We're FOSTER parents?...

Since things have been so crazy, getting posts done has been pretty difficult. Since today is the 1 month anniversary since we brought the girls home I figured I would post an update. I can't even believe its already been a month! We took new family photos yesterday including the girls. Because the girls are still in state custody we are not allowed to share photos of the them. We wanted to get pictures done even though we haven't finalized because by the time we get to finalize & actually share the photos the girls will have changed so much. Lets just say that photos of 5, is WAY harder than photos of 3! I started thinking the other day.....we are actually foster parents. We ended up here completely by accident. I never thought that we could "do" it. Being a foster parent is one of the most challenging things I have ever done in my life. I am amazed every day at our ability to love these girls with the knowledge that we may not get to keep them. Never in a million years did I think we could get up every day & raise two children that we could one day have to give up, but day after day we do it. Of course we are still terrified but we have to just live our lives with our kids. The girls are doing really well and are settling in. The infant has been getting much happier over the last couple of weeks & I am really happy to see her settle in. The toddler has been showing some signs of grief. To be honest I am actually relieved. The first 2 weeks she didn't show any sadness, which is a large indicator of an attachment disorder. I think it just took her a little more time to realize they aren't going back and she has started to grieve that loss. I think she will do just fine in the long run. The grief is a positive sign that she had an attachment to her previous family and actually feels that loss.

How things have been going....

Well the girls have been home with us for 2 weeks tomorrow. We are starting to settling into a little bit of a routine & life is kinda going back to normal (notice I said kinda?). We signed our official "foster to adopt" documents this week. These documents basically name us as their foster parents. We are currently waiting on May to come when the girls have a permanency hearing before the judge. We were initially under the impression this court date was to do a trial to terminate their parental rights, but we have found out its to make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with a trial. We are super anxious for May to come & find out whats in store for the girls. At this point we know there is a possibility their families could get their act straight & regain custody so were cautiously optimistic. The chances for that are slim since the girls have already been in state custody so long & no one has completed the services the judge is requiring & they aren't showing an interest in them either. We are really just trying to enjoy every day we have with them & live in the moment. The girls are adjusting well & moving right along. They seem to be OK with attending daycare while we work 4 days a week.