The Ties That Bind...

A few weekends ago (before the RSV fiasco), we had a play date with Little Buddy's older 1/2 sibling. The boys have had a close relationship and let me tell ya, LB was over the moon excited to see him. SweetPea was just starting to get sick so she stayed at home. Their sib (I'll call him "Freckles") was recently adopted by one of his bio family members and they were there, as well (along with our social worker, of course). My intention was to hang out for a few minutes and take off to run errands... I didn't want to impose on their time together and these meetings can be awkward.

Shows what I know.. I ended up staying the entire time.

The family was absolutely lovely and we chatted like we've known each other for years. Much like when we met JuneBug's bio family, that feeling of familiarity and friendship was immediate. They are thrilled the kiddos are with us and pray we make it to adoption. There were tears and hugs.

Most importantly, the brothers got to hang out and play.

Since the beginning of this journey, we have said that we are absolutely open to keeping contact with bio family (or friends) that are healthy and appropriate. These relationships help heal and are about them, not us.

And this seems to be one of them.

Today LB and I are headed to a Cub Scout event that Freckle's troop is attending. They'll get to spend the better part of the day together and LB is thrilled. In my book, a great way to put a really rough week behind us.

And a tie we hope will remain intact...

Reflections...

I will never forget the day we met and clearly remember the very moment I first laid eyes on you. Cute as a button, not so sure about Nana (Nantie) and me and hanging close to Rosie (your first Foster Mommy). But you felt safe and warmed up quickly..

My heart melted.

In no time at all you became the Princess that reigns over all.. (even Cassie)..

No, it has not been an easy journey and we had our fair share of bumps in the road. Okay, pretty big pot holes .. but that is to be expected. My hope of hopes is your little soul will remember the good times and know we did our very best by you.

I don't know what I'll miss the most but hanging in our jammies on Saturday mornings will be one, for sure. I loved having my baby girl right by my side and not being rushed (okay, the sippy cup getting slammed on my keyboard and ruining my "r" .. not so much.. but everything else for sure-LOL).


You will spend time with your family today and tonight will be our last night together. Your newest journey begins (plane trip and all) but this time you're going home. For good. We know you will be cherished, safe, healthy and happy. Honestly, knowing how bright your future will be is what's getting me through this. I pray the Good Lord watches over you and your family and peace comes to your heart soon.

Ours, too.

Today...

I am working on JuneBug's Goodbye Book. I lost a boat load of pictures when the hard drive on my laptop crashed, but I still have some. Yes, I lost all the pictures of the twins (we're talking hundreds) that I hadn't saved to my Kodak Gallery account, as well. Don't even start on me about backing up.. I got the lecture already (and was none too happy about it, I might add).

Are ya'll feeling my cranky vibes?

Today Bug and I are headed to the store to stock up for our Mother's Day brunch. Gramsie and Nantie's beautiful delights have arrived, we'll get cards and meander the aisles. And drive slowly. No rushing now. If she wants to stop and look at something, by golly, we'll stop. By this time next week she'll be gone. It almost hurts to breathe when I think about it.

So I won't..

Hopefully some sunshine and fresh air will help clear away some of my blue funk. For now we smile to mask the grief and turn away when the tears come. Laughter fills the house but it blankets deep sadness. We are chatting-up the family coming soon to see her, fun plane rides and how much they love her. My head totally gets the move.. these types of placements are what the county strives for.

It's my heart that needs convincing. Real quick like.

The Haps...

Things here in our little village are rolling right along. We are all just about 100% except for JuneBug.. her nose started running again a couple days ago and she was up coughing last night. I swear, it's a never ending battle..

We have been in email contact with her bio family and I have to say, I already adore them. They are a beautiful, solid, Christian family and are anxious to have JuneBug join them. She deserves nothing but the best and they seem to fit the bill. I tried to assure them (to the best of my ability) that she is truly loved, safe and doing wonderfully. I believe my roll now (in addition to caring for her) is to provide comfort for them and make this as positive of an experience as I possibly can.

They have to go through everything we did for certification.. training, CPR, home study, background checks... the works. Obviously DNA doesn't give you an automatic green light for approval. Please keep them in your prayers for peace and strength during this tumultuous time.

And patience.. lots of patience..