May 12, 2011

Ok time to do a catch up post...

So, after talking with our case worker it seems that things could be happening much quicker than we had imagined! Today she will submit the final paperwork that needs to be filled out and once that makes its way to Oregon for approval, then it will be sent to TX for one final approval and sent to the kids' caseworker.  Our caseworker told us that we could be looking at approval in the next 2 weeks!!!! I was in total shock when she told us that after having said that it could take so very long the last time we spoke about it!!! WOW!

So, we are trying to wait patiently for the ICPC approval and then we will be able to call the foster mother on the videophone and talk to her about the children.  Kara and I feel like that will be a HUGE help for us and will really give us a better idea of the status of the kids at this point.

We are happy that they have started counseling, but I am concerned because I don't know how they are communicating with the little boy... have they hired an interpreter? Are they going to try to force him to read lips while there? The whole thing is crazy.. I can't wait to get him home and get some signs on his sweet little hands and give him his voice...

I called the School for the Deaf near us yesterday and we have an orientation scheduled for next Tuesday to meet all the administrators, teachers, other parents, etc.  We are nervous about sending him there is we do adopt these kids because there is such a mixed reaction about the school.  Ideally we would mainstream him in our local school district, but because he has no language it would be very ineffective for him.  The school for the deaf will be the best option at this point- so that at least he is around signing peers and picking up communication! 

I actually just checked my email and we finally got the answers from the foster mother in regards to the communication styles and preferences of the kids.  It seems that neither has a great grasp on ASL but that they both seem to have the capability of learning it.  I am disappointed because it seems that the foster mom, although Deaf, has been using Total Communication with  the little boy and so he still is being confused with the two languages.  She said the little girl has times where she will sign and times when she will not! Smile.  If we do adopt these kiddos (and we really really do hope we get the OK from God!) we will have our work cut out for us! 

I have this feeling that the kids  need people who are young like us.. Mommies who are silly and crazy and not old... I do so appreciate the foster homes that have taken them in-- enough though none of them have been ideal--- because they have kept them alive.  I feel like we can offer a FUN, loving, active lifestyle for these kids and that they will be able to be themselves.  I am excited to see what comes of this whole process.  Maybe the kids just need a chance to be little kids.. To have a childhood... To be safe and loved and supported and taken care of?!?!  Love doesn't solve everything but God certainly CAN! 

We also just got notes from their first therapy appointment but I can't open them.  It will be interesting to see these notes at the baseline for the rest of their therapy sessions before we meet the kiddos.