Our family has grown once again.
Last week, I got a call for a newborn baby boy. At that point, he was only hours old and didn’t have a name yet. It took Ryan and I a little bit to connect, but we said yes to bringing the baby home.
My mind flew in to action of what we would need. I made a list and crossed out what I knew I had already. The worker called me and said the baby wouldn’t be ready to come home for a few days so we had time to prepare and gather what the little one would need.
My first call was to a very trusted friend that has been a foster parent for many years. We both have boys and it has worked out to trade back and forth. She currently has a four month old, so I figured she was a good place to start for clothes. My next message was to a friend from our city group. I just stated what I needed and she asked what time I could go by her house later that evening. Then I messaged a few other friends and let them know about baby. Within five hours, we had everything we needed for baby except a second crib (which is coming soon!) We had meals delivered to our home, diapers donated for both boys, and anything else you can think of was covered in a matter of hours. That is the strength of the village. This life would be hard if it were not for our village. We are so grateful to know we have an army behind us. I also am extremely blessed to work for an employer that has backed me 110%. I already had a flexible schedule, but my directors have encouraged me to work from home partly for his safety. Between staying home half the time and other foster parents helping during the day, pup will be safe from germs until his first immunizations.
Ryan and I were able to briefly meet little boy the next day. He is so tiny and small. It’s insane how fast little humans grow. I loved his head full of hair and how alert he was in that moment. I instantly fell in love. It would be a few days before he was ready to come home, but the connection had been made.
When it was time to bring him home, I was nervous. Ryan held my hand and as we drove to the hospital. Once we arrived at the birthing center, we were ushered to the nursery. We signed all the needed paperwork then anxiously waited for the baby to be brought in. He was brought in a few minutes later and I got him dressed. The newborn clothes were so huge on him. The nurses helped adjust the car seat for such a little baby and then we left. It only took about 10 minutes in all. It was kind of crazy to realize we were leaving the hospital with a baby. Perhaps the only time in our lives that we will do so.
My parents were already coming for a weekend visit. They were very excited for the news and I was grateful that my mother would help me welcome home another newborn. Whether he stays or not, he is our family now. Baby was born into such a chaotic world and he deserved to be welcomed and celebrated. My parents, niece, and nephew did just that. My clan is pretty crazy but they are exceptionally great at loving small humans. My parents were in love. My niece asked so many questions and instantly asked to hold him. My nephew was so curious and said he was “so little.” It was a homecoming full of warmth and love for the little one.
My husband is the best. He is so great at guarding my heart that I think he was nervous to start the process over with another baby. We are so in love with little man but it has been a hard road. In the end, Ryan is the best dad to our kids. All of them. He is so loving and caring. I can truly say that I don’t want to raise kids with anyone else. It was Ryan’s turn to pick a “name” for the baby. As you all know, we can’t use foster kids names or pictures on social media. Ryan chose the name “pup” for the baby. He is so tiny and pup is a perfect fit.
We are still adjusting to life with two babies under one. Little man has done fantastic. He gets clingy when tired, but he did that last week as well. He likes to watch pup and found the baby’s toes yesterday and that was just the coolest thing for him. He is a great big brother.
Is two babies under 1 hard?
Yes.
Am I crazy?
Yes.
Are they worth it?
Yes.
Welcome to the herd pup. You are so loved already.
koko
