Doodle update

I've been so blessed that the Smith family have been in close contact and I've been able to love on and snuggle Doodle a few times since she's left us. She is THRIVING. Mama Smith has been wonderful to send pictures and updates and she's been keeping me in the loop with Doodle's case. It does look like her bio mom is pregnant but there is no confirmation yet. The little boy that the Smith's are fostering is 3 and his bio mom has 2 yr old twins, a one yr old and just had a new baby 2 months early. (She doesn't have custody of any of her kids). I encouraged Mama Smith to buy a BIG stroller :)

We are missing Doodle fiercely but I KNOW that she is where she should be. They are so in love with her. Mama Smith told me that when Doodle hears Papa Smith's voice when he comes in from work she strains to get into his arms.  I am so happy to hear this.

Sprout is doing excellent and enjoying his summer. Swimming daily and being the outdoor boy he is! I am still in shock that he will be going to kindergarten this fall. At almost 6 years old I am not ready to send him but I know it's just one of the many steps in letting go.  He is the youngest of our 5 children and knows he is adorable. He's the sweetest little love and I am so blessed to be his mama.  We're praying for a new little bundle and patiently waiting.  Only God knows who is coming next.  We're ready!

Always more to the story...

Doodle is doing excellent. She is the hardest baby I've ever had (emotionally) but there's been so much progress that I'm so excited to see what the future holds for her. Her bio mom missed every visit from May 9 until the 2nd week in June. Now it looks like bio mom has a belly but no one at the county is allowed to ask :/ Doodle screams her head off during visits and when I pick her up she's still trying to catch her breath and her eyes are puffy. The workers will work with bio mom on how to parent during these visits. Doodle was evaluated for Early In%tervention and was found to be above average!! I'm so excited that she's THRIVING!!!

The court ordered sibling visits with her 2 year old brother. I know that they share the same bio dad but since paternity was never established they are calling then 1/2 siblings.
Big brother is placed with paternal grandma but she doesn't want Doodle. (I've heard that grandma is hoping that we adopt Doodle). 

I am having a procedure done that requires a lot of recovery time and Doodle will be going to respite with a family that is pre-adoptive. I love this sweet baby and I want God's best for her but I don't think that we are included in her future. I spoke at length with the worker and we feel that it's best that she goes into respite with a family that is most likely to adopt. During the 'meet and greet' time, Doodle did exceptional with this 'stranger'. She chatted like normal and was very comfortable in her arms. I'm excited to see what the future holds. Busy next few weeks but will update as I can...

What's going on with Doodle?

She's been here for 40 days. She's happy and seems more settled than I've ever seen her.  She knows that when she cries her needs will be met. She would rather be in someone's arms than anywhere else and we accommodate her as often as we can. She is rolling from back to belly and belly to back. She is trying to clap her hands and sit up. Bio mom has missed the past few weeks of visits and phone calls. She just disappeared. No one from the county has heard from her. Hoping she's safe and making good decisions. I have a feeling that Doodle is going to be a big sister but there's no confirmation on that. I'm just enjoying my time with her and LOVING the snuggles!!!

Just keep swimming...

Doodle is thriving! She has a twinkle is her eye and a smile on her face...ALWAYS. She is settled and content.  She is actually becoming a VERY EASY baby. Visits are going well. 2x a week, supervised with the county.  Bio mom is allowed to call 3x a week and has missed more than 1/2 the calls.  Doodle can roll from her belly to her back. She is vomiting MUCH less so tummy time is easier.  She eats solids every few days but rice cereal is in most of her bottles. She is going for a well check in 3 weeks :)

Visits and phone calls

Our first visit with bio mom was last Friday. She didn't come prepared and the visit ended early because Doodle was hungry.  Our second visit was yesterday. Bio mom was transported by the worker to and from the visit. Again, she didn't come prepared with a diaper bag or bottles. The visit is one hour but it is her responsibility to bring what her baby needs for the one hour she has to care to her.  Again, the visit ended early because Doodle was hungry and fussy. Bio mom also requested that we only have 2 visits a week instead of 3 because 3 is just too much for her. She also was given 3 phone calls a week and has already missed the first one on Sunday night. Tonight is the next one. We'll see if she follows through. 

Doodle is settling in well. Eating and sleeping good and her reflux is pretty much under control. She's making great eye contact most of the time. This baby has been through so much and I have nothing but compassion for her.