It's official

We got the letter today. The hubby and I are officially licensed as adoptive parents for a child aged 0-7. It only took 6 months. If it were a biological child your pregnant for almost 10.
I contacted "M's" SW Tuesday. Nothing to report. His bio A/U finished their home study, and are awaiting their caseworkers impressions. I was assured that they were hurrying that along. "M" has been TPR'd since November. They want to give him a forever home soon. Start the transitioning..somewhere...any where.
A PET was held at his childcare center. OT, DT, speech pathology, and his social worker were all involved. They are having his autism reevaluated. He is on the low end, very low end, of the spectrum. I (yes patting myself on the back) suggested this be done 2 weeks ago. It will change the way he is taught at the center. A good thing for "M".

Just when I start to feel that this is never going to happen for us, that "M" will go to the A/U, and that all hope is lost...I remember the beautiful children that I have. The joy that they bring me. I realize that I don't have it very bad. I should stop the whining. People have it worse...after all, our neighbor ran over a skunk with his snow blower yesterday.
NOW THAT'S BAD LUCK!!!

Happy Birthday Harrison!

My step son, Harrison, is turning 15 today.
He is seen here with his sister, my step-daughter, Fallon.
I have only been in his life for a short 4 years, but love him immensely!
It is funny how a child can move right into your heart. Biologically yours or not.
So, I wish you happy birthday! May all that you dream come true!!!!

XOXOXOXOXO

PHEW!!

Got the call last evening.
Dad's test results are in..all within NORMAL limits! YAY!
He will still be going to meet with the Hematologist on Friday. His blood panels were on the high end of normal, so we need to still do a little research on what that is all about. But, in his words...."I am going to live!"
Phew, I am thankful.

On top of that...we got our cell phone back. Fixed...better than before!
Maybe our luck is changing!

A Week's Worth of Waiting.

So, on Friday...the 13th...My Dad had chest pain. Went to the ER.
After 6 hours and multiple tests, it was concluded that he was NOT having a heart attack. They suggested that he call his primary care doc to set up a stress test, and a blood panel work-up.
On Tuesday of the next week, he went in to have fasting blood work done. This was at 6:45.
They called him to come BACK IN at 12:00. Apparently his white blood cells were way up, and his lymphocytes were also flagged as abnormal. At that time they gave him a chest CT scan, as well as a flow cytology work-up (more blood). We were told that they were ruling out lymphoma and leukemia. His primary care doc also said that the flow cytology report would pick most any type of cancers, and would be back in 2-3 days.
YEAH RIGHT!
We have called EVERYDAY since then. Over a week now. They claim that there are still no results from the blood panel work-up.
Dad still remains symptomatic. Chest heaviness, arm tingling, fatigue, heartburn, loss of appetite, and joint pain.
He called me, in tears. The wait is killing him. I realize that people are busy. Other people are sick. Not just MY father. But, the hurry-up-and-wait game is a serious pain in the ass!
Just one more roller coaster ride.
I want to get off now!

Introducing....

The newest addition to the family....
SAMWISE GAMGEE!

We got our newest friend, Friday. He is great fun for all the kiddos. Plays ball, catches Frisbee's, loves to walk, cleans all the dirty faces!
And look at that face. Oh so kissable!

It's About Time....

I received word today that our home study is done, and approved.
Hallelujah!
This was supposed to be done by the first week in January.
If it all goes at this pace...we should know what is going to happen with "M" by next February.

Good news, that is behind us. We are cautiously optimistic about the next few months!!!

Thursday pic's

My Oldest Hottie

Fallon, my amazing step-daughter

The Littlest Princess

My two lovely daughters!

The Biggest Looser?

Well this is my last day of "freedom". Freedom to eat whatever the hell I want. You see tonight I start my quest to loose 45 lbs, when I weigh in on the Buckfield's Biggest Looser scale.

Some may say that I "don't need to loose a pound" (Thank you hunny bun and Ty boy). However, it doesn't have anything to do with anyone else. Just my own body image. The way I feel about myself. I feel better when I am healthier.

So if your in the area, and you see me walking with my handsome lil' pug...DO NOT OFFER ME A TWINKIE!!! Beep your horn, and throw me a wave. Who knows...I could be Buckfield's Biggest Looser!

Bad News?

Talked with the social worker again.
Apparently "M" has been granted visitation with the bio Aunt/Uncle. Spent his first afternoon with them on Sunday. He was brought back on screech. Took a few hours to get him calmed down. I know that this is expect with any major transition.
The bio A/U are adding an addition to the house they live. Will become "M's" room, if granted custody.
They cancelled the home study due to occur this week. Shooting for next week, I am told. The Aunt has had something from her past "sprout up". The s/w told me that she would need to address that before a decision is made.
I guess I feel that they/she could promise ANYTHING. Words are cheap!
Her actions, to me, speak louder. They have left him in custody for almost 4 years. Come On!

For the moment, we will keep on keeping on.
Plenty to focus our time.
Gabrielle is still sick. Spent Monday night in the ER. I would rather eat s*%# than have my kiddos sick. My heart breaks every time I wipe her crusted nose, hear her seal barking cough, or listen to her aching whine.

We had plans for Valentine's day. The hubby and I.
Notice I said had. We will cancel the sitter. Hang close to home. After all...dinner with 6 kids can be romantic. Right?

Peaks and Vallies

So, Last week I was up about the 60%-40%. This week...not so much up. I spoke with "M's" social worker AGAIN. She told me that they had a really good visit with the bio A/U. They will be doing another home study visit with them and the kids (3, I think) this coming week. If they have another good study, the guardian ad lei tum will do a few "pop-in" visits. He/she will want to check out the home and chaos. The social worker will also be doing some "pop-in's" on the A/U.

Just when I think we are getting close to a decision...any decision.

The hubby and I have decided to not sit idle. We have been invited to a meet & greet, and we will attend. This is geared towards waiting children ages 5-10. Who knows.

On another note, thanks to all of you for the well wishes. I think I am finally kicking this bug's ass. Well... for the time being. I will need to be well to take care of the rest of the herd. I am sure that they will be getting a turn soon enough.

Brace Yourself....

So here it comes.
Mr. Snifflingsneezingcoughingachinstuffyheadfever! Both Griffin and I are being visited by this scum ball. I expect that Gabrielle and Andy will be next in line.

No rest for the weary.....

Prince Charming

For those of you who follow my husbands blog, Andy is always posting little notes and quotes beside an old picture of me. Here is my turn at it.

This was my main man in kindergarten. All 24 pounds of him. Cutie-patootie!

Who could have imagined that I would be so lucky as to share a life with this young man. 6 children between us, a home, a POS truck in the drive, bills, debt, and a whole lot of happiness.

I wouldn't change a thing babe! NOT ONE THING! I am so proud of your accomplishments. Your dreams come true.
You are my "happily ever after!"

XOXOXO

Monday News....

It has been a little while since my last blog...and to the 2 people who actually read it, I apologize!

I spoke with "M's" social worker last Thursday. I had said that I wouldn't call her. (I did hold off from my usual Tuesday call.) I was told that things were looking 60%-40% our favor. That is with a passed home study, and issues outlined and being worked on by the Aunt. They are also trying to speed things along at this point. "M" has been TPR'd since November, and in custody for 3 years. It is time for him to have permanency.

As far as the Aunt and uncle...I have mixed feelings. They are NOW working hard at getting "M" back in their custody. Where have they been the last 3 1/2 years. Also, they RETURNED HIM INTO STATE CARE as an infant. What makes them think now will be better. I wasn't told exactly what, but they have some personal "issues" also. The Aunt and Uncle, that is. And a"few" children with a whole lot of chaos. They are also trying to educate them about autism. "M" is on the low end of the spectrum disorder.

We just want what is best for "M". I hope that they also have his best interest at heart.
I do try and keep an open mind, and be non judgemental. It is hard!

Other than that, no news to report. I guess that is a good thing. Sometimes, quiet is best!!!