Starting Off

I'm starting this for several reasons. First of all to avoid spilling my guts to everyone on facebook that may or may not be interested in the tawdry details of my exciting existence. Second of all, as a sort of diary as we jump into the foster process.

We were approached a week ago about fostering a 6 week old baby. We are in a roundabout way kinship, and so we are able to go ahead and take custody as we go through the process of training. We have submitted to OSBI and FBI background checks. We will be fingerprinted next week, and will soon have our entire lives investigated as well as our families lives. Our advocate said that we essentially don't exist in the system now. I guess that's good, it means that we've kept our noses clean. Or it means that they haven't delved far enough into my past. :b

Bob and I have discussed fostering/adopting in the past. We have been approached twice before about a specific child, but things never seemed to pan out. This time, all signs point to "yes". God has been working overtime in our home. We initially cancelled our appointment on Monday, because we just couldn't do it. On Tuesday, Bob told me I needed to call. Yesterday was our first home visit and we expect to have baby J here today or Monday. There is a report from Texas holding up the process or he would have been here last night.

So why are we doing this? We have had amazing support and encouragement from our family and friends. With the exception of one person. She has some valid concerns, about us and the kids. I explained to her what my mother told me when I was pregnant with Sydney and didn't know how I could possible love anyone as much as I loved Jack. She told me that you don't share the love you have, you just get more love. Your heart just gets bigger. Even though I haven't laid eyes on baby J, God has already made my heart bigger and I feel love for him. There is a happiness and a vibe in my home right now that is of overwhelming love. Bob explains our situation in very basic, man terms. He says that it's like there is a baby in a burning building, and he has the ability to save that baby at no risk to himself. So what is he suppose to do? Sit and watch the child suffer? Or help him? Bob is big on what would Jesus do. He teaches our kids to be kind, loving, compassionate, giving. Because that's how Bob is. He is an amazing father, and I expect that he will be a wonderful influence on the baby.

So off we go. This could be our last day as a family of 4, or our last weekend. The kids are ready, their concern and compassion for this child far exceeds their years. Jack is very worried about baby J not having a mommy. Sydney just wants to hold him and make him feel safe. I love my kids. We are committed to helping this child reunite with his mother. We want to help her get well so that she can take care of him. When she does, we will still be able to be in his life. If she can't then we will go from there. But we just ask that everyone keep her, baby J and our family in your prayers as we take off on this wild journey.