My Rad 4 Day Weekend...

Unable to schedule a doctor and dentist appointment on the same day for both kiddos, I made them back to back and took Monday and Tuesday off. Both went well.. paperwork was done fairly quickly and I thank the Good Lord above the actual waiting didn't take too long at either office. Little Buddy was given specific direction and clear expectations of his behaviour and did a good job. SweetPea is nearly 2.. that pretty much speaks for itself. Considering how things could've gone down, she did really well.

On Monday after dropping the kids back off at day care and school, I had a few hours to myself. Sweet Relief. We've been on quite a roller coaster these past few months and some quiet-me-time was just what I needed. An afternoon to catch up on laundry, cleaning.. basically get our home in order. Regroup and recharge. Me, my dogs and the ironing board.

Perfect.

Tuesday we were off and running again. We got great news (Little Buddy has no cavities and SweetPea's toofers are excellent, too) and that set the tone for a wonderful drive back (no hemming and hawing from youknowwho about having to go back to school). He can be a real Negative Nelly sometimes. My afternoon was spent in meetings with social workers.

Fun.

Not a vaycay to write home about. No poolside drinks with umbrellas or relaxing mani/pedis. But good therapy just the same.

Sunday Snow Day

Too cold and snowy to go out, Sunday was spent indoors doing activities like building forts and (the best part) knocking them down. What do you do with all the fallen materials?

Camp out, of course!

Perfect Moment Monday

Yes, it's as cold as it looks.. and twice as stunning!


Perfect Chill

Must They Be So Honest?

Scene: Saturday morning, standing in kitchen, rocking my comfy fleece jammies, morning sun streaming in, dogs quiet, coffee divine...

Enter Little Buddy...

LB: Mom, can I ask you a question?

Me: Sure.

LB: Are you growing a baby in your tummy?

Me: Wha?

LB: Are you growing a baby in your tummy? Am I going to have a little brother or sister?

Me: Huh?

LB: Your jammies look big in the front. So, are you?

Me: No.

LB: Are you sure because it's okay.

Me: Yes...

LB exits scene.. hanging head, seemingly bummed.

As does Mom.

Trying To Keep It Real...

One of the things I've tried to do here is be completely honest. This journey is a wild one.. taxing on the mind, body and soul. In the past 3 years we've experienced moments of utter joy and the lowest of lows. Mind numbing weeks without sleep, ferocious illness, jaw dropping tantrums, heartbreaking sadness.. contagious laughter, unconditional love and unforgettable breakthroughs.

Each case has been an important lesson learned (be it about the system itself, compassion or just acknowledging we're a small part of God's bigger plan). Each child a beautiful blessing in our lives.

This past week was long and emotional but ended happily on a good note.. Literally! Little Buddy got a note sent home by the Principal with an awesome attaboy! How cool is that? We celebrated last night by letting him stay up late and watching Toy Story.

We've had our struggles.. it's not always butterflies and bubbles. Not by a long shot. Our little guy is dealing with grief and loss (amongst other things) and the issues typically come out in behaviours. You know, those naughty ones. The good news is it's nothing off the charts, we're equipped to handle them and boy howdy, do we relish the good moments when they come along!

If we knew in 2007 what we know now (the trials and tribs that have been this journey) we still wouldn't have it any other way. I can't imagine not having the honor of knowing and loving Jack, Jill, Mannie, Little Miss Sunshine, JuneBug, Little Buddy or SweetPea. The memories we carry of them in our hearts and souls are irreplaceable and worth every tear shed.

For Real.

Don King Jr.

I have yet to capture the true essence of the crazayzy that is SweetPea's morning-hair. Adorable curly ringlets after bath time transform into a nest overnight. And it's birds gone wild, my friends.


Yes, I can poke fun.. mine does it, too.

1st Day of School ~ The Results Are In...

It was one of those perfect Colorado mornings.. brilliant blue sky, snow sparkling atop the mountains, a balmy 11 degrees. As we drove into the school parking lot, Little Buddy continued to insist he would be shy and I confided in him that (at his age) I was crazy-shy, too. That seemed to bring relief (it was either knowing that I understood or he was trying to wrap his mind around me ever being that young). Either way, it calmed his nerves.

Mission accomplished.

We entered the main office and the principal and secretaries greeted us warmly.. knowing him by name without us ever speaking. They told him how excited they were to finally meet him and the principal himself showed us to his new classroom. If there was any bit of anxiety rolling around inside him it was now completely gone.

He was feeling like a rock star.

I was stressing all day.. all those what-ifs. I prayed he would make friends and like his teacher. When I picked the kids up from day care, a proud Little Buddy announced, "I made 5 friends AND have a girlfriend!"

Prayers Answered.

First Day Of School...

None of the kiddos placed with us thus far have been old enough to go to school. The twins left weeks before starting Kindergarten and all the others have just attended day care. Today is a big day in our little household...

Little Buddy starts school today!

DH had yesterday off and went by the school's office to drop off the forms I had already filled out (picked up more for me to complete--homework? Really?!) and met some staff members. I told him I would be willing to bet money we're older than the principal.

I was right!

*Shaking Head*

Little B has been nervous and chatting up that he's going to be shy. We had this same conversation before starting day care and he did great his first day there. But this is the Big Leagues and I'm even nervous for him. I just want him to make some nice friends quickly and settle in. He has been through so much ... I'm just super proud at how courageous he has been thus far. Nervous? Yes. But he always faces his challenges head on.

And is the bravest of them all...

Perfect Moment Monday

Our vicious "Doverman" (as Jill used to say) is at it again...


Perfect Buddy.

That's My Boy!

*Grin*