May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. And today marks exactly one year since we decided to become foster parents. When I started my search and began calling agencies, I had no idea that I would look back 365 days later with a new, permanent family member to love. There was no way to predict […]
Foster Care
Adoption party theme: we found our missing piece
It’s been more than two weeks since our adoption party, but the decorations still hang in our dining room. It’s two-fold, really. Mainly, we’ve had neither the time nor energy to take them down. Life is… busy. But also, I know I’ll be sad to see them go. After all, it hasn’t even sunk in […]
To my son, on your adoption day
To my son, It’s been a journey. You’re too young to understand everything that paved the path you walked. But it’s my hope you will one day realize how many people helped place you in my arms. Here’s your story, and a look at those who made it happen. ♥♥♥♥ We were dancing—your brother and […]
The truth about being a foster parent
The text message came at a really bad time. I was exhausted, battling a 5-day-long migraine and foggily trying to make room on my mental to-do list. From the other room, I could hear splashing as my husband flawlessly performed the art of revolving door baby bathing (baby gets in the water, baby is cleaned, […]
As a matter of fact, yes. He is the father.
You think I’d be used to it by now. The ignorance. The hate. But then again, do you ever get used to that sort of thing? It stings most when it happens in a place you thought you’d be safe. Like the other day, for example—in the viewing room of my son’s swim school. I […]
To the woman who thinks she’s “just a foster mom”
It was a particularly busy work day. Still, I took the morning off. I quietly removed from my calendar a meeting I didn’t want to miss, and a training I had looked forward to for weeks. I drove across town, juggled the baby and all of his things, and signed in at the doctor’s office. […]
Foster Care 101: The foster parent application process
When we decided to look into foster parenting, I quickly realized there aren’t a lot of resources for helping you understand what to expect. Sure, there are Facebook groups, message boards, and videos. But, I couldn’t find any real-life accounts with answers to some of my biggest questions. Like: How long does the process take? […]
Do foster parents get paid?
Confession: I’ve been binge-watching TV shows on Netflix. I’m home on (foster care) maternity leave, and there’s not much else to do. During these sessions, I’ve come across three separate shows that reference foster care. Each one is negative. There’s the “you’re not our biological child, so we won’t spend money on you” storyline. And […]
Foster Care 101: What to expect from the home study
Before our foster care home study, I had no idea what to expect. And admittedly, I was terrified. If you’re there right now… breathe. Center yourself. I know the term “home study” sounds intimidating, but I want you to know that it’s not. At least, it wasn’t for us. Of course, no two home study […]
In search of an oxymoron… the cute first aid kit I couldn’t live without
Disclaimer: We received one of these products at no cost. However, it is, indeed, the bees knees. Bad mom confession: Up until a month ago, I didn’t have a first aid kit in our home. Sure, I had bandages, creams, and ice packs. But, if I had to tell you where they were… I could […]