We finally had our 1st home visit. Honestly, they barely looked at our house and ask you questions we have already answered 100 times before. Again, I wasn’t all that impressed. We did discuss how to go about placing an older girl in our home and it was great to hear that we will get a lot of information about the child and will be able to work together to find a fit for our family. That was encouraging. It was also encouraging to know that we will not be blacklisted if we take a child and they do not turn out to be a good fit for us. It should never be like that and if your local agency is telling you otherwise you need to report them ASAP.
I am still having a great time in 5th grade! Our class reading is: There a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom, by Louis Sacher. It is a great book, it is so much fun to read, and it teaches a lesson. You can’t beat that!
My cross-country team has doubled in size which is great! They kids are working so hard and are doing a wonderful job. I can’t wait for our first meet.
William’s first week at school was crazy!
Day 1: He hated school because he had to nap
Day 2: No School
Day 3: He love school it rocked
Day 4: He threw up and their as a lot of miscommunication and chaos so he hated school again.
Day 5: He wet himself at nap because they wouldn’t let him use the bathroom when he asked to go…..I guess they know to let him go now!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Why? You ask me. Why Not?
Okay, I’m sorry that it has taken me so long to update! I have been preparing for school which actually started today. This was my first time ever teaching 5th grade and I love it! It was nice being able to give directions and have them followed the first time, well most of the time :) Anyway, it was fun and the day flew by! I am excited to get into the “real” material; I have so many fun things planned. Also, I have a smart board in my classroom. Here is a link if you want to check out what it is: http://smarttech.com/
Okay, back to the why I want to adopt a girl between the ages of 5-10. I feel the real question is why not? I honestly feel so lucky to have been adopted at all. Why shouldn’t these children be looked at for adoption, because they are too old; they are spoiled goods? Yes, I know what all of you are going to tell me, they could have been abused, they might set my house on fire, they will be bad in school, they might throw fits, they might take awhile to adjust to my rules. And you know what I have to say to all of that; my OWN biological child could do all of those things!!!!! That is the reality people. Not to mention that I am well qualified to deal with a child of these ages and all of their “baggage.” I will spare you my list of credentials; actually I won’t…..I have my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, I am finishing my master’s in elementary education, I worked in head start for 6 years, I taught a parenting class to my head start parents, I have completed love and logic training and a millions other trainings dealing with at risk kids, I worked in Cabrini Green in Chicago and with a large base of monolingual parents and students in Colorado, I have an amazing support system, I am an adopted child myself, and last, but definitely not least, I WANT TO! So please don’t tell me your horror stories, not because I don’t want to hear it, but I don’t want you to judge a child before you ever meet them. Every child is different. I can’t believe that there are no children out there in the age range I would like who would not LOVE to be a part of a family. I am not kidding myself, I know that there will be a adjustment period, a grief period, and many other issues that will need to addressed; but remember I live it, I am that adopted child. I don’t know my biological family, I grieve for the relationships I don’t have; I understand, at least a little.
As for why we are looking at girls, we don’t want to change the birth order too much. I would like William to continue to be the oldest boy in the family. Also, he is already gaining a step sister once his dad gets married next year….but that is so not the point….anyway….there it is, agree or disagree, it’s your prerogative, just know where I am coming from.
Okay, back to the why I want to adopt a girl between the ages of 5-10. I feel the real question is why not? I honestly feel so lucky to have been adopted at all. Why shouldn’t these children be looked at for adoption, because they are too old; they are spoiled goods? Yes, I know what all of you are going to tell me, they could have been abused, they might set my house on fire, they will be bad in school, they might throw fits, they might take awhile to adjust to my rules. And you know what I have to say to all of that; my OWN biological child could do all of those things!!!!! That is the reality people. Not to mention that I am well qualified to deal with a child of these ages and all of their “baggage.” I will spare you my list of credentials; actually I won’t…..I have my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, I am finishing my master’s in elementary education, I worked in head start for 6 years, I taught a parenting class to my head start parents, I have completed love and logic training and a millions other trainings dealing with at risk kids, I worked in Cabrini Green in Chicago and with a large base of monolingual parents and students in Colorado, I have an amazing support system, I am an adopted child myself, and last, but definitely not least, I WANT TO! So please don’t tell me your horror stories, not because I don’t want to hear it, but I don’t want you to judge a child before you ever meet them. Every child is different. I can’t believe that there are no children out there in the age range I would like who would not LOVE to be a part of a family. I am not kidding myself, I know that there will be a adjustment period, a grief period, and many other issues that will need to addressed; but remember I live it, I am that adopted child. I don’t know my biological family, I grieve for the relationships I don’t have; I understand, at least a little.
As for why we are looking at girls, we don’t want to change the birth order too much. I would like William to continue to be the oldest boy in the family. Also, he is already gaining a step sister once his dad gets married next year….but that is so not the point….anyway….there it is, agree or disagree, it’s your prerogative, just know where I am coming from.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Personality
This has been going around...Here I am....
ESFJ - The "Supporter"
ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.
What are you?
ESFJ - The "Supporter"
ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.
What are you?
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Home Study(part two)
This post is just going to be about me bitching about how the OSS thinks that my life revolves around their schedule.
Yes, I know I could just sit back and kiss their ass so that they will place a child with me. It's not that I am trying to be difficult; it is just the principle of how you treat people.
Example one: I call my worker back 2 days after she had called me. I was not trying to be rude or inconsiderate, I was truly busy. Have I mentioned that I am teaching 5th grade full time, coaching the schools cross-country team, finishing my masters, and raising my son right now?(And since all of my readers are women I don't even have to go into everything I do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.) So if I don't return your call it is not because I don't care or want to, it is because I really don't have the time.
Anyway, I called my worker and we were discussing the next time she could come do a visit. The whole while she kept saying that today would have been perfect for her. Eventually, I stopped her and said that even though it would have been perfect for her, it would not have worked for me. She seemed a little stunned. Well, isn't that why I haven't called back until now? Maybe they are used to working with people who don't return phone calls just because; I am not one of those people. Also, I am sick of feeling like I need to jump through hoops just because I am adopting. I am all for all the steps and procedures that are in place to ensure the safety of the children needing homes, but they shouldn’t make it so ridiculously difficult for us adoptive parents to meet those guidelines.
We went back to trying to schedule a day and she informed me that her hours were only from 7:30-2:00. I said that since I was a teacher this would not work for me unless I have a day off. I said the next day that I have off is Oct. 25th. I also told her that we were just looking to adopt right now, a girl, between the ages of 5-10 years old. This changed everything. All of a sudden she was able to come on the 15th at 3:40.
So we have a day scheduled and she said the next visit could be at her office with just my husband. Yes, it has to be at the office because he is a man; lucky. That just leaves our last visit to be scheduled. Peter and I are really looking forward to adopting an older girl. We just know that this is His calling for us. I will spear you and address that in another post :)
Yes, I know I could just sit back and kiss their ass so that they will place a child with me. It's not that I am trying to be difficult; it is just the principle of how you treat people.
Example one: I call my worker back 2 days after she had called me. I was not trying to be rude or inconsiderate, I was truly busy. Have I mentioned that I am teaching 5th grade full time, coaching the schools cross-country team, finishing my masters, and raising my son right now?(And since all of my readers are women I don't even have to go into everything I do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.) So if I don't return your call it is not because I don't care or want to, it is because I really don't have the time.
Anyway, I called my worker and we were discussing the next time she could come do a visit. The whole while she kept saying that today would have been perfect for her. Eventually, I stopped her and said that even though it would have been perfect for her, it would not have worked for me. She seemed a little stunned. Well, isn't that why I haven't called back until now? Maybe they are used to working with people who don't return phone calls just because; I am not one of those people. Also, I am sick of feeling like I need to jump through hoops just because I am adopting. I am all for all the steps and procedures that are in place to ensure the safety of the children needing homes, but they shouldn’t make it so ridiculously difficult for us adoptive parents to meet those guidelines.
We went back to trying to schedule a day and she informed me that her hours were only from 7:30-2:00. I said that since I was a teacher this would not work for me unless I have a day off. I said the next day that I have off is Oct. 25th. I also told her that we were just looking to adopt right now, a girl, between the ages of 5-10 years old. This changed everything. All of a sudden she was able to come on the 15th at 3:40.
So we have a day scheduled and she said the next visit could be at her office with just my husband. Yes, it has to be at the office because he is a man; lucky. That just leaves our last visit to be scheduled. Peter and I are really looking forward to adopting an older girl. We just know that this is His calling for us. I will spear you and address that in another post :)
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Home Study
We finally got a call the other day to set up our 1st home study visit. Now, I just need to find the time to call them back!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Putting it all together
What we did the last month.....
We started and completed all of our foster adopt classes. The best thing I can say about them is that they are over. I honestly didn’t learn anything that I had not known before. However, our classmates were a riot and we made some new friends.
After our first class my husband had a mini break down. I can appreciate and understand that reaction when it becomes a reality that you really may not have a biological child, though I know that is not the complete story…..it is the easiness of pregnancy, planning, and no questions; but those things are all still there, you just have 9 months to adjust.
We went to a new fertility doctor in BR. He had some test done and it turns out that I don’t have old eggs, just a limited supply, or limited edition as I like to say:) I am still waiting to hear if I still carry any antibodies that would cause infertility. The doctor also thought I might have a slight case of endometriosis. But the real shocker was that my husband may have Morphology or structure issues. We will see.
We went on a family vacation with Peter’s family, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, spouses and his parents in Michigan. I am not particularly fond of his family, but we actually had a good time. I spent most of my time with my sister in law who totally rocks!!!
After the week in Michigan, William and I spent the next week in Chicago. It was nice. My mom and I went shopping and I got to spend a lot of time with my nephew. Two of my cousins got married on the 28th. Their weddings were fun! The real funny thing about it is that they use to date. No they are not cousins. LOL.
My School starts next week. I am feeling pretty good about my preparations, but still have a lot to do!!! I am excited about teaching 5th grade.
We started and completed all of our foster adopt classes. The best thing I can say about them is that they are over. I honestly didn’t learn anything that I had not known before. However, our classmates were a riot and we made some new friends.
After our first class my husband had a mini break down. I can appreciate and understand that reaction when it becomes a reality that you really may not have a biological child, though I know that is not the complete story…..it is the easiness of pregnancy, planning, and no questions; but those things are all still there, you just have 9 months to adjust.
We went to a new fertility doctor in BR. He had some test done and it turns out that I don’t have old eggs, just a limited supply, or limited edition as I like to say:) I am still waiting to hear if I still carry any antibodies that would cause infertility. The doctor also thought I might have a slight case of endometriosis. But the real shocker was that my husband may have Morphology or structure issues. We will see.
We went on a family vacation with Peter’s family, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, spouses and his parents in Michigan. I am not particularly fond of his family, but we actually had a good time. I spent most of my time with my sister in law who totally rocks!!!
After the week in Michigan, William and I spent the next week in Chicago. It was nice. My mom and I went shopping and I got to spend a lot of time with my nephew. Two of my cousins got married on the 28th. Their weddings were fun! The real funny thing about it is that they use to date. No they are not cousins. LOL.
My School starts next week. I am feeling pretty good about my preparations, but still have a lot to do!!! I am excited about teaching 5th grade.
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