All Day Morning Sickness

I have not written in a while, but I have been stricken with all day morning sickness.  The blessing that I can say I have been given is summer.  Being a teacher, allows me to rest during this time, and I am so thankful.  I don't imagine that I would be able to make it threw work all day.  I am just over ten weeks pregnant, and so far I have not had any complications. 

The rest of the kiddos are hanging in there.  This has been a pretty boring summer for them, because mom is always sick.  We have been couch potatoes, and we have watched a lot of tv.  Behavior wise, we are surviving.

I got a phone call from DFACS about the teenager that left a few months ago.  They wanted to know if I had any concerns about him, and they wanted to know if I wanted him back in our home.  Ummm...NO!  I love him, don't get me wrong.  I wish we could help him....but I can't!  I tried for two years.  I can not put my family through that again.  He was violent and unpredictable.  I guess they are going to put him back in foster care from what I gather.  I told them three suggestions.  No small children, no animals, and make sure that the household has a man in it.  Otherwise, he will eat them alive. 

On a good note, we got our pool liner replaced today!  Finally!!!!  At least the kids will be able to swim now.  This will be a nice activity for us all, and it will get me out in the sun a little bit.  Since becoming pregnant, I stay inside all the time.  I get hot so easily, and I become very miserable. 

Well, I am having internet connection issues lately, so I am going to get off of here before I lost connection and lost my post! 

A Baby Scare!

Well, I spent all last night in the emergency room.  I was hurting down my right side (all the way into my toes).  I was scared to death of an ectopic pregnancy, so I decided to go staight to the hospital.  They did an ultrasound, and the dr. discovered a 3 cm cyst on my right ovary.  They said it is probably the corpus luteum cyst.  Anyway, it has been leaking behind the uterus, and that is what is most likely causing the pain.  The baby is way to small to see, but you could see the gestational sack.  I was just 5 weeks as of yesterday.  I have to go back to Jacksonville for an ultrasound on Saturday. I am hoping to be able to see the yolk sac by then.  I am ready to see some form of life in there.  My hcg levels at the hospital were 3300.  On Monday, they were 1,036.  They are doubling nicely, and that makes me feel so much better.  The cramping has eased off today, but I am still worried that the cyst might rupture.  I am leaving it in God's hands, and I am going to rest as much as I can, and try to stay positive.  I have decided to go ahead and start my registry.  I know it is wayyyyy early, but I have to do something to bring positive thoughts into my mind.  Stress is definetly not going to help a baby stay healthy.  The hospital also gave me a disc of my ultrasound images to bring home with me.  That was super nice of them I think! 

The rest of the kids are hanging in there.  I will update more about them hopefully this afternoon.  I have to get back to work for now.

Update on the Family and Baby

Well, I went to Jacksonville today for more blood work to make sure the pregnancy is viable.  My numbers all looked wonderful.  I go back June 3rd for my first ultrasound.  I am nervous, excited, scared, and amazed all at the same time.  So many emotions and feelings are rushing through me.  I spent the day waiting for results, so I passed the time shopping with my sister.  We went to Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby!  I could spend days and days in there looking at all of the gidgets and gadgets. 

The kids are all doing pretty well.  They are all much better since Brandon left.  We are still having trouble with arguing, snatching, pushing, and just being mean to each other in general.  Can't live in a perfect world I guess! 

Jacob isn't very happy about the baby right now.  He is scared that he will not get a much attention, and that the baby will get more attention than him (his words).  I understand these emotions, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure they all feel included before and after the baby comes. 

Alexia asked if I was going to love the baby more than I love them because this one is from my stomach (her words).  My answer was No!  I love them all the same amount, but I love them each in their own way.  They are all special to me in a way that the others aren't.  Alexia was my first girl, Hunter was my first boy, Jacob is my comedian, Michael has a smile that melts your heart, Cassadie is super helpful, and Skylar is my peanut.  They all have their own special little place tucked away in my heart.  All of their special places are the same size, and they don't have to share that space with any of the other children.  The new baby will be no different. 

We explained that the new baby will get more attention, because babies have to be taken care of.  They can not feed or dress themselves.  They can not go potty or tell you what is wrong.  Every baby gets extra attention in the beginning, and this is something that Jacob is just going to have to come to terms with.  However, I will try to make it enjoyable instead of painful. 

I still can not believe that I am pregnant.  As of today, my HCG is 1,036.  I can't believe it climbed that high in two days.  I was so worried that it would not double.  I was also freaked out about ectopic pregnancy, but the nurse said my numbers were so good that she doesn't think ectopic pregnancy is an issue.

All I do is hiccup and fart.  The horrible ugly truth!!!  I still have some random cramps and my instinct is to go and see if I have started my period.  Then it dawns on me that I am pregnant.  I feel better a little, but I still have some mother worries.  From what I understand, most new mothers worry themselves silly for the first trimester.  In 9 more weeks, my first trimester will be over.  So close, but so far away!  I want to enjoy my pregnancy, but I am scared to let go! 

A Terrible Trip and a Baby Surprise!

Okay, so two Fridays ago, my two fifth graders had a field trip to Disney World.  My husband and I went on the trip with them.  The charter bus we rode on had very little air, a non-working toilet, and no light in the little bathroom.  We got stuck sitting by the toilet!!!  Yuck!  The trip to Disney was alright, but we also got stuck with six other children to chaperone, while the fifth grade teachers walked around with no children.  I didn't pay 500 dollars for a trip that I had to do more work than the teachers on.  Then, on the way home, the bus broke down.  We were almost four hours from home!!!!  We were stuck on the side of the interstate for almost 6 hours.  Finally, we got off the interstate thanks to the Florida State Troopers, and we were taken to a service center.  Here we waited for a school bus to arrive from our home town (another 3 hours).  My husband got sick, so we got a taxi and went to a hotel.  We rented a car the next day and explored Orlando.  We just made a fun day out of it, because the previous day had been so crappy.  Why were we stuck so long on the interstate?  Well, because our school would not let our children get on any other mode of transportation due to liability!!!

So, for the surprising news!  I found out Thursday that I am pregnant.  After 10 years of trying (and failing), we are pregnant!!!  I went to the doctor on Friday to confirm.  All bloodwork came back amazing, and I am going back tomorrow to make sure all of my numbers are doubling.  I am nervous and excited!  I am scared too!!!  I have been waiting for this for so long, it still doesn't seem real!

The Teenager Strikes Again

Well, even though the teenager is gone, he is still causing us grief.  We got a phone call from his stepfather.  Brandon was over there yelling and cussing (acting crazy as usual).  The law had to be called to him, because he refused to do anything he was asked to do (like calm down and stop cussing).  I will be so glad when our guardianship is done away with.  I know for sure that he can not come home.  Never again will one of my children be afraid to close their eyes in their own bedroom. 

On another note, we went do Disney World and had a horrible experience.  We were left stranded on the side of the interstate with 50 fifth graders for 6 hours.  I don't have time to discuss it at the moment, but I will be back a little later.  Off to work I go!

My Little Peanut

Well, life at our house has been up and down.  Since the teenager left, my others have reacted in extremely different ways.  Alexia and Hunter were always the ones in the most trouble.  Since Brandon left, they are sweet, kind, smiling, laughing, helping, and all around better behaved.  Mikey and Cassadie are same ol' same ol'.  Jacob is trying to take on the new role of older brother, so he is trying to direct everyone, which could be a good thing if he would start his conversations with "God, are you stupid?  Or, "Stop being retarded."  Not be constructive there Mr. Jacob.  Guess where he learned that from.  You guessed it....the teenager!  No I have to reprogram him to be a helpful big brother, instead of a hurtful one. 

On to my little peanut!  She is struggling the most.  It is absolutely heartbreaking.  She called him "bubby," and she loved him with her whole heart.  She was the only one he was nice to, and he was very loyal to her.  Maybe because she was the baby in the family???  I don't know!  Whatever the reason, she loved him and he loved her.  Now that he is gone, she feels so lost!  She is getting in trouble at school and at home.  She is acting out in such a big way, and that is so sad to me.  She has a heart of gold, and I have always considered her my least damaged child.  We got her when she was two, so she did not have to endure the ugly foster care system to the extent that the others did.  Her teacher says she is getting a nasty attitude in class, refusing to listen, and pouting multiple times a day.  Guess what??? She is doing the same thing at home!  I am at a loss!  She feels abandoned, and I empathize with her.  However, I am not going to condone her acting out.  Our family went out today, and she had to stay home and do extra chores since she could not be a productive and positive member of the group.  I was going to let her go, and she was completely dressed.  Then she blew it!  She had a meltdown over a plastic cup!  Someone was drinking out of the plastic cup that she was going to drink out of!  Really??? You are going to ruin your entire day over a plastic cup???  We have dozens of plastic cups!  I hope she passes this phase soon.  I want to comfort her, because she endured a loss, but I also feel she needs consequences for her actions.  Where is the balance?  Where is the instruction manual that should come with these little boogars??? 

Bye Bye Teenager

Well, after a long, hard weekend, the teenager is gone.  I couldn't have him here anymore, because he was becoming a threat to my family.  He was making ridiculous accusations about our family, and he was becoming very defiant.  We had to call the law Sunday night, and shortly after that, I packed him up and took him to his step-father.  I do not feel like a failure, because I did everything in my power to help that boy succeed in all areas of his life.  He chose to walk a different path.  You can't help someone that doesn't want to help themselves.  There was nothing more that could be done here.  My children were afraid to go to sleep at night, and I am not going to allow my children to live in fear.  Heck, even I was afraid to go to sleep at night.  He is a very vindictive person who will ruin you for no reason other than his anger.  The treatment center he was attending was not helping.  I don't know what else we could have done except waited until he hurt someone to send him to a youth detention center.  I think that would be a good place for him, but I was not waiting until someone got hurt.  He just needed to go.  Now my other children are having their meltdowns, because they hate change.  Everything will hopefully cool down over the next few days.  With him out of the house, the kids are not being tormented and called  names.  They did say they were glad he was gone, but any kind of change puts a strain on the family until the kids adjust.  This was a big loss for two of my children, because this was their biological brother.  Sadly, those were the two that he tormented the most.  Alexia took the brunt of his meanness and bullying.  I am glad to know that I can sleep without worrying about my kids now.  I wish him the best of luck where he is, but I do not expect him to grow in a positive way there.  I know he will turn back to the drugs, but that is out of my control now.  From this moment on, my focus will rest on the children that do belong to me. 

Will We Survive This?

Tuesday, in the middle of teaching math, I get a phone call from my son's principal.  A week ago, Brandon came home with an Iphone 3.  He said that a boy at school gave it to him.  Apparently, that phone (which I warned him about taking) was stolen.  Brandon was called to the principal's office, and he refused to tell the principal who gave him the phone.  Then, he was asked to give them my name and phone number.  My teenager proceeded to tell the principal that was his job, and to figure it out for himself.  Well, needless to say, Brandon ended up suspended from school for three days.  On the way home, I was talking to Brandon, and apparently hit a nerve when I told him we were not going to tell his PaPa (who just had open heart surgery) about this event.  Brandon got out of the car and took off in the woods screaming "Fuck you" and "Damn you" at the top of his lungs.  Then, he would not answer anyone when we called out for him.  I was freaking out just a little, and ready to call the law (since he has two previous experiences running way).  Finally, he came around the corner, and things went down here from there.  He screamed, hollered, stormed, and informed me that he didn't give a "shit" about what I had to say.  Heartbroken is all I can tell you about what I felt.  He screamed, "I want my daddy!  Tell my daddy to come home!  I can talk to him!  I don't want to talk to you!"  What the hell did I do????  I am usually the one sticking up for him and giving him the benefit of the doubt.  That sure bit me in the butt!  Anyway, the next four hours was spent trying to talk to him.  We got his therapist on the phone, and she and I talked for half and hour or so.  Yesterday, he had to go to work with my husband since he is out of school.  We decided he was not going to sit at home and have a nice little vacation.  Instead, my husband decided that he could go to work with him and clean up the business.  Brandon refused to do anything at work, except complain of course.  So, he went to therapy until 7, and he spent the rest of the night in the bed.  He didn't even so much as tell me hello, kiss his butt, or nothing.  Today, Sean told him just to sit down and not move until working hours were over.  He of course showed his butt, refused to do as he was told, made a bunch of comments about how he didn't want to sit down, and this was stupid.  So, my husband had to use an hour to talk some sense into him and try to get him to understand what a consequence is.  Brandon came home and still did not speak to me.  I am still not understanding what I did to deserve the silent treatment.  I hope he remembers how he has been treating me when he needs something.  I am not sure that I will be speaking that day.

Meantime, the day Brandon got suspended, Alexia decided to melt down at the same time.  I call it the "domino effect."  When one goes, more will follow.  Anyway, my kids started these little clubs, which I knew the moment I heard about it, that it was a bad idea.  I should have stopped it right then, but I didn't.  Alexia made a club and let everyone in but her sister Cassadie.  Alexia and Cassadie have major sibling rivalry issues.  Cassadie was upset, and the boys took pity on her.  They told Alexia that they were going to leave her club and make their own if she wouldn't let Cassadie in.  She refused, so they did as they had warned.  Alexia got mad at Cassadie, grabbed her, threw her on the ground, and rubbed her face all in the dirt.  Then, she proceeded to beat the crap out of her.  I also discussed this with Brandon's therapist when she called.  I am so worried that Alexia is going to turn out to be like Brandon.  Their personalities are so similar, and she is like a snake in the grass.  She will strike when you least expect it. 

My stress levels are so high.  I am frustrated, tired, cranky, and heartbroken.  I am trying to hold up for the other kids and my husband.  I don't know how much longer I can last.  Thank God tomorrow is Friday!  I am ready for the weekend.  Big things are coming this weekend.  Will tell about that in the next post.  Right now I am off to watch Lizard Lick!  Yes, I know it is fake!  My life is so boring, I have to add a little more drama!  HaHaHa!

Getting to Know You Better

Every morning, my day starts at 6:00.  Get up, get dressed for work, gather up the kids, dish out meds, make sure everyone has what they need, head out the door, get into the car, drive to the high school, drop off the teenager, and head to the elementary school where we all unload for the day.  Six out of seven children attend the elementary school that I attend.  I teach first grade, my youngest daughter is in first, Mikey is in second, Cassadie is in third, Hunter is in fourth, Jacob and Alexia both are in fifth.  They are only a month apart in age.  Then, I teach all day, load everyone up at 3:30 and come home.  That's when all the fun begins!  Chores, animals, and sibling rivalry!  Homework time, bath time, and dinner time! 

Has anyone ever noticed how children argue over some of the most ridiculous things?  Today, my two youngest boys had their panties in a wad over a book bag.  Hunter is going to stay with a friend of mine Thursday, and he needed a bag to put his clothes in.  Mikey (owner of the book bag) freaks out because Hunter took it and said it was mine.  I mean, the kid is in absolute shut down mode, tears and the whole nine yards, over a book bag that he NEVER uses anyway.  The thing was shoved into the back of the closet, which is why Hunter decided to use it. 

I want to introduce you to my kids, and give you a little more knowledge about each one.

First, we will start with the baby, Skylar!  She hates her name, and wishes for us to all call her Anna (and we do).  She was two years old when she arrived in our home.  Oh how I fell in love with her!  Mommy's little peanut!  She was sweet, but demanding of the other kids.  She pretty much ran the show.  Now that she is 7, she has decided that she will start showing her tail a little!  On a good note, she has straight A's in school, and she has an amazing teacher.  She loves to learn and read!  She is super smart, and wants to be a teacher when she goes up.  At least, that is her current plan.  Their minds all change so quickly.

Next, there is Michael (Mikey)!  Mikey is on of my biggest challenges.  He cries about everything, and he suffers from PTSD, ADHD, and slight OCD!  He had a rough ride at a very young age.  We got him when he was three, and he came here because he was being kicked out of his previous foster home.  They said if someone didn't come get him, they were going to throw him in the street.  You see, he melted down when they wouldn't let him wash his hands after using the bathroom.  There was NO SOAP!  He needed to wash his hands, but could not comprehend that water was the only thing available.  The foster home he was in before that was the doozy!  They held his head under water as a punishment.  When he first came to me, it took a week and three people to get him in the tub.  You can only give someone a sponge bath for so long.  The boy was stinking up the whole house.  If you have ever seen the Flintstone movie, then you will remember when BamBam got his first bath.  Yes, Mikey was our BamBam!  He can not function at home or school without his meds.  He, also, is a very smart boy who makes straight A's.  He spends hours on his homework, because it has to be done to perfection (and his teacher gives a lot of homework)!

Cassadie is next!  She is a beautiful child with a beautiful smile.  We have power struggles, because she would be happy to take my place.  She would love nothing more than to be the momma!  Some days I seriously consider letting her have it!  LOL  She has poor boundaries with males, and struggles to understand that she is only nine years old.  She came to us when she was four.  God bless her, she had a broken leg, because her foster mom stepped on her as she was turning around.  We called her Hop-a-long Cassadie!  It sure didn't slow her down from telling everyone what to do and how to do it.  She struggles in school, and I often wonder is she isn't dyslexic.  The closest testing place is two hours away, so we are going to make an appointment this summer to have it checked out.  A lot of her problem is lack of effort.  If she would put as much effort into her school work as she did into over throwing me, she would have straight A's.  Overall, she is one of the best behaved children. 

Hunter, Oh Hunter!  Where do I even begin with Hunter.  He came to us when he was four.  When the boy first came to visit, we quickly discovered what we had to look forward to.  As soon as the caseworker got out of the car, he locked all of the doors.  He would not let her in the car, and he pushed every button he could find.  Then, he became as wild as a tornado when he entered my home.  He ran over the furniture, up and down hallways, and around and around the kitchen island bar.  We struggled, and still do to an extent, with hygiene habits.  Sadly, he also likes to steal and hoard things that aren't his.  When in trouble, he drools like there is a busted pipe in his mouth.  He has been dx with ADHD, Bi-Polar NOS, ODD, and Adjustment Disorder. He is very smart, loves to read, has the cutest laugh in the world, and can snuggle with the best of them. 

Alexia is by far my biggest challenge.  Such an angry little girl, and always looks like there is no hope for tomorrow.  She sometimes loves you, and sometimes hates you.  She has let me know what a horrible mother she thinks I am on several occasions, and has even told me she wished I was dead.  Her tantrums were so bad when she first came that I recorded them for fear that DFCS would think I was beating her.  She was beating herself, and she left marks on her head and arms regularly.  She would scream, cry, hit, cuss, run, smash, throw, and much more.  Her meds help a lot, but they do little with her actual mood.  She always looks so lack of emotion.  Don't get me wrong.  She has moments where she is so happy that she is uncontainable.  But then....like a light switch...it turns off.  Her happy moods last no where near as long as her angry/sad moods.  She is also dx ADHD, ODD, Adjustment Disorder and Bi-Polar.  She and Hunter are birth siblings.  Can't you tell????

Jacob!  So smart and so witty!  Funny and loveable!  Nothing like he was when he first came.  In all of our early pictures, he was frowning and pissed off.  He wouldn't budge and refused to even fake a smile.  He told me he hated me and tried to run away many times.  I just told him I was going with him, and we would head down the road.  Hey, if you get to run away, so do I! He blamed me for taking him away from his foster mother (he had been there for four years).  In reality, she didn't want to adopt him, because he was white.  She said he didn't fit into her family or neighborhood.  I finally leveled with him and he sobbed in my lap for hours.  Now, he is a momma's boy!  He opens my car door every where I we go.  If I open my own door, he gets angry!  He is super smart, but sometimes his comedian efforts get him in trouble.  He has a potty mouth on him, and says some of the most inappropriate things at times.  But hey, at least this one loves me!

Finally, there is Brandon!  Poor guy is such a troubled soul.  He has bounced all over the place.  Raised mostly by his grandfather, passed on to his mom, then to his dad, then to us!  Rinse, Repeat!  Over and over this boy has moved from one place to another.  No stability, so security.  I hurt for him!  I connect with him, but I don't know how much he accepts.  When faced with trouble he runs away from it.  Literally!  We have to call the cops to chase him down.  You know where he runs to?  Straight back into the hands that hurt him most.  They are his mother and father, and I guess he will always be loyal to them.  I understand his feelings, but it hurts  me to watch.  I know what is going to happen.  This boy has done some pretty crazy things!  He thought eating mosquito poison would solve all of his problems, but that only led to a horrible migraine! Super smart!  Exceeded everything on state testing last year!  Made it to high school, and is all A and B!  Just so angry and depressed!  He can't focus on things, and he can't communicate with people.  He doesn't trust anyone, and he will tell you this straight faced.  He is currently attending an outpatient program three days a week for his emotional and behavior difficulties.  Let's hope it helps!  He has so much potential!

Well, there you have it!  All seven of my wild and crazy bunch!  The Baxter Bunch is what we call it!  Welcome to the family.

Why Lie?

Why do children feel the need to lie about things?  Big things, little things, important things, superficial things?  Did you brush your teeth? "Yes!" What that really means is "NO!"  We have made so many promises that our children would go unpunished if they would just tell us the truth.  I have even offered rewards for telling the truth.  They are getting a two for one deal there.  They will not be punished, and they will get a treat instead!  Sounds good to me, but apparently I do not think like they do.  I am pretty sure it is still a trust issue.  They have been a part of our lives for many years now, but they will tell you in a second that they do not trust us or anyone else for that matter.  My youngest has also been the least affected, because she had a relatively stable foster experience and was very young when we adopted her.  That being said, she is now "copying" behaviors that the older children are exposing her to.  How do you get them to trust you enough to tell the truth?  I would like our conversations to go something like this:

Me: Did you do your homework?
Child: No Ma'am.
Me: Can you do that for me now please?
Child: Do I have too? (no perfection expected, some whining ok)
Me: Yes, you do!
Child: Ok! (child does homework)

This is not my reality!  My reality is this:

Me: Did you do your homework?
Child: Yes!
Me: Are you sure?
Child: Yes!
Me: Where is it?
Child: In my bookbag.
Me: Go get it so I can look over it.
Child: *Goes to "find" it.
Me: I am still waiting! *ten minutes pass*
Child: I can't find it!
Me: Your bookbag isn't that big.
Child: I left it at school.
Me: I thought you said you did your homework.
Child: I did.
Me: When?
Child: At school.
Teacher the next day: Your child did not turn in their homework!
Me: Why did you lie to me about your homework being done?
Child: I dunno!

The first scenario is so much more simple and blissful.  The second results in consequences and a break down in trust.  I wish I could make them understand this, but I have failed with every attempt.  Homework, chores, sibling disagreements, missing items, messes made, bath time, and grades are all areas where my children feel they need to lie.  This drives me crazy!  I love my children, but I do not love being lied to! 

Back to the Beginning!

Let me start at our beginning.  I met my husband on the internet on November 3, 2003.  I wasn't looking for a serious relationship, because I was just coming out of an abusive one.  My fooling around on the internet was just a way to pass the time.  Then, I met my wonderful husband.  I was leaving a horrible chat room, and he was coming into it.  As I was about to close out of that room, he typed, "What's going on in here?"  I was compelled to answer him, a complete stranger.  I look back now and realize that I could have missed him if one more second, even a tenth of a second had passed.  Anyway, back to the story.  I told him to save himself and get out while he could.  LOL.  We started to send private messages back and forth, and this led to a 15 hour conversation.  We only stopped long enough to grab something to eat (we talked while we ate) and to go to the bathroom (I wasn't taking him there with me just yet!).  At the end of our first conversation, we both already knew that this was something that was meant to be.  There was no denying the unbearable need to be together.  He told me he loved me that night, and I replied with the same answer.  We just knew!  The problem was a rather large one however.  He lived in British Columbia, Canada and I lived in Georgia.  We were 3500 miles away from each other, and both of us knew that had to change.  I went to visit him that Christmas, and he introduced me to his family.  My family was a nervous wreck, they thought he may be some kind of axe murderer.  I was more comfortable, because I had talked with him via webcam many times, and I had also spoken with his family members.  I wasn't really worried, until I got on the plane.  While on the plane, I started to freak out a little...ok, a LOT!  I almost changed my mind.  I was not really scared that he would hurt me, I kind of knew better in my own mind.  I was scared that he would reject me, and I was scared that we would not work out in a face to face relationship.  I met a sweet lady on the plane who was traveling with her little girl.  As we talked, I told her my story.  She calmed me, and she promised to stay with me as long as it took to feel comfortable and safe. I was such a nervous wreck as I stepped off of that plane.  I looked and looked for him, but just knew that he wouldn't show.  At least it was his money that paid for the ticket!  As I was loading my luggage onto a cart, I felt someone cover my eyes.  At first, I was alarmed, but then he spoke.  I melted right into his warm, protective embrace.  I turned, and at that moment, right in the middle of that airport, we shared our first of millions of kisses.  I knew that there was no danger, I knew that my feelings were only growing stronger, I knew that I could release my "body guard" to carry on with her own daughter and vacation.  I tried to track that woman down to invite her to my wedding many years later, but apparently it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the name of someone on your plane regardless of the reason. I even begged them to contact her and give her my information.  NO CAN DO!  I have wanted so much to thank her, because without her, I may have chickened out. We left the airport that night and spent an amazing week hanging out together.  This was the first time in my life that I had really and truly experienced snow.  It was beautiful and amazing.  Leaving after that first week was difficult, well more than difficult.  We both cried and held on as long as we could before I had to board my plane.  I wanted to move their, I wanted him to come home with me, I wanted to never leave his side.  We spent the next several months of our relationship talking on the phone and internet.  Then, he flew me up again in March.  He took me to the beach, proposed to me, and of course I said YES! I know, I know...we were moving very fast.  His sister threw us an a small engagement party with the yummiest chocolate and strawberry cake.  Then, I left again.  It was harder this time.  I had to go home, because I was in college.  Missing too many days would have gotten my classes dropped for sure.  I knew that I could never become a teacher without my education...so nothing I could do except leave.  After the semester was over, I flew up again to spend the summer with my wonderful fiancé.  It was nice to know that for the next three months, we wouldn't be paying $1,000+ on phone bills.  We lived in an apartment that looked like it belonged in the 70's, and we barely had any furniture.  In my mind, however, it was the most wonderful place on the planet.  I will talk about my experiences there another day.  At the end of the summer, I had to go back home to continue my schooling.  By this time, we had grown a much deeper attachment, and our need to be together was strong....I don't know what other words I can use to make you understand just how deep and strongly we felt for each other.  We had originally planned to continue this pattern for two more years until I finished my schooling.  Then, I was going to move there.  Not happening!  We could not separate at the end of the summer.  He declared he was coming home with me if I would not stay with him.  I threw my plane ticket in the garbage, we rented a car, I threw my cat (who I brought with me, because I never leave her behind) and our dog (who Sean's dad bought for us to keep me company while he worked) in the back of a rented Grand Prix.  We traveled diagonally across the U.S. stopping at many amazing places.  During that trip we laughed, we smiled, and we cried.  We were gaining so much, but he was losing a lot too.  That trip home was filling with memories that will last forever.  When we got home, we stayed with my dad for a few weeks, we moved in with my uncle Billy (who was recovering from a stroke), and then we got married on August 12, 2004.  We will be celebrating our 9th anniversary this year.  I still love him just as much now as I did then, if not a little more.  We are not perfect, but we are strong.  We have disagreements, but we work through them.  We have both had difficult pasts, and we cope together.  I love him and he loves me.  After we got married, we were only missing one thing.  CHILDREN!  That is when things got challenging and difficult.  Stay tuned for the next update!

 

Half a Dozen Plus 1

Well, I haven't written on here in a really long time, but since then we have had a lot of changes.

 My family grew from four to nine.  We have adopted 6 children and we have custody of another child.

 In this picture, you see Alexia and Jacob.  They are my two oldest children.  Both of them love to be in charge.  Jacob is my comedian (everything is always funny)!   Alexia, well, she is still the same Alexia as she was when I started this post, without the major meltdowns.  She still struggles with anger and expressing her feelings, but she doesn't scream at me like she used to.

This is Hunter and Cassadie.  Hunter sure has grown like crazy over the last few years.  He is super smart, but has "lazy kid syndrome" with his schoolwork.  Cassadie is quite bossy, and will make a great mother or teacher someday.  She loves to tell me how to do my job!

This is Skylar and Michael.  Skylar thinks her name is ugly, and prefers to be called Anna.  She is tiny and chunky.  She is a super smart, straight A kid.  She is a perfectionist with all of her school work, and she gets mad if she doesn't make an A.  Michael is also very smart, but struggles with PTSD.  He went through some traumatic things in foster care, and he is still (after 4 years) trying to overcome all of those feelings and fears.

One thing that I can say for sure is that I have 6 beautiful children!  I was blessed more than words can ever say.  Sometimes things get tough at our house (a lot of drama), but at the end of the day, I would do it all over again.  Actually, I plan to do this again someday.  I would love to have a really big family, but I can only handle half a dozen at a time.

Look at my handsome boys.  They all have such bright smiles and sparkling eyes.

My girls are such beautiful treasures.  I just wish they always got along as well as they did in this picture.

Jacob...Jacob...Jacob!  I love this boy.  He opens my car door for me EVERYWHERE we go!  My husband isn't even that good!  LOL!  He will make a great husband and father some day.  He is super smart, and was a straight A kid until he recently got an 89 on his last report card.  He was pretty unhappy about that, but hey...at least it was close to an A.

Such a prissy little girl.  You can look at her pose and see how much attitude she has.

Momma's little peanut!  He plump little cheeks remind me of peanuts.  She is such a shy little girl when she first meets new people, but she quickly warms up to anyone who is nice enough to give her what she wants! HA!

Another picture of my little peanut!  Such a beautiful smile.  Enough to light up the world on the darkest days.

Might I add that she has daddy wrapped around her finger.

Well, I have many more pictures, and I have a lot of catching up to do.  But for now, I am out of time.  I have lost touch with almost everyone I followed, and I forgot all about this blog until about an hour ago.  I am so excited to check in on some of the blogs that I used to follow years ago.  I am going to try my best to be a better blogger mom!

Well, Today was our finalization day! We went before the judge (ten minutes late because I forgot the camera), and the whole process took less than five minutes. We got pictures, and we through a huge "Gotcha Day" party. We have nearly 25 children here (with their parents of course). We did so many things, but I am way to tired to post them all now. I will update tomorrow.

I am finally a "forever" mom. Wow, what a journey it has been. Poor Bunter (Hunter William Ryan) was running a fever. What a day to be sick. He was a trooper though, and he didn't let any of that slow him down.

Bear (Alexia Jessie Mae) did well. I think she was a little overwhelmed in the courtroom, but she pulled out of it, and she had a great evening.

I will post pictures tomorrow (If I can figure out how).

We got the official adoption letter in the mail today. Even though it only reminded us of the time and date, I was nearly in tears. Seeing it on paper makes it so much more realistic. Both kids had great days at school...although Bunter had a bathroom accident severe enough to send his teacher out in search of me. I had to leave my class, find clothes for him (somehow he wound up with two shirts, but no extra pants in his cubby), bathe him in the stall, and get him back to class. That was his first accident in nearly two months.

Bear has had two green days in a row. Woohoo! She was grounded from crayons, markers, pencils, etc. because she was caught coloring on her dresser (more than once). I told her that she can have them back if she has green days all week long. This incentive seems to be working so far, and I can see that she is trying really hard.

Her personality is changing so much since this new medicine has been put into play. She is so much more sociable. Even her teachers are commenting on how much different she is acting. She doesn't argue and scream at Bunter like she usually does. Her fake smile has been evicted, and a real smile has moved in. She laughs, sings, dances, and engages in other forms of high energy play. She talks without sarcasm, and she even tells me she loves me. I see her several times a day since I teach where she attends school. As my class is entering the lunchroom, her class is leaving. A long time ago, I taught them how to say I love you in sign language, and I always give her the sign when we pass. She hardly ever responds to it. When I walked in today, she caught me by surprise. As I came into view, her fingers were already set into place. She beat me to it! I sent the sign back to her, and she smiled with delight. I felt those warm fuzzies forming in my chest. Then, I saw her on the playground, and she sent me the sign AGAIN!!! Twice in one day!

I think as she realizes that this is permanent, she will be able to trust in me more. We have talked a lot about the adoption, and she is showing less fear/anxiety and more confidence and excitement.

Well, we finalize March 28th. The kids are excited and ready to become Baxters. We have invited everyone over that afternoon for a Gotcha Day Celebration.

We took Bear to a new doctor, and he changed her medicine. So far, things seem to be working. She has only had one major meltdown since the switch. Fingers crossed, I hope she stays this way. I love to see her happy and smiling.

Bunter is going to be taking piano lessons this summer. He will take them from the music teacher at our school. He wants to be a country singer when he grows, and I told him he could do just that. However, I also informed him that he had to learn how to play the piano first. He just grinned and said, "Awwwwww mannnnn!"

Bear is going to be taking art lessons from the art teacher at our school. She is ecstatic, because she loves to draw and paint. We have started painting little ceramic figures, and she begs me everyday to get out the paints. The kid is driving me crazy, but I am really glad that she found something that she enjoys. Speaking of something, she spelled it today. Six years old and already spelling something. Smart GIRL!

Well, it's way past bedtime! I have to teach in the morning. I would have been in bed already, but when I tried to post...I lost everything and had to start over with this stinking entry again!

Goodnight ALL!

Well, Bunter seems to be adjusting to all of the medicine, and he is still doing fairly well. He still has a really hard time paying attention. I will tell him not to do something dozens of times, and he will do it anyway. Or, I will ask him to do something...like pick up his toys...and he turns the deaf ear on me.

We have been out of school for four days now. Tomorrow is our last day of the holiday before we all return to school. I have tons of papers that need to be graded, but I can't seem to find a spare minute with the kids running around. We have been running all over the place, and I still have a million things to accomplish.

Today, my uncle's fiance nearly hit me with her car. I was leaving...and with me was my 77 year old grandmother and my two babies. She was coming in, and doing at least 40 miles an hour. We live on a very sandy dirt road, so naturally she slid when she hit the breaks. She nearly went off into the creek that is below the road. I lost my temper and let her have it...verbally. I felt bad for losing it in front of the kids, but that was soooo irresponsible. She is 18 years old, and she thinks she knows everything. She and my uncle have been staying with us for several reasons, but as of tonight, my husband has put her out. She is such a drama queen, and all she does is stir up drama! I never thought I could be so annoyed by someone. I can't say that I am sad to see her go...because, quite frankly, life will be much more peaceful.

Bear has found a new talent. She has started painting. She painted a picture over the weekend that absolutely amazed me. There is a castle, and behind the castle is a pond and mountains. There is a rainbow in the sky, and a beautiful, sparkling sun in the top corner. I sketched out the drawing for her on a 16 by 20 canvas, and she painted it. I only helped her with the small details, and my uncle free handed the blocks on the castle walls. No one can believe that she painted it, and I wouldn't believe it either had I not been sitting right next to her the entire 6 hours she spent on it. Her mind was completely focused on it, and nothing distracted her. Not even her pesky little brother that kept running to the table asking a million questions seemed to bother her. I have never seen her so content before. She was truly in her element. I think I am going to use this as sort of a therapy. Whenever she is having a rough day or one of her breakdowns, I am going to put a canvas in front of her and let her have at it.

As for the fighting, I have developed a new strategy. Whenever they start fighting, they have to hug for five minutes without arguing. If they argue while they are hugging, their time starts over. They thought I was kidding, and they tried me the first time. But they wound up hugging for nearly 45 minutes. They have only had to do it twice since then, and they were nearly perfect both times.

My grandmother lives next door, but we are not on speaking terms. I noticed that she has been watching the kids, and I can tell they have been on her mind. The other day she called them over to the fence and gave them a cupcake. I was a little hesitant to let them have their treats, but she would never hurt them. So, I figured, what the heck. Then, I had them make thank you cards to take to her. I sent them over to her house with their 10 year old brother (of course, I was standing on the front porch watching the whole time), so they could give her their cards. Then, out of the blue, she calls my house for the first time in nearly a year. She asks, in a very polite way, if I would send the kids to the fence. I agreed, and we all went out. I stayed on the porch and she met them at the fence with fudge sicles. They enjoyed every last bite, and we again made more cards. Well, this time, they each made her a book. I let them color a page front and back. Then, I took a plain sheet, and we did their handprints with paint. I included information about their age and such. Then, we wrote on the last page, "Thank you for the popsicles." They caught her in the yard and took them to her. Bunter even invited her to his birthday party, which caught me totally off guard. He did inform her that, "she must go around through the gate and knock on the door, because mommy doesn't let people climb over the fence." The next day, I noticed that she had set up a swing set with two swings, right next to the fence. The kids haven't taken notice yet, but I am almost certain that she is hoping they will. I can honestly say, I think the kids are starting to wear her down. I can see the grandma coming out in her again. Our disagreements really have nothing to do with me and her. It all revolves around my mother (which is a whole nother post). I hope my inclinations are correct, because it would be really nice for the kids to get to know their great grandmother.

Well, I need to get some sleep, so I am signing out.

Well, all of the paperwork has been sent to the attorney. He said that everything should be completed within one month...and I hope he knows what he is talking about. DFACS is still on us about respite, and I have four caseworkers calling me now. I can't take in everyone's kids...LOL! Of course, my caseworker gets dibs on me because she has always been there for me (since she started about a month and a half ago..HaHa).

Bunter absolutely amazed me yesterday! For the first time in three months, his teacher said he had a "wonderful" day. They went on a field trip, and sang at a huge convention. Of course Bunter behaved, but only because they satisfied his passion in life.....SINGING! The boy sings at when he wakes up, sings while he is brushing his teeth, sings at the table, sings at school, sings while watching movies, sings in the bath, sings to put himself to sleep...and he even sings while he is sleeping!!! He wants to learn how to play the guitar, he wants to take singing lessons, and he wants to take dance lessons.....and he is only 4! This is going to be one expensive kid!!!! Hopefully, he will grow up and become the next American Idol...and pay for my retirement home! HAHAAA!

Bear is on track at school. She continues to do better with academics, but I wish she could learn better social skills. She has no boundaries. She will jump on a complete stranger and rub all over them like she has known them forever. She even tells them she loves them! That can not be a normal part of development. She says she has a boyfriend at school, but she doesn't know his name. I informed her that she can not date until she is out of college, and at least 30 years old....:) She is so grown up for her age, and she tries to think like an adult. She has already decided which car she wants when she turns 16. She wants a yellow bug!! I hate those things, but she loves them (probably only because I hate them)! We made it through another day with only a few minor meltdowns. She started thismorning, but I am still hiding in my room. I am letting my husband deal with the drama until he leaves for work. She always gets worse when her brothers come to visit, and they are here for the weekend. We get them every other weekend. One is ten and one is seven. They are pretty good boys, but they to have problems that have arisen from being in foster care. Now, they live with their biological grandfather. They are the only three that we still let associate with Our two.

The biological mother of our two has a severe history of mood disorder, bipolar, and drug abuse. She has been in and out of jail. She served quite a bit of time for forgery. The lady has some serious problems.

The biological father is bipolar, and he has several drug addictions. Jail is home sweet home for him. He gets out for a while, but then he finds a way to return. Assault, breaking and entering, burglary...you name it, he's tried it.

Well, enough for now. I have to get dressed and haul these children all over town...UUUGGHHHH! I would rather hold myself hostage for the rest of the day. I am quite content in my room thank you!

Well, the kids hung out with me today. I had eye appointments, doctor appointments, and a meeting with our caseworker. The kids are officially released for adoption. They gave us a list of attorneys to chose from...I just hope I choose the right one. We offered to do respite care in a few weekends. There is a huge foster parent retreat (that I couldn't afford due to our recent trip to Canada), and everyone seems to be looking for respite. This should be interesting. We are also looking at another child, and I am hoping that maybe things will fall into place. Yes, we have our hands full already, but I love challenges.

We had no major tantrums today. Everyday that goes by without one is a blessing. Bear got mad this morning, and she started to have a meltdown. To my surprise, she actually worked with me before she got herself into to much trouble. She did cause a little scene, so I let her choose her own consequence. She chose to go to bed early, and at 7:00pm she went to bed with no fuss. If I had not given her a choice but told her she had to go to bed early...WWIII would have began. I think I may start letting her choose her own punishments from now on. Actually, she will probably chose worse things than I would :)

View My Stats

Well, this is my third blog, and sooo much time has passed since my last. I have now graduated, and I have been teaching for a little more than 6 months. I teach third graders, and I love them. I work with challenged students, and they keep me on my toes.

I still have most of our dogs and both cats. One dog, Coty, passed away from Kidney failure. He was a real tropper. cotybearbaxter.tripod.com

Now, on to the good stuff. We finally got approved, and we were introduced to two children. We have "Bear," our six year old girl. We also have her brother, "Bunter." They are quite a handful. She turned six December 31st. Bunter will be five on the 20th of this month. We had to fight really hard to get them, and we went through several caseworkers in the process. The DFACs journey has not been a pleasant one.

Finally, the kids moved in this past October, and they have had so many mixed emotions. "Bear" went into foster care at 17 months old, and "Bunter" was only 3 months old. She moved six times and he moved five. When the finally came to us, they couldn't control themselves. We nearly lost control, and had it not been for their wonderful fosterparents before us, we probably would have.

About Bear:
She has been diagnosed with several disorders, but they are doing another psych evaluation on the 12th. She is ADHD, ODD, BPD, and maybe BiPolar. She has tantrums, she throws things, she breaks things, she loses it. Who can blame her??? She has been thrown around like a piece of trash her whole life. She doesn't trust anyone, and I understand where she is coming from. She was abused in her biological home and at least one foster home. We are making strides, but I know it will take a long time before she can trust again. She is so smart, and she is absolutely beautiful. She is learning to read, and she loves it! She likes bright, light colors. She is scared of snakes and cops. She has nightmares that cops are shooting her, and snakes are biting her. She loves to talk, and she is 100 percent tomboy!

About Bunter:
He has ADHD, and he loves to get into things. He loves to color, sing, and dance. He stays in trouble at school, and he has already come close to being kicked out of Pre-K. He has the most beautiful blue eyes, and the cutest country accent ever. He isn't violent, but he throws tantrums. He slobbers everywhere when he gets upset, and it's almost like he can't turn it off. He aggravates the dickens out of his sister, and this drives me crazy. He hates to sleep, and he only likes cold baths. When I say cold, I mean ICE COLD!!! When he first moved in, he would scream and cry if you even mentioned using warm water. Finally, he got sick oneday, and I told him it was probably because the cold water didn't kill the "germ bugs" that were living on his skin. Now, he takes a warm bath...but he still hates it!

Tomorrow is a big day for us. They are releasing the kids for adoption. We can finally get an attorney...Wooohooo! I hope this process is much smoother than getting the kids moved in. They were going to release them on Valentine's Day, but the caseworker called, and she informed me that they decided they would just do it tomorrow. Just like that! Go Caseworker! I have the most wonderful caseworker, and I hope she sticks around for a while. When this is over, we want to adopt two more. I would love for her to handle our next adoption! She is so sweet, and she gets along great with the kids.

Well, that is all for tonight! I need to get some sleep! WE had a huge day today, and I am the only one still awake in the house.

Goodnight!