Sorry if this is long ![]()
Three weeks ago today we got our first fostering placement. When we originally accepted it was for a 14 month old and a newborn. I'm off for the summer, so taking a newborn was no big deal. I found out right before the first child arrived that the baby was a preemie. I was told that they didn't think it would be an issue for her to go to daycare around 7-8 weeks. I didn't know anything about preemies so.... Well I'm due to go back to work in 3 weeks. Last Friday the pediatrician said that baby won't be able to go to a daycare center until 12 weeks after her origninal due date. Her original due date isn't until the end of August, so that would make it November before she can go to a center.
I talked to her worker about getting alternate care until then. I have the ability to take FMLA and take 12 weeks off, but it would mostly be without pay (I have about 10 days of leave saved up). The only way I could put us in that financial situation is if there was a strong likelihood of the kids coming up for adoption at some point. At this point I think it's way to soon to tell. Although we are going to inquire if they have any idea.
Our worker today said that they use to have other foster families that would watch kids in these situations during the day, but they all have placements now. One option we may have had was an in home center with just a couple of kids. I got an e-mail from our worker saying that don't want her to go to an inhome daycare and they won't pay for someone to watch her in our home until she can go to daycare so they are looking for a new placement with a SAH parent.
I didn't realize how bad it would hurt, or how attached I would get so quickly...maybe I'm stupid to not realize it. My husband and I literally sat on the floor and cried tonight. I just wish we had another option. I wish they could work with us. I would feel much better if things were worked out and they were going home with mom, but now I have this fear that they'll go to a new home and come up for adoption and we won't have the option since they aren't with us.....
It's making me rethink my decision to foster. Maybe I'm not cut out for it. I just hoped we'd have one of those "perfect" experiences.
If you took the time to read this, thanks
I just needed to "talk" to someone who might get it.
~*Jenna*~
TTC since November 2009.
Currently licensed foster parents with the hope of adopting! Also pursuing pregnancy through IUI! First IUI scheduled 10/3/13
Currently loving our placements:
A 1/08
C 4/11
K 6/12
Re: Didn't think it would hurt so bad...
Application approved Dec '11
Mar '12: Homestudy interrupted by change in Uganda requirements - where do we go from here?
After searching and searching, back with Uganda but with our homestudy agency's program.
Homestudy complete July 19
USCIS I-600A submitted July 20. Biometrics appointments arrived Aug 17; fingerprinted Aug 21; 171H received Sept 25th. On the wait list Oct 1st: #18. By Jan 25th, we're #13!
Come home, baby A!
I will say "there is a reason for everything", "God has a plan", have faith! Looking back, I realize that all of that was true. We'll never forget those kids that were in our lives for about 6 mths, we pray for them regularly, and only hope for the best in their lives. As far as growing our family, we now have our "forever kiddos" in our home and adoption should be final by February.
I am so sorry all you are going through. This is honestly my biggest fear. I do not know how you can ever "prepare" for something like this. Logically you can process it but emotionally I am not sure anyone can be prepared. My T & P's are with you and your family.
Question: Do you have any stay at home family members that can be background checked and be approved to watch the baby?
My heart aches for you. We are not the same circumstance since ours will be leaving soon to go back home, but it does hurt! We just found out today that they will be going home much sooner than we thought... and it hurts... a lot. I will be praying for you and your husband as you go through this hard time.
Adoptive daughter born 08/07/13... growing so fast
BM due again end of March 2015 so any day!
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