Days three and four

Day three was interesting. It was a long day for me and I think Brynn too! She was a big help and we ventured out to Kohl's together. John asked her to push him in the cart:) I managed the two little ones in the double stroller, it is too wide for Kohl's! We made it 30 minutes unlike Brynn's anticipated 20 minutes round trip and never getting out of the car.

Elizabeth is a happier camper now that I have discovered her love of pacifiers! I find it very odd that Mom didn't clue me in to this before when I asked about settling her down. Today, we went to the doctor and the kids' guardian ad litem came with us. Honestly, I couldn't have done it without her! She is a very with it and fun retired lady who loves kids. She was a teacher all her life and ended her career at the high school alternative learning center in Ft. Myers. God love her! Got some good information from the doctor after a stressful and unpleasant start. Got E referrals for some specialists to properly evaluate her. And both kids are supposed to be on the nebulizer several times a day. So, we have had one delivered so far this evening and a second is on the way. Not sure why E's had to be replaced but hers is pretty grubby even after I scrubbed it. The tubing is green....

John has had a tough couple of days. Poor kid! Yesterday he was sad as he had talked to mom and she had visited Dad (against several court orders). Not really sure why Mom would tell him any of it. He was able to share it with Brynn. He really loves her. Today John had a field trip to the fair. Mom was given permission to go along as the kids' former temporary guardian was also going. She was there when we got to school today and was there when I picked him up. It really makes for a sad and upset kid. I really believe that overall it is good for the kids to have contact but in this situation it is all so upsetting for John. Also, Mom, former temp. guardian and the teacher are "friends" and I am concerned that John is being told that all of us are bad. It is like one kid walks in to the school and another walks out. I have talked to the social worker about it and we are going to see what can be done. The guardian ad litem also had the same concern and was relieved when I expressed my concerns. We will find a way to have the boy that was having the time of his life on the swingset today more of the time.

She gave me the ultimate compliment today. It felt really nice as she has been a GAL for many years. I am determined to help these kids and really don't care if I rock the boat doing it. I know they are going back to Mom and want them all to have a shot at breaking what appears to be a very sad, hard cycle of life in their family.

Little Elizabeth is a love! She is just 18 lbs. and is almost 14 months. The crawling is getting better and I am working with her on the floor a couple times a day on pulling up, etc. She just eats it up. The doctor couldn't explain her very flat head to me but my gut sure tells me. We had several great meals today and not one puking (except Johnn after his nebulizer treatment).....we are making progress as she threw up 3 times yesterday.

And, the O man and Brynn are hanging in there. I know it is very tough for them. Oliver seems to love having John around and even does try to help Elizabeth by offering her toys, sticker, and french fries! Brynn is being a really big help! She is overwhelmed by it all but is trying to overcome it. The last two days Elizabeth has napped from about 11:30-1:30 (give or take 15 minutes) which gives me a couple hours alone with Oliver. It really helps. I think we are finding our groove and it will continue to get better. I do see some of John's behaviors worsening and more acting out but we are going to start some therapy for that soon.

Don and I are tired but doing pretty good. I don't think either of us regret this at all. We are commited to John and Elizabeth as long as they are with us. I will not be a party to them being moved to another foster home. We both believe the only way to be foster parents is to stick it out. But, it is no where near anything we could even not want to be in. We do hope to learn for our future fostering though. Better know what we are equipped to handle, etc.

Ok, time for me to find the couch! Thanks to everyone for your love, support and concern and especially all the prayers. Speaking of which I am not keeping up in my own conversations with God! Yikes!
Tanya