I remember meeting the girls for the first time in the observation room at DHR.
They were writing on a stack of post-it notes.
I remember on my way home stopping by Wal-Mart (super quick) grabbing up toys as fast as I could so that they would have something to play with.
I didn't sleep at all that first night.
I remember not having much decent for them to wear.
I remember little girl SCREAMING that second day when our SW came to get her to take her to the doctor. She was terrified already and didn't understand where she was being taken.
I remember the first time big girl called Jonathan daddy.
I also remember that she had the first melt down there right in the beginning. It was over chicken pot pie at dinner time. She threw a fit and we made her go to her room. That only made things worse. I still have never heard either child yell and cry as loud as she did that night. JD and I just looked at each other with huge eyes wondering what in the world to do. We still to this day don't know if she really dislikes chicken pot pie that passionately or if it was an emotional break. We've never served it at meal time again though just in case:)
I remember going out in public with little girl and being so embarrassed at the strangers who would look from her bruised face to me. That taught me alot about assumptions.
I remember that the first or second week I got as sick as I've ever been as an adult but tried to be a good momma all the same.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
These little girls are more well adjusted than any I've ever heard of coming through the foster care system. Even still, we've had some rocky roads over the past year. This parenting thing is more challenging than I could have imagined. In some ways I'm way worse than I would have thought but I love doing it. We've all come a long way but I know we have even further to come still. Jonathan says we will never again experience as many changes as we did this past year (the girls, the house, the baby). I would agree.
I would do it a million times over:)
4 comments:
can't believe it's been a year already. I don't think I ever had the chance to meet you at the store but you feel like a friend talking through your blog. Good luck on year number 2 and getting ready for the new one. If you need a babysitter for the older two, you can ask Monique for a reference!
I remember meeting you after you had only had them a week. You were inspiring and caring and loving all while being overwhelmed with all God had recently blessed you with. God has not only used you to be the perfect mother to these beautiful children, but He also used you (and will continue to) to show us the path God intended for us. I am forever grateful for that. And the fact that your girls are so well adjusted after being through so much is all God. He knew you and JD were the perfect parents for these 2 babies. God's will has been done and it is GLORIOUS! You continue to inspire me as we continue down this path! Thank you!
Dear Jess,
Happy Gotcha Day!!! It will always be as special as it is this first year. I just can not even believe it has been a year since God placed these beautiful girls in our family. To say that I am so very proud of you and Jonathan is such an understatement.
It seems like the girls have always been a part of our family.
I love each of you and thank God everyday that our forever family prayers have been answered. God is indeed good. And we can not wait for sister #3...hugs and kisses to my girls.
Aunt Debbie
Just found your blog and I have the same 1 Samuel quote on mine! Love it!
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