That would make six, right?

Well, we went and met the kids on Sunday.

(I don’t even know how to refer to these beautiful children.  Certainly not yet my kids, not their kids….hmmm.)

We took a few candid photos, but unfortunately nothing that is faceless enough that I feel comfortable posting.  Just take my word for it.  They are beautiful.

Their ages are slightly (?) different than we were originally told, which will not surprise any of you who are seasoned in ‘the system.’  As of next month, they will actually be 7, 6, 5, and 3.  Which would mean that as of October we would have kids ages 7, 6, 5, 3, 3, and 1.  I can’t believe I even just typed that.  Someone should seriously either give me a strong slap or a strong drink.  Seriously.

 

I know what you want to know.  You want to know, did I look at them and say, “Yup, these are my kids.”

I’m hesitant to say that.  Only because I’m trying not to let my heart get ahead of the reality of where we are – there is a lot to consider. 

Did I fall in love with them?  Yes.  Would I have them move in tomorrow if the opportunity were there?  Probably.  But that doesn’t seem altogether wise.

 

They were all so sweet.  I know, I know, all you foster parents are saying, “Well, of course they were Maggie.”  But they’ve been in the same foster home for a year now, and have not exhibited any behaviors.  NONE.  How that’s possible coming from their circumstances, I’m not sure.  I’m not naïve enough to think we would never see any repercussions of their past, I would expect to, but seriously, a year and no behaviors?

Our worker, who has been doing this for 20 years, said that these are the sweetest kids she’s ever had on her caseload.

 

We went over and played for about an hour.  Sylvia was so enamored by all the new toys that I’m not sure she even interacted much.  We all sat down on the driveway and had popsicles and showed each other our funny colored tongues.  Sylvia squeezed her little tush in-between two of the kids to be sure she was a part of the circle too.  Naomi was passed between about four different laps.  It was fun.

I was also so surreal.  How do you go about meeting what may be your next four forever children?  I was like someone had just hit fast-forward, or is it rewind?  With a little pause in there too?  Surreal.

 

So, we have decided to move forward from here.

Next we will do an overnight visit sometime in the next couple of weeks.  Moving forward from there would be a couple of weekend visits, likely in May.  Moving forward from there would be the kids moving in with us near the end of May or beginning of June.

 

There hasn’t been a termination hearing yet.  It is scheduled for July.  Mom and Dad are absolutely not options at this point, so the only way it wouldn’t go to adoption is if another relative came up who was appropriate.  So far they’ve been through three relatives that were hands down no’s, with no appeals.  Even so, we have to be, and are, ready and willing to be foster parents for these kids.  If something comes up for them that isn’t us adopting them, we will give our support.

 

So, we’re looking at 8 passenger mini-vans, and shoot, 12 passenger vans too.

 

I’m so humbled to be here.