Filed under: whatever
I’m cleaning out the old office and as some of you already know, I have an addiction to purses. It’s time for me to give up most of the collection so I’m giving one away here that I’ve never even used. It still has plastic on the handles. The purse has on zipper pouch on the inside and comes with a medium sized coin purse. So, if you want it, just leave a comment and I’ll put your name in a hat. I’ll draw a name eventually and then mail it to you when I get to the post office. (along with your book, Judy.) 
Oh, and I should mention that although it looks like Coach and smells like Coach, it is definitely not Coach. It is a good knockoff, though, from Chinatown in NYC.
Filed under: Speedy
here are some funny pictures of Speedy getting himself ready for special occasions:
Getting dressed for bed:
The underwear is to “help him breathe and keep the stink out”.. not sure how that works, especially since I don’t know if those were clean or dirty! Eeeew!
He really wanted to wear his Batman Cape to Music Camp that day. He picked out his clothes and tried so hard to be sneaky:
Getting ready to out and mow the grass with daddy. did it all himself:
Getting ready to go out and use the blower with daddy:
When I saw the birthparents after court the other day, I gave them some photos of Speedy and Princess meeting Isaac for the first time. I also gave them some photos of just Speedy and Princess. They were excited to see them but never said thank you or even asked how any of them were doing. Several people have commented that they were surprised I would give them photos.
Why not?
Although I sometimes find myself getting angry and wanting to be mean when i think of the things I know they put my children through, I have to constantly remind myself that it is not my job to punish them. Just as Christ forgave me, it is my job to forgive them. And to love them. And despite the choices they have made, I know they are hurting deeply. I can’t imagine the emptiness their lifestyle fills them with or the ache that is left over after a high. My heart goes out to them.
It’s easy to believe that we are better than that and nothing like that could ever happen to us. We would never make those choices. But how do any of us really know how close we may have come? We may have been one friend away from a life of bad choices. We may have been one drink away from an addiction that would consume us. There is no way we can be sure how close we may have come.
It is not my place to stand in judgement of the birthparents or of anyone else. In fact, I am grateful to them. It’s a twisted kind of emotion that causes me to be grateful for the terrible choices they have made that brought my children home to me.
I’m not always good at living out God’s mercy and grace – most of the time I’d say I fail miserably. But I have prayed from the beginning that God would soften my heart toward them and I believe it has made all the difference. I need to pray that same prayer about a few more people in my life. (go on, I know you want to shout ‘Amen’) ha ha ha
Love is a funny thing. The people who are most difficult to love are usually the ones who need it the most.
As I am catching up on blogs, I came across a post referencing this song.
It couldn’t be more perfect for the way I feel about my little Isaac. Part of the lyrics below.
Savage Garden: I knew I loved you
Maybe it’s intuition
But some things you just don’t question……I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believeI knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my lifeThere’s just no rhyme or reason
Only this sense of completion
And in your eyes
I see the missing pieces
I’m searching for
I think I’ve found my way homeI know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believeI knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my lifeA thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I’ve found youI knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
One week ago tonight, almost to the exact time, we met Isaac. We sat in the lobby of the hotel room with butterflies in our tummies watching the door for a caseworker and a baby. People came in and my heart would drop, but it wasn’t Isaac.
Then, just a glimpse through the door of a young lady carrying a little tiny baby beneath a blanket and walking towards the door. He’s here, I told Daddyo. I was nervous and excited and my eyes were glued to the door. As the case worker walked in we stood and introduced ourselves and I took baby Isaac in my arms.
And all was right in my world.
Filed under: Isaac
is not caring that you waited until I had you all snuggled in the papouse thing to vomit all over me.
Filed under: Adoption Process
So court was good today. Can’t give too many details, but here’s what I can tell you:
Birthparents will be offered services. It was explained to me that this will only strengthen the state’s case against them when it comes to the trial for termination. I am happy with this.
Visits are scheduled every other week for two hours. BUT, birthparents must take a drug test the morning of the visit and will only be allowed to visit baby Isaac if the results are negative. They will also be subjected to random drug testing. The Judge was very clear to point out that if they do not appear within four hours of the request for a drug screen, it is considered negative. Also, if there is anything that looks like they tried to “cleanse” their system, it will also be considered negative.
It is my guess that visits will not actually occur – at least not very often.
I kept my mouth shut in court but I wanted to speak up several times and yell BULLSH$T! Because they answered a question with something I knew was a lie. It made me so sad for them.
I am very happy with the case worker who is taking the case from investigation and know that she will be thorough.
Yay, God.
Filed under: Adoption Process
Court was uneventful. Birthparents were there. more to come.
Filed under: Uncategorized
We are on our way to court. Fun times.
Filed under: Uncategorized
You are so adorable and so much fun to care for. You are even cute at 1:00am when you decide it’s a good time to play. While I am grateful you aren’t crying, 1:00am is sleep time, not play time.
Filed under: Preparing for kids
I went on craigslist to see if I could find some baby boy bedding for the new nursery. Imagine my surprise when the first add I looked at was for the boy bedding mentioned in this post. How could I not look into it?
By the way, I need some painters. I need to finish clearing out the old office (something I’ll have to do on my own), but then I need someone to help me paint and stuff. Any takers?
I’m sitting here with Isaac all cuddle on my chest with one of these wrap things. I just love it and so does he. It really snuggles him in close and right now, his favorite place to be is on mommy’s chest. (he’d probably really be happy on anyone’s chest, but i prefer to think it is just me!)
So when we came home on Friday, Speedy and Princess were very excited to meet Isaac. I put him on the floor and they crowded around him and loved on him. Princess layed her head on his little chest and said, “I uv you, Isaac.” She says that a lot these days. Speedy’s whole face lit up an he wanted to hold him and love on him, too. They both adore baby Isaac right now and are eager to feed him and take good care of him.
This morning, I was getting princess dressed and noticed Isaac was spitting up. Speedy got the burp cloth and went to wipe his face and then gave him his pappy. He stood by to wait for him to spit up again and repeated the process. It was quite sweet. When Princess was all dressed, she had to have her turn with the burp cloth, too, and even held his bottle for about half of a feeding this afternoon.
All is well in the Ebenezer household. We are getting along just fine and the big kids are adjusting. Mommy gets a little tired in the afternoon but still manages to have patience when the big kids need attention. We couldn’t be any happier.
tomorrow morning, while Speedy is at Music Camp, Princess has a little playdate with a good friend of ours. The girls will play and the mommies will visit. Life is good. Life is very, very good.
Filed under: God's Love for us
We often see people on the side of the road, beggin for money and holding a cardboard sign that tells their story in just one phrase. If you were asked to stand on the side of the road and display your cardboard testimony, what would it say?
Watch a very moving clip of a church that did just that. It’s long, but worth the time it will take you to watch.
Filed under: Adoption Process
Well, we’re just trucking along over here. Got the kids up this morning, fed and dressed and left the house by 8:30am – actually earlier than we needed to. Had to drop Princess off with Granny, take Speedy to Music Camp and Isaac to the doctor. We’re all back at home now adn will probably spend the afternoon here. Dishes are done. Laundry is done. I’m on top of my game. 
I don’t know how long this organization stuff will last but it sure is nice for now.
Please be praying about Wednesday. We have our first hearing in the morning and it is important that birth mom and birth dad be there so they can get served. They need to be there and they need to test positive. I know that is harsh, but I know they are still using and it is in Isaac’s best interest to get this process expedited. Also, I do not want them to have visits with Isaac and if they test positive on Wednesday they probably won’t have visits.
Before I get flamed for wishing bad things on people, understand that I have been down this road before. And understand that if birthmom can’t clean up her act while she is pregnant, she is not going to clean up her act now. Not without professional intervention which she has not had. So the sooner we get this done, the better. I had to watch them take Princess into their arms, knowing they were not sober the last time around. I hope I don’t have to do that again.
But we will do whatever it takes. And I know God will take care of all the details.
We brought Isaac to church this morning and then we all went out for lunch afterwards. It was uneventful for the most part. I enjoyed showing him off to friends and also enjoyed just being out as a family of five.
Speedy and Princess continue to adore baby Isaac and love to hold him, feed him and pet him. Yes, I did say “pet” him. They like to rub his head. Go figure. In fact, this morning SPeedy said, “mommy, he’s like a little puppy.” LOL I’m sure Isaac appreciates being called a little puppy. Here’s hoping Speedy doesn’t decide to play veterinarian.
Speedy has music camp every morning this week and Princess goes on Thursday and Friday. SO it looks like we’ll just hit the ground running this week. ha ha ha
So much more to say but I have to sleep when i can these days.
Thank you, Jesus.
Lots of stuff to write about and catch up on but no time. I can’t seem to put this sweet boy down for very long and when he is down I am spending time with Speedy and Princess.
In the meantime, as much as she loves her little brother, I think Princess has started to see the bigger picture. Last night, she took her diaper off and peed in her bed. I think it was a show of protest.
Filed under: Adoption Process
on our way home with Isaac. exhausted. but happy.
Filed under: Adoption Process
how is it that tiny little guy can pee soooo much? we have already lost 3 outfits because of the pee. at this rate, we’ll have to find a laundry mat tomorrow or buy new clothes.
sure glad I ignored daddyo when he griped about me buying 4 outfits at walmart!
Filed under: Adoption Process
I can’t remember the last time I was this happy to be up at four am! this little guy is just adorable and reminds me already of princess’ sweet disposition.
Filed under: Adoption Process
as I write, my youngest son is sleeping on my lap. he is almost ready to eat and I can’t wait bc daddy fed him earlier.
right now, we are his foster parents. Please pray that the judge is this case comes down hard on the birthparents and chooses to fasttrack his case.
we should be able to take him home tomorrow. pray the judge okays it – it is supposed to happen.
we need to get med records and such.
pray for God’s divine intervention to continue for this child.
by the way, I got to hold my baby tonight.
one last thing: pls pray for speedy and princess as they adjust to having a baby brother.
Filed under: Adoption Process
We met baby Isaac about 8pm tonight and he is so tiny. My first thoughts when I took him from the worker’s arms were…. finally. You are finally where you belong. It was a sigh of relief. He was hungry but still didn’t fuss much. We talked with the worker, got a little more information and signed some papers.
Then we brought him upstairs and daddyo gave him a bottle. I got to give him a bath and clip his nails and then rock him to sleep. I still haven’t really heard him cry. He is perfect. 10 fingers. 10 toes. And he is sleeping peacefully in the port a crib right now.
It’s not overwhelming. It’s not even thrilling – I know that sounds strange. I was so nervous and excited to meet him, I though I’d be overwhelmed with emotion when I did. But I wasn’t. It just felt….right. There is no better word. It’s just right. He’s where he belongs.
Thank you, Jesus.
I have pictures but I can’t post them here just yet. Those of you who have left comments with your email address (in the space provided, not in the actual comment) will get one shortly. It’s from my cell because I can’t seem to make the sd card work on the laptop, but it’s a picture.
Filed under: Adoption Process
bought:
diaper bag
diapers
wipes
alcohol swabs
bath stuff
bibs
clothes
blanket
another blanket
bottles
formula
pacifier
think that is it.
Filed under: Adoption Process
almost to NB. going to walmart then to hotel to meet worker, sign papers and get baby.
Filed under: Adoption Process
It hardly seems real. We are in the truck now and heading to get our boy. God is so good. Now that baby is safe, please pray he stays that way. Pray he remains in our custody forever and that the judge decides to fasttrack his case. We’ll be spending the night in New Braunfels tonight and are hoping they have a 24 hour walmart or target so we can get diapers, bottles, etc.
Filed under: Adoption Process
We are leaving to go pick him up!!!!!!!!!!!
Filed under: Adoption Process
We think the biggest issue right now is that the caseworkers there don’t want to drive all the way here to make a placement and that’s what would have to happen. There will be a hearing within 14 days where the judge will be asked about placing with us. We have the siblings so in their eyes we are family. They should be trying to place with family first. We need God to intervene.
Please pray.
Filed under: Adoption Process
Agency rules dictate baby should be placed in their county first.
We need God’s intervention to get him here.
PRAY!
Filed under: Adoption Process
You know, before I made a phone call today, I asked God to open doors if this was a direction I needed to take. Boy, did he open doors. The investigative worker called me and gave me information that I should not be posting publicly… so I won’t. BUT, depending on the outcome of some tests, it is possible that baby will be removed today. There are also some test results that should be in tomorrow, and so it is possible that baby could be removed then, if not today.
Regardless of what happens today or tomorrow, I am confident that this lady (my new hero) is going to stay on them like white on rice.
Keep those prayers coming, God hears them. He is listening and He is responding.
Filed under: Adoption Process
Ha! I called a CPS office in the region where birthparents are and got through to someone. Woo HOO! This person gave me the office and CELL phone number of the investigator’s supervisor. She didn’t know who the caseworker was on the file. So, I called the supervisor and she answered her phone.If you’ve never interacted with CPS, you have no idea how rare it is to actually get in touch with someone. Anyway, she seemed VERY surprised that I had her cell phone number. I was shocked that the lady I talked to gave it to me.
She wasn’t in her office but said she’d call me back after lunch with the name of the actual person working this case.
What am I going to tell this person? Everything I know about birthparents. They have the file from before, but you would be suprised at how inaccurate that file can be.
Filed under: Adoption Process
I have gotten so many emails, comments and phone calls. I so appreciate all of your support and love and mostly your prayers. Thank you for lifting us up and thank you for lifting up baby Isaac. God promises us a peace that passes all understanding, but He doesn’t promise that we won’t have pain along the way. I just keep imagining that sweet baby in my arms and on my chest. And I can’t help but think what may happen if birthmom gets too high or not high enough or just too frustrated with the crying.
It’s funny, I thought I had done everything I could possibly do and so I even told the caseworker today that I don’t feel lthere is more we can do but wait. Then I got a call from a dear friend tonight who is very involved in the adoption/foster care world and she told me a story of paperwork and lost paperwork and many, many phone calls to keep workers on top of it. At the end, before I told her that I had decided there really wasn’t more I could do, she said to me, “keep on it, Cindy. Stay on top of them and keep after it. Don’t stop. Don’t give up.”
So I’m praying for God’s wisdom. I think the last thing I can really do is call the investigative worker – whom I do not have a name for so I’ll have to do some digging. If I can talk to that person, maybe I can get more information. Or give more information. Sigh. We’ll just see what tomorrow brings. Please pray that God will give me clarity and wisdom about what to do next. I’d really like to hire a private investigator but I think that may be crossing a line. Ha ha ha Don’t worry, I am only kidding. Sort of.
I am okay. Really. God is taking good care of me and I do trust His plan and His ways. He is enough for me.
OH, and PS…. the search word that brings the most hits to my site is STILL diarrhea. What is UP with that?
