A Return Visitor

Dagnabbit!

Perfect Moment Monday

Church, egg hunts, chocolate for breakfast, baskets, family dinner, Wii bowling, more chocolate...



A Day Full Of Perfect Moments...

A Needle In The BirthMomHaystack Found?

Maybe.. maybe not.

Yes, a possible match has been located but I've been advised not to get all worked up... it could very well be a dead end. Was this the work of my high paid investigator? Nope. We're still waiting to hear back from the County on those questions she needs answered. This information was found by a sleuthy family member (THANK YOU Aunt Mary K!).

So, for now, on the outside my tough as nails Game-Face is on. The inside?

It sounds something like, "SQUEEEEE!!"

STAY TUNED!

My Achingly Slooooowww BirthMom Search Continues...

You all may recall This Post from back in February. After waiting nearly a year for a social worker from my county of birth to be assigned my case, I was finally called. My investigator has 3 mere questions we need answered from my non-id info that will make or break our search (things that weren't addressed when I originally received it years ago).

Since that initial contact in February, I haven't heard a thing from the worker. I've left (nice) voice mail messages, sent emails and nada, zip, zilch, bubkis in return. The investigator emailed Monday asking what was up and advised me to stop being so nice.

So I wasn't.. and it worked.

I got a snarky email back stating she is doing the best she can however there are several cases ahead of mine. I have no doubt I've slipped further down into her pile but oh well. At least I haven't slipped completely through the cracks.

Yet.

Dollars and $ense Of Family Building

Our family-building history started literally the day after we got married. We were “older” (late 30s/early 40s) and time was of the essence. I had already discussed conception with my obgyn and a plan was in place. I had all the expensive tools of the trade (digital ovulation tests, pregnancy tests, the whole kit and kaboodle) and was raring to go. All we had to do was .. well, it. I had been warned not to worry, it could take over six months.. Just be patient.

Tick Tock…

With good ole Father Time working against us, I gave Hubs & I only a year to conceive. I briefly discussed IVF (in vitro fertilization) with my doctor but quickly ruled it out. I have dear friends that have had great success but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Like many women my age, the clock wasn’t chiming, it was clanging.

All the while we were working on making baby, I was doing my homework and learning about all the avenues of adoption. Determined we were going to start a family one way or another, there wasn’t going to be a time gap between journeys. If we were unable to start a family the old fashioned way by day 366, Plan B was to be launched.

Did I mention the clang?

I reached out to friends and family that had adopted and quizzed. All had been pleased with their chosen journey and the conclusion was to follow our hearts. What spoke to ours was fostering to adopt. I then did the financial research ..

And was astounded.

Unlike International and Domestic adoption, the out of pocket fees for fost/adopt are minimal. In our county (it may vary state to state), the home study and court costs are fully covered including training, Infant/Child CPR & First Aid. While your case is geared towards reunification, the county pays for day care, (case related) travel expenses and nominally per child per day (it equals a cup of coffee and a muffin but it’s better than nothing).

Trust me, you won’t quit your day job.

The post adoption services are phenomenal. The child’s therapy can be continued (as needed) and he/she keeps Medicaid coverage until the age of 18. There are also therapy groups and p/a training available for the adults, as well. Keeping families equipped and healthy is the name of the game.

My conclusion is the true cost of fostering to adopt is not financial but that of time and possible heartbreak.

Our county was very up front to say they are NOT an adoption agency. Their first and foremost priority is to reunify families. Compassion, patience and being a team player are all something you need to possess to take this journey. You will also have to put your wants on the back burner.

This has turned out to be not about building our family but being there for local children in need. Seven kiddos and three years later, we have yet to adopt. That being said, they have all taught us more about life and love than we could ever teach them. They are our heroes. Looking back, would we do it again?

In a heartbeat.

In the end, we chose the adoption journey that spoke to our hearts. We were 95% sure after all the homework and training seminars that fostering to adopt was the best fit for us. The financial differences sealed the deal. As every family I have met that has adopted (via each of the avenues) has said, “It was as it is meant to be…”



Visit Write Mind Open Heart for more perspectives on the Dollars and $ense of Family Building and to respond to thought-provoking questions. Add your own link to the blog hop by May 1, should you want to contribute your thoughts.

Hey CO ~ Check Out A Special Screening of Soul Surfer!

Soul Surfer starring Colorado's own AnnaSophia Robb (as pro surfer Bethany Hamilton), Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and Carrie Underwood will be screened (TOMORROW) Sunday April 17th at 7PM.

Did I mention a Q&A afterwards with event host (and family friend) Bryan Jennings AND AnnaSophia herself!??

WHERE?
Colorado Mills Stadium 16 Movie Theater
14500 West Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80401

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

From Event Host:
We hope you can join us this Sunday April 17th at 7pm for a special screening of Soul Surfer. This event will be hosted by Bryan Jennings who is a family friend of Bethany Hamilton, Pro Surfer and Producer of Bethany's documentary titled The Heart Of A Soul Surfer.

Our special guest will be AnnaSophia Robb, the star of Soul Surfer playing Bethany Hamilton. We will have a Q and A time with AnnaSophia after the movie followed by a message from Bryan Jennings.

Your tickets will be be at will call at the theater.

If you have questions please email info@walkingonwater.com

See you there!!! God bless you! :)))

Springtime Near The Rockies

Yesterday:


Today:

'Nuf Said...

Graco Guest Post ~ 4th Installment!

The following is the latest in my series of guest posts for our fine friends at Graco. It did go live a few days ago on their site but I was unable to share (thanks to the PhotoBucket fiasco).

Technology.. ya gotta love it..

When you have a moment, please surf on over and take a walk down memory lane with me.

Catch Up:
First Post: CLICK HERE
Second Post: CLICK HERE
Third Post: CLICK HERE
&
LATEST Post: CLICK HERE!

As always, comment love is very appreciated! Go on now.. SHOOOO!

It's Not Me.. It's PhotoBucket!

Hey Everyone!

Just a quick note to let y'all know this little ole blog should be back to normal soon. PhotoBucket (where all my images are stored) is having some sort of ginormous meltdown and they're working diligently to rectify the situation. Yes, they've been saying that for three days now, but double dog swear it will be fixed today (you should see all the screaming going on over on their Facebook page!).

Hang in, please!!!

Perfect Moment Monday

Learning to be a Perfectly gracious winner (and loser).

Heart Melt Moment...

In therapy, Little Buddy did some crafts and one was this beautiful necklace. If you look closely there are four hearts, two larger and two smaller. He proudly told me that was Daddy, me, him and sister.

Tears

Birthday Fun & Baby Ruth's

The pool party last night was great. SweetPea stayed home with Daddy and LB and I stepped out. I can say it's the first time I ever heard of a kid's party being from 7:30pm-9:00pm and it was fantastic! The kids got to play in the pool, have snack, enjoy watching presents get opened and were zonked. Yes, it was waaay past bedtime but hey, that's what Fridays are for. A totally great idea... Thank you, Miss J, for inviting us!


Oh and yes, we did have one evacuation... Think CaddyShack...

Socialite Extraordinaire(s)

Little Buddy and SweetPea are creating a wonderful circle of friends and it's birthday season. Last weekend the party was at a BouncePlace and Little Sister showed off her moxie. I swear she is going to be a stunt woman.. zero fear. I had several heart attacks, might I add. Little Buddy ran into a pal from school (attending a different party) and had friends galore. He was definitely The Man.

Tonight we're off to a swim party.

With consistency and stability at home and all his new found companions, he seems to be finding peace. It has been some time since the last visit with the unhealthy bio family member and that has sure made a difference. Plans are in the works for a visit with the Good Bios soon and that will be a great time.

By golly, I do believe our little guy is healing.

Help CO Kids Find Homes ~ Help Adoption Exchange!

FROM ADOPTION EXCHANGE:
We Need You!
A Day for Wednesday’s Child on CBS4

Help Us Meet Our Goal
So far, we have raised $29,465 for A Day for Wednesday’s Child on CBS4. Tune in to CBS4 to meet the children who have forever families because of the generous contributions made to The Adoption Exchange.

There are hundreds of Colorado children who still need the love and support that only comes from having a family. Your donation today will help these children find forever families.

Will you help us help the children?

DONATE HERE!!!

Graco Guest Post ~ 3rd Installment...

My wonderful friends at Graco were kind enough to ask me to do a few guest posts about our fost/adopt journey. When you have a moment, surf on over and take a walk down memory lane with me. I think I owe Graco some fat cash for the therapeutic aspect of this writing. It has been so good to reminisce...

Get caught up:

First Post: CLICK HERE

Second Post: CLICK HERE

&

Today's Post: CLICK HERE

As always, comment love is very appreciated! Go on now.. SHOOOO!

MomTV's Adoption Angles ~ Coming SOON!

I am thrilled to announce MomTV's Adoption Angles be back from hiatus in May! Stay tuned for more great guests, fantastic conversation and intriguing topics!

Vitamin.D.Me.

Yesterday was one of those teaser Springtime In The Rockies kind of days. We hit 80 degrees for the first time in too long (only to have it turn today and be in the high 50s and rain).

That's okay, though.

Our gang was out in force soaking up the morning. As DH mowed, the kiddos got to run like mad, play ball, help me garden, scream like little banshees and catch some rays.

Good Day, Sunshine!

13 Years Ago Today...

I lost my beautiful Mama to ovarian cancer. If your mom is still with us (or a wonderful woman that was a mother figure), call her tonight. No wait.. today. Right now. We just don't get to keep them nearly long enough.

I love you Mama.. so so much. And I miss you more than words can say.

Always & Forever,
~Your Seesa