Super Temporary Friend

One common myth of foster care is that all the children in custody are juvenile delinquents.  That they are in custody because of something they've done.  FALSE.  Sure, there are juvenile delinquents, but there are also MANY children who are young, and who have suffered trauma at the hands of the adults who should have been protecting them.  It is anything but their fault they've entered care.  {There is your hint - if you've been wanting to foster, but didn't feel comfortable taking teenagers, go sign-up!  There are little ones who need a loving family!!!}

Since Dboy left, I have received 5 DCS placement phone calls.  2 were pre-teen/teenagers.  3 were for babies: a 4 day old girl, a 7 month old boy, and this 10 month old baby boy:

JBaby kissing OBaby :)
His head is enormous, but the angle of this makes it look even bigger!  J isn't that much smaller .

{Before you freak out ;-), O is leaving tomorrow.}

Yesterday morning I got the call for the 7 month old.  I told the placement worker we are not taking any cases right now.  We realized when we still had D that dealing with two DCS cases and all the visits and meetings that go along with each of them is too much for our family.  I still hate saying no.  I wish I could welcome each child we get called about, or at least know they were going to a sweet, God-fearing family.

A light bulb went off! :)  We know a sweet, God-fearing foster family in our county (we go to church together) that has been wanting a little one, but has only recently been getting calls for the 6 years and older crowd.  I texted her to ask if I could specifically refer them the next time I got a call for a baby.  She was completely on board.

I called DCS back to say I had a great family for the 7 month old boy.  They had already found a home for him (which is great!).   Annnnd, I think the man thought I was crazy for doing his job. :)

I have never gotten more than one call in a day, maybe not even in one week.  Yesterday was different.  Soon after I hung up from DCS, they called me back to say there was a ten month old boy who needed immediate placement.  He wanted to know if our friends were interested.  YES! :)  

There was one hitch - this family is currently out of town until tomorrow afternoon.  Hey, we can handle pretty much anything for two days!  So, adorable OBaby is our temporary placement, and I am thrilled to know he is going to a wonderful family who can't wait to meet him. :)

Triple Pigtails

Kaylee asked to have matching hair with JJ. :)
This is awesome - why don't white people do this more often?
Multi-ponies don't have to be relegated to "crazy hair day!" ;-)

Headed to Camp!

Lily and Eli are having a FABULOUS week at camp this week :)

More Birthday and J getting SO BIG!

Our third born ;-) at J's birthday playdate.  Love how she always makes me laugh!

Bucking bronco on the kiddie toy :)

Jon brought her balloons to the park where we were playing with friends on her birthday.

First teeth cleaning :) She was so brave and didn't shed a tear!
(I call dibs on eating her precious dimpled hand.  Who wants the other one?!)

In her birthday outfit :) The feet are kicking in excitement - what you can't see is the cupcake she's devouring!

So BIG! Using a spoon :)

She's ONE!

First Days of June

Sweet sisters.

We've been eyeing Erector sets for Eli.  Someone sold this set to him for a SUPER price today.

KB got ready to swim, then opted for the sprinkler :)

After dinner adventure.

Evening Outing

We took a bike ride after dinner tonight in perfect weather :)
{Picture J with sweet brown eyes, amazing eyelashes, and a charming 4-toothed smile.}