Talked with Sweets tonight. So glad her first week of school is going well. I asked her about picking her up tomorrow, and she told me her dad said she couldn't go with me or he wouldn't get her a puppy. Really, again? These games are getting so old.
I asked Sweets what happened every other time her dad got her a dog (at least four times so far). Her reply, "he takes it away." I told her it was her choice. Arghh! Why does a nine year old have to be in the middle of this?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Best Ever
Sweets started school yesterday. She was apprehensive, because she wasn't sure who would be her teacher. Tonight I finally had a chance to talk with her. When I asked how she liked 5th grade, she told me it was the BEST EVER! She likes her teacher and said she has had two great days. She also told me she gets to be in band. She thinks she will get to play flute! I'm excited and happy for her!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Six Months
Six months ago today, Precious joined our family. She is just that, PRECIOUS!
I really thought BB would be the last permanent addition, but God had other plans. Although their birth mother did show some interest with Precious, she couldn't follow through. I'm sad for her; she doesn't know what she is missing. I do think she knows that her little ones are being well cared for.
It is amazing that Precious was legally free for adoption before she was six months old. That is practically a record in the child welfare system. I'm so happy that some of the changes in our court system ("baby court") are working to achieve permanency sooner for these little ones.
I have been an extern at the court this summer for law school in a division of this new "baby court". Precious' case is no longer an exception. TPR is happening quickly more and more often when parents either give up or simply don't follow through. In my state, parents of children under three only have six months to demonstrate they can safely parent their children. After that, a motion for TPR can be filed based on six months time-in-care (15 months is grounds for children three and older). More time is often allowed if the parents are actively participating in services, but those who "play games" and pick and choose what they do will soon be done.
Fortunately, the flip side is also happening for families where the parents work hard to get their children returned. In some cases, those children are going home in less than a year, another timeframe that used to almost never occur. CPS is held accountable to provide the services and do their job. It is up to the parents to make their choice. If they do what is asked, they will likely succeed. If they decide not to follow the rules and complete the services offered to them, the court will make an alternate permanency decision for these young children at the six month point, and the case will move to adoption.
Finally, the best interests of the child is driving the case, at least in the area of timelines. Less and less are parents able to do "just enough" to drag the case out and leave their children in limbo. Isn't this what should have been happening all along? If you want your kids back, WORK FOR IT. Having someone else take care of them so you can visit them twice a week and party the rest of the time is not parenting. I'm glad to say that the judges in our "baby court" now have this philosophy as well.
I really thought BB would be the last permanent addition, but God had other plans. Although their birth mother did show some interest with Precious, she couldn't follow through. I'm sad for her; she doesn't know what she is missing. I do think she knows that her little ones are being well cared for.
It is amazing that Precious was legally free for adoption before she was six months old. That is practically a record in the child welfare system. I'm so happy that some of the changes in our court system ("baby court") are working to achieve permanency sooner for these little ones.
I have been an extern at the court this summer for law school in a division of this new "baby court". Precious' case is no longer an exception. TPR is happening quickly more and more often when parents either give up or simply don't follow through. In my state, parents of children under three only have six months to demonstrate they can safely parent their children. After that, a motion for TPR can be filed based on six months time-in-care (15 months is grounds for children three and older). More time is often allowed if the parents are actively participating in services, but those who "play games" and pick and choose what they do will soon be done.
Fortunately, the flip side is also happening for families where the parents work hard to get their children returned. In some cases, those children are going home in less than a year, another timeframe that used to almost never occur. CPS is held accountable to provide the services and do their job. It is up to the parents to make their choice. If they do what is asked, they will likely succeed. If they decide not to follow the rules and complete the services offered to them, the court will make an alternate permanency decision for these young children at the six month point, and the case will move to adoption.
Finally, the best interests of the child is driving the case, at least in the area of timelines. Less and less are parents able to do "just enough" to drag the case out and leave their children in limbo. Isn't this what should have been happening all along? If you want your kids back, WORK FOR IT. Having someone else take care of them so you can visit them twice a week and party the rest of the time is not parenting. I'm glad to say that the judges in our "baby court" now have this philosophy as well.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
She Did It
Precious can sit up by herself.
I put her in the bathtub,
and she was mesmerized by the toys.
She sat for several seconds looking at them,
holding herself up with her arms.
After I got her dressed for bed,
I set her down on the floor with toys.
She did it again!
Way to go, Precious!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
All Together Again
Buddy is back from camp. When I met the bus this afternoon, he sauntered up to me and smiled. I gave him a hug and he hugged me back. He said he liked camp a whole lot and that he had a whole bunch of fun. Then he asked if he could go again next year!
Later, as we were waiting to claim his sleeping bag, he told me that while he was at camp, he "forgot" about us because they were so busy! For Buddy, this is huge. He is always worried about who is where doing what. I think he truly had a fabulous time!
Later, as we were waiting to claim his sleeping bag, he told me that while he was at camp, he "forgot" about us because they were so busy! For Buddy, this is huge. He is always worried about who is where doing what. I think he truly had a fabulous time!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Peeking Through
Precious has her first tooth!
It is peeking through on her bottom gum.
So exciting!
Warning:
Insert finger at own risk.
This little tyke has quite a bite!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Fashion Statement
BB is sporting a new look.
His left eyelid has always been droopy.
We have been watching it and checking his eyes since birth.
His vision appears to be fine.
The concern is that his eyelid could start to interfere with his vision.
When BB is really tired, the eyelid is more pronounced.
The doctor suggested patching his right eye to force the use of his left.
If we start seeing him tilt his head up to see,
we can assume that the eyelid is getting in the way.
His next appointment is with the surgeon who will eventually tuck the eyelid up.
Until then we continue to monitor.
After the patch is put on, he forgets it is even there (until time to take it off)!
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