I was told that we would be able to pick him up the following morning, because another foster family had agreed to take him overnight until they found a permanent placement for him. So, the next morning, I dropped Ballerina Girl and Goosey off at school, and Tink and I met O at DHR. The baby was not there yet, so we hung out for a while and Tink charmed everyone with her irresistable personality.
Finally, the little boy arrived. You could see in his eyes how frightened he was. You can't blame him. We actually found out that we were his 3rd stop in the last 5 days. Poor little fella. He didn't know what to think. So, it was time for us to get him and take him home. This time, however, instead of the baby coming to me, he reached out for O. I know that it melted O's heart.
Immediately, we saw that the baby was very connected to stuffed animals. He would grab them, pull them close, rub them on his face and squeeze them tight. A small comfort to him in his ever-changing world. He also really seemed to connect with Tink. In the car, or in the stroller he would reach out to grab her hand or her arm. They also have sweet little babbling conversations with one another and play so well together. It's like they know that they have a common bond.
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| Hunk holding on to Tink |
So, I guess this is what it is like to have twins. In fact, I call them the "foster twiblings". She is 11 months and he is 9 months. However, he is about half again as big as she is. While she is tiny and dainty, he is a hoss! He feels like he weighs a ton more, just ask my back....LOL! I say he's like a Hunk of Love (cause he's very snuggly too). So unless I come up with something different, for now, I call him "Hunk".
So, now we've had him for a week and a half. In that short time, I have him on Tink's eating and sleeping schedule. The past 3 nights he has slept all night! I hope he keeps it up! The first week was kind of rough with him waking up at night terrified, but he seems to be getting used to being here now.
The biggest challenge of the whole situation, is that O has been out of town on business all week. I didn't know how I was going to handle being a "single mom" of 4 kids, but I have survived! He will be home this evening, and I can't wait to see him! On that note, I need to give a huge thanks to my family and friends who have helped me! You are life savers and I love you dearly. To be a foster parent, you really need to have a strong support system, and we are definitely blessed to have the best support in the world. I love you all!!!
In case you were wondering, I am definitely a woman who knows my limitations, and having 2 children of my own plus the twiblings is my limit! As long as Tink and Hunk are with us, the inn is full! However, that doesn't stop DHR from calling. In fact, including Hunk, last week I was called to take in 6 children. This just goes to show the great need for foster parents.
If you would, please keep little Hunk in your prayers. We don't know how long he will be with us, but we will be giving him lots of love while he is in our care. Blessings to all who read this! Until next time.......
