Meeting My Kids
Thursday, January 26, 2012 | 6 Comments Tomorrow morning, we will see a picture of two kids. Kids that will in a few short weeks be ours.
It's been about a month since we first heard about this sibling group. A 5-year old boy and a girl who is somewhere around a year and a half.
First, they were going to be legally free for adoption. Then, the court case dragged on and now we're in limbo. We're told that they are still on track for TPR (termination of parental rights), but the next court date isn't until April and even then things may drag on a little while after that.
Still. These will be our kids, for a few months at least. And probably (maybe?) for forever.
We found out earlier this week that they are ready to be transferred to a more permanent home, and that we were deemed the best family for their needs. I won't lie by telling you I didn't feel a sense of absurd competitive joy when I heard that we'd "beat out" the other potential families.
Tomorrow morning we have a meeting with all of the relevant case workers. Our social worker will be there. The kids social worker will be there. Their soon-to-be adoption coordinator will be there. I suspect that others may be there as well -- like their CASA worker. (It was surprising to me to find out, during our training, just how many people are involved with kids in the foster care system.)
We know their background (which I will not share here to protect their privacy), but so far we haven't seen any pictures or really heard anything about their personalities. It's weird trying to fall in love with a child, sight unseen. And yet it also feels wrong not to try and bond with this mysterious creature that will be part of your family so soon.
I am dying to meet them, but tomorrow's meeting, where we'll see their picture and get to hear about them directly from the workers involved in their case, will have to be enough.
I leave on Sunday for one last business trip before I settle in to be a mom for the next few months. I'm trying to stay focused, to get as much done as possible, so that I can put work aside with a clear conscience--knowing that I've wrapped up projects in good faith.
But I suspect that I'll mostly spend next week in my client's offices, staring dreamily out the window and making lists for toothbrushes and spiderman pajamas, highchairs and strollers.
Reader Comments (6)
We have a five year old boy who is friends with other five year old boys if you ever need advice. My mom volunteered for CASA for years, so glad it's there to help kids. Hope everything goes smoothly for you
Oh boy, oh boy, oh Boy!
Congrats! That is awesome! And just think...you'll be well past the diaper phase...score...
Thanks! It is so exciting and overwhelming and surreal!
I know, right? What on earth do I know about boys!!
Thanks so much! I'm sure we will be in touch (probably with a little desperation in my voice!) once they get moved in permanently. Thankfully, we are getting lots of support from the county, including some in-home therapy, to ease the transition.