With Love, Mommy

One of the most common questions we receive is how JT is doing through the transition.  Our little boy is very strong, and he is doing the best he can at this time.  When Cuddle Bug was first placed, JT was not sure about this tiny baby that he had to share his Mommy and Daddy with.  But after about 2 months, he started warming up to Cuddle Bug and now he just loves him.  He asks Cuddle Bug to play with him (cute!!) and does not like when the Parent Aide comes and takes him to visits.  Just like adding a baby to the family through the more traditional route, it took time but JT loves his baby brother.  The last few weeks with Sweet Pea here have been, understandably, more difficult for JT.  He has to share his toys, because Sweet Pea had none.  He has to share his Mommy, because Sweet Pea didn't have anyone to hug her or tuck her in at night.  He isn't the only one getting our attention, but he is still the center of our world, just as...

When we went through our foster parent training, they told us about a honeymoon phase when the child first moves in.  When I worked in foster care, I told my families about it too.  But I've never seen it first hand, until now.  Our first week with Sweet Pea was far from easy, but it seemed to be Little J that was struggling.  Sweet Pea was adjusting almost too well.  She started calling me Mommy right away and attached to me quickly.  She rarely had behaviors that were alarming or out of the ordinary.  In the last few days, the honeymoon phase has been dwindling.  She still is not behaving badly, don't get me wrong.  But she now tantrums occasionally like a normal 2 year old.  She says things that we may need to correct or speak to her about.  But this is the time to choose our battles and build trust.  So, if you see us letting some things slide or ignoring behavior, it is simply because we do not want to overwhelm Sweet Pea ...

We have a new addition to our family!  Sweetie Pie came into our lives in an emergency situation yesterday. I got a phone call at work, and  about 3 hours later, a caseworker was walking up to our door with a sweet 2 year old girl. We are not sure how long she will be staying with us. She is about 5 months older than Little J, which is a term in the foster community known as "twinkies". They are almost twins, but they would still be in different grades in school.   If we thought life with a two year old and a newborn was hard, throwing in another 2 year old has been interesting!  We are either brave or just nuts! Hopefully she will encourage JT to potty train!  That's how it works right?  Well, it has been a crazy 24 hours, but that's the life of a foster parent!  Currently, all three children are sleeping, which is just a little gift from God so I can catch my breath. During this time of transition, we welcome and appreciate any and all help, includi...