I just realized I haven't written anything since January, mostly that's because there wasn't anything new to update on until recently. We've had a couple of great opportunities to have little ones over at our house for the last couple of weeks. We've been doing respite, which is like babysitting for other foster families. In the past month we've had two overnight guests. We had an amazing little almost four year old girl for three nights and then the two year old girl we've done some respite with for four nights. It was a lot of fun and some great practice on what it feels like to be responsible for a little one!
The almost four year old was great, very independent. A good sleeper, eater, and she LOVED puzzles. She went to daycare during the work day so really it was just hanging out in the evenings and on Saturday. It was good to get to practice juggling two full time work schedules, doggy daycare schedule, kid daycare schedule, and all with one car. We managed just fine, but it definitely took a lot of forethought and good communication. It was really fun to do the everyday things that people with kids get to do. That's really what I love. We have an amazing pool at our Rec Center so we went there on Friday and she loved it. We also got to have a playdate with a friend and her three year old son on Saturday.
Transitioning from caring for an almost four year old to a barely two year old was a bit rough at first! There are definitely some benefits of a kid being a bit older and able to do more without assistance. Also the two year old did not go to daycare and napped mid day so that made planning my schedule a bit rough. I was able to take a couple of days off work, although I was able to get some work done while she napped. Overall I really enjoyed being home for two days with a little one. We went on lunch dates and played and colored and watched A LOT of Dora--too much Dora. Why do all of the characters have to scream at you! We also spent some time at the pool and had a playdate with some friends at the WOW children's museum. I also enjoyed doing housework during the time I was home, which was funny because I usually HATE cleaning. For some reason being home all day it felt like I could actually do the dishes and laundry--Jennie definitely liked that aspect :) Overall having her with us was great. I was totally exhausted and passing out on the couch by 9pm, but it was great.
Probably the biggest take away from these past couple weeks is that I need to learn how to be a morning person and drink more coffee :) It was also strange to wake up on Monday morning and not have to go get a little kiddo out of the other room. There was a twinge of sadness, but mostly a feeling that something was missing. I guess it's a good way to help ease us into foster care and knowing that most likely the kiddos who come to stay with us will end up leaving eventually.
We're still eagerly awaiting a foster care placement of our own. Nothing yet at this point, but our caseworker told us it's been a bit slow with needing placements right now. Fingers crossed we get a call and it's the right fit soon.
I had mentioned in my previous post that we put in some adoption inquiries for older children. We never ended up hearing anything back so most likely we weren't the right fit--that's okay. We figure what's meant to be will be.
Also on the baby making front we did try again this month and unfortunately like clock work Jennie started her period and so we're not pregnant. It was definitely sad, but a little less sad since we got to hang out with a super cute two year old. Jennie has an appointment with a specialist to have some conversations about fertility and maybe do some very basic testing. We're thinking that maybe she's not actually ovulating when the test strips say she is, but we'll see after her appointment.
Here's hoping that something comes through soon and we can start building our forever family.
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