Friday, January 1, 2010

Crying Time

We finally were able to see a pediatrician this week!! We have a growing boy-- he's up to 11 pounds and 6 ounces and 22 inches long. He was a perfect angel during the appointment-- until it was time for his shots! Whoa!! That boy can scream!! He only screamed for a couple of minutes , but it felt like an hour to me. But he was a little trooper-- after he calmed down, he didn't fuss or cry for the rest of the evening. I was quite surprised too-- especially after all of the dreadful stories that I had heard!

Baby's First Christmas

I wish I could share pictures of our cute little guy! He was adorable during the week of Christmas. He had 4 "Baby's First Christmas" outfits, so he was dressed in one almost every day that week.

He got a lot of things for Christmas, but mostly clothes. He got 16 sleep and play outfits! Some other things included a couple of blankets, a mobile, a toy bar for his carseat, a couple of stuffed toys, an activity gym, and a tummy-time blanket.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

21 Days to Make a Habit

A while back at work, I took a Franklin-Covey time management class. During the class, it was said it takes 21 days to make a habit. It's tried and true. I believe it because I experienced it just after I took the class and we've just experienced it again. (Today is the 21st day with Drew in our lives).

One habit that I've already made since he's arrived is the habit of making bottles. OK, maybe this isn't a habit, but I would rather not call it a chore. Wash, rinse, dry, fill. This cycle seems to be never ending! After 21 days, I believe that I could do this in my sleep!

Speaking of sleep...that's another habit worth noting. I've had to change my sleeping habits- no more sleeping until 10 am on Saturday mornings! But, Stephen's sleeping habits haven't changed at all! Oh well. A girl can still dream, right?! Drew's sleeping pattern is beginning to change too. He's staying awake a lot longer in between bottles and has even slept through the night a couple of times.

And a habit I hope we aren't making a mistake by doing...the habit of rocking him to sleep. There is nothing sweeter than looking down at his little sweet face when he's trying to fall asleep. He fights Mr. Sandman every night, but never wins. It is a long battle some nights. Some say we are spoiling him, but this is one habit that I have become addicted to doing.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

We've been asked many questions about our foster child and the experience we've had over the past couple of weeks. I thought I'd take a few minutes and try to provide some questions to the most common questions.

Why can you post pictures to the blog or Facebook? It's a confidentiality restriction by DHR. All of the details about the baby and how he has come to live with us is confidential. Of course, we can share some of the generic facts, but nothing that can reveal his identity.

How long will you keep him? This is more difficult to answer. We really don't know. It could be a few more days, it could be a few months, it could be forever. There are a lot of moving pieces to the equation. What I know for sure, however long we have him will be a blessing.

What have been the biggest changes to your life since you've had him? Everything has changed!! Our sleeping schedule is now determined by his sleeping schedule. We've had to adjust the heat at our house- we typically keep the temperature in the winter around 68 degrees, but with the baby, we've had to adjust it upward to 72 degrees. Finding the time to do laundry is a challenge (maybe because I use the baby as an excuse for not doing it at all!).

How is Baxter reacting to the baby? Baxter was a little stand-offish at first. He would simply smell Drew's head or feet and then back off. I guess the newness has worn off! Now, I may have Drew on one knee and Baxter on the other! Drew gets a good sniffing and a kiss from Baxter when we get home everyday.

Is there anything he needs? This is a loaded question! Unlike most children that come into foster care, he came to us with a lot of stuff-- clothes, diapers, blankets, bottles. He came with a car seat and swing too! We've only had to purchase formula and wipes. We've also purchased a play gym for his developmental needs. He's quickly outgrowing his newborn sleepers, but we have plenty of 0-3 months replacements. So for now, I think we're good on supplies.

These are just a few of the questions, but they are the most common. He's an adorable child and we are enjoying every minute of every day with him. We ask that you keep us in your prayers that everything works out according to His plan.