Respite

G and I have had a few opportunities the past few months to take short trips without the kids and let me tell you, it's been a lifesaver.

Respite is an official break from caregiving and we are fortunate enough to have several options when it comes to people we can leave the kids with; in addition, foster families have access to paid
'respite care' that DHS pays for-- basically other foster families or DHS approved folks who take the kids for a certain amount time.

We were actually a weekend respite placement for Miss M and Baby A, when their former foster parents had health issues. Those health issues eventually forced them to give them up and since we'd bonded with the kids, we were able to become their official foster parents. And that weekend placement will be a year, in a little under 2 weeks!

Those same foster parents are still in our lives; we call them the 'foster grandparents'. And they were gracious to keep them last weekend when G and I went to my sister's wedding in Springfield/Branson, MO last weekend. They had a full house-- their adopted kiddo, 5, Miss M (also 5), Baby A (2), and 2 foster babies (12 months and 6 weeks). That's 5 under 6. Woo! Glad it wasn't me.

Contemplating the view at Black Mesa State Park; .can't you just feel the serenity?!

We've also had G's parents watch the kids for the weekend, most recently for Memorial Day weekend when G & I took a road trip to Black Mesa in the Panhandle, which has been great for everyone. They love spoiling the kids, the kids love them and we feel safe (and a little guilty) about leaving them with Nana and Pop Pop. They've been so generous over the years, and have not failed to wholeheartedly embrace our foster kids as their own.

So grateful for the love that surrounds us and the kiddos.

Respite

It has been 6 weeks or so since DaBoys went home. In that time, we've seen them twice- once to drop off their bikes & once because they needed picked up from day camp unexpectedly. I'm just really thankful that their mom considers me someone she can call in an emergency; it's a good sign.

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Today brought an unexpected situation: we were asked to provide respite care for another foster family, for the weekend. I got a call about 3:30, while I was wrapping up my first full week at my new job (woo!).

The worker explained the situation (foster mom health issues), the kids' ages (4 & 18 mo.) & asked if we could help out. I immediately wanted to take the kids (their situation is very sympathetic), but thought maybe I should consult with Mr. Greg first.

Of course, easygoing guy that he is, he said yes. Before I know it, I'm getting the foster dad's info and arranging a drop off.

They showed up around 7; high chair, pack n play, Barbies & booster seats in tow.

The foster dad had very kindly written down bedtime instructions & helpful hints, and even left his cell number.

The kids settled in pretty quickly. The girl, 4, who I'll call Lady M (very pretty, witty & wise), played with Lola & explored the whole house, while I sorted through Baby A's diaper bag, in search of a changing pad. Finding none, I used an (old, forest green) towel & soon set him to rights.

We played for a bit, then I fed Baby A a bottle & put him in the Pack N Play to sleep.

He wasn't having it, so Lady M "read" him a story & we tried again.

Success!

Lady M drew for another little while, then put on her jammies & brushed teeth; then I read 2 books & rocked her (per instruction sheet) & put her to bed. She was out, stuffed unicorn tucked under her arm, in 10 minutes.

Hope the rest of the weekend is this easy!