We're expecting

a fifteen month old boy!

The opportunity to possibly foster to adopt a little boy came to us when the twins’ caseworker told us about him one day when we were at a court hearing.  His foster care case is possibly coming to an end, and his foster family (wonderful people) have decided that due to their age and the fact that they have three young adopted children who need a lot of attention, they cannot adopt G.  John and I met G and his foster siblings and parents at a park midway between our homes.  At once I was struck by their love for their children and the great care they take of G.  John and G’s foster father are about the same height and both have good senses of humor.  The foster parents’ children (9, 8 and 4) were very nice and adored G as much as he adored them.  This is very bittersweet for his foster family, especially “R” his foster mother, who had tears in her eyes when they arrived at the park, and when we were leaving.  She did, however, feel really good about where G is going, and saw that G liked us and was very comfortable. John was playing with and holding G about 2/3 of the time, and they seemed like old friends. 

The funny part:  His birth name begins with “J” but his birth mom wants him to be called by his third name which begins with “G” but sounds like “J.”  G’s caseworkers name also starts with “J” and is the same name as the twins’ caseworker! So, 2 more J names in the mix.  This is what I get for hating name patterns! 

To prepare for our new arrival, we are required to have an amended foster license.  Currently, we are licensed for two children.  The home office has been moved to the family room, which is now the media/family room. John and his dad painted G’s room and John’s mom and sister brought dinner and bought material we picked out to make curtains!  

For the last two weeks, we’ve talked to the twins about Baby G coming to visit and then coming to stay with us.  Every night, they pray, “God bwess Baby G.” 

He is not legally free for adoption yet, but we will be considered his permanent home when he is, and we will find out how this will go at the end of October at a hearing.  As this is foster care, anything can and does happen. Your prayers are appreciated not only for us and G –Force, but for his foster parents and siblings who have raised him since he was 4 days old.  R & R, the foster parents, will have broken hearts for a good while. 

We have received so much help and support from our families, especially our parents and John’s sister Miriam who have watched the kids for us, brought dinner, painted, made curtains, and countless other things.  In our case, and I think in most families, it does take a (family) village.