Rest day ha haaa! We were out of the house at 8.30 for the review meeting on our rest day. It went really well, the foster carer was ace, she gave good and positive feedback. We and she just cannot believe how well intros have gone and we are expecting it all to go pear shaped at some point soon! Or maybe it's just meant to be this great. The FC did point out that they rarely ALL have off days as the same time, so when one is grumpy the others are usually fine. Everything is still set for them to move in on Thursday :D !!!!! It can't come soon enough!
so our rest day was a 7.30 alarm call, a meeting over there, back home, finalising shopping, washing, gardening and a review with our social worker (who couldn't make the morning meeting) until 6pm!
Saw them for an hour today, it was very hard to leave. Tidge screamed the house down when we left, Midge sulked and Squidge wasn't too happy either! When we got home I got really emotional about having left them and had a few tears of my own.
We don't need to be there until 11 tomorrow, so we do have a bit of a lie-in - our last one for some time! My sore throat is getting better, so let's hope it's gone by the morning!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
03-May 2010
Well, what a week! Best week of our lives - ever! we are just so lucky that we found these children, they are amazing and beautiful and funny and happy! call me biased, I know :D
oh and i never thought i would love anyone more than my husband but there are three little people who might be just a little bit higher in my affections than him!
We were up at 5.30 to get there by breakfast and do the feeding, then dressed and out to come home - without FC! its was a rainy day so we staying in for the morning. we visited the new bedrooms again and Tidge seems to have accepted her new bed and wardrobe. Midge is saying 'my bed', 'my new home', and '[name of FC]'s house', this is brilliant, we are so pleased! Mumma prepared the new curtains and made the beds whilst Daddy sorted the curtain poles. lovely domesticated bliss :D
we then spent the rest of the morning playing with cars. They play so well together, Midge is a bit boisterous but generally they follow instructions very well.
we made the mistake of telling Midge what he was having for lunch and he said he didn't want it, then he refused to eat it and said he didn't like chicken nuggets. the irony is that chicken nuggets was what he had wanted the other day, which he didn't get and then stropped about not getting them! u gotta larf! the other two ate well and then we all had fruit for dessert. daddy and i are eating much more healthily, at the right times and reducing our portion sizes. we think we have nearly nailed the eating routine, FC says give them a massive breakfast, cos they will ALWAYS eat then and then if they are fussy in the day u wont worry so much.
In the afternoon it was a bit dryer so we took them into the garden to play with the outdoor toys that we have been very generously given by friends. at first we started interacting like we did the other day, then remembered to let them get on with it! midge had a difficult time at one point and Mumma had to intervene, there were tears from him and it was upsetting for all three of us (the little two were playing) but we got there. Mumma and Midge had a kiss and a cuddle to make it all okay. FC says they don't hold a grudge, once they have sulked or screamed they happily get on with it.
Daddy and Mumma got a bit niggly with each other (out of earshot) but that's not surprising given the amount of sleep we have been getting lately. i think we have done very well considering everything we have been thru! its brought us closer together for sure, because we are thinking as a couple not as individuals - but that's what the adoption process forces you into. we are both loving it and feeling happy
We took them back to FC for tea, bed and bath-time routine, Midge stropped because he only had two bedtime stories. we then had a long chat with FC about progress and the lack of concern showed by any social worker. we haven't heard from any social worker in the whole week. as we were talking, our social worker texted me - her ears were obviously burning then! We didn't leave there until gone 8 and then it was more or less straight to bed when we got home.
Today (Tuesday) is our rest day. I say 'rest' but we have to be back over to near the FC for our review meeting at 9.30, we pop in to see the kiddiewinks for an hour and then have a visit from our social worker at our place at 4pm. we also have to buy a present for the FC and catch up with household chores like washing and some shopping bits. no rest for us then! to top it all, Mumma woke up at 4.45 with a raging sore throat and couldn't get back to sleep :(
oh and i never thought i would love anyone more than my husband but there are three little people who might be just a little bit higher in my affections than him!
We were up at 5.30 to get there by breakfast and do the feeding, then dressed and out to come home - without FC! its was a rainy day so we staying in for the morning. we visited the new bedrooms again and Tidge seems to have accepted her new bed and wardrobe. Midge is saying 'my bed', 'my new home', and '[name of FC]'s house', this is brilliant, we are so pleased! Mumma prepared the new curtains and made the beds whilst Daddy sorted the curtain poles. lovely domesticated bliss :D
we then spent the rest of the morning playing with cars. They play so well together, Midge is a bit boisterous but generally they follow instructions very well.
we made the mistake of telling Midge what he was having for lunch and he said he didn't want it, then he refused to eat it and said he didn't like chicken nuggets. the irony is that chicken nuggets was what he had wanted the other day, which he didn't get and then stropped about not getting them! u gotta larf! the other two ate well and then we all had fruit for dessert. daddy and i are eating much more healthily, at the right times and reducing our portion sizes. we think we have nearly nailed the eating routine, FC says give them a massive breakfast, cos they will ALWAYS eat then and then if they are fussy in the day u wont worry so much.
In the afternoon it was a bit dryer so we took them into the garden to play with the outdoor toys that we have been very generously given by friends. at first we started interacting like we did the other day, then remembered to let them get on with it! midge had a difficult time at one point and Mumma had to intervene, there were tears from him and it was upsetting for all three of us (the little two were playing) but we got there. Mumma and Midge had a kiss and a cuddle to make it all okay. FC says they don't hold a grudge, once they have sulked or screamed they happily get on with it.
Daddy and Mumma got a bit niggly with each other (out of earshot) but that's not surprising given the amount of sleep we have been getting lately. i think we have done very well considering everything we have been thru! its brought us closer together for sure, because we are thinking as a couple not as individuals - but that's what the adoption process forces you into. we are both loving it and feeling happy
We took them back to FC for tea, bed and bath-time routine, Midge stropped because he only had two bedtime stories. we then had a long chat with FC about progress and the lack of concern showed by any social worker. we haven't heard from any social worker in the whole week. as we were talking, our social worker texted me - her ears were obviously burning then! We didn't leave there until gone 8 and then it was more or less straight to bed when we got home.
Today (Tuesday) is our rest day. I say 'rest' but we have to be back over to near the FC for our review meeting at 9.30, we pop in to see the kiddiewinks for an hour and then have a visit from our social worker at our place at 4pm. we also have to buy a present for the FC and catch up with household chores like washing and some shopping bits. no rest for us then! to top it all, Mumma woke up at 4.45 with a raging sore throat and couldn't get back to sleep :(
Sunday, 2 May 2010
02-May 2010
It was another early morning, picked by Daddy to come to visit the house for the first time, along with FC. We played with some toys they brought over (and then left here) and we spent quite a bit of time telling Squidge not to touch things in the lounge, so we need to have a think about whether to change it about or leave it and take the pain of constant ‘no’s’. They loved their rooms, Midge wanted to go to sleep in his new bed! FC thought they were great too and thought they would be very happy in them.
Then it was time for lunch: a shepherd’s pie, lovingly prepared by Mumma. And you know what? None of them touched it :( Midge did eventually eat his though, it took over an hour, because he ate his peas one at a time!! Then we had fruit and yoghurt and they lapped it up! So I guess at least they had something healthy to eat. Then we had a lovely afternoon playing cars on the carpet. Unfortunately, because of the heavy rain it was too wet to go and play in the garden, so we were a little bit stir crazy in the house. But compared to the size of the FC’s house we did pretty well!
Daddy made sandwiches for tea, and Mumma made her famous five minute chocolate cake, which went down very well. Lesson Number Four: Serve up hot food and THEN get them to wash their hands, so that the food has time to cool down! We realised it was getting very late so Mumma drove them home and brought back MORE toys!
Someone mentioned today that we must be exhausted. I replied, “Exhausted? That's putting it mildly lol! After yesterday's activities I found muscles hurting this morning that I didn't know I had! We have to be out of here by 6.15 tomorrow morning to pick them up and bring them home, then will be taking them back, doing the bedtime routine and won't be leaving there until at least 7pm!”
Four more sleeps until they are home for good – we are itching to keep them at home now, it can't come soon enough!
Then it was time for lunch: a shepherd’s pie, lovingly prepared by Mumma. And you know what? None of them touched it :( Midge did eventually eat his though, it took over an hour, because he ate his peas one at a time!! Then we had fruit and yoghurt and they lapped it up! So I guess at least they had something healthy to eat. Then we had a lovely afternoon playing cars on the carpet. Unfortunately, because of the heavy rain it was too wet to go and play in the garden, so we were a little bit stir crazy in the house. But compared to the size of the FC’s house we did pretty well!
Daddy made sandwiches for tea, and Mumma made her famous five minute chocolate cake, which went down very well. Lesson Number Four: Serve up hot food and THEN get them to wash their hands, so that the food has time to cool down! We realised it was getting very late so Mumma drove them home and brought back MORE toys!
Someone mentioned today that we must be exhausted. I replied, “Exhausted? That's putting it mildly lol! After yesterday's activities I found muscles hurting this morning that I didn't know I had! We have to be out of here by 6.15 tomorrow morning to pick them up and bring them home, then will be taking them back, doing the bedtime routine and won't be leaving there until at least 7pm!”
Four more sleeps until they are home for good – we are itching to keep them at home now, it can't come soon enough!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
01-May 2010
We picked up our gorgeous little squirts at 9.30 this morning. The FC says they are already transferring their affections: when she woke up Squidge this morning she asked if he wanted to go out with Mumma and Daddy and he said nah, so she asked if he wanted to go out with her and he said NAH! So she asked again if he wanted to go out with Mumma and Daddy and he said yeah! Tidge doesn’t like loud noises and when the washing machine started to spin loudly before we arrived she cried for ”Mumma” and didn’t want FC!
We drove them back to our home town and a children’s play centre nearby. We chose this particular one as it is more expensive that the others nearby – seeing as Social Services are paying all our introductions expenses, we might as well take full advantage!
We had our first meal on our own with them and at last Squidge had more than a couple of mouthfuls! Mumma made her second mistake by giving Midge too many choices. He couldn’t decide so Mumma asked if he was happy for her to chose for him and he said yes, so she said okay you can have fish fingers. Daddy went and ordered but by that time Midge didn’t want fish fingers he wanted chicken nuggets. So we had a sulky boy who didn’t eat his fish fingers! Lesson Number Two: Only give them two choices not six!
Mumma and Daddy played and played and played on all the equipment and had a very enjoyable, if tiring, time! Lesson number three: Don’t automatically believe Tidge when she says she can’t pull herself around in the Little Tykes car – because after Mumma and Daddy did it for hours and then had a rest, she promptly carried on herself – hmmmm!
Then it was back to FC for tea (lasagne!) and the full bath-time routine. We read bedtime stories and put them to bed. Mumma and daddy then drove home a car load of toys! We are tired and achy, and very much falling in love with them! It was great being a typical family on a day out - literally a dream come true. We are very happy - another fantastic day :D xxxxx
We drove them back to our home town and a children’s play centre nearby. We chose this particular one as it is more expensive that the others nearby – seeing as Social Services are paying all our introductions expenses, we might as well take full advantage!
We had our first meal on our own with them and at last Squidge had more than a couple of mouthfuls! Mumma made her second mistake by giving Midge too many choices. He couldn’t decide so Mumma asked if he was happy for her to chose for him and he said yes, so she said okay you can have fish fingers. Daddy went and ordered but by that time Midge didn’t want fish fingers he wanted chicken nuggets. So we had a sulky boy who didn’t eat his fish fingers! Lesson Number Two: Only give them two choices not six!
Mumma and Daddy played and played and played on all the equipment and had a very enjoyable, if tiring, time! Lesson number three: Don’t automatically believe Tidge when she says she can’t pull herself around in the Little Tykes car – because after Mumma and Daddy did it for hours and then had a rest, she promptly carried on herself – hmmmm!
Then it was back to FC for tea (lasagne!) and the full bath-time routine. We read bedtime stories and put them to bed. Mumma and daddy then drove home a car load of toys! We are tired and achy, and very much falling in love with them! It was great being a typical family on a day out - literally a dream come true. We are very happy - another fantastic day :D xxxxx
Friday, 30 April 2010
30-Apr 2010
An early start, we had to be there by 8.30. They were just finishing breakfast and so we helped feed Squidge. After more play (a tough job!) we bundled them into the car - they seemed to enjoy being in their seats. We drove them to a park and played on the swings and slides for over two hours. It was lovely to be with them and without the foster carer. This is no disrespect to the foster carer who is excellent, but it meant that we were able to see what it's like on our own. There were no stinging insects or spilt bodily fluids this time! AND I had my brand new changing bag with me :D Felt like a proper Mumma! We went back to the FC for lunch and fed them, then we played until 3pm.
All the children are (after a fashion!) following our instructions and accepting that there are consequences if they don't, so we are really pleased. They are very trusting of all adults as they just go with us without any fuss at all, which, sadly, makes our job easier - bitter-sweet stuff. Midge seems okay to let us go because he knows we are coming back the next day. Tidge really didn't want us to go today, but she doesn't have a concept of tomorrow so we can't explain that we will come back, so bonds are definitely forming there :) Squidge says "Bu-bye" lots and really loudly when we leave lol
I am starting to really fall for all of them, especially Tidge, she is just gorgeous and she has my eye and hair colouring. We had our first comment from other people today: a lady in the park commented to Daddy on Tidge and said how gorgeous she is - of course she is! She also asked if Tidge and Squidge were twins, to which Daddy said no, they are a year apart in age. She looked us both up and down with that look on her face of OMG! Inside I was beaming lol
I am getting the measure of Squidge and his screaming tantrums, which only seem to appear when he is tired, so I am pleased I can work that out. Otherwise, he is a typical 18 month old boy! We think Midge might calm down when he is here, partly because the house where FC lives is a tiny 2-bed house. During the day there’s the FC, the three children, the FC’s adult daughter and her baby there!
We have our first full day with them tomorrow, again without the FC during the day. We are still loving it all, in spite of nappies!!!
All the children are (after a fashion!) following our instructions and accepting that there are consequences if they don't, so we are really pleased. They are very trusting of all adults as they just go with us without any fuss at all, which, sadly, makes our job easier - bitter-sweet stuff. Midge seems okay to let us go because he knows we are coming back the next day. Tidge really didn't want us to go today, but she doesn't have a concept of tomorrow so we can't explain that we will come back, so bonds are definitely forming there :) Squidge says "Bu-bye" lots and really loudly when we leave lol
I am starting to really fall for all of them, especially Tidge, she is just gorgeous and she has my eye and hair colouring. We had our first comment from other people today: a lady in the park commented to Daddy on Tidge and said how gorgeous she is - of course she is! She also asked if Tidge and Squidge were twins, to which Daddy said no, they are a year apart in age. She looked us both up and down with that look on her face of OMG! Inside I was beaming lol
I am getting the measure of Squidge and his screaming tantrums, which only seem to appear when he is tired, so I am pleased I can work that out. Otherwise, he is a typical 18 month old boy! We think Midge might calm down when he is here, partly because the house where FC lives is a tiny 2-bed house. During the day there’s the FC, the three children, the FC’s adult daughter and her baby there!
We have our first full day with them tomorrow, again without the FC during the day. We are still loving it all, in spite of nappies!!!
Thursday, 29 April 2010
29-Apr 2010
Day three in the Big Bro.... I mean Mungo household lol Today started early for Mungo as he had to travel an hour's drive away to pick up a wardrobe for Tidge, as our local store hasn't had any in stock for a while. Mary had a lie-in, one of the last probably ever! I hadn't slept very well last night because I was worrying about being on my own with the children. We had lunch then went over to the foster carer's house. Three bouncy children greeted us! Tidge and Squidge were a bit shy at first and didn't engage very much. I found that very hard, especially with the FC being stronger-voiced than me. I felt out of my depth still. After a short while, they felt more comfortable with us and I was taking charge more. Squidge is now coming to us for cuddles, so we are very relieved. It is still going to be hard for him to leave FC. Midge is calling us Mumma and Daddy pretty much without exception and is even saying "my Daddy"! Tidge is also calling us Muu and Daa lol
We decided to split our time so that Midge and Mungo played together for an hour or two and Mary, Tidge and Squidge played together with the FC watching on. Then we swapped roles for a while. Mungo took Tidge and Squidge out in the car to the local shops to get some batteries (or baaaarees as Midge calls them!) for his Ben 10 pinball game.
Midge showed us his special project that he has been working on with a social worker - it's his life story work. He has cut-outs of the FC's house and our house, him, Tidge, Squidge, FC, us and my parents. Then a roadmap from FC's house to our house, but he doesn't know the way as he hasn't been there yet.
Then we had the biggest roast chicken dinner you have ever set eyes on! It was delicious and filled us all up. The children eat really well and pretty much will eat what you give them. Midge did stop in his tracks when he saw cauliflower on his plate and ate some of it with encouragement from FC, Mumma and Daddy. We then played some more, Mungo played space ships with Midge and Mary played building blocks with Tidge and Squidge. At one point we heard one of them 'trumping' so we did a nappy change. Mummy bravely volunteered to change Squidge as we thought it was just wet and Tidge's was 'fuller'. Well didn't I just get the shock of my life??? So after the FC had picked herself up off the floor from laughing so much, she took pity on me and I watched and took notes lol
It was then time for bed and so we did the top / tail routine, changed them into PJ's and then to bed, kissing them goodnight - bleeeeeeeessssssss! We then had a quick chat with FC about tomorrow's activities - out on our own without the FC - oooooh! On our way home we picked up our ironing from a very good friend who has been wonderfully supportive and deserves a special mention! Now it's time for Mumma and Daddy to go to bed too, nite nite!
We decided to split our time so that Midge and Mungo played together for an hour or two and Mary, Tidge and Squidge played together with the FC watching on. Then we swapped roles for a while. Mungo took Tidge and Squidge out in the car to the local shops to get some batteries (or baaaarees as Midge calls them!) for his Ben 10 pinball game.
Midge showed us his special project that he has been working on with a social worker - it's his life story work. He has cut-outs of the FC's house and our house, him, Tidge, Squidge, FC, us and my parents. Then a roadmap from FC's house to our house, but he doesn't know the way as he hasn't been there yet.
Then we had the biggest roast chicken dinner you have ever set eyes on! It was delicious and filled us all up. The children eat really well and pretty much will eat what you give them. Midge did stop in his tracks when he saw cauliflower on his plate and ate some of it with encouragement from FC, Mumma and Daddy. We then played some more, Mungo played space ships with Midge and Mary played building blocks with Tidge and Squidge. At one point we heard one of them 'trumping' so we did a nappy change. Mummy bravely volunteered to change Squidge as we thought it was just wet and Tidge's was 'fuller'. Well didn't I just get the shock of my life??? So after the FC had picked herself up off the floor from laughing so much, she took pity on me and I watched and took notes lol
It was then time for bed and so we did the top / tail routine, changed them into PJ's and then to bed, kissing them goodnight - bleeeeeeeessssssss! We then had a quick chat with FC about tomorrow's activities - out on our own without the FC - oooooh! On our way home we picked up our ironing from a very good friend who has been wonderfully supportive and deserves a special mention! Now it's time for Mumma and Daddy to go to bed too, nite nite!
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
28-Apr 2010
Mummy and Daddy arrived at 11.30 and the children were excited to see us, especially Midge who was bouncing off the walls again! We played with the cars and their toys that we gave to them as presents yesterday. The foster carer told us that she had to tell off Midge and Tidge last night because they took the toys to bed and kept themselves awake playing with them! Both of them are attached to them and won’t let them go – so we are very happy! Squidge has a little interest in his, but being 18 months old his attention span isn’t the same as the other two!
We had lunch and saw the children eating sandwiches and crisps very, very nicely. Midge had Marmite and ham sandwiches! Then we went to the park with the FC. On the way, Squidge face-planted the pavement, luckily for Mummy and Daddy it was whilst he was holding onto the FC's hand! Poor little lamb, his teeth went through his top lip and it bled for ages :(( Because we were only going to be out for a while none of us had brought bags / handbags and so none of us had any tissues. The FC wiped up the blood with her cardigan! Today’s Lesson Learned: ALWAYS have a tissue or seven handy!
We went to two parks and found wasps at the second one, which Midge didn’t like at all – neither did Mummy, and she was very brave batting them away from Midge. We played and played for ages, climbing up the big steps and sliding down the big slide! Climbing up the big steps and sliding down the big slide! Climbing up the... well, you get the picture! Daddy did a brilliant job making sure they walked up the steps safely and slid down carefully! We were out for probably about two hours and were pooped by the time we got back to the house.
We got to see Tidge and Midge sulking today, so it is good to know how they all deal with disappointment. Mummy asked for her camera back from Tidge, who didn't want to let it go and then sulked for 15 minutes. Midge sulked for a few minutes when he got told off by Mummy for both running off and running out of the playground without asking. Baaaaad Mummy!
Tidge was reluctant to be near Daddy yesterday but after a short while this morning she was going to him for cuddles and things, so that has worked out brilliantly. Midge just bounces all over us, which needs to be monitored, so we shall see how he settles in when he comes home. He seems happy to call us mummy and daddy and he responds well when the FC calls us that too. Squidge is attached to the hip of the FC and always goes to her, he strops when he can’t see her. We see this as our biggest issue to deal with over the next few days – and to be fair we knew it would happen, it’s just brought it home to us actually seeing it. It is going to be very confusing for him and he shall have to have a bit of tough love until we get him home.
We ran out of time and had to rush away at 3.30, which we felt terrible about. We had to meet with our social worker to give her an update and get Daddy’s car from the garage. So we felt like we had done a runner! Midge knew we were coming back tomorrow, so he was fine. Tidge didn’t want us to go and Squidge just waved at us lol
Overall we had a much more relaxed day and we are very happy! xx
We had lunch and saw the children eating sandwiches and crisps very, very nicely. Midge had Marmite and ham sandwiches! Then we went to the park with the FC. On the way, Squidge face-planted the pavement, luckily for Mummy and Daddy it was whilst he was holding onto the FC's hand! Poor little lamb, his teeth went through his top lip and it bled for ages :(( Because we were only going to be out for a while none of us had brought bags / handbags and so none of us had any tissues. The FC wiped up the blood with her cardigan! Today’s Lesson Learned: ALWAYS have a tissue or seven handy!
We went to two parks and found wasps at the second one, which Midge didn’t like at all – neither did Mummy, and she was very brave batting them away from Midge. We played and played for ages, climbing up the big steps and sliding down the big slide! Climbing up the big steps and sliding down the big slide! Climbing up the... well, you get the picture! Daddy did a brilliant job making sure they walked up the steps safely and slid down carefully! We were out for probably about two hours and were pooped by the time we got back to the house.
We got to see Tidge and Midge sulking today, so it is good to know how they all deal with disappointment. Mummy asked for her camera back from Tidge, who didn't want to let it go and then sulked for 15 minutes. Midge sulked for a few minutes when he got told off by Mummy for both running off and running out of the playground without asking. Baaaaad Mummy!
Tidge was reluctant to be near Daddy yesterday but after a short while this morning she was going to him for cuddles and things, so that has worked out brilliantly. Midge just bounces all over us, which needs to be monitored, so we shall see how he settles in when he comes home. He seems happy to call us mummy and daddy and he responds well when the FC calls us that too. Squidge is attached to the hip of the FC and always goes to her, he strops when he can’t see her. We see this as our biggest issue to deal with over the next few days – and to be fair we knew it would happen, it’s just brought it home to us actually seeing it. It is going to be very confusing for him and he shall have to have a bit of tough love until we get him home.
We ran out of time and had to rush away at 3.30, which we felt terrible about. We had to meet with our social worker to give her an update and get Daddy’s car from the garage. So we felt like we had done a runner! Midge knew we were coming back tomorrow, so he was fine. Tidge didn’t want us to go and Squidge just waved at us lol
Overall we had a much more relaxed day and we are very happy! xx
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