Smitten

It doesn't take long to fall for a baby who is depending on you for love and care. It doesn't matter that he's not "yours." Baby C has my heart, and the contentment I feel when I put my cheek on his fuzzy head, or watch him sleep in my arms, or feed him a bottle, or especially when he smiles at me and coos... well, it's a contentment that maybe only a mama's heart can know. 

The children dote on him and treat him like a little prince. Isaac is especially fond of him. It warms my heart to see him love on Baby C, and I believe it is a foreshadowing of what a great father Isaac will be one day. Lauralyn also has a renewed interest in baby dolls and playing "domestic." Which is so very helpful, especially when the laundry gets folded without being asked.

I know in my head Baby C is probably going to leave. Maybe as soon as the end of January. But I feel a little like Hannah, pleading with God. Lord, please?? Yet, my logic checks in and I am reminded that a good family member is probably better suited to be his guardian. And if he was to stay with us, we would be in for a LONG, difficult journey before we would know the end result, an end result that may just break our hearts.

I try not to think about it too hard, and just enjoy him. He feels like a sweet little gift to me after a year full of heartache. Balm to a broken heart.

The Flu and Fostering

We had the flu. It came, it reeked havoc, it was a jerk. Four of the six of us Hauts fell ill. Noah and Daniel have avoided the worst (knock on wood). Hoping we remain healthy for a long long time.

During those 2 weeks of high fevers, coughs and sore throats, we were called to be placed with a baby girl. The day we were supposed to have her arrive, Kristin got the first positive flu test. Baby Girl was not meant for our home apparently. I had peace with this change in plan, largely because I still felt pretty sick, and I knew it just wasn't best for us or her.

A week later, we received a different placement. He arrived two days ago. Baby C is 5 weeks old and I admit, it's a shock to go back into baby mode after being on hiatus for so long. But, it's sort of like riding a bike. Feeding, burping, changing, spit up, fussing... it's all very familiar.

Baby C likely won't be with us long term. The plan is for him to be placed with relatives in the next 2 months or so. If that is God's plan, we are okay with that. We will love him as best as we can while he is with us. One thing we have learned fostering... never count on anything to happen as planned. There is One who knows the plan, and I rest in knowing He has it under control.

This sure is a good time of year to have a little one to love on. Baby C fits the bill pretty well. :-)