And Just Like That..

Mannie and Little Miss Sunshine are gone. This morning they were moved back to their Mom's. They are precious innocents and we were honored to of had the opportunity to love and share time with them. As I sit here I worry about their future. She is a ball of joy, so far unaffected by the goings on. He, however, has a lot of baggage already. Too much for only being 3 1/2... poor little guy. Please keep them all in your prayers as we're sure they have a rough road ahead.

The timing of their move could not be more perfect. This morning our furnace decided to die. No workie. No heat. It's c-c-cold and we can't get a guy out to look at it until tomorrow. It's gonna be a layering, snuggling with the hubby and doggies kinda night.

Please keep your warm thoughts coming our way!

What The Hay???!

Sunshine has been a little under the weather and not going to bed as nicely as usual. Rather than have her keep Mannie awake with her crying, I rock her to sleep downstairs before putting her in her crib. He usually takes a while to fall asleep but typically stays out of trouble..

Until last night..

I could smell the talcum powder going up the stairs and thought, "Uh oh.." Maybe he was trying to mimic the snowfall from Saturday or maybe he just thought it would be fun.. as he doused the room with a whole bottle. The bed, the nightstand, the floor, himself from head to toe... and he tried to cover the mess on the floor with Kleenex (like, 1/2 the box was yanked out).

I had to leave quickly so he didn't see me laugh out loud. Then I got DH and brought him up for a look-see. He had to stifle a snort, also. When Nantie got home a few hours later, I gave her a tour, as well. It totally busted her up!

It's was too late to tackle last night so Mannie was told he will be helping me clean up this morning. He looked sorrowful (but I swear I saw a flicker of a grin..).

The bright side? It smells nice...

The Kindness of Others..

When we got the call for Mannie and Little Miss Sunshine we literally had a couple hours between the the time I hung up til they arrived on the doorstep. Jack and Jill had only left a mere 4 days prior and we were spinning (to put it nicely). The biggest concern?

We needed baby stuff real quick like.

We had plenty of toys for Mannie and even some clothes if needed but nothing (zero, nada, zippo, ziltch) for baby. Above and beyond what she came with (diapers, clothes, toys and a can of formula) what about a crib? Stroller? Bounce chair? Playpen?

Fail.

My coworker (and honorary little sister) Michelle came through in a huge way that very night. As our new social worker filled out paperwork at the table 'Chelle and her kids unloaded baby clothes out the ying yang, the playpen, a bounce chair, binkies, bottles and toys. Auntie MooMoo put the word out and her wonderful friends Chris and Debbie came through and loaned us a crib, high chair and baby back pack.

Life savers one and all!!

Thank you everyone for your amazing generosity! To say we would've been in a massive pickle had it not been for your wonderful support is an understatement. I did bake 3 batches of chocolate chip cookies with the intent of giving them as a humble thank you gift. Er, I'll be baking another 3 batches again this weekend an I PROMISE this time they will be delivered.

There are blessings and angels everywhere!!!

First Day of (Pre)School

Our darling Little Mannie started school today (we believe for the first time). His schedule is packed with visits and various appointments and Fridays are the only day that works for both us and the school. We're stoked to have him attending the same (wonderful) school we had Jack and Jill in (who are still there, by the way--the family decided to let them stay).

When Nantie dropped him off this morning he was shy and just wanted to play with toys alone. Worried Mama Hen (aka-Moi) called an hour later and was relieved to hear he quickly came out of his shell and was participating with the other children.

Yay Mannie!

He was excited to start school and make new friends. He so needed to be around other children and we have no doubt he will blossom even more ...

Stay Tuned!

Livin' La Vida Loca..

.. Sans Ricky Martin, unfortunately.

Mannie and Sunshine have settled in nicely. He's no longer Mr. Manic Hyper (the anxiety is gone) .. just a normal, 3 1/2 year old spaz. They are both beautiful, loving children. We have had our share of rough nights with Mannie (up crying) and last night was no exception. It's the most heartbreaking wailing you've ever heard and he just has to cry it out. All we can do is rub his back and speak softly to him until it passes.

Although they came to us with the agreement it was a temporary emergency placement things have changed a bit. It's looking like the 4-6 week timeline could become longer as the "blips" needing to be ironed out aren't as insignificant as originally perceived. Investigations are stalling, people aren't checking out, etc.

Go figure.

If a plan isn't in motion to place them back with family within the intended time frame the county (knowing we took them in short term) would've started to look at transferring them to another foster home. There is concern we didn't get enough of a break after Jack and Jill left (remember, it was a whopping 4 days). Nantie, DH and I have discussed the situation and decided (as fragile as Mannie is) it would not be in their best interest to move them to another foster home. We honestly adore the kiddos and would be sick with worry. Now what kind of break would that be, anyway?? So, we very well may have them longer than initially expected.

Latest Lesson Learned: Even if the county truly thinks something will happen in a smooth and timely fashion know it so ain't gonna happen.

First Day

Saturday was my first full day with the kiddos and I'm stoked to report all went well. Mannie was very helpful and sweet and Sunshine wasn't too darn fussy. He has heart stopping dimples (and believe you me he works it) and her toothless laughter melts me every time.

Typically our Labor Day Weekends are spent toiling around the homestead.. yard work, housework and a family bbq thrown in somewhere along the way. Sadly, I had to miss out on all the slave labor (er, work) and hung out with the kids. I did root DH on from the window, however. Did I score brownie points?

Um, no (but I'm over it).

Mannie has gotten more comfortable doing things on his own (watching tv, playing with toys, etc) and doesn't need constant attention. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be taken from everything I know and put in a strange place. That takes great courage. He has said on several occasions he likes it here and that is a huge relief. He is settling in just fine.

Thank God.

Nantie's grand daughter is flying in from out west this morning and we're so excited to see her. It has been several years since the last visit and we just adore her. We're having a family brunch here in a couple of hours and the whole crew is coming over. It'll be a wonderful time and I have no doubt the house will be rockin' with family and kids..

As it should be..

Little Mannie & Little Miss Sunshine...

This placement is a whole new ballgame, people! Holy moly.. Poor Nantie is running like a madwoman from sun up to sun down. I'm thinking of starting a "Send Nantie For A Spa Weekend Getaway" fund raiser. Are ya'll in?? She is a saint!

Little Mannie is nonstop and in constant need of attention. Way overly hyper at times, as well. He had a massive meltdown after seeing Mom (on the ground kicking and screaming) and we thank God a worker was here to see it. They are reevaluating the number of visits per week to lessen the trauma and that should help settle him down. Poor little guy has a lot of stuff jumbled up inside and doesn't always have the words to express it. It comes out in fits and you just have to wait until it passes.

Then it's back to dimpled grins and giggles.

Little Miss Sunshine is the happiest eensie morning person I've ever met. Is there anything cuter than a toothless grin and cooing first thing in the morning?? Nope! We quickly realized she was being underfed and have doubled the amount of formula and cereal. Although we don't know how much she weighed when this all started we're sure she'll be packing on the pounds here soon. She's a much happier little chicklet for sure.

We were thrilled to hear our mostest favorite-ist worker was assigned to the case (she laughed and cried with us on our journey with Jack and Jill) and are certain she will look out for our best interests. She is concerned we didn't have enough time to grieve and recover from J&J's move and is doing everything in her power to keep us healthy. She has rounded up respite (other certified families for babysitting) and is advocating to get the kids' family certified as quickly as possible.

It's what is best for all and hopefully there won't be any glitches.

All that being said, at the end of the day, both Mannie and Sunshine are sweet children. He is a wonderful helper and smart as a whip. We're hoping to get him into preschool (two 1/2 days a week) and are sure he'll be a social butterfly and blossom. With the right tools in place, the sky is the limit!

Although we anticipate this to be a rough ride, it was the right thing to do. Since the county was unable to find a family that could take both kiddos, our worker said they more than likely would've been split up. Mannie adores his baby sister and I don't even want to think about how traumatic if would've been for him not to be with her.

Keep the prayers for strength and peace coming our way, please!!!