This morning we were driving to school and Olivia was looking at a building that was in process of being built. She said, "Mom, what kind of glue do they use to hold buildings to the ground?" Too funny!!!

She is behind about 2-3 years in some ways, mostly emotionally, due to her foster care process, etc. Lately she has been asking a lot of questions firming up reality vs. fantasy, things that a 4 year old would most likely ask. A few days ago she said, "Mom, in Cinderella it says that if you believe in your dreams they will come true. Well, I have been dreaming about seeing J (her bio brother) and it's not happening." We've had these discussions a few times over the past month or so about songs like "I believe I can fly..." etc. And a lot lately about her brother, especially since the day Olivia wore a new locket wit a picture of her brother in it to school. She showed her teacher and expressed how sad she was that she didn't get to see him and her teacher told her that she was sure she would get to see him again soon! I was floored and heartbroken at the same time. If any student said that to me, regardless of knowing any of their history, I would just say, Oh I bet you do miss him, or Oh why don't you get to see him? Certainly not that they would see him soon when I didn't know the situation. She has had such a hard hard time with this and while I try to talk to her repeatedly about the situation and how his parents just don't cooperate in this and how we most likely will not get to see him, I know she doesn't understand. That comment put her right back in the frame of mind of thinking about why she doesn't see him. And like it or not, since she is behind emotionally, I am the bad guy in her mind in this. :(

Well, we have 4 year old fashion sense all of a sudden. Braeden has decided that "buttons are no good" - on shirts that is. Twice this week I have picked out button up short sleeved oxford type shirts (today's even had cowboys and horses on it!) and he did NOT want to wear them! He said this morning, "Mom, buttons! Buttons are no good, I don't like them on my shirts." OH my. Each day he ended up going upstairs to choose a long sleeved tshirt. What ever. He cracks me up. So... if anyone out there is looking at clothes for this boy for any holidays in the coming year, I'd stear clear of buttons if you want him to wear it! :)

Huge news from the time of my absence on the blog...

On Monday Liam's case went before DCFS for legal screening as a first step in termination of parental rights. IT PASSED! That means it is on it's way for termination. His next court date is June 24. My guess is that at that date they will set a date for the actual termination hearing and best interest hearing (which looks at the best interest of the child for permanency and at which I have to testify). I don't remember/know if they will set that rather soon after the June hearing or if it is a 3-6 month time period, but nevertheless we are on our way!!!

I'm SO excited!!! My Cousin J ( I have a million friends, etc who are a J!) had her baby girl yesterday!!! Can't wait to meet her and welcome this beautiful baby into the family! My cousin, her husband, and this newest member are all J's! :)
Happy BIRTHday!!!