Farewell, my sweet Baby C.

Our job of being Baby C's family is over. Now we will pray for him from afar. His new mama (his aunt) has promised to bring him to visit and send us pictures. Even if she doesn't, we feel God's mercies for our family, and sweet baby C. I know so many people have been praying for him (and us). Such a blessing.



He left us this morning, and I have worked hard packing up every bit of "baby" from around the house. Putting the clothes away... the racoon jammies, the onesie he wore yesterday, the striped overalls that I adore... my eyes stung with tears. It's better to pack up quickly. Letting things linger will only make it hurt more.



There is no doubt we will miss him. He will always have a piece of my heart.

He Knows

Starting the weekend not knowing what our next week will bring is not ideal. No assurance was given when the social worker visited yesterday morning. A homestudy still waiting final approval. A change of judges, now making the outcome of Wednesday's court hearing totally unpredictable and worrisome.

I try to plan for worst case scenarios, which always end with Baby C leaving abruptly next week to a home in which we have no confidence.

What it all comes down to, and what allows me sleep at night, and what gets me through each day is my belief that God knows. He has a plan that is in action. I may not like the plan, but I know the Planner is much wiser than I, and His love for Baby C is far greater.

I look forward to the day we will understand the beauty and intricacies of His great plan for all of us. How He was at work in every minute detail. But especially how He redeems the pain and ends the curse.

What May Come

Tomorrow the social worker will visit. She will bring word as to what DSS's recommendation to the court will be this coming Wednesday. Where they want my sweet Baby C to go. 

Our job may come to an end soon. The job of being the hands and feet of Jesus to a child who came to us broken and desperate for love. I pray that where he goes, he will be loved as much as we love him. I pray that no matter what, God will hold fast to him.

I am soaking in the kisses. The sweetness of a chubby, happy baby. Hoping for just a few more weeks.

How do you say goodbye to a baby who knows you as his only mother? 

It's a question that holds no good answer.

Mama's Helper

Having a baby around with older kids who can help makes a huge difference. While I took a shower, Lauralyn was in charge. She does an awesome job with Baby C. I came out to the living room to find this:





Thank you, Lauralyn! Your help is so very appreciated. :-)

Jay

We don't have another foster son. The boy you so often see in our family pictures is our next door neighbor, Jay. He lives with his great-grandma, and loves playing with our kids, so he spends most of his free time with us (which I'm sure helps give her a break, too).

Jay is a delightful young man and a pleasure to have in our lives. He has recently gotten over a MAJOR fear of dogs (I sort of forced him to get over it as I wasn't going to lock our dogs up every time he came over). Now I think he likes Jackson as much as he likes Isaac! (Probably more as I doubt he'd let Isaac lick his face).

Picnic Time

After years of wanting a picnic table, I decided, now was the time. Noah did a great job picking the best one out Lowes had to offer... and yesterday, the kids had the first official meal outside.

Toothless

A Motley Crew

Sometimes...

... you just need to take a morning nap with your dog.