I knew it....

Mr. Uncle man texted me at 7:40 this morning stating he'd be there at 8:30. Ummm...not playing that game sir! I texted him back politely to let him know he needed to confirm my email YESTERDAY...24 hours. He said that was only if there was a conflict with the schedule. I told him that "no, it was EVERY time. I've already made plans for the day." After we agreed that we would try again for next week I emailed him a copy of the original email from the supervisor and highlighted the parts about meeting times and the need to confirm for every visit.

This is all just so ridiculous to me! He is so incredibly passive-agressive it drives me nuts! I have told him on at least 3 occasions (email/texts) that he will also need a car seat for Baby because I HATE taking mine in and out. I wish I had never bought it because it is so difficult. I have a feeling that next week he WILL confirm and when I get there he WILL NOT have a car seat and I will have no choice other than to give him my seat, because if I cancel the visit based on that I'm sure that will be unacceptable. It will be another passive-agressive move where he will get his way. Why can't he just act like an adult?

They have a history and everyone knows them and "how they roll" but because they are family and they have Baby's siblings we have to move through this. Ahhh....once again I am saying "never did I imagine in foster care training that THIS is what I would have to deal with."

But anyway....I will enjoy this Sat. morning with all 4 of my chickadees under our roof :)

Really???

Ok...per the supervisor's words, I confirmed 24 hours via email with the Uncle that I would be there tomorrow. I asked if he would. He has not responded at all today. I verified with my social worker that if he does not answer by this evening that I have every right to consider this visit cancelled. In fact, since it was supposed to be 24 hours confirmation I really don't even have to do that. I just have this *feeling* that either late tonight or early tomorrow morning I'm going to get a text or email saying that he will be there. With his history, I am not going to play that game...nope! I am ALL FOR baby seeing his siblings/family, but I will not be treated as though my time and baby's feelings are flexible to his whims. This is supposed to be the first visit together....has the desire to see Baby already faded??? :( If he does call/text tomorrow morning then he will get a lovely and respectful text/email back stating that since he didn't confirm, the visit will not happen and he has another chance in 2 weeks. Saturday mornings are for sleeping late, hanging out in your pj's too long and playing together....I think that's how we're going to get to spend our morning after all :)

It's set

So I still hadn't heard anything about when these sibling visits were to take place, so I emailed the supervisor lady this morning and got a response rather quickly (I think she forgot). Anyway, the visits will be bi-weekly from 9-1 and we are meeting at a neutral location. I haven't heard anything from the uncle so I'm not sure if this is "ok" with him. We are to confirm with each other 24 hours ahead of time. I am reeeeaaaaallllyyy interested in how this is going to play out.....

Beautiful

A song written and sung by Lilly Grace about her experience with Safe Families for Children. Proceeds of iTunes sales from “Chance” by Lilly Grayce go to Safe-Families.org, the organization that brought Chance into her life.

One year ago

One year ago today a frail little 6lb 4oz baby boy was dropped off at our house. Whew...we did not know the ride we would be on with this case, but I am pleased to say that our sweet boy is no longer frail! He is a rough and tough boy weighing in at a whopping 23lbs. Unfortunately, he has caught the flu and was miserable all day. :( I am praying over all the other children that they do not (or hubby/I) get this nasty thing. Hoping tomorrow is a better day all around!!!!!

Understanding

I'm not sure anyone could possibly understand what it's like to be a foster parent, unless of course you are (or have been) in the trenches! To give ALL of yourself and not hold back any part of your love. To kiss every boo boo, clean up the puke (ugh..baby has another bug!) or get lunch sneezed on you! Then...to have no control over issues that truly matter. It's tough ya'll!

I'm sure so many of you thinking "enough already" but seriously...think about your own biological or adopted child never having met (or remember) a family member of yours. Would you just drop them off and say "see ya later!" No (well me at least)! I would acclimate them to that family member at least a few times before just taking off. Maybe I'm just too emotional!

That's why this is so hard...he doesn't know these people. Other than a 4 hour visit with his bio-dad a week, I am with him! I meet every need and lots of wants too :) How can I just shut that off? It's hard being told "your opinion doesn't matter." Sigh....I think a big bowl of ice cream is coming my way tonight!!! Well that and getting down on my knees...this battle is the Lord's :) Yaweh Nissi!!!

Ok enough...more puke to clean up! Eeeewwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes foster care just STINKS!

Back to Baby's visit...I got a "lovely" (I use that word VERY loosely here) email this morning from the CM's supervisor. I wrote a long "venting"post which I will not actually post but it felt good to write :-)

Main points?

*Baby HAS to go on 4 hour visits with this aunt/uncle no later than 2/10/12

*I not only have to coordinate it with them, but also get to drive baby and hand him off to these people

*Agency requirements seem to overwrite anything else.

*People like to use the phrases like "baby will warm up" or "he'll adjust" or "kid's are resilient" or "it's just 4 hours" Maybe I should text/call all of them each time he wakes up at night following one of these visits?? LOL!! That would be fun, but probably not a good idea huh?!

Yep...put the big girl panties on, shut up and do as I am told. Foster care stinks sometimes!