Two More Kids {Foster Adoption}
Kathryn’s words after meeting the kids:
“Our lives will never be quiet if we adopt those two, but — I love them!“
I think that pretty much sums it up.
Last week was the kids’ 1st visit to our house.
That day, the weather was perfect, so we played outside as much as possible. The kids loved the swing-set, and they really loved running around with LacyDog! {I have to take a minute here to say what a wonderful dog we have; she is SO good with the kids!} It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that much giggling going on. As this was the first time Lindsey and Kathryn had met them, Ken and I mostly just watched and gave the girls a chance to get to know “Scout” and “Jem.” Admittedly, I can tell Jem in particular is testing the waters to see what he can get away with, but he doesn’t push it too far. And they did want to get into everything when we played inside, but it’s a totally new environment for them, and every kid who has ever visited (or who we’ve babysat) has done the same thing.
After Foster Mom and Dad came to pick up the kids, we took Lindsey and Kathryn out for frozen yogurt to discuss how they felt after finally meeting the kids: Kathryn was gung-ho; Lindsey, on the other hand, was more hesitant.
A new forever family?
On Friday, the kids’ caseworker met with them. At some point in the conversation, the caseworker asked Scout, “If the judge decides I should find you a new forever family, do you have any ideas who might be a good family for you?” It seems like she’d mention a neighbor or a teacher, but she said, “Ms. Jamie.” Scout doesn’t know that we know the caseworker, so she said, “Ms. [Foster Mom] and Ms. Jamie are friends, so Ms. [Foster Mom] could give you her phone number and you could ask Ms. Jamie.”
And then, my heart melted.
An all-day visit!
On Saturday, Kathryn had gotten herself worked up about everything and was feeling nervous about the upcoming all-day visit on Sunday. Ken left early to pick them up and we were pleasantly surprised Lindsey offered to ride along. When Ken and Lindsey pulled into the foster parents’ driveway, the kids eagerly came running out to the car. They came back to the house to pick us up and we all headed to church.
The sweet gal that checked us in at the preschool desk didn’t know our story, and I’m sure my answers to her questions were weirdly vague — but the kids don’t really know yet that we might soon be their parents, so I was trying to answer questions without saying too much. HARD TO DO!! So I sent the rest of the family off for a few minutes while I clarified things, and then the preschool folks didn’t think I was quite so crazy.
The kids did great. A little hesitant for us to leave them in their class, but not overly so. They met some of our friends, and Brandon and Diane got got meet them before they headed off to lunch with Brandon’s mom. It’s hard to explain to little kids that this grown up man standing there is our son. There are just a whole lot of difficult to explain situations in something like this.
We went back home and had lunch, and then I put them down for naps. Surprisingly, they both actually took naps! I knew they were good nappers, but I figured in a strange place, they might not feel comfortable enough to actually fall asleep. After naps, we played, and they clearly had a good time. Jem’s favorite thing was playing cars with Ken, and Scout later told me her favorite thing was playing marbles with Kathryn. At supper, Jem said the blessing, which went something like, “Thank you, God, for the visit. And thank you for a fun day. And for the cars. And for the ice. Amen.” (Apparently, he like ice cubes in his cup!)
After spending the entire day with the kids, Lindsey and Kathryn both feel good about adding them to our family. That’s not to say we’re not nervous about certain aspects of it, but we know the whole family has to be on board with this decision to really make it work. We’re still waiting on that order from the judge, but the kids are scheduled to spend this coming weekend with us, so this week, we are busy, busy, busy getting bedrooms ready for little people. I’m making Lindsey’s old purple bedroom into a boy room, and Kathryn now has bunk beds in her room.
I’m writing these posts to remember these little details, and to share with anyone who is curious about how a foster-adoption might go. I don’t have all the answers, but I welcome questions. I welcome your prayers, too!
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Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »
Thank you for sharing these days with us. What a joy! We’re praying for y’all.
Oh, Jamie, this is so exciting! Please keep sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. We hope to soon be walking the same road and it’s exciting to read about how things are going for your family. Please continue to share as you are able.
I am new to your blog, but already I am sooo excited for all of you in this new adventure! I think when we take Jesus seriously about caring for widows and orphans we are touching the heart of our heavenly father. He will give you the strength you need as you rely on him!
They are precious. I love that Scout was so willing to give me a hug when she heard I am your friend. I pretty much melted,
This is just wonderful to read! I love the photo of everyone putting together the bunk beds too.
What an exciting and scary time for you guys! Praying that all goes as smoothly as possible :).
How exciting. We have adopted one child, a boy, who was with us since he was five months old. It is such a joy but there are hard days too. Praying for peace and a smooth transition for all of you.
Praying for you and your family! May the transition go well. I enjoyed reading this post; it warmed my heart.
Blessings,
Delana
Wow! Foster-adoption is something we’d potentially like to do someday. I love these details you’re sharing.
I guess being a mommy has made me a sap, because I used to be able to read things like this with dry eyes. Now I have to have a box of tissues handy. And you didn’t even get sentimental about it! I’m just imagining those little faces and all the possibilities and the blessing you’ll all be to each other!
Oh, I’m plenty sentimental, but right now I’m just on overload without too much time to think about it!
What a great story, Jamie! I’ve been a fost-adopt social worker & was a part of adoptions for about 100 kids. And it still makes me joyous to hear about the formation of a family. My prayers are with you.
Wishing you and your entire family all the best in this journey.
This is such a momentous time for you all. I’m sure everyone’s emotions must be like a big boiling pot of spaghetti with great big long tangled pieces of pasta turning over and over and getting all mixed up! I do pray that the Lord will make your path plain and bless ALL of you! You can be proud as you see the reactions of your girls–to so quickly reach out in love–to realize that you have created the family life that enables them to be like that.
I can’t add anything else to these comments except for this: LOVE!
It’s amazing to see God’s hand through this entire process. Continued prayers for you all.
Thank you for sharing this with us!
Blessings:)
Awe Jamie, you are soooo blessed…blessed is he who has his quiver full of them…
I’ve been meaning to read these posts about your new addition and so glad that I’ve had the chance to stop by tonight to catch up! God bless you and your husband!