[1000amys]

So, it looks like our little kids are headed home to their mom. She has surprised everybody by doing everything that has been asked of her, and if everything goes well the kids will be moving out in two weeks. Of course we understood that as a "legal risk" placement, we might not be able to adopt, but still we have been picturing a forever future with these two for six months now.

Here's the surprise twist - I am not totally devastated. Don't get me wrong - they are as perfect a match as could be, we love them tremendously, they are finally settling in and becoming more fun than work, and we would adopt them in a heartbeat. But, after meeting their mom last week, I suddenly felt a lot better about them going home to her. She actually seemed to be sincere in her understanding of how much she has to learn and how hard this transition will be for her kids. I have been angry and scared and feeling sort of used, but now I feel like everything will be okay. I really wasn't expecting to feel better after meeting her. February is always a hard month since our little guy left 4 years ago (worst transition ever), and I was gearing up to have it be even worse this year. Instead I feel like we did great work as a family, and optimistic for their little family's future. Kind of like I have felt with other kids we knew were temporary placements.

They will be having an overnight this weekend, and I'm looking forward to sleeping through the night. Although, if you place bets, I'd say odds are that Hard Rock Cafe will be up at least once since her roomie will be gone. She seems to sleep better with noisy kids in her room!

[Jensboys]

Hugs. Glad to know you are going to be ok through this one. And many prayers that the kids handle the transition ok.

[1000amys]

Thanks, Jen! It's still hard, but it's not the end of the world like I thought it would be. That just feels like an amazing gift right now.

[Sueby]

What a great outlook! I'm sorry the ending isn't what you desired, but to me, it looks like you couldn't have done a better job with those little ones. Kudos to you and your family