Today we meet our kids!!!

Today is just a ree-donkulously, fantabulous day. Not only is it Monkey's birthday (my baby is 2!), but we meet our kids, wow. I have not slept much the past few nights anyway, but last night it was pretty much a waste to get into bed at all. I worried about everything from making cupcakes for Adler, to did I get the right presents for the kids, and did I go overboard...and of course I did! We will have to spread it out I guess.

I knew better, but once I was in the store my heart took over and I just kept thinking of all of the things I wanted to give them. And all of the things they don't yet have. And then there will be the issue of what Avery, Jack, and Adler already have and then trying to make sure things are even. I swear I almost had a panic attack in the store. This was with Monkey and Jack sneaking footballs and Hot Wheels in the cart at every turn by the way.

By the time we left, I am sure the girl checking us out thought it must be an early Christmas at our house. Actually, not too far off. The CPS workers told us by all means get our kids something, just not go crazy. Oops, sorry. We got Makayla Fancy Nancy dress up clothes, feather boas, crowns, dress up shoes, purses, sunglasses, and some play jewelry. We got Jose (Matthew) footballs, soccer balls, a tee ball set and glove, a scooter, and some Hot Wheels of course. And for Alexis an Ipod and some CD's. Again, sorry about the crazy. But I figure we can slowly hand these things out. Even though I am training to be a child therapist and everything in me knows better, when it is me in this position and it is my children, especially with Alexis having such a hard time- I see nothing wrong with a little bribe action. But we also want to make sure they know that we mean no harm, that we love them, we cherish them, we will take care of them, and good things are coming their way. Plus honestly, we want to do whatever we can with Alexis to break that barrier right now...maybe an Ipod loaded with Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato could be a good icebreaker from a mom and dad wearing Converse? We shall see...

There are a couple of people that have really helped us out the past few days that I want to mention and give a sincere thank you to. Kenny Nye- thank you for coming and meeting Avery yesterday so she had someone here after school since I got tied up at my own school! And thank you in advance for coming to stay with the kiddos for awhile today while we go meet our other kiddos. This has been a very stressful week, not just because of the placement stuff, but of course everything has all happened now at once, so we are scrambling to get things done. With this going on, and me being in the middle of mid-terms this week, and Chad starting his new job on Monday, we have sorta not known which way was up the past few days. Add to it a few disappointments as of late, and well you get my drift. You have been a true friend and we appreciate you for being there when we need you. It is hard to find really good friends, and when Chad and I do we hold them near and dear...but I think you know that.

And to my mom who has gone out of her way time and time again to help with this process. She was supportive of our decision right out of the gate, and has continued to support every decision we have made along the way. Every time I have asked you to help, you have found a way to do it, even if it meant rearranging your schedule time and time again, and this is with a business to run on your own. You were the first person that Chad and I told that did not look at us like we were crazy, ask us why we were doing it, or when we told you we were wanting three try to tell us it was too many. Your response was simply "What a fun house that is going to be, it is always so cozy, and full of laughter" and then I think you might have referred to our pantry also always being full of really good snacks, which I know is something you like:) We had some struggles and let downs this week, and you were there just like you always are. Again, you rearranged your schedule at the last minute even though you have something important going on, because you said this was more important. not only did you come and watch the kids so we could go to our meeting, but when we got home and I had to rush right to the computer to finish my 10 page paper, and then rush out the door to my 3 hour class, I came home to clean kids with clipped fingernails. Chad said you had stayed and done all of that. So know that it did not go unnoticed. You are helping again tonight when Kenny leaves, so I thank you in advance also. I appreciate you more than you know and love you very much.

Now I am off to spend the morning with my birthday boy and to try to relax as much as I can, if that is possible, before heading out at 2pm to go meet the rest of our forever family. I am not going to worry anymore about our kids not liking us. honestly, there are days when Avery, Jack, and Adler don't like us. That is part of life, part of being a family. So I am going to stop worrying about that and just start focusing on getting them home, all of them. And ya know....if it means a little bribing here and there, I am not above it!

Wish us luck~