Griffin's first birthday is creeping up on me. 3 weeks left. It is an exciting time. So much happening, developmentally, so fast.

Griffin is....

Waving

Cutting 3 teeth (AT ONCE)

Almost walking

Talking (kitty, ball, stuck, Dora, hi)

He eats all solid foods. Anything we eat

Plays pat-a-cake & peek a boo

Dances like a mad man. Sings up a storm (even uses a microphone)

I can't believe how fast time flies. How fast they grow and change. What a blessing each minute is with them. HOWEVER,you may want to remind me of this the next time he wants to play at 3:28 a.m!

Lady of Wisdom

I went on a field trip today, with my son's 5th grade class.

We spent the day in our state's capital. It was so much fun. I have been there before, but never with Ty. I must say I was geared up for a day full of history and many yawns.

Surprisingly, NOT!

I spent the day with my 11 year old son, who was stuck to my hip like glue (smile). He ate lunch with me and put his arm around my waist when hearing a tour guide ramble on about bone needle embroidery (I guess he will never work in textiles).

I even learned a few things. For example...

There were 1200 females working in shoe shops in the 1950's. The tourmaline is the Maine state gem stone.Portland was the original capital of Maine. You can eat cattails and frog grapes. AND TY HAS A GIRLFRIEND. Her name is Mikayla, and she is sweet and pretty. He sat with me at lunch, however (smile).

Bright Sun Shiney Day

It's a beautiful day in Maine.

I woke up to the coo of the morning doves (and Griffin's stinky britches). The sun was shining on my face through my window. I decided that TODAY was going to be great!

I am spending a quiet day with my kids. Andy-the-great has some set work to do for a show he is directing. Our oldest cherubs are off doing other things. So, it is my 3 youngest. Ty, Gabi, and Griffin.

We are gonna dig in the dirt. Tend to my garden a little, and then off to the play ground.

Today I will let my laundry sit. My dishes can pile up. My floor will remain streaked with mud. I am thankful for the time that I am given with them. Before you know it...I will be begging them for a minute. THEY, also, will be off doing "better" things than digging with Mom.

One, measly, response!

I sent out the family bio info and inquiries to 22 Maine DHHS workers.

Yup!

22 social workers received our family spec's. Complete with photos of each, our house, and pets. Very informative, I must say. All in one easy-to-read page. Not an overload of info. Would take all of 5 minutes to read.

How many responses have I/we received?

ONE!!! ONE effing responses that said this...
"Wrong, Kathy Smith".

I am mad. Mad and extremely disappointed.

Maybe it's early yet.

Maybe there is a state wide, mandatory training for all adoptive case workers. One that takes them out of the office for the week, and doesn't allow email correspondence. Or maybe they are drivin crazy by email from buckfieldzmadmomma@yahoo.com.

Maybe I need to find something else to do.
*SIGH*

Meet the Turner's, again.

I spent all morning sending out our family bio sheet and profile summary. 12 social workers from Bangor to Presq Isle. Biddeford and Lewiston. Portland and Augusta. A sort of introduction to us. The Turners.

I also contacted our adoption case worker. Told her what I was doing, and asked for her suggestions. She quickly responded..."There is no mystery to this" and "Your floating around somewhere".

GRrrrrrr!
There is some parent advocacy, if I ever saw some. Thanks for your help!

I am anxious to see the response, if any.

Andy and I have decided AGAINST the Meet & Greet scheduled on Saturday. It is not our favorite activity. Wrestling with other potential families for a few minutes with child.

We will keep on the way we have been. Doing what we can to get our name out there. Without compromising what we deem important.

I guess that is the best anyone can do!

The question is this...

How do you go about finding these hundreds of children needing a family, in the state system?

Is it my responsibility to keep looking and asking for updates on new children available? How often should I send out our family bio, and inquiry? WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR ADOPTION CASE WORKER??

I call DHHS, our regional office, at least once a month. I email our adoption case worker every two weeks. I never speak with her personally (she never returns my call). When I email her, I get one lined responses..."That's to bad"..."Thank you"..."No new updates".

I would imagine that there is a fine line between advocating and driving everyone nuts.

I have been in contact with other case workers in other regions. I know that they have their own families to advocate for.

I guess I am just perplexed. I can't figure out how these children EVER get placed.

Any advice???

Picture This...

Hey, check out my hubby's blog,
longpatience.blogspot.com

It has really great pictures of my kiddos, and a bad one of me. I'd love to share them with you all. Andy is REALLY funny and I think you'll enjoy!!!