...need to vent??...

Well, we found out our wait is going to be quite long (possibly 6-9 months for fost/adopt. Apparently our county has very few girls to begin with and even fewer fost/adopt. So we decided that we're going to take longer term foster cases. We were told that's how a lot of people in our county end up adopting. So our first longer placement is to arrive tonight sometime, a little girl about to turn 2 yrs old in April, a taurus like me, LOL. So we'll see how that goes. We've also been visiting a lot with Raj's biosister who's 8 yrs old and seeing if DH can attach to her or not, LONG STORY. So now the boys and I are relaxing before the terrible 2s arrive. -LeenaB -Micheller-I can't beleive you're still waiting. My county would love you. I've been getting so many calls for little BOYS, twins, siblings, and even babies. A money maker idea....List yourself as a babysitter for local foster parents. I know in our state you have to be approved to babysit other fparents foster children. Here I would love a babysitter...how far away are you??

FALSE ALARM!....No foster daughter tonight. This just drives me crazy. -LeenaB

Well.....Good News! we have a little girl, T who's almost 2 yrs old and could be going for TPR sometime in the next year or so. She is just the cutest little girl. We took her out for dinner last night, and aside from her not wanting to eat anything but french fries it went well. So far she seems like a happy little girl, lots of talking and singing. But we're on the honeymoon afterall, so I imagine in a few days/weeks we'll see some of those quickly approaching terrible twos. -LeenaB

Congrats Leena!! I'm impressed that she's not even 2 and talking and singing well. Our daughter was 2 this month and still rarely understandable, and no singing. I didn't realize how delayed she was until her little brother (10 months) started saying a few things very recently, but then I think he's ahead. We've had them both from birth, so it makes me realize that not all delays are from neglect....goodness knows she's been our princess, too :p . CONGRATS AGAIN!! I know the wait was hard for you, but sounds worth it....you're such a good mommy, T is blessed :D !

We're waiting too. We were okayed last Monday. The worker said they were working on a 6/7 yo girl already in care that would be a good fit for us. I know she was presenting more information on us yesterday to the cw, I guess they have a weekly meeting. One thing I have been doing is making crib size afghans, even though I plan on ages 5-10 (girl). I figure crib size is also a good comfort blanket size for some older children too. I get one to two done a week right now. The worker let me know when the first "blankie" was placed last week and also told me they planned on placing another 'blankie this week (I made another girl colored one since it was to go to a baby girl and they only had a boy colored one left). So, I reminded the worker that I was still around and waiting by taking in that next blankie for them to place. I just finished another one last night and am working on another today. I plan on dropping off a blankie every week or two so 1) I help another child and 2) I remind them I am waiting for a child. *In that order.*

That's very sweet of you to be making the blankets. I am jealous because I have NO talent when it comes to crafts and etc. I wish I did because if my little one indeed leaves us in June (my dh and I are praying for a miracle), I would love for him to have something that I made him. Christina

TLC...We sort of just lucked into having T placed with us. Our age range is 18 months to 4 yrs and now long term foster or fost/adopt. We're in NJ and a huge reform is taking place, so we're hoping if she becomes available for adoption we'll be considered a resource for her. Who knows what's going to happen. Today even went fairly smooth considering we had homeschooling, a HUGE shopping trip, baths for 3 children and now it's nap time. Ahhhhh, laundry is calling me. -LeenaB

leenab, I am so excited that your angel has joined your family. I did not know you got a placement yet? Did I miss the thread somewhere or were you keeping us in the dark. I have followed your story since the boys were placed with you. Wow how things change:)

Well, we're not sure what T is yet as far as foster or fost/adopt. She was placed as foster, but then when her cwer dropped her off they said they could be looking for adoptive homes for her. DH & I were both in shock and said, "We'll consider adopting her." So we could be a resource if she goes that way. She was with biograndma and grandma requested she be removed immediately as biodad was making threats to grandma who was doing kinship care. I'm trying not to get too excited about it because there is a huge risk involved. Remember when Om was placed TPR had already happened and Raj had TPR 39 days after palcement (it was already scheduled). And now our state is going through a whole reform so things are a bit crazy. I think that's all the reasons why I didn't post a separate thread. Just don't want to get too excited. Although we all adore her to pieces. And after going through the settling in phase with so many children we really know what to expect: Om had MAJOR adjustment disorder and attachment issues and destroyed his room constantly for the first 3 months. But was a complete angel for the 1st 10 days. After that experience we just feel more prepared if it happens again with a child we have. Can you believe it, this former mom (me) who was going crazy when Om was placed is so relaxed with little T. I think it's just the BTDT in me. -LeenaB

I remember when Raj and Om were placed with you and it sure does not seem like that long ago:) I remember all the issues that Om was having and the testing you were having done on the boys. It amazing what a difference some time makes, huh? Obviously this angel was placed with you for a reason and hopefully it is so she can join your forever family:)

I want to agree with the shopping idea.... when I couldn't stand waiting any longer I'd browse the baby section in Target and bring home things I needed and clearance clothes for my age range... it really helped me feel better.

We were licensed in november and hadn't heard anything I called a day ago and found out why, they didn't have the correct number down ! I couldn't belive it we had missed out on some placements so make sure you keep in touch with someone often to make sure you don't have any problems.

I know this sounds crazy and not that supportive BUT if you don't get a call thank the Lord that no one was abused or neglected today! I am a foster parent of 3, with 3 teens of my own and I love them but I would rather that none of them had to go through this terrible experience. Be patient, the Lord knows your heart.

A week isnt so bad. I was licensed in November of 04, and didnt get any placement kids until March 05 (I did respite for a fellow foster mom for 2 weeks in December). Yea, that is TOO LONG!!!! Now, I am mostly full to the rim and busy as heck, but still loving it...:D

O.K. Another "WAITER" here! I am not licensed yet, but I have finished classes and am close to the end. I too have purchased more than mentionable. Outfits gallore!!! Plus, I am on my way in the morning to garage sale shop for crib, swing, car seat!! Everytime I walk in a store, I come away with an infant baby girl outfit....What is wrong with me??? I have to agree 100%, it is JUST like being pregnant, but pregnancy you can do something about...eat right, exercise, birth classes, read books, start conversations with virtually ANY woman who has EVER given birth. But as FOSTER MOM-TO-BE, its a little differend and sometimes hard for others to relate. THANK HEAVENS FOR ALL OF YOU!! O.K. I will try to tackle ONE store w/o buying anything, if the others here promise to post AS SOON as they get their first placement. It should be a few more weeks for me, so I will have to live the JOY and EXCITEMENT through all of you, O.K.? Jen_______________Bio to 12 yr old and 9 yr old.Foster-to-adopt mom to be 0-2Heaven is in a child's eyes, if you look through glasses of love.