a "look" from him when I passed him off at his parent visit. He has the sweetest eyes - which happen to be a little bit clogged and therefore a little bit moist...all the time. I know we have A bond. I just always question - how much, and wonder if it is enough. Before too long he will start to reach for me, as mama. It feels like a long way off until October (our next court date). But the days go fast enough. So we just wait. And hope that the next time I get that question, "is he adopted?" I can simply say "yes!"
I love this little kid. That said...he is teething right now. My husband reminds me we had these very same frustrations with H. It is difficult to love any child when you have been up all night four nights in a row. Yet, I can't deny how totally different it is from #1 (biological) to #2 (foster). We meet his needs, feed him like crazy, burp, clean diapers, and on and on. We love on him, cuddle, snuggle and play. The biggest difference is perhaps that we are not doing attachment parenting with "SBR". I always forget to bring my slings out, I have never felt co-sleeping was an option for us (whereas it was the natural development with H); And it is much easier to pass him to a stranger for babysitting - because there are no b--bs involved. Yet, I am still more of his mama than his mama is. We would 1000 percent be elated for the opportunity to keep him forever. I think everything else just boils down to being guarded.
This week was the first week that I felt a "look" from him when I passed him off at his parent visit. He has the sweetest eyes - which happen to be a little bit clogged and therefore a little bit moist...all the time. I know we have A bond. I just always question - how much, and wonder if it is enough. Before too long he will start to reach for me, as mama. It feels like a long way off until October (our next court date). But the days go fast enough. So we just wait. And hope that the next time I get that question, "is he adopted?" I can simply say "yes!"
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Caring for another's child
Tonight, as I was putting my sweet girl to bed I looked at her and said "YOU came from me. I can't believe you came from me." She told me, as she understands, she came from my belly, but her brother came from another mamma's belly.
Yes, my love. You are so smart!
I adore our foster son. He has a smile and a laugh that can brighten the darkest day. He has such a special place in our lives, in our home. Yet, for now, he remains the child of another. In the hard times, this is most difficult. I fear I give less when it gets tough. Then I have to remember, every mother with a number 1 probably gives less to number 2 - simply because number 1 still needs.
Am I attached? I don't know. I think God has given me a special grace to love and care for this sweet boy - without complete attachment. I fear not having that complete attachment...but if it is meant to be, it will come, I am sure.
We had a foster appreciation banquet tonight. I had another mom that is not in a position to adopt tell me how lucky I am that we can do that. She is facing giving up the infant they have raised for 6 months. Lucky. My hands are full when I leave the house (even on the third time out the door). My daughter has a "brudder", whom she adores. My husband has a son. I have a son. For how long? Will I be "lucky" a year from now? I can only dream that God has led us right here for this reason. That one day I will explain to our child, you came from another mamma's womb, but you have been in my heart forever.
Yes, my love. You are so smart!
I adore our foster son. He has a smile and a laugh that can brighten the darkest day. He has such a special place in our lives, in our home. Yet, for now, he remains the child of another. In the hard times, this is most difficult. I fear I give less when it gets tough. Then I have to remember, every mother with a number 1 probably gives less to number 2 - simply because number 1 still needs.
Am I attached? I don't know. I think God has given me a special grace to love and care for this sweet boy - without complete attachment. I fear not having that complete attachment...but if it is meant to be, it will come, I am sure.
We had a foster appreciation banquet tonight. I had another mom that is not in a position to adopt tell me how lucky I am that we can do that. She is facing giving up the infant they have raised for 6 months. Lucky. My hands are full when I leave the house (even on the third time out the door). My daughter has a "brudder", whom she adores. My husband has a son. I have a son. For how long? Will I be "lucky" a year from now? I can only dream that God has led us right here for this reason. That one day I will explain to our child, you came from another mamma's womb, but you have been in my heart forever.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hope Renewed
So...I might as well just catch up on all my blogging...right? :)
The Hope Retreat was this past Saturday. It got close to not happening as our numbers were lower than we planned. However, God intended this retreat to happen. There was 17 of us, including our speaker who claimed she was attending the retreat too.
As the retreat host, I felt the time crunch through the day and the pressure to keep things moving. Despite this, I managed to experience some very good moments. Christine Wittman, our first keynote, a Catholic therapist did a beautiful job of challenging us to dispel the myths of infertility. Things like "you are alone in your struggle", "this is your fault", "God doesn't love you". Christine lead us through the process of rewriting these to truth and redirecting to positive thoughts.
Paul and I were a part of the panel and shared our story from infertility surgeries to the adoption process, to conception, to secondary IF & surgery to fostering. We were joined with another couple that dealt with combined fertility issues (male & female) for 6 years before concieving (my retreat co-host and her husband).
After lunch we had time with Jesus in adoration and confession. Paul jumped when I asked him to play guitar at the last second and did an amazing job of providing soft reflection music.
Christine then led a group segment. Our chairs were in a circle and the empty chair among us became "Infertility." We all had a chance to say what we needed to say to "Infertility." My favorite moment of the day happened when the man next to me said forcefully "Infertility...you owe me a LOT of money." We all cracked up. Humor is good. The most rewarding part of this segment for me was when Christine asked the group what they were feeling at that moment. Several said peace, someone said they were ready to move forward and someone else said they felt hope. Praise God!! I had tears hearing the responses.
Late afternoon, Neal Lozano arrived. He is an amazing, anointed man! Neal is the founder of Heart of The Father Ministries. If you have never head of his book UNBOUND: A Practical Guide to Deliverance from Evil Spirits, I highly recommend it. Neal led us through an exercise (practice prayer) in forgiveness and deliverance. In the course of the keynote he said something very powerful...he said "God want's you to conceive." He then brought up Genesis "be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." This was so freeing to hear. God want's me to conceive?? So often we think our way out of that and work around it with the dance of "this must not be God's will." It was so powerful to hear a man of authority pray with that authority for us and over us. So, he did pray over many of the couples. Paul and I were honored to lay hands in prayer with him and I was blown away by how in tune Neal is with the Holy Spirit. Without knowing these couples, he spoke words straight from God to so many of us.
The retreat concluded with Mass led by my brother in law. He did an awesome job preaching about how God often takes us beyond our comfort zone to bless us.
SO, I was honored and amazed to be used as a tool by God for this retreat.
God, bless all couples that struggle deeply with infertility. Allow them to receive & know your abundant blessing and love. Touch them, heal them...bless them with children. St Gianna, pray for us. St Gerard, pray for us.
The Hope Retreat was this past Saturday. It got close to not happening as our numbers were lower than we planned. However, God intended this retreat to happen. There was 17 of us, including our speaker who claimed she was attending the retreat too.
As the retreat host, I felt the time crunch through the day and the pressure to keep things moving. Despite this, I managed to experience some very good moments. Christine Wittman, our first keynote, a Catholic therapist did a beautiful job of challenging us to dispel the myths of infertility. Things like "you are alone in your struggle", "this is your fault", "God doesn't love you". Christine lead us through the process of rewriting these to truth and redirecting to positive thoughts.
Paul and I were a part of the panel and shared our story from infertility surgeries to the adoption process, to conception, to secondary IF & surgery to fostering. We were joined with another couple that dealt with combined fertility issues (male & female) for 6 years before concieving (my retreat co-host and her husband).
After lunch we had time with Jesus in adoration and confession. Paul jumped when I asked him to play guitar at the last second and did an amazing job of providing soft reflection music.
Christine then led a group segment. Our chairs were in a circle and the empty chair among us became "Infertility." We all had a chance to say what we needed to say to "Infertility." My favorite moment of the day happened when the man next to me said forcefully "Infertility...you owe me a LOT of money." We all cracked up. Humor is good. The most rewarding part of this segment for me was when Christine asked the group what they were feeling at that moment. Several said peace, someone said they were ready to move forward and someone else said they felt hope. Praise God!! I had tears hearing the responses.
Late afternoon, Neal Lozano arrived. He is an amazing, anointed man! Neal is the founder of Heart of The Father Ministries. If you have never head of his book UNBOUND: A Practical Guide to Deliverance from Evil Spirits, I highly recommend it. Neal led us through an exercise (practice prayer) in forgiveness and deliverance. In the course of the keynote he said something very powerful...he said "God want's you to conceive." He then brought up Genesis "be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." This was so freeing to hear. God want's me to conceive?? So often we think our way out of that and work around it with the dance of "this must not be God's will." It was so powerful to hear a man of authority pray with that authority for us and over us. So, he did pray over many of the couples. Paul and I were honored to lay hands in prayer with him and I was blown away by how in tune Neal is with the Holy Spirit. Without knowing these couples, he spoke words straight from God to so many of us.
The retreat concluded with Mass led by my brother in law. He did an awesome job preaching about how God often takes us beyond our comfort zone to bless us.
SO, I was honored and amazed to be used as a tool by God for this retreat.
God, bless all couples that struggle deeply with infertility. Allow them to receive & know your abundant blessing and love. Touch them, heal them...bless them with children. St Gianna, pray for us. St Gerard, pray for us.
On Fostering
It has been almost two months since we began fostering. If you ask me now my response is "what a gift!" We love this little boy. We love being mamma and papa and H proudly declares every day "I'm a BIG sister." God has given us the gift and responsibility to care for this precious little boy. His smiles and sweet talk are all that we need to know he is where he needs to be right now.
I have decided that it is to my advantage to be the one to drop him off for his weekly parent visits. Seeing them and their interactions is a tremendous help in keeping perspective on my role as foster parent. "The goal of fostering is reunification, the goal of fostering is reunification, the goal of fostering is reunification..."
At the same time I have his social worker keeping me posted about the status of things. It is pretty much the same report "his parents have a long way to go." From where we stand now we are looking at 8 months before the county would start discussion on termination of rights. This is actually shorter than our original time line of 15 months after placement. The social workers keep things in check for me. They are like the translators. I say "I heard blah blah blah" and they translate back "the reality is blah blah blah."
The reality is he will be here for a good bit of his first year. Two months in...I think I could send him home and know I did a good thing. Ask me the same question in 8 months....I don't know.
I have also met so many foster families who have grown their families though fostering. The county allows up to 6 children in a home at one time and so many foster families are "generous with children." Big hearts equal big families in the foster world. I met a woman in the elevator the other day with a 15 month old whom she is adopting and a BRAND newborn that was just placed with them. Another foster mom I see regularly is in the process of adopting her fourth.
From the financial side...this is amazing. I always always struggled with the question "why do I have to have 10, 20, 30K in the bank to become a parent?" When we talked about growing our family, we were committed to not incurring debt in the process. And...miraculously, we managed to become debt free not long after H was born. When the question is "why do I have to have so much $$$ in the bank to become a parent" - the answer is FOSTER! We receive a stipend for mileage for visits & doctor appointments, a daily stipend, clothing stipend (at placement). He is on medical assistance (state health care) and receives WIC to cover the cost of formula.
Fostering IS difficult. But it IS rewarding. I foresee us being foster parents for a while and pray this is the way God will allow us to grow the family we have always longed for.
For now, this is a complete blessing in our lives. I have a smiling baby in the swing next to me so excited to be awake at 9:30pm. Watching him grow, giving him kisses and snuggles, watching my daughter read him books and teach him to pray...we are blessed to be parents to this sweet sweet baby.
I have decided that it is to my advantage to be the one to drop him off for his weekly parent visits. Seeing them and their interactions is a tremendous help in keeping perspective on my role as foster parent. "The goal of fostering is reunification, the goal of fostering is reunification, the goal of fostering is reunification..."
At the same time I have his social worker keeping me posted about the status of things. It is pretty much the same report "his parents have a long way to go." From where we stand now we are looking at 8 months before the county would start discussion on termination of rights. This is actually shorter than our original time line of 15 months after placement. The social workers keep things in check for me. They are like the translators. I say "I heard blah blah blah" and they translate back "the reality is blah blah blah."
The reality is he will be here for a good bit of his first year. Two months in...I think I could send him home and know I did a good thing. Ask me the same question in 8 months....I don't know.
I have also met so many foster families who have grown their families though fostering. The county allows up to 6 children in a home at one time and so many foster families are "generous with children." Big hearts equal big families in the foster world. I met a woman in the elevator the other day with a 15 month old whom she is adopting and a BRAND newborn that was just placed with them. Another foster mom I see regularly is in the process of adopting her fourth.
From the financial side...this is amazing. I always always struggled with the question "why do I have to have 10, 20, 30K in the bank to become a parent?" When we talked about growing our family, we were committed to not incurring debt in the process. And...miraculously, we managed to become debt free not long after H was born. When the question is "why do I have to have so much $$$ in the bank to become a parent" - the answer is FOSTER! We receive a stipend for mileage for visits & doctor appointments, a daily stipend, clothing stipend (at placement). He is on medical assistance (state health care) and receives WIC to cover the cost of formula.
Fostering IS difficult. But it IS rewarding. I foresee us being foster parents for a while and pray this is the way God will allow us to grow the family we have always longed for.
For now, this is a complete blessing in our lives. I have a smiling baby in the swing next to me so excited to be awake at 9:30pm. Watching him grow, giving him kisses and snuggles, watching my daughter read him books and teach him to pray...we are blessed to be parents to this sweet sweet baby.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sweet Sweet Baby
I fell in love with the song "Sweet Sweet Baby" by Michelle Featherstone when I first heard it while viewing pictures of a friend's new baby. I love the lyrics. I had a generic copy but that disappeared from youtube...so here is someone else's adoption story so you can hear the song, lol. On that, more reflections of fostering to follow soon. For now, I took a few pictures for SBR's baby book. Sharing two of my favorites.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
and the blog is the last to know
Sorry for the delay in updating...we have been busy!! We picked Baby up Monday afternoon. Much getting to know each other has been happening...it will take us all a bit to get settled and get to know each other. He is a sweet boy and in the rare times of awake, he loves to smile and coo. Figuring out formula feeding is a bit of work and I took him to a meeting at the gym to get a weight. We also measured him. 95% for weight. 5% for height. Little legs but strong guy.
For the most part we are immersed in the roles of caregivers...but when we can reflect - we are just grateful God choose us to be involved with his life. We hope that we will all be better off for it!
For the most part we are immersed in the roles of caregivers...but when we can reflect - we are just grateful God choose us to be involved with his life. We hope that we will all be better off for it!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday...2:30pm
Darn Snow! We will spend the weekend preparing our hearts and home (and daughter) for this wonderful gift!
I am so grateful for your prayers and kind words. I feel like we are on the brink of another great big roller coaster. I am nervous and excited and ready to take a risk on love.
I am so grateful for your prayers and kind words. I feel like we are on the brink of another great big roller coaster. I am nervous and excited and ready to take a risk on love.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Baby Boy
Sweet Baby R. Our first foster care placement. A 2 month old little one. Details to follow after placement. He should be coming to our home within the next couple days (pending another snowstorm). Pray it holds off and we can get him tomorrow!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week 5
So I am belated in updating, but week 5 is off the list. This was about grief and the related stages (what you may see in a child or what you may go through after sending one home) and creating Lifebooks (a requirement and a very good thing). It was a pretty simple class - so not too much to discuss in a quick update.
CPR certification - I was there, with the instructor and another lady and no one came to open the facilities - so that is set back as well (bump #2).
All our certifications are here, so I hope to send those in this week. Then we have class #4 on 3/17 and hopefully CPR cert around the same time and officially we have jumped all the hoops. Hoping the big approval quickly follows!
CPR certification - I was there, with the instructor and another lady and no one came to open the facilities - so that is set back as well (bump #2).
All our certifications are here, so I hope to send those in this week. Then we have class #4 on 3/17 and hopefully CPR cert around the same time and officially we have jumped all the hoops. Hoping the big approval quickly follows!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Week 4 canceled
We are expecting another 12-20" of snow to fall on top of our (melted down to) 12" still on the ground starting tonight. As a result, our class tomorrow night is canceled. Unfortunately, this means we have to wait until "week 4" comes up again in rotation...5 weeks from now. :( I have not yet confirmed with our social worker if our approval will be delayed as a result. I am bummed, but everything is a roller coaster and this is really only our first bump so far.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Training Week 3
Our home visits and home study interviews are done; We are awaiting our clearances to arrive in the mail; Elisabeth is scheduled for the required infant CPR class (Paul will attend as soon as his schedule allows); And we only have two more weeks of training to go.
The classes this week dealt with topics such as aggravated circumstances, search for kinship and the phases of foster care and court hearings.
The aggravated circumstances raised my blood pressure a bit....There was discussion like "if the parent has previously murdered their child, and then has another child, that child may go straight to foster care." It also involved "if the parent(s) are in jail, or have disappeared and left the child with a friend who has no ability to care for that child..." The reflection of the scenarios of from which these children may come is the cold harsh reality of our world.
Our county has established a specific department related to searching for kinship. Much of this discussion revolved around older children who have been in foster care virtually their whole life and then "age out of the system." The county is required to search to what is the equivalent of a 3rd cousin to attempt to find homes for kids. Basically the goals of foster care are 1. reunification, 2. adoption, 3/4/5. various forms of guardianship for the child. If they never find someone to do this and a child "age's out" - most of these teens end up homeless with no where to go, no family, no home for the holidays. :-( Again, harsh reality.
The court part was probably the most light-hearted part of the night. We discussed all the players, explored the court rooms, talked about the phases of hearings and when they happen in the process. From the time a child is taken into custody, the goal is 15 months to decide if reunification is possible. If not, goals shift to adoption until termination (voluntary or involuntary) of rights occur. The good news about this, there is a time line. The bad news, I am sure it is still quite a long wait to see how things play out. This is what we are signing up for...the good the bad and the ugly. Somehow, I am certain there will be some wonderful mixed in with all the pain and tears.
The classes this week dealt with topics such as aggravated circumstances, search for kinship and the phases of foster care and court hearings.
The aggravated circumstances raised my blood pressure a bit....There was discussion like "if the parent has previously murdered their child, and then has another child, that child may go straight to foster care." It also involved "if the parent(s) are in jail, or have disappeared and left the child with a friend who has no ability to care for that child..." The reflection of the scenarios of from which these children may come is the cold harsh reality of our world.
Our county has established a specific department related to searching for kinship. Much of this discussion revolved around older children who have been in foster care virtually their whole life and then "age out of the system." The county is required to search to what is the equivalent of a 3rd cousin to attempt to find homes for kids. Basically the goals of foster care are 1. reunification, 2. adoption, 3/4/5. various forms of guardianship for the child. If they never find someone to do this and a child "age's out" - most of these teens end up homeless with no where to go, no family, no home for the holidays. :-( Again, harsh reality.
The court part was probably the most light-hearted part of the night. We discussed all the players, explored the court rooms, talked about the phases of hearings and when they happen in the process. From the time a child is taken into custody, the goal is 15 months to decide if reunification is possible. If not, goals shift to adoption until termination (voluntary or involuntary) of rights occur. The good news about this, there is a time line. The bad news, I am sure it is still quite a long wait to see how things play out. This is what we are signing up for...the good the bad and the ugly. Somehow, I am certain there will be some wonderful mixed in with all the pain and tears.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Another week down
Last night was our 2nd training class. The topics discussed were drug use, cultural considerations and first aid. Every week gives us a bit more insight into lives of families outside of our own. We played a men vs women Jeopardy style game to discuss types and effects of drugs. I am grateful to say we have have no experience with this personally...however, the reality is there is a good possibility that we will be caring for a child from a drug abusing family. Not only do we face the affect of drugs or other abuse on the child, but we will likely be interacting (through visits, etc) with birth parents very different from ourselves. Honestly, I think drug abuse seems to be the most "excusable" (for lack of a better way to put it) of the various reasons a child will be pulled from a home. How do you come face to face with birth parents who have physically or sexually abused a child in your care? My only thought is through GRACE.
Also, the further we get into this, the more I realize that race of the child is such a non-issue. I am grateful to have the ability to see beautiful blended families. Yesterday, Hannah and I were able to witness a court adoption hearing. Friends from our babysitting co-op welcomed their second adopted son, who came to them through the foster care system. It was beautiful to watch their joy at becoming family, legally. Although they are Caucasian, their two Hispanic son's fit very naturally into their lives. Images of Haitian children being reunited with Caucasian American adoptive parents also help me to reflect that a child is a child and a parent is a parent. However God see's fit to bring each together is in His way. Our prayer is always that WE not get in the way of His will.
So, our home study is mostly done. There is one more home visit, for the walk through, which will happen next week. We still need to get our background checks submitted. Then, 3 more training classes and hopefully we will be approved and ready. Another week closer. Another prayer of thanksgiving. Another hopeful utterance of "Thy Will Be Done."
Also, the further we get into this, the more I realize that race of the child is such a non-issue. I am grateful to have the ability to see beautiful blended families. Yesterday, Hannah and I were able to witness a court adoption hearing. Friends from our babysitting co-op welcomed their second adopted son, who came to them through the foster care system. It was beautiful to watch their joy at becoming family, legally. Although they are Caucasian, their two Hispanic son's fit very naturally into their lives. Images of Haitian children being reunited with Caucasian American adoptive parents also help me to reflect that a child is a child and a parent is a parent. However God see's fit to bring each together is in His way. Our prayer is always that WE not get in the way of His will.
So, our home study is mostly done. There is one more home visit, for the walk through, which will happen next week. We still need to get our background checks submitted. Then, 3 more training classes and hopefully we will be approved and ready. Another week closer. Another prayer of thanksgiving. Another hopeful utterance of "Thy Will Be Done."
Friday, January 22, 2010
Life, Unborn
On the very sad anniversary of Roe V. Wade, I pray for those whose lives have been destroyed by abortion - physically and psychologically.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
In Training: Week 1
So here is the update on our first class:
It was a little intimidating getting through security (gate check, license plate noted; then metal detector and bags scanned) to get to the meeting space.
It was an eclectic group of people, we were in the front so I didn't look too much to gauge - but there were a good number of couples.
Then there were three presenters on three topics:
1. Child Abuse - mandatory reporters, what constitutes abuse, signs they exhibit, etc - this makes me SO sad :(
2. Medical/Dental Care - Holy paperwork!! What is required to make an appointment, how many appointments, what forms are required for what visits, what permissions are required and how they are obtained for emergency care, etc
3. Disaster Preparedness - we need to establish a 3 day survival kit - 1/gallon water per person per day, plus a zillion other things...this is Paul's #1 assigned roll in getting us foster care ready.
So, first night good. We saw another couple we have seen at Church. They got started after the same couple inspired us to go with this agency. God, please continue to bless us as we prepare, open our hearts for the child you are intending to live with us and protect them and keep them safe. Amen.
It was a little intimidating getting through security (gate check, license plate noted; then metal detector and bags scanned) to get to the meeting space.
It was an eclectic group of people, we were in the front so I didn't look too much to gauge - but there were a good number of couples.
Then there were three presenters on three topics:
1. Child Abuse - mandatory reporters, what constitutes abuse, signs they exhibit, etc - this makes me SO sad :(
2. Medical/Dental Care - Holy paperwork!! What is required to make an appointment, how many appointments, what forms are required for what visits, what permissions are required and how they are obtained for emergency care, etc
3. Disaster Preparedness - we need to establish a 3 day survival kit - 1/gallon water per person per day, plus a zillion other things...this is Paul's #1 assigned roll in getting us foster care ready.
So, first night good. We saw another couple we have seen at Church. They got started after the same couple inspired us to go with this agency. God, please continue to bless us as we prepare, open our hearts for the child you are intending to live with us and protect them and keep them safe. Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
An Infertility Retreat
I am so thrilled that the website is finally up!!
http://www.fertilitycarefriends.org/hoperetreat.html
THIS is the resource page for information on the Infertility Retreat that I have been working on long and hard with a dear friend and practitioner from Harrisburg.
If you are close and interested, feel free to contact me. If you are far and interested, you are welcome!! We need lots of prayer support for a powerful weekend orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Please join me in praying!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Homestudy Rescheduled
So, the last couple days have been a bit of a slump, as in nothing is going on in our process of moving closer to fostering. I know this will resolve soon and I am sure the next couple of months will be gone in a flash. For now, we are just waiting.
The night before our almost homestudy, Paul and I had a wonderful talk about fostering. What will our lives be like with another child in the house? How will H react? Paul tossed around the ways he can be more present at home (while I assured him how much the 2nd job is needed right now). We are back in that "how do you prepare for the unknown" phase. At least, having had an infant a few short years ago, we are good on the gear and basic necessities.
The monthly financial commitment to fertility medications is starting to become a little much. So we face the prospect of letting go of that journey for a bit. To be honest, I am always quick to volunteer shedding the shots and pills. It is disappointing that the birth of our first child did not miraculously resolve our infertility, as many first births often do. However, we trust in God's greater plan. As of now, the difference from our first adoption attempt, is if we are so blessed to conceive in the process of fostering, we won't be forced to quit the process.
Next week we start training classes. Two weeks from that, we will prepare for the home visit again. I was blessed to speak to someone yesterday who adopted three before miraculously conceiving two. They are a beautiful family and adoption advocates. She lifted my spirits by sharing stories of several friends blessed by the foster to adopt program. My prayer is 6 to 12 months from now I will be looking back at the beginning of the year and seeing how much has changed.
The night before our almost homestudy, Paul and I had a wonderful talk about fostering. What will our lives be like with another child in the house? How will H react? Paul tossed around the ways he can be more present at home (while I assured him how much the 2nd job is needed right now). We are back in that "how do you prepare for the unknown" phase. At least, having had an infant a few short years ago, we are good on the gear and basic necessities.
The monthly financial commitment to fertility medications is starting to become a little much. So we face the prospect of letting go of that journey for a bit. To be honest, I am always quick to volunteer shedding the shots and pills. It is disappointing that the birth of our first child did not miraculously resolve our infertility, as many first births often do. However, we trust in God's greater plan. As of now, the difference from our first adoption attempt, is if we are so blessed to conceive in the process of fostering, we won't be forced to quit the process.
Next week we start training classes. Two weeks from that, we will prepare for the home visit again. I was blessed to speak to someone yesterday who adopted three before miraculously conceiving two. They are a beautiful family and adoption advocates. She lifted my spirits by sharing stories of several friends blessed by the foster to adopt program. My prayer is 6 to 12 months from now I will be looking back at the beginning of the year and seeing how much has changed.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
My Beautiful, Wonderful, CRAZY miracle
Here is a video of the most wonderful, crazy child that God could ever give us (so far :)
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Our Foster Care Timeline
Tuesday morning we had our initial visit with the social worker - she was wonderful! We scheduled our next appointment (start of home study) for this coming Tuesday. I have been working to complete the application and collect some of the necessary paperwork. We should start our 5 weeks of training Wed, Jan 20th (ending on Ash Wednesday).
I know the training and home study have to be wrapped up before we can receive a placement. I asked our social worker about typically how long before placement. She said it could be that day (she could be finishing home study paperwork for us to receive placement) or it could be a couple weeks or a couple months. We are open to any child younger than H and placement of any race (the latter which could mean an earlier placement).
It is seeming more real and crazy to think of being back in this process. I have started praying for the child that will be coming into our home, where ever they are.
I know the training and home study have to be wrapped up before we can receive a placement. I asked our social worker about typically how long before placement. She said it could be that day (she could be finishing home study paperwork for us to receive placement) or it could be a couple weeks or a couple months. We are open to any child younger than H and placement of any race (the latter which could mean an earlier placement).
It is seeming more real and crazy to think of being back in this process. I have started praying for the child that will be coming into our home, where ever they are.
Friday, December 25, 2009
what lies ahead
First, Merry Christmas!! We are so grateful to have Paul's family up from FL and have had a lovely, relaxing visit. I wish all a wonderful Christmas season!
Infertility round 2. I can't say this was unexpected. Yet that fact does not make it easier. We long to grow our family and month after month we face the reality of our infertility. We are fast approaching 6 months past our surgery date. It does not take long for me to grow weary or pills and shots and blood work and consults.
Fortunately, our previous adoption experience has make it significantly easier to fast track back into the process. This time, we are choosing the foster to adopt program. In reality...we are choosing foster care (with the hope of adoption as an end goal). We have submitted our application. Our initial interview is in January and soon thereafter we hope to begin the 5 week course of training.
It is a little scary and a lot of unknown. I am re-entering the blogging world for the same reason I created the blog in the first place...to keep family and friends updated in our hopes to expand our family. Please keep us in your prayers.
Infertility round 2. I can't say this was unexpected. Yet that fact does not make it easier. We long to grow our family and month after month we face the reality of our infertility. We are fast approaching 6 months past our surgery date. It does not take long for me to grow weary or pills and shots and blood work and consults.
Fortunately, our previous adoption experience has make it significantly easier to fast track back into the process. This time, we are choosing the foster to adopt program. In reality...we are choosing foster care (with the hope of adoption as an end goal). We have submitted our application. Our initial interview is in January and soon thereafter we hope to begin the 5 week course of training.
It is a little scary and a lot of unknown. I am re-entering the blogging world for the same reason I created the blog in the first place...to keep family and friends updated in our hopes to expand our family. Please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tis the Season for Squash!!
I am having a wonderful fall of dining on local yummy squash (and some from our garden).
Tonight we made Acorn Squash soup, using this recipe. Delicious! A lovely warm soup, almost reminiscent of a light pea soup (but worth trying for pea soup haters), with just a touch of heat - depending on how much cayenne you use.
With the flesh from a fairytale pumpkin I made pumpkin biscotti following this recipe, plus added some pecans. This was my first attempt at biscotti. I made it for a party I was attending that evening. My only wish is that I had more time to allow them to dry to the perfect crunch. But even fresh, still very yummy!
Of course we had several batches of spaghetti squash, buttered with Parmesan cheese, after growing them in our garden.
I tried a few things from a new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. Baked Egg Puffs with pumpkin (from the can). Someone else already blogged about them. At the same time we had Oatmeal with pumpkin, which fortunately again, someone else has blogged the recipe. Paul preferred the oatmeal...it was a little too pumpkin-y for me. I preferred the egg puffs. Next time I try the egg puffs I will probably use the recommended yellow or butternut squash puree. For the oatmeal, I would try that with sweet potato (the recommended alternative to pumpkin).
AND, my favorite so far in this Squashy Season, Butternut Lentil Soup using this as my base recipe. Unfortunately, I did modify it a bit and have no memory of what I did. But I am sure the original recipe is still very good. :)
Hope this helps at least one person have some....good eats, yuk yuk yuk. And to my buddy Scott, I will never forget your famous butternut squash soup with cheese ravioli (which I have made several times since PFL). One of my first introductions to squash dining.
Tonight we made Acorn Squash soup, using this recipe. Delicious! A lovely warm soup, almost reminiscent of a light pea soup (but worth trying for pea soup haters), with just a touch of heat - depending on how much cayenne you use.
With the flesh from a fairytale pumpkin I made pumpkin biscotti following this recipe, plus added some pecans. This was my first attempt at biscotti. I made it for a party I was attending that evening. My only wish is that I had more time to allow them to dry to the perfect crunch. But even fresh, still very yummy!
Of course we had several batches of spaghetti squash, buttered with Parmesan cheese, after growing them in our garden.
I tried a few things from a new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. Baked Egg Puffs with pumpkin (from the can). Someone else already blogged about them. At the same time we had Oatmeal with pumpkin, which fortunately again, someone else has blogged the recipe. Paul preferred the oatmeal...it was a little too pumpkin-y for me. I preferred the egg puffs. Next time I try the egg puffs I will probably use the recommended yellow or butternut squash puree. For the oatmeal, I would try that with sweet potato (the recommended alternative to pumpkin).
AND, my favorite so far in this Squashy Season, Butternut Lentil Soup using this as my base recipe. Unfortunately, I did modify it a bit and have no memory of what I did. But I am sure the original recipe is still very good. :)
Hope this helps at least one person have some....good eats, yuk yuk yuk. And to my buddy Scott, I will never forget your famous butternut squash soup with cheese ravioli (which I have made several times since PFL). One of my first introductions to squash dining.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Seriously? On Obama's Peace Prize award
Alright, here is the thing. I just have to remind myself that the Nobel awards are given by a foundation of worldy people. Obviously our world today has quite a screwed up definition of Peace.
From LifeSite News
In his will, Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel said the Peace Prize is meant to be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."
Unfortunately, our world doesn't quite "get" many things. The Peace prize of course was given to Al Gore two years ago for his "work" on Climate Change. Until we correct our screwed up priorities and recognize every conceived human life as sacred and full of every hope for the future, I will likely continue to curse the Nobel foundation.
From LifeSite News
In his will, Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel said the Peace Prize is meant to be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."
Yet, at the time (of his nomination) the only bridge building Obama had done with other countries is to take tens of millions of taxpayer funds and give them to abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood and Marie Stopes International.
Those groups would use the funds to not only perform abortions but lobby the pro-life governments of nations in places like South America and Africa to overturn their laws.
Mother Theresa has stated "The greatest threat to world peace is abortion." Also, Pope Benedict released a very similar statement on the World Day of Peace in 2006. “Respect for people promotes peace,” the pope said in the statement as he stressed “the duty to respect the dignity of each and every person."Unfortunately, our world doesn't quite "get" many things. The Peace prize of course was given to Al Gore two years ago for his "work" on Climate Change. Until we correct our screwed up priorities and recognize every conceived human life as sacred and full of every hope for the future, I will likely continue to curse the Nobel foundation.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Happy Birthday Baby!!
It is so hard to believe our beautiful girl is two. I read her birth story the other night at dinner. Sniff Sniff. She has grown so fast!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
My Nephew
SR arrived by c-section on August 30th. Mom, Dad and S are doing well (after quite a laboring ordeal). 
H spent the day singing happy birthday to Simon and cheering for him and Aunt Meagan. 
H spent the day singing happy birthday to Simon and cheering for him and Aunt Meagan. 
Monday, August 24, 2009
Summer Fun
Here are a few pictures of our summer fun - just in time for Fall!
I tried hard and long, but still can't get the captions to work out.
1. Pool time with Papa and Uncle Keith
2. A sprinkler playdate
3 & 4 - Backyard fun with cousin K
5. Potty training together with cousin G
6. Puzzels with god-sister C
7. My big girl who still thinks she can take a bath in the sink. :)
I tried hard and long, but still can't get the captions to work out.
1. Pool time with Papa and Uncle Keith
2. A sprinkler playdate
3 & 4 - Backyard fun with cousin K
5. Potty training together with cousin G
6. Puzzels with god-sister C
7. My big girl who still thinks she can take a bath in the sink. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
NaPro Surgery #3
Just a quick update,
surgery lasted 4.5 hours. Grade 2 endo, adhesions, some kind of stem thing?? He removed 95% of it. Recovery lasted 4 more hours than I was expecting (5 total hours) and they didn't do as good a job managing my anesthesia nausea - that I warned them about.
Dr Stegman is amazing. As a surgeon, I adore him. He prayed with me a quite extensive prayer before surgery, entrusting me to Mary, praying for St Gerard's intercession. Very moving. I also asked/begged him to please get whatever you can get as I don't think I could do the laparotomy again. I am grateful he did because it would be shear misery waking up after a 20 min surgery again.
Dr Hilgers had put a gortex sheath on my uterus which didn't stay in place to do it's job. Therefore I have a crumpled piece of gortex that remains around the bottom of my uterus (Dr S couln't do anything laprascopically about it).
Recovery is much rougher than I was expecting. I am so grateful for friends that have stepped in (with no warning) to watch H and provide meals. I was not anticipating being "under the knife" again so soon (3 years). I will try to provide more thoughts at a future (non drug induced) blog. :)
surgery lasted 4.5 hours. Grade 2 endo, adhesions, some kind of stem thing?? He removed 95% of it. Recovery lasted 4 more hours than I was expecting (5 total hours) and they didn't do as good a job managing my anesthesia nausea - that I warned them about.
Dr Stegman is amazing. As a surgeon, I adore him. He prayed with me a quite extensive prayer before surgery, entrusting me to Mary, praying for St Gerard's intercession. Very moving. I also asked/begged him to please get whatever you can get as I don't think I could do the laparotomy again. I am grateful he did because it would be shear misery waking up after a 20 min surgery again.
Dr Hilgers had put a gortex sheath on my uterus which didn't stay in place to do it's job. Therefore I have a crumpled piece of gortex that remains around the bottom of my uterus (Dr S couln't do anything laprascopically about it).
Recovery is much rougher than I was expecting. I am so grateful for friends that have stepped in (with no warning) to watch H and provide meals. I was not anticipating being "under the knife" again so soon (3 years). I will try to provide more thoughts at a future (non drug induced) blog. :)
Sunday, August 09, 2009
More Coffee equals more blogging
So it is 11:47pm as I start this. Tomorrow, our family schedule says 8am Daily Mass. I need to go to bed, but I started perusing blogs. It reminded me, I should start sending a little more love out to the blogworld.
We had my cousin (goddaughter) and her family over for dinner tonight. It was a baptism anniversary dinner (thanks Steve & Becky for the idea). Time flies and I can't believe it has been 12 years since I first became a godmother. We were also blessed to have her stay with us for two days as a live in babysitter. I highly recommend 12 year old's for stressed out moms!
So tomorrow is 2 days till B day. I joked on facebook that my autobiography should be called "Inside My Bellybutton." This is my 3rd reconstructive bellybutton surgery. I hope they get it right this time! :)
We had my cousin (goddaughter) and her family over for dinner tonight. It was a baptism anniversary dinner (thanks Steve & Becky for the idea). Time flies and I can't believe it has been 12 years since I first became a godmother. We were also blessed to have her stay with us for two days as a live in babysitter. I highly recommend 12 year old's for stressed out moms!
So tomorrow is 2 days till B day. I joked on facebook that my autobiography should be called "Inside My Bellybutton." This is my 3rd reconstructive bellybutton surgery. I hope they get it right this time! :)
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Is anyone still reading?? :)
I am sorry my blogging has slowed down quite dramatically. As H grows (and no thanks to face book) my updates have been very infrequent.
So here is an update:
H is a big girl in training! She has been using her little potty quite successfully for the last two weeks. We started by eliminating pants and diapers a few weeks ago (a benefit of having hardwood floors). She figured it out pretty quickly and especially loves her m&m reward. We have started to incorporate big girl panties and pull ups...and the last couple days she is doing really well staying dry! I love the decrease in diaper laundry. It is great!
In the pursuit of #2....we have surgery scheduled in two weeks. This will be my 4th (but 1st in round 2). Secondary infertility stinks. I was amazed how fast all the infertility feelings flooded back. BUT, having H in our lives is an INCREDIBLE blessing. While I go up and down on the IF roller coaster (again) knowing we have H makes everything a little bit easier.
St Gerard, St Gianna, John Paul II - pray for us!
So here is an update:
H is a big girl in training! She has been using her little potty quite successfully for the last two weeks. We started by eliminating pants and diapers a few weeks ago (a benefit of having hardwood floors). She figured it out pretty quickly and especially loves her m&m reward. We have started to incorporate big girl panties and pull ups...and the last couple days she is doing really well staying dry! I love the decrease in diaper laundry. It is great!
In the pursuit of #2....we have surgery scheduled in two weeks. This will be my 4th (but 1st in round 2). Secondary infertility stinks. I was amazed how fast all the infertility feelings flooded back. BUT, having H in our lives is an INCREDIBLE blessing. While I go up and down on the IF roller coaster (again) knowing we have H makes everything a little bit easier.
St Gerard, St Gianna, John Paul II - pray for us!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Powerful Story of an Abortion Survivor
I urge everyone to watch this phenomenal testimony of abortion survivor, Gianna Jessen.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Camping in Deleware
Paul's request for Father's day was to go camping in Deleware. We went to Cape Henlopen....a wonderful place. I only managed to get about 10 minutes of good beach time (when we first arrived) but we still had a great time. The taste of yummy blue crabs still lingers! 
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