Filed under: Child Advocates
Frustrated.
Sometimes I feel like there is not much to look forward to in her future. I’d give anything to change that but she has to choose to participate in her future. She has to choose to participate and cooperate in getting to where she wants to be. I don’t know if she can.
More late.
Filed under: video
If I could do our wedding all over again. It would definitely be a little more like this:
Filed under: Thankfulness
One of my favorite shows on TV is “How I Met Your Mother”. Basically, it is the latest and greatest “Friends” show and it is hilarious. A few weeks back, the episode was about annoying habits. Each of the characters had a very annoying habit that no one noticed…..until someone else pointed it out. As soon as someone pointed out that she crunched really loud when she ate, it started driving EVERYONE nuts. You get the idea.
Our minds naturally gravitate towards the negative – it’s so easy to pick out somebody else’s flaws and then get hung up on them. After a while, all you see is the flaw(s) and you forget about the many redeeming qualities. I was listening to a sermon by Joel Osteen last night and he gave a wonderful reminder of how important it is to stay focused on the positive. I cracked up when he said that maybe the only thing we can find to be grateful for about a particular person is that we’re not them. ha ha ha
As a mother of young children, there are days when it is hard to hold to gratitude. Kids are sick and whiny, laundry is piled up and you have work to do on top of it all. When I’m ready to lounge in self pity, I remember all the women who want desperately to have children and can’t. I remember the days of battling infertility and how empty – barren – I felt. I thank God that i have kids. I thank God that my kids are healthy and good natured. I thank God for their enthusiasm and contagious laughter. It’s hard to sit in funk when you’re listing all the things you are grateful for.
Start today. Make a list of ten things you’re grateful for. When you get to the end of your list, think of ten more. Keep going. See how long it is before you run out of things to be grateful for. I bet you’ll be at it a while.
We are definitely excited about Christmas!
Now, if only I could get them to do the laundry!
Filed under: Speedy
I’ve heard of peanut butter and banannas. Even peanut butter and sugar. But marshmellows? YUCK!
Me: Speedy, do you want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?
Speedy: Yes. With marshmellows on the side, please.
on the side? That just cracked me up. So I did the only logical thing. I put marshmellows ON his peanut butter sandwich and he loved it! Marshmellows can’t be any worse than jelly, right?
Filed under: Speedy
First, Happy Anniversary to my wonderful hubby!
Daddyo: Speedy, what’s in your pants? (noticing something did NOT look right)
Speedy: That’s just my wood, Daddy.
Yes, he really did say that and then daddyo had him call me on the phone and repeat it. He has no idea why daddy thinks it is so funny when he says he has wood in his pants, but I’m sure he’ll say it again soon. By the way, he did actually have a piece of wood in his pants.
Me: Speedy, go to the potty. (noticing he was holding on to his wee wee)
Speedy: No, mommy. I don’t need to go potty. It’s just fun to play with.
Friend: Speedy, what are you asking Santa to bring you for christmas?
Speedy: I don’t know.
Me: I guess we’ll just ask him for a bucket of dirt, then. (trying to get him to answer)
Friend: Aren’t you going to ask for some trucks or something?
Speedy: MOMMY! Is it going to be REAL dirt?
And to think of the money we’ve already spent on presents. All he needs to be happy is dirt.
Filed under: Thankfulness
Happy Turkey Day, Friends…Bloggers….and random internet searchers who somehow wind up here.
I can’t let Thanksgiving Day go by without my Thursday list (the one I seem to have abandoned lately):
Today, I am thankful for:
A God who is big enough to protect a child still in the mother’s womb.
Infertility.
A wonderful husband who is truly my partner in life and this thing we call parenting.
Two beautiful kids who have taught me more about God’s love than a lifetime of study.
A support system of family and friends.
God’s faithfulness.
Families who answer the call to adopt older kids and teenagers.
Foster parents who lay down their lives for the kids they care for.
Other moms who just “get it”.
Finally, I have figured out how to get my videos of the kids on my computer. Boy, you guys are sure in trouble now. I’m just starting with what I have on here now, so the first few will be of Princess.
The first one is just her giggling. The second one is the Princess admitting to being “rotten” and calling herself a princess. Finally, the third is Princess dancing along to “Rockabye Bear” by the Wiggles. You may have to turn up the volume to hear the music so the movements will make a little more sense. 
Filed under: Speedy
Is there anything worse than the smell of puke?
Okay, so this is kinda sick but I have to share….
Speedy’s tummy was hurting yesterday (prior to the vomitting) and he kept going to the bathroom, trying to poop. No luck. Finally, he thought if I went with him that he’d be able to go so I sat on the bathtub and waited. And waited.
Me: Speedy, I don’t think you have to go.
Speedy: It’s coming, mommy.
Me: Okay. I’ll wait.
Speedy: It’s coming, it’s coming. Just wait, mommy.
Me: Okay.
Speedy: OOOH! It’s almost here! I can FEEL it.
Me: Great.
Speedy: It’s coming! It’s coming! It’s coming!…………(okay, i don’t know how to spell a fart noise but that is what belongs here.)
Me: Giggling, does your tummy feel better now?
Speedy: (mouth open wide) It came! It came! Did you hear that? I pooted. Guess all that was just about a poot.
Filed under: Speedy
Ipod. There. I said it. I finally own an Ipod. Happy early anniversary to me – I bought the newest version of the Ipod nano. I promise not to turn into one of those people who walk around all day with earbuds in their ears. At least if I am wearing them in public, chances are I’m listening to a book or podcast and not music.
It occurred to me as I was dowloading music that you can tell a lot about something from the music/podcasts/books/etc on his/her ipod. So I’m not going to tell you what is on mine.
Had you been listening to the soundtrack of my life yesterday evening, it would be the sound of Speedy puking and the splatter of it on the hardwood floor. I can’t tell you how many times I almost threw up. Daddyo is a SAINT. Speedy must have had a little bug or something and I sure hope the rest of us don’t catch it. UGH.
I. hate. vomit.
Filed under: Day after day
I just read a funny post about things that get flushed down the toilet by toddlers.
What is the strangest thing your toddler – or other child – has flushed down the toilet?
Did it actually flush?
Did it get stuck and have to be removed?
If so, how much was the repair bill?
We had a wonderful visit with GrannyJ yesterday and she brought Speedy a spiderman umbrella. He LOVES having anything that is “his own” and had already eyed this umbrella at Target. Anyway, this morning as he’s playing with his umbrella, this is the conversation we had:
Speedy: I thought this was for Christmas.
Me: What? The umbrella?
Speedy: Yes, I thought it was for Christmas but it’s not Christmas yet.
Me: No, GrannyJ brought that to you just because.
Speedy: Just because I’m GREAT!
Me: Yes, Speedy, just because you’re great!
And little miss Princess got a Disney Princess purse with a pink cell phone and she thinks she is the cat’s meow. Her vocabulary has exploded and we have mini conversations now:
Princess: Wa doooo-in? (what are you doing?)
Me: I’m making your lunch
Princess: Why, mama?
Me: So you can take it to school.
Princess: Tank you, mama
Me: You’…..
Princess: You elcome!
Princess: waaaaah! Waaaah! where goin? (as GrannyJ walks out the front door)
Me: She’ll be right back
Princess: where goin’ mama?
Me: Just to move her car.
Princess: Waaaaah! Where Gammy go? (when Grammy left the house the other day)
Me: She’ll be back soon – she had to run an errand.
Princess: Why, mama?
Me: Seriously. You are not even two years old, you should not be asking me why yet.
Princess: Why, mama?
Me: Ugh! Stop, Princess. Say, “yes m’am”
Princess: Yes! Maaa’aaam.
Me: Awwww, thank you, baby.
Princess: Why, mama?
I’m really struggling with what to get Princess for Christmas. Those of you with daughters, any suggestions for an almost 2 year old? Speedy is getting a battery operated tractor thing he can ride on. I am tempted to get a similar ride on for Princess even though I know she is too little to operate it now. They make one with a steering stick for parents that we could use until she gets used to it.
My other ideas for her are a kitchen or a doll house. I know she likes playing with the furniture from a dollhouse but I just don’t know if she’d REALLY play with it. Maybe this year it really doesn’t matter so much since she’d still be just as happy to play with a cardboard box. She does spend a little time with a doll house she is around about once a week. This morning, she was taking all the furniture out and opening and closing all of the little doors and drawers. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and get her a nice dollhouse for Christmas.
Here’s the dilemna, do I get her just a little dollhouse now and get the really nice one later when she’ll appreciate it more or do I go ahead and get a good one now so I don’t have to buy ANOTHER one next year? Or what about a little battery operated ride on? I know she is probably too small, but that’s what Speedy is getting and she likes to do everything just like him. Maybe she’d really get into. They have some really cute smaller ones with Dora on them that would fit her perfectly – and the “go button” is on the handle bar instead of the foot pedal. Anybody have kids around two with anything like this?
UGH! I have to remind myself that she is not going to go crazy over anything at this stage. Speedy, on the other hand….
Man, my posts are getting more exciting by the day, aren’t they?
Not that it helps me much with shopping for Princess, but I have learned of a way to shop and help all at the same time. I’m sure we all know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s so as you start your shopping, why do purchase a holiday gift that will do a little more than cross another item off your list? We can all agree that seeking a cure to Alzheimer’s is crucial, ensuring quality care for those who suffer from the disease is also critical. The holidays are a good time to gift a donation or buy a gift from the eStore – you can purchase some beautiful jewelry that signifies the deep love and attention provided by caregivers. As it says on their site, “Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related illnesses give from the deepest recesses of their hearts, inspiring the world with their courage, dedication and hope. Embrace the spirit. Share this inspirational heart. Show you care—about caregivers, loved ones and the cause.” All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
I can’t imagine having to watch a loved one suffer with this disease – and I don’t know where I’d begin to look for help. I knew a girl who graduated with me from high school who helped to care for her mother several years ago – who has since passed on from Alzheimer’s. Caring for a suffering parent or friend is difficult, especially when you are trying to manage your own family life at the same time. So as you get ready to do your holiday shopping this year, consider a holiday gift that will have a little extra meaning.
You know, it really creeps me out to think about things like this. I just can’t imagine interviewing people to care for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves. It’s hard enough to find people you trust to care for your children when you’re away, but what about when it comes to caring for adults? I’m sure it only gets more difficult.
Filed under: Speedy
You know, I’ve heard so many cute stories of little kids praying or saying sweet little things…..here’s my story.
Calling DaddyO (he is out of town) and leaving a message on the machine:
Me: Speedy, leave a message for daddy
Speedy: Daddy?
Me: Ask him if he got a deer
Speedy: Did you shoot a deer, daddy?
Me: Tell him we went shopping and mommy spent all the money
Speedy: (laughing) mommy spent ALLLLL the money
Me: tell him goodnight and you love him
Speedy: Daddy, I love you. Goodnight!
Me: Is there anything else you want to say to daddy?
Speedy: (very sweetly) yes.
Me: Okay, go ahead.
Speedy:………DAMN!
Me: (grabbing the phone) oops, I sure didn’t know he was going to say that.
I’m sure the guys at the house will get a big kick out of that. I think Speedy was playing with the antenna on the phone and it snapped back and popped him or something. I don’t know. He’s said it before and I’ve just ignored it, but seriously, how do you NOT laugh at that? I almost peed my pants.
I tried to explain in my sternest voice that “damn” is a bad word and one that we do not say. I told him that mommy laughed this time but next time I won’t think it’s funny. (um, yeah I will)
I don’t think he took me seriously seeing as how I was trying to contain my giggles the whole time. I have no idea where he picked that up – it really isn’t a word I use regularly. I’m blaming the “man shows” he watches with daddy. The hunting shows or car shows. I’m SURE that’s where it came from.
Filed under: Speedy
Although Speedy’s birthday isn’t until March, I’ve been thinking lately about what kind of birthday party to give him and who to invite. For his second and third birthdays, we only invited our close friends and family and I’ve been debating about whether or not to invite some of his friends from school. Today, he got a birthday invitation in the mail from a little boy in class. His first non-family or close friend birthday party! His little eyes just lit up and he asked if tomorrow was the birthday.
Filed under: Day after day
So if you’ve spent any amount of time here at all, you know that I am not at all organized. My house is never clean. In fact, it is usually more than just “not clean”. Disorganized – we spend more time looking for shoes than we do shopping for them. We tend to be packrats and pile things on top of things around here.
Something crawled up my wahooo and I got started cleaning, sorting and organizing today and just couldn’t stop. I was more productive during my few hours away from the kids than I have been the entire school year. You should see my office floor! I mean, you can really SEE MY OFFICE FLOOR. I actually forgot there was carpet under there. I even went through several boxes of stuff that have been boxed up for three years and threw a ton of it out. I’m probably a little more than halfway done in here and it’s killing me knowing it isn’t finished and I’m not working on it. (but it’s right next to Speedy’s room and I don’t want to risk waking him)
Yesterday, I started organizing the kitchen cabinets.
What. is. wrong. with. me. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Filed under: Uncategorized
Hey, anyone who knows me IRL have a Costco membership? There’s something I need to buy there and if I buy a membership it will kind of defeat the purpose of buying it there because it’s cheaper.
Then again, I guess that IS kind of the point.
Filed under: Adoption Process, Anticipation, Preparing for kids, bio family
My initial excitement/worry/fear/hope of the baby news has subsided and I am able to think much more clearly now. Taking a step back and looking at the situation is always helpful for me, even when it is entirely out of my control!
First off, we are assuming that there is, in fact, a pregnancy. I’m not sure when or if that can even be confirmed until biomom starts showing. So going forward with that assumption, here are the possible scenarios:
A – biomom and/or baby test positive for drugs at birth, CPS is called and custody is immediately taken
B – no drugs in system but someone alerts CPS to the fact that a baby has been born to a biomom who has had rights terminated on two other children, CPS immediately takes custody because of the risk factor
Now, assuming A or B occurs, then:
1 – us or our agency is called since we are linked to this biofamily in the CPS records because we adopted the siblings
2 – CPS overlooks the files and places baby with another family
Obviously, if A or B happens then we are praying 1 will also happen. And it should. Once custody of this child is taken away, I do know that the process that follows will be different than it was before. No services will be offered which means bio parents will have no plan to work to try and regain custody. They would be assigned a court appointed lawyer and could work with that lawyer to fight the court for custody but they’d have little or no chance of that happening.
Keep in mind that nothing has changed for the birthparents. Their situation and their circumstances are much the same as they were when the rights were originally terminated. Should they be able to prove otherwise, then they would have a chance to regain custody of the new baby. But it won’t happen. And it shouldn’t happen.
I feel for them – I really, really do. I can’t imagine the heart ache of losing a child all over again, but it’s not them I’m thinking about. I can’t think about them because they are capable of thinking of themselves. It’s the children I’m concerned for. It’s the baby growing inside her that matters now. That child is more than likely already being abused. I pray for God’s protection on that baby.
It’s an awkward and uncomfortable situation for everyone, I’m sure. But I keep thinking about the baby. That baby deserves to have someone eager for his/her arrival and already willing to prepare a place for him/her. Maybe we’ll never even meet that baby, but that’s okay. I’ll be alright with that. But if we do have another child out there that is meant to be ours, I don’t want to miss one day of loving him/her…one day of anticipating him/her.
Does that make any sense at all?
I mean, it’s crazy, really. We aren’t even absolutely positive that there is a baby at all. And even if there is, biomom could leave biodad and we’d never know what happens unless baby is born positive for drugs. And I won’t wish for that.
There is no way of knowing what the future holds; but I do know Who holds our future and that is enough for me.
Filed under: Day after day
With a title like that, it’s got to be a good post, right?
We were staying with Granny at the lake last night and Speedy and I were sharing a room. I hadn’t been feeling great all evening – even think I had a fever for a bit – but nothing too major. Speedy woke up about 1am and was scared because he didn’t recognize where he was. I talked to him for a minute and then realized I’d better get to the bathroom, and fast.
I told speedy I’d be back in a minute and not long after getting there I heard the pitter patter of his feet coming towards me. Granny’s bedroom is right next to the bathroom and the walls are VERY thin so we were trying to whisper and be quiet. It’s difficult to have a conversation like this one quietly, though.
Speedy: Mommy, are you gonna poo?
Me: Mommy’s tummy is feeling a little sick, baby.
Speedy: Are you gonna make DIARRHEA?
Me: I think so
Speedy: Can I see it?
Me: You will certainly get to smell it sitting at my feet that way.
Speedy: Oh, Mommy! I want to SEEEEEE it. (trying to pry my butt off the pot)
Me: Speedy, we have to wait for it.
Suddenly, my stomach makes the loudest gurgling noises I’ve ever heard.
Speedy:(eyes wide as saucers) Was THAT your TUMMY?
Me: Yes, that was my tummy – it’s not feeling very good.
Speedy: It sounds MAAAAAAAAAD!
Me: Well….
Speedy: oh! I just heard you poo, mom and it wasn’t diarrhea!
Me: Yes, well, maybe my tummy is feeling better.
brief pause
Speedy: EEEEWWWW! THAT sounded like serious diarrhea!
Me: Yep, it sounds serious alright.
Speedy: Does your tummy feel better, mommy?
Me: Not yet.
Speedy: Go some more, mommy, it will help.
Me: Thanks, Speedy.
Speedy: WOW! That sure is some diarrhea! It’s stinky.
Me: You could always go back to bed.
Speedy: No, mommy, I don’t want to leave in here by yourself.
Speedy: It’s time to wipe your butt, mom.
Me: um, no, not quite.
Speedy: You mean there’s MORE diarrhea?
Me: I think so, baby.
Speedy: gagging, Mommy, it REALLY stinks.
Me: Almost done.
Speedy: Mommy, paaahhhlleeeeease wipe your butt so we can get out of here!
I can only be grateful that this little encounter happened in private and not in a public restroom. The worst part was that after we got back to bed it took him about an hour to go back to sleep. After about 15 minutes, I really needed to revisit the bathroom but knew he would come with me and take even longer to get back to sleep so I waited. And prayed. And waited some more. Finally, when I was sure he was asleep, I tiptoed back to the bathroom.
Now, aren’t you glad you read this blog? I decided to give “potty talk” it’s own category since i end up writing about it so often.
