Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Home Study Visit #1
This past Friday we had our first Home Study visit with DHS (Department of Human Services). Our Licensing Worker, Chris, also happens to be one of the instructors of our PS-MAPP course we've been taking the last month. That definitely made me feel a bit more at ease since I already felt comfortable with him. Wasn't quite sure what to expect, but of course I figured having the house nice and clean would be a good idea. What a great feeling it was to have the house super clean by Friday and not have to worry about cleaning a thing the rest of the weekend! :)
The visit lasted about 2 1/2 hours and consisted of paperwork, discussion, and a tour of our home. He asks thought provoking questions that get you to think and communicate with one another. I am quickly realizing that this whole experience is going to be touching and life alternating way beyond what I ever imagined. I will honestly admit that I think I was naively coming into it with the idea of helping a child in need, but basically just wanted to gain a family member and be left alone. My heart has really been opened and my mind as well, and I am trying my best to be prepared and open for what God has in store for us.
We still have six weeks of classes left, two more home study visits, and much more paperwork I am sure. It sounds like the licensing process should be complete and we'll be ready to accept a child or children beginning in August. Our desire at this time is to accept a foster child from age birth-two. We are willing to accept some special needs, as most foster children do typically have special needs to a varying degree. There is a huge need for families willing to take sibling pairs, and we have decided that we would be willing to do that as well if both children fell within that age range.
Really, we are still just at the beginning of this new bend in "Our Winding Road", but as always we ask for your prayers and love during this time. If you are interested in a little inspiration, you have to watch this video. The woman featured is now a case worker with DHS and also happens to be one of our instructors. In 2002 her husband murdered their two children and then attempted to murder her. Her story is so incredibly sad and awe inspiring at the same time. The icing on the cake is that just recently she came to know and accept Christ into her life. Words don't even do it justice, but here's just a little snippet...
The visit lasted about 2 1/2 hours and consisted of paperwork, discussion, and a tour of our home. He asks thought provoking questions that get you to think and communicate with one another. I am quickly realizing that this whole experience is going to be touching and life alternating way beyond what I ever imagined. I will honestly admit that I think I was naively coming into it with the idea of helping a child in need, but basically just wanted to gain a family member and be left alone. My heart has really been opened and my mind as well, and I am trying my best to be prepared and open for what God has in store for us.
We still have six weeks of classes left, two more home study visits, and much more paperwork I am sure. It sounds like the licensing process should be complete and we'll be ready to accept a child or children beginning in August. Our desire at this time is to accept a foster child from age birth-two. We are willing to accept some special needs, as most foster children do typically have special needs to a varying degree. There is a huge need for families willing to take sibling pairs, and we have decided that we would be willing to do that as well if both children fell within that age range.
Really, we are still just at the beginning of this new bend in "Our Winding Road", but as always we ask for your prayers and love during this time. If you are interested in a little inspiration, you have to watch this video. The woman featured is now a case worker with DHS and also happens to be one of our instructors. In 2002 her husband murdered their two children and then attempted to murder her. Her story is so incredibly sad and awe inspiring at the same time. The icing on the cake is that just recently she came to know and accept Christ into her life. Words don't even do it justice, but here's just a little snippet...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
L-O-V-E
My newest craft. I had good intentions of making these since Christmas time, but it never happened. Instead I made them the night before Valentine's Day. Yay for procrastination! Loved how they look in our windowsill with the snowy scenery in the background.
It's no secret I love Valentine's Day. It's my favorite holiday to celebrate. It has nothing to do really with flowers, candies, etc. It just has to do with taking time to stop and pause and show others how much you love them. I don't think of it as just a day for couples, but a day to share with friends and family as well. Last year was a tough Valentine's Day. I was just recovering from a D&C after our first miscarriage and was so bummed that I wasn't quite up to par for MJ's first Valentine's Day. I wasn't up to getting out and getting him anything or doing much special for anyone. So needless to say I was really looking forward to this Valentine's Day!
This Valentine's Day was a bit "different" too. Mat had to work most of the day and then we had our foster/adoptive class in the evening (nothing says romance like that, huh?!), so there wasn't any family time but we had lots of it all throughout the weekend instead. Then on actual Valentine's Day I got to spend with MJ on my own which was quite special. Then, Mat and I were able to go to Galena for dinner before heading to our class.
A little glimpse of some V-Day fun...
MJ got some goodies in the mail from GiGi and PopPop the weekend right before V-Day. Look at all those brownie cupcakes!!! Needless to say he was pretty excited and he was ready to dig in and have some M&M's right away!
Mathew's first Valentine goody basket: ball, heart pillow, socks, bowls, silverware, fruit snacks, and a few other Valentine day goodies. How old will he have to be when I can't get away with getting him socks and silverware as a present?! :)
My Super-Cool Valentine headed for sledding and a pizza lunch with mama!
All ready for the snow! Yes, he's standing in the back of the car after I spent 10 minutes dressing him in all the gear. Time to hit the hills. Yea, and this is the very list picture that I took because sledding with a toddler all by myself was not a smart idea. Ha! The great part was it gorgeous outside and actually pretty warm. I still had to bundle him all up though because there was still two feet of sloshy wet snow on the ground. He was not a fan of his toddler sled and I was not a fan of trying to pull him through the muck in it. Next time we attempt, I'm aiming for either a second adult or only a few inches of snow. It was short lived and before I knew it I was un-bundling him and headed for pizza with my little Valentine. Still, great memories, and laughable ones, were definitely made!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
School Success
Eating his breakfast and excited about going to "school"!
Final hugs with Daddy
Mommy a little nervous but so proud!
We all made it through MJ's first day of "school". He cried when we walked into his room. I guess it must have sunk it that we were actually leaving him there this time. After a few kisses and cuddles, he gave us knuckles and high fives amidst the tears and we snuck out of the room. We could hear that he immediately stopped crying. I called after an hour and a half to check in and see how he was doing. He had already eaten a snack, played with cars, painted a picture, and went on a buggy ride outside. His teacher told me that he was doing a great job! Picking him up was so fun!! He got a big smile on his face and gave me lots of love. I was so proud of my little guy! Hopefully the next two mornings go just as well.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Big Day
I have no room to complain. When I was pregnant and touring daycares, I was fully expecting to place MJ in daycare and return to work when my maternity leave came to an end. Life took a sudden turn though-like a 1,000 mile turn to the state of Iowa! Circumstances were different and we were blessed to be able to keep MJ at home. Between my part time work and Mat's hours, we were able to juggle child care between the two of us with the occasional help of a college student sitter who came to our home. She was wonderful and MJ adored her and it was the perfect fit! She is graduating though and keeps a busy schedule now, and MJ is getting bigger and more and more active and needs more play time and individualized attention. I find myself trying to live a stay-at-home mom schedule while also squeezing in 20-30 hours of work. It's just not happening. I've really struggled with that...felt like a failure as a parent, why can't I juggle it all, etc. etc. etc.
Mat and I were planning to introduce MJ to preschool next school year, but suddenly began considering it this semester as we were struggling to find a new babysitter. We began wondering if it would fit our schedule better while allowing him to gain some socialization and play time with other children. So while weighing our options we went and toured a local child care center. MJ roamed through the rooms eagerly exploring and being his charming little self. He even shook the hand of the director all on his own with no prompting! When the tour was over and it was time to leave he was not pleased. He made that quite clear. It was obvious he wanted to stay and play and we really began thinking maybe it was the right thing. Mat was on board and ready to give it a go. I cried. Then, I cried some more. And then, some more. And then I began wondering if I was crying more because I felt like I was letting my child down or because I was scared to let go. I began to come around and think that it was at least worth a shot and see how it went. I gathered all the necessary paperwork and made a trip back to turn in all the needed information. MJ was with me on this little trip and after about five minutes of talking to the director, we were done and ready to go. I told MJ to say "bye bye" to her but instead he waved "bye bye" to me! What?!?! Oh no, surely you misunderstood little man, so of course I told him "No MJ, you are going with mama. You don't HAVE to stay today." Then came the meltdown. He WANTED to stay rather than go with me! Not sure if I wanted to laugh or cry (but I did both once I got in the car), but it was just the sign I needed that indeed my son seemed ready for this-more ready than I in fact!
So tomorrow, it begins. My days of my baby being at home are gone, and my toddler is going off to his first day of daycare. It will be minimal. He'll go 2-3 mornings a week for 3 hours each. Just enough time for us to handle work schedules and him to enjoy circle time, centers, and lunch. Hard to argue with that! I am nervous, though. I never ever expected to be this parent. I was the firm, tough elementary school teacher who never really got why parents were sad to see their child go off to kindergarten. I think God must have been looking down on me and laughing knowing what was in store for my emotions!
My hope and prayer is that this time in daycare meets all of our needs. I would like to accomplish more of my work during the day so that I can enjoy our family time more in the evenings and not have to stay up until the wee hours grading papers online. I'd like MJ to gain the socialization that is so important for him and helps him grow and develop. Please pray this mama survives these first three hours tomorrow morning! I'm sure MJ will do just fine. :)
Mat and I were planning to introduce MJ to preschool next school year, but suddenly began considering it this semester as we were struggling to find a new babysitter. We began wondering if it would fit our schedule better while allowing him to gain some socialization and play time with other children. So while weighing our options we went and toured a local child care center. MJ roamed through the rooms eagerly exploring and being his charming little self. He even shook the hand of the director all on his own with no prompting! When the tour was over and it was time to leave he was not pleased. He made that quite clear. It was obvious he wanted to stay and play and we really began thinking maybe it was the right thing. Mat was on board and ready to give it a go. I cried. Then, I cried some more. And then, some more. And then I began wondering if I was crying more because I felt like I was letting my child down or because I was scared to let go. I began to come around and think that it was at least worth a shot and see how it went. I gathered all the necessary paperwork and made a trip back to turn in all the needed information. MJ was with me on this little trip and after about five minutes of talking to the director, we were done and ready to go. I told MJ to say "bye bye" to her but instead he waved "bye bye" to me! What?!?! Oh no, surely you misunderstood little man, so of course I told him "No MJ, you are going with mama. You don't HAVE to stay today." Then came the meltdown. He WANTED to stay rather than go with me! Not sure if I wanted to laugh or cry (but I did both once I got in the car), but it was just the sign I needed that indeed my son seemed ready for this-more ready than I in fact!
So tomorrow, it begins. My days of my baby being at home are gone, and my toddler is going off to his first day of daycare. It will be minimal. He'll go 2-3 mornings a week for 3 hours each. Just enough time for us to handle work schedules and him to enjoy circle time, centers, and lunch. Hard to argue with that! I am nervous, though. I never ever expected to be this parent. I was the firm, tough elementary school teacher who never really got why parents were sad to see their child go off to kindergarten. I think God must have been looking down on me and laughing knowing what was in store for my emotions!
My hope and prayer is that this time in daycare meets all of our needs. I would like to accomplish more of my work during the day so that I can enjoy our family time more in the evenings and not have to stay up until the wee hours grading papers online. I'd like MJ to gain the socialization that is so important for him and helps him grow and develop. Please pray this mama survives these first three hours tomorrow morning! I'm sure MJ will do just fine. :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Cabin Fever Breaks
The winter weather has been in full effect, but we have managed to get out and about a little bit in order to break up the cabin fever. Here's a couple of fun times to share and document:
Literally, MJ's favorite thing to do in the whole place was go up and down this ramp over and over and over and over. Mat and I finally just decided to grab a seat and get comfy because we could tell he was quite content. We even joked that we could forget building him a nice swing set and just make him a big ramp in the backyard to keep him busy this summer.
They had the neatest water play area for toddlers. For some reason MJ wanted nothing to do with it and was scared to go in. I knew he would love it though. He adores baths, or "scrub a dub dub" as he calls them and playing in the dog's water (sigh), so I knew if I could just get him in there he'd have fun. I just carried him in and held him and he watched some other kiddos playing and within a couple minutes he was wiggling out of my arms and ready to have at it. He could have stayed in there for hours I think, but we finally had to pull him out kicking and screaming so we could leave. Luckily I had a back up outfit in the diaper bag because he was soaked! He decided it would be a good idea to pour water over his head and stick his whole arms in the water. So cute and sooo worth it!!
We both really love the Madison area (it's about an hour away) and no trip would be complete without a trip to Chipotle, so after leaving the Children's Museum we grabbed some lunch before heading home. It was such a fun and memorable day. I imagine we will be frequenting the Madison Children's Museum quite often as long as we continue to live in Dubuque.
Another recent fun adventure was to Jumpin' Janes. Jumpin' Janes is one of those places that is full on inflatable bounce houses and slides. Being that Dubuque is a fairly small town, I am rather surprised we have place like this, but it is quite popular and just moved into a newer and bigger location two weeks ago. Last weekend we decided to go check out the new spot, and MJ was in love! We had been once to the old location and he had fun just running around, but most of it was all quite big for him still. This time we were pleasantly surprised that they had added a room just for toddlers. It was just his size and kept him happy for quite some time!
Jumpin' Janes was the perfect outing to help with our cabin fever. Definitely somewhere we'll be visiting often!
A few weeks ago we visited the Madison Children's Museum. Two words: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I haven't been to many places like this, so I didn't really know what to expect. I figured there might be a few things MJ would be big enough to take in, but for the most part figured he'd last an hour tops and be done with it. How wrong I was! He fell in love with this place and we fell in love with watching him taking it all in and enjoy it. This museum was so family oriented down to the tiniest of details and had so many age appropriate activities for all to enjoy.
MJ immediately went to this huge car table. How cool is this? It had spots cut out in the table where kids could stick their head through and work/play in all different areas. As much as MJ loves cars right now, I figured he might be content just staying in this one little spot. We convinced him to venture on and check out some more, though!
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| Mr. Independent is off! He certainly didn't need any carrying or hand holding this day. Mommy and Daddy were following to see what he would check out next. |
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| "Oooooooooh" (as he loves to say right now), MJ found something else to play with! |
Literally, MJ's favorite thing to do in the whole place was go up and down this ramp over and over and over and over. Mat and I finally just decided to grab a seat and get comfy because we could tell he was quite content. We even joked that we could forget building him a nice swing set and just make him a big ramp in the backyard to keep him busy this summer.
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| Taking a quick break from ramp running to wave "hi" to mama! |
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| A quick cuddle with mama in a cozy rest area. |
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| Of course no place is complete without a slide. |
They had the neatest water play area for toddlers. For some reason MJ wanted nothing to do with it and was scared to go in. I knew he would love it though. He adores baths, or "scrub a dub dub" as he calls them and playing in the dog's water (sigh), so I knew if I could just get him in there he'd have fun. I just carried him in and held him and he watched some other kiddos playing and within a couple minutes he was wiggling out of my arms and ready to have at it. He could have stayed in there for hours I think, but we finally had to pull him out kicking and screaming so we could leave. Luckily I had a back up outfit in the diaper bag because he was soaked! He decided it would be a good idea to pour water over his head and stick his whole arms in the water. So cute and sooo worth it!!
We both really love the Madison area (it's about an hour away) and no trip would be complete without a trip to Chipotle, so after leaving the Children's Museum we grabbed some lunch before heading home. It was such a fun and memorable day. I imagine we will be frequenting the Madison Children's Museum quite often as long as we continue to live in Dubuque.
Another recent fun adventure was to Jumpin' Janes. Jumpin' Janes is one of those places that is full on inflatable bounce houses and slides. Being that Dubuque is a fairly small town, I am rather surprised we have place like this, but it is quite popular and just moved into a newer and bigger location two weeks ago. Last weekend we decided to go check out the new spot, and MJ was in love! We had been once to the old location and he had fun just running around, but most of it was all quite big for him still. This time we were pleasantly surprised that they had added a room just for toddlers. It was just his size and kept him happy for quite some time!
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| All kinds of bead mazes to play with and just his height too! |
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| One of many times down the slide |
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| Pretending in the kitchen. He's "making coffee"-no clue where he learned that one, but I'm sure the grandparents are proud! :) |
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| Saying "cheese" as he almost always does now when I whip out the camera. Ready to slide again! |
Jumpin' Janes was the perfect outing to help with our cabin fever. Definitely somewhere we'll be visiting often!
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