2 WEEKS

Today is the 2 week mark that Baby has been with us. He is precious. He is a good baby. His cuteness rivals that of my own children when they were babies! I really wish I could post pictures of his face, but privacy/confidentiality laws prohibit me from doing that. Must protect Baby, Birth Mom, and us.

Fostering has felt completely different than I thought it would. I knew I would bond with the baby, but I thought it would feel more like long-term babysitting. It doesn't. I feel like I've given birth to this kiddo. My fellow foster moms tell me that it's not only completely normal to feel this way, but good. I remind myself everyday that I am a bridge between his birth and his forever family. A very important job, but it will be hard when he leaves.

FINALLY!!!

We got the call!!!

We will have the baby by early afternoon on Tuesday.

I'm so torn. I want to leap, shout, woohoo, etc. Yet someone's life has to fall apart in order for me to have a foster baby in my home. Our social worker described it best. She said it is bittersweet.

She hit the nail on the head...but I really am excited!

...more later...

Be Free!

Colossians 2:16-17, 20-23

16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

in-laws, sleeping in, and Ultimate Fighting

My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew are moving to our block!!! I am so excited. I love them so much--it's going to be great! Last night we had a taste of what it will be like come August when they move in. They came over and hung out. Some other friends came, too. Then one of our neighbors wandered down here with her daughter. One big party at the Hinojosas!!! Billy (Freddy's brother) grilled chicken, fajitas, and sausage. We drank a few Dos Equis w/ lime in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Freddy told me I must embrace my Mexican-by-marriage heritage. ;) It was so nice to have people over and relax. To swim...talk...laugh. My mind has been completely occupied with fostering lately. I needed last night. I needed not to think about it.

A storm came through this morning, so no softball or baseball games. I slept 'til 10:30!!! That was awesome b/c I haven't slept well lately. Again, b/c my mind has been completely occupied with fostering. I know I must rest in God's timing, but I struggle so with that. It will happen soon enough and when it does it will be amazing.

Ultimate Fighting on Spike TV. Gotta love it! That's what we're watching now--I love my husband.

Still waiting...

As of this coming Friday we will be official!

We will have our license--we will be legit!

Our home study went very well. We love our social worker and I have a sneaky suspicion that she loves us, too. She spent a very long time here at our home. We talked about the things she needed for the study, but we mainly just talked...got to know each other, hung out, whatever. Did I mention we love her?!?

This whole process seems to have taken forever, but when I looked at the calendar I realized it's only been about 6 weeks. Very fast in Foster Land. I'm just not very good at waiting.

We could have a baby by the weekend. OH MY GOODNESS!!