From then to now!

Where do I even start? The amnt of changes that have happen in our lives from Olivias third birthday to now are amazing. For one I went from being a mother to ONE to a mother of FOUR in a matter of a few short weeks. We provided temporary foster care for two baby boys, under age 1. Our first was D, he was 4months old when he came to us and just shy of 6months when he went home to his mommy, S who I just adore. That experience was hands down better than anyone could hope for in a temporary fostercare situation. I wish them both the best in life and look forward to keeping in contact with S and hearing all about amazing little D and their lives. R came us to at 3am, I had zero sleep for about 3days straight learning to juggle a home and 3 young children--- Olivia (my always high needs wonder girl) R, who was 11months at time of placement, and D. It was but a few days later that we got THE call, for our June bug. We knew when we received the call that she would be coming to us as a long term permanent member of our family(unlike the boys who had a goal for reunification) the fact that we can now adopt her seems almost too good to be true! She moved in and her and Olivia bonded immediately. I wont lie we've had our struggles, but overall our experience has been one that I know many who plan to adopt a waiting child can only hope for. I've debated whether or not I should continue to blog here, for one so much of my blog has included photos and details of our lives. Until we can officially adopt J, unfortunately I cant include pictures of her. I can blur her face or share pictures of her from behind...Something I might choose to do, but I haven't really decided yet. Olivia is in preschool now two days per week, I tried to have June bug go aswell but she just wasn't ready yet. So we take that time and do mommy and me type classes. It gives J some one on one time and O a bit of a break from her. O loves her school and her teachers and has matured so quickly there. She is learning more and more everyday and just becoming such a kewl KID! Its amazing to me how fast time is flying by and its bittersweet to see my BABY become a happy healthy independant little person. She is still nursing(with no end in site) so I do still get daily reminders that she IS and always will be my little baby. J is just a little snuggle bug. She loves to be carried around everywhere, and can win the hearts of anyone with her little smile and shrug of her shoulder. J and O are quite a pair. Some have suggested a comparison of "twins" and while they are technically only 1 day apart in age, they are really in completely different places in every way phyiscally, mentally and emotionally. So while that may change, for now Olivia has taken on a "big sister" role. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out as they grow older and Olivia realizes J is actually 1full day older than her *wink* There is a lot of controversy about adoption and birth order and child spacing. All I can say is we have so many signs that clearly explain to us that this is what is meant to be, there are the children who are supposed to be here and through any and all challenges we may face we will do the work to help our children grow and thrive and just be the best family we can be.