Thursday, August 16, 2012
It's time for the kiddos to head back to school and they're both excited! Boo is entering Kindergarten and Snuggle Bug is starting 2nd grade.
Boo had her "meet the teacher" night last night. She was so animated and outgoing, not at all afraid. She's really ready for school. Snuggle Bug has his "meet the teacher" night tonight. He's come out of his shy shell so much these past two years that I know he'll do fine. He has two good friends that are in his new classroom this year so that will help.
I must admit, I'm rather shocked at the long school supply lists that we were given. We're not being asked just to buy supplies for our children, but for the classroom as well (napkins, forks, spoons, dry eraser markers, etc). I spent well over $100 for the two kids, just in school supplies. That doesn't factor in clothing or shoes. Oy heh! Still, with the horrible cuts our state is making to the education budget, they have to turn to the parents to help pick up the slack. It's a shame though.
I love that my kids love school. I'm hoping that doesn't change anytime soon because they have many years of school ahead of them and then it's off to college if I have my way!
On another note, I always wondered how I'd handle the adoption issue when the kids entered into school. I wondered if there'd be a adoption box on the school registration form that I would have to check (there wasn't).
When Snuggle Bug first began school, I didn't volunteer the adoption information. I shared it with close friends but that was all. Over the past two years, as we've had more conversations with him about his adoption, we've shared the fact that both of our children were adopted with more people at school and now most of the teachers and some of the families in our school know. Our school is wonderful and nurturing so it's been a positive experience thus far!
As for the specifics of their adoption, I don't share a lot of detail, other than the age at which we adopted them. I feel that it'll be up to Snuggle Bug and Boo to decide how much detail to share.
On another note, I always wondered how I'd handle the adoption issue when the kids entered into school. I wondered if there'd be a adoption box on the school registration form that I would have to check (there wasn't).
When Snuggle Bug first began school, I didn't volunteer the adoption information. I shared it with close friends but that was all. Over the past two years, as we've had more conversations with him about his adoption, we've shared the fact that both of our children were adopted with more people at school and now most of the teachers and some of the families in our school know. Our school is wonderful and nurturing so it's been a positive experience thus far!
As for the specifics of their adoption, I don't share a lot of detail, other than the age at which we adopted them. I feel that it'll be up to Snuggle Bug and Boo to decide how much detail to share.
Labels: adoption, Boo, elementary school, family, Snuggle Bug
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Flying home for a nice, long visit!
The kids and I are flying back home to where my side of the family lives (in the Midwest) and we couldn't be more excited! Oronzo has to stay here and work, but he doesn't mind. I think my large, boisterous family is somewhat overwhelming to him at times.Extended family has always been important to me and I want it to be important to my children, especially since they were adopted. It's possible that I work extra hard to maintain those extended family connections, even with the distance, so that my kids feel connected to our families. I believe the fact that her son would be a part of a large extended family was appealing to Snuggle Bug's birth parents. I'm not sure if it mattered to Boo's bio mother either way.
The kids are finally to an age where they are remembering all of their relatives and beginning to understand how everyone is connected (i.e. their grandmother is my mother, their aunt is my sister). It warms my heart to hear the excitement as they talk about this upcoming visit. They can't wait to see their 8 cousins! They've been marking the days off the calendar for about a month now.
We're flying back home for 10 days! I'm pulling Snuggle Bug out of school. My father's health is quite fragile right now so I feel it's important for them to see him, possibly one last time. Thankfully, Snuggle Bug's teachers are understanding and are sending homework with us so that he won't get behind.
Two more days until we board the airplane that will take us to my family!! I can't wait!!!
Labels: extended family, family, vacation
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Easing back into blogging
I've decided I miss this blog. I miss the bloggers I used to be in frequent contact with. Perhaps I should carve out a bit of time each week for blogging and whip this blog back in to shape. What do you think? In case any of you were wondering, our friends did not adopt Giselle's baby. Giselle decided to parent her and from what she tells me, they're doing pretty good.
But when God closes a door, he opens a window. Our friends, who had hoped to adopt Giselle's baby, are right now in the hospital with another newborn, a match from the agency they completed their home study with just a couple of months ago. It was a rather quick match!
They hope to bring this baby boy home in about two days and finalize his adoption as soon as they are allowed. They are a bit in shock that it all happened so quickly, but thrilled, of course. I haven't met the little guy yet, but I hope to soon.
So, even though I won't have in-person contact with Snuggle Bug's younger biological sibling, at least there's still a newborn baby in town to hold. I do love holding babies!
Hope you all are doing well!
Labels: adoption #1, family, friends
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
A shocking phone call
I received an unexpected phone call not long ago, from Giselle's mother.I was shocked when she broke down and cried, telling me that Giselle is pregnant again and is unable to parent the baby. She asked if Oronzo and I would want to adopt this baby, that's due in one month!!
I was not at home at the time I received the call and after ending the lengthy conversation with, "I need to talk to Oronzo and I'll call you back," I drove quickly home to do just that.
It was tempting to think of adopting again, believe me, it was. Although Oronzo and I are happy with the two beautiful children we are raising right now, there's always more room in my heart for one more, especially for a biological half-sibling of Snuggle Bug's.
But after Oronzo and I talked about it, he made it very clear that all we went through to adopt the two children we now have was more than enough for him. I asked him to sleep on it and discuss it again the next morning, and he did, but his feelings didn't change. He is done building our family.
I felt a bit sad but knew that it was important to respect his feelings. I must be honest with myself and admit that I agree with him. I feel done with building our family as well for many reasons.
The kids are finally getting to the age where they're a bit more independent and we're enjoying this. There are financial considerations, since we want our children to attend college and we're saving for them. And lets face it, we're not getting any younger. We started out as "older" parents even with Snuggle Bug (we adopted him in our late-30's).
And so, I called Giselle's mother back and explained why adopting again is not right for our family. She said that she certainly understood and asked us if we knew of any other family that might be interested. As a matter of fact, we do!
I've made friends with the parents of a little boy in Snuggle Bug's class and during our budding friendship this mother has shared with me their struggles to adopt a second child.
So, to make a long story short, I've put this family in touch with Giselle and her mom. They've sent a photo scrapbook and the two families are at the "feeling each other out" stage.
I don't know if this adoption will happen or not, but if it does I think it'll be pretty neat to have some possible contact with Snuggle Bug's biological sibling living in the same city.
Time will tell.
Has anyone else been asked to adopt a second time by their child's birth parents?
Labels: adoption, family, Snuggle Bug
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
1 year anniversary for Boo
One year ago today was a very happy day, indeed. One year ago today, Boo legally became a part of our family. The courts finally recognized what we knew all along, that Boo belonged with us.
This past year has been a year of transition for us. We moved to another state, near the ocean. Snuggle Bug and Boo entered into a Montessori school (Snuggle Bug is now in 1st grade, Boo is still preschool until next year). Oronozo started a new job.
It's taken some time to get settled and we're certainly missing family and friends from back home, but we're happy hear near the ocean.
Live is peaceful in this small, costal town. The people are friendly and we've managed to make some good friends during the past year. Having children in school helps make those connections.
We now own a 27' sailboat, so we are out on the water a lot. Just yesterday we had a dolphin swimming next to our boat for quite a while, popping up frequently, as if to say, "Hi!" That was an amazing experience to see a dolphin up close and personal.We had friends from back home come visit this summer and they mentioned how much more relaxed we look. The easing of stress will do that for you.
It's been wonderful just to be a family without the drama and the constant barrage of contact from the foster care system.
Boo is doing great! She's growing tall, she's getting smarter every day. She's sassy and outgoing. She's a beautiful child. In short, she's perfect!
We haven't heard anything from her birthmother since the day she voluntarily relinquished her rights during a phone conference with us last year. There's been no response from the picture and letter update that I sent out so I'm not sure she even received it. I'll try again soon.
So, that's what's going on with us. Hope all is well with you!
Labels: adoption, adoption #2, Boo, family
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Life is good!
It's been over 7 months since I last posted here but this blog is like a comforting, old friend that I'll keep coming back to from time to time,A lot has been going on since we finalized Boo's adoption. For one thing, we moved...like the day after Boo's adoption! Oronzo was offered a job in another state and we felt it was worth the move.
It was hard leaving family and dear friends to move to a small town area where we knew no one, but I was confident that we'd make friends quickly. I'm a rather social person.
The biggest appeal to the town were we live is that it's a mere 5 minute drive from the ocean! In fact, we can bike to the ocean from where we live. It's incredible!
We've settled in nicely to this community and we've already begun to make new friends. It helps that Snuggle Bug is in Kindergarten. I think all of our new friends are parents of children at the elementary school.
The move has been good for our family. It's given us a fresh start. We went through so much emotional turmoil to get Boo adopted that we really felt that a change would be refreshing. We were right. Snuggle Bug and Boo have adjusted quite well to the move, far better than we ever hoped for.
Somehow, our family feels more at peace now with this new adventure. We are enjoying exploring our new surroundings.
I know part of our peace comes is due to the release of stress of wondering each day of whether or not Boo would be taken from us. Now she is a permanent part of our family and we're so thankful.
I sent an update to Boo's bio mother after Boo's adoption. I mailed it to an address that she told me would always be a place to get mail to her, regardless of her circumstances. I never heard a word back from her. I'll try again in the future.
As of now, life is good, very good. I hope all is well with you.
Labels: adoption, Boo, family, Oronzo, Snuggle Bug
Sunday, July 18, 2010
There's a whole lot of adoption talk going on in our household.
As Boo's adoption finalization date approaches (a bit over a month away now), there's a whole lot of adoption talk going on in our household.Adoption has been part of our everyday conversation for several years now. We've made a point to speak of it frequently with Snuggle Bug, even before he was able to understand much of anything we were saying to him (we're talking newborn stage here), in large part to get ourselves well-versed and comfortable with the conversations. Now that Snuggle Bug is 5, the word pops up more and more each day, often times prompted by him.
Here are some of the things he'll say to me,
"Mama, remember when I was in my birth mother's tummy?"
"My birth mother lives in ______ (state), right Mama?"
"Remember when I was 'dopted, Mama?"
"When is Boo gonna be 'dopted?"
I'm actually enjoying these conversations about adoption because for the longest time I worried that something was wrong, that I was handling things incorrectly, since Snuggle Bug never spoke of adoption, never made any reference to it at all. It wasn't until he was about 4 1/2 that something finally clicked.
Snuggle Bug is a very visual child. He wants you to show him things, not just tell him about them.
His dawning awareness of adoption (as much as a preschooler can understand) began when a neighbor's pregnancy became quite visible.
As she and I stood outside chatting one day, Snuggle Bug piped up and asked, "What's in your tummy?"
Our neighbor explained that her baby was growing in her tummy and that her baby would be born in about a month.
Snuggle Bug turned to me and asked, "Remember when I growed in your tummy, Mama?"
The moment of truth had arrived. It felt as though all my efforts to normalize talk of adoption throughout the years had finally culminated in this first question.
I knelt down to his level and explained, "Actually, honey, you didn't grow in my tummy. You grew in your birth mother's tummy and we were there at the hospital to meet you the day you were born."
I waited to see if my response would generate more questions. Snuggle Bug looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Oh, right," and the moment passed.
Since that first question, over time many more have followed and Snuggle Bug has even looked at pictures of Giselle. It feels so good to know that he feels safe enough to come to me with these questions and to realize that he's slowly beginning to grasp the concept that our family has been formed through adoption.
The fact that we talk of Boo's upcoming adoption quite a bit just adds another layer of awareness for Snuggle Bug as we explain what will happen in court that day.
I've overheard Snuggle Bug and Boo excitedly talking together about her approaching adoption and it warms my heart.
I can't wait to have Snuggle Bug witness Boo's adoption finalization. Being the visual child that he is, I think having him there in the courtroom with us will give him a deeper understanding about what adoption means to our family.
Labels: adoption, adoption #1, adoption #2, Boo, family, foster-to-adopt, fostering, Snuggle Bug
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My life as a SAHM.
These past 3 days I've had the opportunity to experience what life might be like as a Stay-At-Home mom. Our nanny is on vacation, so I took some days off of work to cover.
Here's how my days as a temporary SAHM have gone thus far:
1) Get up with Snuggle Bug between 6:00 AM- 6:30 AM. Snuggle Bug is an early riser but I don't mind because I like early mornings myself.
2) Take Snuggle Bug out for a walk or to pull weeds while it's still cool outside.
3) Go back in the house at about 7:00 AM to check on Boo. She's usually getting up about that time.
4) Make breakfast for the kids and check to see if Oronzo is interested in eating or if he's more interested in sleeping until the last possible minute before heading out the door for work, since he knows I'm around to take care of the kids (usually I'm the first to leave in the mornings for work).
5) Help the kids clean up after breakfast and play with them a bit.
6) Get the kids dressed and gear packed and head out the door no later than 8:15 AM to take them in to preschool.
7) Drop the kids off, stay and chat with the preschool director and other moms for a while (very nice socialization time).
8) Meet a friend for breakfast/coffee without the kids (she drops her daughter off 30 minutes before I do). Again, the adult time alone is wonderful!
8) Go back home, clip coupons, go to the store and do shopping without having to drag 2 small children in and out of the car with me (shopping alone, what a novel concept)!
9) Go back home, straighten up the house a bit...maybe even sneak in a wee bit of a nap (that happened on one day at least) or do some sewing or baking.
10) Pick the kids up from preschool at 12:30 PM. Rush home and make lunch because they're both hungry and crabby!
11) Play with them a bit, then put them down for a nap at 2:00 PM (yes, both Snuggle Bug and Boo still nap, for an 1-2 hours and it's wonderful).
12) While the kids are napping, check some blogs, check my coupon news board, do some laundry, etc.
13) When the kids get up around 3:30 PM- 4:00 PM, feed them a light snack, and get them involved in some activity or playing together and think about what to make for dinner.
14) Start dinner and wait for Oronzo to arrive home so that we can sit down together for a meal.
I have a few of observations about my temporary SAHM status:
1) The day flies by far quicker than I imagined it would and I don't get as much accomplished as I think I will! How does that happen?
2) It's nice not to have to be in such a frantic rush all day.
3) It's nice to have some adult time alone, time that's not at a business.
4) I would struggle not to be addicted to my blogging.
5) I eat more staying at home than I do when I go in to work (not a good thing)!
6) I'd have time to run errands that I struggle to accomplish during normal business hours while I'm working.
7) Having kids that are at an age when they can be a bit independent helps.
8) Having the kids in PT preschool also really helps!
All-in-all, I've enjoyed my temporary SAHM gig. It was kind of neat to see what Oronzo's experience has been like when he used to work from home (he's working outside of the home for the time-being with a contract job). Of course, when he stays at home with the kids, he's also got work to do. Being on vacation, I did not. I know that makes things a bit tougher.
Now granted, a few days off does not a SAHM make me, but it's been fun to get a glimpse of the other side, even for a brief amount of time.
Labels: Boo, family, family time, Oronzo, Snuggle Bug
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A handful of fun pictures!
I thought I'd share some cute pics of the kids.
The other day I found some cute bug umbrellas on sale, so I picked two up for the kids. Here they are trying them out one rainy evening this week.
Here's Snuggle Bug standing proud with his umbrella. Notice the superhero cape that he's wearing? That was one of the best things I've ever made and Snuggle Bug wears it constantly still!
Snuggle Bug swimming to Oronzo. He's even gotten brave enough to jump off the side of the pool and swim back to the steps!
Boo swimming out to Oronzo. Can you believe she's already swimming short distances (about 8 feet at a time) at only 2 years old?!
The other day I found some cute bug umbrellas on sale, so I picked two up for the kids. Here they are trying them out one rainy evening this week.
Here they are, walking down the sidewalk with their matching umbrellas!
Here's little miss Boo trying to twirl her umbrella. Yes, her hair is almost down to her waist and she's only 2 year & 5 months old! Isn't it amazing!
Here's Snuggle Bug standing proud with his umbrella. Notice the superhero cape that he's wearing? That was one of the best things I've ever made and Snuggle Bug wears it constantly still!The past 2 months the kids have had private lessons at our house. Believe it our not, it's ended up being less expensive than the swim school we had Snuggle Bug going to for the past 2 years.
Up until now, both Snuggle Bug and Boo have been afraid of the water and rather reluctant to do what their swim instructor asks of them in the water.
But this weekend we had a breakthrough. Something clicked and now both kids are actually swimming independently in the pool for short distances! Hooray! We're so excited!
Here are a couple of pictures of them swimming.
Snuggle Bug swimming to Oronzo. He's even gotten brave enough to jump off the side of the pool and swim back to the steps!
Boo swimming out to Oronzo. Can you believe she's already swimming short distances (about 8 feet at a time) at only 2 years old?!I hope you enjoyed my little slideshow!
Labels: Boo, family, Snuggle Bug, swimming
Monday, July 06, 2009
This is what happens when a 4 year old is in possession of scissors.
Snuggle Bug has had kid scissors for over a year now. He usually only uses them when supervised. I've kept them in his top dresser drawer and thought nothing of it....until this past weekend when we woke up and found our couch cut up to shreds in several places!Apparently Snuggle Bug decided the couch fabric needed cutting. Oh, and he decided his mattress and his sheets needed cutting too.
I suspect this cutting frenzy was prompted by his fascination with my sewing (he likes to sit on a stool and watch me work at my cutting/sewing table).
Well, now I'm putting my hand-sewing skills to work. I'm using transparent thread to repair the couch fabric.
Well, now I'm putting my hand-sewing skills to work. I'm using transparent thread to repair the couch fabric.His sheets I threw away. His mattress I simply turned over (to hide the cut side) for now.
As for his scissors, they've met with an untimely death. Oronzo threw them in the garbage and said he won't get another set until he's about 40.
I guess I can be thankful it wasn't his hair or our leather furniture that he cut!
Labels: family, Snuggle Bug
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sweet chicks
I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet or not, but we have some new baby chicks!
So, does anyone else have chickens?
Oronzo decided that getting some baby chicks would be a good thing (he had chickens when he was growing up as a kid).
At first I wasn't thrilled with having chickens. Sure, fresh eggs are probably much better than store bought, but I wasn't sure it'd be worth the hassle.
Oronzo was determined. He said he'd build a chicken coop for them to live in and that he'd take care of them.
So, we now have 4 chicks. The kids adore them. Take a look!
So, does anyone else have chickens?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pretend Play
Oronzo and I chatted today and he told me something cute that the kids did today.This afternoon they made a blanket tent. Then Snuggle Bug backed up his favorite pillow and blankie into his Spiderman backpack, took Boo's hand, and called out to Oronzo, "Daddy, we're going to CA to see Mama. Bye!"
Oronzo watched as the two of them went into their blanket tent (a.k.a. their plane) and headed for CA!
How cute is that?! I just love the pretend play that we're seeing with Snuggle Bug and Oronzo. It's adorable.
Okay, time for me to hop on iChat so I can do a video chat with the family. Later.
Labels: business travel, family, playtime
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Family Reunions
This weekend I'm in San Francisco, CA attending a family reunion for my extended family on my dad's side. I arrived in CA on Thursday afternoon.On my flight to CA, I mentioned to a fellow airline passenger that I was flying in for a family reunion and he commented, "Oh, good luck with that. I know those can be hard."
I assured him that I was very excited about this family reunion because my dad's family was a lot of fun! I haven't been disappointed.
So far, this family reunion has been filled with house remodeling tours, reminiscing, joke telling, lots of laughter, marveling at how our families have expanded, hugs, and cooking good food together!
There's something wonderful about connecting with extended family that you haven't seen in a long time! There's a comfortable camaraderie that falls into place instantaneously, as if you hadn't been apart at all.
My sister and I are sharing a hotel room (she lives in another state too). As we were getting ready to drift off to sleep last night I said, "Remember how we used to stay up all night talking?"
She replied, "I remember you scaring the crap out of me in recounting all of those horror stories you'd read!"
We probably spent a good our talking in the dark, laughing about old times. It was lovely!
In my opinion, family reunions are good for the soul and I'm thankful that I'm able to attend this one!
Labels: extended family, family, family reunion
Monday, June 01, 2009
Lunch box meals
Snuggle Bug and Boo are headed off to preschool summer camp this morning and, for the first time ever, the school is requesting that parents pack lunches for their kids (they're in summer camp from 9 AM- 1 PM three days per week).Last week I went to several stores and tried to find decorative metal lunch boxes for the kids. I couldn't find any (apparently they only come out during the back to school sales) so I ordered two online (Bob the Builder and Hello Kitty). They arrived in the mail on Saturday and the kids LOVE them!
Last night, I went out and bought a bunch of things I thought the kids would like in their lunch boxes. I bought things like fresh fruit, pretzels, Ritz bites snack crackers, yogurt, sugar free pudding, mild cheddar cheese, etc.
This morning Snuggle Bug and I cut up fruit and cheese (I used mini cookie cutters to cut the cheese into bit-sized fun shapes). I made sandwiches (pb&j for Boo and ham & cheese for Snuggle Bug) and used a large metal cookie cutter to cut their sandwich in a fun shape (a pumpkin ~ Snuggle Bug's choice) ! The cookie cutter was just big enough to use most of the sandwich without the crust.
So, in their lunch box this morning they have:
- 1/2 sandwich
- container of milk
- pretzels
- strawberries
- cheese
- Welch's fruit snack pack
Do you pack your kid's lunch? If so, what's in their lunch boxes? What kind of lunch boxes do they have?
I think I'll plan on doing a Lunch Box Meals Favorite Ingredient Friday recipe exchange very soon because I could use some fun ideas!
Labels: family, kid friendly food
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday morning waffles
I got to sleep in this morning, until 8:00 AM!! This is usually unheard of, considering Snuggle Bug is usually up by 6:00 or 6:30 AM.Feeling refreshed after my sleep-in, I decided to make the kids waffles for breakfast! Of course, they wanted to put on their aprons and help. They're getting quite good about pouring in ingredients and mixing them up. Snuggle Bug can even crack eggs into a bowl without dropping in the shells!
The kids LOVED their waffles, that they helped make!
I have a Toastmaster Belgian waffle maker, and the recipe that came with it is fantastic, so I thought I'd share.
Enjoy your weekend!
Toastmaster Belgian Waffles
Ingredients
1 3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 eggs
7 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Preheat the waffle iron. Sift the dry indredients into a medium sized bowl. Separate the eggs, putting the egg whites in smaller bowl. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff. (If you are using an electric mixer, you can beat the egg whites first, then beat the batter without having to wash the beaters. The reverse is not true. If you beat the batter first and you have to wash the beaters before beating the egg whites.) Add the egg yolks, oil and milk all at one time to the dry indredients. Beat until there are no lumps in the batter. Fold the egg whites into the other batter using a spatula or other flat utinsel. Put a full 1/2 cup of batter in your waffle iron to make a 9-inch round waffle. This recipe makes about eight 9 inch waffles.
If this recipe makes too many waffles for one setting, try freezing the waffles you do not eat. After the waffles have been cooked in the waffle iron, put them out on a cooling rack. When they are cool, place them in a plastic bag taking out as much air from the bag as possible. Then freeze the bag of waffles. The next time you want a quick waffle, microwave one from the freezer for about 45 to 60 seconds. They are almost as good as fresh waffles.
1 3/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 eggs
7 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions
Preheat the waffle iron. Sift the dry indredients into a medium sized bowl. Separate the eggs, putting the egg whites in smaller bowl. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff. (If you are using an electric mixer, you can beat the egg whites first, then beat the batter without having to wash the beaters. The reverse is not true. If you beat the batter first and you have to wash the beaters before beating the egg whites.) Add the egg yolks, oil and milk all at one time to the dry indredients. Beat until there are no lumps in the batter. Fold the egg whites into the other batter using a spatula or other flat utinsel. Put a full 1/2 cup of batter in your waffle iron to make a 9-inch round waffle. This recipe makes about eight 9 inch waffles.
If this recipe makes too many waffles for one setting, try freezing the waffles you do not eat. After the waffles have been cooked in the waffle iron, put them out on a cooling rack. When they are cool, place them in a plastic bag taking out as much air from the bag as possible. Then freeze the bag of waffles. The next time you want a quick waffle, microwave one from the freezer for about 45 to 60 seconds. They are almost as good as fresh waffles.
Labels: cooking, family, recipe exchange
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The termination trial is at an end and we've got a ruling.
After nearly 2 days of grueling trial and listening to testimony presented by witnesses, evidence entered into court, and closing arguments, the judge told us we were all excused yesterday afternoon at 4:30 PM.
No verdict or ruling was given. We were simply told we could leave.
The state attorney explained to me outside of the courtroom that the judge had up to 60 days to rule on the case and that he'd send his ruling in minute entries to the lawyers and they would disseminate that information to the involved parties. The CPS worker said she'd call us when she heard.
I left the courthouse more fearful of the outcome than I had been before the contested termination trial began! The lawyer defending Boo's mom did a GREAT job of arguing her side and the state attorney also did a WONDERFUL job of arguing on behalf of Boo having permanency with us. It was a complicated case. I walked out of court truly not knowing which way the judge would rule. My heart was heavy and I felt sick to my stomach. I feared we'd be left hanging, worrying, for the next 2 months!
Last night I felt so discouraged and couldn't sleep a wink. I slept in the guest bed in Boo's room because it comforted me to hear her breathing as she slept.
Not expecting to hear back for several weeks, imagine my surprise when my cell phone rang at 2:33 PM today while I was at work and it was the CPS worker. She was calling to tell me that the judge had ruled for severance of parental rights!!! He ruled in less than 24 hours!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! It was so unexpected! I thanked her for sharing the news and called Oronzo and we both choked up as we absorbed the news together.
Not long after the CPS worker called me, I got a call from Boo's lawyer. She called to make sure I had heard the news and we ended up spending 45 minutes talking about several things pertaining to Boo and her long-standing case. That's the longest I've ever talked to her since the day Boo was transferred into our home!
What happens next? We wait to see if Boo's mom will appeal (we strongly suspect she will and, oddly enough, I'm actually okay with that) within 30 days and, if so, then we wait another 6-15 months to see if the higher courts overturns this severance ruling. We've been told that it's very rare for that to happen, but we have to prepare ourselves for the reality that it could happen.
In the meantime, we get to proceed with the adoption process, right up to the finalization. That will have to wait until after the appeal ruling.
13 months and 4 days we've waited for this ruling, praying with all of our might, enlisting the aid of our family and friends in prayer, worrying that we'd loose this precious little girl that we've grown to love so dearly. 20 1/2 months of her 25 months of life, Boo has been in the system as a foster child, without permanency, without a family to truly call her own.
If we get past the appeal, all of that will change. We will adopt her in due time and she will LEGALLY become the daughter she already is in our hearts and she will spend the rest of her life as an well-loved part of our immediate and extended family.
Thank, thank you all for your support. I can't tell you how much it means to me! Please, keep those prayers coming. It's not over yet.
I'll keep you posted on the appeals and adoption processes.
No verdict or ruling was given. We were simply told we could leave.
The state attorney explained to me outside of the courtroom that the judge had up to 60 days to rule on the case and that he'd send his ruling in minute entries to the lawyers and they would disseminate that information to the involved parties. The CPS worker said she'd call us when she heard.
I left the courthouse more fearful of the outcome than I had been before the contested termination trial began! The lawyer defending Boo's mom did a GREAT job of arguing her side and the state attorney also did a WONDERFUL job of arguing on behalf of Boo having permanency with us. It was a complicated case. I walked out of court truly not knowing which way the judge would rule. My heart was heavy and I felt sick to my stomach. I feared we'd be left hanging, worrying, for the next 2 months!
Last night I felt so discouraged and couldn't sleep a wink. I slept in the guest bed in Boo's room because it comforted me to hear her breathing as she slept.
Not expecting to hear back for several weeks, imagine my surprise when my cell phone rang at 2:33 PM today while I was at work and it was the CPS worker. She was calling to tell me that the judge had ruled for severance of parental rights!!! He ruled in less than 24 hours!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! It was so unexpected! I thanked her for sharing the news and called Oronzo and we both choked up as we absorbed the news together.
Not long after the CPS worker called me, I got a call from Boo's lawyer. She called to make sure I had heard the news and we ended up spending 45 minutes talking about several things pertaining to Boo and her long-standing case. That's the longest I've ever talked to her since the day Boo was transferred into our home!
What happens next? We wait to see if Boo's mom will appeal (we strongly suspect she will and, oddly enough, I'm actually okay with that) within 30 days and, if so, then we wait another 6-15 months to see if the higher courts overturns this severance ruling. We've been told that it's very rare for that to happen, but we have to prepare ourselves for the reality that it could happen.
In the meantime, we get to proceed with the adoption process, right up to the finalization. That will have to wait until after the appeal ruling.
13 months and 4 days we've waited for this ruling, praying with all of our might, enlisting the aid of our family and friends in prayer, worrying that we'd loose this precious little girl that we've grown to love so dearly. 20 1/2 months of her 25 months of life, Boo has been in the system as a foster child, without permanency, without a family to truly call her own.
If we get past the appeal, all of that will change. We will adopt her in due time and she will LEGALLY become the daughter she already is in our hearts and she will spend the rest of her life as an well-loved part of our immediate and extended family.
Thank, thank you all for your support. I can't tell you how much it means to me! Please, keep those prayers coming. It's not over yet.
I'll keep you posted on the appeals and adoption processes.
Labels: Boo, expanding our family, faith, family, foster children, foster-to-adopt, fostering, leap of faith
Monday, March 16, 2009
Contested Termination Trial begins- prayers would be most welcome!
So, tomorrow the contested termination trial for Boo's case begins in the afternoon. I am testifying within the second hour of the trial.I'm nervous and scared. I'm nervous about being on the stand, facing Boo's mom, knowing that I'm praying that we get to keep her. I feel compassion for this woman, knowing she's had a hard life, but I still want her daughter to become our daughter. Such conflicting emotions there.
I'm scared about what the final outcome of this trial will bring. So much is at stake. The fate of this precious little girl rests in the hands of one man, the judge. What will he decide?
Boo has been with us for a 13 months now. We love her as if she was our own. We know that legally she is not but that hasn't stopped us from loving her and welcoming her into our family. That hasn't stopped our 4 year old son from considering her his little sister. That hasn't stopped her from believing that we are her Mommy and Daddy and that Snuggle Bug is her big brother and that all the extended family and friends that support us love her nearly as much as we do.
Boo has been in the system as a foster child for 20 1/2 months now. I want her to be done being a foster child. I want her just to be our daughter and to start living a "normal" life.
Please, all you prayer warriors, please say prayers for our family these next 3 days. And if you don't mind spreading the word and asking for even more prayers, I'd sure appreciate it.
I'll try to post updates as I can, so stop back.
Thank you for all of your on-going support! It's meant a lot to us!
UPDATE #1
I survived the first day of court, but barely. I entered the courtroom at the appropriate time and the judge asked all those called to be witnesses to stand and be sworn in as a group. I stood up and got sworn in. Then he told all of us but the first witness to leave the courtroom and remain out until it was our turn. I was second to last to testify so I had to sit out until the last hour and a half.
Finally I was called to testify. The state attorney asked me a lot of questions about how long Boo has been with us, what our family was like, what challenges we'd experience after Boo arrived and how we'd tried to work through those challenges, if we'd fostered in the past, if we understood our role as foster parents in relation to reunification efforts, and how committed we were to Boo (would we adopt her)?
I answered all the questions honestly and thoroughly. Then the judge surprised me by asking me to explain the relationship between Boo and Snuggle Bug and I explained how they've gotten to be quite close, that they were nearly inseparable, how Boo followed Snuggle Bug everywhere, how she imitated him, and how if they were apart they each asked constantly where the other one was. I admitted that they had normal sibling squabbles but overall they placed quite nicely together.
The judge then asked me if Snuggle Bug referred to Boo as his little sister. I explained that we had been careful not to refer to Boo as Snuggle Bug's little sister in front of him, knowing that she was a foster child and that the initial goal was reunification and she might be leaving. But over time Snuggle Bug took it upon himself to start calling her his little sister and that he believed her to be his little sister.
So, the only two questions the judge asked me was to get a better idea of how she related to our son and our family. I found that somewhat promising.
At the end of court, Boo's mom approached me with tears in her eyes and thanked me for taking care of her little girl. She said it broke her heart to hear all that Boo had been through before getting to our family and how it affected her. She said she was glad that we were willing to take such good care of her. I teared up a bit myself at that and explained that we loved Boo and only wanted what was best for her and then I was called away to talk to the CPS worker.
Tomorrow is a full day of trial. It's draining, listening to all of the history of this case coming out. I'm not looking forward to another 7 hours of it. I just want it over! I'm sick to my stomach at what the final result will be. This judge is hard to read.
Keep those prayers coming, please!
Labels: Boo, expanding our family, faith, family, foster children, foster-to-adopt, fostering, leap of faith
Friday, January 09, 2009
Back in NE for a wedding.
So Boo and I are currently in Nebraka to be a part of a cousin's wedding, so sorry no FIF today. The travel to get here was rough, as I was suffering from a stomach virus and had a squirmy Boo on my lap the whole time, but we survived and made it safe and sound. Thankfully the stomach virus has passed and I'm feeling like a human being again.
It's amazing how relaxing my trips back to NE are for me. When I'm home with family, it's like I can lay down all my burdens for a while and just relax. I sleep better, I smile more, and I enjoy watching Boo interact with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. They've all fallen under her spell and love her to pieces and she's totally at ease with them. I love that!
I can't wait for her to attend the wedding and dinner/dance reception tomorrow. I bought her a pretty red dress, and made her a matching hair bow for her long dark hair. She's going to be the bell of the ball! She loves to dance, so I know she'll have a blast! I brought the camcorder to get her on video.
By the way, thanks for all of the great advice on Snuggle Bug's nightmares. I'm using many of the suggestions you've offered. I also spoke to his pediatrician and was told that the nightmares are really age appropriate. He's getting older, his imagination is growing, and nightmares are not uncommon. The pediatrician also agreed that he could be picking up on our stress with the fostering situation and even having Baby Bug back in our life, after having her return home to her parents my be confusing to him a bit. He recommended that we just give Snuggle Bug lots of extra assurance and cuddle time and told me it's okay that I let him sleep with us when he gets really scared in the middle of the night. Although he did say that if it continues on for a couple of months, then I need to put a stop to the coming in to our room to sleep.
The thing that Snuggle Bug insists on the most is sleeping with the light fully on. Our pediatrician said that doesn't hurt anything so we just leave the light all the way on and that seems to help.
Okay, time to go read a book while Boo takes a nap. Did I mention how much I love coming back to Nebraska to get away from it all! :)
Hope you all have a great weekend!
It's amazing how relaxing my trips back to NE are for me. When I'm home with family, it's like I can lay down all my burdens for a while and just relax. I sleep better, I smile more, and I enjoy watching Boo interact with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. They've all fallen under her spell and love her to pieces and she's totally at ease with them. I love that!
I can't wait for her to attend the wedding and dinner/dance reception tomorrow. I bought her a pretty red dress, and made her a matching hair bow for her long dark hair. She's going to be the bell of the ball! She loves to dance, so I know she'll have a blast! I brought the camcorder to get her on video.
By the way, thanks for all of the great advice on Snuggle Bug's nightmares. I'm using many of the suggestions you've offered. I also spoke to his pediatrician and was told that the nightmares are really age appropriate. He's getting older, his imagination is growing, and nightmares are not uncommon. The pediatrician also agreed that he could be picking up on our stress with the fostering situation and even having Baby Bug back in our life, after having her return home to her parents my be confusing to him a bit. He recommended that we just give Snuggle Bug lots of extra assurance and cuddle time and told me it's okay that I let him sleep with us when he gets really scared in the middle of the night. Although he did say that if it continues on for a couple of months, then I need to put a stop to the coming in to our room to sleep.
The thing that Snuggle Bug insists on the most is sleeping with the light fully on. Our pediatrician said that doesn't hurt anything so we just leave the light all the way on and that seems to help.
Okay, time to go read a book while Boo takes a nap. Did I mention how much I love coming back to Nebraska to get away from it all! :)
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Labels: Boo, family, Snuggle Bug, vacation
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Crazy busy!
I've been neglectful of my blog lately and I'm afraid it's not going to get any better anytime soon. Here's why:
- I returned from an 8-day trip to NE last Friday and I'm still playing catch up at home and at work. We had a fabulous time, by the way. More on that later!
- I'm trying to plan two different birthday parties for my boys (Snuggle Bug & Oronzo). They both have birthdays this month.
- I'm working on about 4 Christmas tutus and a couple of packages of hair bows/clips!
- I want to get some baking done to give as gifts for my friends and neighbors.
- I'm sewing some gifts for family (i.e. I made my 2 year old nephew a cute Thomas the Train fleece blanket for Christmas).
- I'm working on getting Christmas cards ordered and a Christmas newsletter put together for family and friends.
- I'm working full-time and coming home to two small children who want my attention the minute I walk in the door until I put them to bed.
- There are holiday parties to attend.
- I'm juggling court hearings and Foster Care Review Board meetings for Boo's court case and I'm trying to prod Boo's CPS worker into getting us a referral for services for Boo. I just typed out a 3 page "Foster Parent Input" letter to submit to the courts (to be viewed by the judge and everyone else involved in her case) giving an update on what she's been through these past 10 months, how she's doing now, and why we feel it's in her best interest to have services put into place for her. I've been fighting this battle since August and have made very little progress! More on that later.
- I'm trying to keep up with house cleaning, laundry, and other "fun tasks".
- I'm keeping in touch with Baby Bug and her family (what a joy)!
Whew! No wonder I'm exhausted! Bear with me, I will get better about blogging as I cross some of these items off of my to-do list.
I will be hosting my Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange this Friday and I hope you'll join me. I'm always in need of good recipes to help plan our meals throughout the week!
What's keeping you busy this month?!
Friday, July 04, 2008
We're hanging in there.
I thought you all might want to know that Oronzo and I are hanging in there and getting over the shock and anguish of how court went this week. We've decided it's best just to take things one day at a time and hope and pray for the best. A lot of this situation is out of our control. Thank you all so much for your supportive comments. They really are a comfort!
On another note, I'm learning how to make movies (complete with titles and music) on my Mac and I have a couple of cute ones of Snuggle Bug to share. If I could ever get Blogger's video upload feature to work I'd share them with you. These are videos of Snuggle Bug praying and singing. The only way he'd cooperate is if I didn't point the camcorder anywhere near him (he clammed up when I did) so you're not going to "see" much but you'll be able to hear his sweet voice.
On another note, I'm learning how to make movies (complete with titles and music) on my Mac and I have a couple of cute ones of Snuggle Bug to share. If I could ever get Blogger's video upload feature to work I'd share them with you. These are videos of Snuggle Bug praying and singing. The only way he'd cooperate is if I didn't point the camcorder anywhere near him (he clammed up when I did) so you're not going to "see" much but you'll be able to hear his sweet voice.
Stay tuned.
Labels: family, Snuggle Bug, videos
