I have neglected this blog for far too long. My reasons are many, but great news is a plenty. All the children I talked about have gone home to their parents. Babykakes was the hardest of them all, but thankfully her mother has allowed us to remain involved in her life. However, prior to her leaving, we were blessed with a placement of an infant who was two weeks when we received the call, and one month when she came home. Our sweet baby Jasmyn!!!! This happened back in March, and we are just days away from finalizing!!! Praise HIM!!!! She has been a complete joy and my family LOVES her. My husband and I are just exhilarated!!
We are looking forward to finishing the legalities, but she's ours and I'm so glad!!! Until next time...
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Journey in Progress
Well it's been quite a while since my last post. For a while things were slow in "placementland," which was a good thing I thought because more children were staying with parents or relatives. Then on March 10, I got a call for a 10 month old (really nine months) girl. After talking with my husband, we said yes! I am so glad we did! Her codename is "Babykakes." I will share more about her in follow-up posts, but I will say she is a pleasure to have around.
If you think that was the end of it, in June, we received another placement, actually two. It was a sibling placement of two boys. This case was slightly different and required a lot of our training to be utilized to get things in order. However, I'm happy to say that the "Brothers S" (2 and 3) are finally getting it together. I will also talk about them in future posts.
So you've been updated. Stay tuned for the adventure.....
Thanks for reading!
If you think that was the end of it, in June, we received another placement, actually two. It was a sibling placement of two boys. This case was slightly different and required a lot of our training to be utilized to get things in order. However, I'm happy to say that the "Brothers S" (2 and 3) are finally getting it together. I will also talk about them in future posts.
So you've been updated. Stay tuned for the adventure.....
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Random Thoughts
Well it's been a little while, but the journey still continues...
My husband and I looked into the possibility of adding an older child to the household. That may not pan out, but at least we tried...
No new placement calls since the last one. My understanding is that they're not removing as many, which is not a negative. That just means that we're not needed at this moment, but when they do, we'll be ready...
The country's in an uproar about the single woman in California who had octuplets. Everywhere I turn, there is an opinion (not a very nice one I might add) about her and the doctor's decision to implant (however many) embryos were implanted, without considering how many children she currently had, financial and mental status (yes, they went there too!). I will not be her judge; but I just hope that she can successfully take care of these children, for it's not going to be easy.
I watched a show on TLC yesterday with a woman with a husband and eight children (a singleton, quads and triplets) and while they were getting support from their family and maybe some friends, the task was daunting. Imagine... eight screaming infants and toddlers all needing your attention. Having to feed, clothe, stimulate, bathe, put to bed several times a day. Having to wash and dry clothes, bottle, bowls, spoons several times a day. Take to doctor's appointment, take shopping with you, stay up with when they can't sleep or are sick. The list of tasks can go on forever, and you haven't even taken care of YOU!!! Now imagine that with 14!!! I know people can come up with systems to make things work, and I hope she does. God Bless her. The world will be watching....
Well that's all for today, but I look forward to posting again soon!
Thanks for reading!
My husband and I looked into the possibility of adding an older child to the household. That may not pan out, but at least we tried...
No new placement calls since the last one. My understanding is that they're not removing as many, which is not a negative. That just means that we're not needed at this moment, but when they do, we'll be ready...
The country's in an uproar about the single woman in California who had octuplets. Everywhere I turn, there is an opinion (not a very nice one I might add) about her and the doctor's decision to implant (however many) embryos were implanted, without considering how many children she currently had, financial and mental status (yes, they went there too!). I will not be her judge; but I just hope that she can successfully take care of these children, for it's not going to be easy.
I watched a show on TLC yesterday with a woman with a husband and eight children (a singleton, quads and triplets) and while they were getting support from their family and maybe some friends, the task was daunting. Imagine... eight screaming infants and toddlers all needing your attention. Having to feed, clothe, stimulate, bathe, put to bed several times a day. Having to wash and dry clothes, bottle, bowls, spoons several times a day. Take to doctor's appointment, take shopping with you, stay up with when they can't sleep or are sick. The list of tasks can go on forever, and you haven't even taken care of YOU!!! Now imagine that with 14!!! I know people can come up with systems to make things work, and I hope she does. God Bless her. The world will be watching....
Well that's all for today, but I look forward to posting again soon!
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Our First Call!
Happy New Year!!
I know it's 15 days late, but it's still never too late.
Well we got a call today for a sibling group. Unfortunately, we had to turn it down because the group was too large for us at this time. However, this call has shown that no matter how much you prepare, you can never be totally prepared enough for each situation you may be called for.
In a previous post, I outlined the process my husband and I would take when a call comes in so we could make a decision on the spot based on our criteria. That didn't work for this call. After talking with my worker about the case, I felt that it was important for me to discuss this situation with my husband. It was really important for us to be on the same page prior to accepting the placement. Right now I am imagining his reaction had I accepted the placement and he arrives home to a house full of children...he turns the keys, walks in and says "Hello." He looks at the children. The children look at him. He looks at me, then he gives me the blank stare that says "What the.....(you fill in the blank) Funny!!!
Well I decided that we can keep our criteria, but determine how we choose our placements on a case by case basis. In the meantime...we'll await our next call.
Thanks for reading!
I know it's 15 days late, but it's still never too late.
Well we got a call today for a sibling group. Unfortunately, we had to turn it down because the group was too large for us at this time. However, this call has shown that no matter how much you prepare, you can never be totally prepared enough for each situation you may be called for.
In a previous post, I outlined the process my husband and I would take when a call comes in so we could make a decision on the spot based on our criteria. That didn't work for this call. After talking with my worker about the case, I felt that it was important for me to discuss this situation with my husband. It was really important for us to be on the same page prior to accepting the placement. Right now I am imagining his reaction had I accepted the placement and he arrives home to a house full of children...he turns the keys, walks in and says "Hello." He looks at the children. The children look at him. He looks at me, then he gives me the blank stare that says "What the.....(you fill in the blank) Funny!!!
Well I decided that we can keep our criteria, but determine how we choose our placements on a case by case basis. In the meantime...we'll await our next call.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Tour--Day Two
It was a mixture of sun, clouds and snow in my neck of the woods; yet, we braced the elements to bring you another adventure of "Find that Daycare!" LOL
Day Care #3--This daycare is christian based and located inside of a church. Since a lot of families are on vacation, there was just a skeleton crew. But being the person that I am, I can get a feel of a place no matter who is there!!! I'm somewhat familiar with the curriculum they are using. I'm not a fan of it per se; however, they use social components that provide a balance in their learning experience. That pleased me more. Bonus: They start taking children at 6 weeks and accept the full subsidy!!!! My husband and I overall liked what we saw and will be placing this center as a contender.
Day Care #4--A day care center that is the name of a very popular song sung by a bunch of men! (Being vague on purpose!) Well I didn't get to meet with the person I made the appointment with, but still was able to have a tour. The center was well adorned with children's work and they highlighted the curriculum and its components for all to see. The age levels were distinguished
by the primary colors, and everything, I mean everything, in the classroom was that color. However, it was very nice, clean and would foster creativity and learning. Unfortunately, I don't have a favorable bonus for this one. The hours are not as convenient as the others and the fees are more expensive, way above the subsidized rate. To top it all off, you have to pay the annual membership fee before they will accept an application for daycare. I know some day cares have registration fees, but this is a little much. So, of course, we will not be considering this one.
We've decided #2 and #3 respectively will be the ones we would use. If one doesn't have a vacancy then we have a back up plan. Hopefully, they will have space when we call.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed "Find that daycare." Please join me next time as continue our journey through foster care. :)
Thanks for reading,
Day Care #3--This daycare is christian based and located inside of a church. Since a lot of families are on vacation, there was just a skeleton crew. But being the person that I am, I can get a feel of a place no matter who is there!!! I'm somewhat familiar with the curriculum they are using. I'm not a fan of it per se; however, they use social components that provide a balance in their learning experience. That pleased me more. Bonus: They start taking children at 6 weeks and accept the full subsidy!!!! My husband and I overall liked what we saw and will be placing this center as a contender.
Day Care #4--A day care center that is the name of a very popular song sung by a bunch of men! (Being vague on purpose!) Well I didn't get to meet with the person I made the appointment with, but still was able to have a tour. The center was well adorned with children's work and they highlighted the curriculum and its components for all to see. The age levels were distinguished
by the primary colors, and everything, I mean everything, in the classroom was that color. However, it was very nice, clean and would foster creativity and learning. Unfortunately, I don't have a favorable bonus for this one. The hours are not as convenient as the others and the fees are more expensive, way above the subsidized rate. To top it all off, you have to pay the annual membership fee before they will accept an application for daycare. I know some day cares have registration fees, but this is a little much. So, of course, we will not be considering this one.
We've decided #2 and #3 respectively will be the ones we would use. If one doesn't have a vacancy then we have a back up plan. Hopefully, they will have space when we call.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed "Find that daycare." Please join me next time as continue our journey through foster care. :)
Thanks for reading,
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Tour--Day One
Today, my husband and I began our tour of child care facilities. We were actually only supposed to have one tour, but wound up having two due to an address/telephone number mix-up. Not sure whose at fault. At any rate, we were able to get a good idea of the differences in child care offerings.
Child care center #1--(The one we didn't have an appointment for, but the director showed us around anyway. ) The word to the wise, if your center uses certified teachers and they follow the school district's schedule, don't take tours during school breaks. The Center's teachers are off when school's out. The children in all the age groups were engaged while we were there and the staff was very helpful and friendly. But the fact that they follow the district's schedule is actually a con for me. Their days conflict with my days and that would leave me scrambling for care. Another negative is that they accept children beginning at three months. If we get a newborn that would require me to take that amount of time off from work. Not an option, especially if this is a temporary situation. However, the assistant director was very nice and was able to answer my questions thoroughly. Bonus: They accept the full subsidy! Don't know if that fact would outweigh the cons, but it was definitely a great thing to know!
Child care center #2--(The real appointment!) I was very impressed with this center from the time I hit the driveway. I liked the fact that you had to be buzzed in and you had to sign your child in via computer into a system. Safety is important! The areas where the children would be were clearly identified. It promoted independence and a joy of learning. As an educator, this is paramount. They had binders full of record keeping material everywhere and it was organized!!!! If you can't already tell, I really liked this one. Bonus: They accept children as early as six weeks!!!!! The hours are totally convenient for us and the staff was very attentive to the children. The only con is that this one, unfortunately doesn't accept the full subsidy, which of course means the balance would come out of our pockets! Quite honestly, it would be worth paying the difference.
We have two more tours tomorrow...I'm looking forward to the adventure.
Thanks for reading!
Child care center #1--(The one we didn't have an appointment for, but the director showed us around anyway. ) The word to the wise, if your center uses certified teachers and they follow the school district's schedule, don't take tours during school breaks. The Center's teachers are off when school's out. The children in all the age groups were engaged while we were there and the staff was very helpful and friendly. But the fact that they follow the district's schedule is actually a con for me. Their days conflict with my days and that would leave me scrambling for care. Another negative is that they accept children beginning at three months. If we get a newborn that would require me to take that amount of time off from work. Not an option, especially if this is a temporary situation. However, the assistant director was very nice and was able to answer my questions thoroughly. Bonus: They accept the full subsidy! Don't know if that fact would outweigh the cons, but it was definitely a great thing to know!
Child care center #2--(The real appointment!) I was very impressed with this center from the time I hit the driveway. I liked the fact that you had to be buzzed in and you had to sign your child in via computer into a system. Safety is important! The areas where the children would be were clearly identified. It promoted independence and a joy of learning. As an educator, this is paramount. They had binders full of record keeping material everywhere and it was organized!!!! If you can't already tell, I really liked this one. Bonus: They accept children as early as six weeks!!!!! The hours are totally convenient for us and the staff was very attentive to the children. The only con is that this one, unfortunately doesn't accept the full subsidy, which of course means the balance would come out of our pockets! Quite honestly, it would be worth paying the difference.
We have two more tours tomorrow...I'm looking forward to the adventure.
Thanks for reading!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Before the Phone Rings
Well a few weeks ago, we receive our Resource Parent (aka foster parent) license in the mail. Yeah!!! We've haven't had and didn't expect to get a call before Christmas, so we just enjoyed our time with our family and friends. Now the journey really begins. There is so much work we really needed to do in order to be prepared for our first placement, which could happen at anytime. I'm talking beyond "getting the room together" type of things. I'm talking about what daycare center are they going to? Which ones accept the subsidies? How much are we going to have to pay out of pocket (stay tuned for the next episode for this topic!) ? What about pediatricians? Are they accepting new patients? Do they accept medicaid or insurance that I chose for the child? What questions should I ask the placement worker? Will I be ready when the phone rings?????
To my advantage, I'm glad that I conducted some research ahead of time, which made today's adventure a lot easier. Previously, I went on my state's website and searched for approved daycare, child care rate, after school programs, and pediatricians and dentists throughout the state. I went through the list and narrowed down the ones in my travel path to work. All I had to do today was contact these providers, get some general information about their center, rates, availability and schedule an appointment for a tour!!!! I have two scheduled for tomorrow and one on Wednesday. This should be fun!
As far as the questions are concern, I created a form of questions that were derived from a pamphlet given to us by our advocacy group. These "initial intake" questions will determine which situations we would say yes to on the spot or which we'll have to consult each other on. My husband and I basically went over the "criteria" questions together so there won't be any confusion when the call is received, no matter who receives it. We are going to place the forms in a binder labeled "Initial Intake Forms" and have it in a general area for immediate access.
Progress made and I believe we are "ready," but the work is far from over. However, since we've planned ahead in anticipation for "the call," we'll be able to focus on the real task ahead: the Children!!!
Thanks for Reading,
To my advantage, I'm glad that I conducted some research ahead of time, which made today's adventure a lot easier. Previously, I went on my state's website and searched for approved daycare, child care rate, after school programs, and pediatricians and dentists throughout the state. I went through the list and narrowed down the ones in my travel path to work. All I had to do today was contact these providers, get some general information about their center, rates, availability and schedule an appointment for a tour!!!! I have two scheduled for tomorrow and one on Wednesday. This should be fun!
As far as the questions are concern, I created a form of questions that were derived from a pamphlet given to us by our advocacy group. These "initial intake" questions will determine which situations we would say yes to on the spot or which we'll have to consult each other on. My husband and I basically went over the "criteria" questions together so there won't be any confusion when the call is received, no matter who receives it. We are going to place the forms in a binder labeled "Initial Intake Forms" and have it in a general area for immediate access.
Progress made and I believe we are "ready," but the work is far from over. However, since we've planned ahead in anticipation for "the call," we'll be able to focus on the real task ahead: the Children!!!
Thanks for Reading,
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