Even though we have only been in our current apartment since August, I just got back from signing a new lease. We are moving again :(

I’m sad because one, I really love our apartment. The layout is perfect and even though most people would think it’s too small for a young family of five, it really works well for us. Two, I really hate moving. I’ve moved every few years (if not more often) my entire life. I love the “fresh start” feeling of a new place, but it’s a lot of work packing and transferring everything, even in the same town. Three, we moved into this apartment thinking we’d be here for at least a couple of years.

But, the reason we are moving makes me happy. It means we get to keep these kids with us, at least a little bit longer :) Currently, our kids’ case goal is for them to reintegrate with their mom in early fall, at the latest. While we have enough square feet in our bigger bedroom for all three to share a room, the age difference between A and M with them being different genders isn’t in line with our state regulations. We were able to get an extension around A’s birthday because they have been with us for a decent amount of time and because they are siblings. We could probably get an extension until early fall, but we are being told by our new (and third, hopefully permanent!) case worker that reintegration in the early fall is impossible at this point so it’s best that we move. I am not sure what that means for the kids’ case- whether it would be extended or whether there will be a permanency hearing when the current case plan is up- but since the case worker is confident enough that we will have the kids long enough to make moving necessary, I am happy and willing to do it. There’s so many “ifs” and so many uncertainties with foster care. So many things can change between now and September, but we want to be prepared to keep the kids as long as we are needed.

Our next court date to review the case is towards the end of June, so these next few weeks we could use all the prayers for our family, the kids, their mother, and those involved in the decision making process, that anyone is willing to offer. I really appreciate all of the support and love we have received from friends and family, and for the wonderful online community of foster parents and others wanting to show support that I have met through this blog. You are all wonderful and greatly appreciated :)

In other news, M had his 15 month check up this week, and though he seems slightly behind with talking and walking, he is perfectly healthy and is really starting to show an interest in the processes around him. He was always such a calm, observant baby and it’s so nice to see more and more of his personality showing through everyday. A has ended most of her spring activities (except violin), and we are busy working on letters, writing, reading, and numbers and counting to get her ready for kindergarten in the fall. D is so smart and is learning everything right along with her sister. Potty training is still a work in progress, though she is still pretty enthusiastic about using the toilet (not the potty, the toilet- she will correct anyone who says potty). She is also such a daddy’s girl. She has fun with me, but Sean is clearly her favorite. Every single thing that happens during the day she just has to share with him. Getting dressed: “I want to show daddy my pretty shirt!” Eating an orange for a snack: “I want to tell daddy I eat an orange!” Reading a book: “I want to tell daddy this story and read to daddy.” It’s adorable.

Happy Friday everyone! :)