Tuesday Ten & a Check-In

[persianmaman]

Because I have been so absent but still wanna get to know you guys, I am briefly reviving the Tuesday 10 we use to do a few months ago. So, for new folks, just ten random things about your life today as it is, and please everyone, give a brief update as to where you are in the adoption community/journey (all members of triad welcome, please give updates!).

1. I can't even count the months it has been since I last posted. I think the days are still blurring together this year and I wonder if 2016 will seem any slower.
2. Love my new job, but still scared out of my mind because there is no one to tell me if I'm doing anything wrong.
3. Got to see my best friend this weekend (she is also our chosen guardian for the adoption process) and it was so great to catch up, have girl time, and get to talk at length about life and all that adulthood has surprised us with.
4. My office is so cold that a jacket, blanket, and hot tea aren't enough.
5. Yay for autumn though! Yay for apples and cider and cinnamon.
6. Wondering what I should make for dinner tonight. DH doesn't like kale, but I'm craving a kale, corn, and feta cheese tartlette. Hmm.
7. Saw the Martian this weekend - was great for folks interested! Gonna go see it again with DH, because he was a bum and decided to stay home when we went the first time. The AMC was all fixed up - recliner chairs AND the concession stand had tea. Home sweet home.
8. Is it too early to start shopping for Christmas?
9. We are doing paintball on Saturday with some college friends. Glad I'm still fit enough to run around in the cold, get muddy and covered with bruises, and don't care.
10. Wondering how long our wait is gonna be on our adoption now. Dossier went out yesterday, but there are so many new families I have no idea how long the wait is gonna be compared to when we started the process last July.

CHECK IN :: DH and I just sent out our dossier to South Africa after a 14 month paperwork nightmare. But we're square now and happy to finally be waiting. Our range is 0-2, special medical needs, and either gender.

[gnomesweetgnome]

I don't know if I'll make it to ten, but here's a few.
1) found out yesterday that K2 has a double ear infection and will need her tonsils and adenoids out. That will happen next week.
2) we had to wake up early (7:30, haha) this morning so the girls could have their speech evaluations at 8:30. They checked out fine, at least!
3) B is having a rough time sharing with the girls, and his behavior is making me a little crazy
4) K1's behavior also makes me crazy. She cries whenever we get onto her for anything, no matter how minor. And now if she doesn't get her way (especially if she's asking to be held and we're dealing with another child) she will also start crying. It's a bit exhausting.
5) I have to take all three kids to the dentist by myself this afternoon. Not looking forward to that at all!
6) I can't wait until my massage this weekend. It's been a few months, and a lot of stress!

That's all I can come up with for now.

Update on us: the girls have been here for about 2.5 weeks. They seem to be adjusting well, and we haven't seen any of the issues the previous foster family told us/the doctors/the case workers about. I think part of the problem was shock, and another part they just weren't a good fit with the previous family/not getting enough attention in the previous home. I'm glad they're doing better, and I'm hoping I can start to feel a little more bonded to them soon. Although since we have no idea how long they might be staying, maybe it's OK that it hadn't happened for me yet.

[Rogue]

I'm going to combine our facts and our update?

1. We graduate from our PRIDE class tonight!
2. I believe we have "final" interviews for the home study this week.
3. After the interviews all that's left is to buy a crib and car seat then we are ready for licensing.
4. I have been impressed at how quickly things have gone... So far
5. We are really hoping to be licenced by thanksgiving.


That's it for now. All stuff is going good

[browneyes8]

1.  2 post placement visits completed for our second adoption...one more to go before finalization
2.  DS2 is a huge baby, 20+lbs at not even 4 months and in 12 month clothing
3.  DS1 is a very protective sweet big brother
4.  Taking whole family with me to Philly this weekend where I am presenting at a conference
5.  Need a ton of clothes for DS2 now since although DS1 was born in the same month and was also "big" DS2 is outpacing him by a ton!!!
6. Glad the sun is finally out after a very cloudy rainy few days
7.  So excited my Mets are in the playoffs
8. Not excited that the first games are late
9. Enjoying my time home with my boy
10. As one of 4 girls, I never pictured my life as a mom of 2 boys but am loving it!

[justbeth]

1. New here, intro'd the other day.

2. Got licensed for foster care 2 weeks ago, got our first baby (2 weeks old) that same day. She got adopted on Monday by a sweet family.

3. Now we are just waiting to see what is next.

4. Our AC broke yesterday so it's a little warm in here.

5. My dog got sick all over the bedroom/bathroom/closet last night so that was a fun MOTN wake up.

6. My toddler was up at 4 ready to party.

7. I'm exhausted

8. I want to go to target and get some halloween decorations. DD is really into neighbors decor this year and we don't own any halloween decor.

9. Got my flu shot today and it hurt way more than normal. I sweat the nurse hit my shoulder bone. She did the shot in the weirdest spot.

10. I'm already looking at Christmas gift ideas online and at Christmas cards ideas. I'm a christmas nut.

[pinkie]

gnomesweetgnome - our older son is 2.5 and has had a brother for almost a year and still struggles a lot with sharing. I think it's a totally normal age related thing.

I'm glad to hear that overall the adjustment seems to be going well . You are my new hero for having 3 two year olds at once

[pinkie]

Oct 6, 2015 12:48:51 GMT -5 browneyes8 said:

1.  2 post placement visits completed for our second adoption...one more to go before finalization
2.  DS2 is a huge baby, 20+lbs at not even 4 months and in 12 month clothing
3.  DS1 is a very protective sweet big brother
4.  Taking whole family with me to Philly this weekend where I am presenting at a conference
5.  Need a ton of clothes for DS2 now since although DS1 was born in the same month and was also "big" DS2 is outpacing him by a ton!!!
6. Glad the sun is finally out after a very cloudy rainy few days
7.  So excited my Mets are in the playoffs
8. Not excited that the first games are late
9. Enjoying my time home with my boy
10. As one of 4 girls, I never pictured my life as a mom of 2 boys but am loving it!

Let's Go Mets!!!!!!!!!!  I'm so so so fired up!  I'm actually thrilled the games are late so the kids will be in bed and I can focus totally on the games lol.

[gnomesweetgnome]

Oct 6, 2015 13:43:42 GMT -5 pinkie said:

gnomesweetgnome - our older son is 2.5 and has had a brother for almost a year and still struggles a lot with sharing. I think it's a totally normal age related thing.

I'm glad to hear that overall the adjustment seems to be going well . You are my new hero for having 3 two year olds at once

Yeah, I mean, we aren't expecting anything different. But it is a bit stressful, lol.

[ceejay]

Thanks for starting this, persianmaman. It's good to hear from you again! Glad things are progressing in your adoption process.
Congrats on finishing your PRIDE classes, Rogue!
gnomesweetgnome - I can relate about not feeling totally bonded yet. Our foster sons have been with us for almost a month, and I like them a lot but I don't feel completely bonded/attached yet. They are a long term placement (at least a year, maybe much longer if we can adopt them), but I think I'm subconsciously guarding myself from getting too attached.


I don't think I can make it to 10 but I will try...


1. I haven't been too busy at work the past couple weeks, so I've spent way too much time online shopping for our boys and taking care of personal emails.

2. We had a birthday party for our oldest foster son last Saturday at a park near our house. It was fun but way too cold for an outdoor party (only 45 degrees!).

3. My favorite time with our oldest foster son is bedtime. He LOVES taking a bath and brushing his teeth. And I really enjoying reading with him before he goes to sleep.

4. MH and I are going to have our first date night this Saturday since we got the boys 1 month ago. I'm really excited!

5. Also this Saturday, I'm getting a haircut! It will be my first haircut in 4 months and its desperately needed.

6. We are planning to trade in my 2006 Equinox for a minivan. I have mixed feelings about owning a minivan but I'm excited to get a new vehicle.

7. I really hope we can adopt our foster sons someday, and it makes me sad to think about them going back to their bio parents.

8. I'm looking forward to going trick or treating with the boys this year. Hopefully it won't be too cold (or snowing!).

9. I am very seriously considering getting a tattoo for my 30th birthday this month. I have the tattoo picked out and just need to be brave and get it done!

10. I am running a 10k in 3 weeks, and I'm completely out of shape. So I will actually be walking/running a 10k in 3 weeks.

[delenire]

Update: We had our last interview with our Certifier last night. She told us we were golden and that she is hoping to have us complete for placement the 1st of November. We are scared and excited at the same time.

Ten Random Things:
1. Getting ready for a "camping trip" up in Seattle this weekend.
2. Planning some sort of Photo announcement for becoming foster parents
3. Failing at focusing on work.
4. Trying to find a way to celebrate but also not get "too excited" about
being approved.
5. I'm surprised it has only been 3 months from application to approval. How is this even happening???
6. I want to watch the Martian!
7. I think I found a baby sitter... and the fact that I have to find one is surreal.
8. I am going to be a parent. Almost a mom even (To me the child deserves that choice.) Is today really happening?
9. I am currently battling some unknown need to buy Mom Clothes. What are they? and shouldn't I stay away from the "Mom Jean"?
10. I feel a little obsessed.

[drl]

1. Our flight home is delayed, but only by 30 minutes

2. We just spent a long weekend with my entire family. It was fun, exhausting, chaotic, and hilarious

3. When we get home, we are finally dine with 6 weeks of travel

4. There's a kids area at this airport, thank goodness.

5. The weather is great here and at home

6. DH said he overheard DD telling her cousin she has 2 mommies. One is the one who grew her in her belly, and one is the mom she has now

7. We had family photos done and I can't wait to see them

8. I'm knitting a sweater for me and it's going to be gorgeous

9. DH hates to travel but has been very good this trip

10. I cannot wait to get a full night of sleep in my own bed!

[pinkie]

1) our baby is turning 1 this weekend - so crazy how fast time went.
2) both of our kids are at rough ages and it's exhausting. Our toddler has started with more tantrums and is demanding. We know it's an age thing but exhausting. Then our baby is massively teething so he's been kinda miserable.
3) mets in the playoffs woo hoo!!
4) our dog had been sick for the past month. We thought we were going to lose him but the past week he's been slowly improving. Made me realize I've taken him a bit for granted and shouldn't do that.
5) I'm enjoying a nice IPA right now
6) we moved a little over a month ago, I'm a little surprised our older son never asks about our old house or his old daycare.
7) our older son has been making potty training progress - woo hoo again
8) I'm out of things

[browneyes8]

Oct 6, 2015 13:45:32 GMT -5 pinkie said:

Oct 6, 2015 12:48:51 GMT -5 browneyes8 said:

1.  2 post placement visits completed for our second adoption...one more to go before finalization
2.  DS2 is a huge baby, 20+lbs at not even 4 months and in 12 month clothing
3.  DS1 is a very protective sweet big brother
4.  Taking whole family with me to Philly this weekend where I am presenting at a conference
5.  Need a ton of clothes for DS2 now since although DS1 was born in the same month and was also "big" DS2 is outpacing him by a ton!!!
6. Glad the sun is finally out after a very cloudy rainy few days
7.  So excited my Mets are in the playoffs
8. Not excited that the first games are late
9. Enjoying my time home with my boy
10. As one of 4 girls, I never pictured my life as a mom of 2 boys but am loving it!

Let's Go Mets!!!!!!!!!!  I'm so so so fired up!  I'm actually thrilled the games are late so the kids will be in bed and I can focus totally on the games lol.

Yay fellow Met fan!  That's true....we'll actually be at my conference so it might work out well- except for staying up too late- luckily I present on Friday afternoon. DS1 though enjoyed our "Mets party" during the clinching game and asked when we could have another one ;-)

[wesleycrusher]

1. We should get our license in the mail end of this week/early next week.

2. We are planning to have nephew transition to us Halloween weekend.

3. We spent this wekend with him...had a rough patch when he woke up early from from a nap and was tired and cried for his mom. He got over it after about 20 min of crying. DH and i aren't sure if it'll just be these isolated instances of crying or.....

4. DD turned 3 yesterday.

5. I leave for a 6 day vacay with some college friends to fly cross country for another friend's wedding. DH and DD aren't going. I'm sad they'll be missing but am so excited to have some time to myself with friends and not worry about anything!

6. DH just spent a week in Vienna for work (and took some extra time for sightseeing) so he got in his solo trip too, don't feel bad for him.

7. I've started Christmas shopping already. I'm really tempted to by ALL the new toys before nephew comes since DD doesn't have a ton. I've started an Amazon list to keep track of what I want be for he comes vs what to get for Christmas.

8. We leave for a 2 week trip to Florida a week after we get nephew. Less than a month from now! Ive already started making lists and getting stuff together for Disney. Can't wait!!

9. I also have an Amazon list to keep track of what I still need for Disney.

10. I already have matching xmas mickey shirts for DD and nephew to wear to the Christmas party at rhe magic kingdom i bought DD's last year but got nephews on eBay. I want my cheesy family photo for this years Christmas card.

[delenire]

Oct 8, 2015 9:09:31 GMT -5 wesleycrusher said:

1. We should get our license in the mail end of this week/early next week.

2. We are planning to have nephew transition to us Halloween weekend.

3. We spent this wekend with him...had a rough patch when he woke up early from from a nap and was tired and cried for his mom. He got over it after about 20 min of crying. DH and i aren't sure if it'll just be these isolated instances of crying or.....

4. DD turned 3 yesterday.

5. I leave for a 6 day vacay with some college friends to fly cross country for another friend's wedding. DH and DD aren't going. I'm sad they'll be missing but am so excited to have some time to myself with friends and not worry about anything!

6. DH just spent a week in Vienna for work (and took some extra time for sightseeing) so he got in his solo trip too, don't feel bad for him.

7. I've started Christmas shopping already. I'm really tempted to by ALL the new toys before nephew comes since DD doesn't have a ton. I've started an Amazon list to keep track of what I want be for he comes vs what to get for Christmas.

8. We leave for a 2 week trip to Florida a week after we get nephew. Less than a month from now! Ive already started making lists and getting stuff together for Disney. Can't wait!!

9. I also have an Amazon list to keep track of what I still need for Disney.

10. I already have matching xmas mickey shirts for DD and nephew to wear to the Christmas party at rhe magic kingdom i bought DD's last year but got nephews on eBay. I want my cheesy family photo for this years Christmas card.

I am not the only one that makes amazon lists to keep track of shopping wants and needs? This is amazing! thank you!!!!!! Seriously had to make my lists private because 1. people buy some of the weirdest stuff off my amazon list (one year my mom bought me hair extensions for xmas, stating that she needed to see how they worked. lol)
2. If it is xmas or my bday and I look at my amazon list cuz I am shopping I get blamed for "snooping"

Thank you, thank you, thank you for using amazon as a shopping list/idea holder like me too... 

[nextchapter24]

Late to the party. It thought I'd join anyway...

1. We got our homestudy completed last week!
2. We've started our profile and it's killing us! We can't find backrounds we like/ agree on.
3.,we have family pictures this weekend and I'm really excited to do them . I hope our puppy cooperates!
4. We have an outdoor wedding this weekend and it's supposed to rain the whole day . Major bummer for the bride.
5. Our wedding anniversary and my birthday are both coming up. Trying to decide if we are doing something big this year or not.
6. I can't wait for thanksgiving and Christmas! I usually host and it's my favorite time of the year .
7 . We are working hard to get in our agency's book, but I'm also afraid for the wait . I hope I'll be able to stay busy and not think about it.